Lead contractor on Western Growth Corridor for City of Lincoln Council appointed
GRAHAM has been appointed by the City of Lincoln Council to design and deliver crucial elements of the Western Growth Corridor development.
The Western Growth Corridor project in Lincoln is set to transform the city and bring new opportunities for housing and economic growth.
The work elements include the design and construction of a new vehicular/cycle/pedestrian bridge over the railway and a pedestrian bridge enhancing safety and connectivity between the site and the existing communities.
The Pagabo Civils & Infrastructure Framework has been used to procure and appoint GRAHAM for this Design and Construct project. The framework ensures that competent and experienced contractors are appointed for major infrastructure projects.
GRAHAM’s extensive experience in delivering similar projects, particularly in the railway sector and knowledge of working alongside Network Rail, played a significant role in its selection.
The firm’s involvement in the Western Growth Corridor project will see its civil engineering team oversee the design and construction of key access routes and bridges.
In August 2022, the city council, in partnership with Member of Parliament for Lincoln, Karl McCartney, submitted its bid for £20 million to create a road bridge and adjacent foot bridge linking the city’s Western Growth Corridor development to Tritton Road. The Government’s Levelling Up Round Two programme will see the bridge completed by March 2025, with work anticipated to start at the beginning of 2024.
The project aims to establish a major access route into the Western Growth Corridor site, enabling the delivery of up to 3,200 new homes as part of a Sustainable Urban Extension to Lincoln.
Subject to design and budget approvals, construction will commence in 2024, with the first phase of homes expected to be delivered thereafter, pending detailed planning approval.
A range of surveys are currently underway, including eco and geotechnical utility surveys, to gather essential data and verify the physical conditions on the ground.
GRAHAM contracts director Alastair Lewis said: “We’re thrilled to be appointed as the lead contractor for key elements of the Western Growth Corridor project, which highlights our expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional infrastructure projects.
“The Western Growth Corridor project is a challenging scheme involving tackling access restrictions, utilities, drainage, and traffic management, among other complexities.
“GRAHAM’s objective is to value engineer the access road and bridge over the railway, seeking creative design and construction solutions that deliver cost and carbon savings while ensuring the long-term success of the strategic masterplan for the site.”
Irish private equity firm invests in Leeds IT recruitment and technology consultancy businesses
Private equity firm Erisbeg has made a significant majority investment into Fruition IT and Fruition Consulting – partner brands in the IT recruitment and Technology consultancy sectors.
The investment will expediate the international and local expansion strategies of both businesses.
The Leeds-based businesses were founded and launched in 2008 by Sarah Pawson. Sarah will remain Managing Director and heavily involved in both businesses, leading the brands through this new chapter.
As part of the investment, Fruition will be joining forces with one of Erisbeg’s acquisitions; Irish technology recruitment company, Eolas.
Sarah Pawson, founder and Managing Director at Fruition IT & Fruition Consulting, said: “I am delighted with the investment and looking forward to our growing partnership with both Erisbeg and Eolas. The injection of capital will accelerate our growth and enable the Fruition brands to reach their full potential at a new pace, whilst creating opportunities not just for management, but for all the team here at Fruition as well as future hires.”
Thomas Davy, co-founding partner at Erisbeg, said: “After my first meeting with Sarah, I left inspired at the prospect of a partnership. What Sarah and the Fruition team has built across the Fruition brands and the growth they have enjoyed is truly impressive. Fruition will be a great addition to Erisbeg’s portfolio and a real asset to our IT recruitment brand, Eolas.”
Advisors on this transaction included Clearwater, Deloitte Ireland, EY Ireland, Gordons LLP, Pinsent Masons, RSM and BHP.
Allenby Commercial acquires another of Hull’s historic buildings
Family firm Allenby Commercial has bought the Corn Exchange on the corner of Hull’s North Church Side and Market Place for an undisclosed sum.
The company, which has won awards for its transformation of the 17th century Danish Buildings and Bayles House and the Victorian Paragon Arcade, said it is committed to taking the same, careful approach to its latest addition.
Development Director Charlie Allenby said: “The Corn Exchange operated as a pub for maybe 300 years but more recently successive operators have struggled to make it work and earlier this year it became vacant again.
“We haven’t made a decision about exactly what to do with it, but we will look at the sort of options it presents, and we are absolutely committed to looking after it.”
Danish Buildings, which was built in the 17th century, and the adjoining Bayles House, listed in 1952, were bought by Allenbys in 2017 and underwent a £1.2m renovation with support from the Government’s Local Growth Fund and the Humber LEP.
It is now at capacity with 17 studios which are occupied by architects, filmmakers, marketing professionals, tattooists, hair stylists and others who are a perfect fit with the original brief to create new space to generate more creativity.
The Corn Exchange enjoyed a revival after being taken over in 2018 by Hull-based Atom Brewery. But the pub changed hands when Atom moved out in 2022 and it went on the market after closing again during the summer.
Allenby Commercial’s Design and Marketing Director Georgia Allenby said: “It’s a prime site with a lot of history and it’s a great fit with our portfolio in Hull city centre which is all about taking iconic local properties, bringing them back to life with stylish and careful restorations, and creating jobs.
“Our other projects provide plenty of evidence of our commitment to work with innovation and imagination and to embrace the heritage of our city. Whatever we do with the Corn Exchange will maintain the standards we have set.”
Government payments to farmers start to come through
According to Defra, more than 14,000 people have registered their interest, with those whose agreement started on 1 October 2023 receiving the early payment this week.
This, the government said, would help with cashflow against a background of high inflation and rising input costs.
NFU Vice President David Exwood said the progress was “encouraging” and welcomed the initial payments, adding saying it was important that all farmers who signed up early got a payment before Christmas.
Looking forward, David said: “What we need to see now is expressions of interest converted into agreements. It’s also important that Defra and the Rural Payments Agency continually look to improve the online application process to make it as easy and as smooth as possible.
“It was important for government to bridge the massive financial hole in farm support caused by issues with the changeover in support schemes from the old Basic Payment Scheme to SFI,” David added.
“Looking ahead, it is vital that details for the SFI24 are presented at the earliest opportunity, in order to provide farmers, particularly those in the uplands, the confidence they need to plan for the future.”
From the end of this week, farmers will no longer need to submit registrations of interest and will be able to apply directly online.
Those farming on commons should continue to express their interest with the Rural Payments Agency which can support them to get ready to apply.
Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said: “We are engaging with farmers and taking onboard their feedback to continually improve the scheme, including delivering on our commitment to introduce early payments and taking steps to simplify the application process.”
ABP appoints Head of HSE for the Humber
ABP has named Roger Pearce as Head of Health, Safety, and Environment (Humber) and supporting health and safety for group.
Having worked for both regulatory and commercial organisations within various sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality, he said: “I’m excited to have joined ABP. From what I’ve seen so far there are some truly excellent initiatives and approaches including the Thrive training, and I am keen to use that training as it’s a critical part of getting our message across.
“ABP’s commitment to health, safety and the environment is well-established, and our focus will be on driving continuous improvement. I am looking forward to working across the Humber ports, supporting the ABP team, partners, and customers to keep people and our workplaces healthy and safe.”
Roger joins the team following 12 years in the healthcare industry where he oversaw the high-risk environments including the sterilisation of medical devices using radiation and highly hazardous chemicals.
His long-standing background in health and safety began after 12 years in the Merchant Navy which he joined after leaving school. He also qualified as an Environmental Health Officer, which gave him a grounding in the legal aspects and managing safety.
Design finalised for new £3m Brighouse market
Plans for a new, revitalised market at the heart of Brighouse have moved forward as part of a £19.1 million investment in the town centre.
Following the three-week engagement process in the summer by Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board, the design of the distinctive new market building has been finalised, a planning application is being submitted, and the tender process to find a contractor is due to start soon.
As part of the UK Government-funded Town Deal, the £3 million revitalised market on the existing canalside site will have around 20 fixed stalls, each with water, drainage and power. There will also be a flexible central space that can be used for events or additional pop-up stalls to encourage new business start-ups.
Alongside spaces to sit, rest and meet, with views over the canal, there will be new toilets for traders plus storage, to create a modern, attractive and vibrant market with the aspiration to open more days of the week.
Other features will include an improved pedestrian area at the front and level access to the market; secure, decorative gates featuring a Brighouse-themed design; new cycle parking; and new entrances and exits to provide better connections to the town.
Subject to planning approval, work on the new market is due to start in spring 2024 and be complete by spring 2025.
With the build getting closer, work has been ongoing to identify a site for a temporary market to ensure stallholders can continue to trade, shoppers can continue to buy, and the rest of the town centre can operate as usual.
A location has now been provisionally secured and the current market will temporarily move to Daisy Street car park for around 12 months while construction is underway.
Cllr Howard Blagbrough, chair of the Brighouse Town Board, said: “The open market is an important part of Brighouse, and we have been determined to ensure it has an even brighter future, which is why I am delighted we are now in a position to submit the planning application and move forward with the project.
“Ensuring we have a temporary market site that allows our current traders to continue to trade while construction takes place is another vital part of the scheme, and we will be working with the stallholders and the Council’s markets team to ensure this is suitable for them, that shoppers know where the temporary market is, and they are encouraged to visit, shop and spend.
“After years of discussion and debate, starting work on these projects will be an important moment and I am looking forward to that happening, all being well, in just a few months’ time.”
GMI to build £50m York student accommodation scheme
GMI Construction Group Ltd has secured a contract with Olympian Homes for the construction of a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York.
Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq ft site will feature a four storey building comprising of 275 beds and facilities including a gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history the scheme will feature a cinema.
Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards.
This is the latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development to be delivered by Olympian Homes, which is also active in hotel, Build to Rent, co-living and affordable housing sectors. This project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International.
GMI has worked closely with Olympian Homes and its professional team throughout the Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to develop a buildable, cost-effective and sustainable design.
Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, following the completion of archaeological works.
The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete.
Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963.
Latterly the site of the cinema became a car park for the adjacent bingo hall, which has also since closed and is included in the footprint of this PBSA scheme.
GMI, which will utilise a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with this new development bringing the number of student beds it is building in York to almost 600.
This includes 303-beds at a scheme in James Street on behalf of York-based S Harrison Developments, which is currently under construction.
Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s regional director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York.
“Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.”
James Lindridge, COO & development director at Olympian Homes, said: “This marks the delivery phase of another scheme for Olympian Homes and aims to address the undersupply of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation within York. It has been a pleasure to work with the Council, local stakeholders and GMI to deliver this scheme.”
William Sharpey, senior construction manager at Olympian Homes, said: “From identifying GMI as our Contracting Partner on Rialto House to getting on site it has been a positive journey, not without its challenges in a difficult economic environment for construction.
“I look forward to working with GMI on the delivery of the scheme and exploring synergy between our businesses on upcoming opportunities.”
Odsal Stadium hits the market
The Leeds office of property consultancy Knight Frank has been appointed to sell the lease of the iconic Odsal Stadium, the home of the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team.
Opened in 1934, Odsal is a multi-purpose sports stadium which extends to approximately 12.85 acres and is currently the home of Odsal Motorsport, as well as the Bradford Bulls.
The Rugby Football League Ltd (RFL) currently leases Odsal on a 150-year term from Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a peppercorn rent.
Jonathan Hyland, partner with Knight Frank in Leeds, who is advising the Rugby League, said: “This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the most famous sporting stadia in Yorkshire. Odsal has a wonderful history and is one of the jewels in the crown of the city of Bradford.
“We expect a good deal of interest in this sale, given Odsal’s reputation, high-profile and location. Once a preferred buyer has been chosen, they will be granted a period of exclusivity during which they will be required to agree terms for a formal lease with the Bradford Bulls.”
Robert Graham, the RFL’s Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services, said: “The RFL purchased Odsal in January 2012 because of a specific set of circumstances, which at the time involved a real danger that an historic venue for Rugby League could be lost to the sport.
“This was never envisaged as a permanent position for a national governing body, and after acting as custodians for more than a decade, and with two tenants in Bradford Bulls and Odsal Motorsports Ltd, the circumstances have now developed sufficiently to explore options for sale.”
Odsal Motorsport Ltd has a licence running until 2041, allowing them to host up to 20 events per annum. The current combined income from the two occupiers is approximately £125,000 per annum.
Council reminds firms of green growth grant availability
West Lindsey District Council is reminding firms in its area that Business Sustainability or ‘Green Growth Grants’ are available, offering up to £15,000 to support both capital and revenue projects.
This includes investments in energy-efficient machinery, improvements to the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and can include environmental audits, and carbon surveys to identify savings opportunities prior to a full application. Businesses are required to provide match funding at 30% of project costs.
Chairman of the Council’s Environment and Sustainability Group, Cllr Stephen Bunney is keen to impress the merits of the scheme upon local businesses. He said: “This is not just a grant; it’s an invitation to a greener, more profitable future. As consumer focus shifts towards eco-friendly enterprises, now is the time to reduce emissions, cut waste, and save on energy costs.
“The ‘Green Growth Grant’ is your business’ gateway to meaningful climate action. By focusing on reducing emissions and waste, you can not only save money but also stand out in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.”
After submitting an Expression of Interest, businesses can receive bespoke support from the Lincolnshire Growth Hub. This includes guidance on calculating carbon emissions and crafting an actionable sustainability plan tailored to your business’s unique challenges and opportunities.
West Lindsey District Council’s Economic Growth Specialist Marina Di Salvatore said: “The Green Growth Grant is more than just short-term funding; it’s about setting your business up to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s an investment in long-term sustainability that aligns with both local and global goals, whilst saving you money. Act now and be a part of this transformative journey.”
Yorkshire communications agency backs women’s crew taking on the World’s Toughest Row
Yorkshire-based communications and PR agency, Counter Context, is backing team Ace of Blades – a crew of four women who, on 12 December 2023, will embark on an epic journey to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic in a 25-ft boat.
Competing in the ‘The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2023’ (formerly known as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge), the all-female crew comprises Lizz Watson, Kit Windsor, Laura Langton, and Counter Context director, Beth Motley.
Together with a fleet of 39 other crews from around the world, the team will cross the start in San Sebastian La Gomera, Tenerife rowing two hours on two hours off for anything up to 50 days to cross the finish line in English Harbour, Antigua.
The foursome has set its sights on completing the challenge to fundraise for three charities close to their hearts: Macmillan Cancer Support, The Outward Bound Trust, and Prostate Cymru. Counter Context’s support for the team has put them well on their way to hitting their target of raising £60,000 for their chosen charities.
“All of us at Counter Context are in awe of Beth and her crewmates as they embark on this epic adventure,” explains Alexis Krachai, Managing Director at Counter Context.
“As a company, we like to push ourselves, think about things differently and to consider the world around us. We cannot think of anything more on brand than supporting a colleague who goes ‘I’m going to row the Atlantic’.
“It is also a reminder that beyond our work in communications, there is a huge world out there that needs respecting, exploring, and protecting. What this crew is setting out to achieve embodies the core values which sit at the heart of our business.”
“While there will be four of us actually on the boat during the crossing, rowing an ocean takes an army,” explains Beth. “A huge part of this journey is about getting to the start – and that involves more than just training. Developing partnerships and securing funding for our campaign is a big part of the challenge.
“Having the backing of my colleagues at Counter Context makes a massive difference to us being able to undertake this challenge and support the charities we’re championing. It’s going to be a really proud moment representing the business as we set off from La Gomera in December.”
Yorkshire bedmaker receives two King’s Awards during Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire visit
Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, to its Leeds headquarters to formally receive its two prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade.
The King’s representative visited the 183-year-old bed manufacturer’s Innovation Centre in Leeds to present its two King’s Awards to the company, which is headed by Group Chairman, Simon Spinks.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, is the highest official UK award for British businesses – Harrison Spinks’ latest two awards add to the five it has previously received.
The King’s Award for Innovation was granted in recognition of the company’s significant work as an industry leader in innovation and design, including its design and manufacture of revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs.
Harrison Spinks also secured the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade thanks to its continued focus on manufacturing premium, responsibly sourced, handmade beds and spring components in international markets.
Simon Spinks, Group Chairman for Harrison Spinks, said: “We’re all feeling extremely proud and humbled to have welcomed Mr Ed Anderson to our headquarters to receive our two King’s Awards. He met with colleagues across various areas of the business, acknowledging the group effort that has made these award wins possible.
“These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials and supports other manufacturing businesses both in the UK and overseas – they are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality design while keeping the planet in mind.”
Unity appoints interim chair
Abdul Hamied has been appointed interim chair of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
He succeeds Shruti Bhargava, who has stepped down as chair after nine years, and will be in post for up to 12 months before handing over to a new chair for a six-year term.
Mr Hamied, deputy director of the Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, has served on the Unity board since 2018.
He previously spent six years on the board of Manningham Housing Association in Bradford.
A graduate of Sheffield Hallam University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Sheffield, Mr Hamied has held a series of senior positions in the NHS and local government supporting, facilitating and stimulating transformational change and service improvement.
Established in 1987, Unity Home and Enterprise manages 1,386 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds in Leeds, Huddersfield and Cleckheaton.
Abdul Hamied said: “It is a great privilege to become Interim Chair of such a highly respected and valued organisation with its roots firmly in the local communities it serves.
“I recently attended an away day with Unity’s senior management and fellow board members. As one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, there was a real sense of shared purpose to continue being ambitious, resilient, adaptive and willing to embrace new initiatives whilst ensuring we remain in touch with our customers and committed to tackling inequalities in housing. That is the mantra with which I will approach the year ahead.
“One of my priorities will be to help attract the best possible candidates to lead Unity through the following six years of our development. That process will begin shortly, and I encourage anyone who believes they have what it takes to succeed in the role to get in touch.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Abdul as Interim Chair.
“He brings a wealth of experience and, having worked closely with him since I joined Unity almost three years ago, I am a huge admirer of his talents.
“Abdul’s familiarity with what we do is also incredibly helpful and will enable him to have a swift and positive impact on the many exciting ventures with which we are involved.”
Company prosecuted for failing to secure empty premises
Rotherham Council has successfully prosecuted a company after fire services were called out five times within a year to deal with fires within a derelict building and grounds.
Millside Developments Ltd were taken to court for their failure to comply with notices served under the Anti-social Behavior, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how a former school and training centre, the Millside Centre, on Doncaster Road in Dalton, was visited by Council officers following complaints of fire damage, broken windows, and open access to the building and grounds.
In addition to the reported fires in 2021 and 2022, the building was attracting anti-social behavior, fly tipping and rough sleeping. Concerns had been raised around the potential harm to someone accessing the building, as well as the site having a detrimental effect on the surrounding area.
Following evidence collected on site showing easy access to the building and perimeter, notices were sent to the owners ordering the premises be secured, a structural survey to be carried out, and for the waste to be removed and properly disposed of.
Failing to comply with the notices, the company was found guilty in their absence from court, fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £2,819 costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “I hope this case sends out a message to all companies to secure their empty premises and prevent them to be used as a dumping ground for waste.
“It makes the area look unkempt and uncared for, affecting the wellbeing of residents. We are committed to doing what we can to hold owners to account and I am pleased that we have secured these convictions as a deterrent to others.”
Shayne Tottie, Rotherham district commander at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “We welcome this prosecution by Rotherham Council. Repeated call outs to preventable incidents such as this tie up our resources and, more importantly, put lives at risk.
“If you own a business and are not sure what responsibilities you have when it comes to fire safety, we have plenty of resources on our website to help you ensure your business is compliant.”
Director outlines RWE’s net zero ambitions for its work in the Humber
Hull and Humber Chamber’s North East Lincolnshire Area Council met at Grimsby Institute to hear about RWE’s work in and around the Humber from its first UK East Coast Director for Net Zero, Corrine Barry.
Corrine gave members an overview of her role in aligning RWE’s net zero ambitions with those of the Humber, Teesside and surrounding areas, supporting the decarbonisation of local industry.
She also touched on the creation of new jobs, the development of a future skilled workforce and how the industry will benefit the local supply chain and communities.
Corrine told the meeting that RWE is a German company which is responsible for 15% of the UK’s electricity generation, supplying more than 10-million homes.
It is thought the company could be investing up to £15-billion in the Humber by 2030 and part of that would be its next major project on Dogger Bank which will see the installation of a 3GW windfarm.
The company’s primary focus was in the Humber as it was the biggest carbon emitter, along with Teesside.
Talking about recruitment and training, Corinne echoed what other businesses tell the Chamber, that skills shortages are still a key issue. “We’ve recently advertised for some roles for our offshore work – we interviewed 75 people, but out of those we could only appoint 22.”
On a positive note, she added: “We have just appointed four apprentices for our Grimsby hub and they are all female – and that wasn’t because we needed to tick some equality boxes, but because they were the best candidates – and that’s very encouraging.”
Next steps approved for new retirement living scheme in Golcar
Kirklees Council’s Cabinet met yesterday, to discuss the redevelopment of Sycamore Grange.
Members reviewed the proposed budget and approved plans to move forward with the submission of a planning application and required processes for the construction of the new retirement living scheme.
The scheme will now include 41 retirement apartments in addition to nine one-bedroom bungalows, five two-bedroom bungalows and four one-bedroom cottage flats.
Additional housing such as the bungalows and cottage flats will be available for older people. These properties will better suit their needs, as well as freeing up space for other Kirklees families.
Councillor Masood Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways, said: “I’m pleased with the updated plans for the progression of Sycamore Grange’s redevelopment, showing our commitment to supporting older residents to live independently for longer.
“By taking the feedback from the consultation, we’ve tailored the designs to better meet our tenants’ needs. I’m eager to see the continuous progress of this project as work begins next year.”
Next steps will see the council apply for planning permission for the scheme. Subject to the planning and building contract process, it is intended that contractors will start on site in late 2024.
Northallerton dairy farm shares details of journey to net zero
Northallerton father and son dairy farmers Howard and Tom Pattison have welcomed members of the farming and business world to their farm to take them through their journey to become a net zero operation.
In the third in the Future Farming series of events organised by the Centre for Business Innovation and North Yorkshire Council, more than 50 farmers, land agents, and agritech businesses came together at Willow Tree Farm.
The Dairy Farming for the Future event saw the Pattisons show off their 280 dairy herd, 162-hectare business and the steps they have taken towards a reduced carbon footprint. That includes going soy-free as soya has a high carbon footprint, using less fertiliser and focusing on slurry and muck, and changing their herd’s living space.
C4DI’s relationship manager Louise Cooke, said: “Since its official launch in 2022, C4DI Northallerton has seen an acceleration of opportunities for businesses, particularly within the agritech and food manufacturing sectors.
“Our focus has been on growing a community within those sectors as well as other digital tech companies to help support innovation and growth amongst businesses.
“Our event at Willow Tree Farm supported a growing demand to learn more about the evolving changes within agriculture and how digital technology can support that. Our role as a tech incubator is to support traditional business with innovation and to support tech business to scale and grow.
“Having supported thousands of businesses over the last 10 years, we hope to learn more from everyone and grow together through these events.”
Executive member for open to business Cllr Derek Bastiman said: “This session followed on our two other Farming for the Future events and was very much about collaboration. To encourage this, we had several agritech companies there to demonstrate products and there was lots of discussion about how we can work together to meet the needs of farmers.”
He urged North Yorkshire farmers to consider a new farm sustainability programme to support farm businesses to become more financially and environmentally sustainable, being developed through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Support may include farm energy audits, farm carbon footprints, specialist advice around precision agriculture techniques and regenerative agriculture practices.
Up to 50 audits will be funded with applications open in November. Farm businesses with up to 50 employees can apply, with priority given to farms ready to implement the recommended sustainability measures. Find out more about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Inflation stays stubborn
Inflation failed to drop as expected last month, stuck at an annual rate of 6.7%.
Remaining the same as in August, a fall in the price of food and drink has been offset by rises in restaurant, hotel, and fuel costs.
Core inflation meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose 6.1% in the 12 months to September 2023, down from 6.2% in August.
For those presiding over interest rate decisions at the Bank of England, the picture becomes ever-more complex. A continued decline in inflation would have presented a case for rates to stay where they are, but if inflation stays stubbornly high, the Bank may consider the only option to be returning to a stint of rate rises again.
It comes after figures last month presented a welcome, surprise slowdown for inflation and saw a pause to a run of interest rate increases.
Housebuilder submits plans for £105m development
Yorkshire-based housebuilder Beal Homes has submitted plans for a £105m development creating a new community on the south bank of the Humber.
Family-owned Beal has submitted a planning application for more than 500 new homes on a 57-acre site at Immingham in North East Lincolnshire.
The proposed development will provide a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes to support major investment in the area.
The Port of Immingham is a key gateway for trade to and from Europe and beyond and the area is playing a key role in the Humber’s growing status as a magnet for investment, capitalising on the region’s reputation as the UK’s Energy Estuary.
The south bank of the Humber is home to a series of blue chip businesses, including Ørsted, Phillips 66, Centrica and Wren Kitchens, with many of them investing in new facilities and projects, creating new, skilled jobs in the area.
That, in turn, has generated growing demand for new homes in and around Immingham.
East Yorkshire-based Beal has submitted a “reserved matters” planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council for 525 homes, with landscaping, areas of public open space and associated works, on land off Stallingborough Road, close to the centre of Immingham.
The site already has outline planning approval for 525 homes, so the new application is seeking consent for the detailed design and layout of the development.
The proposed development features a wide variety of homes, from two-bedroom terraced starter homes to four-bedroom detached properties, reflecting local demand and catering for a broad range of homebuyers.
Beal Chief Executive Richard Beal said: “This application sets out our plans to bring hundreds of much-needed, high-quality new homes to Immingham.
“It represents a major vote of confidence in the housing market in the town and the wider area. We see Immingham as a place with strong pent-up demand for new homes as well as potential for further growth, driven by major investment on the south bank of the Humber.
“We propose to deliver this development over coming years, meaning we will be investing millions of pounds into the area year after year, creating new jobs in construction and supporting services.
“The plans are for a wide range of properties, including starter homes that will enable local first-time buyers to take their first step onto the housing ladder.”
Beal land director Chris Murphy said: “We have worked closely with planning officers at North East Lincolnshire Council and other key stakeholders to develop and refine these proposals.
“The site is allocated for housing under North East Lincolnshire Council’s Local Plan and has outline planning approval for 525 homes, so this application is seeking final approval for the detailed layout and design of the development.
“It offers a natural extension to existing housing in Immingham and will enhance the quality, availability and choice of homes in the town.”
Don’t get caught in a scam, HMRC warns self-assessment taxpayers
Self Assessment taxpayers are urged to be on the lookout for scam texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters.
This warning comes as HMRC received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the 12 months to September this year, of which 58,000 were offering fake tax rebates.
With around 12 million people expected to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year before next January’s deadline, fraudsters will prey on customers by impersonating HMRC. The scams take different approaches. Some offer a rebate; others tell customers that they need to update their tax details or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.
“Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK, ” she added.
Customers can report any suspicious communications to HMRC:- forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599
- forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK.
Yorkshire-based printer invests heavily in factory upgrades and new jobs
Rotherham-based online printer instantprint has invested more than £500,000 on factory upgrades that will create new job opportunities in addition to the 40 new ones introduced since August.
The company’s latest investment includes the introduction of a top of the range inline cutting solution that enhances efficiency and reduces paper waste in line with its sustainability strategy. Increased quality and efficiency also means that instantprint is able to pass these savings on to their customers and remain a leader as the fastest turnaround printer in the UK with the latest cut-off time of 5pm for next-day delivery.
instantprint has introduced more than 40 new jobs since August, and is still hiring. They are currently hiring for a range of roles and positions including a Senior Graphic Designer, Production Planners and PPC Manager.
Laura Mucklow, Head of instantprint, said: “Our investment presents opportunities for both instantprint and individuals in the region who are seeking employment within a dynamic and expanding enterprise. It also means we’re able to offer our customers better quality products on a fast turnaround at a price that is fair.
‘At instantprint we’re all about providing customers with high quality print on a fast turnaround that makes our business clients grow. This investment positions us for sustained success and enables us to do what we do best – help businesses thrive.’
