Interest rates rise again
The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the 14th time in a row, to 5.25%, as it looks to fight inflation.
It marks a quarter percentage point increase and comes despite inflation coming down quicker than expected in June. However at just under 8% inflation remains quadruple the Bank’s target.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 6–3 to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points. Two members preferred to increase Bank Rate by 0.5 percentage points, to 5.5%, and one member preferred to maintain Bank Rate at 5%.
The Bank noted that inflation is expected to fall to around 5% by the end of the year, accounted for by lower energy, and to a lesser degree, food and core goods price inflation. Services price inflation, however, is projected to remain elevated at close to its current rate in the near term. Inflation is anticipated to return to the 2% target by 2025 Q2.
A statement from the Bank of England said: “Inflation in the UK has begun to fall, the economy is growing and unemployment is low. But inflation is still too high. In June, prices were 7.9% higher than a year ago, well above our target of 2%.
“As the UK’s central bank, an independent body, our job is to keep price rises in the UK low and steady. The best way we can make sure inflation comes down and stays down is to raise interest rates. So that’s what we’re doing.
“We’ve raised our interest rate to 5.25% this month.
“Higher interest rates mean higher costs for some people. We know that is not easy when there is already a lot of pressure on their finances.
“But if we don’t raise interest rates now, high inflation could stay with us for longer. That hits everyone, particularly those who can least afford it.
“We expect inflation to fall further to around 5% this year and meet our 2% target by early 2025. That means prices would still be rising, but they would be only rising gradually.”
Anna Leach, deputy chief economist, CBI, 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.”
Stronger than expected first half for Belvoir Group
Belvoir Group, the property franchise and financial services group with its central office in Grantham, has witnessed a “stronger than expected” first half.
According to a trading update, revenue during the six months to 30 June 2023 increased by 3% on 2022, with revenue growth in both its property franchise and financial services adviser networks, despite more challenging market conditions in the first half of 2023.
The business noted that it is “outperforming the market across all three of its revenue streams; lettings, sales and financial services.”
Dorian Gonsalves, CEO of Belvoir Group, said: “Our tried-and-tested franchise business model, the diversity of our income streams, the recurring nature of our lettings revenue and our successful acquisition strategy, both at franchisee and corporate level, have enabled the group to meet and overcome the challenges currently facing the property sector.
“Our franchisees derive 80% (H1 2022: 78%) of their income from recurring lettings fees and have benefitted from increasing rents. This has more than offset the impact of a reduction in UK housing transactions in H1 2023. Meanwhile, our financial services advisers have been able to meet client demand for remortgages and product transfers in the face of increasing mortgage rates and this has mitigated the reduction in new purchase mortgages.
“The high degree of uncertainty created in the property and mortgage markets following the mini budget in September 2022 and subsequent interest rate rises, resulted in a drop-off in mortgage applications and house sales instructions towards the end of 2022 and made it very difficult to forecast the impact of increasing bank base rates on these markets in 2023.
“However, the outperformance of our business model continues to reflect the entrepreneurial nature of our franchisees and self-employed financial services advisers, who remain entirely focused on maximising the opportunities presented in all market conditions.”
Streets Chartered Accountants covers tax topics, NICs, alcohol duty changes and Investment Zones in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers tax topics, NICs, alcohol duty changes and Investment Zones in its latest monthly news roundup.
South Yorkshire first UK Investment Zone
It was announced as part of the Spring Budget 2023 measures that the government would establish twelve Investment Zones across the UK, subject to successful proposals. South Yorkshire has now been named as the first of the UK Investment Zones…
What do we mean by cost of living?
A simple dictionary definition of cost of living would probably say something like:
The level of prices relating to a range of everyday items…
The problem is, the price inflation for food, or fuel for your car, or heating costs will vary. Although inflation is quoted as just under 9% in the UK, this disguises the true rate of cost increases in different sectors…
Getting a SA302 tax calculation
The SA302 tax calculation and tax year overview documents are commonly used as evidence of income for loan or mortgage purposes for the self-employed. The forms have become more widely used since the mortgage rules have required evidence of income for the self-employed. The SA302 provides this evidence for the last four years Self-Assessment tax returns…
Tax on savings interest
If you have taxable income of less than £17,570 in 2023-24 you will have no tax to pay on interest received. This figure is calculated by adding the £5,000 starting rate limit for savings (where 0% of the interest is taxable) to the current £12,570 personal allowance. However, it is important to note that if your total non-savings income exceeds £17,570 then the starting rate limit for savings is unavailable…
Tax on property you inherit
If you inherit property, you are usually not liable to pay tax on the inheritance you receive. This is because any Inheritance Tax (IHT) due should be paid out of the deceased’s estate before any cash or assets are distributed to the estate beneficiaries…
When you don’t have to pay Capital Gains Tax
In most cases, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to be paid on the transfer of assets to a spouse or civil partner. There is, however, still a disposal that has taken place for CGT purposes, effectively, at no gain or loss on the date of the transfer. When the asset ultimately comes to be sold the gain or loss will be calculated from when the asset was first owned by the original spouse or civil partner…
Filling gaps in your NIC record
National Insurance credits can help qualifying applicants fill gaps in their National Insurance record. This can assist taxpayers in building up the number of qualifying years of National Insurance contributions and which can also increase the amount of benefits a person is entitled to, such as the State Pension…
Check a UK VAT number is valid
The check a UK VAT number service is available at: www.gov.uk/check-uk-vat-number.
This service allows users to check:
- if a UK VAT registration number is valid; and
- the name and address of the business the number is registered to…
‘Fairtrade Community’ status renewed in Hull
Hull has once again been recognised as a Fairtrade Community, ensuring farmers and workers in developing countries around the world are paid a fair price for their goods, earn a living wage and their communities benefit from educational and medical provisions.
The accolade was awarded by the UK Fairtrade Foundation and proves the city’s commitment to have promoted Fairtrade across Hull through campaigns and events, as well as demonstrating that a wide range of people and organisations are involved.
Hull’s Fairtrade Partnership is made up of representatives from voluntary, community and faith sector groups, Fairtrade activists, council officers, elected members, local Fairtrade businesses and Hull University Student Union.
Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council and chair of the Hull Fairtrade Partnership said: “Hull has always had time to stand up for social justice and is proud to be recognised as a Fairtrade Community.
“Every action taken to support Fairtrade locally challenges unfair trade practices and advocates for decent workers’ rights, safer working conditions and fairer pay for farmers and workers globally.
“Everyone involved in the Hull Fairtrade Partnership and many others who have supported our local Fairtrade campaigns should be proud that Hull has achieved this award.”
Hull City Council passed a resolution to become a Fairtrade City in 2005.
Isabelle Tracy, Co-op Member Pioneer and Hull Fairtrade Partnership member, added: “The Co-op pioneers Fairtrade products as part of our mission to promote the aims of the World Fairtrade Organisation and Fairtrade Charter.
“As a Co-op Member Pioneer, I help to drive Co-op’s commitment to ethical trade and local community activism.
“I am proud to have supported Fairtrade events in Hull over the past two years and look forward to many more of them.”
Rotherham set to agree £6.4m of funding to support economy
Ensuring that more residents benefit from a more inclusive local economy is at the heart of proposals set to be considered by Rotherham Council.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet are set to allocate the £6.4m of borough’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) monies next month.
Recommendations on how to use the funding is focused on increasing opportunities for residents across the borough in employment, skills and support to local businesses.
Proposals for the funding will be allocated across three areas, including:
- Supporting Local Business
- People and Skills
- Communities and Place
BT Group’s flagship Sheffield office building reaches key milestone
BT Group has marked a key milestone in the development of its multi-million-pound new home in Sheffield, as the state-of-the-art building was formally handed over from developer, Scarborough Group International (SGI).
The tech and telecommunications firm celebrated the latest phase of construction of its Endeavour building, which will serve as its new South Yorkshire base, alongside representatives from SGI and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire.
Delegates gathered at the seven-storey, 65,000 sq ft office building to hold a hand-over ceremony, marking the completion of the building’s structure and preparing it for the next phase of its development.
BT Group will now progress the fit-out and kit-out of the building to prepare to welcome staff next year.
Endeavour forms part of BT Group’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK.
Sheffield joins other key locations including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Glasgow in undergoing a workplace transformation under the Programme. It also follows the multi-million-pound refurbishments of BT Group’s contact centres across the UK, including its site in nearby Doncaster.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “It’s great to see businesses like BT expanding their base here in South Yorkshire, not only creating a brilliant working environment for their teams but redeveloping a key site in Sheffield City Centre, too.
“The Endeavor building is located within South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone – the first to launch in the UK. It’s a really exciting time for our region as we work to make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses, and I’m glad BT are going to remain a part of it.”
Brent Mathews, property director at BT Group, said: “This investment demonstrates BT Group’s continued commitment to Sheffield and Yorkshire, which remains central to our long-term plans.
“Our Better Workplace Programme is about modernising the spaces where our colleagues work and giving them buildings and facilities they can be proud of.
“The handover ceremony is a key landmark in our journey towards opening this state-of-the-art building for our colleagues in the region, and we look forward to opening the doors to them next year.”
BT Group will take up all floors in the 65,000 sq ft building.
The state-of-the-art Endeavour building is the final phase of the acclaimed Sheffield Digital Campus and will allow colleagues to collaborate and to work more efficiently, helping to boost the service it provides to customers.
Adam Varley, development director at SGI, said: “Our decision to proceed with the speculative development of Endeavour in the midst of the pandemic was driven by our confidence that the building would have a meaningful impact on the wider city, stimulating the creation of new jobs and driving economic growth; a decision that was later rewarded having secured BT Group.
“Throughout the construction of the building, we worked collaboratively with BT Group’s Property team to ensure that it fully aligned with their ambitions to create a truly unique and innovative workplace and we’re delighted to officially welcome them to their new home so that they can start their fit-out process.”
R&D claims to come under greater scrutiny, as HMRC reveals £1 billion of ‘fraud and error’
Challenges against R&D claims are set to ‘intensify’ for businesses, after HMRC uncovered more than £1 billion of ‘fraud and error’.
A new report from HMRC has revealed £1.13 billion of fraud and error in research and development tax credits claimed by SMEs in 2020-21.
According to the report, the overall level of error and fraud for both R&D tax relief schemes (SME and RDEC) across all sectors of the economy was the equivalent to 16.7% of claims, significantly higher than HMRC’s previously published estimate of 3.6%.
Ross Northall, BDO partner and head of Innovation Taxes for the North, said: “This announcement will have a significant impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, as it cements HMRC’s stance on R&D claims and the level of challenge it’s prepared to undertake against potential fraud and error. What is clear is this level of scrutiny is not going to go away and will in fact intensify, as HMRC seeks to use newly introduced legislation to challenge claims.”
In August, tighter rules around R&D claims will come into force. Claimants or their R&D advisers will have to fill in an Additional Information Form which is designed to allow HMRC to quickly assess the validity of any claim and the level of expertise of any R&D agent used to prepare the claim. HMRC has also risk-profiled claims across the different business sectors and by size of claim.
Northall added: “Businesses will need to ensure more than ever that they are clearly demonstrating their qualifying activities to HMRC when submitting claims and, where they use professional advisors to support them in doing this, that they have the skills needed to provide high quality advice and support to these businesses.
“Failure to do so could result in HMRC opening enquiries that will prove expensive and time consuming to deal with. Should HMRC be successful in their challenge, it will also result in the denial of relief, potential penalties, and the possibility of HMRC also looking at earlier submitted claims, further compounding the problem.”
The figures come as the government unveiled draft legislation to change the UK R&D regime, with proposals to merge two schemes – the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and the small or medium enterprises (SME) R&D relief.
The aim of the single R&D relief scheme is to achieve tax simplification, including having a single set of qualifying rules, particularly around subcontractor costs and in the restriction of claims where R&D work is deemed to be subsidised.
Northall warned that the changes could go ‘too far too fast’ if implemented from April 2024, hitting innovative businesses and creating more uncertainty. He said: “Following the review of R&D reliefs launched in Rishi Sunak’s 2021 Spring Budget, the government has taken many steps to reduce the costs of the UK’s R&D scheme to get better ‘value for money’ – while this is understandable, I’d argue that this latest move is going to prove the most disruptive yet.
“Given all the recent changes, creating yet more uncertainty by changing the R&D regime again for accounting periods beginning on or after April 2024 could risk turning innovative businesses away from investing in the UK.”
The current SME and Research & Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) schemes offer different rates of relief with the SME scheme being more generous – even after the reductions in tax relief from 1 April 2023.
Northall continued: “Under the proposals, many start-up and growing businesses will be concerned that they will get even less tax relief under a combined scheme – although the higher relief for R&D intensive businesses looks set to continue – albeit running alongside the new scheme.
“Businesses understand that the government will move the goalposts to make it harder for fraudsters to win tax reliefs from HMRC. But, making radical changes to tax law at such short notice not only creates uncertainty for compliant businesses it also risks introducing new rules with loopholes that fraudsters can exploit further down the line.
“The government has not made a final decision to push these changes through from April 2024 and I believe the changes should be delayed until at least 2026 so that they don’t damage the R&D investment the relief is supposed to support.”
Renewable energy projects to get more development cash from government
A multi-million-pound boost for cleaner, more secure energy will make Britain the ‘first choice’ for investors, says Energy Secretary Grant Shapps when he announced a £22million increase in Government backing for renewables through the flagship “Contracts for Difference” scheme.
The scheme – launched in 2014 – is the Government’s main system for supporting low-carbon electricity generation and has already led to an increase in the proportion of the UK’s energy coming from renewables.
In 2022, renewables fuelled around 42 per cent of the UK’s electricity generation – up from 7 per cent in 2010 – compared to around 21 per cent in the US and 23 per cent in Japan.
In the first quarter of 2023, renewables generated a record 48 per cent of our electricity, all making strong progress towards our targets to deliver a decarbonised power sector by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: “Our successful, world-leading scheme has accelerated the roll-out of renewable, homegrown energy.
“Today’s increase will improve energy security and maximise the potential of the scheme. This will result in investment, a stronger renewables sector and growth to our economy.”
The increased funding combined with the introduction of annual auctions, will boost investments in Britain’s world-leading renewable industry, while strengthening the UK’s energy security, fostering growth in the country’s green industries and reducing exposure to volatile global gas prices. Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said the Russian invasion of Ukraine had made it plan that the UK had to do whatever was necessary to bolster the country’s energy security. Funding through our flagship Contracts for Difference scheme – the lifeblood of our renewables industry for nearly a decade – will help grow our economy by making Britain the first choice for investors in renewable energy projects and secure skilled jobs for future generations.“This will be the case for established technologies like solar, and new innovations like floating offshore wind and, alongside our backing for oil and gas, carbon capture and our revival in nuclear, will ensure we can help power more of Britain from Britain for decades to come.”
Today’s new funding for the current round (AR5) will mean:- An increased budget for established technologies such as solar and offshore wind – from £170 million to £190 million;
- An increase in the budget for emerging technologies such as floating offshore wind – up from £35 million to £37 million; and
- Maintaining £10 million ring-fenced budget for tidal stream projects
British Steel is at the heart of £35m railway station transformation
Scunthorpe-based British Steel is at the heart of a £35million transformation of Middlesbrough Rail Station – with a 200-tonne crane lifting in 40 tonnes of beams and columns.
They will form part of the ticket hall, new staircase, wall structures and undercroft, breathing new life into the site with new walkways and spaces for businesses, and providing increased capacity for more rail services.
An extension to the existing Platform 2 to cater for intercity rail services and a new Platform 3 to accommodate the planned increase in passenger rail services in the coming years are all part of the huge revamp. Work is being carried out by Story Contracting from Carlisle on behalf of Network Rail.
British Steel Strategy and Marketing Director Lisa Coulson said: “Building Stronger Futures is what we are about at British Steel and we are delighted we have been able to manufacture and supply vital materials to such an important and transformative project. In this case a local workforce has been key to the development of a pivotal project on their own doorstep.”
The project is set to be completed next year.
Hull property owners urged to keep it clean after £2,000 nuisance penalty
Hull City Council is urging landlords and property owners to maintain the cleanliness of their land, after a prosecution that resulted in fines and costs totalling more than £2k.
M3A Property Investment Limited has been prosecuted by Hull City Council for failing to deal with the condition of a property on Mayfield Avenue, which was causing a statutory nuisance due to the presence of waste accumulated on site.
Action was taken by Hull City Council’s environmental enforcement officers, in response to complaints from members of the public.
Hull Magistrates fined M3A Property Investment Ltd for failing to deal with the condition of the property. With costs, the penalty amounted to £2,338.
Councillor Julia Conner, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “As a council, we will always listen and respond to complaints from the public about environmental crimes.
“Landlords and property owners must take responsibility for any waste on their land as it can blight the neighbourhood, is unfair on other residents and the council will ensure there are consequences for failure to do so.”
Hull City Council continues to recommend that residents in rented, and non-rented accommodation, dispose or recycle their household waste through approved services – including any of the recycling centres throughout the city, household collection schemes and bulky household collection service.
The Council also urges anyone using non-Council services to collect and remove waste, to check that the people doing the work are authorised to do so. To check if a person is authorised to take waste, visit the Environment Agency or call 03708 506 506. To report untidy land, call 01482 300 300.
South Yorkshire specialists team up with South Africa and America to develop new weld repair technology
Rotherham’s Nuclear AMRC is working with engineers from South Africa and America to develop a new weld repair technique to meet quality requirements for safety-critical fabrications.
The research involves WeldCore technology developed for the power generation and petrochemical industries by eNtsa, an engineering technology institute based at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa.
WeldCore was developed to cut core samples for material analysis from high-pressure components such as steam pipes, and uses a solid-state welding technique known as friction tapered hydro pillar processing (FTHPP) to permanently plug the hole and allow the component to remain in operation.
The Nuclear AMRC has been developing electron beam welding techniques for reactor pressure vessels since 2018, in an ongoing collaboration with US-based research institute EPRI. The team have successfully demonstrated how electron beam welding can help slash the production time and cost of reactor pressure vessels for a new generation of small modular reactor (SMR), by replacing multiple arc welded passes with a single deep-penetration power beam weld.
But as in any welding process, there’s always the risk of a defect which could lead to significant costs and delays, or even the scrapping of the entire fabrication. Before the process can be used in the nuclear sector, there must be a proven method for repairing such flaws.
Will Kyffin, head of welding and materials at the Nuclear AMRC, said: “Codes and standards require you to have an effective repair strategy in place. This work is addressing one of the most severe types of flaw, where the electron beam welding process can’t be used to repair the flaw itself.”
Communicating clearly: Plans could put £160m into high-tech satellite development
British innovators working to revolutionise 5G and broadband coverage for every corner of the UK could be in line to secure up to £160 million from a scheme to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announced today.
Low Earth Orbit satellites represent the next generation of space technology, offering unparalleled resilience and resistance to disabling attempts. Their vital importance was demonstrated during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when they ensured continuous and reliable connectivity, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO) would build on our country’s established and growing satellites industry by providing UK researchers and businesses with critical support to drive the development of new constellations.
This would include supporting smarter satellites with better hardware, using AI to make data delivery faster and connecting satellites together for improved connection – all creating interconnected networks serving billions worldwide. The proposed scheme would ensure UK businesses are supported in developing the next generation of low Earth orbit satellites, driving the UK’s thriving satellite industry towards global leadership.
The development would mark the UK’s most significant ever investment in satellite communications, unleashing our country’s potential to become global giants of the satellite industry while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs to boost the Prime Minister’s priority of growing our economy.
This package would be complemented by a range of live 5G integration projects such as the 5G testing facility at ESCAT in Harwell, Oxfordshire, aiming to establish networks in underserved and remote areas, bringing high-speed internet and connections to every single part of the UK, while addressing a major priority to improve Future Telecoms, as laid out in the government’s Science and Technology Framework.
Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Tackling the digital divide is at the heart of empowering our citizens wherever they live, and by investing in the vital research and development that CLEO would facilitate, we can level up our country while growing the economy through high-quality jobs.
“This proposed record investment is also potentially a huge opportunity to harness our reputation as a world leader in innovation and R&D investment, supporting leading UK businesses to deliver the next generation of satellites and positioning the UK as true space superpower.”
To propel the UK’s capabilities and long-term ambitions in the space sector, the government is exploring grant funding of up to £100 million. The government is also exploring whether to support this grant funding with an additional £60 million from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) UK-backed Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which supports UK industry in delivering commercial satellite communications infrastructure. The scheme would establish UK leadership in many critical areas for the next generation of LEO satellite communication technologies such as AI and machine learning.Carl lands regional trainer role with care provider
Carl Taylor from Cleethorpes has been appointed regional trainer for care home provider HICA.
He will provide learning and development to staff across a number of HICA’s care home and care services in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire including Grimsby Homecare, The Anchorage, Prospect House, The Birches, The Wolds, and Cranwell Court.
Carl will spearhead the delivery of comprehensive induction training to new recruits, ensuring they embrace the core values and ethos that have earned HICA Group its reputation for excellence in person-centred care. He will also provide requalification training to existing employees, enabling them to stay up to date with the latest industry standards and practices related to care delivery.
Steve Reed, learning and development manager at HICA Group, said: “Carl is an asset to our organisation and it’s great to have him on board. His expertise in care and education, coupled with his passion for person-centred care, will undoubtedly elevate the training standards across the Group and enhance the quality of our care provision.”
Carl brings extensive experience in the care and education sector, having worked for Kisimul Group which provides education and care for children and adults with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs. Carl has also served as a tutor at the Grimsby Institute, where he taught Level 3 Psychology. His academic background, which includes a BSc degree in Applied Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Wakefield milk supplier falls into administration
Gareth Harris and Lee Lockwood of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Fresh Pastures Limited and School Milk UK Limited.
Established in 2006, Normanton-based Fresh Pastures and School Milk supplied diary and breakfast products to thousands of schools, nurseries and councils within 14 local authorities across the UK; and employed 66 employees.
The decision to appoint administrators was made by directors due to difficult ongoing trading conditions and all employees have been made redundant.
RSM was advised by Matthew Brown and Niall Crossley at Gateley LLP.
Gareth Harris, partner at RSM and joint administrator, said: “Unfortunately the business has been loss making for several years, and despite concerted efforts by management it did not prove possible to turnaround performance; or find a buyer for the entire business.
“With further losses predicted over the summer and a large funding requirement imminent, the directors took the difficult decision to close. Schools have broken up for the summer, so we are hopeful that they now have some time to find an alternative supplier before the Autumn term starts.”
Countryside and Leeds Federated partner to build 77 homes near Bradford
Countryside Partnerships, the mixed-tenure developer, has partnered with Leeds Federated housing association to deliver 77 new homes in Birkenshaw near Bradford.
38 of the homes will be owned and managed by Leeds Federated and offered in affordable rent and shared ownership tenures.
The remaining 39 homes will be sold on the open market by Linden Homes, Countryside Partnerships’ sister housebuilding brand.
The new development builds on the relationship between Countryside Partnerships and Leeds Federated, with the two parties currently providing 55 new homes near Dewsbury.
The homes in Birkenshaw will be built using local materials, including red brick, art stone and grey and red concrete tiled roofs. Each home will have garden space, whilst there will also be hedgerow planting, native shrub planting, ornamental planting and tree planting across the site.
Construction work is set to start in September.
Andrew Poyner, Managing Director of Countryside Partnerships Yorkshire, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Leeds Federated again to bring forward this development.
“The site will offer a good mix of homes in different tenures, helping to meet housing need and giving people a great opportunity to live locally. We’re also utilising the strengths of our unique business model by using our housebuilding brand Linden Homes to market the open market properties.”
Stephen Ellis, head of development at Leeds Federated, said: “It is a real pleasure to be partnering with Countryside Partnerships again to deliver additional good quality, new, affordable homes for affordable rent and shared ownership.
“We are very excited to be involved in this new development in Birkenshaw which will help more people build their futures.”
West Yorkshire forklift firm expands green offering following £656,000 funding injection
A Dewsbury-based forklift and warehouse equipment dealership is set to increase its turnover by a fifth after introducing Net Zero lithium-ion vehicles, thanks to support from Lloyds Bank.
Forktruck Solutions sells and repairs forklift trucks and warehouse equipment to customers across the UK. In a bid to become more sustainable, it decided to pivot its business strategy post-pandemic from selling only gas and diesel-powered vehicles to offer lithium-ion forklift trucks.
To store and process the new carbon zero stock, the company secured £600,000 from Lloyds Bank to expand its warehouse by 31% from 4,000 sq ft to 13,000 sq ft.
A further £56,250 of funding from Lloyds Bank was used to install solar panels, six electric car charging stations for employees, LED lighting throughout its warehouse and offices, and two living moss walls to help improve air quality.
Since expanding the premises, the business has employed six new salespeople, three service support employees and four engineers.
The business has also increased its turnover from £1.1million to £7million over the past three years.
Now, it is targeting 20% growth per year and forecasts a £15-20million turnover in the next five years.
Simon Penny Smith, Managing Director of Forktruck Solutions, said: “While lockdown caused great disruption to the business, we used the time to take stock of what we were offering and what our customers wanted.
“There was an increasing demand for more sustainable vehicles, so we decided to introduce the lithium-ion technology to our customer base and beyond. Since, the business has gone from strength to strength and our customers are reaping the benefits with huge savings on fuel and massive carbon reductions in their operations.
“From increasing productivity to saving around 10-15 tonnes of carbon each year, the new trucks will also save our customers about 70% in fuel cost alone compared to traditional forklift trucks. Thanks to Lloyds Bank, we’ve been able to really focus on becoming more sustainable and now have the space to stock the new lithium forklift trucks.
“The support has also allowed us to look ahead and embrace sustainable opportunities on-site. For us, it’s important we practice what we preach and operate in the most energy-efficient way possible.”
Craig Smith, relationship manager for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We are proud to be supporting a business like Forktruck Solutions that realises the long-term benefits of operating more sustainably.
“The firm is now providing customers with a greener alternative while also reducing its own carbon emissions, a perfect example of how a business can help our region on the road to Net Zero.
“We’ll continue to be by the side of Forktruck Solutions, and other sustainably-minded businesses across the region, and look forward to supporting them as they continue on their sustainable journey.”
Criminal solicitors acquired by East Yorkshire firm
Williamsons Solicitors has acquired a criminal law practice in a deal regarded as a “coup.”
Hull-based Amber Solicitors LLP, comprising well-known solicitors Ian Phillip and Richard Fowler, became part of Williamsons on August 1.
Both firms have a reputation in criminal law spanning decades, with Williamsons Solicitors providing a broader range of private client services via its offices in Hull, Driffield and Bridlington.
Acting head of Williamsons’ criminal law department Marc Pollard said that clients from the two firms would benefit from the enhanced combination of skills and experience.
“Both Ian and Richard have a fantastic reputation and they will fit in perfectly as we have a shared ideology and an established relationship through many years of working in Hull and surrounding areas. It’s a real coup for us and we are very excited to have them on board.”
Richard Fowler and Ian Phillip started Amber Solicitors in the late 1990s, rapidly gaining a reputation for challenging authority and fighting for the underdog. Ian became one of the youngest solicitor advocates in the city and has worked on many high-profile cases, with Richard mainly working “at the coal face” of criminal law.
Richard Fowler said: “We are very proud of our reputation, so it was important that we became part of an equally well-respected and principled firm. It will also provide Ian and I with the opportunity to give back a little by helping a new generation of criminal lawyers through Williamsons’ excellent training schemes.”
He added that joining Williamsons would allow for expansion and the ability to provide clients with “global” representation through Williamsons Solicitors’ wide range of law services.
Neil Waterhouse, Williamsons Solicitors’ operations director, said that growth of criminal law departments was uncommon in the current era of cuts to legal aid.
“With the acquisition of Amber, we now have combined expertise which is unrivalled locally. We provide an essential service to people who are in urgent need of expert legal representation, and it is vital that we ensure its longevity through smart ways of working and providing career opportunities.”
Cost of rural crime has soared by £9m a year, says insurance company
In its 2023 Rural Crime Report the insurer revealed that rural crime cost the UK an estimated £49.5m in 2022, up from £40.5m the previous year.
The rise comes against a background of soaring values and the low supply of farm machinery worldwide. Criminal gangs have responded by establishing illicit global markets for farm machinery and technology equipment.
As a result, the UK cost of agricultural vehicle theft reported to NFU Mutual soared by 29% to £11.7m in 2022.
A survey of 175 NFU Mutual agents, who are based in rural communities across the UK, found 70% knew farmers who had been repeat victims of rural crime. And 86% said thieves are cashing in on the limited supply of vehicles and rising prices.
NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “As the NFU Mutual’s report highlights, over the past 18 months, highly organised gangs of criminals have continued to plague the British countryside, stealing livestock, high-value farm machinery and expensive GPS equipment, as well as trespassing on private land and regularly fly-tipping tons of rubbish.
“The huge increase we’ve seen in criminal activity is significantly impacting farm businesses and farming families both financially and emotionally, with many rural communities left feeling vulnerable and intimidated.
“All at a time when the industry is facing numerous other pressures, not least soaring production costs.”
David Lloyd Leisure fined £2.55m after drowning at venue in Leeds
David Lloyd Leisure Club Limited has been fined £2.55 million and ordered to pay £258,355.80 in costs at Leeds Crown Court after a three-year-old boy drowned at the the company’s Club in Moortown, Leeds.
During the investigation health and safety inspectors for the council identified inadequate lifeguarding arrangements at the club over a number of years, leading up to the tragic event.
The investigation found that David Lloyds Leisure had been exposing club members to risks contrary to Section 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, between September 1, 2015, and April 22 2018 in the David Lloyd Leisure Club.
Leeds City Council environmental health service are responsible for regulating health & safety standards across a wide range of commercial sectors including retail, wholesale distribution, hotels and catering, offices, and leisure industries.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I would like to begin by offering the councils sincere condolences to the the Wright family, this tragic story underlines the importance for employers and duty holders to ensure that the safety of their employees and customers is a priority.
“I would also like to thank the council’s environmental health and legal teams, and the Barristers from St Paul’s Chambers for their dedication and hard work to ensure David Lloyd Leisure Limited were held accountable for their failings.
“The council will always look to work with and support businesses to meet their legal duties, however we won’t hesitate to take enforcement action in cases of serious and prolonged noncompliance.”
Greater Lincolnshire gets regional ‘defence and security’ status
Greater Lincolnshire is now recognised by the Government as the third of the nation’s new Regional Defence and Security Clusters.
The announcement has come from the Defence and Security Accelerator, created by the Government to accelerate innovation in defence and security in order to keep the UK safe and prosperous.
Established by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the cluster will support innovation in the field of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance.
The ambition is to establish Greater Lincolnshire as a national defence and security innovation, production and service hub and to promote the area’s ability to develop and support vital defence and security programmes.
John Ridge, Director of Defence Innovation at the MOD, said: “Lincolnshire has a long history of manufacturing, research, development, and innovation expertise to generate military capability for the UK and a solid link to innovation and collaboration between MOD and industry.
“The Greater Lincolnshire RDSC lands in the middle of that rich Lincolnshire innovation environment with a key focus on technologies supporting the ISTAR force at RAF Waddington and data science and has positioned itself well to extend that regional contribution.
“It is the MOD’s aspiration that as well as supporting the development of defence and security capabilities for the UK, RDSCs will to promote our ability to develop and support programmes to increase regional wealth through greater public and private inward investment and the creation of high-value, better paid jobs.”
Anita Friend, Head of the Defence and Security Accelerator, said: “In supporting the creation of Regional Defence and Security Clusters in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, the MOD and especially my team within DASA recognised that collaboration between the established industry suppliers, SMEs and academia, supported by regional partnerships, was key to increasing the diversity in the regions to develop, exploit and commercialise advanced innovation for defence and security.
“The Greater Lincolnshire Defence & Security Cluster will have a vital central role in fostering that collaboration for Lincolnshire and as part of the growing network of regional clusters.”
Major General Julian Free CBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Defence and Security Board, said: “Today marks an important milestone for the region as the culmination of a lot of work to connect the regional defence and security sector SME, prime contractor and supply chain community, to raise the profile of the tremendous innovation they are driving to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, and to promote the opportunities for other companies to locate or expand here as part of the cluster.
“It also provides a springboard for individuals to pursue exciting and rewarding high-tech, high-value careers in Greater Lincolnshire.”
The other two existing clusters are the South West RDSC and the Three Counties RDSC in the West Midlands.
