GMI to build £50m York student accommodation scheme
GMI Construction Group Ltd has secured a contract with Olympian Homes for the construction of a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York.
Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq ft site will feature a four storey building comprising of 275 beds and facilities including a gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history the scheme will feature a cinema.
Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards.
This is the latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development to be delivered by Olympian Homes, which is also active in hotel, Build to Rent, co-living and affordable housing sectors. This project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International.
GMI has worked closely with Olympian Homes and its professional team throughout the Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to develop a buildable, cost-effective and sustainable design.
Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, following the completion of archaeological works.
The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete.
Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963.
Latterly the site of the cinema became a car park for the adjacent bingo hall, which has also since closed and is included in the footprint of this PBSA scheme.
GMI, which will utilise a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with this new development bringing the number of student beds it is building in York to almost 600.
This includes 303-beds at a scheme in James Street on behalf of York-based S Harrison Developments, which is currently under construction.
Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s regional director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York.
“Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.”
James Lindridge, COO & development director at Olympian Homes, said: “This marks the delivery phase of another scheme for Olympian Homes and aims to address the undersupply of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation within York. It has been a pleasure to work with the Council, local stakeholders and GMI to deliver this scheme.”
William Sharpey, senior construction manager at Olympian Homes, said: “From identifying GMI as our Contracting Partner on Rialto House to getting on site it has been a positive journey, not without its challenges in a difficult economic environment for construction.
“I look forward to working with GMI on the delivery of the scheme and exploring synergy between our businesses on upcoming opportunities.”
Odsal Stadium hits the market
The Leeds office of property consultancy Knight Frank has been appointed to sell the lease of the iconic Odsal Stadium, the home of the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team.
Opened in 1934, Odsal is a multi-purpose sports stadium which extends to approximately 12.85 acres and is currently the home of Odsal Motorsport, as well as the Bradford Bulls.
The Rugby Football League Ltd (RFL) currently leases Odsal on a 150-year term from Bradford Metropolitan District Council on a peppercorn rent.
Jonathan Hyland, partner with Knight Frank in Leeds, who is advising the Rugby League, said: “This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to acquire one of the most famous sporting stadia in Yorkshire. Odsal has a wonderful history and is one of the jewels in the crown of the city of Bradford.
“We expect a good deal of interest in this sale, given Odsal’s reputation, high-profile and location. Once a preferred buyer has been chosen, they will be granted a period of exclusivity during which they will be required to agree terms for a formal lease with the Bradford Bulls.”
Robert Graham, the RFL’s Director of Finance, Facilities and Central Services, said: “The RFL purchased Odsal in January 2012 because of a specific set of circumstances, which at the time involved a real danger that an historic venue for Rugby League could be lost to the sport.
“This was never envisaged as a permanent position for a national governing body, and after acting as custodians for more than a decade, and with two tenants in Bradford Bulls and Odsal Motorsports Ltd, the circumstances have now developed sufficiently to explore options for sale.”
Odsal Motorsport Ltd has a licence running until 2041, allowing them to host up to 20 events per annum. The current combined income from the two occupiers is approximately £125,000 per annum.
Council reminds firms of green growth grant availability
West Lindsey District Council is reminding firms in its area that Business Sustainability or ‘Green Growth Grants’ are available, offering up to £15,000 to support both capital and revenue projects.
This includes investments in energy-efficient machinery, improvements to the energy efficiency of commercial buildings and can include environmental audits, and carbon surveys to identify savings opportunities prior to a full application. Businesses are required to provide match funding at 30% of project costs.
Chairman of the Council’s Environment and Sustainability Group, Cllr Stephen Bunney is keen to impress the merits of the scheme upon local businesses. He said: “This is not just a grant; it’s an invitation to a greener, more profitable future. As consumer focus shifts towards eco-friendly enterprises, now is the time to reduce emissions, cut waste, and save on energy costs.
“The ‘Green Growth Grant’ is your business’ gateway to meaningful climate action. By focusing on reducing emissions and waste, you can not only save money but also stand out in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.”
After submitting an Expression of Interest, businesses can receive bespoke support from the Lincolnshire Growth Hub. This includes guidance on calculating carbon emissions and crafting an actionable sustainability plan tailored to your business’s unique challenges and opportunities.
West Lindsey District Council’s Economic Growth Specialist Marina Di Salvatore said: “The Green Growth Grant is more than just short-term funding; it’s about setting your business up to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s an investment in long-term sustainability that aligns with both local and global goals, whilst saving you money. Act now and be a part of this transformative journey.”
Yorkshire communications agency backs women’s crew taking on the World’s Toughest Row
Yorkshire-based communications and PR agency, Counter Context, is backing team Ace of Blades – a crew of four women who, on 12 December 2023, will embark on an epic journey to row 3,000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic in a 25-ft boat.
Competing in the ‘The World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic 2023’ (formerly known as the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge), the all-female crew comprises Lizz Watson, Kit Windsor, Laura Langton, and Counter Context director, Beth Motley.
Together with a fleet of 39 other crews from around the world, the team will cross the start in San Sebastian La Gomera, Tenerife rowing two hours on two hours off for anything up to 50 days to cross the finish line in English Harbour, Antigua.
The foursome has set its sights on completing the challenge to fundraise for three charities close to their hearts: Macmillan Cancer Support, The Outward Bound Trust, and Prostate Cymru. Counter Context’s support for the team has put them well on their way to hitting their target of raising £60,000 for their chosen charities.
“All of us at Counter Context are in awe of Beth and her crewmates as they embark on this epic adventure,” explains Alexis Krachai, Managing Director at Counter Context.
“As a company, we like to push ourselves, think about things differently and to consider the world around us. We cannot think of anything more on brand than supporting a colleague who goes ‘I’m going to row the Atlantic’.
“It is also a reminder that beyond our work in communications, there is a huge world out there that needs respecting, exploring, and protecting. What this crew is setting out to achieve embodies the core values which sit at the heart of our business.”
“While there will be four of us actually on the boat during the crossing, rowing an ocean takes an army,” explains Beth. “A huge part of this journey is about getting to the start – and that involves more than just training. Developing partnerships and securing funding for our campaign is a big part of the challenge.
“Having the backing of my colleagues at Counter Context makes a massive difference to us being able to undertake this challenge and support the charities we’re championing. It’s going to be a really proud moment representing the business as we set off from La Gomera in December.”
Yorkshire bedmaker receives two King’s Awards during Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire visit
Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, to its Leeds headquarters to formally receive its two prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade.
The King’s representative visited the 183-year-old bed manufacturer’s Innovation Centre in Leeds to present its two King’s Awards to the company, which is headed by Group Chairman, Simon Spinks.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, is the highest official UK award for British businesses – Harrison Spinks’ latest two awards add to the five it has previously received.
The King’s Award for Innovation was granted in recognition of the company’s significant work as an industry leader in innovation and design, including its design and manufacture of revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs.
Harrison Spinks also secured the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade thanks to its continued focus on manufacturing premium, responsibly sourced, handmade beds and spring components in international markets.
Simon Spinks, Group Chairman for Harrison Spinks, said: “We’re all feeling extremely proud and humbled to have welcomed Mr Ed Anderson to our headquarters to receive our two King’s Awards. He met with colleagues across various areas of the business, acknowledging the group effort that has made these award wins possible.
“These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials and supports other manufacturing businesses both in the UK and overseas – they are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality design while keeping the planet in mind.”
Unity appoints interim chair
Abdul Hamied has been appointed interim chair of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
He succeeds Shruti Bhargava, who has stepped down as chair after nine years, and will be in post for up to 12 months before handing over to a new chair for a six-year term.
Mr Hamied, deputy director of the Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, has served on the Unity board since 2018.
He previously spent six years on the board of Manningham Housing Association in Bradford.
A graduate of Sheffield Hallam University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Sheffield, Mr Hamied has held a series of senior positions in the NHS and local government supporting, facilitating and stimulating transformational change and service improvement.
Established in 1987, Unity Home and Enterprise manages 1,386 properties for tenants from all communities and ethnic backgrounds in Leeds, Huddersfield and Cleckheaton.
Abdul Hamied said: “It is a great privilege to become Interim Chair of such a highly respected and valued organisation with its roots firmly in the local communities it serves.
“I recently attended an away day with Unity’s senior management and fellow board members. As one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, there was a real sense of shared purpose to continue being ambitious, resilient, adaptive and willing to embrace new initiatives whilst ensuring we remain in touch with our customers and committed to tackling inequalities in housing. That is the mantra with which I will approach the year ahead.
“One of my priorities will be to help attract the best possible candidates to lead Unity through the following six years of our development. That process will begin shortly, and I encourage anyone who believes they have what it takes to succeed in the role to get in touch.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Abdul as Interim Chair.
“He brings a wealth of experience and, having worked closely with him since I joined Unity almost three years ago, I am a huge admirer of his talents.
“Abdul’s familiarity with what we do is also incredibly helpful and will enable him to have a swift and positive impact on the many exciting ventures with which we are involved.”
Company prosecuted for failing to secure empty premises
Rotherham Council has successfully prosecuted a company after fire services were called out five times within a year to deal with fires within a derelict building and grounds.
Millside Developments Ltd were taken to court for their failure to comply with notices served under the Anti-social Behavior, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how a former school and training centre, the Millside Centre, on Doncaster Road in Dalton, was visited by Council officers following complaints of fire damage, broken windows, and open access to the building and grounds.
In addition to the reported fires in 2021 and 2022, the building was attracting anti-social behavior, fly tipping and rough sleeping. Concerns had been raised around the potential harm to someone accessing the building, as well as the site having a detrimental effect on the surrounding area.
Following evidence collected on site showing easy access to the building and perimeter, notices were sent to the owners ordering the premises be secured, a structural survey to be carried out, and for the waste to be removed and properly disposed of.
Failing to comply with the notices, the company was found guilty in their absence from court, fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £2,819 costs and a victim surcharge of £2,000.
Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “I hope this case sends out a message to all companies to secure their empty premises and prevent them to be used as a dumping ground for waste.
“It makes the area look unkempt and uncared for, affecting the wellbeing of residents. We are committed to doing what we can to hold owners to account and I am pleased that we have secured these convictions as a deterrent to others.”
Shayne Tottie, Rotherham district commander at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “We welcome this prosecution by Rotherham Council. Repeated call outs to preventable incidents such as this tie up our resources and, more importantly, put lives at risk.
“If you own a business and are not sure what responsibilities you have when it comes to fire safety, we have plenty of resources on our website to help you ensure your business is compliant.”
Director outlines RWE’s net zero ambitions for its work in the Humber
Hull and Humber Chamber’s North East Lincolnshire Area Council met at Grimsby Institute to hear about RWE’s work in and around the Humber from its first UK East Coast Director for Net Zero, Corrine Barry.
Corrine gave members an overview of her role in aligning RWE’s net zero ambitions with those of the Humber, Teesside and surrounding areas, supporting the decarbonisation of local industry.
She also touched on the creation of new jobs, the development of a future skilled workforce and how the industry will benefit the local supply chain and communities.
Corrine told the meeting that RWE is a German company which is responsible for 15% of the UK’s electricity generation, supplying more than 10-million homes.
It is thought the company could be investing up to £15-billion in the Humber by 2030 and part of that would be its next major project on Dogger Bank which will see the installation of a 3GW windfarm.
The company’s primary focus was in the Humber as it was the biggest carbon emitter, along with Teesside.
Talking about recruitment and training, Corinne echoed what other businesses tell the Chamber, that skills shortages are still a key issue. “We’ve recently advertised for some roles for our offshore work – we interviewed 75 people, but out of those we could only appoint 22.”
On a positive note, she added: “We have just appointed four apprentices for our Grimsby hub and they are all female – and that wasn’t because we needed to tick some equality boxes, but because they were the best candidates – and that’s very encouraging.”
Next steps approved for new retirement living scheme in Golcar
Kirklees Council’s Cabinet met yesterday, to discuss the redevelopment of Sycamore Grange.
Members reviewed the proposed budget and approved plans to move forward with the submission of a planning application and required processes for the construction of the new retirement living scheme.
The scheme will now include 41 retirement apartments in addition to nine one-bedroom bungalows, five two-bedroom bungalows and four one-bedroom cottage flats.
Additional housing such as the bungalows and cottage flats will be available for older people. These properties will better suit their needs, as well as freeing up space for other Kirklees families.
Councillor Masood Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways, said: “I’m pleased with the updated plans for the progression of Sycamore Grange’s redevelopment, showing our commitment to supporting older residents to live independently for longer.
“By taking the feedback from the consultation, we’ve tailored the designs to better meet our tenants’ needs. I’m eager to see the continuous progress of this project as work begins next year.”
Next steps will see the council apply for planning permission for the scheme. Subject to the planning and building contract process, it is intended that contractors will start on site in late 2024.
Northallerton dairy farm shares details of journey to net zero
Northallerton father and son dairy farmers Howard and Tom Pattison have welcomed members of the farming and business world to their farm to take them through their journey to become a net zero operation.
In the third in the Future Farming series of events organised by the Centre for Business Innovation and North Yorkshire Council, more than 50 farmers, land agents, and agritech businesses came together at Willow Tree Farm.
The Dairy Farming for the Future event saw the Pattisons show off their 280 dairy herd, 162-hectare business and the steps they have taken towards a reduced carbon footprint. That includes going soy-free as soya has a high carbon footprint, using less fertiliser and focusing on slurry and muck, and changing their herd’s living space.
C4DI’s relationship manager Louise Cooke, said: “Since its official launch in 2022, C4DI Northallerton has seen an acceleration of opportunities for businesses, particularly within the agritech and food manufacturing sectors.
“Our focus has been on growing a community within those sectors as well as other digital tech companies to help support innovation and growth amongst businesses.
“Our event at Willow Tree Farm supported a growing demand to learn more about the evolving changes within agriculture and how digital technology can support that. Our role as a tech incubator is to support traditional business with innovation and to support tech business to scale and grow.
“Having supported thousands of businesses over the last 10 years, we hope to learn more from everyone and grow together through these events.”
Executive member for open to business Cllr Derek Bastiman said: “This session followed on our two other Farming for the Future events and was very much about collaboration. To encourage this, we had several agritech companies there to demonstrate products and there was lots of discussion about how we can work together to meet the needs of farmers.”
He urged North Yorkshire farmers to consider a new farm sustainability programme to support farm businesses to become more financially and environmentally sustainable, being developed through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Support may include farm energy audits, farm carbon footprints, specialist advice around precision agriculture techniques and regenerative agriculture practices.
Up to 50 audits will be funded with applications open in November. Farm businesses with up to 50 employees can apply, with priority given to farms ready to implement the recommended sustainability measures. Find out more about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Inflation stays stubborn
Inflation failed to drop as expected last month, stuck at an annual rate of 6.7%.
Remaining the same as in August, a fall in the price of food and drink has been offset by rises in restaurant, hotel, and fuel costs.
Core inflation meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose 6.1% in the 12 months to September 2023, down from 6.2% in August.
For those presiding over interest rate decisions at the Bank of England, the picture becomes ever-more complex. A continued decline in inflation would have presented a case for rates to stay where they are, but if inflation stays stubbornly high, the Bank may consider the only option to be returning to a stint of rate rises again.
It comes after figures last month presented a welcome, surprise slowdown for inflation and saw a pause to a run of interest rate increases.
Housebuilder submits plans for £105m development
Yorkshire-based housebuilder Beal Homes has submitted plans for a £105m development creating a new community on the south bank of the Humber.
Family-owned Beal has submitted a planning application for more than 500 new homes on a 57-acre site at Immingham in North East Lincolnshire.
The proposed development will provide a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes to support major investment in the area.
The Port of Immingham is a key gateway for trade to and from Europe and beyond and the area is playing a key role in the Humber’s growing status as a magnet for investment, capitalising on the region’s reputation as the UK’s Energy Estuary.
The south bank of the Humber is home to a series of blue chip businesses, including Ørsted, Phillips 66, Centrica and Wren Kitchens, with many of them investing in new facilities and projects, creating new, skilled jobs in the area.
That, in turn, has generated growing demand for new homes in and around Immingham.
East Yorkshire-based Beal has submitted a “reserved matters” planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council for 525 homes, with landscaping, areas of public open space and associated works, on land off Stallingborough Road, close to the centre of Immingham.
The site already has outline planning approval for 525 homes, so the new application is seeking consent for the detailed design and layout of the development.
The proposed development features a wide variety of homes, from two-bedroom terraced starter homes to four-bedroom detached properties, reflecting local demand and catering for a broad range of homebuyers.
Beal Chief Executive Richard Beal said: “This application sets out our plans to bring hundreds of much-needed, high-quality new homes to Immingham.
“It represents a major vote of confidence in the housing market in the town and the wider area. We see Immingham as a place with strong pent-up demand for new homes as well as potential for further growth, driven by major investment on the south bank of the Humber.
“We propose to deliver this development over coming years, meaning we will be investing millions of pounds into the area year after year, creating new jobs in construction and supporting services.
“The plans are for a wide range of properties, including starter homes that will enable local first-time buyers to take their first step onto the housing ladder.”
Beal land director Chris Murphy said: “We have worked closely with planning officers at North East Lincolnshire Council and other key stakeholders to develop and refine these proposals.
“The site is allocated for housing under North East Lincolnshire Council’s Local Plan and has outline planning approval for 525 homes, so this application is seeking final approval for the detailed layout and design of the development.
“It offers a natural extension to existing housing in Immingham and will enhance the quality, availability and choice of homes in the town.”
Don’t get caught in a scam, HMRC warns self-assessment taxpayers
Self Assessment taxpayers are urged to be on the lookout for scam texts, emails and phone calls from fraudsters.
This warning comes as HMRC received more than 130,000 reports about tax scams in the 12 months to September this year, of which 58,000 were offering fake tax rebates.
With around 12 million people expected to submit a Self Assessment tax return for the 2022 to 2023 tax year before next January’s deadline, fraudsters will prey on customers by impersonating HMRC. The scams take different approaches. Some offer a rebate; others tell customers that they need to update their tax details or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “HMRC is reminding customers to be wary of approaches by fraudsters in the run up to the Self Assessment deadline. Criminals are great pretenders who try and dupe people by sending emails, phone calls and texts which mimic government messages to make them appear authentic.
“Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK, ” she added.
Customers can report any suspicious communications to HMRC:- forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599
- forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK.
Yorkshire-based printer invests heavily in factory upgrades and new jobs
Rotherham-based online printer instantprint has invested more than £500,000 on factory upgrades that will create new job opportunities in addition to the 40 new ones introduced since August.
The company’s latest investment includes the introduction of a top of the range inline cutting solution that enhances efficiency and reduces paper waste in line with its sustainability strategy. Increased quality and efficiency also means that instantprint is able to pass these savings on to their customers and remain a leader as the fastest turnaround printer in the UK with the latest cut-off time of 5pm for next-day delivery.
instantprint has introduced more than 40 new jobs since August, and is still hiring. They are currently hiring for a range of roles and positions including a Senior Graphic Designer, Production Planners and PPC Manager.
Laura Mucklow, Head of instantprint, said: “Our investment presents opportunities for both instantprint and individuals in the region who are seeking employment within a dynamic and expanding enterprise. It also means we’re able to offer our customers better quality products on a fast turnaround at a price that is fair.
‘At instantprint we’re all about providing customers with high quality print on a fast turnaround that makes our business clients grow. This investment positions us for sustained success and enables us to do what we do best – help businesses thrive.’
London firm moves to Sheffield to benefit from South Yorkshire’s advantages
Data technology start-up TUBR has moved from London to Sheffield and is set for growth with investment from Finance Yorkshire.
The company has now raised a total of £473,000 following a second funding round of £220,000 including £100,000 from Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund alongside existing and other new investors.
Founded by entrepreneur Dash Tabor, the company provides a machine learning platform which enables businesses to turn data into informed actions quickly. The technology can be used across many sectors where it can predict likely future events, for example in retail, forecasting customer demand patterns as an aid to stock and staff planning or in environmental control, predicting pollution patterns from data collected through sensors.
Based at Sheffield Technology Parks, TUBR has attracted considerable interest with a previous funding round in 2022 which included US based venture fund BlueWing VC.
Dash’s career has been spent in technology data product management, monetising data solutions. She said: “I started building the TUBR technology understanding that companies would need machine learning and AI to compete post pandemic. The solution can be used to predict demand and improve operations.
“The investment from Finance Yorkshire and other investors will help us advance the technology and the speed of implementing it so we can start growing our customer base.”
Dash has relocated the TUBR business to Sheffield Technology Parks from London. “I was attracted to South Yorkshire because of the support available to start-ups and that I can tap into the ecosystem at the technology park and gain knowledge from its network to help build the business.”
Finance Yorkshire chief executive Alex McWhirter said: “Our seedcorn fund is perfect for supporting start-ups to scale up just like TUBR. Data technology is progressing at considerable pace and Dash’s vision and ambition for her solution is to be applauded. We are pleased to support the company and Dash’s entrepreneurialism.”
Finance Yorkshire’s seedcorn fund is part of a wider regional business fund which is expected to provide more than £50m to SMEs over five years. Investment is also available from its growth and business loans funds.
Yorkshire and the Humber resilient in the face of UK-wide fall in start-ups and rise in insolvency-related activity
With businesses across the UK facing the challenges of continuing high interest rates, Yorkshire and the Humber is remaining stalwart having put in a relatively strong performance in September compared to many other regions, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.
The research, which is based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, shows that only two of the 12 regions and nations surveyed saw a rise in the number of new businesses last month. Yorkshire and the Humber had one of the lowest falls since August with a drop of just 1.7% as 4,294 start-ups launched in September. The highest levels of new businesses were in Northern Ireland (up 4.9%) and Wales (up 3%), followed by East Anglia (-1%).
In contrast, all of the other eight regions and nations saw month-on-month falls in new businesses of more than 4%.
In terms of levels of insolvency-related activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings), much of the UK saw a rise between August and September 2023.
The greatest increases were seen in Northern Ireland (up 233%); and East Midlands (up 36%); while Yorkshire and the Humber (up 9%) was among four regions and nations with single digit increases. The best performing were the North East with a fall of 25.3%, Scotland (down by 17.6%) and the North West (-11.5%), and three others also saw falls in insolvency-related activity.
“In the midst of the pressure of high interest rates, there’s no doubt that businesses across the UK are feeling financial strain,” says Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds.
“The combination of pandemic debt, together with higher borrowing costs and falling consumer confidence, is not only leading to increased levels of insolvency-related activity in many regions and nations, but is also having a detrimental effect on the number of would-be entrepreneurs prepared to launch new initiatives.
“While Yorkshire and the Humber appears to be faring relatively well in such a difficult economic environment, after 14 interest rates hikes and with fears that the UK may officially enter recession next year, the worst may not be over.
“In fact, many experts believe that UK interest rates have not yet peaked and may remain high long-term as the Bank of England continues to struggle to control inflation. Businesses would be well-advised to prepare for a challenging winter and seek advice from insolvency experts at the first sign of financial problems.”
Cheers! Drinks industry welcomes lighter touch on labelling
New reforms to the UK’s wine industry aimed at driving investment, growth and jobs, have been welcomed by the industry.
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the UK’s Wine and Spirit Trade Association said: “We welcome the measures announced by the Government, many of which the WSTA has been calling for for a number of years.
“Removing the restrictive rules on importer labelling will significantly reduce the post-Brexit impact of having to have a unique UK label. Moving to labelling Food Business Operator should allow one common label for both UK and EU markets, which will maintain the UK as an attractive destination market and support our aim for UK consumers continue to have access to the widest possible choice of wine from around the world.
“And at a time when businesses are doing all they can to minimise packaging waste, changes to packaging rules will be good for business, the environment and consumers.”
Feedback from the wine industry showed that certain regulations within the current 400-page rulebook have been stifling innovation and preventing the introduction of more efficient and sustainable practices. Changes will include removing expensive and cumbersome packaging requirements – such as ending the mandatory requirement that certain sparkling wines must have foil caps and mushroom-shaped stoppers. This will reduce unnecessary waste and packaging costs for businesses. Outdated rules around bottle shapes will also be scrapped, freeing up producers to use different shapes. The government will also remove the requirement for imported wines to have an importer address on the label – the Food Business Operator responsible for ensuring all legal requirements are met will still need to be identified on the label, as is the standard requirement for food products. This will create more frictionless trade and reduce administrative burdens. Further reforms will also give producers more freedom to use hybrid varieties of grapes. This will enable growers to choose the variety that works best for them and reduce vine loss due to disease or climate change, while also providing greater choice to consumers.Four in five business leaders are ‘accidental managers’, report discovers
Doncaster Chamber is highlighting the need for businesses to have adequate training and development in place for their leaders, following the release of a nationwide study on the topic.
The Chartered Management Institute has revealed that 82% of new managers in the UK have received no formal training whatsoever, having instead been promoted to their position on grounds that they were good at their previous job, are popular within their respective organisation, or because they simply happened to be available to take charge. Categorising these individuals as “accidental managers”, it goes on to argue that they are not equipped with the necessary skills for running a team and that this lack of experience can have an extremely damaging effect on the wider business.
The Institutes findings chime with research conducted in South Yorkshire earlier this year, as part of the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan. Led by Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, this involved comprehensive desk-based research and consultations with more than 2,000 employers, with the ultimate goal of identifying the latter’s skills needs and offering ways to meet them.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “It’s important that we acknowledge this problem and do not turn a blind eye to it. A poor manager can make the difference between a team performing well and it needlessly floundering. Not to mention, they also are a major influence in terms of staff retention, with the old adage that ‘people leave managers not companies’ often proving to be true.
“On the other hand, a good leader can take a business to new heights and those employers that choose to invest in management development programmes will reap the benefits. Indeed, ensuring that your leaders are trained and supported can boost everything from productivity to staff morale and engagement.
“In this context, some of the Charted Management Institute’s conclusions are quite concerning. As the CMI has correctly pointed out, this negative trend must be reversed in order for UK businesses to thrive and be at their very best. Otherwise, they will never be able to unlock their full potential.
“While we will continue to lobby for further support to be made available in this regard — through the recommendations of our LSIP — I would like to take this opportunity to also implore local businesses to see what help is already out there for them. After all, we have a wealth of exceptional institutions, education providers and programmes right here in South Yorkshire that are delivering outstanding skills activities that can help managers with their professional development. Even if this might require some extra investment from employers, it will surely pay off in the long run. All too often we have a deficit-based conversation about skills, whereas we have some excellent provision in our region that can help with the challenges laid out in reports like the one published by the CMI.”
Forgemasters takes on 24 apprentices in Sheffield
Sheffield Forgemasters has welcomed 24 new apprentices for 2023, joining the Ministry of Defence-owned company during an exciting period.
They’ll apprentices will start at a variety of levels including two degree apprenticeships as the company drives forward with significant investment into new plant and equipment.
Nicola Childs, interim HR Director, said: “The calibre of candidates that came forward to join our apprenticeships scheme was very high this year and we were pleased to see much greater gender diversity across applications and successful candidates.
“The apprentices join our company at an exciting time, having secured significant investment following the MoD acquisition. As we transform our capability to meet the demands of our defence work, we are also expanding in areas such as civil nuclear and renewable energy.”
Sheffield Forgemasters is investing heavily over the next ten years to support its defence-critical assets, including a new 13,000 tonne Forge line and building, 17 major machine tool replacements within a new machining facility, which will be unmatched outside of the UK.
Nicola added: “Our apprenticeship programme is recognised as one of the best our region has to offer, and we are incredibly proud to be able to provide future generations with the opportunity to not only have a meaningful and varied career but also to develop important skills for life.”
Apprentices have secured roles in the following disciplines; Machinists, Electrical and Control Engineers, NDT Technicians, Methods Engineer (Degree), Design Engineer (Degree), Production Planning and Estimating.
Hull-based Arco renews long-term contract with FedEx
Hull-based safety specialist Arco has renewed its long-standing multi-million-pound deal with FedEx.
Working across Arco’s operating bases including the National Distribution Centre in Hull, the Arco Clothing Centre in Preston and all other retail operations, FedEx currently processes over 7,500 parcels per day, for next day delivery. This collaboration has been a vital part of Arco’s supply chain, ensuring seamless logistics and timely deliveries to customers across the UK.
The long-term close strategic relationship between Arco and FedEx first began in 2009 and has since been extended to December 2026. Throughout this relationship, FedEx has consistently demonstrated its ability to provide high-quality services, making them an ideal supplier for Arco’s ongoing growth and development. Neil Griffiths, Divisional Director, Logistics and Supply Chain at Arco said: “Since we signed the original contract in 2009, FedEx has proven to be the perfect supplier for Arco. With demonstrated excellence in reliability and customer service, we are delighted to extend this exclusive agreement through to the end of 2026. Both companies share the same values in terms of innovation and quality, and together we can build a positive future for our business and the customers we serve.” Rob Peto, Vice President Ground Operations, FedEx Express, said: “We’ve been working closely with Arco to improve and optimise their supply chain to deliver outstanding customer experience.”