“Nalivaika failed to do this and this sentence sends a strong signal to the business community that such a blatant disregard for keeping your accounts up-to-date will not be tolerated.”
Nalivaika was appointed as sole director of Niki Contractors in January 2020. The company had been trading since December 2016 with different directors in charge. Niki Contractors was wound-up just over a year into Nalivaika’s directorship in May 2021 due to mounting debts. Investigations by the Insolvency Service revealed Niki Contractors made more than 4,300 payments to 614 people labelled ‘wages’ between April 2020 and January 2021. The total cost of these payments was more than £3.7 million. Niki Contractors also made 106 payments totalling £869,670 to purchase vehicles, mainly older commercial vans, between July 2020 and January 2021. More than £4.5 million was paid to Niki Contractors from other companies in the same period. Nalivaika failed to explain any of the payments and did not deliver company records to the Insolvency Service or the liquidator when requested. Niki Contractors was liquidated with liabilities of more than £2.5 million. Nalivaika’s breaches have prevented the liquidator from being able to investigate the company’s accounts.Construction company director given suspended prison sentence
The director of a Leeds-based construction firm who failed to keep up-to-date accounting records and explain why his company spent more than £800,000 on over 100 vehicles has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Eugenijus Nalivaika was sentenced to 15 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, when he appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Friday 3 May. He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £4,714.30.
The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to keep accounting records when he was director of Niki Contractors Ltd at a hearing in February.
Nalivaika, of Charlton Road, Leeds, was also disqualified as a company director for seven years in January in separate civil proceedings brought by the Insolvency Service.
Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Eugenijus Nalivaika enjoyed the benefits of limited liability while running his business without accepting the responsibilities that come with it.
“Directors must ensure proper records are kept, filed and preserved. This is to protect consumers and other businesses who have dealings with the company.
Experienced property professional joins Zenko
Independent Leeds-based residential sales and lettings agency, Zenko Properties, has appointed highly experienced property professional, Jacqui Pringle, as head of operations, property management and compliance.
Jacqui, who brings more than 18 years’ experience to the newly created role, said: “I worked with Leeds city living pioneer, Jonathan Morgan, for more than five years at Morgans City Living, which was ultimately sold to Linley & Simpson, and then retired and moved to Cumbria.
“I really missed working in property in Leeds however, and when the opportunity arose to work at Zenko Properties, I jumped at it. It’s such an exciting time for the business and with new, bigger offices opening in the heart of Leeds city centre, I’m really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead and to playing my part in the growth of what is a very ambitious, but grounded team.”
Partner, Jonathan Morgan said: “Jacqui played an integral role during her time at Morgans, and her unmatched experience levels and unique skill sets will free up Zenko’s directors, and specifically managing director, Tobias Duczenko, to focus on business growth, whilst Jacqui takes care of the day-to-day business operations. Jacqui was our first choice for the role, and we’re delighted to have her on board.’’
Managing director, Tobias Zenko, said: “We aim to become the go to residential agent of choice in Leeds city centre and bringing Jonathan and now Jacqui into the business will help us to achieve this ambition.
“We have an impressive reputation in the city centre market for being a reliable and first-rate lettings agent and property manager, and currently manage more than 700 properties, as well as offering residential sales and specialist property investment services.”
Zenko Properties was founded in Leeds city centre in 2015 by Tobias Duczenko. Jonathan Morgan joined Zenko as a partner in 2023 and Jacqui’s appointment will see team numbers bolstered to 10.
Hull College celebrates success at Humber Renewables Awards 2024
Hull College has been crowned winner of the Excellence in Renewable Education, Skills, and
Training award at the prestigious Humber Renewables Awards 2024.
Now in its twelfth year, the awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of businesses
and individuals in advancing the renewable energy sector within the Humber region,
renowned as the UK’s Energy Estuary.
The gala dinner event, staged in partnership with the Offshore Wind Conference, was held at Hull’s Doubletree by Hilton Hotel on Thursday 2nd May.
As the Humber solidifies its reputation as a leader in renewable energy and embraces zero-
carbon ambitions, Hull College’s award win in the Renewable Education, Skills, and Training
category underlines its commitment to advancing renewable energy education.
Recognising the critical need for specialised knowledge in this sector, the college has
developed an extensive suite of bespoke courses in sustainability and renewable energy,
working in collaboration with over 100 leading businesses in the sector.
This initiative has resulted in more than 2,600 students completing training across 11 different courses, ranging from introductory sustainability to advanced courses in heat pumps and renewable transport, all of which have been in addition to their main study programme.
Reflecting on the award win, Nick Marshall, Head of Engineering and Advanced Motor
Vehicle at Hull College, said: “We are honoured to be recognised for our dedication to
advancing renewable education and skills training in the Humber region.
“At Hull College, we are committed to providing forward-thinking education that empowers
our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving
renewable energy sector.
“Collaborating closely with local businesses and organisations is integral to our approach. By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we ensure our students are well-prepared for tomorrow’s challenges today.
“As we forge ahead, our vision is to establish the college as a beacon of renewable energy
education in the Humber. We aspire to nurture the next generation of innovators who will
shape a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.”
Hull College has recently launched an exciting new Foundation Degree in Renewable
Energies and Technologies – and applications are now open. The two-year course will begin
in September 2024 and will run at the college’s Queen’s Gardens campus.
From wind turbine dynamics to hydroelectric training rigs, wave energy units, geothermal
units, and solar hydrogen cycle trainers, students will gain the knowledge and skills they
need to embark on a career in the exciting and dynamic world of renewable energy.
In addition, the college also offers a Welding and Fabrication for Renewable Industries
qualification for both school leavers and adults, providing specialised training in MAG
manual metal arc welding, alongside oxyfuel gas cutting and plasma cutting.
For more information about these new courses and how to apply, visit www.hull-
college.ac.uk.
Projekt Renewable wins community award
Projekt Renewable was named the winner of the Engaging the Community | Community Project Award, in partnership with Blackrow Wind, at the Offshore Wind Connections Humber Renewable Awards that took place in early May at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Hull.
Projekt Director Rich was there on the night, saying: “I honestly didn’t think we’d stand a chance given the other projects that had been shortlisted. “The win is for everybody that was in the room on the night – PRG (Projekt Renewable, Grimsby) is one of several projects working to bridge the gap between community and industry. And in an industry that is moving as rapidly as renewables, that conduit and channel of communication is vital. “The judges summed it up for me, ‘It’s very easy for big companies to pledge some money to a community project, but it’s really hard to do it the other way around and build something of substance from the ground up’.” Conceived 2021, designed 2022, delivered 2023 – PRG exists because Projekt Director, Richard Askam, was tasked with creating something in the centre of Grimsby to inspire the next generation. The world knows Grimsby for its fishing heritage but its flourishing renewable energy sector and the opportunities that lie within it, exist and operate largely out of sight. An educational and cultural hub, Projekt Renewable, Grimsby has been created to inspire the next generation of renewable energy experts through a ‘destination’ full of energy and immersive experiences. Creating a better environment for the future of our planet and the generations to come, with homegrown talent at its core – this is what Projekt Renewable embodies. Designed and built from shipping containers, re-purposed to house a podcast and YouTube studio along with visitor experiences from the likes of RWE, The Crown Estate, NSPCC, myenergi and others – Projekt Renewable has quickly gained national notoriety as Government and industry seek to bring the public on the journey to Net Zero.Raft of new businesses join 3M Buckley Innovation Centre
3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), a subsidiary of the University of Huddersfield, has welcomed a raft of new businesses from a range of sectors including packaging, property finance, vet diagnostics and formulation testing.
Urolith, ECO PACK, Crafted and the Charlesworth Family Group have taken offices and labs at the 3M BIC leaving only a few remaining spaces at the centre.
Urolith Diagnostics is a start-up business and aims to improve pet healthcare by accurately detecting the composition of kidney and bladder stones in animals using state-of-the-art spectrometry. The data can be used by vets to determine the best treatment for the pets.
ECO PACK specialises in developing and commercialising sustainable packaging solutions for Food, Beverage and Pharmaceutical companies that supply to major FMCG retailers.
Part of the 2M Group of Companies, Crafted works with personal care start-ups as well as established brands to help them realise their brand ambitions, from creating new products, upscaling a successful and growing line or expanding a range.
The Charlesworth family has been in business in Huddersfield since 1928. It became the Charlesworth Family Group following the sale of its printing company in 2010 and publishing division in 2015. The Group initially formed as a vehicle for property investment, but soon branched into investing and providing finance and services for small businesses. It has worked across several industries and countries for over 20 years.
3M BIC’s CEO, Sue Cooke, said: “It’s fantastic to see innovative businesses becoming part of our community, many of which benefit greatly from our in-house facilities and access to the University of Huddersfield for recruitment and knowledge exchange opportunities.
“They are all from very different sectors and at different stages of growth, so we are looking forward to supporting the businesses to thrive over the coming months and years.”
Martin Leeming, Managing Director of ECO PACK, said: “As we scale up, we need to have the right infrastructure in place to deliver the projects we already have and to recruit the talent that we need.
“Access to 3D printing and the expertise available from the Engineering and Business functions at the University of Huddersfield is the perfect way for us to leverage our own in-house design expertise and provide challenging and rewarding projects to students.”
Other businesses at the 3M BIC include Ionix, Surfachem, Bailey Walsh & Co and Kromek, that have all had a base at the 3M BIC for over a decade, as well as the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the centre’s anchor tenant. FIS Information Systems, Water Industry Forum, Simplifai, the Institute for Educational and Social Equity and Kent Pharma are also based at the 3M BIC.
Lincoln specialists assist in roll-out of farming industry tech to alleviate labour shortages
Specialists from the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology at the University of Lincoln have contributed world-leading expertise to assess how the rapid roll-out of robotics and automation technologies could alleviate labour shortages in the UK’s food supply chain.
The University of Lincoln is at the forefront of industry-aligned research and development to drive forward innovations in the sustainability, efficiency, and productivity in the UK’s £100bn+ food and farming sector. This track record has been recognised with awards including the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education in 2023.
From establishing the world’s first doctoral training centre to train the next generation of agri-tech innovators, to launching award-winning spin-out companies deploying world-first technological solutions in-market, Lincoln’s teaching and research is supporting agri-food businesses across the country to supply the nation with the high quality, affordable, sustainable food.
Professor Simon Pearson, Founding Director of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology, co-chaired the independent Automation in Horticulture Review in 2022 with Defra Secretary of State George Eustice. The Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain, led by John Shropshire, published a year later, addressed related challenges and opportunities in the roll-out of automation technologies across the sector. Both reviews were prompted by concerns about labour market constraints in the post-Brexit food supply chain highlighted in the UK Government’s National Food Strategy in 2021.
Professor Pearson said: “The announcement today is a significant and welcomed intervention from the Government to drive productivity in the critical UK horticulture sector. The intervention supports the long-term sustainability of the sector and underpins the production of affordable and healthy fresh produce for all. In addition, it will help upskill our workforce with state-of-the-art robotic and automation technology.”
New figures show SMEs have turned UK away from recession, says BCC
The British Chambers of Commerce says new GDP figures are a welcome sign that the UK has moved away from last year’s shallow recession.
Head of Research David Bharier says businesses across the UK have been the driving force behind the recovery.
“Firms have shown resilience in the face of multiple headwinds and this estimate should give business and investor confidence a boost.
“However, significant challenges remain. The UK has seen waves of economic and political uncertainty in recent years, from inflation to skills shortages and trade barriers with the EU, which have weighed down on its growth potential. Our latest surveys show that most SMEs are still not increasing investment.
“With signals from the Bank that their next move will be an interest rate cut, it is now essential that policymakers show businesses a clear plan for growth to unlock their economic potential.”
Future Humber delegation takes regional message to London
Future Humber brought together a 15-strong delegation of partners in London to spotlight the Humber’s ambitious vision for industrial decarbonisation at Innovation Zero 2024. The event, now in its second year, attracted thousands of attendees to London Olympia, driving conversations and actions towards a sustainable, low carbon future.
Supported by the UK Government, Innovation Zero is the UK’s largest sustainability conference and provides a meeting place for announcements, partnerships, deal-making, and collaborations for those who develop, produce, deploy, and fund low carbon solutions. At the forefront of London Olympia stood the Humber Pavilion, showcasing representatives and projects from leading partners Air Products, Arup, Aura, Drax, Equinor, Humber Freeport, Meld Energy, Oh Yes! Net Zero, Phillips 66, Prax, px Group, SSE Thermal, Uniper, the University of Hull and VPI. With more than 10,000 delegates visiting , the Pavilion served as a hub for engaging discussions and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to delve into the region’s decarbonisation initiatives through interactive displays and engaging conversations with partner representatives. Diana Taylor, MD of Future Humber, said:”As a region, the Humber is at its strongest when it aligns with a single, consistent voice. The decarbonisation agenda is perhaps the greatest example of cross-sector collaboration we have seen to date. The Humber Pavilion at Innovation Zero is a true show of force and statement of intent from our region and serves as an important reminder that the Humber simply has to play a critical role on a national stage to drive the UK to net zero.”SME confidence creeps back, but interest rate ‘hold’ was a missed opportunity, says FSB
“Our most recent research into small businesses’ economic prospects supports the argument for a summer cut in the rate. Nearly three times as many small firms rated the availability and affordability of new finance as ‘poor’ than rated it as ‘good’ in the first three months of this year, according to our most recent Small Business Index, while the proportion of successful new finance applications among small firms dropped to the lowest level recorded since this time last year.
“The domestic economy is cited as by far and away the biggest concern with regards to future growth prospects, while the second-most commonly cited barrier to growth is consumer demand. Keeping the rate at its high plateau for longer than absolutely necessary will make it much harder for small businesses to think about growth and investment, which is what will be needed for the economy as a whole to get out of its pattern of near-zero growth.
“We’ll know today whether we are formally out of a recession, but the tentative recovery seen in the first part of this year is still fragile. Small firms’ confidence is returning – in part because they are anticipating rate cuts this year. There is only so long they can wait, which is something we would urge the Bank of England to bear in mind.”
UK exits recession
The UK has moved out of recession, with new figures showing the economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of the year.
Strong economic growth in March (0.4%) contributed to the strongest quarterly growth since the fourth quarter of 2021, when the economy was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was influenced by growth across the services sector and manufacturing, while construction output fell.
GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, had been predicted to rise 0.1% month-on-month and 0.4% in the quarter.
Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Back-to-back increases in output over the first months of this year suggest the UK is now on the road to recovery. With falling inflation boosting households’ spending power, as well as opening the way for a reduction in interest rates in the months ahead, the economy should be able to sustain some momentum through the year.
“But a consumer-led recovery could prove short-lived without more determined action to tackle the long-standing problem of weak productivity growth, which ultimately sets the UK’s economic speed limit.
“Firms want to see action that could help support investment and cut costs which, includes extending full expensing to leased and rented assets, and a business tax roadmap to give firms the certainty and confidence they need to plan ahead and invest in a vibrant UK economy.”
Secretary of State tours British Steel’s Scunthorpe railmaking plant
Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch has visited British Steel at Scunthorpe as talks continue with the UK Government about the company’s £1.25-billion decarbonisation plan.
She was shown the UK’s only plant making rails, where the company is to build one of two electric arc furnaces as it undertakes the biggest transformation in its history on the road to net zero.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State to British Steel and to reiterate the vital importance of safeguarding the future of steelmaking in this country.
“Our world-class rails help transport people and goods throughout the UK, forming a critical part of Britain’s infrastructure. We will shortly open a new £10-million rail storage facility at our Scunthorpe site, and we’re unique in delivering 216-metre lengths of rail for installation in Britain’s railways – a service that reduces delays for rail users caused by maintenance.
“We’re also the UK’s only manufacturer of constructional steel, and a leading supplier of wire rod, special profiles and semi-finished steel – products that all keep Britain on the go. It is therefore imperative that if Britain wants to secure its sovereign steelmaking capability, the UK Government supports our plans to transform into a clean, green and sustainable business.”
Detailed studies show electrification would enable British Steel to continue making the products its customers require and it has recently received planning permission to build EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun added: “We are confident our proposals, which are subject to appropriate support from the UK Government including the adoption of the correct policies and frameworks, will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.
“We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
British Steel prepares ground for new furnace – and new industrial opportunities
Significant preparation works are ongoing at British Steel in Scunthorpe after the company was given planning permission to build an electric arc furnace at its Scunthorpe site.
British Steel is pressing ahead to discharge planning conditions as well as undertaking environmental and technical studies to ensure its proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “The council’s planning committee has approved the application for British Steel to build an electric arc furnace on its site in Scunthorpe. The application met local and national planning policies.
“Work is ongoing to consider site masterplan opportunities to attract green jobs to the 300-acres of surplus land at the steelworks.
“There is an opportunity to create something new, attracting innovative technology companies here to Scunthorpe on an underdeveloped site of industrial heritage.”
At the beginning of April, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council approved British Steel’s application to build an EAF at the company’s Teesside site.
The new furnaces would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations in Scunthorpe which are responsible for the vast majority of the manufacturer’s CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
Dior heads to France for Worldskills competition this autumn
Lincoln apprentice painter and decorator Dior Regan has been selected to represent the UK on the world stage in France later this year.
Dior, who works for Lindum Group and studies at Lincoln College, is one of 31 young people heading to the WorldSkills contest in Lyon in September.
All aged under 25, Team UK is made up the finest apprentices and students from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Dior was selected after successfully demonstrating her painting and decorating skills at the European finals in Poland in September last year.
From the 10th to the 15th of September, 1,500 young people from 65 countries will strive for gold, silver, or bronze awards in their chosen in discipline, which includes cyber security, renewable energy, digital construction, cooking, hairdressing as well as construction skills such as painting and decorating, cabinet making and joinery.
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “WorldSkills Lyon 2024 – think Olympic Games – where the prize is the world-class skills that UK employers are crying out for.
“The UK’s participation in the ‘skills Olympics’ will provide vital insights to ensure we can develop our apprenticeship and training programmes, to make them truly world-class.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the exceptional young people in Team UK; they are fantastic role models. We will use their participation at WorldSkills to boost the prestige of technical and vocational education, inspiring many more young people to take up technical and vocational training across the UK to help drive investment, jobs and economic growth.”
Dior, who lives in Lincoln and went to Christ Hospital School, began her apprenticeship with Lindum in July 2021. She has since excelled in her craft, earning praise for her accuracy, painting, tidiness and preliminary marking out and measurements.
Lindum Co-Chairman Edward Chambers said her selection was testament to both Dior’s talent and determination and to her colleagues, who have supported her training and growth. “We are really proud of Dior and are delighted to see her abilities being showcased on a world stage,” he said.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 5.25% for sixth time in a row
The Bank of England has held interest rates for the sixth time, at 5.25%.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, which is expected to be achieved in the near term, before rising again later in the year.
In line with expectations, at its meeting on 8 May, the MPC voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%. Two members preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5%.
Anna Leach, Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Today’s vote 7-2 to hold rates is in line with the CBI’s expectation that the MPC want to see more evidence that past falls in domestic inflationary pressure are sustainable before they’ll move to cut rates.
“Services inflation and wages data both suggest a cautious approach is warranted. Inflation in the services sector is triple the inflation target and average earnings growth is still running at around double the rate consistent with the inflation target.
“With the economy appearing to be moving out of recession – albeit anaemically – there is a delicate balance to be struck between managing inflationary pressures and not snuffing out a nascent recovery.
“It is noteworthy that the Bank judge that demand growth is going to run behind supply growth over the next couple of years. Overall, today’s release does not change our view that the first rate cut is most likely to be in August.”
Leeds City Council Chief Executive to leave at end of 2024
Leeds City Council’s Chief Executive Tom Riordan has revealed his intention to leave his role at the end of the year to explore new opportunities.
After 14 years at the helm of the second-biggest local authority in the country, Tom has decided the time is right to try fresh challenges.
As one of the longest-standing UK local government chiefs, he has made a big impact in Leeds, working alongside council leaders and other senior politicians towards achieving their best city and best council ambitions. He was awarded the CBE for services to local government in the 2020 new year’s honours.
Tom said: “After 14 of the happiest years I’ve decided that the time is right to move on. I have genuinely loved being Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, working with the best people in the best city.
“We’ve established a collaborative Team Leeds culture that delivers, working together with our partners to ensure we have a city that’s regenerating and growing sustainably.
“A generation of children are growing up supported by outstanding-rated services, vulnerable people are supported wherever possible and older people are helped to live independent and fulfilling lives, in a city admired for what it gets done and the way it works.
“This has been the most difficult decision, but the time’s right to give someone else a chance to do one of the best jobs in the country.”
Leeds City Council Leader Councillor James Lewis said: “Tom is an outstanding chief executive and public servant who has worked tirelessly alongside senior politicians, officers and partners over many years with an unwavering determination to achieve the best for Leeds.
“We’ve faced a lot of challenges, not least on the financial front. His contribution has been invaluable in helping us deliver council services that are highly rated, while building stronger communities where people are supported towards better lives and life outcomes.
“In his time with us we’ve also attracted major investment, high-profile events and made great progress on building social housing and infrastructure to under-pin communities for the future.
“Tom has played a key part in helping us to get to where we are today and has built a strong team of senior officers to continue that work. I’d like to take this chance to thank him for his considerable contribution and dedication to the council and city.”
Since moving to Leeds City Council in 2010 Tom has been passionate about working alongside the political leadership to broaden the council’s impact across the city and the region while simultaneously supporting vulnerable people and frontline services.
In this time the council has been involved in attracting Channel 4, Burberry, the Bank of England and the UK Infrastructure Bank to the city, along with international events like the Grand Départ of the Tour de France. It has built the first direct Arena, greatly expanded the city centre across the South Bank and worked to facilitate the openings of the Trinity Leeds and Victoria Gate shopping centres.
A recruitment process will begin shortly to find Tom’s successor.
Jobs on the line as Liberty Steel consults on mothballing Scunthorpe plant
Consultations have begun as Liberty Steel proposes to mothball its Scunthorpe Liberty Merchant Bar (LMB) plant.
The potential closure of the factory, which creates flat steel sections used in shipbuilding and car making, puts over 120 jobs at risk.
Liberty Steel’s chief transformation officer, Jeffrey Kabel, said that after restructuring and refocusing Liberty Steel’s UK operations over the last two years, to enable them to operate viably, the company have “explored every option to achieve the same” at Liberty Merchant Bar.
According to Kabel, however, a number of external factors have prevented this, including the high energy costs UK steel producers face, and the loss of third party gas supply to its furnaces. This has led to the proposed mothballing of the plant. Kabel added that the company will look to retain critical skills and redeploy staff where possible.Sewell starts work on Bradford College facilities later this month
Hull-based Sewell Construction is working with Bradford College to create multi-million-pound T Level facilities.
The work, starting this month, will involve the remodelling of a number of areas within the College’s David Hockney Building to create a high quality training environment, enabling students to learn skills which will help them in their future careers. As well as adding new lecturing spaces for business and media students, the project will also create new hair and beauty salon facilities and refurbish the college’s existing training restaurant. Both will be open to the public and used by students to hone their new skills in real-life environments. The commercial and training salon will include a barbers, nail bar and laser room for beauty treatments, and the restaurant will incorporate a new outdoor street food cabin and dining area. Business and admin students will have refurbished classrooms, and media students will be able to use the latest technology in a new TV studio, editing and sound suites. The fast-paced construction programme will take place over the summer, allowing students to return in September to their brand new facilities. Pamela Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College said: “We’re delighted to be working with Sewell Construction again to bring even more exceptional vocational T Level facilities to Bradford College. Their team is helping us realise our ambitious plans to create the best facilities to help turn our students’ passions into successful professions.” “Sewell Construction haven’t just helped us to create a better campus for our students, but they’re also getting involved in our curriculum, supporting our construction students with masterclasses, work placements and industry insight days. Together, we can help young people achieve their potential, and really change lives.” Dave Major, leading the project for Sewell Construction, said: “It’s fantastic to work with a partner who shares our values, and our team have loved getting involved in supporting the next generation of construction professionals. The college have been really keen to embed sustainability and social value into their refurbishment projects, and we’re looking forward to seeing students enjoying their new facilities when they return after summer.” Sewell was appointed through the Procure Partnerships Framework. Sewell Construction and sister company I&G have delivered more than £40m worth of projects alongside Procure Partnerships, with the framework offering public sector clients a dynamic and compliant route to market using mini-competition and direct award functions. This project is also the result of a £3.5m Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5) investment.Renewables award judges blindside panel member with ‘champion’ award
Camilla Carlbom Flinn was overwhelmed to be named Humber Renewables Champion, having been blindsided by the judging panel she had been part of.
Her work through a huge period of change for the regional group Humber Marine and Renewables – at a time when her own business was bought out – was a key consideration.
Camilla said: “It is quite overwhelming. This room is overflowing with people who I admire, I look up to and I respect, and to receive this when surrounded by so many amazing companies, amazing people and the future also of this region, with all these wonderful apprentices, it really is a surprise and really is an honour.”
Born in Cleethorpes, she studied international business management and broadcast journalism, with an early media career taking her to Paris, London and New York before she returned to Lincolnshire in 2008. Her father Anthony’s passing saw her take the helm of Carlbom Shipping, navigating the business into the burgeoning offshore wind market as a mainstay, coal, entered terminal decline.
Her award came during an evening at which winners of the 2024 Humber Renewables Awards used the stage to encourage the next generation to take the industry forward on a sparkling night of celebration.
A dozen years of recognition of the sector’s sensational role in helping regenerate the region were rung up as the event once again became a fitting finale to Humber Marine and Renewables’ Offshore Wind Connections conference. Held at Hull’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – a venue that the event heard “probably wouldn’t have been built had it not been for the emergence of offshore wind,” – 200 guests toasted standout stories uniting the Energy Estuary. Camilla Carlbom Flinn was crowned Humber Renewables Champion, with her work to diversify the fourth generation family business and take the host organisation to a new level highlighted, as well as impressive ambassadorial duties with her proud Swedish heritage. And RWE was named Medium to Large Business of the Year, recognising the huge commitments made to the region with skills programmes, vessel purchases and operations and maintenance expansion. Its focus on the future workforce was embraced by many winners, with demand clear. Long-term operator from Grimsby, Tidal Transit, won the Green Innovation Award, for its pioneering electric crew transfer vessel project, with a full retrofit of a diesel craft. Leo Hambro, commercial director, said: “I am delighted that after 12 years of working in the Humber, we are now creating a change that will not just last for another 12 years, but for generations. It will make a change, not just economically, but environmentally, reducing emissions. “We are delighted to work out of Humber. The support we have found locally is second to none, the supply chain, the clients we work with directly are so supportive, and we feel like part of the family. “We can’t do it on our own. We need mariners, there is a lack of them, and for tomorrow there is an even bigger problem. We need to engage with kids at any age to show them there isn’t just the opportunity to be a wind engineer, there are opportunities to work at sea, to create a full life career.”Hull’s Bio-D cleans up with honour of King’s Award for Enterprise
Hull-based independent green cleaning product manufacturer Bio-D has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
Bio-D is one of just 252 organisations to be recognised nationally as part of the 2024 Awards. Recipients of The King’s Award are recommended by the Prime Minister, and personally approved by His Majesty The King. Founded in 1989, Bio-D has focused on creating powerful green cleaning products since the very beginning. B Corp certified since 2022, it is the UK’s leading manufacturer of environmentally responsible, ethically sound, vegan cleaning products. Bio-D is just one of 29 businesses to win a King’s Award for Enterprise for the Sustainable Development category in 2024, underlining its environmental credentials. MD Lloyd Atkin said: “We are honoured and delighted to receive such a prestigious award. Having spent 35 years dedicating ourselves to sustainability and reducing the impact of our products and operations on our precious and fragile environment, it is wonderful to be recognised for our efforts.” Lloyd will be attending a Reception for The King’s Award for Enterprise recipients, which is hosted by The King at Windsor Castle. Just some of Bio-D’s environmental achievements that contributed to securing a King’s Award include:- Using bottles created from 100% post-consumer plastic
- Achieving net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
- Introducing a closed-loop laundering initiative for its 20 litre refill containers
- Significantly reducing CO2 emissions per single product it manufactures
- Removing gas completely, powering its site with renewable energy
Government launches proposals to tackle labour shortages in agriculture
The government implement a series of new measures to support UK farms and food industry businesses.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have a world-class food and drink sector, and the measures announced today will strengthen this by boosting funding for the cutting-edge technology that will reduce reliance on migrant labour in the long term.
“Businesses do best when they can plan effectively for the future, which is why we’ve extended the seasonal worker visa route until 2029 to give farmers and growers the certainty they need to thrive.”
The measures include:
- extending the seasonal worker visa route for five years until 2029 to give businesses time to plan effectively;
- up to £50 million of further funding for new technology to support fully automated packhouses and more support to follow to bring robotic crop pickers on a par with human pickers in three to five years;
- creating a comprehensive strategy to enhance skills provision and attract domestic workers.
