- Consultation and engagement
- Voluntary agreements
- Cable depth
- Construction best practice including drainage and soils
- Construction timings and methodology
Planning applications pave way for import of green energy from Scotland to Yorkshire
National Grid has submitted a full planning application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the laying of 67km of onshore underground cables, and a further application to Selby District Council for the laying of 2.5km onshore underground cables and for a converter station and associated infrastructure.
It’s all part of the Scotland-England ‘Green Link 2, being developed to National Grid, together with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, to transfer green energy from Scotland to England through off-shore cables which will be connected to converter and electricity substations onshore.
The 2GW high voltage electricity transmission link is planned to run from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire to Drax in Selby.
The NFU’s response to both East Riding of Yorkshire and Selby District Councils has raised a number of issues including:
LIBERTY Steel UK to implement next phase of restructuring programme, impacting 440 roles
LIBERTY Steel UK (LSUK) is set to implement the next phase of its restructuring programme, “in the face of the UK steel industry’s severe competitiveness issues,” which could impact up to 440 roles across the business.
According to LIBERTY, the four point restructuring plan will “create an entity positioned to better withstand challenging market conditions, serve strategic supply chains and provide the foundation for a decarbonised UK steel industry.”
The four elements are:
- With the support of major customers, LSUK will focus on high value alloy steel production at Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) sites in Rotherham, Stocksbridge and Brinsworth serving strategic aerospace, energy and engineering supply chains. SSUK will ramp up high value production at specialist plants through the year with a view to breaking even in September, laying the ground for further upside potential. LSUK has halted the sale process for the Stocksbridge and Brinsworth plants.
- A reduction in primary production at Rotherham, replaced by imported billet and slabs to feed rolling and finishing lines at Rotherham, Scunthorpe, and Dalzell as an interim measure to mitigate the impact of uncompetitive energy costs.
- The idling of LIBERTY Steel Newport and downstream processing facilities, and LIBERTY Performance Steel West Bromwich, with the former transformed into a sales and distribution hub for LIBERTY products.
- A commitment to restart commodity production and idled plants when the market and operating conditions allow, and a longer-term aim of growing Rotherham into a 2 million tonnes per year green steel facility.
Card Factory appoints new CFO
Card Factory, the Wakefield-headquartered retailer of greeting cards, gifts, wrap and gift bags, has appointed Matthias Seeger as chief financial officer.
Matthias has been CFO of Ambassador Cruise Line Limited since February 2022, having previously been CFO of Costcutter Supermarkets Group from September 2015 to September 2021.
Previous roles throughout his 31 year career include senior finance roles with Procter & Gamble, in Germany, the UK, Belgium and Switzerland, between 1991 and 2013. Matthias has a Master’s Degree in Engineering and an MBA from the University of Texas.
Matthias is expected to join the company on 22 May 2023.
The company has now agreed that Kris Lee will leave the company on 31 January 2023, at which time he will step down from the company’s board.
Pending Matthias joining Card Factory, Simon Comer, currently group financial controller, will be appointed as interim chief financial officer, but will not be appointed as a director of the company. Simon has been group financial controller since June 2021, having held previous senior finance roles, including CFO roles, in private equity and listed companies.
Darcy Willson-Rymer, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to announce that Matthias is joining Card Factory as our CFO. Matthias has extensive financial experience and I look forward to working with him again, confident that his expertise and values will support Card Factory’s strategic projects and significant change programme over the next few years.
“I am grateful to Kris for his tireless work over the years, including successful management of liquidity, steering the business through a series of refinancing through covid lockdowns and supporting our ‘Opening our new future’ growth strategy. We offer Kris our very best wishes for the future.”
Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum to be transformed
The National Science and Media Museum is about to undergo a radical and ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformation ready to inspire millions of visitors to Bradford City of Culture in 2025. Huge changes will be delivered by December 2024, through a £6 million capital project called ‘Sound and Vision’, including two new galleries, a new passenger lift and improvements to the main entrance.
To facilitate these works, the National Science and Media Museum has announced a period of temporary closure from June 2023 to summer 2024. The Sound and Vision Project will create two significant new galleries and increase the museum’s overall accessibility and relevance to key audiences.
The galleries, accompanied by an engaging activity programme, will showcase key objects and stories from the museum’s world-class collections of photography, film, television, animation, video games and sound technologies. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project has been awarded initial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop the transformational plans. The project also has support from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund 2022-24 and Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
When the museum opened in 1983, it was home to ‘the largest cinema screen in Britain’ and continues to run an IMAX and Pictureville Cinemas, which remains a big part of its visitor offer. During the closure period Pictureville Cinema and Bar will continue to operate, open seven days a week with an enhanced programme, as this has separate entrance arrangements and facilities.
The museum already provides many opportunities to learn about the principles of light and sound. It is at the forefront of STEM education and communication thanks to Wonderlab, its passionate team of Explainers, collaborative work with schools, plus festivals and events that bring the collections to life. The development of the new galleries will transform the heart of the museum, updating core collections displays to increase their relevance to local communities and deliver fully on the Science Museum Group’s mission to inspire futures and ambition to be open for all.
- The development will involve the complete remodelling of two floors of the building, opening up unused spaces and reimagining the display and interpretation of the core collections.
- In addition to the new galleries, the project will see the ground floor of the museum reconfigured, creating a new public space and an enhanced visitor welcome.
- The installation of an additional passenger lift and the renovation of the existing lift will increase accessibility and enable all visitors to move around the building with ease.
- The project has sustainability at its heart, with set goals around energy and carbon reduction, resource efficiency, responsible procurement and sourcing of products and services used in the gallery, alongside wellbeing, and community skills and engagement strategies.
- The displays and interpretation will be informed by close consultation with local communities to ensure the museum’s relevance to visitors and engage underrepresented audiences.
- The new galleries will ensure the museum’s position as a cultural cornerstone when Bradford becomes City of Culture in 2025 and will align with ambitions to harness young audiences and foster new creative opportunities across the district.
- Sound and Vision also complements the city’s ambitious ten-year culture strategy Culture is our Plan and supports the wider region’s commitment to building a digital economy.
- A vibrant activity plan sits alongside the development of the new galleries. It supports greater access, new employment and volunteering opportunities and is focused on enabling more people – irrespective of class, race, age, ability, gender or faith – to engage with the museum.
- During the temporary closure period, a range of outreach activities with community groups and schools – in person and online – will enable audiences to stay in touch and track progress.
2023 Business Predictions: Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass, a Leeds-based manufacturer of glass units with integrated blinds for windows and doors.
As we see the effects of climate change in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, the environmental impact of our business activities has been rising up the agenda for some time now.
But while Yorkshire and the Humber may be at the forefront of nationally and internationally significant new green technologies and renewable power generation, it is the sum of all the small steps that every business in the region can take to reduce their carbon footprint that has the potential to make a big difference.
Many businesses have overcome the idea that being more environmentally responsible is a ‘nice to have’ but in reality a cost and hassle they can do without. As our business has discovered over the past few years, thinking about sustainability in every area and process of your business contributes to business success and profitability – not hinder it.
So I think 2023 will be a big year for sustainability in business. And I think the fact that consumers are increasingly turning to greener brands signals the greater opportunity that lies ahead. Yes, some green business initiatives will require upfront investment, but the returns could be realised sooner than we think.
Our post-consumer glass recycling initiative, for example, started as a simple exercise to cut waste disposal costs. In the space of just over two years, however, we have not only saved money, but donated thousands of pounds into our GreenVision fund to support local community groups and environmental initiatives.
New affordable homes in Knaresborough get the green light
A £16 million project that will see 64 affordable homes built in Knaresborough has been given the go ahead.
In partnership with Yorkshire Housing, Countryside will build the two, three and four-bedroom family homes on the site of the former Trelleborg factory on Halfpenny Lane, which closed in 2016. They will be available for a mix of tenures including social rent, shared ownership and affordable rent.
Planning permission for the new homes was granted earlier this year by Harrogate Borough Council. As part of the development, developers will also contribute £465,000 to improve the local area.
Director of Development at Yorkshire Housing, Sian Grindley said: “We’re really pleased this scheme has been given the go-ahead and it’s great to be teaming up with Countryside to deliver high-quality homes to over 60 families, that they can be proud of.
“We’re committed to providing affordable and sustainable homes with cost-effective heating, power, and thermal efficiency at a time when it’s needed more than ever.
“The scheme also brings us closer towards our target of delivering 8,000 new homes across Yorkshire.”
Andy Poyner, Managing Director, Yorkshire, Countryside Partnerships, said: “Countryside Partnerships is committed to regenerating areas and creating communities that people can be proud of. This site will combine spacious, high-quality homes with an exciting and evolving community where people will love to live.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Yorkshire Housing on this inclusive residential development, which will give local people the opportunity to buy the house of their dreams.”
Work is due to start in March 2023 and the scheme is expected to be completed by March 2025.
Two join Lincoln architects’ practice
Two new faces have joined the Architecture team at the Lincoln Head Office of Waldeck‘s.
Charlie Hirst is a junior technician, and Sophie Vanstone a placement student. Charlie is following in the footsteps of ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ finalist, Connor Penlington, taking on a hybrid role between the Architecture and Digital teams, having recently completed his Part 1 in Architecture at the University of Lincoln. Sophie is currently in her final year of studying Interior Architecture & Design at the University of Lincoln, and is currently carrying out a work placement alongside her studies, with a view of joining the team full-time following graduation.
Director of Architecture Stuart Denniss said:“Charlie and Sophie join us during a period of continued growth and as they integrate into the business I have no doubt they will become valued members of the team.
“Recruiting and investing in local people to develop the next generation of construction industry talent is high on Waldeck’s agenda. In 2023 we are committed to continuing our engagement with our local community, attending Careers Fairs at local Colleges and Universities to support young people in the next chapter of their careers. These two new appointments are testament to this.””
“We have a proven track record of delivering high quality design for our clients and collaborating successfully with the wider design team to meet our client’s objectives. The skills and fresh ideas Sophie and Charlie bring, will feed into our current experienced team as they develop over the coming months and support the production of practical, buildable and cost-effective solutions for our clients.”
Hull accountancy firm enters partnership with Wakefield Trinity
360 Chartered Accountants is tobe the official “Accountancy Partner” for Wakefield Trinity for the 2023 Super League season.
The partnership, which started this month, sees the firm opening a permanent office at the Be Well Support Stadium, providing an ideal base in West Yorkshire to support its developing portfolio of clients and partners in and around Wakefield.
The deal includes sleeve sponsorship on the first team training tops, being the main match sponsor for the Hull KR fixture as well as continuing to sponsor the club’s half-time and full-time social media posts and the Winning Wednesday Draw.
Adrian Hunter, MD at 360, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed coming on board with the Wildcats last year and are delighted to be part of the club’s future as they embark on an exciting new chapter, both on and off the field. Having had such a warm welcome from all the staff, it just felt right to have the conversation with Michael Carter, and I would like to express my sincere thanks for his enthusiasm in getting this agreement over the line.
“As well as looking forward to meeting up with our co-sponsors during the season, we are excited about integrating 360 into the local business community and I would welcome the opportunity to meet over coffee for an informal chat with anyone who wants to explore how we can help them moving forward.”
Michael Carter, Chief Executive of Wakefield Trinity, said: “It’s fantastic to partner up with 360 accountants. We have been using the firm now for a couple of years and our relationship with Adrian and Andy goes from strength to strength. We have enjoyed hosting them at the Be Well Support Stadium and this latest move just strengthens the relationship even further. I look forward to working with 360 and cementing our partnership even further.”
360’s new office in Wakefield continues the firm’s strategic expansion across Yorkshire. With headquarters in Hull, they opened their office in York in January 2022.
British Steel prepares to commission £54m investment at Scunthorpe
British Steel is preparing to commission its largest single investment since Jingye took over the company – a £54m billet caster, part of investment worth £330 million the company has committed to since 2020.
Other significant investments in this period include:
- £27 million investment in three new cranes at the company’s Immingham Bulk Terminal. The new machinery uses the latest technical advances in dig depth optimisation to ensure continuous peak performance
- £14.6 million investment to enhance energy operations including projects to improve the way electricity and process gases are used
- IT systems upgrade – scheduled to go live in March, this multi-million-pound investment will ensure colleagues, customers and suppliers benefit from the latest information technology
Streets covers the closure of the Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme, the launch of Entrepreneurs Connect, and more in latest news bulletin
In its latest news bulletin, Streets Chartered Accountants covers the closure of the Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme, the benefits of an optimistic approach to business in 2023, the launch of the Entrepreneurs Connect initiative, and more.
Closure of Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme
The Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme had been available for many years. Under the scheme, a taxpayer could purchase a certificate from HMRC and subsequently use the certificate either to pay a tax liability or obtain a refund. They were often used where a liability was in dispute with HMRC, and a certificate was purchased to both put funds in place to pay the liability should HMRC win the dispute and also to mitigate the interest charge on the eventual payment of the liability…
The benefits of a more optimistic approach to business in 2023
It is widely recognised and reported that business confidence declined during 2022, with the start of 2023 perhaps seeing little in the way of renewed confidence. The continued conflict in Ukraine, the continued aftershock of Brexit and the rising costs of living impact in one way or another on business optimism. Perhaps then business leaders, more than ever, need to focus on the importance of optimism as a state of mind, and the impact it has on the realisation of strategy, performance and success…
Entrepreneurs Connect
Streets are delighted to invite all entrepreneurs to the launch of Entrepreneurs Connect, an initiative that we have co-founded with the University of Lincoln’s Research & Enterprise Department. This new network aims to provide a creative and interactive platform, in the form of dynamic quarterly events and workshops, to bring together Greater Lincolnshire’s entrepreneurs. Like-minded, forward-thinking business founders will be able to exchange knowledge and create a strong and inclusive network of enterprising minds…
Midlands Family Business Awards Launch 2023
Streets are delighted to continue to sponsor the Midlands Family Business Awards in 2023. The awards team have made some exciting changes, but the aim remains the same — to celebrate and shine a light on our region’s great family businesses. Streets would like to extend an invitation to members of family businesses to join them for lunch and be the first to find out about the changes that have been made and the 10 exciting Award categories for this year. The awards team will also detail the key dates and explain the 2023 entry and judging process…
SmartMoney – January/February 2023
SmartMoney is the bi-monthly magazine from Streets Financial Consulting plc, its independent financial planning arm, full of news and helpful information on personal financial planning…
Leeds flooring firm opens new store and eyes recruitment following £2.1m deal
Leeds-based Floorstore Group, which sells carpets and flooring across Yorkshire, has secured a £2.1m finance package with NatWest.
The investment has enabled the family-owned firm to open a new 13,000-square-foot showroom in Cross Gates, Leeds, supporting the business to achieve its ambition of expanding its presence in the flooring market.
The deal has also allowed the retailer, which employs 52 staff, to recruit to an additional four new roles in its warehouse, accounts and digital teams, with further vacancies being recruited to, to support the current and future growth ambitions of the business.
The Floorstore Group, formerly known as Jim’s Carpets, was founded in 1961 and remains family owned and operated, with seven outlets across Leeds, Wakefield and Harrogate.
The finance deal and new site will also enable the company to build on its green commitments. The firm, which already recycles old and new carpets and flooring as well as the materials used in the packaging process, plans to install solar panels to further reduce the carbon footprint of the businesses. Electric vehicle charging points for customers and the public will also be installed.
Steve Walker, Managing Director at Floorstore Group, said: “We’ve long been keen to grow our offering to give our customers more choice of carpets and flooring and our new store will allow us to do just that, bringing our high-quality products to new customers, while also serving to complement our online retail offer and meet our future ambitions for growth.
“The business has banked with NatWest for more than 40 years and we’ve always had an exceptional relationship over the years, with the bank supporting us at every stage of our journey. Everything about securing the finance package has been really easy and it’s been a smooth process all the way through.”
Mark Forsyth, relationship director at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to support Floorstore Group with a flexible finance package that has allowed them to buy and open new trading premises. The new premises will increase the company’s presence in the flooring market, as well as create employment for local people.
“It’s been fantastic to work closely with Steve and the team to provide them with financing that suits their needs and will help take the business on to the next stage of their growth journey.”
HMRC changes the rules on use of repayment agents
HM Revenue and Customs is changing the way taxpayers who use a repayment agent can receive overpaid tax to protect them and raise standards among repayment agents.
HMRC will introduce legislation to change the way repayment agents are paid for their services and better protect customers from the unscrupulous tactics used by some operators. This means stopping the use of legally binding ‘assignments’ as part of claiming an Income Tax repayment, which could only be cancelled if the agent and taxpayer both agreed to do so. This can be challenging for customers who become dissatisfied with their agent, or who simply wish to take over managing their own claim.
Under new arrangements, if a taxpayer chooses to use a repayment agent to reclaim overpaid tax and wants it sent to the agent, they will need to make a nomination, which they can cancel at any time. The new process will make it easier for taxpayers to stay in control of their repayments.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:“Taxpayers deserve better – we want to make sure they are better protected before choosing to enter into an agreement with a repayment agent. HMRC’s updated standards for agents will level the playing field and provide the benchmark we expect all repayment agents to meet.”
The changes follow HMRC’s consultation last summer on ‘Raising standards in tax advice: Protecting customers claiming tax repayments’. Responses to the consultation highlighted the need to improve agent transparency and standards with the overall aim of better protection for taxpayers.
As a result, HMRC is today also setting out the following measures:
•updated standards for agents – applicable to all tax agents and include greater transparency requirements
•a new HMRC registration process for repayment agents – to make the agent sector more transparent so customers better understand what they are signing up to
Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“For too long taxpayers have been left in the dark as a result of misleading and opaque agreements with repayments agents. These new measures will ensure those who are entitled to claim a tax repayment or relief can do so freely and easily – whether they choose to do this themselves or by using an agent.
“This Government is making it easier to navigate the system for all taxpayers using an agent to claim money that’s owed to them.”
Victoria Todd, Head of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, said:
“We welcome these additional steps, which show HMRC recognises the important role they play in consumer protection. Refund companies have a legitimate role in the tax system, but the practices of some of these companies in recent years have been unacceptable. The proposed changes will hopefully address problems around the use of assignments, increase transparency for taxpayers and set clearer standards for these companies’ behaviour.
“Alongside this, it is important that more effort goes into raising awareness of refunds and ensuring it is as simple as possible for taxpayers to access them. We look forward to working with HMRC on the detail of the proposals.”
Hull timber merchant sold
Hull timber merchant, Timber Angel Limited, has been sold out of administration.
The company had experienced cashflow difficulties as a result of temporary disruption at one of its principal suppliers. After assessing their options, the directors took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators.
Immediately following the appointment of James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators on 9 January 2023, they concluded a sale of the Timber Angel Limited business and assets to Hull-based N.R.Burnett Limited.
The transaction sees nine employees of Timber Angel transfer to the purchaser.
James Clark, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Unfortunately, Timber Angel was significantly impacted by issues affecting one of its key suppliers. We are therefore pleased to have been able to safeguard the future of the business and wish the new owners and the employees all the very best for the future.”
Largest outside event space in Leeds’ city centre set to launch
Moda Living in collaboration with New Citizens is launching a dedicated new event space in Leeds.
The 103,000 sq ft venue is said to be the largest open-air events space in the city centre and will play host to music, sports, cultural and arts events. It is the first development in the site’s plans to become a vibrant new city centre neighbourhood, part of a wider masterplan that will deliver a new area of Leeds by Caddick Group.
Canvas Yard’s first event will kick off in April, with a line up of events including FAC51 Hacienda Open Air on 30th April and the legendary The Garden Party at the end of May. FAC51 Hacienda Open Air, featuring Roger Sanchez, Dimitri from Paris, Todd Terry, Derrick Carter and Graeme Park, was announced last year.
Moda Living and New Citizens, the team behind the renowned Chow Down and Canal Mills, first joined forces in 2022, following conversations between Leeds City Council and Caddick Group. Working with the council, friends, and partners across the city they transformed the iconic brownfield site into Leeds’ first festival of the season. The Garden Party was a sell out as some of the world’s most renowned DJs, including Denis Sulta Eats Everything, Ewan McVicar, HAAi, Hot Since 82, Jon Hopkins, Maribou State, and TSHA attracted partygoers from all over the UK. This year’s event will be announced as part of a new series of events held at Canvas Yard.
Lydia Eustace, Marketing Director at Moda, said: “Our collaboration with New Citizens on The Garden Party last year was a huge success and one we were keen to develop. The potential at Canvas Yard is enormous, from health and wellbeing, fitness and sports events to music festivals, art exhibitions, and everything in between – we can’t wait for the event programme that will come forward at Canvas Yard. New Citizens share the Moda ethos of well-being and community and so it’s fantastic that we can announce the launch of Canvas Yard in association with them.”
Matt Long, Director at New Citizens, said: “We are delighted to be building on our relationship with Moda Living following the success of our 2022 event. The collaboration and launch of Canvas Yard will fill a gap in the Leeds cultural landscape providing a space for creativity across music, arts, film and TV sectors.”
Based at City One, a development site currently in planning for Caddick Group, Canvas Yard is a short walk from the Leeds train station.
Locals celebrate London win!
One of Lincoln’s best-loved venues has been honoured with national recognition at the ‘Oscars’ of the events and venues industry.
The Blue Room, on Union Road in Lincoln, was presented with the Bronze award for the UK’s Best Unusual Venue at the M&IT Awards in London. To celebrate the achievement, a special Wedding and Events Showcase will be held at The Blue Room on 26th February to give visitors the chance to see what makes the venue so special.
The Blue Room is housed in the 200-year-old, Grade II listed Lawn building, set in lavish grounds and is a unique venue which was originally purpose-built as a Victorian ballroom. It has been lovingly refurbished and boasts amazing period features including an eye-catching stained-glass, arched window for a stunning backdrop to any occasion.
Karis Hildred, Events Manager at The Lawn said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our special and unique venue has received such national recognition. I’m really looking forward to welcoming visitors to our special showcase event so they can see what makes our venue and services award-winning.
“We’ll treat our guests to delicious canapes, prosecco and offer advice on planning the perfect wedding or event. They’ll also get to meet some of our trusted experts who arrange every detail for all occasions, including room dressing, lighting, menus and more. I’ll be pleased to arrange personal tours of our building too.
“The Blue Room was up against stiff competition and some of the biggest names in the industry. The team and I are thrilled.
“The Wedding & Event showcase on 26th February is the perfect opportunity to discover more about our range of services and spaces. I’m proud of my team who work tirelessly to ensure that every event and performance we host, from weddings and business functions, to sell-out theatrical shows are uniquely memorable, delivered seamlessly so our guests come back time and again.”
The Blue Room is just one of the spaces at The Lawn building which also offers office space rental, wedding ceremonies, life celebrations and business functions. The Wedding & Event Showcase on 26th February from 10am to 3pm is set to be the perfect opportunity for anyone planning a wedding, event or business function. Places can be booked now by registering here: Wedding & Events Showcase | The Lawn (lawnlincoln.com)
AMRC team up with East Midlands Railway on depot simulation tool
East Midlands Railway (EMR) is working with engineers from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to create a simulation tool that will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its depots.
The project, made possible by the Network Rail Performance Improvement Fund, has seen AMRC engineers work closely with EMR operations staff to record the rules, processes and timings of train movements to develop a representative model of its Nottingham Eastcroft depot.
Eastcroft provides the day-to-day maintenance of the EMR Regional fleet – a very complex operation as the fleet is split into three different types of train, known as Class 156, 158 and 170s.
The tools create a virtual simulation of activities taking place on the shop floor at the depot and gives the user the power to identify capacity constraints, model scenarios and rapidly visualise the impact on performance.
They will enable EMR to plan, stress test and simulate operational scenarios in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional methods – hopefully improving train services for customers.
Richard Gardiner, AMRC senior innovation fellow and sector lead for rail, said the AMRC has relished the opportunity to work with East Midlands Railways (EMR) on a depot modelling project.
“We are collaborating to assess the application of state-of-the-art process flow simulation tools to assist the efficiency and effectiveness of rail depot operations.
“The AMRC is drawing on its manufacturing intelligence team’s significant expertise in modelling and optimising manufacturing production facilities using a range of tools. These tools create a virtual simulation of activities taking place on the shop floor and give the user the power to identify capacity constraints, model scenarios and rapidly visualise the impact on performance.
“The model incorporates the depot and local Nottingham station roads and accommodates a range of units. It provides a virtual representation of activities in a 24-hour period and assists the current ‘beat-rate’ exercise. This model will add a dimension of scenario planning that was previously difficult and time consuming to accomplish.”
Richard added: “Since usability is a key feature of the project, a user-friendly interface is being developed that allows users to adjust variables and model scenarios without detailed process modelling software knowledge. As a net result of all the features and components of the model, depot operations can be made more efficient with an improved unit availability and better service to the public.”
Neil Bamford, fleet director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are always looking at ways we can embrace technology to help us run our services more effectively and are delighted to be working with the AMRC on this project.
“We hope this collaboration will result in a more detailed understanding of all the barriers that impact on running depot operations as efficiently as possible.”
Health and social care sector to get free PPE ‘whilst stocks last’
The government has announced its decision to extend the central, free provision of PPE to the health and care sector for protection against COVID-19, by up to one year to March 2024 or until stocks are depleted.
Supporting frontline workers remains a priority for the government. NHS trusts, primary care and adult social care providers will continue to receive PPE free of charge to ensure staff and their patients are protected against COVID-19.
The government acted swiftly at the height of the pandemic to secure PPE to protect frontline staff. Free, centrally procured PPE helps relieve some of the financial burden of PPE procurement done on an individual basis.
DHSC will continue to supply all categories of PPE to health and social care providers according to demand until the end of March 2023, free of charge. More information abut the scheme is available here.
York encourages businesses to visit free mental health and wellbeing event
City of York Council is pleased to invite members of the city’s business community to a free mental health and wellbeing event on Tuesday 31 January, from 4 – 5 pm.
Participants will learn about the free support available to support their workforce or themselves as business owners. The event will be held at the council’s West Offices and will be a hybrid session, meaning attendees will have the option to join virtually using an online link.
Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive show that 822,000 workers in the UK suffered from stress, depression, and anxiety across 2020 and 2021, and the economic pressures of recent years are expected to have taken an additional toll on business owners and their staff. With over 95% of York’s businesses classified as micro or SME firms, where these pressures are likely to be more acutely felt, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the city’s business community is an important part of the council’s economic strategy.
Chaired by the Director of Public Health for York, the event will highlight ways in which businesses in the city can access free support and coaching. Following short talks from Cllr Ashley Mason and Andy Knowles, founder of Assetiam Business Support Services and volunteer at Menfulness, on the importance of mental health and wellbeing, businesses will have the chance to hear from York Mind, the HSE, York St John Communities Centre and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) detailing the support they offer. Participants will then be invited to ask questions as part of a Q&A session with the speakers.
This event forms part of one of eight projects to support inclusive economic growth in the city. Delivering on the commitment to support mental health and wellbeing in the local business community, the council has previously worked with York St John University to produce the ‘Building Business Resilience’ research report in 2021, and regularly promotes free support services through its weekly business bulletin.
Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “Working in the business sector can be emotionally and mentally challenging, and the current economic climate undoubtedly presents additional pressures to many.
“Supporting mental health and wellbeing within the local business community is a key aspect of our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive economy, and this event will highlight the importance of mental health to achieving that aim. We’re delighted to be joined for this event by representatives from the council’s Public Health team, as well as speakers from partner organisations York Mind, Menfulness, York St John University, the FSB and the HSE.
“I would encourage local business representatives to attend the event to hear about the support and resources that are available. We hope it will help business owners to feel more confident supporting their employees and their own mental health as they encounter the challenges of this new year.”
Energy support package leaves UK steelmakers at a financial disadvantage, says trade association
The Government’s Energy Bill Discount Scheme offers less for UK steel producers than for competitor countries, according to Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel.
Although welcoming the scheme for its certainty and stability, Stace points out that there are concerns that the newly-announced support falls short of that of competitor countries, including Germany, since it significantly narrows the help Government will provide, with a maximum discount of £89/MWh, which stops delivering once those prices go beyond a ceiling of £274/MWh.
He said: “The Government is betting on a calm and stable 2023 energy market, in a climate of unstable global markets, with the scheme no longer protecting against extremely volatile prices. The German Government guarantees an electricity price of €130/MWh for the whole of 2023, ensuring German industry can continue to operate competitively within Europe and beyond. In contrast, the reformed EBDS provides a discount for electricity prices above £185/MWh, leaving UK steel producers paying an estimated 63% more for power than German steel producers this year. This situation will maintain a long-standing competitive disadvantage for UK producers, resulting in higher production costs and a reduced ability to compete this year.
“Given the disparity in relief provided in the UK and competitor countries, it is essential that the Government now delivers on its Energy Security Strategy and addresses the outstanding disproportionate costs UK steel producers face in electricity bills, including high renewable levies and network costs. Years of paying more for these elements of electricity costs have placed UK industry at a competitive disadvantage against its European and global competitors.
“Steel demand and prices are falling in the UK and across Europe, while key input costs remain persistently high, leading to reduced production, shrinking market share, and increased imports for the UK. Whilst we are grateful and pleased to see that Government has acted to extend the scheme, there remains a vital gap in that delivery. We urge Government to take the next step and look to match what is provided in Germany for the most energy intensive industries.”
Optimism returns to financial sector, says CBI
Sentiment among financial services recovered to +10% from -55% in the three months to December, despite gloomy expectations for activity in the quarter ahead, according to the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey.
The quarterly survey found that business volumes grew at a solid rate in the quarter to December (+24% from +31% in September). Employment growth recovered to a firm pace (+23% from -8% in September), while profitability was flat (-1% from +24% in September).
Looking ahead to the next three months, FS firms expect business volumes (-28%) and profitability (-26%) to decline. Headcount is anticipated to be unchanged.
The outlook for investment over the next year is mixed. While IT investment is set to grow over the next 12 months (compared to the previous 12), capital expenditures on land & buildings and vehicles, plant & machinery are anticipated to decline.
Uncertainty about demand was the key factor weighing on investment intentions in the year ahead (34% of firms from 17% in September).
Over 2023, the key trends driving disruption for firms are expected to be changes in regulation (85% of firms), high inflation (79%), and accelerations in digital technologies (70%). With the cost-of-living crisis spilling into the new year, the survey found that over two-thirds (70%) of financial service firms have initiatives to support consumer and/or commercial clients with inflation.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Chief Economist, said: “It’s good to see optimism return to financial services in Q4. Unfortunately, this may prove to be short-lived as FS firms’ predictions look bleaker going forward, with business volumes and profitability set to fall over the next quarter.
“All eyes are now on the upcoming Spring Budget to see if the Chancellor can build on the stability provided by the Autumn Statement and deliver a concrete plan for growth.
“A fit and firing financial services sector is vital to the UK’s long-term economic success – that’s why we need business and government working together to safeguard the industry’s global competitiveness.”
