Baildon-based office services and supplies company ACS Group has announced it is investing £250,000 in sustainable initiatives with the aim of becoming net zero by 2030. The £26m turnover company has already invested £190,000 in a range of environmentally responsible schemes. These include the installation of 220 solar panels on its head office roof to generate energy and ensuring the use of 100 per cent recycled filler cardboard in all orders from its distribution centre. The company worked closely with the British Standards Institute (BSI) to achieve the PAS 2060 standard in June last year, which is an internationally recognised standard for carbon neutrality. In addition, ACS Group is transitioning to a 100 per cent electric company vehicle fleet and creating an onsite recycling centre in collaboration with Terracycle. The company will invest the balance of the £250,000 by 2024. ACS Group sustainability manager, Tom Taylor, said: “We are totally committed to reducing our impact on the environment and helping our customers to do the same. “Net zero by 2030 is extremely ambitious and requires radical innovation within our supply chain. All of us at ACS Group hope to influence our stakeholders into making the required changes to ensure a more sustainable future for our industry and our customers. “We are also committed to reporting openly and honestly as we navigate the ongoing requirements for our PAS2060 accreditation with the ultimate aim of achieving net zero by 2030.” ACS Group, which employs 112 people, is helping enable the delivery of its customers’ sustainability targets through several initiatives. These include removing single-use plastic products in its catalogues and creating a ‘green’ product list which have a minimum of 75 per cent recyclable content. This year will also be the first that the company does not print catalogues and will instead direct customers to an online version. ACS Group has been awarded carbon neutral status since 2016 and in 2022 offset its carbon emissions through the Woodland Carbon Code. This is the quality assurance standard for woodland creation projects in the UK and generates independently verified carbon units.

York’s Local Plan is set for its final stages in a significant and historic move towards the first plan the city has had in over 60 years.

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 Mandy Watson, Managing Director of Ambitions Personnel. 2022 was an especially volatile year, both politically and economically, so I think we can all agree that we’re hoping for a much calmer start to 2023! The new year brings an opportunity for a fresh start, and it’s one that we’re looking forward to. The predicted recession generally leads people to stay where they are and ride out the storm as new roles become less available. We saw many move around this year once the pandemic subsided, and fewer restrictions opened up new roles and opportunities. We might not be seeing this trend return for a few years yet. Lingering over the whole industry is the national skills shortage. There aren’t many industries left untouched by the shortage, with the ONS predicting more than 1.2 million unfilled vacancies. With fewer migrants, more young people in further education and some still choosing an earlier retirement, we’re seeing fewer people in work than before the pandemic. I remain optimistic about the coming year but acknowledge that a lack of skilled and unskilled workers will make recruitment agencies work harder to find candidates, and some may fall over. Sadly, I do not believe face-to-face recruitment will return as the norm as it’s a digital world and the pandemic certainly accelerated the introduction of online interviewing. Despite the majority of recruitment taking place online, we still prefer a high-street presence. Nothing can beat the personal touch that meeting candidates face-to-face can bring, and we’ve always enjoyed the relationships we build and the friends we make along the way. Despite all the coming challenges, we’re expanding our presence further across the East with a signature new office in Hull. One final note: In 2022, we were finally able to begin celebrating our 30th anniversary. 1990 feels like a lifetime ago, but Ambitions Personnel has now been a constant in Lincolnshire for nearly 33 years! Despite having to push back the celebrations due to COVID, we’re proud to have committed to 30 acts of kindness to celebrate those 30(+3!) years in business. So far, for #30ForThirty, we’ve scaled the Yorkshire Three Peaks, donated underwear and raised thousands for various charities. We can’t wait to finish our final acts in 2023, and I’d like to thank all of our friends and partners who have supported us so far! I’m looking forward to seeing where we go next, and with another grandchild arriving in June, it’s already looking like a great year.

In April this year one of the UK’s largest crematorium operators is to open a the UK’s first renewable energy-powered cremator in Doncaster. The company is Memoria, and its Deputy CEO, Jamieson Hodgson, said: “Since the beginning of time, mankind has chosen to either bury or cremate their loved ones, however, change to the cremation process was needed to ensure that it could meet its environmental obligations. “This new development will allow the cremation process to be carried forward into the 21^st century in a sustainable way. This facility will offer the first new-age electric cremator in the UK and reduce emissions by 95%. We were proud to be the first operator to bring this innovation to the market in 2020. In short, this paves the way for the cremation industry to be carbon neutral.” Memoria Ltd is a family-run business which has developed 18 memorial parks and crematoria since 2003. Mr Hodgson added: “We have always been at the forefront of technology in this industry to ensure that the environment is as protected by the cremation process as possible. We have a commitment to continue to work on these technologies with cremator manufacturers so that these improvements can continue to be made and we can support the UK government’s target of being carbon neutral by 2050. This is the first step for the industry to fulfil its environmental obligations.” The Memorial Park will be the first new crematorium to be developed in Doncaster for over 60 years, and is expected take the top level of pressure off Rose Hill crematorium, built in 1960. This will reduce waiting times for bereaved families during the busier times of the year and increase service levels in the area. The site will feature a brand-new state of the art chapel with seating for over 100 people with capabilities to offer web casting, mood lighting, visual tributes, and a choice of thousands of song choices through the innovative Obitus music library. One-hour service times will be offered as standard. Hodgson added: “Memoria Doncaster and South Yorkshire will be introducing significant new innovations to respond to the latest requirements that bereaved families are requesting. The modern funeral is all about providing families with a diversity of choice whether that means a direct cremation or a two-hour celebration of life service.”

Major restoration of Grimsby’s Corporation Road Bridge is to start in early February and mean the bridge will be closed for 11 months. The full refurbishment by Hull-based Spencer Group will include key structural works, as well as improvements to the aesthetic changes to the bridge – protecting the landmark for many years to come and preserve its heritage status. Councillor Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for environment and transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “As part of its Grade 2 listed heritage status, it is important the bridge remains functioning and the mechanics are in full operation to ensure the council is satisfying the statutory obligations. “Corporation Road Bridge is a key landmark in Grimsby Town Centre and the Heritage Action Zone. These refurbishment works are going to safeguard this iconic landmark for many years to come and be a key contributor to the ongoing regeneration works in this area.” Joe DiMauro, project manager for bridges at Spencer Group, added: “Corporation Bridge is well known to Spencer Group employees and we’ll be able to involve some of our apprentices based in the Humber region, who also played a part in the tendering process. It will be a great experience for them to work with our established bridge refurbishment teams, helping to develop their knowledge and skills in this highly specialised area.” While the works take place, Corporation Road Bridge will be closed to all vehicles and diversion routes will be clearly signed. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, except during short periods when the contractor will need to test the lifting mechanisms and the bridge will need to be fully closed. A diversion route will be put in place while the bridge is closed to traffic. Motorists wishing to cross to the Sainsbury’s side will be directed from Westgate roundabout, along Pyewipe Road and onto Corporation Road. Larger vehicles will be asked to straddle both lanes at the traffic signals. Those heading to the east side of the bridge will be directed to Lockhill roundabout.

Lincolnshire-based commercial fit out and design company APSS has confirmed what it predicts will be the office design trends of 2023. Businesses will see staff take advantage of the office environment again but in new ways. Many have become accustomed to the freedom of working from home. However, rising costs mean staff are ready to move back to the office on a more regular basis. This is especially true if they are trying to heat the house for just one person. So, what does this mean for businesses? There will be a need to have an environment that accommodates its staff in more ways than an office has ever done. Over the decades, the only thing that has been consistent with the office environment is the requirement to allow people to work. Long gone are the days when magnolia walls, cheap carpet and a few desks were enough. Staff need so much more and when a company doesn’t provide the right environment, staff are seen leaving for greener pastures. Hybrid Offices With more staff returning to the office, the hybrid working environment continues to adapt and become more prevalent. However, the days of being chained to a desk are in the past. Staff enjoy having their home comforts in the workplace – a more relaxed sofa to work on, a range of collaboration areas for teamwork and smaller meeting pods for solo or smaller groups to help reduce noise and improve concentration. For some companies, a hybrid office can mean a downsizing. These companies are confident they will not host all staff in one office again for the foreseeable future. However, other businesses are keen to keep the culture and the energy of the office alive. They will adapt the office to fit the requirements of the staff, creating a more dynamic environment. When staff have been used to working at home, it’s important the office compliments the way they now work. Acoustics and Concentration in the Office One of the positives of working from home has been a quieter environment. This is great for calls, video conferences and the ability to concentrate better with minimal distraction. An open-plan office is great for communication and teamwork, but with more people in the office acoustics and quieter spaces will be imperative. Office designs for 2023 will see more quiet areas included through private workstations and meeting rooms. Acoustics has become a primary focus to reduce excessive noise levels. Biophilic designs help dampen noise levels with the incorporation of plants and water features. Acoustic ceiling rafters are taking their place in the office providing a great feature whilst providing a practical purpose of absorbing additional noise. Feature slat walls will also become more prevalent to help reduce echo and excess noise and look great too. Natural and Biophilic Office Designs Biophilic office designs have been on the rise for a while now. Awareness of the benefits of working in an environment tied to nature is high and this trend will continue to develop over the next year. In addition to the living green walls, it will move forward with more natural, earthy colour schemes. White finishes are expected to be a thing of the past as natural wood colours take over and enhance that tie to nature. More plants will be welcomed into the office environment, however these need to be incorporated sensibly. Too few and it looks like a token effort. Too many and your office suddenly begins to look like an overgrown jungle where you expect the cast of Jumanji to come running through at any second. Businesses are shifting focus to providing an environment for positive mental health. Maximising the natural light that is able to permeate the whole office continues to be on the agenda. A huge difference can be made by adapting offices from having one small window to incorporating curtain walling and glass partitions. Adding a water feature can be very impactful, creating a more tranquil environment for concentration. All of this provides another link to the natural world, creating a more relaxed feeling for staff. Staff Wellbeing The pandemic highlighted the importance of people’s personal well-being and looking after their mental health. Promoting a positive attitude to mental health and staff well-being has become a key factor in office design. Encouraging staff to be more active and providing the ability to adjust their posture throughout the day is a great place to start. Providing the right break space and boosting natural light is also essential. If your staff can’t get away from their desk for a break, you will see the quality of their work gradually decrease along with their motivation. Providing the right equipment, like stand-sit desks, or maybe installing a gym in an unused room, can help staff better balance their work-life balance. These are things staff are unlikely to have at home and are a big incentive for making that commute to the office. Staying Connected Even though staff are looking to make the move back to the office, many businesses’ customer base has stretched much further afield. This means connectivity and having the right space available for video calls are just as important as it was during the pandemic. As a culture, we took huge strides in technology in the last three years and this is now engrained into our daily lives. Small “phone booths” or Zoom meeting pods for video calls, or just a bit of quiet will be a big trend going forward. Media and interactive walls provide a great presentation stage for the online world too. Sustainable and smart office design Sustainability and the goal of having a carbon-neutral office remain a key focus for those on the hunt for a new design. This goes hand in hand with a smart office as they reduce the company’s bills and its carbon footprint. If you’re upgrading your workplace, updating the technology can save you in the long run, and of course, it’s better for the planet. Solar panels on the roof of your building help reduce your energy bills whilst also reducing carbon footprints but when it comes to internal design, recycled materials are becoming more popular. These fabrics, used for anything from carpet tiles to fabric for seating, look and feel great and help reduce pollution. Some of these fabrics are made with plastic dredged from the sea, so have a fantastic ethical reputation. Office designs for 2023 need to be smarter to help with sustainability. Light sensors and LED lighting help reduce unnecessary energy usage along with automated climate controls. These find usage patterns and regulates temperatures to create a more comfortable and sustainable working environment. APSS has expert staff on hand to help you create an effective and impressive working environment for your staff and visitors alike. Visit the website to see how APSS can help transform your office.

PR agency Sway PR has expanded into the tech sector, adding to its growing list of clients. The firm has been engaged by document management solutions provider, DocTech. As DocTech further expands operations, it was looking for a PR agency with trusted regional and national track record to increase awareness and enhance its credibility to help realise it’s growth potential. With more than 50 years’ collective experience delivering PR campaigns, and new hires from the tech PR sector, Sway PR was chosen to create and deliver DocTech’s PR strategy and share its experts’ combined 75 years of knowledge and experience. Mark Hayward, founder of Sway PR, said: “We are blessed with a team of very talented professionals that bring experience and success from a range of industries, including the tech market. “We are therefore delighted to now be working with DocTech, which joins our expanding PR portfolio.” DocTech’s document management solutions have been used by organisations such as The Woodland Trust, JURA, and York College. It was recently named as a supplier for public sector organisations by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). Ruban Rajasooriyar, Managing Director at DocTech, said: “Document management has come a long way since the days of a filing cabinet and a desk full of paper. “Our document management solutions make business processes easier, quicker and more accurate. Invoice data is intelligently extracted, securely stored and can be used to start approval workflows. This functionality can also be applied to HR and compliance processes.” Established in 1984, Greater Manchester-based DocTech works with more than 300 clients in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, finance, education and transport.

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 Eamon Fox, Knight Frank partner and head of offices and development in Yorkshire. Demand for space in Leeds remains strong, despite all the challenges we faced in 2022. In addition to the usual existing occupiers in the city looking to move due to lease breaks or a flight to right-sizing and quality, there are also sufficient requirements for office space in Leeds from new occupiers. Some of these are media companies attracted by Channel 4 opening its new headquarters at Rushbond’s superbly-restored Majestic in the heart of the city. There is no doubt that Channel 4 has brought a media presence demand that we haven’t seen before in the city. The Channel 4 knock-on effect has been significant, building on the city’s reputation of being a magnet for bright young tech, media and creative companies, with state-of-the-art buildings such as Kinrise’s 34 Boar Lane and Boultbee Brooks’ Tailors Corner welcoming some of the best in class. We are now seeing law firms open in Leeds as a direct result of the investment by Channel 4, as well and pre and post-production firms. There are some tremendous new office buildings coming on stream next year, notably City Square House, where 83,000 sq ft has been pre-let to DLA Piper UK and we are due to announce a significant pre-let in the same building during early January 2023. Globe Point and 12 King Street all have already attracted prestigious pre-lets in 2022, underlining the strength of the office market in Leeds. The quality of these buildings means that headline rents should reach a record high of £38 per sq ft by the end of 2023. Two trends are worth noting – the strength of legal sector continues apace, with Knights taking space at the Majestic, DLA moving to City Square House and Brabners opening a new office in the city. At the same time, the regions continue to attract significant new occupiers like the National Infrastructure Bank, Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority for example. The regulator first announced its plans to open the office last July and said it would be hiring at least 100 staff in the first phase. Finally, I believe deals will get smaller by up to 30%. Working from home has led both employers and employees to realise that they don’t need the same amount of space as they have needed in the past. However, although individual space requirements may diminish, there will be a flight to quality, with occupiers willing to pay more to secure shiny new state-of-the-art workplaces that promote strong mental health and employee wellbeing. This should help to further improve the quality of space on offer in the city and push rents in Leeds to new heights.