A digital double act is working to simplify procurement around built environment projects worth billions of pounds and deliver an equally impressive return in social value.

The partnership between Hull-based businesses The 55 Group and 43 Clicks North is also geared to driving the development of digital skills in their home city and helping other employers use technology to flex their marketing muscles. The 55 Group operates frameworks through its Pagabo brand to match public and private sector clients with suppliers for built environment projects ranging from demolition through to major works and civils and infrastructure. Contract values start from around £50,000 and rise to £50m or more and, with its nationwide reach, Pagabo has pulled in completed projects worth a total of more than £4bn. Pagabo’s sister brand, Loop, uses software to forecast, monitor and evaluate the entire life cycle of any project and has enabled a social value return from projects in excess of £26bn. Other brands in the group, which employs 88 people, include risk management and compliance software company Sypro and digital-first training platform Tequ. Sam Burton, head of commercial marketing at The 55 Group, said: “Our mission is to use technology and innovative thinking to support a better, faster, and greener approach within our core markets. “Our platforms support an ecosystem that allows the world to evaluate, procure, manage and learn in a more sustainable way. From compliant procurement of suitable suppliers through to high-quality social value reporting, it’s an end-to-end process helping clients safely, securely and efficiently complete their important projects.” “We tried digital marketing before and we felt 43 Clicks North would give us greater added value, and we have really seen that in the last few months. They have out-performed where we thought we would be and it’s justified our decision to change. “It’s not that we started from nothing but they have kicked on even further in terms of enquiries through our digital channels. We could have carried on as we were and we would have been fine, but we made a business decision to improve and this has been a step change. “We challenged 43 Clicks North to see what they could do and they have risen to the challenge, including working with our team to help us develop our knowledge.” The value of Pagabo projects currently in procurement is nearly £500m and includes a £90m academy services framework launched in July and a £1bn refit and refurbishment framework which went live in May.

The UK economy is still in a precarious place in spite of better-than-expected growth news, according to British Chambers of Commerce Head of Research David Bharier. He said: “Today’s first estimate for Q2, showing GDP grew by 0.2% is better news than expected, but the UK economy remains in a precarious place. Businesses are continuing to face a worrying mix of high inflation, rising interest rates, a tight labour market, and global economic uncertainty. “Today’s data is in line with our Quarterly Economic Forecast which expects just 0.3% for the whole of 2023. While the UK remains on course to avoid a technical recession, small movements in one direction or the another won’tmean much for many firms facing the toughest trading conditions in years. “Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey shows that most SMEs continue to report no improvement to investment, cash flow, or sales. Worryingly, 41% of businesses are now concerned about the impact of rising interest rates. “UK businesses are very adaptable, but they are looking for clear direction from the government and the Bank of England, particularly on interest rate policy and a long-term plan to unlock investment.

Rogue retailers pedalling vapes to children in North Lincolnshire are to be targeted in a new offensive designed to stamp out underage sales. A series of undercover operations will be launched with teens sent into shops to buy vapes from retailers across the area. The vapes should only be sold to people aged 18 or over. Anyone caught selling to children can be fined up to £2,500. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our aim is to ensure the well-being of our young people. The increasing use of vapes, combined with mounting concerns about their potential risks, demands tougher measures. “While the evidence suggests that e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco products, for adults the choice is theirs to take however there are age restrictions for a reason –selling vapes to children and teens is not acceptable and we will tackle this. “We are committed to preventing underage access to these products, shopkeepers need to be aware that the young person they are selling to may indeed be part of the undercover operations we’re launching – that could cost them.” While many of the vapes come in appealing flavours, they do contain nicotine. This is not the lethal part of tobacco smoke but is addictive. Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for safer, stronger communities (urban), said: “The approach we are taking is targeted to expose rogue retailers and serve as a powerful deterrent. Retailers found in violation of the law by selling vaping products to underage individuals will face substantial fines of up to £2,500. “The financial penalties are designed to send a clear message that we take this issue seriously – we are committed to protecting our young people from the negative effects of vaping and will not tolerate any attempts to circumvent the law, it’s irresponsible and we will not accept it here in North Lincolnshire.” People have also been reminded about discarding disposable vapes irresponsibly. Anyone caught littering in North Lincolnshire can be fined £150, with this limit set to increase to £500 in the coming weeks.

Published by the British Library, a new report called Democratising Entrepreneurship 2.0, reveals the national impact the Business & IP Centre Network has had over a three-year period ending in March this year including in the East Riding. It shows how the Humber Partnership has ​​continued to support entrepreneurship and economic recovery at a local level, contributing to a payback of £6.63 for every £1 of public money spent across the BIPC Network. The BIPC in Hull ​​and its network of libraries in Beverley, Bridlington, Goole and Grimsby are physical hubs where people can learn, network and access free and low-cost information and support in protecting and commercialising a business idea. The service comprises:

• Free access to high-quality UK and global market intelligence, customer insights and company data, combined with intellectual property advice and guidance
• Free and low cost workshops, one-to-one support and mentoring delivered by library staff and public/private sector business experts and partners
• Topical and inspirational networking events, featuring role model entrepreneurs
• Accessible and welcoming spaces with access to PCs, desks and Wi-​​Fi
• A comprehensive package of online support; including webinars, one-to-one business and IP advice sessions and screenings of our programme of inspirational panel discussions

Isabel Oswell, Head of Business Audiences at the British Library, said: “This month marks 50 years since the British Library first began operations and helping businesses to innovate and grow continues to be one of the Library’s core purposes. This report reiterates the unique power of libraries as engines of innovation, economic growth and social mobility in the heart of diverse communities. Whether you consider yourself an entrepreneur, freelancer or just have an idea, the Business & IP Centre Network provides accessible, free and impartial support, delivered by dedicated informed professionals and trusted business experts, both online and in person across the UK.’ Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, added: “I would encourage all East Riding residents who feel they could benefit from these facilities to come in and take advantage of these BIPC Locals. They are a great way for enterprising people to learn,  make contacts, and get the information they need to develop their business ideas.”

Former pro footballer Stephen Oleksewycz, 39, has been sentenced to 27 months imprisonment by Leeds Crown Courtfor fraud offences and acting as a company director while an undischarged bankrupt. He was also required to pay compensation within three months to the two creditors he defrauded. Oleksewycz, from Halifax, started in the events promotion industry following his retirement as a professional footballer due to injury. He established his company, ‘An Exp With Ltd’, in February 2016 with himself as sole director but he was made bankrupt later that year due to an outstanding debt of over £16,000. Individuals who have gone bankrupt are subject to certain restrictions, in particular it is a criminal offence for a bankrupt to act as a company director, or to manage or promote a company, without express permission obtained at court. Oleksewycz did not have permission, however he continued to act as a director of An Exp With Ltd, which he used to deliver ‘An Experience With’ event in February 2017 involving Conor McGregor, the mixed-martial arts fighter. The fraud offences related to this event, where Oleksewycz sent fake documents to the venue company, EventCity, and the company streaming the event, Groovy Gecko. When both companies contacted Oleksewycz to advise they had not received their fees to run the event, Oleksewycz sent them doctored bank documents purporting to show the payments had been made, as a stalling tactic in the days leading up to the event. This succeeded, and both companies felt they had to proceed in the hope the lack of payments were due an honest mistake and would be addressed, or risk the event collapsing. However, after the event took place Groovy Gecko did not receive any payment and was owed over £15,000. EventCity was paid just £5,000 of the outstanding total, which was nearly £80,000. Both companies were then informed that An Exp With Ltd had gone into liquidation. Glenn Wicks, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:”Acting as a company director while being an undischarged bankrupt is a serious offence, and to compound this Stephen Oleksewycz deliberately defrauded two businesses who gave him the benefit of the doubt to run an event despite their concerns about his behaviour.”

The Local Skills Improvement Plan for Hull & East Yorkshire has been approved by the Secretary of State in line with the approval criteria set out in the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, and in accordance with the LSIP Statutory Guidance. The Hull & East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (HEY LSIP) is a three-year plan that sets out to place employers at the heart of the local skills system, to ensure that our current and future workforce are equipped with the skills and attributes that meet the needs of employers and the local area. Through the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce’s engagement activity with local employers, the LSIP focuses on five key themes: technical skills; educational teaching professionals; employability skills and behaviours; careers guidance being aligned with local opportunities; and accessibility. For Technical skills, the HEY LSIP wants to ensure the supply of and demand for technical skills matches the needs of employers to ensure vacancies are filled, productivity is amplified, and employers are able to thrive. With this, however, there is a need to address concerns that there are insufficient numbers of educational teaching professionals who are able to deliver the courses and provision that employers seek. Employability skills and behaviours was by far the most significant skills concern that was being raised by employers. Employers believe that the workforce being equipped with these skills, and the right behaviours, is the primary stepping needed to progress within their careers. Employers also reported a misalignment between careers guidance and employment opportunities within Hull & East Yorkshire. There also appears to be a lack of knowledge relating to what careers guidance activity is carried out locally. This is a theme that needs to be addressed to support the other priorities detailed within this LSIP, and ensure local jobs go to local people. Finally, accessibility consists of four threads: accessibility of information on matters that affect businesses and organisations; accessibility of information relating to training and provision, including funding; accessibility of provision pathways for those considered to be at a disadvantage; and accessibility for support in assessing future skills needs. These are areas that the HEY LSIP is keen to address. The HEY LSIP sets out a Roadmap for the region to address these key themes identified by employers. The success of the HEY LSIP will be reliant on collaboration and transparency between key stakeholders, providers and employers and the Chamber is keen to lead on this work to ensure the successful delivery of priorities set out within the LSIP. Phil Ascough, chair of the HEY LSIP Board, said: “Approval of the LSIP is excellent news and reflects and rewards the immense effort undertaken by the LSIP team in completing an arduous procedure. “It also demonstrates the value of the input from hundreds of local businesses of all sizes who add up to a huge resource and an immense and valuable pool of talent and expertise. We look forward very much to taking the LSIP forward with their help, and to generating further private sector involvement.” Debra Gray, principal at Hull College and representing the Humber Principals Group on the HEY LSIP Board, added: “We are delighted to work with fellow colleges and training providers across the region to deliver the skills needs of the future via our local skills improvement plan (LSIP). “The LSIP captures the skills our employers have identified as key to inward investment and business growth. When businesses and educational providers work together to create prosperity, we are an unbeatable team to deliver on the government’s levelling up agenda. This includes a strong focus on decarbonisation, clean energy and leading-edge digital skills.”