Jobs on the line as Liberty Steel consults on mothballing Scunthorpe plant

Tess Egginton
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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

Stuart Pearcey
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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

Stuart Pearcey
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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

Stuart Pearcey
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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
Heather Nixon, Bio-D’s sustainability, NPD and regulatory manager: added: “To be recognised in this way by such a prestigious award is a tribute to good leadership and the efforts of the whole team. “Sustainability has to be a key focus in all our businesses as an ethical way forward and to reach Net Zero. We are passionate in our quest and will now fly The King’s Award flag with pride.”

Government launches proposals to tackle labour shortages in agriculture

Stuart Pearcey
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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.
Recognising the need for farmers and growers to have time to invest in automation and move away from a reliance on migrant labour, the seasonal worker visa route has been extended for five years from 2025 to 2029 to address this immediate need. 43,000 visas will be available to the horticulture sector in 2025, with another 2,000 visas for poultry. Further detail of the number of visas available for 2026 to 2029 will be set out later this year. The government has ramped up its support for the use of automation in the sector to reduce the reliance on migrant workers whilst introducing measures to promote British workers into agriculture. This will start with immediate work to fully automate a group of major packhouses in 12 to 18 months, which will improve understanding of the government support needed to make fully automated packhouses universally viable. Information learned from this will help inform our planned £50 million package of packhouse automation funding, with further details to be announced later this year to cover 2024-25 and 2025-26. The government will also work with technology companies to accelerate the development of robotic crop harvesters – aiming to bring prototypes on a par with human pickers in three to five years. This will help make the UK food supply chain the most cutting-edge in the world. The announcement comes after the Prime Minister announced the largest ever round of farming grants at the NFU Conference earlier this year – with a total of £427 million on offer to farmers, doubling the investment in productivity schemes. It comes ahead of the second annual Farm to Fork Summit, which will be hosted by the Prime Minister in Downing Street next week, bringing together representatives across the UK food supply chain to drive forward work to ensure British farming has the support and backing it needs to thrive for generations to come.  

Councillor speaks out against about ‘industrialisation of Lincolnshire’

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Councillor speaks out against about ‘industrialisation of Lincolnshire’
Lincolnshire County Councillor Colin Davie has spoken out against plans by National Grid and Osean to run a further three lines of electricity cables under the county, and to develop a substation at Alford that will be bigger than the town itself. In a statement at the council’s Executive he said: “In January National Grid announced plans to run a 140km line of 50m high electricity pylons through the Lincolnshire countryside, from Grimsby in North East Lincolnshire to Walpole, just over the Norfolk border. We have been extremely clear about our objection to this proposal. “We have since received details of two proposals from National Grid and one from Osean which will see three further cabling routes and infrastructure coming onshore in Lincolnshire. Once again, the proposals involve cables running under the sea all the way from Scotland, coming on land in Lincolnshire to take power primarily to London and the Southeast. “Whilst burying cabling underground has obvious benefits over large-scale above-ground infrastructure, with National Grid planning to carve up Lincolnshire through so many projects, we need to look at the cumulative impacts of all of these proposals and the detrimental impacts they will have on our landscape and the mental health of our residents. “This is industrialisation of the Lincolnshire coast is on a scale we have never seen before. A substation proposed for Alford, for example, has a larger footprint that the town itself. “If all these proposals were taken as one application by a planning authority, it would be refused due to the sheer scale of it and the impact, irreversibly changing to character of the county. “We will not accept this piecemeal approach to development. It is our job to champion Lincolnshire and fight for the landscapes and the communities that would be affected so hugely by these proposals. “Instead, we proposed that National Grid look to install this infrastructure offshore. This would be the most sustainable, secure, and cost-effective option and would mean the power could come onshore precisely where it is most needed, and not channelled through vast swathes of the countryside. “I will be writing to councils in the East Anglia – who are in much the same position – so that we can put on a united front against these plans.” These projects will be classed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, so planning permission will be decided by the government, and not Lincolnshire County Council or the district councils.

PR consultancy moves into new Sheffield offices

Stuart Pearcey
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PR consultancy moves into new Sheffield offices
Altitude PR has relocated to New Era Square, a vibrant landmark development at St Mary’s Gate, as it continues to grow its client base across the UK. Altitude PR, named the UK’s Best New Consultancy in 2023 by the Chartered Institute for Public Relations, will move into its new premises in Sheffield’s New Era Square with colleagues from Counter Context. Altitude is Counter Context’s dedicated PR brand and the new offices will reflect both fast-growing consultancies. The move from existing premises at St James’s House on Vicar Lane has been made possible with help from commercial property specialist colloco and design and build experts BLOKKA and FORMM. Altitude Director Jane Whitham said: “New Era Square really reflects our values. It’s a vibrant quarter of the city and has an up-market entertainment and dining scene at street level. We helped launch the £70m New Era scheme and to make this our new home is fantastic. “The offices are striking, the location is excellent, and there’s great parking. The team is looking forward to welcoming visitors and showcasing our new space as we continue to evolve.”

Senior hire for Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ shipping & transport practice

Tess Egginton
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Senior hire for Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ shipping & transport practice
Gavin Farquhar has joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP’s shipping & transport practice as a partner. Gavin – who is dual Scottish and English law qualified – has over 30 years’ broad experience acting nationally and internationally for a range of businesses operating in the marine and shipping industry, particularly in the energy field. His expertise includes charterparties, the sale and purchase of vessels, vessel construction, as well as floating production storage and offloading vessel service agreements. Having been involved in shipping work since the inception of the offshore oil industry to the UK, Gavin has acted for numerous developers of – and vessel suppliers to – offshore wind projects, oil field operators and supply companies, commercial fishing businesses, ferry companies, port authorities and multipurpose ship charterers and owners. Gavin has a wealth of specialist experience around the fishing and hydrocarbons industries in the Falkland Islands, along with advising businesses based in Ireland, West Africa and the Middle East, especially in relation to vessel purchases. Shipbuilding contracts and charterparties for vessels destined for work on Offshore Wind projects, including vessels with hybrid engines, has been an area of significant growth recently. Gavin said: “I am delighted to be joining a team with such an enviable and longstanding reputation in the maritime sector. I very much look forward to helping develop the practice in the areas I have focused on, especially in the energy sector.” Dominic Ward, senior partner and head of shipping & transport at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, added: “We have had cases on with Gavin in the past, particularly in relation to the Falkland Islands, and have first hand knowledge of his valuable experience and expertise. “We are delighted to welcome Gavin to Andrew Jackson; I know that he will be a valuable addition to our team and help to ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of client service.”

Health and welfare legal specialist bolsters Ramsdens’ Court of Protection team

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Health and welfare legal specialist bolsters Ramsdens’ Court of Protection team

With 12 offices across Yorkshire, Ramsdens Solicitors is continuing to strengthen its Court of Protection practice with the appointment of Hanna Whitehead as an associate.

Ms Whitehead, who has expertise in advising on health and welfare cases in the Court of Protection, has spent the last seven years working for Kirklees Council. She has advised on a wide variety of cases including challenges to Deprivations of Liberty (DOLS), Section 16 (of the Mental Capacity Act 2005) applications and best interest decisions.

Originally passing the Bar and qualifying as a barrister, Ms Whitehead now specialises in Section 21 objections, Section 16 applications, medical consent and capacity issues.

With post-graduate degrees in Mental Health Law and Biotechnology Law, she is currently working on a PhD in relation to capacity to engage in sexual relations.

Natalie Lang, partner and head of Ramsdens’ Court of Protection team, said: “With many years of experience advising families concerned about a loved one’s ability to manage their financial affairs due to lack of capacity, we are proud to have established one of the largest regional practices in this niche area of the law.

“As a specialist in health and welfare cases, Hanna adds further strength in depth to our team of Court of Protection experts.”

Hanna Whitehead said: “This is a great opportunity to use my skills as part of an expanding team with a strong reputation for supporting clients in these difficult situations by providing practical, easy-to-understand advice with sensitivity and care.”

Digital pharmacy swoops for Lincoln firm

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Digital pharmacy swoops for Lincoln firm

Pharmacy2U, the digital pharmacy, has acquired The PharmPet Co, a Lincoln-based veterinary online pharmacy.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, follows a partnership in November 2023, which saw the two brands come together to deliver prescriptions to pet owners more conveniently and cost-efficiently.

Established in 2019 by brothers Neil and Phil Younger, and their father, Keith, The PharmPet Co is a highly regarded and ethical provider of online pet medicines. The acquisition aligns with Pharmacy2U’s commitment to offering comprehensive consumer healthcare solutions and NHS prescriptions as it expands its portfolio to include pet health services.

The deal speeds up plans to give customers a holistic approach to healthcare, covering themselves and their pets in one place. Since the partnership last year, Pharmacy2U Pet Health has gone from strength to strength and Pharmacy2U has plans to further transform the prescription market at a time when owners are finding it increasingly hard to get a good deal from their vets.

The two founders of The PharmPet Co join Pharmacy2U to head up the pet health proposition.

Gary Dannatt, Chief of Staff at Pharmacy2U, says: “It’s rare to come across a business that has a strategy, service, and set of values so aligned with your own, that it’s easy to see how it will slot neatly into our existing proposition.

“Following a successful partnership last year it’s become clear The PharmPet Co is one of those cases. The founders have done a remarkable job of creating a service that pet owners across the UK find invaluable, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, and I’m proud to be bringing them into the Pharmacy2U family.

“We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value and service to our customers, while offering a digital-first approach that allows our pharmacists to deliver expertise in medicine.”

Neil & Phil Younger at The PharmPet Co say: “With over 60 years of combined experience in the pharmacy sector we created The PharmPet Co with a vision to deliver veterinary-standard medication to the fingertips of pet owners, and are both excited to embark on this next chapter of growth as part of Pharmacy2U.

“The deal will allow us to continue doing what we love most, improving the lives of animals, while improving access to affordable and trusted medication.”

Pharmacy2U were advised by Squire Patton Boggs. The PharmPet Co were advised by Ward Hadaway.

14.6 acre Bradford manufacturing site bought to meet demand for cooling equipment in data centers

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14.6 acre Bradford manufacturing site bought to meet demand for cooling equipment in data centers
Modine, a thermal management technologies and solutions firm, has bought a 14.6 acre manufacturing site in Bradford to support increased production of Airedale by Modine precision cooling equipment used in the data center industry. “We are excited to expand our manufacturing operations in the UK to serve our key customers in Europe and beyond,” said Adrian Trevelyan, Managing Director, Data Centers, EMEA. “The market for data center cooling equipment is experiencing rapid growth. Having available plant capacity is crucial as data center operators look to secure production slots in advance to support their growth. We are pleased with the positive signals from our customers about our expanded capacity.” The Bradford purchase includes 312,000ft² of existing manufacturing space that will be used for manufacturing and testing computer room air handlers and fan walls, as well as offices and warehouses. The first Airedale by Modine units are expected out of Bradford by the end of 2024. The existing facility in Leeds will focus on chiller production. Between the two sites, overall production capability is expected to increase 150%. In addition to increased production capability, the development of a 2MW test center at Bradford will be a centerpiece of the new site.

JMG Group expands reach with Surrey broker

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JMG Group expands reach with Surrey broker
Strengthening its commercial insurance services and footprint in the south, Leeds’ JMG Group has acquired Surrey-based insurance broker SIA Insurance.

SIA Insurance is led by directors Chris Browne and Colin Duxberry, who have collectively worked in the insurance industry for over 75 years. Since establishing SIA Insurance in 1996, the business has acquired five companies and now employs ten staff who provide commercial, property and motor insurance services from its offices in Surbiton, Surrey.

Selling to JMG Group is part of the succession plan, giving the business a solid platform from which it can grow further. 

As part of the deal, JMG Group will also integrate SIA’s subsidiary, Evergreen Insurance Services. Established in 2017 by founder Dave Gardiner, Evergreen donates up to 25% of its commission to ethical and environmentally focussed charities – including wildlife and environmental conservation charities – to ensure insurance purchases serve a greater purpose. 

JMG Group will also acquire Evergreen’s innovative Tankershield and Oilshield products, offering specialist insurance and risk management solutions with prevention, protection and continual improvement at their core. 

Colin Duxberry says: “Joining the JMG Group marks an exciting chapter for SIA Insurance and for our dedicated team. The acquisition presents a fantastic opportunity for growth and for our staff to further develop with the support of a larger group of experienced insurance professionals.

“I’ll continue to work with our existing clients while supporting the team through the transition. I’m excited to see the business grow and see the opportunities which lie ahead for our business.” 

JMG Group CEO, Nick Houghton, says: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Colin, Chris, Dave and the whole team to the group. Their business approach and ethos are a perfect fit for JMG Group.

“Colin and Chris’ experience in the industry, coupled with Dave’s experience and passion for the environment are a winning combination and will help us to provide an even better service to clients.” 

Premium sportswear brand acquires Leeds business

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Premium sportswear brand acquires Leeds business
Premium sportswear brand Castore has finalised its acquisition of Infinity Inc, a supplier of branded merchandise, clothing and uniform based in Leeds. Already a key supplier to Castore, the acquisition strengthens its supply chain and enables greater speed to market when servicing both UK and international sporting partners. Phil Beahon, co-founder of Castore, said: “We have long admired Infinity and have worked closely with Darren and his team over the years so know the quality of product they can deliver. We look forward to integrating the business with Castore but also continuing to service the wide array of customers already being serviced by Infinity.” Darren Cohen, CEO of Infinity, said: “I am delighted to lead Infinity Inc into this exciting new chapter and partnership with Castore. With over 25 years of experience providing branding expertise, innovative solutions, and world class service, we look forward to supporting Castore with their vision to become the number one British sportswear brand.”

Abingdon Health acquires IVDeology

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Abingdon Health acquires IVDeology

Abingdon Health, a York-headquartered lateral flow contract research (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has acquired IVDeology Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, in a £700,000 deal.

IVDeology is a UK-based provider of regulatory consultancy support to an international customer base in the in vitro diagnostics sector. Co-founded by regulatory experts Stuart Angell and Nancy Consterdine, both will continue to lead IVDeology as part of the wider Abingdon Health group. 

Chris Yates, CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stuart, Nancy and the rest of the IVDeology team to the Abingdon Health group. The acquisition of IVDeology is in line with Abingdon’s strategy of providing our customers with all the pieces of the jigsaw required to bring products from idea to commercial success.

“The IVDeology team will strengthen Abingdon’s existing knowledge leadership and regulatory expertise. We look forward to working with the IVDeology team and supporting existing and new customers in navigating a regulatory environment going through a period of significant change.”

Stuart Angell, Managing Director of IVDeology, said: “Nancy, the rest of the IVDeology team and I are excited to be joining the Abingdon Health Group. The in vitro diagnostics sector is undergoing a significant period of regulatory change in the UK, EU and internationally.

“By combining our collective skills, knowledge, and expertise, we can support our customers and the wider IVD industry with the comprehensive service that this opportunity provides.”

Clare joins Rollins as Trust Administrator

Stuart Pearcey
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Clare joins Rollins as Trust Administrator

Experienced accountant Clare Stones has joined law firm Rollits as Trust Administrator to its Private Capital team.

She attended Joseph Rowntree Secondary School in York and then embarked on her career in accountancy, completing her Association of Accounting Technicians studies with YH Training and then her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification at Kaplan in Leeds. After gaining a degree in applied accounting at Oxford Brookes University she worked as Client Manager at Garbutt & Elliott, provided accountancy support to her own clients on a self-employed basis, and more recently worked as Group Client Director at Delve Accounting Group. Clare’s role at Rollits is to provide day-to-day trust administration services and prepare annual accounts and tax returns for income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax. Away from work Clare is an active supporter of charities. She spent 10 years as treasurer of the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital and she runs to raise money for various causes, with plans to complete Ultra-Marathon later this year.

Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has appointed three new Non-Executive Directors to the Board. Amy Grey, CFO at Sheffield Forgemasters, joins the Board with more than 20 years’ strategic finance experience – 10 at executive team level – and has held a raft of senior positions across both regional and multi-national companies. The Chamber also welcomes Dr Sam Chapman, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Co-founder at The Floow, who specialises in transport, new technologies, new markets and research projects. He was also elected as the first ever ‘digital cutler’, during his tenure as a Freeman and Council Member of The Company of Cutlers, back in 2015. Erica Thompson, General Counsel at Pricecheck Toiletries, offers a wealth of legal experience, specifically in the regulatory compliance arena, gained from working within multiple businesses and industries from around the Sheffield region over the past 10 years. Louisa Harrison-Walker, CEO of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s a very exciting time for our city, and our new colleagues will further strengthen the collective knowledge and experience of our existing Board. “With their impressive professional backgrounds spanning many corners of the business landscape — legal, finance and digital — each of the new NEDs brings with them fresh perspectives, skills, and decision-making capabilities. “As well as making Sheffield the best place to start, grow and run a successful and sustainable business, the Chamber is passionate about working together and leading the way in making that happen. The new appointments are crucial in helping to achieve this.”

Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline

Tess Egginton
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Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline
The UK manufacturing sector showed renewed signs of weakness at the start of the second quarter. April saw output and new orders slip back into contraction territory following short-lived upturns in March, as uncertain market conditions, client destocking and supply-chain disruption (mainly relating to the Red Sea crisis) stymied opportunities for sustained expansion. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ IndexTM (PMI®) fell to 49.1 in April, down from March’s 20-month high of 50.3. Four of the five PMI constituents (output, new orders, employment and stocks of purchases) registered contractions. Longer supplier delivery times was the only variable to buck the negative trend on the PMI. However, this was largely a ‘false positive’, largely reflecting disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis as opposed to stronger conditions driving up demand for raw materials (input buying activity actually fell during the latest survey month). The latest contraction of production volumes – the thirteenth during the past 14 months – was mainly the result of output being scaled back in both the intermediate and investment goods industries. The link between market demand and the trend in production was highlighted by these two sectors also seeing lower intakes of new business. In contrast, the performance of the consumer goods industry continued to strengthen, with output and new orders in this category rising for the second successive month (albeit at slower rates of growth). Total new business placed with UK manufacturers contracted in April, amid signs of weaker demand from both domestic and overseas sources. The downturn in new export business extended to 27 successive months, with reports of weaker intakes from Germany, Ireland, Asia and the US. Strong competition, distribution issues and cost increases were all factors contributing to lower new export order inflows. Average purchasing costs rose for the fourth successive month in April, with the rate of increase accelerating to its highest since February 2023. Multiple inputs were reported to be up in price, with specific reference to higher costs for energy, polymers, steel, textiles, timber and transportation. There were also reports citing increased shipping costs (Red Sea crisis), market forces and the pass-through of higher wages at suppliers. Manufacturers’ selling prices rose in response, taking output charge inflation to an 11-month high.
The continued subdued performance of the UK manufacturing sector was reflected in the labour market. Staffing levels were reduced for the nineteenth consecutive month. Job losses were mainly in the consumer and intermediate goods sub-industries, as employment rose in the investment goods category. April saw weak demand, cost control initiatives, supply-chain disruptions and a preference for reduced stock holdings influence levels of purchasing activity and inventory holdings. Input buying volumes subsequently fell for the twenty-second month in a row, while stocks of both purchases and finished goods were further depleted. The decrease in holdings of inputs at warehouses was also affected by delays in receiving goods ordered from suppliers. Average vendor lead times lengthened for the fourth month running, amid continued reports of disruption caused by the Red Sea crisis. The outlook for the UK manufacturing sector remained positive in April. Over half of companies (52%) forecast that output would increase over the coming year, compared to only 8% anticipating a decline. Optimism was linked to hopes for a revival in demand, new product launches, efficiency gains and an improvement in market conditions.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “The UK manufacturing sector suffered a renewed downturn in April, as output and new orders contracted following short-lived rebounds in March. “The sector is still besieged by weak market confidence, client destocking and disruptions caused by the ongoing Red Sea crisis, all of which are contributing to reduced inflows of new work from domestic and overseas customers, with specific reports of difficulty securing new contract wins from Europe, the US and Asia. “The downturn is also sustaining cost caution at manufacturers, leading to lower employment, stock holdings and cutbacks in purchasing activity. The news on the prices front is also worrisome for those looking for a sustainable path back to target (consumer price) inflation, with cost pressures growing in industry and feeding through to higher selling prices at the factory gate.”

Sustainable development wins King’s Award for Beeston-based bed manufacturer

Stuart Pearcey
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Sustainable development wins King’s Award for Beeston-based bed manufacturer
Beeston-based bed maker Harrison Spinks has won the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. MD Nick Booth said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development is a tremendous honour, especially after previously holding a Queen’s Award in this category, and it reflects the unwavering dedication of our whole team’s efforts to be the UK’s most responsible bedmaker. “As a proud British manufacturer, this award win is testament to our commitment to driving the business forward through industry-leading responsible business practices that also enrich the lives of our colleagues and communities. “Whether it’s actively encouraging biodiversity on our farms, supporting children’s bed charity Zarach with mattresses each month for children and families in poverty, or helping our employees achieve a better work-life balance by introducing a compressed four-day working week, we know the importance of making a positive difference to the world around us. “We’re immensely proud to have been recognised by the most prestigious Awards for Enterprise in the UK. Having previously won seven Queen’s and King’s Awards for Sustainable Development, Innovation, and International Trade, this latest accolade only reinforces our position as world leaders in sustainable bedmaking.” The company has been building beds since 1840, including introducing a world-first pocket spring recyclable due to its glue-less design, and made from wire drawn in-house. It’s the only bedmaker to have its own farms to produce home-grown natural materials for use within its mattress filling pads, and the only British bed manufacturer to create 95% of our mattress components in-house, including our fire-retardant chemical-free mattress fabric woven in Yorkshire.

Cranswick secures place in top ten firms for animal welfare

Stuart Pearcey
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Cranswick secures place in top ten firms for animal welfare
Food company Cranswick has been awarded a Tier 3 classification in the latest Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare results, placing our business in the top 10 of the 150 businesses assessed. Now in its fourteenth year, the BBFAW remains the leading global measure of farm animal welfare management, policy commitment, performance and disclosure on food companies. This achievement is a reflection of our continuous commitment to the highest farm animal welfare standards across the business, in which we take great pride.

North Yorkshire micro businesses could earn major financial boost

Stuart Pearcey
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North Yorkshire micro businesses could earn major financial boost

Tiny firms forming the bedrock of North Yorkshire’s economy have the chance to benefit from £1 million in funding through a new package of capital grants.

Small and micro businesses, which make up 98 per cent of the county’s economy, can apply for the small business grant scheme, administered by North Yorkshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The scheme is focussed on increasing business growth, productivity and resilience and grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available.

This is the second round of small business grants, following an incredibly successful first round of this programme in the last financial year which saw £750,000 awarded to businesses across the county.

Alex Brown, a videographer based in Selby, was awarded a grant of £4,300 to buy new camera equipment including a drone to expand and upgrade his services.

Thanks to the new equipment, Alex was able to secure two commissions from a German international TV news channel, a job he would not previously have been able to take as his old camera did not meet the broadcaster’s requirements.

Alex said: “The fact I’ve got a better camera which is Netflix-approved means people will be getting a better product. I’ve had two jobs already that I simply wouldn’t have been able to do had I not had the funding, so that’s great.”

Micro businesses, with fewer than 10 employees, and small firms with less than 50 can also access free support beyond the grant through the business advisory teams at the council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

North Yorkshire’s economy is heavily slanted towards smaller businesses and there are more than 32,700 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises alongside 90 large businesses in the county.

Council leader and the chair of the SPF Board in North Yorkshire, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We are delighted to open this grant scheme once again after seeing such a positive uptake for the first round.

“Hundreds of small businesses applied for funding and accessed support and we hope to work with even more this year – including sole traders, start-ups, home businesses and social enterprises as well as landlords and people looking to diversify their farm businesses and limited companies.

“This time we have allocated an even larger funding pot to the scheme to enable it to be bigger and better, and have used learning from last year to improve the application process. Our ambition is to see a broad range of applications which seek to make long-lasting improvements to our small and medium businesses across the county.”

To aid businesses with their applications, the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, with its partners at Enterprise Cube, has organised two webinars on writing a business plan and a cash flow forecast which will take place on 16 and 17 May.

The development manager at the York and North Yorkshire Federation of Small Businesses, Carolyn Frank, said: “This scheme has provided a practical way that the local authorities have been able to work together with us and other partners to unlock Government funding and get it directly to businesses in our area, to help them to innovate and grow.

“It is exciting to see the transformations taking place across so many small businesses thanks to the small business grants and other business support.

“Small businesses are the mainstay of the economy of York and North Yorkshire and seeing flexible local support designed specifically for their needs and with them in mind has been an exciting step forward thanks to UK SPF.”

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