“Through the Water Restoration Fund, I will be making sure that money from higher fines and penalties – taken from water company profits, not customers – is channelled directly back into the rivers, lakes and streams where it is needed. We know that around 310 miles of rivers each year have been improved through community-led projects – we must build on that success.”
‘No upper limit’ fines could be levied on polluting water companies
Tougher penalties and fines on water companies will be reinvested back into a new Water Restoration Fund, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey is expected to announce this week, making polluters pay for damage they cause to the environment. This fund will deliver on-the-ground improvements to water quality and support local groups and community-led schemes which help to protect our waterways.
It will form part of a new Plan for Water, to be published shortly, which will map out the government’s action plan for tackling pollution, boosting water supplies, driving up performance and toughening up enforcement against companies who fail to deliver improvements.
The fund will help local groups – bringing together local NGOs, councils, farmers and others – to identify the biggest issues and direct investment to where it is most needed to improve our rivers, lakes and streams.
It will support projects to look after the water environment, improve management of our waters and restore protected sites. These could include restoring wetlands, creating new habitats in important nature sites, tackling invasive non-native species and ‘rewiggling’ rivers – adding natural bends to improve water quality and biodiversity.
The Environment Secretary is also expected to publish a six-week consultation on strengthening the Environment Agency’s ability to impose sanctions on water companies without going through the courts.
The consultation sets out the government’s preferred option for lifting the upper cap on civil penalties on water companies, allowing unlimited fines. These penalties will be quicker and easier to enforce although the most serious cases will still be taken through criminal proceedings.
The Plan for Water will include measures on every source of pollution – storm overflows, agriculture, plastics, road run-off and chemicals – as well as managing the pressures on our water supply.
Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “I know how important our beautiful rivers, lakes, streams and coastlines are for people and nature – and I couldn’t agree more than more needs to be done to protect them.
“I want to make sure that regulators have the powers and tools to take tough action against companies that are breaking the rules and to do so more quickly.
Holiday-let landlords warned of changes to tax rules
New eligibility rules for business rates self-catering properties in England and Wales have been introduced – and failure to meet the rules will make properties eligible to pay council tax.
For properties in England to continue to be eligible for business rates properties must be
- available for letting commercially for short periods that total 140 nights or more in the previous and current year.
- actually let commercially for 70 nights or more in the previous 12 months.
Pensana in talks with manufacturers over supply of material to magnet manufacturers
With funding for the Saltend ore earth separation facility near Hull at an advanced stage, Pensana has established a direct relationship with the key Japanese magnet manufacturers and has entered into an MOU for 25% of Saltend’s annual production. It has ongoing discussions with Japanese trading houses with direct access to the Japanese automotive sector.
In an update on financing and project development, the company says terms have been agreed with a major European wind turbine OEM and the Company has been shortlisted to supply major US and European automotive OEMs, for what it says is the increasingly attractive point of differentiation for an independently validated sustainable product from the UK.
Located in the Saltend Chemical Park in the Humber Freeport, Saltend will be the world’s first rare earth processing hub, capable of processing third party feedstock imported from around the world. A number of discussions are underway with potential third-party feedstock suppliers for access to uncommitted processing capacity at Saltend.
The Company has partnered with the adjacent Yorkshire Energy Park for a private wire connection to offshore wind battery storage under which it will have access to 4 MW rising to 10 MW of low carbon electricity for ten years and together with Longonjo’s ten-year low-cost supply of hydro-electric power the Company is able to demonstrate that it can supply ultra-low embedded carbon products from mine to customer.
A direct example of this is Pensana’s partnership with Polestar to create the first truly climate-neutral car by 2030. The scope of the Polestar 0 project is to identify and eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions from the extraction of raw materials to when the car is delivered to the customer and onwards to the end of vehicle life.
Pensana and Equinor are studying the use of low carbon hydrogen produced from Equinor’s flagship 600MW low-carbon hydrogen production plant with carbon capture, Hydrogen to Humber (H2H) at Saltend, to recycle the seven tonnes of rare earth permanent magnets in the nacelles of wind turbines currently being installed in the 3.6GW Dogger Bank windfarm.
Henry Boot and partners fund new playground at Sheffield nursery
Sheffield construction and property firm, Henry Boot PLC, teamed up with several local contractors recently to fund and install a new play area for Bolehill Nursery in Walkley.
The project is dedicated to a boy called James, who attended Bolehill Nursery and sadly passed away in 2022 at the age of one.
Funded by Henry Boot PLC and installed by Henry Boot Construction, along with colleague Adele Matijosiute-Jones who has children at the nursery, the team oversaw the concrete groundworks, and then partnered with a host of its trusted regional supply chain to deliver the social value project.
This included Timberplay and their sister company Lightmain – who provided and installed the play equipment; Banner Plant – who loaned the installation tools and machinery; Playgarden – who donated play bales; Dean Construction – who provided several timber sleepers; and Gavin Jones UK – who provided 30m2 of new turf.
Building services specialist NG Bailey, Fletchers Waste Management, building materials-supplier Markovitz; DAL Contractors and Northstar Civil Engineering also contributed greatly to the worthy cause.
The nursery’s brand-new timber play structure features a 1.5m raised platform – complete with a stainless-steel slide, ladder and two styles of climbing wall. A raised timber-sleeper sandpit for the children has also been installed alongside the apparatus.
The full team of volunteers installed the playground across last month and it was officially opened to the children following a short ribbon-cutting ceremony with several members of the project team and nursery staff.
Nicola Moore, manager at Bolehill Nursery, said: “After a plea to our parents for help to refresh our garden area, Henry Boot, Timberplay and the rest of the team have built a climbing frame in memory of James.
“Henry Boot has been so supportive, previously providing hard hats, yellow jackets, gloves and tools for the children to play with.
“As a charity ourselves, we are overwhelmed by the support they have given us and we want to say a very big thank you to the whole team for all they have done for our children and in memory of James who will forever be at Bolehill Nursery.”
James’ parents added: “James was a busy and boisterous little boy who was always on the go. James would have loved this garden, and we are very thankful for the support the nursery staff have provided us, as well as gratitude to the companies who have made this vision a reality. It brings us happiness that his legacy lives on, and that other children will enjoy this space for many years to come.”
Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a South Yorkshire business, we are always looking for new ways to give back to the local communities in which we work. The Bolehill Nursery opportunity was one that popped up and meant a lot to members of our team, so we were delighted to help coordinate the project.
“We couldn’t have managed it without the help of our trusted local partners though. It really was a real team effort from everyone involved and I’m sure the children will get many years enjoyment out of the new play installation.”
Paul Collings, Managing Director of Timberplay & Lightmain, said: “I am immensely proud of our team for their dedication and hard work in installing the play hut at the Bolehill Nursery. Doing work within our local community is so important to Timberplay & Lightmain, as we strive to create better spaces for all. It is heart-warming to know that this play hut will not only provide countless hours of joy for the children, but also serve as a touching tribute to James, who will forever be a part of this community.”
York Handmade wins grant to build greener future
York Handmade Brick Company has been awarded a grant to improve its energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
York Handmade, which is based at Alne, near Easingwold, has successfully applied to the “game-changing” Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) for £38,800 to pursue its sustainability agenda.
Managing Director Guy Armitage explained: “We are completely committed to improving the energy efficiency of our factory site at Alne and are currently undertaking a detailed techno-economic feasibility study. This extremely welcome grant minimises the cost and risks of the study and of any subsequent capital investment.
“I would like to thank Industrial Energy Pioneers (IEP) Ltd, who were instrumental in identifying and then obtaining the IETF grant for us. The grant is awarded on a competitive basis and IEP have a 100 per cent success record in helping their clients to get the funding.”
A spokesperson for IEP Directors explained: “The special project aims to improve the energy efficiency of the site by capturing the high-grade (high temperature) waste heat from the kilns and utilising it in the dryers. This will offset/replace the need for gas-firing in the dryers and lead to significant energy, carbon and cost reductions.
“The kilns operate at high temperatures (up to about 1100 degrees C) and the exhaust gases from the kilns carry substantial amounts of heat which is currently being wasted. The solution involves installing a heat exchanger in the exhaust stack of each kiln to capture this heat into high pressure hot water or thermal oil.
“This hot water/oil will then be stored in a thermal battery. The thermal battery can then provide heat to the brick dryers using a radiator system on demand and allow the operations of the kilns and dryers independent of each other.
“Sustainability is extremely important for energy intensive businesses like York Handmade who are seeing an 8-fold increase in their energy costs. The government has already announced withdrawing financial support for industry with energy bills and many similar businesses are facing existential threats due to high energy costs, inflation and reduced spending power of their customers.
“The government’s commitment to net zero by 2050 will require industry emissions to reduce by nearly 90% from the present value. The government has adopted a carrot and stick approach for this drive and has direct financial and legal implications for business.”
The feasibility study project will officially be completed by August 2023. However, York Handmade will have a reasonably good understanding of the outcome well before the completion. The intention is to help YHMB apply for a deployment grant in the future.
Guy Armitage concluded: “We have been building on our green credentials by launching a series of eco-friendly initiatives during the past couple of years. The threat to our environment is one of the great challenges of the 21st century. It is essential that manufacturers such as ourselves do our bit to help to preserve our precious and fragile world. This grant has helped us to do exactly that.”
Bradford science firm acquired by Limerston Capital
Contract research organisation Concept Life Sciences, which has offices in Bradford’s Listerhills Science Park, has been acquired by Limerston Capital in a carve-out from Spectris plc.
Concept Life Sciences primarily serves the global research and development market, with clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space ranging from blue chip to virtual biotech. The breadth and depth of its expertise ranges from drug discovery and early development through to API manufacturing at multi kilogram scale under good manufacturing practice, which is delivered as a single service or as part of wider discovery and development programmes.
The company has invested significantly in its capabilities since 2020. It has developed world class biology facilities in oncology and immunology, ensuring unmatched insights into fast-growing specialty therapeutic areas and driving innovation.
Its team of around 300 accomplished scientists and over 100 PhDs operate from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, strategically located in major science hubs across the UK, in Dundee, Edinburgh, Derbyshire, and Sandwich in Kent as well as Bradford.
Newly-appointed CEO Dr Ben Cliff will head the senior leadership team. He has been part of the Concept Life Sciences senior team for five years and brings a wealth of leadership experience in the CRO industry from Intertek Pharmaceutical Services supporting the pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and specialty chemical sectors. His experience covers all aspects of the business including operations, sales and marketing, quality, and strategic development.
Limerston Capital is a private equity firm targeting UK businesses with EBITDA of between £5 million and £15 million. It partners with management teams to help build them into industry leaders through buy-and-build and operational transformation.
Dr Cliff said: “Limerston Capital will be an excellent partner for our business, allowing us much greater commercial and technical focus so we can realise the company’s true potential and deliver the high value service our customers depend on to support their R&D activities.”
“As well as the benefit of providing additional investment, Limerston Capital’s fully-integrated and dedicated operational and investment team will be invaluable to support the carve-out and accelerate our growth.”
Jane Grewar, Senior Operating Partner of Limerston Capital, added: “We see enormous potential for the Concept Life Sciences business which is well positioned to benefit from high growth in the CRO market, with its strong pipeline of high-value, rapidly-growing services and a focus on highly invested therapeutic areas. The company’s excellent track record, highly-skilled team of scientists and industry-leading facilities, particularly in the high-growth areas of immunology, oncology and inflammation, make it a very attractive investment for Limerston Capital. We’re excited to be partnering with such a capable team.”
Prax and Heta notch up regional first with launch of new apprenticeship
Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, a member of the Prax Group of companies, and apprenticeship provider HETA are launching a new apprenticeship – the first of its kind to be offered in the region – as the refinery embarks on a low carbon future.
The Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to become a highly skilled Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician working on a full range of static and pressurised equipment, such as vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and the network of pipelines at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. The programme, which lasts from between 36 to 42 months, will see Apprentices based at HETA’s facility for the first year, with the remainder of the apprenticeship based on site at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery. Luc Smets, General Manager at Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery, said: “The foundations for transforming Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery into a low carbon refinery for the next generation are in place, and our commitment is strong to deliver. So is our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we operate in. As we embark on our low carbon transition, it is essential we have the right people and skills supporting our next generation transition. Apprenticeships are a great route for enabling local people to gain the experiences and qualifications to support our energy transition and be at the heart of that journey with us, as they begin their own career paths. We are delighted to be working with HETA on our trade apprenticeships and delivering the first non-destructive testing apprenticeships in the region.” Non-destructive testing is a testing and analysis technique used by industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component, structure or system for characteristic differences or welding defects without causing damage to the original part. These testing techniques include radiography, ultrasonics and penetrant testing, all vital for the safe and reliable running of the refinery and industrial sites.Energy industry employer welcomes creation of sustainable energy engineering hub
Grimsby Institute has launched its Elite Centre, a sustainable energy engineering hub developed in collaboration with the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and supported by the Midlands Engine.
The facility will bring a cutting-edge curriculum specialising in low-carbon learning to the region, including 12 brand new training courses, offering students the opportunity to train as engineers.
The project benefited from £1.4m of funding from the LEP which has helped to transform the existing facility into a dedicated low-carbon, engineering, and ports and logistics space. The state-of-the-art, green-focused hub will offer training on automation, electric vehicle technology and carbon reduction.
Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We supported the development of the Elite Centre with £1.4m of LEP funding, and it’s a great pleasure to see the centre finished and ready to grow the next generation of green engineers and professionals.”
Former Grimsby Institute Engineering student Lee Sutton, now CEO of myenergi, cut the ribbon to open the centre. He said: “I was an engineering student at the Grimsby Institute, and coming back today to officially open the Elite Centre is fantastic. It is so important to train people with the skills we need for this electrical revolution.
“We are going to see many more electric vehicles on the road in the future, and we are now seeing three more times solar-powered systems than we saw a year ago. There’s rapid growth in this sector and we need so many more trained people in this industry.
“As a big employer in the region myenergi is proud to be able to offer quality jobs in the sector. It’s great to see facilities like this opening today and students training for a career in renewable energy.”
Government announces new state pension age increase
The Government has confirmed the State Pension age will rise to 67 by the end of 2028 for anyone born after April 1960.
The Pensions Act 2014 forces the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to regularly review State Pension age – and after this one there’s to be a further review within two years of the next Parliament to reconsider the rise to age 68.
This gives the Government appropriate time to take into account evidence which is not yet available on the long-term impact of recent challenges, including the Covid pandemic and global inflationary pressures. These events bring a level of uncertainty in relation to the current data on life expectancy, labour markets and the public finances.
This will ensure that the Government is able to consider the latest information to inform any future decision on the State Pension age. This will include life expectancy and population projections updated with 2021 Census data and the latest demographic trends, the economic position and the impact on the labour market of the recently announced package of measures to tackle inactivity.
Given the wide-ranging impacts of changing the State Pension age, it is important to take the time to get any changes right.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride said: “It’s essential the State Pension remains sustainable and fair across the generations. Our balanced approach will help achieve this and ensure we continue to provide security and dignity in retirement for millions of people across the country.
“The Government remains committed to the principle of providing 10 years notice of changes to State Pension age, enabling people to plan effectively for retirement. All options for the rise to the State Pension age from 67 to 68 that meet the 10 years’ notice period will be in scope at the next review.”
Yorkshire businesses continue to focus on growth as confidence dips
Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer for March 2023 shows:
- Business confidence in Yorkshire remains in positive territory, despite dip to 30%
- Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (54%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and introducing new technology (30%)
- Overall, UK business confidence in March reached its highest level since May last year, with eight out of 11 regions and nations reporting higher levels of confidence than February
Humber marketing team moves into expanded C4DI tech hub
Marketing Humber has moved its expanded team into the C4DI tech hub in Hull’s most vibrant commercial community.
The region’s economic place marketing organisation has grown to a six-strong team and relocated to a new base at the Centre for Digital Innovation building in the Fruit Market area. The move means Marketing Humber is now operating from one of Hull’s most sought-after office locations in a building that is a key gathering place for the region’s business community. C4DI opened in 2015 as the first phase and centrepiece of Wykeland Group’s @TheDock waterfront tech campus. Since then it has been the catalyst for the launch of scores of tech businesses, creating hundreds of highly-skilled digital jobs, as well as inspiring safety business Arco to relocate to a new state-of-the-art head office close by. Moving into a third floor office at C4DI further aligns Marketing Humber with the region’s tech sector, which has grown rapidly since the opening of the building in 2015 provided a focal point for the previously fragmented digital community. The Marketing Humber team – MD Dr Diana Taylor; Engagement and Stakeholder Manager Leahann Barnes; Marketing Manager Paige McGowan; Marketing and Communications Executive Alicia Woodward; Office Administrator Saffron Gregg; and latest recruit, Digital Marketing Executive Joanne Brady – are now enjoying being part of the collaborative C4DI community. Wykeland has also become a Marketing Humber Principal Partner, joining a powerful line-up of the region’s leading businesses who are at the forefront of promoting the Humber as a great place to invest. Meanwhile, C4DI has also become a Major Partner and will support Marketing Humber’s vital work, further underlining the close relationship between the tech hub, Wykeland and Marketing Humber. Dr Taylor said: “Joining the C4DI community reinforces the strong relationship we have with Wykeland and C4DI, who are both long-standing members of our Bondholders network of business ambassadors and have now become Principal Partners and Major Partners respectively. “It also underlines the importance of the ever-growing tech sector and the region’s impressive digital capabilities to the Humber’s investment proposition. It’s important to us that we can help weave digital technologies into all of our business sectors, supporting all our members as we look to thrive in a prosperous and sustainable future. “Our team are really enjoying being in such a vibrant working environment with so many creative and innovative companies around us. “It’s a fantastic place to take forward our work promoting and celebrating the Humber as a great place to invest, work, live and study.” Ian Franks, Finance Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re excited to welcome one of the region’s leading business organisations and the voice of the Humber to C4DI. “We’re also delighted to become a Principal Partner and to play an even bigger role in supporting Marketing Humber’s crucial work promoting the region nationally and internationally, to attract investment and stimulate economic growth. “Our developments across the Humber, such as the Melton West and Bridgehead business parks in East Yorkshire, and Europarc in Grimsby, are among the region’s primary locations for inward investment, so we have a strong, shared interest with Marketing Humber in showcasing the area and the many exciting opportunities it offers.”Look here: Deaf chef Scott cooks up business breakfast for Deaf Awareness Week
Deaf celebrity Punk Chef Scott Garthwaite on the menu for a special business breakfast to mark Deaf Awareness Week in Doncaster on May 3rd.
Scott, an ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust will be putting on a demonstration for guests at the business breakfast and Carrie Clewes, an associate chartered legal executive in discrimination from Ringrose Law, will share details of what the BSL Act will mean for businesses.
Throughout the week children, pupils, students, and staff at Doncaster Deaf managed Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Communication Specialist College Doncaster, Dickson House Children’s Home and Aspire to Be Employability Services, will be celebrating Deaf Awareness Week by sharing videos and
BSL tips.
Alexis Johnson, chief exec of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are looking froward to welcoming businesses from across South Yorkshire to this important free event. “It will be a great opportunity for businesses to learn more about the BSL Act and what it means to their business, to hear from Deaf people and to gain Deaf Awareness
skills all in one session.”
Progeny appoints UK MD as part of restructure
Progeny has appointed Caroline Hawkesley to the new role of UK Managing Director as part of a restructure to strengthen its position in the UK market and prepare the business for future international growth.
Caroline will move from her current role as Chief Operations Officer in the business.
She began her career in the banking industry before co-founding her own financial advisory firm, Evolve. When this was acquired by Progeny in 2018 she went on to head up the Operations team.
In her new role Caroline will manage and direct Progeny’s activities in the UK, as the business continues to develop its distinctive, multi-disciplinary professional services platform.
Progeny founder Neil Moles remains in position as Chief Executive Officer.
“Exciting evolution”
On her appointment, Caroline commented: “I am thrilled to be heading up the UK arm of Progeny at such a hugely exciting stage in our evolution.
“To be managing the UK business, and our exceptionally talented team, is a great privilege and I can’t wait to get started.”
Neil Moles said: “This is a measure of our ambitions for the Progeny brand and business in the years ahead.
“Having worked alongside Caroline for many years, I know what a supremely capable manager and leader she is, someone who can bring energy, resilience and determination to driving Progeny forward in the UK.”
Caroline will take up her role later in 2023. Further appointments stemming from the restructure will be announced in due course.
North south divide becomes entrenched for business, says BCC
The availability of quality public infrastructure and access to skilled labour are amongst factors entrenching a rural-urban divide among UK SMEs, according to a new survey of more than 900 SMEs by the British Chambers of Commerce and Xero.
The survey, exploring the suitability of SMEs’ local trading environments, found that those based in rural areas were more likely to report a deficit in key success attributes.
Across the country, the SME business outlook is subdued. Only half (53%) expect to see turnover growth in the next 12 months, while one in four (27%) expect turnover to shrink over the same period.
Equally, less than a third (30%) of SMEs plan to increase investment in technology, research, and development, while 18% expect a decrease.
When assessing the suitability of local infrastructure, the rural-urban divide was particularly notable in public transport. Well over half (58%) of SMEs in rural areas do not believe their area has reliable and well-connected trains, compared with just 39% in urban areas.
Rail network deficiencies are also impacting SMEs based in business, retail or industrial parks, half (51%) of which were not satisfied with this provision. This rose further still when it came to buses and trams – over three-quarters (79%) in rural or countryside areas do not think they have access to reliable buses and trams, compared to 42% in towns, villages and high streets.
There is also a regional disparity evident; SMEs in the North of England (52%) and the Midlands (51%) disagreed that they had access to reliable and well-connected trains, compared with only 36% of SMEs in the South.
The rural-urban divide is also evident when it comes to internet connectivity. While three-quarters (75%) of SMEs overall agree their area has reliable broadband, this rises to 82% in urban areas and falls to around half (56%) in rural areas.
Firms report a high level of dissatisfaction with their local labour markets; almost two in three (64%) SMEs do not believe their local area has high availability of appropriately skilled labour.
However, there is divergence on this issue based on the type of business area. Firms in business, industrial or retail parks appear to struggle most acutely with this issue, with almost three in four (72%) stating that they did not have access to appropriately skilled labour. While still concerning, this drops to 56% for firms based in urban areas.
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the BCC said: “Our research highlights the rural-urban divide that continues to exist between firms across the UK, with rural businesses generally reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction with the quality and availability of local resources.
“High-quality public infrastructure and access to a skilled labour force are both key to the success of a business, in particular SMEs, and today’s findings indicate that rural businesses are at a significant disadvantage.
“Government must urgently prioritise the development of public infrastructure. Such investment will not only enable local and small businesses to adapt and thrive, it will also create jobs and inject money into local economies across the UK.”
Wright Vigar names joint Managing Directors
Wright Vigar has appointed James Sewell and Kevin Shaw as joint Managing Directors, taking over from Pete Harrison, who steps down after five years as MD.
James joined Wright Vigar in 2007 and became a Director in 2010. He is responsible for teams at the Sleaford and Lincoln offices who support a wide range of clients in a variety of industry sectors. James is experienced in all areas of business advice from tax planning, growing a successful business, to sales, mergers and acquisitions.
Kevin became a Director of the firm in 2013 and his specialities focus on medium and large owner-managed businesses, ranging across many industries. However, his passion and experience lie within the construction and property development sectors. Kevin is responsible for the Nottingham office as well as clients looked after in Lincoln.
Wright Vigar has grown significantly over the past few years to become a regional firm and James and Kevin have played a significant role in that growth. They look forward to continuing the development of the practice across the East Midlands in their new roles. They will continue with their respective client responsibilities.
Pete Harrison said: “It has been my great pleasure to be MD for the past five years and for the growth we have achieved during that period. I am delighted for both James and Kevin. They both bring different qualities to the table and their knowledge and experience will be vital as we continue to grow and develop.”
Government plans changes to business rates system
The Government has introduced a bill to modernise the business rates system in England, claiming it will make the system fairer and more responsive to changes in the market.
The Non-Domestic Rating Bill will introduce valuations on a tree-year cycle instead of the current five, meaning those with falling values will see their bills drop sooner.
It will also provide new business rates improvement relief, so businesses making qualifying building improvements will not face higher business rates bills for 12 months. This will make it easier for businesses to invest with new reliefs for property improvements, providing tax breaks for businesses who are extending or upgrading their property.
Local Government Minister Lee Rowley MP said: ‘The introduction of our Non-Domestic Rating Bill seeks to deliver the reforms announced during our Business Rates Review. We are bringing the administration of the tax up to date, and making the system more responsive to changes in the economy and introducing new support to reduce barriers to business investment.’
The bill will build on recent steps to cut business rates, with £13.6 billion of support announced at the Autumn Statement, and to redistribute the tax through the 2023 revaluation.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ‘Retailers welcome moving to three-yearly revaluations, meaning business rate bills will reflect underlying market conditions more quickly. Changes to valuation appeals processes and more transparency are also vital and the improvement relief will encourage more retailers to invest in their properties. These are all positive changes, but the job is not done. Government’s focus must remain on reducing the rates burden, enabling more local communities across the country to thrive.”
Lincolnshire LEP names new Chair of the Board
University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor Neal Juster has been named as the new Chair of the Board of Governors of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
He said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take on the role of Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP following from the two, very inspirational, previous Chairs. They, together with Ruth Carver as CEO and the wider team, have given the Board a clear strategy to help the county achieve economic growth.
“I would like to thank Pat Doody for his last three years as chair and eight years as a member of the Board. It is an incredibly exciting time for Lincolnshire as we discuss devolution, attract and create new businesses, create jobs and develop critical infrastructure. This cannot be done by any one institution and I look forward to working with partners across the region to achieve collective success.”
LEP Chief Executive Ruth Carver said: “Bringing in Neal Juster to lead our Board of capable Directors is a tremendous opportunity for the LEP. Following in the footsteps of Ursula Lidbetter and Pat Doody will be tough, but we know that Neal has a wealth of experience, knowledge and business acumen as well as the high profile and excellent far-reaching contacts that this role requires.
“His deep knowledge of the engineering sector will be an advantage as we promote and strengthen the manufacturing and engineering heritage of Greater Lincolnshire. Never has the business voice been more important in driving forward the economy, and Neal and the Board will bring fresh ideas to help us navigate the period of change that we’re facing.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Neal and getting started on the task in hand, which is to represent the business voice for our area at a regional and national level, build on our four game-changing sector developments across energy, food, ports and defence, and lead projects and programmes which are all aimed at driving economic growth.”
Joining Professor Juster on the LEP Board will be four new non-executive directors drawn from the private sector and third sectors:
- Liam Scully, CEO of Lincoln City FC
- Shaun Povey, Head of Strategic Planning & Projects at Siemens Energy
- Nikki Cooke, CEO of LIVES
- Mark Webb, CEO of Grimsby-based business support group E-Factor
Kingswood Allotts appoints new chief executive
South Yorkshire-based accountancy specialist Kingswood Allotts is setting its sights on growth and expansion, following the appointment of Tim Baum-Dixon as Chief Executive.
In a career spanning more than 15 years, experienced chartered accountant and business adviser Tim is the first person to hold the position of Chief Executive, following the acquisition of Allotts by Kingswood LLP last year.
In his new role, Tim will be responsible for overseeing the growth and development of the firm within Yorkshire, helping businesses and individuals from across the region to access the firm’s full range of strategic financial and business support, which includes business advice and accountancy services, tax planning, wealth management, and corporate finance advice.
Tim has spent much of his career supporting a diverse range of businesses and individuals across Yorkshire, helping to support a diverse range of businesses spanning innovative start-ups in the tech-sector to some of the region’s best known companies. At the same Tim has also used his expertise and knowledge to support the work of Business Sheffield and the Rotherham Investment & Development Office, where has successfully delivered a range of training courses, designed to help new and would-be entrepreneurs to learn how to manage the finances of their fledgling businesses.
Prior to joining Kingswood Allotts, Tim was quick to spot the positive implications of the government’s drive towards a digital taxation system and successfully launched a dedicated digital accounts division, helping business owners to harness cloud-based accountancy systems.
Tim balances his day-to-day work alongside giving back to his local community. He was successfully elected as councillor for the Anston and Woodsetts ward, representing the area in which he lives.
Tim Baum-Dixon, Chief Executive, Kingswood Allotts, said: “Kingswood Allotts is a brand that has been synonymous with South Yorkshire’s business community for nearly a century. The company enjoys strong links with many business organisations throughout the region, the company has been longstanding patron of Doncaster Chamber, and active supporter of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.
Joining at this time presents an exciting opportunity to build on the success the business has enjoyed during its long association with South Yorkshire and beyond, as well as offering a golden opportunity to use the skills and knowledge I’ve developed throughout my own career to lay the foundations for future growth.
It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity, and at a time when the accountancy and broader financial services industry is undergoing one of its most significant periods of change in a generation. Kingswood Allotts is well placed to help businesses and individuals across the region to tap into the knowledge and expertise held within the business and the broader Kingswood group.”
Siemens to install solar array at University of York as part of £1.5m scheme
The University of York has appointed Siemens to design and deliver a solar array at its Institute for Safe Autonomy as part of a £1.5 million research project.
Funded through the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, the project will enhance the Institute’s research capabilities to develop and use AI and robotic systems to inspect and maintain solar arrays.
The 193 kWp solar farm will create a ‘living lab’ to give insight to landowners and operators of solar farms on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field.
The project will also enable the Institute to become energy self-sufficient by 2025, generating about 170MWh annually.
The farm, which spans more than 1,400 square metres, will consist of a range of different panel configurations including static ground installations and sun-tracking arrays. Solar panels will also be deployed on the side of the Institute’s building and the rooftop to maximise light exposure.
After the design phase, installation work will be carried out on site by specialist installer Lynx later this month, with the project expected to be fully operational by July.
Patrick Reilly-O’Donnell, Head of Project Execution at Siemens, said: “The University’s Institute for Safe Autonomy provides a first-class ecosystem for research and innovation in the world of robotics and connected autonomous systems.
“As we continue to integrate autonomous technology into our everyday lives, understanding how we can safely deploy them to maximise efficiencies within those sectors connected to the green transition is becoming increasingly important.”
Professor Miles Elsden, Director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy at the University of York, added: “Robotics, autonomous systems and AI have the potential to transform the way we live, travel and work in the future. Integrating them with the production of renewable energy will ultimately play a key role in the journey towards net zero.
“This innovative research project marks an important milestone for the Institute and reaffirms our commitment as a university to sourcing sustainable energy.”
The Institute for Safe Autonomy is a new initiative at the University of York which takes a safety critical approach to the design, development and testing of robotics and connected autonomous systems. ISA’s purpose-built facility combines a range of experimental laboratories and test spaces where academics from across the University work closely with industry, government and third-sector partners to explore trustworthy solutions to real-world problems.
Farmers could benefit from changed rules on camping and solar canopies
Farmers and landowners may be allowed to double in the length of time they can host popup campsites without planning permission, under a government consultation that aims to boost rural tourism.
The move, capped at 30 tents and requiring some facilities, would echo a temporary dispensation introduced in 2020 and 2021 to help countryside businesses recover from the pandemic.
The consultation will also look into how limitations could be amended to help support the use of solar power.
This includes a proposed new PD right for solar canopies which would allow for canopies up to 4 metres high in ground-level off-street vehicle parking in non-domestic settings.
The NFU will be submitting a response on behalf of members, focusing on both the changes to temporary campsite rules and the new and existing PD rights for solar canopies and equipment.
NFU Chief Renewable Energy and Climate Change adviser Jonathan Scurlock highlighted that whilst the proposals for PD rights for rooftop solar are already generous, the new right for non-domestic solar canopies could allow members to make good use of yard space, supporting future needs for electric vehicle charging.
However, the NFU’s Chief Land Management Adviser Sam Durham said: “While measures to help the rural economy capitalise on its potential are to be applauded, the proposals need to be considered in the wider context of competition for agricultural land use.
“There is also a potential clash with eligibility for future agri-environment schemes and BPS, and a possible risk of losing agricultural land status through material land use change, which is difficult to reverse once lost. All of that would need to be factored into decisions, should these proposals be adopted.”
Contact sam.durham@nfu.org.uk to express views on temporary campsite rules and jonathan.scurlock@nfu.org.uk for views on rights for solar development.
