Plans put forward for new International Strategy for Sheffield
Plans have been put forward for a new International Strategy for Sheffield, following two years of work including the adoption of the Partner City Policy and ongoing work to establish international links. This was demonstrated recently with a Sheffield delegation visiting sister city, Pittsburgh, last month.
As England’s fourth largest city, Sheffield is a world-leader in many business sectors. From having significant advanced manufacturing capabilities, to a flourishing tech sector, as well as a thriving cultural scene and a global reputation as the Outdoor City.
Last year, a new Growth Plan for the city was adopted. The ten-year plan outlines the city’s plans to drive forward economic growth and improve the lives of people living, working and doing business in the city.
The Plan highlights the importance of Sheffield taking its place as a city that is ‘Global, Green and Growing’ and focuses on leveraging the city’s strong economic assets, including its world-class universities, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and innovation ecosystem, to attract global investment, promote economic growth, and enhance Sheffield’s reputation on the international stage.
To achieve this, collaboration with global partners and support for new businesses with international growth potential is key.
On Wednesday (19 February 2025), at a Strategy and Resources Committee meeting held by Sheffield City Council, plans to develop a new international strategy were approved, aiming to support the Sheffield Growth Plan and other city ambitions.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council and Chair of the Strategy and Resources Committee, said: “Sheffield is global, green and growing. We have world-leading strengths in many sectors, from advanced manufacturing to health technology, cultural industries and a growing tech sector.
“We have big plans to grow these sectors and international engagement, and growth is key to this.
“We were able showcase this with our recent trip to our sister city Pittsburgh, a city we share many similarities with. Sheffield and Pittsburgh are two cities with a proud industrial heritage, both looking forward and making plans for a more prosperous future. The trip was a huge success and has set the foundations for more international collaboration and knowledge sharing going forward.”
In January, Cllr Tom Hunt, and Chief Executive, Kate Josephs, along with a handful of Sheffield-based businesses travelled to Pittsburgh in the USA. Sheffield and Pittsburgh have been Sister Cities since 1980 and the aim of the trip was to strengthen ties, share knowledge and explore future collaboration.
During the three-day trip they met with more than 16 organisations and around 50 representatives in total, from government officials to businesses and academia.
Like Sheffield, over the last decade, Pittsburgh has focused on commercialisation of research, business growth and innovation.
The city also benefits from having some strong, sector-based organisations providing opportunities to collaborate and innovate, together with advocacy and lobbying on behalf of their members.
The visit highlighted the potential for the respective Councils, academic institutions and regional bodies to collaborate and share best practice in a range of areas. Education, response to climate change, urban regeneration and addressing homelessness are just some of the ideas being considered.
Learnings from the trip will be used to help inform the new International Strategy for Sheffield, which is to be developed this year.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Sheffield twinning with the city of Bochum in Germany. Over the past two years, the two cities have renewed their relationship, and plans are in the pipeline for the cities to collaborate on projects for the benefit of their residents.
To celebrate the anniversary, a programme of events is also in the works for later this year.
The strategy will focus on developing international activities with priority organisations, identifying international markets to focus on for trade and investment opportunities, as well as providing a framework for international engagement and activities going forward.
The strategy aims to boost trade and investment, support Sheffield’s visitor economy, support the city’s universities, nurture and reinvigorate existing civic links and collaborate with principal partner cities on challenges faced.
It will be presented at a Strategy and Resources Committee later this year and include consultation with partners.
Independent aggregates supplier looks for buyer after challenging period
Prestige Aggregates Limited, a Sheffield-based independent aggregates supplier and manufacturer, is seeking a potential purchaser to buy the business and assets, after experiencing a period of challenging cash flow towards the end of 2024.
A Notice of Intention to Appoint an Administrator was filed on 10th February, with the Business Recovery and Restructuring team at Midlands-based PKF Smith Cooper supporting the business through the process.
Prestige Aggregates supplies a wide range of high quality primary and environmentally sustainable recycled aggregate products, specialising in the use of recycled aggregates from waste glass packaging to be used within the aggregate and construction sectors.
The company’s main focus in their manufacturing has been to reduce their carbon footprint, supplying end markets located within 100-mile radius of their headquarters. The company has developed working relationships with suppliers to design concrete mixes including recycled glass and concrete aggregates, with the intention to include waste plastic in the near future.
The collapse of the waste glass recycling sector between July and December last year caused Prestige Aggregates to struggle as they had expanded significantly into this market. With accumulated debt on top of failing market investments, the company’s cash flow took a hit towards the end of 2024.
The business is now seeking assistance from the PKF Smith Cooper Business Recovery and Restructuring team, to plan ahead for their future. The trading of the business is continuing whilst a purchaser is found for the business and its assets.
Dean Nelson, Head of Business Recovery and Restructuring, said: “Prestige Aggregates has unfortunately faced a challenging end to 2024, and we are now in the process of restructuring their business.
“We will be working closely with the company’s management team to assist and support them in securing the best possible future for the business, its employees, and creditors.
“If you are interested in acquiring the business and assets, please get in touch with a member of our Business Recovery and Restructuring team.”
Summers-Inman extends higher education expertise into Yorkshire with new wins
Summers-Inman, the construction and project management consultancy with an office in Leeds and seven further offices located between Edinburgh and London, is celebrating new contract wins in the higher education sector.
These latest appointments will enable Summers-Inman to bring its higher education experience gained across various university projects UK-wide, into Yorkshire.
Recently won is a multidisciplinary consultancy framework agreement appointment for the University of Sheffield. Consultants have been appointed to deliver services for specific projects on a call-off basis as and when required.
In addition, the firm has also won a place on the university’s framework agreement for Cost Management Services.
The University of Sheffield has 30,000 students and more than 350 buildings across its multi-campus estate, which it is working towards making net-zero.
Summers-Inman will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects with the university which aims to deliver around £200 – £300 million of projects over the course of the framework.
Commenting on the win, Summers-Inman director, Alex Lodge said: “This is a truly exciting appointment for us and allows us to bring to the table our substantial experience gained on multi-million-pound award-winning projects, such as the £72 million Park View Student Village and the £27 million Dame Margaret Barbour Teaching and Learning Facility for Newcastle University.
“In Tees Valley, the £21.4 million Cornell Quarter and £36.9 million BIOS Laboratory and Life Sciences Building are both multi-award-winning schemes which have seen us provide project management, cost consultancy and principal designer roles throughout, either working directly for the university or the main contractor.
“These four examples are merely a snapshot of our overall experience, so we are delighted to be able to extend our reach within the higher education sector into Yorkshire with these recent appointments.”
Mark Holden, Associate Director of EFM: Estates Development at the University of Sheffield, said: “University estates are continually evolving to meet the needs and expectations of the next generation of students and academics, as well as positively contributing to the local community.
“Together with the requirement for improved facilities and accommodation there is also the need to achieve net-zero either by decarbonisation plans for existing buildings or building with a net-zero design from scratch.
“I am confident our recently appointed multidisciplinary teams have the expertise to provide high-level professional support that will enable us to deliver our ambitious estate plans over the next few years.”
Sheffield gets new conference to inspire leaders
A new event called Leadership Unleashed is to be launched by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and SHEAF to bring together existing and aspiring leaders, and anyone ready to explore what it means to lead with purpose.
The event, is sponsored by Westfield Health, takes place on March 7 (1-7pm) at The Showroom, Sheffield. It aims to provide opportunities to meet and connect with a diverse network of forward-thinking leaders.
Louisa Harrison Walker, Chief Exec of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’ve had the privilege of meeting many inspiring leaders throughout my career, and Sheffield is home to some fantastic examples.
“However, I also recognise that leadership is a continuous journey of growth and development – I’m still learning every day. That’s why having a space where we can explore, encourage, inspire, and support leadership is so important.
“By investing in better leaders, we can drive the economy forward and create outstanding places to work.”
Attendees on the day will have the opportunity to listen to keynote speakers, Laura Jordan Bambach and Brian Deane.
Laura is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Uncharted, a female-founded creative agency that combines the best new technologies with a diverse global community of creative talent.
She is also the former President and Chief Creative Officer of Grey UK, and Founder of SheSays – the creative industry’s largest global women’s network.
Brian Deane is a former professional footballer, and manager, with a career spanning 21 years and over 700 games and 200 goals. He played for clubs such as Sheffield United, Leeds United, West Ham, Middlesborough, Leicester and Benfica, before going into professional football management in Norway’s topflight division, managing Sarpsborg 08.
Sheffield may consider Green Belt land to meet housing and employment targets
Sheffield must identify space for an additional 3,529 homes and 53 hectares of employment land to meet government housing and job creation targets, according to planning inspectors reviewing the city’s Local Plan.
Sheffield City Council has prioritised brownfield sites for development but acknowledges that additional land may be needed, including areas within the Green Belt. Before opening a public consultation this summer, the council will assess potential sites based on sustainability and environmental impact.
Officials warn that without an approved Local Plan, the city could face unregulated development and a shortfall in affordable housing and commercial space.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport targets five airlines and freight expansion
City of Doncaster Council is working to secure five airlines and increase freight capacity as part of efforts to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The council has set up Fly Doncaster, a wholly owned subsidiary, and partnered with Munich Airport International to oversee operations.
At its peak in 2019, the airport handled 23,000 tonnes of freight. The council aims to increase this to 100,000 tonnes. Discussions have been ongoing over the past year to target a minimum of four to five airlines.
The council finalised a 125-year lease with landowner Peel Group in 2023 and plans to operate the airport with stricter fiscal control. Reopening is expected to create over 5,000 direct jobs and 6,500 indirect jobs, contributing an estimated £6.6 billion to the economy.
Mayor Ros Jones confirmed an international operator is in place to manage the airport. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged government support for the reopening.
Derby-based accountant acquired by Duncan and Toplis
Duncan & Toplis has acquired Derby-based accountants, Underwood Green.
With locations across Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, North London and now Derbyshire, the acquisition is part of Duncan & Toplis’ largest-ever period of growth, coinciding with the group’s 100-year anniversary.
Underwood Green will now rebrand, with all team members including directors Gary Underwood and Richard Green remaining in their roles and in their existing premises at Pride Park in Derby.
The deal sees Duncan & Toplis expand into another new location, broadening the group’s service offering to clients across the Midlands, and follows hot on the heels of the acquisition of North London-based ALG.
Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “This is a very exciting time for Duncan & Toplis, as it is the first time our group will have an office in Derbyshire. We’ve supported clients in Derby and Derbyshire for many years but, with the acquisition of Underwood Green, we’ll be welcoming a fantastic new team who are based in the city.
“Gary, Richard and the Underwood Green team have a terrific reputation in the area and we’re two very like-minded businesses. I’m looking forward to welcoming all team members to Duncan & Toplis and providing them with great career opportunities, at the same time as taking great care of clients they love working with.
“We want to continue to grow and expand the team at our new location in Derby, particularly our tax advisory team, and are looking for talented individuals to join us.”
Gary Underwood, director and co-founder of Underwood Green, said:“Joining forces with Duncan & Toplis is a great opportunity for us and our clients. Being a part of Duncan & Toplis, we’ll be able to offer a wider range of services and even greater support.”
Richard Green added: “Becoming a part of Duncan & Toplis is a thrilling step for us – their values and ambition align closely with our own. We’re excited about the incredible benefits this will bring, for our clients and for our team, who will gain fresh opportunities to grow within an ambitious and fast-growing group.”
ABP embarks on development of Grimsby dock buildings
Major renovation works are scheduled on Port of Grimsby buidings owned by ABP as part of work to reimagine the future of this unique area of the Port.
The buildings are currently being surveyed to show the condition of the roofs and facades, before moving on to survey the interiors. Once all surveys are complete, a programme of work will be produced to ensure they are wind and watertight, with repairs made to roofs, windows, doors and brickwork as required.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “This work is a major undertaking to ensure these buildings remain sound. Our immediate priority is to keep everyone safe, so many of the buildings have been fenced off while the contractors are on site to allow them to carry out the job.
“We are trying to minimise the disruption while the work is being carried out, but our priority is safety at every stage.”
Greg Lacey, Head of Property (Humber) said: “This work now being carried out will halt and reverse the tide of decay after many years. We have been in discussion with North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England on the steps being taken regarding the future of this part of the port.
“We are reimagining the area in different zones to see what it could look like and how it would work for different industrial clusters. We have committed a substantive investment to do this as we look to ensure the future of the location. It is proving to be of interest to many in the film sector and this is something we think works very well in Grimsby.”
ABP has been working alongside North East Lincolnshire Council and Historic England since 2017, and it was recently announced that a second round of funding for heritage regeneration on the port would commence.
David Walsh, Principal Advisor Partnerships at Historic England said: “Historic England is pleased to be working closely with Associated British Ports and North East Lincolnshire Council in support of a long-term strategy to tackle buildings in poor repair on the historic docks. Recent preliminary works to a number of priority buildings are an important first step towards making them safe, bringing them back into good repair, and reusing them to support local businesses and port activities.”
The Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas grant scheme has seen more than £1 million help tenants restore and renovate buildings, including Alfred Enderbys, The Great Escape and others.
New school at Bramcote College site moves forward with land transfer
Nottinghamshire County Council has transferred more than 17 hectares of land to The White Hills Park Trust, enabling the development of a new school on the Bramcote College site. The council sold two plots for a nominal £1 fee, allowing the Trust to sell the land to a housing developer to fund the rebuild.
The new school will accommodate 950 students, including 750 secondary school places and 200 for sixth form, with potential for future expansion. The facility will be purpose-built to modern standards and meet the Department for Education’s low-carbon sustainability targets.
Morgan Sindall Construction will oversee the project, with Arc Partnership handling architectural design. Construction is set to begin this summer.
Sheffield clean air zone prompts business relocation
Yorkshire Decorators Centre is relocating after losing £50,000 in turnover due to Sheffield’s clean air zone (CAZ). Based on Gibraltar Street for 22 years, the business says trade customers are avoiding the area to avoid daily charges of £10 for vans and up to £50 for larger vehicles.
Managing Director Tony Gallagher cited declining foot traffic, parking difficulties, and ongoing roadworks as additional challenges. Despite offering free delivery and crediting the zone fee, the company determined relocation was the only viable option.
The business plans to move to Darnall, outside the CAZ, to retain customers and rebuild operations.
Barnsley Council considers privatising nurseries amid financial strain
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) is reviewing a proposal to transfer six Family Hub nurseries to private operators, citing an annual taxpayer subsidy of over £480,000. The council argues that private providers could expand services, including offering at least 30 hours of childcare and year-round availability, which the public model cannot sustain.
The nurseries under review are located in Thurnscoe, Worsbrough, Athersley, Grimethorpe, Penistone, and Wombwell. BMBC’s cabinet member for core services, Councillor Robert Frost, stated that the priority is maintaining high-quality early years education while better aligning services with family needs.
The GMB Union opposes the move, launching a campaign and an online petition against privatization. The council’s final decision will be discussed at a special budget meeting on February 27.
Employment Bill will wreak havoc on already fragile economy, says FSB
Small firms are tightening their belts on jobs, with potential changes that will expand the grounds for unfair dismissal and higher sick pay costs at the top of their list of worries, research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows.
New data shows that in the last quarter of 2024, 33 per cent of small employers said they expect to reduce staff, up from 17 per cent in the previous quarter.
Fewer businesses are also looking to hire – with only 10 per cent of small employers planning to take on more staff, down 14 per cent from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, 56 per cent expect to keep their workforce the same.
Elsewhere, 51 per cent of small employers say labour costs are one of the greatest barriers to growing their business.
The upcoming Employment Rights Bill is also causing dread among the small business community, and in response to a separate FSB survey last year, 75 per cent of small employers highlighted fears relating to unfair dismissal changes, while 74 per cent raised concerns about changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
In fact, two thirds (67%) of small employers say the proposals in the Employment Rights Bill would make them curb hiring and one third (32%) plan to reduce the number of employees they have before the measures are introduced.
Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “The figures speak for themselves – plans to allow employees to sue their employers on their first day on the job will wreak havoc on our already fragile economy, while changes to Statutory Sick Pay will make employers think twice about their hiring plans.
“Of course, existing protections against unfair dismissal for protected characteristics from day one are essential and should remain. But extending these rights to any and all cases from day one risks opening the door to frivolous claims.
“Ministers should recognise the risk to jobs and resist any approach that comes across as out of touch with business reality, instead of brushing off their concerns.
“The Prime Minister should ditch these reckless changes to unfair dismissal and reinstate the one-year qualification period that worked under the last Labour Government. It’s a zero-cost fix that would show he understands what it takes to create and sustain jobs.
“If taking on staff becomes a legal minefield, businesses will simply stop. That means more people on benefits, a ballooning welfare bill, and a devastating hit to living standards. Those who will be shut out of work because of this Bill deserve better from the Government.”
Thousands express support for West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit network plans
Thousands of people, business and education leaders have expressed their support for West Yorkshire’s plans for a region-wide Mass Transit network.
It comes as West Yorkshire Combined Authority releases a consultation report showing more than two thirds of people surveyed across the region are supportive of plans to create a tram system initially covering Bradford and Leeds.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added that support from the University of Bradford and the White Rose, shows West Yorkshire is ready and waiting for Mass Transit.
The feedback will help the Combined Authority select its preferred scheme later this year, before consulting on a detailed version of the preferred route in early 2026.
This feedback is important to ensure the final plans meet the needs of the communities and businesses near the routes, and it will help add more details to the development plans for Phase One.
The route options consultation for phase one of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme took place during summer and autumn 2024, and saw 4,845 individuals and organisations have their say on plans for the region’s biggest proposed infrastructure project in decades.
A report now shows more than two thirds of people surveyed in West Yorkshire supported the plans for a line between Leeds and Bradford, while more than three quarters supporting a line from St James’s Hospital to the White Rose.
Respondents said improving connections with residential areas, reducing traffic congestion and providing quick journey times were the most important outcomes for a mass transit network in the region.
The consultation presented a number of possible route options for each section of the early Mass Transit network, labelled phase one.
In addition to thousands of members of the public, the plans also received support from regional leaders in the worlds of commerce and education.
University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon said: “We wholeheartedly support plans for a clean, quick, reliable mass transit system, particularly one that connects Leeds and Bradford.
“Such a scheme will benefit students, workers, businesses and residents. It will help reduce carbon emissions and congestions, it will kickstart growth and entrepreneurialism and ultimately boost local, regional and national economies.”
Steve Foster, Landsec’s Centre Director for White Rose and Trinity Leeds shopping centres, said: “Leeds has always been a city of industry and innovation and deserves a modern transport network to match its ambition. Today is an important step forward for improving connections between north and south Leeds, as well as the rest of West Yorkshire.
“Investment in modern, sustainable transport infrastructure will not only boost economic growth, especially if it links the city centre to the wider region and hubs like White Rose, but also extends access to opportunity for people across the region.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “The public has emphatically told us: ‘we want mass transit!’
“This is our region’s biggest infrastructure project in decades and will help us deliver on the growth mission to put more money in people’s pockets.
“It is time to deliver a tram for the people of West Yorkshire and get spades in the ground by 2028.”
The report comes hot on the heels of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent growth speech, during which she spoke of government’s commitment to support the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme.
While no decisions on routes have yet been taken, the route between St James’s Hospital and Leeds city centre supported most by respondents (L1) would run via the First Direct Arena, Leeds Beckett University, Millennium Square, East Parade and Infirmary Street, before heading past City Square and Leeds Rail Station towards Victoria Bridge. This was closely followed by the L2 line, running via East Parade and Park Row.
The consultees most supported south Leeds route (L6) would run via Holbeck, Elland Road Stadium and Beeston Ring Road before finishing at the White Rose. This was followed by L7, which would run via Gelderd Road, Lowfield Road, Elland Road Stadium and Old Lane.
A similar level of support was given to all three Bradford Line options, including line B1 (running from Leeds city centre via Armley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Laisterdyke before arriving in Bradford city centre), B2 (via Laisterdyke and Wortley), and B3 (via Laisterdyke and Armley).
While routes are yet to be selected, the findings from the consultation will be considered alongside several other factors including the findings on environmental surveys, further engagement with stakeholders and feasibility analysis to inform the preferred scheme decision later this year. A further consultation on a detailed version of the proposed route will take place in early 2026.
Wakefield’s CCL Facades to deliver curtain walling for £14M college project
Wakefield-based CCL Facades has won a £380,000 contract to design, supply, and install the curtain walling facade at Pudsey Sixth Form College. The project, led by main contractor Caddick Construction, includes thermally broken aluminium windows, specialist curtain walling, and manual and automated doors.
The contract is part of Luminate Education Group’s £14 million development. The college will accommodate over 600 students aged 16 to 18 and is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.
CCL Facades, a subsidiary of Caddick Construction Group, specialises in public sector projects across Yorkshire. The firm will collaborate closely with Caddick to ensure timely delivery.
Doncaster developer builds homes and construction careers in Wigan
A ongoing partnership with Wigan Council has helped Doncaster developer Keepmoat to create almost 170 new homes with housing association Jigsaw Homes, and trained almost 20 people in a relevant trade role.
The company is helping transform acres of brownfield land, supporting thousands of young people, and has invested more than £9,000 in community donations supporting social value activities.
Most recently, it invested £23.4m to transform an abandoned brownfield site in Worsley Mesnes to create 169 new homes to form ‘The Seasons’. During the project, the team facilitated 23 weeks of work experience placements resulting in full time employment.
The company also helped to create 11 apprenticeships and delivered construction career events and talks to over a thousand young people, offering advice and guidance helping them choose their next steps.
Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare at Wigan Council, said: “Keepmoat has been incredible in how they have worked with and for the community during this build which I am delighted about, as supporting communities and creating opportunities is a key priority for the Council.
“As Keepmoat are working in partnership with us to build much-needed homes in our borough, they have also created opportunities for local people; providing work experience and apprenticeships, attending careers fairs and much more. I’d like to recognise their commitment to the people living in Worsley Mesnes in changing the landscape, and by strengthening the community, it has been a real pleasure working with them and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Communications firm says Harrogate is a bullseye location for its development
JBP Communications, which recently joined the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, has launched a new base in Harrogate to support its growing operations across Yorkshire and the North.
The Harrogate office will form part of a wider network which includes bases in Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Westminster, Manchester, Nottingham, and Warwick.
MD Chris Lawrance said: “Harrogate is a bullseye location for us as we expand our footprint across Yorkshire and the North, where we are already working with a growing and diverse range of clients.
“Linking seamlessly to our central office in the heart of Westminster, JBP’s Harrogate base will also offer clients an inside track into our parliamentary and public affairs specialism.
“Yorkshire and the North is an increasingly important heartland for us, and our new office heralds an exciting start to our fortieth anniversary year, as we explore further opportunities to expand at pace and at scale through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.”
The Harrogate operations will be led by a team including two PR consultants from the town – Richard Chew, whose 30-year career has been dedicated to healthcare communications and crisis management, and Jane Burgess, a specialist in the energy and planning sectors.
Council launches food waste collection scheme to help businesses meet new legislation
A commercial food waste collection service is being offered to businesses across the district by West Lindsey District Council.
The service, which aims to support businesses in meeting new government regulations on recycling food waste, is being offered from 31 March, when the new statutory requirements come into effect.
The new regulations, which apply to all businesses regardless of their food waste volume, is a significant step towards promoting sustainability, as well as reducing C02 emissions caused by waste sent for energy recovery.
Small businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees are temporarily exempt until March 2027.
Businesses that sign up for the council’s new food waste collection service, will benefit from reliable and eco-friendly collection and recycling of food waste by the council’s award-winning service.
Businesses will be provided with 140 litre wheeled bins for the collection, which are small enough to be used inside kitchens or dining rooms, but can also be wheeled outside for collection.
The council will also issue businesses signed up to the service with a Waste Transfer Note, to show they are legally compliant with the new regulations.
The new regulations don’t just apply to food waste, they will also require businesses to separate other recyclable materials including glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, and paper – West Lindsey can also provide these recycling collections for you using a variety of bin sizes to suit your needs.
Chairman of the Environment and Sustainability Group Stephen Bunny, said: “By introducing this service, West Lindsey District Council reaffirms its commitment to improving sustainable waste management and practices and supporting local businesses in their efforts to reduce environmental impact.
“By participating in this programme, businesses can ensure compliance with the new regulations while contributing to a greener future.”
Food waste that can be collected includes:
- Vegetable and fruit peelings
- Uneaten food and plate scrapings
- Out-of-date or mouldy food
- Raw and cooked meat and fish, including bones
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Dairy products, such as eggs and eggshells
- Oil/liquid fat and milk
Bridlington firm boosts its apprentice sponsorship scheme
Bridlington business Hudson Contract is beefing up its support for construction industry apprenticeships with more places and more sponsorship through its Hudson Foundation.
The enhanced package includes increasing the number of sponsorships from 30 to 40 each year, raising sponsorship from £2,600 to 3,000 per apprentice, and introducing a £500 completion bonus split between apprentices and employers.
Launched last year, the foundation unites Hudson Contract’s efforts to create opportunities for young people to acquire skills, develop self-confidence and get a good start in life. Additionally, the foundation supports families in need and provides a voice for self-employment in construction.
Latest government figures show national construction apprenticeship starts fell by 1.2 per cent year on year while drop-out rates have reached 47 per cent, illustrating the skills challenge facing the sector.
The scheme has already helped 278 young people enter an industry where highly skilled tradespeople can earn more than £1,000 per week.
David Jackson, founder and chairman of Hudson Contract, said investing in skills is vital at a time when businesses face rising costs: “That’s why we provide a straightforward scheme of financial support, and supply companies with advice on how to navigate the bureaucracy of national apprenticeship schemes. Coastal communities face unique challenges so we are trying to bridge that gap with our scheme.”
Bridlington businessman Tom Hart, who started his career as an apprentice bricklayer and now runs Springvale Homes, has seen the benefits of the scheme first-hand. He said: “It takes away the financial burden and gives local businesses the chance to bring on an apprentice,” he said. “Sam Emmerson joined us through the scheme at 16. He’s now 22, fully qualified and a real asset to the company, working alongside his dad who has been with us for ten years.”
HMRC seizes 15,000 imported items to protect honest businesses
HMRC has seized nearly 15,000 imported items from delivery warehouses across the UK in a bid to tackle customs fraud and help level the playing field for honest businesses.
The items were removed from 25 sites during a three-day operation targeting counterfeit, misdescribed or undervalued goods. They were due to be sold to UK customers.
The blitz is part of an ongoing operation to identify suspected fraud by multiple overseas and UK businesses. It targets those undercutting law abiding firms by evading the customs duty due on imported stock.
HMRC has already made 26 similar seizures from various warehouses in the last nine months, which has included E-Bikes, robot vacuum cleaners, 3D printers and air humidifiers.
Marc Gill, Director, Individuals & Small Business Compliance at HMRC, said: “We’re determined to create a level playing field to allow honest businesses to thrive and will take robust action to make sure that everyone pays the correct duty due for importing goods into the UK.
“We will not tolerate abuse of the customs regime and these seizures show that our checks can and do stretch beyond the border.
“I hope it sends a clear message to any business that thinks it can import counterfeit, misdescribed or undervalued goods that we can and do work with registered fulfilment businesses to identify and seize items inland.”
Any company that stores and delivers items owned by an overseas business that have been imported prior to sale must be approved by HMRC under the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS). More than 600 businesses are registered under the scheme with HMRC. The latest seizure was planned with support from those holding the stock, but the items were not owned by them.
Canadian engineering company secures premises in Slaithwaite
Canadian-owned process engineering and consulting firm GMP Engineering has secured new offices for its European HQ at The Globe in Slaithwaite in West Yorkshire.
The acquisition is intended to be a supply chain bridge, for now predominantly to serve a $1.3 billion cancer treatment project in north American and to develop further ties to Europe.
With its global headquarters in Toronto and further premises in New Jersey, USA, GMP Engineering selected the UK as a prime location to support its Europewide growth plans. It currently has an expert team of four with plans to become a self-sustaining entity with a team of around 15 over the next five years.
Michael Mellor, the Director leading the UK office at GMP said: “With an existing clientele of medical and life sciences related practices in the building we’ve moved into, we are in good company, but the location and connectivity aspect were most appealing. Proximity to the M62 corridor, by rail or road, gives us good access to most of our network of vendors in Leeds, Bolton and Liverpool and throughout the UK
“Of course, the Mill building itself is impressive, providing a light and airy, state of the art workspace of historical importance in the ‘up and coming’ village of Slaithwaite is really great for the wellbeing of our team.
“We are excited to represent GMP Engineering and our containment subject matter expertise to the UK and Europewide market for this pharmaceutical industry.”
The Globe is a landmark site in the village of Slaithwaite which is a fast-emerging location for medical enterprise in Kirklees. Hartley Property Trust Ltd, in partnership with Kirklees Council has invested more than £ 6.5 million to repurpose the first of two significant mill buildings to provide 80,000 sq ft of innovation space. All five floors have now been transformed to provide a state-of-the-art innovation centre, laboratory space, medical suites, offices and retail space as well as an atmospheric Artisan Hall.
