Council launches Community Energy benefit society to bring solar power to schools
North Lincolnshire Council’s plans to use Government cash to help Scunthorpe schools go green and reduce their energy bills has moved to its next stage with the creation of a community share offer.
Working with renewable energy company Energy4All, the council is inviting residents to invest in the crowdfunding-style scheme, with a minimum investment of just £50 at an expected annual interest rate of five per cent. The money will be used to extend the work being achieved with £1.4m of Government Towns Fund to fit schools with solar panels free of charge.
The scheme aims to raise another £680,000 for more schools and community buildings a community benefit society has been set up called North Lincolnshire Community Energy. It will run the community share offer, which is open now until 15 September, or when it is fully subscribed, whatever is sooner.
Schools and community buildings get the solar panels at no charge, and pay the society for the energy they use at heavily reduced rates – the initial rate is 9.9p/kWh.
Any profits generated by the society will be ploughed back into other green initiatives in North Lincolnshire.
Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is an incredible scheme that will enable schools to future-proof their energy needs – it will bring down bills at a critical time.
“We are working in partnership with renewable energy company Energy4All to deliver this scheme through North Lincolnshire Community Energy. This is a positive way people can invest in the green economy and earn a good return.”
NFU encourages members to join debate about changes to planning rules
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has recently launched a consultation on a massive expansion to permitted development rights.
The NFU says the changes are the culmination of promises made in the Unleashing Rural Opportunity Paper as well as promises made by the Prime Minister in the Farm to Fork Summit on relaxing planning regulations.
The proposals will allow farmers, landowners, and rural communities to build, convert, and extend more without having to obtain planning permission. The proposals include permitted development right expansions for:
- barn to housing conversions
- the extension and erection of warehousing
- farm diversification
- farm buildings.
Ofgem backs FSB calls for rule change over business energy bills
Energy regulator Ofgem has backed calls by the Federation of Small Businesses to allow small firms to ‘blend and extend’ fixed energy contracts they secured during the market peak last year.
FSB research shows 13% of small firms fixed their energy bills between 1 July and 31 December 2022, during which businesses were quoted £1 per kWh for electricity.
FSB has repeatedly called on energy suppliers to allow these small firms to extend their fixed contracts but at a blended and lower rate – between their original fixed rate and the current, lower wholesale rate.
So far, only a handful of suppliers have adopted the proposal, with little detail on the implementation. Some small businesses say they were excluded from ‘blend and extend’ because their contracts were secured via an energy broker.
Says Ofgem’s Non-Domestic Market Review: “We’re aware of customers who signed during the peak of wholesale price.
“We cannot intervene in commercial contracts, but are encouraging suppliers to work constructively and flexibly to provide viable solutions for both parties – for example, via ‘blend and extend’ contract renewal.”
FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “Small firms have been waiting for measures that could help alleviate the soaring energy costs and address the heavy-handed approach of energy suppliers. We’ve been working with Ofgem to make sure the voice of small businesses is heard, so we welcome and are pleased to see today’s publication of the non-domestic market review is welcomed.
“We have been calling for a ‘blend and extend’ contract renegotiation for small businesses who fixed their tariffs during market peak last year. We’re glad to see the energy regulator has backed our call and again urge suppliers to step up, act with fairness and adapt.
“While a handful of energy suppliers have adopted our ‘blend and extend’ proposals, small businesses have been complaining to us that they were excluded from the renegotiation because they secured contracts through a third-party broker.
“The obligations from energy giants should not be limited just to their direct customers; they must stop washing their hands of customers whose deals are signed via a broker.
“The issue of small firms being charged disproportionate security deposits is something we constantly hear. Energy suppliers should follow Ofgem’s security deposit best practice guide and stop asking vulnerable small firms for large sums of upfront payments given many are working on little to no cash reserves.”
Leeds architects await judges decision in revived awards scheme
Beautiful buildings and stylish structures have got designs on success after being shortlisted in the Leeds Architecture Awards scheme being run for the first time since 2019.
The awards are a collaboration between Leeds Civic Trust, Leeds Society of Architects, Leeds City Council and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
More than 50 entries were received across five categories – cultural projects, new buildings (up to £10m in value), new buildings (more than £10m in value), altered buildings and public realm & landscape, from which a shortlist of 15 has been announced, with the winners to be revealed at a ceremony at the Howard Assembly Room on November 1.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said:“Leeds has a proud heritage of design excellence, and the architects of today are doing a fine job of maintaining that tradition in interesting and inclusive ways.
“The shortlisted buildings, public spaces and projects are all playing their part in making our city a distinctive, thought-provoking, environmentally-friendly and welcoming place to live, work, visit and spend time. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Luke Sach, co-president of Leeds Society of Architects, said: “The Leeds Society of Architects are honoured to be involved with this year’s Leeds Architecture Awards, helping to celebrate the very best projects, which over the last few years have positively contributed to Leeds’s ever-evolving architectural landscape.
“Thank you to everyone who submitted entries, we’re thrilled to have seen such a large number of high-quality applications. A huge congratulations to all the projects shortlisted and best of luck on November 1.”
The shortlisted schemes and architects are:
Cultural Projects
Leeds Playhouse: Page\Park: This much-loved city centre theatre has been transformed by a reconfiguration and extension of the existing building, with a new frontage – featuring brightly-coloured ceramics – being created on St Peter’s Street. Extra seating capacity and improvements to access have also been delivered in the site’s two main performance spaces.
Leeds School of Arts: Hawkins\Brown: Situated on Portland Street in the city centre, this building provides a state-of-the-art hub for more than 2,500 students and staff from Leeds Beckett University’s departments of film, music, performing arts and creative technologies. The building’s mix of interconnected spaces is designed to encourage collaboration and showcase the talents of all those who use it.
WOW Barn: LEEDS 2023 and The WOW Foundation: The WOW Barn is an accessible, inclusive pop-up space that was built by 300 women, girls and non-binary people over the course of just 24 hours at Cinder Moor, Woodhouse, earlier this year as part of the LEEDS 2023 cultural celebrations. Kirkstall Valley Farm has since been announced as the barn’s long-term home.
Buildings (up to £10m in value)
Maggie’s Yorkshire Centre, St James’s Hospital: Heatherwick Studio: This cancer support centre was opened by the Maggie’s charity in 2020. The building was constructed using a prefabricated and sustainably-sourced spruce timber system. Inside, a mix of natural and tactile materials, soft lighting and variety of spaces all encourage social opportunities as well as quiet contemplation.
Young People’s Cabin, St Gemma’s Hospice: ArkleBoyce Architects: Sitting in the gardens of St Gemma’s Hospice in Moortown, the Young People’s Cabin is a sustainable building designed with the needs of bereaved children in mind. The concept for the project included a roof that would not only provide a protective canopy but also reference the surrounding trees and other relaxing greenery.
Newlyn Building, University of Leeds: dla architecture: A teaching hub for the Leeds University Business School, this two and three-storey building sits in the heart of Little Woodhouse. Its design draws on the surrounding Victorian context, with external elevations constructed in complementary brick and supplemented by timber cladding. The building has a light and airy feel inside, thanks in part to its dual aspect larger teaching rooms.
Buildings (more than £10m in value)
11 & 12 Wellington Place: tp Bennett: Hailed as one of the UK’s most sustainable office developments, 11 & 12 Wellington Place’s design elements include a distinctive bridge and striking metallic bronze facades that mirror the stonework pattern of an adjacent Grade II-listed railway lifting tower. Situated between Wellington Street and Whitehall Road in the city centre, the buildings run entirely on renewable electricity.
Sir William Henry Bragg Building, University of Leeds: ADP Architecture: This seven-storey glass-and-steel complex off Woodhouse Lane is home to the University of Leeds’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Its high-tech teaching rooms and laboratories have been designed to further establish the university as a world-leading research centre, while also providing a welcoming, accessible and modern gateway into campus.
Globe Point: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios: This striking ‘flat iron’-style office development sits on Globe Road, at one of the key entrance points to the South Bank’s Temple neighbourhood. Designed to provide next generation workspace for more than 400 people, the building makes maximum use of natural daylight while also offering spectacular views across the city from its roof gardens.
Altered buildings
The Majestic: dla architecture: One of Leeds city centre’s best-known buildings, this Grade II-listed former cinema and nightclub has been transformed into a stylish mix of offices and other workspace. The reinvention of the City Square landmark – now home to Channel 4 – took care to preserve and enhance its existing external fabric while also drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the original interior.
First White Cloth Hall: Buttress: This project on Kirkgate in the city centre has poured fresh life into one of Leeds’s most historic buildings. The former cloth trading hall spent many years in a state of disrepair but has now been brought back into use as a commercial, co-creation and innovation space, with surviving elements of the original brick and stone walls being conserved and incorporated into its new internal structure.
Opera North’s Music Works: Enjoy Design: Music Works has given New Briggate and Harrison Street an extra cultural dimension with the opening of the Howard Opera Centre, complete with facilities such as an education studio, tuition rooms and orchestra rehearsal space. A dedicated box office and public atrium have also been incorporated into Opera North’s Howard Assembly Room.
Public realm & landscape
Leeds Footbridge: Gagarin Studio: This 50-metre-long bridge straddles the River Aire and connects two different parts of the South Bank’s Climate Innovation District. The bridge’s concertina-style appearance was achieved through the use of steel slats which appear to fold and crank across its length, providing an eye-catching point of sculptural interest for those moving over or passing below it.
Stourton Park and Ride: Mott MacDonald: The UK’s first solar-powered park and ride facility, this clean and green site is home to 1,200 vehicle spaces, electric car charging points and a smart energy grid. A solar canopy powers the terminal building, which is served by a fleet of zero-emission electric buses. Extensive landscaping and tree-planting complete the site’s eco-friendly feel.
Playhouse Gardens: re-form landscape architecture: These terraced gardens are a gateway to a part of the city centre that is home to landmarks such as Leeds Playhouse and Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus. Pathways, steps and seating ledges have been created via the high-quality detailing of hard landscape materials, with the space being softened through the incorporation of a number of native and ornamental trees.
Businesses in the innovation game invited to showcase their work at new DSIT HQ
Leading innovation firms, technology businesses and research organisations are being invited to showcase their work at the entrance to the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology HQ, as part of the Department’s plans to champion innovation and the pioneering work of UK industry and academia.
The department is marking its six-month anniversary with an invite to businesses and organisations from across the country to exhibit within its new headquarters, giving their work prominence and visibility to ministers, businesses, government officials, and influential individuals who will visit the area.
It gives the department another opportunity to showcase the very best of British innovation, design, technology and science. Those selected to exhibit will be promoted across the department’s social media channels as well as at internal events, highlighting their work to the innovators and decision makers who are leading the push to cement the UK’s status as a science superpower.
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “UK businesses, universities and research organisations are already world leaders in their fields, from life sciences and engineering biology to quantum computing and AI.
“To seize on the potential for science and technology to keep our nation secure, our people prosperous, and our planet healthy, it is essential we place this work at the very centre of what we do in government – and hosting them in our new headquarters demonstrates our commitment to working hand-in-hand with the sector while opening up one more avenue for collaboration.
“These exhibitions will give us another opportunity to see first-hand how these technologies are improving the lives of everyone in the UK, and it will give those exhibiting a new platform to showcase their work, right in the heart of government.
The dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is the force behind the Prime Minister’s commitment to growing the economy, and to improving the lives of everyone in the UK through new discoveries that advance the health and prosperity of society whilst protecting our values both at home and abroad. Businesses and organisations interested in exhibiting can contact exhibit@dsit.gov.ukAdministrators move in at Leeds finance company
Bob Maxwell and Julian Pitts of Begbies Traynorhave been appointed as Joint Administrators over Hamsard 3225 Limited, trading as ‘CLC Finance’.
The Joint Administrators act as agents of the Company and without personal liability.
An Administration is an insolvency process used by companies that are unable to pay their debts as they fall due. An automatic moratorium has been placed over the Company as a result of our appointment. This means that no creditor can take legal action against the Company (to include taking action against its assets) except with leave of the court or the permission of the Administrators.
An Administrator’s role is to realise the assets of the Company and distribute them for the benefit of creditors. The Joint Administrators will provide regular updates to creditors.
The Company provided lending services to the UK consumer market.
Leeds demonstrates future of low carbon heating through PIPES network extension
Leeds is demonstrating the future of low carbon heating to the rest of the UK, according to Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance.
He has visited the city to see the extension to its PIPES heart network, to which principal contractor Vital Energi four new buildings are preparing to connect.
New plans for two major extensions to the award-winning network—which would enable dozens more buildings to connect—have also been published by the local authority and discussed by senior members.
The scheme has been supported by £5.4 million of government funding to date, and the council and its principal contractor Vital Energi were delighted to host Lord Callanan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance), to visit the network on Thursday (3rd August) to learn more about how the flagship scheme is transforming the city.
The Minister visited several landmarks and connections on the network including the Recycling & Energy Recovery Facility, Cross Green Energy centre and St James’s Hospital— where he met members from the NHS Estates and Facilities team.
By using heat and energy recovered from non-recyclable waste at the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city, the Leeds PIPES district heating project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil-fuel powered heating systems.
The council estimates that the network is helping existing customers to collectively save nearly half a million pounds in reduced energy costs this year alone.
The £62 million network continues to expand and is regularly connecting to new buildings. Leeds Combined Court Centre and Leeds Magistrates’ Court were the latest buildings to take heat from the scheme earlier this year.
Last year, the network of insulated underground pipes supplied 22,029 megawatt-hours of heating in total and helped reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 3,975 tonnes.
The four latest buildings, including the first private-sector residential developers, which have confirmed their intention to connect to the network within the next 12 months are:
- Spinner’s Yard around Mabgate, developed by Rise Homes
- Leonardo and Thoresby buildings on Gt George Street, developed by McLaren on behalf of Arrow Leonardo
- The redevelopment of Leeds Technology Campus on Cookridge Street, developed by Metropolitan & District Securities
- Leeds Conservatoire on Quarry Hill
West Yorkshire structural engineering firm snapped up
Full-service engineering firm, DeSimone Consulting Engineering, with offices worldwide, has acquired West Yorkshire structural engineering firm, DP Squared Ltd.
The acquisition builds upon the company’s UK headquarters in central London.
Stephen DeSimone, chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering, said: “As DeSimone continues to grow internationally, we are thrilled to bring on Darren, Deborah, and the entire DP Squared team.
“Their extensive experience in structural design, impressive work across major projects, and client-centered approach will enrich DeSimone’s capabilities throughout the UK/European region.”
Based in Hebden Bridge, DP Squared launched in 2004 and has maintained a strong presence in the North of England.
Darren and Deborah Paine, directors at DP Squared, said: “DP Squared is a family that we have nurtured through its teenage years, and now it is time for it to fly and grow. By joining DeSimone, we will leverage our new partners’ global knowledge and resources to better deliver for the company’s clients worldwide.”
With the acquisition, DP Squared will operate as DeSimone Consulting Engineering UK from its current office Hebden Bridge while Darren and Deborah will join the senior management team at DeSimone in the UK.
Assent makes building control acquisition
Clarke Banks (Group) Ltd has been sold to approved building control inspector Assent, based in Wakefield.
Clarke Banks offers a variety of compliance solutions to the domestic and commercial construction markets, including building control approval and fire safety engineering.
The company benefits from a national network and operates from UK offices in London, Birmingham, Cardiff and Weybridge.
Led by directors Adam Melrose and Sam Wright, Clarke Banks has established a young and dynamic management team, appealing to an increasing number of blue-chip clients.
As the building control and fire safety industries continue to evolve with new legislation, Adam and Sam were eager to explore the M&A market and find the right buyer for the next phase of development.
“Clarke Banks has some of the youngest approved inspectors in the country and the business is well-established at the forefront of a growing industry,” said George Barnes, KBS Corporate associate director, who oversaw the sale to Assent Building Control.
“The Building Safety Act 2022 will change operational strategies across the market and Clarke Banks has the services, clients and scope to satisfy new requirements, particularly for large-scale commercial developments.”
Assent Building Control was itself acquired by Munich-based Alpina Partners in 2017 with the assistance of KBS Corporate.
The firm has acquired Clarke Banks as part of a long-term plan to enhance its building control and fire services portfolio.
Iain Thomson, CEO of Assent, said: “We have been actively looking to expand our suite of services, so it was important to us that the business we acquired would offer benefits to both parties, not simply grow the number of surveyors we could offer.
“Sam and Adam have built an incredibly successful business that provides complementary services to those offered by our existing businesses. The enthusiasm for the work they do is second to none and we are delighted to be welcoming them into the Assent group.”
Adam Melrose said: “We had been investigating several investment partner options, but it became clear to us that Assent aligned with our own values and bought into our future vision for the business.
“In the discussions with Iain and his team, it was obvious the acquisition of Clarke Banks was a strategic choice that would benefit both parties and help to deliver a combined service offering to clients at what is a pivotal time in our industry.”
Sam Wright added: “The introduction of the independent Building Safety Regulator is making our whole industry look very closely at what will be required to achieve the competency levels needed.
“The recent consolidation we have seen in the sector is ultimately positive for the whole industry. Being part of a larger group and network will provide additional strength in the future for Clarke Banks’ team and greater resilience to support the diverse and strong client base we have spent the last decade building.”
George Barnes believes further consolidation in the building control and fire safety industries is to be expected over the coming years as regulators continue to realign existing legislation.
“While Clarke Banks is a great opportunity for Assent to improve its commercial exposure, it also improves the group’s position in a market with high barriers to entry,” he said.
“We are expecting significant consolidation as legislation evolves — regulators will see the benefit of working with a smaller pool of prominent inspectors.”
Hull City Council sets up funding pot for young entrepreneurs
The Youth Enterprise and Micro Business Team at Hull City Council has established the funding pot enabling the issuing of Test Market Grants between £350 and £500 from the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank .
Test Market Grants are for budding businesspeople in Hull and are available until March 2025 for those aged up to 29 and in their first year of trading or who have new business ideas.
Grants are possible from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund courtesy of the government’s Levelling Up partnership.
The deadline for the next round of applications is Tuesday 12 September which will be heard at a panel meeting two weeks later.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for economic and business regeneration, said: “The council wants to see young entrepreneurs in Hull thrive in business. It’s brilliant that the council can support them through the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank.”
Successful candidates will be encouraged to mentor future young entrepreneurs in Hull and to work in promoting enterprise in schools and colleges. Further rounds of funding will be available in October and November.
More information on the John Cracknell Youth Enterprise Bank and application forms are available here. Completed applications must be submitted to charles.cracknell@hullcc.gov.uk by Tuesday 12 September.
Yorkshire renewables business continues acquisitive expansion
Cleantech business Green Building Renewables (GBR) has expanded its UK nationwide network into Hampshire and onto the South Coast by acquiring Solar Voltaics – the eighth renewables company to join the York-headquartered business.
By joining Green Building Renewables’ fast-growing network, Solar Voltaics helps increase the company’s annual turnover to £35 million. The merger will also help create jobs in the region.
Green Building Renewables offers a range of renewable technology solutions through its growing network of local energy experts. It provides Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps, underfloor heating, solar PV, EV charging, and battery storage.
The decision to expand onto the South Coast comes as part of Green Building Renewables’ strategic vision to extend the benefits of solar energy to communities across the country.
Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney, said: “The pedigree of Solar Voltaics’ work precedes it. The reputation of the company and the quality and scale of the work it has done in the region is incredible, and I am delighted to have them join the Green Building Renewables family and network of regional offices.
“We continue to grow our nationwide network by acquiring respected and reputable businesses like Solar Voltaics. We welcome the Nutbourne team to ours. The South Coast is known for its rich natural beauty and vibrant communities, making it an ideal location for Green Building Renewables to expand.
“We want to expand upon the excellent work of Solar Voltaics and help empower businesses and residents alike in the region to switch to clean energy, reducing their carbon footprint and benefiting the environment.”
Solar Voltaics was founded by Michael Turner, a successful local entrepreneur and businessman. Michael has ten years of experience in the aerospace materials industry with Rolls Royce plc and British Aerospace. He founded the company in 2010 and has helped grow the company to success over the last twelve years.
On joining Green Building Renewables, Michael said: “I am extremely proud of what the team at Solar Voltaics has achieved since I founded the company.
“Our mission has always been to ensure customers understand how solar PV technology can work for them, how it is installed and what financial benefits they can expect from an installation designed to their specific requirements and budget.
“The vision of Green Building Renewables matched our own, and we’re delighted to become a part of their network when renewable technologies and alternatives to fossil fuels have never been more needed.
“We pride ourselves on ensuring that customers are completely satisfied with their decision to adopt Solar PV technology, and we adhere to a strict code of conduct to provide high levels of reassurance that their systems will perform as expected for many years.
“Our team provides quality service and work; joining Green Building Renewables and becoming part of something bigger is a fantastic opportunity for them to share our combined skills further. Green Building Renewables allows the team to offer more services and products to our customers in the region.”
In due course, Solar Voltaics will rebrand to Green Building Renewables as it becomes a part of the company’s nationwide network of local renewable technology installers and helps recruit new Solar PV installers and heat pump engineers nationwide.
Green Building Renewables is an Efficient Building Solutions business. Philip Fellowes-Prynne, Efficient Building Solutions CEO, said: “Efficient Building Solutions’ mission is to lead the UK’s transformation to efficient, sustainable buildings.
“Green Building Renewables’ rapid growth and expansion in the last 18 months, from a turnover of £3m to £35m, reflect the demand for low-carbon and renewable technology in the UK. Chris and his team are building a network of renewable experts that we believe will be unrivalled in the UK for their combined experience and knowledge.
“We seek suitable businesses to acquire and join the Green Building Renewables network. We aim to be the largest renewable installation business in the UK by 2024, with a turnover of £100m. Solar Voltaics is exactly the type of company we want to become a part of our business.”
Harrogate confectionery business makes fresh acquisition
The Serious Sweets Company (SSC), a Harrogate-based independent confectionery business, has acquired the share capital and branded interests of Nom Bites Ltd, and with it the Lexi’s range of mallow and protein bars for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 2020 by Alexei Khatiwada, who set out to ‘create a range of delicious, healthier, allergy-friendly treats’, Lexi’s is an award winning supplier of mallow crispy rice treats and protein bars, with availability across D2C, Ocado, Amazon and Foodservice channels.
SSC manufactures and supplies premium own-label treats to all major retailers in the UK together with a successful international business, and has established SSC Brands to manage its branded interests.
In 2022, SSC acquired Mighty Fine, the premium honeycomb brand, and Mr Stanley’s, the quintessentially English gifting confectionery brand to its stable. Earlier this year it also acquired Mallow & Marsh, the UK’s leading marshmallow brand, and the wholesale manufacturing arm of John Bull, now renamed the Real Candy Co.
Rob Whitehead, cheerleader and MD at SSC, said: “We’re delighted to bring Lexi’s into our family and continue the journey that Alexei and Shama have brilliantly led.
“Gluten, dairy and nut free bars fit perfectly into our stable of current brands, enabling us to offer customers a combination of indulgent treats and more healthy treats, ideal for customers with specific dietary needs, or those looking for a healthier snack.
“We will be sharing the range with our customers over the next few months and look forward to developing Lexi’s alongside all our brands over the next few years.”
Alexei Khatiwada, founder (‘Captain Crispy’), said: “This acquisition marks an exciting milestone for Lexi’s, as we capitalise on the growing demand for our award-winning treats.
“I’m proud that Lexi’s has helped deliver more inclusive treats to a mainstream audience and it’s been a pleasure to see the growth of the brand, which started in my home kitchen and has now sold millions of treats across the UK. I’m delighted to see SSC’s ambition and desire to grow the brand further and continue this exciting journey.”
A committed food industry lifer, Rob Whitehead has had a successful career buying, developing and growing several food businesses for the last 25 years.
In 2014, Rob realised that the crafted food movement was in full swing, not just at farm shops and independent retailers, but increasingly through major supermarkets in many food categories. At the same time, he felt premium sweets were missing from this growth opportunity.
Driven by memories of wonderous childhood treats yet huge frustration with the ‘unacceptably miserable face of boring sweets’ dominating so many shop aisles, Rob set up SSC. His aim was twofold – to retain craft skills and small batch passion which are the hallmarks of quality English confectionery, and bring investment for new thinking & innovation back into the market.
Adding Lexi’s to this stable now enables SSC Brands to offer customers a broad range of treats, from the purely indulgent to the more healthy snack, meeting a full range of consumer needs.
New Defra fund offers grants to support SME capital projects
Funding is available to support rural businesses and communities via the Rural England Prosperity Fund which has been launched by DEFRA.
The Rural England Prosperity Fund aims to support capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure, to help improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
Capital funding is available for:
- New and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities of wider benefit to the local economy, including farm businesses looking to diversify.
- New and improved community infrastructure to provide essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.
- Towns, villages and hamlets with populations below 10,000 and the wider countryside.
- Market or ‘hub towns’ with populations of up to 30,000 that serve their surrounding rural areas as centres of employment and in providing services.
Ideal launches heat pump production line in Hull as part of £60m investment
Ideal Heating has launched the first UK heat pump production line at its Hull site as part of £60m investment as the business undergoes a major transformation working towards the green heating solutions to support the UK’s drive to net zero.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, visited Ideal Heating’s Hull factory to mark the start of heat pump production by the company in the UK.
The new heat pump production line forms part of a £60m investment programme at the Hull site, which includes an expanded distribution hub, a research and development centre to pioneer the heating technologies of the future, and a heat pump manufacturing facility.
Ideal Heating has also invested more than £2m in a flagship training centre in Hessle, East Yorkshire – one of the heating industry’s largest and best-equipped training facilities and where up to 5,000 installers every year can gain the skills to install and service heat pumps.
Shaun Edwards, CEO of Groupe Atlantic UK, Republic of Ireland and North America, said: “The transition to low carbon heating solutions including heat pumps is the biggest transformation in the business since we moved from coal to gas-fired boilers in the 1930s.
“The major investments we’re making at our Hull site send out a very clear signal about our commitment to the net zero transition and to re-modelling our business to meet the needs of our customers today and into the future.
“For decades the name Ideal has been associated with boilers and other market-leading heating products. With the start of heat pump production and the many other investments we’re making, we’re now pushing strongly forward with renewable technologies that will play an ever-growing role in heating the UK’s homes and commercial premises.”
Ideal Heating’s transition to renewable heating solutions will play a key role in the UK’s green industrial revolution.
A huge decarbonisation of housing stock must take place for the UK to achieve net zero status by 2050, as homes account for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Lord Callanan’s visit to Hull is recognition of the vital role played by Ideal Heating in the heating industry’s green transition and the company’s status as a major UK manufacturer and employer.
Ideal Heating has a 800-strong workforce in Hull – the majority in manufacturing roles – with a total of around 1,500 employed across the UK by the company and its sister businesses.
Lord Callanan’s visit to the National Avenue site in Hull marked the start of heat pump production on the site. He also officially opened Ideal Heating’s £2.2m National Training and Technology Centre in Hessle.
Growth Hub aims to nurture dozens of start up companies in Yorkshire
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council are coming together and calling on budding entrepreneurs to seize an opportunity to launch a company.
The Strive Live Start-Up Incubator, which has empowered more than 4,000 grassroots entrepreneurs across the UK, is now coming to York and North Yorkshire for three courses beginning in September.
Offering a blend of dynamic live online training, personalised one-to-one advice, and on-demand online learning, the programme equips participants with the skills and knowledge essential for success in today’s fiercely competitive market. One of the programme’s highlights is the opportunity for participants to access grants of up to £2,500 at the end of the programme, fuelling their start-up’s progress and success.
Andrew Raby, York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub manager, said: “We have witnessed tremendous success stories emerge from our previous cohorts. Now, we are thrilled to open our doors to a new wave of talented entrepreneurs. Whether you are already running one or looking to launch your start-up, our tailored programme will provide the support and guidance you need.”
The Strive Live programme is designed to cater to the unique challenges faced by start-ups, with experts working closely with participants to address specific needs and foster growth.
Strive Live Sessions offer two hours of engaging and easy-to-understand concepts, tips, stories, and tools tailored for new start-up businesses. Moreover, participants can benefit from regular one-to-one advice sessions, where experienced professionals offer valuable insights and solutions to challenges.
The programme spans seven weeks of training sessions held online during the evening, featuring access to 20+ interactive e-learning modules and a supportive network of like-minded peers. The first series of the programme begins on Tuesday, 12th September 2023.
Daniela Genova, founder of Cafe Lago di Como in Harrogate, pictured, said: “Strive is an amazing place to learn absolutely everything you need to know about business. But most importantly the team work very hard and they are always available for any questions or concerns. We really enjoyed it and we have learned a lot from the project.”
Heron Foods turns to Sewell Facilities Management for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire stores
Heron Foods has signed up Sewell Facilities Management to keep its stores open for business, with the FM company providing reactive maintenance for the retailer’s stores across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The FM company will be on hand to respond to requests for maintenance assistance for 86 of Heron Food’s 323 stores, covering stores within the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
As well as reacting to urgent issues, such as problems with doors, plumbing and lights, the company will also be completing small maintenance projects, including retiling and small shop repairs.
A quick response time is essential for the retail sector, as even minor problems mean that a shop can’t open to customers, meaning lost revenue.
Anthony Coulam, Senior Facilities Manager at Heron Foods said: “From the team who manage the calls, to the teams delivering the reactive repairs, everyone at Sewell FM understands our needs and delivers the service with professionalism, courtesy and pride. Working with Sewell Group for our reactive maintenance is easy.”
Arco turns to Ripon-based thread supplier for environmentally-friendly switch
Hull-based Arco has begun using environmentally-conscious recycled threads from a company in Ripon in the personalised workwear it produces.
The threads are made from recycled plastic bottles, and are part of the Polyneon Green range from a company called Madeira. They’re made from 100% recycled PET bottles, reducing carbon emissions associated with virgin thread production and reducing the amount of plastic in the environment.
Over the course of 2022, when the trial began, 62% of the cones supplied from Madeira were Polyneon Green. So far in 2023, 67% of the total cones supplied to Arco have been with thread made from the alternative. The trial has involved more than a tonne of thread.
In addition to the thread being made from recycled materials, they are also certified to be free from harmful chemicals. The boxes that the cones are packaged in are made of 66% recycled cardboard and are fully recyclable, the protective wrapper used for each cone is also 100% recyclable.
According to a recent study by the European Environment Agency, EU consumers discard 5.8 million tonnes of textiles annually, two thirds of which from synthetic fibres. This accounts for around 13% of all plastic waste globally.
Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said: “At Arco, we work in partnership with our suppliers, customers and relevant bodies to develop and provide responsible solutions for safer businesses.
“Switching to recycled threads is an example of how Arco is taking action for a safer tomorrow and making it easier for our customers to meet their sustainability and circularity goals and to be confident in making more responsible purchase decisions.”
Andrew Maylor, MD of Madeira UK, said: “As a long-term supplier of embroidery threads and accessories to Arco, we are proud to be working in partnership with them to help take action for a more sustainable future.
“Our Polyneon Green range was created in response to the global demand to reduce plastic bottles. With Polyneon Green, we are reducing the amount of plastic in the environment and making the textile industry more sustainable. Our aim is to develop the range further so that our customers can continue to have more sustainable options to choose from.”
Future dairy farming entrepreneurs invited to apply for bursaries
Future Farmers of Yorkshire is inviting its members to apply for a bursary place on this year’s RABDF Entrepreneurs in Dairying course, starting in the autumn.
This business training programme is for aspiring dairy producers and is organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers in collaboration with The Andersons Centre, AHDB Dairy and the NFU.
Entrepreneurs in Dairying has seen nearly 400 applicants successfully complete the course, all from varying backgrounds within or related to the industry.
The course has provided applicants with contacts and connections to go on and establish their own businesses, whether it be share partnerships, joint ventures, tenancies or development of their existing businesses.
The 2023 Entrepreneurs in Dairying course will be a mixture of face-to-face and online sessions and will run from 11th October to 7th December. Details of the full course programme are available here.
Applications are open until 31st September to attend the 2023 course via the above link.
North Yorkshire dairy farmer Ed Harrison said: “I found the Entrepreneurs in Dairying course really helpful to comprehend the logistical side of running our family farm.
“Since I live and work on our family farm, one day it is likely that me and my brother will be running the farm in place of our parents.
“On the Entrepreneurs in Dairying course we discussed in detail what’s expected in management positions such as: people and time management, recruiting staff and the importance of retaining staff.
“I think this will stand me in good stead when transitioning into a management role on our farm in the future.”
CBI predicts further rises in interest rates
Anna Leach, Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, says interest rates are likely to rise again in the coming months.
She said: “With inflation having come down quicker than expected in June, the pressure was eased on the MPC to deliver another bumper rate rise. But with inflation close to 8% – quadruple the Bank’s target – and wage growth around 7%, interest rates are likely to head higher in coming months.
“Economic conditions remain challenging for households and businesses alike. For firms, the cost of inputs is a third higher than pre-pandemic, the labour market remains very tight driving up wage and recruitment costs, and demand is sluggish.
“Meanwhile, real incomes are still falling for households and higher interest rates are squeezing spending power further. To drive up growth and living standards in the UK without generating inflation, we need investment to increase the productive capacity of the economy. ”
“Improvements in the tax and regulatory system – as recommended in our recently published tax roadmap and green growth reports – can provide a platform for transforming the UK economy.”
Council considers licensing scheme to tackle rogue landlords
North Lincolnshire Council is to consult on a new licensing scheme that aims to tackle rogue landlords in parts of Scunthorpe that are hotspots for anti-social behaviour, unsafe homes, and public health issues.
If approved, all landlords in the designated areas would have to apply for a license to be able to rent out homes.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Families & Communities, said: “The council tries to work with landlords to ensure they provide decent homes and that their tenants are not causing problems in their communities.
“But in some parts of North Lincolnshire this approach is not working with a few rogue landlords who are not working in the interests of their tenants and the communities they live in.
“A new licensing scheme in these areas would give the council more powers to intervene and protect tenants from poor accommodation and their neighbours from anti-social behaviour.
“We will consult on this new scheme in the coming weeks and if supported will have a new scheme in place as soon as possible.”
The areas covered by the licensing scheme would include Crosby, Town and Park wards and some streets in the Frodingham ward in Scunthorpe.
