Rising tide of optimism ebbs away for business, says CBI
After three consecutive quarters of rising optimism among business and professional services firms, it slipped away during the three months to November, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Service Sector Survey.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Interim Deputy Chief Economist, said: “Our latest data does not paint a pretty picture of the services sector. Falling sentiment, weaker hiring intentions and firming cost pressures are all at least a partial response to the forthcoming rise in employer National Insurance Contributions.
“This is all coming against the backdrop of weakening demand and squeezed margins. And middling business conditions don’t look set to improve anytime soon.
“The Government must act on the pressing challenges facing business – including a faster timetable for business rates reform and a plan for the long-term through a competitive industrial strategy. Business stands ready to work with politicians to improve the UK’s economic prospects.”
Consumer services firms also saw optimism decline at the fastest pace in over two years. Consumer services firms also reported a notable decline in business volumes, and expect another hefty fall in the three months to February.
Similarly, business & professional services firms reported that volumes fell, albeit marginally, in the quarter to November. This marked the first decline in a year, and volumes are expected to fall again in the three months to February.
Costs per person employed in the services sector grew strongly over the last quarter. While the rise was slower than in the three months to August, cost pressures remained above the long-run average. Costs growth is expected to pick up further in the quarter ahead, particularly for business & professional services firms.
In contrast, selling prices rose only modestly over the last three months. As a result, services firms reported another decline in profitability, that is set to accelerate in the three months to February. Profits in the sector have now fallen for three full years.
Headcount fell marginally across the services sector in the three months to November, driven by a bigger fall in employment among consumer services firms. Employment is expected to fall at a faster pace in the quarter to February, with both major sectors predicting a reduction in hiring.
Plans for investment over the year ahead remain tepid. Across the sector, firms expect to cut capital expenditure on vehicles, plant & machinery and land & buildings. Investment plans for IT remain positive, but are at their weakest in two years. Uncertainty about demand has picked up as a constraint to capital investment, rising materially above average in the consumer services sector.
CEO Supper Clubs put hot topics in the table in Sheffield
Investec Wealth & Investment and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry are collaborating to bring together business and political leaders to discuss the region’s hottest topics in a series of ‘CEO Supper Clubs’.
The forums have sparked discussions between CEO and local political leaders looking at key themes relevant to Sheffield and the South Yorkshire, to help inform policy and spur innovation.
Manufacturing, culture and visitor economy, digital, and sustainability have been discussed far.
Each event, with an aim to support local business, has been hosted at an independent venue across the city. These have included the Adelphi Room at Sheffield Theatres, Lavang, Cubana, and The Sheffield Table at Leah’s Yard.
Events have been attended by Kate Josephs, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Council, and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, along with a relevant sector leads from their offices.
Jason Hallam, Senior Investment Director at Investec Wealth & Investment UK, said: “As a firm deeply rooted in Sheffield, we continue to look outwards to support key issues affecting our region. That heritage, which started in 1844, is now complemented with industry-leading research capabilities and state-of-the-art technology.
“Being able to host these events, in partnership with the Chamber, and have crucial discussion with local leaders, those from businesses, and from the Council and SYMCA, has been so valuable.”
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We know that Sheffield works best when we work together and, Investec, through its continued commitment to the city, alongside its Chamber patronage, has supported the region for a long time.
“Being able to collaborate on the CEO Supper Clubs has been excellent. The work is so important for us as a Chamber, as we continually aim to bring the right people together to lobby and make an impact for change.
“Our work, together with Investec, will aid our members and the wider region. Ultimately, we want Sheffield to be recognised as both an innovator, and the best place to start, grow and run a successful business.”
Yorkshire embroiderers make ceremonial flags for Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Embroiderers at Haworth manufacturer Wyedean Weaving have spent 900 hours creating ceremonial flags bearing the King’s new insignia for the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
The experts have created new Regimental and King’s Colours for the 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Both ceremonial flags were consecrated and presented on behalf of King Charles during a ceremony attended by the Governor General of New Zealand, Government officials and military commanders in chief.
Wyedean’s Business Development Director Rosie Wright said: “As a family business it has been an immense privilege to play our part in such a historic moment for the New Zealand Defence Force.
“The last time a King’s Colour was presented to a New Zealand army battalion was before the Second World War, so it was an honour for Wyedean to be trusted with the responsibility of creating the new Colour bearing King Charles’ Tudor Crown insignia, as well as the new Regimental Colour which is emblazoned with the regiment’s battle honours.”
Last year, Wyedean secured the seven-year, £5m contract to replace British Armed Forces’ Colours and Standards with the new King’s insignia and the Tudor Crown, further cementing the business as a key player in the supply of ceremonial accoutrements for the British military and expanding its market influence by securing new international contracts and enhancing its product lines to meet the evolving needs of the global military and ceremonial sectors.
Farmers urge Minister to remove barriers to growth
The Crops Board called on the government to provide support which would de-risk and incentivise the uptake of protein crops within arable rotations.
NFU Combinable Crops Board chair Jamie Burrows said: “There is a growing demand for sustainable protein within UK agriculture, and the government has the opportunity to enhance our food security by ensuring that more of these crops are grown domestically.”
The Board said that a greater area of protein crops, turning the tide on a crop which is currently falling out of favourability, would help reduce the reliance on unsustainable imported feedstocks.
This would also deliver improvements to soil health, supporting the wider uptake of IPM practices, reducing reliance on PPPs and generating an abundance of flowering crop area, all in line with broader government ambitions.
He added: “We had a constructive discussion, and I believe the Minister will have a better understanding of our issues and ambitions. As well as overcoming the barriers, we look forward to continuing our engagement with the government as we seek to drive this sector forward.”
Lincolnshire business shines on the international stage with net zero goals
The ambitious net-zero goals of leading potato supplier Branston have been recognised by a pioneering organisation that supports businesses around the world to tackle the climate crisis.
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action strategy that enables companies and financial institutions to develop standards, tools and guidance in leading the way to a net-zero economy
This week, it has approved Branston’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, which encompasses the company’s near-term within the next 5-10 years, net-zero, and forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) targets. This showcases Branston’s alignment with SBTi’s rigorous net-zero standard criteria and near-term target criteria and recommendations.
Jim Windle, CEO of Branston, said: “As a leading produce and added value food business in the UK it is important to us that our ambitious climate targets have been validated by the SBTi. This ensures that our approach is robust, credible, transparent and aligned with acknowledged climate science. These targets represent a key step to developing a thorough climate strategy across all business sectors.”
Branston has committed to reaching overall net zero emissions across the value chain by 2050, with a near term target of 60% in Scope 1 & 2 emissions and 58.8% in scope 3 by 2033. Branston has also committed to an accelerated ambition target of 90% by 2035 for Scope 1 & 2 and for 90% for Scope 3 by 2050, all from a base year of 2021.
Branston’s progress towards net zero includes enhanced energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy. It has nine photovoltaic (PV) systems across its three sites, which generate around 1.3 GWh energy annually as well as an anaerobic digestion plant that supplies 20% of the Lincoln site’s energy from waste potatoes unfit for human consumption.
Jim added: “Our team has already stepped up to the climate challenge and shown fantastic ingenuity when it comes to making the entire potato supply chain more environmentally friendly – from the field to shop shelves. By closely monitoring our outputs and consistently researching new opportunities for us to integrate better practices, we’re making great progress. There is of course plenty more to be done but with the backing of the SBTi and a clear pathway to get there, we look forward to working with our customers and suppliers in achieving these goals.”
Most recently, Branston has reviewed the opportunities for alternative fuels and is trialling an electric truck within its Scotland fleet and installing electric vehicle charges for staff at all sites. Extensive smart energy monitoring systems are also used to monitor electricity use on all major pieces of equipment to better understand and observe their energy use.
In Scope 3, Branston has been working with growers, the agri-tech community and universities to take carbon out of potato production. This includes low carbon fertilisers, reduced cultivations, alternative farm fuels and novel cold store design – part of a trial that is entering its third year. They’ve been working closely with B-hive Innovations, an agri-tech company which is dedicated to developing high-tech solutions to some of the fresh produce industry’s more complex problems, with a major focus on carbon reduction throughout the supply chain.
Business startup support offers window of opportunity for stained glass conservers
A ‘start and grow’ scheme operated to help new businesses has opened a window of opportunity for a stained glass studio in York.
Woodside Stained Glass was created by Megan Barnett and Zoe Harrigan, who conserve and restore panels of glass that can date back several centuries, as well as making new stained glass commissions.
As newcomers to business they have been supported in its early business stages by a startup programme commissioned by City of York Council through Momentic’s Start and Grow York programme, commissioned through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver tailor-made support for start-ups and early-stage businesses in the city.
As newcomers to setting up a business, Zoe and Megan faced received advice from Lydiatt, Business Advisor at Momentic, on everything from the practicalities of getting formally registered as a business to developing their marketing and sales strategies and identifying initial priorities to focus on.
With Steven’s advice, the pair felt more confident in making key business decisions, like opting to outsource finances to an accountant rather than handling everything themselves.
The business is looking into ways to help preserve their craft for future generations. Having already taken on two interns from the University of York over the summer, Megan and Zoe are hoping to explore working with apprentices as well as running public workshops and community engagement projects to help as many people as possible engage with stained glass.
Claire Foale, Interim Director of City Development at City of York Council, said: “It’s great to see how our UKSPF partners like Momentic are helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to get a foot in the door as they get established, and grow, in our city.
“For centuries, York has been world renown for the skill and quality of our stained glass. With more medieval stained glass in the city than anywhere in the UK, stained glass is part of the city’s DNA. It’s fantastic to see how people like Megan and Zoe are now carrying on this legacy, literally making history everyday as they provide opportunities for the next generation of craftspeople to ensure that this at-risk trade survives for future generations to enjoy over the centuries to come.”
Hospitality venues urged to put effective tech on the menu in run-up to Christmas
As hospitality venues gear up to the festive season, almost half believe they will achieve their revenue targets this year, with a further 30% on track to exceed expectations.
That’s according to new data from payments technology company, Dojo, which reveals that more than half of managers forecast at least 10% revenue growth.
They see payments technology is key to continuing this growth trajectory, with one in five saying operational efficiency can be improved through better technology integration – the top opportunity in the next year.
Jon Knott, Head of Research & Market Insights at Dojo, said: “While there are positive signs from the hospitality industry that it’s seeing some shoots of recovery, many venues have been impacted by economic and technological turbulence. This year has seen a 139% growth in reservation numbers, underlining the pressure on hospitality businesses to deliver for their customers and the opportunity that awaits them should their payment systems maintain their reliability and performance.
“Bars and restaurants need to ensure that every customer touch point via technology, from the booking system to paying the bill, is seamless, reliable and pain-free. Investment in reliable technology and digital tools will be critical to the hospitality industry’s growth in 2025.”
One in five venues said payment failures or downtime were of particular concern, with payment system failures disrupting over half of businesses every week. In July, about 8.5 million systems crashed in one outage alone, described as the largest outage in history.
Efficient time management: key tools for busy executives in Yorkshire
Mastering time management is vital for busy executives, particularly in Yorkshire, where thriving local industries demand focused leadership and effective planning.
Whether you’re steering a manufacturing firm in Sheffield, managing an agricultural business in Lincolnshire, or overseeing operations in the bustling corporate sector in Leeds, the pressure to balance meetings, deadlines, and decisions can be relentless. However, honing effective time management skills tailored to regional challenges can enhance productivity and foster growth across these dynamic counties.
Understanding Time Management Tools
Time management tools encompass a range of resources designed to streamline tasks, crucial for executives managing diverse operations in Yorkshire. These include digital planners, prioritisation frameworks, and project management applications.
Utilising project management software can enhance communication and transparency among team members, whether you’re coordinating operations in Leeds, overseeing projects in Grimsby, or managing teams spread across rural and urban areas. Meanwhile, time-tracking applications shed light on how you spend your day, providing invaluable insights for identifying inefficiencies and optimising workflows. In fact, many professionals in the region find that enrolling in a time management course offered by local business hubs or training centres provides deeper insights into leveraging these tools effectively.
Incorporating these tools can transform your approach to daily tasks. They foster a more collaborative team environment and improve overall outcomes, helping executives navigate the unique challenges of Yorkshire’s dynamic business landscape.
Prioritisation Techniques for Yorkshire Executives
Effective prioritisation is crucial for executives in the region, where diverse industries coexist, and priorities often shift rapidly. From balancing export demands in Humber ports to overseeing infrastructure projects in Leeds, categorising tasks based on urgency and importance is key.
Delegating less critical responsibilities allows executives to focus on strategic initiatives that benefit their organisation and the local economy. For example, in Lincolnshire’s agricultural sector, prioritising tasks during harvest seasons can make or break the year’s productivity.
Scheduling for Maximum Impact in Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s unique business landscapes demand structured schedules. Executives overseeing operations in multiple locations, such as logistics in Doncaster and food production in Grimsby, benefit greatly from time-blocking techniques. Assigning specific time slots for high-priority tasks ensures uninterrupted focus amidst a busy schedule.
Incorporate regular breaks into your day to maintain high energy levels, especially when travelling between Yorkshire’s urban centres or Lincolnshire’s rural areas. A brief walk in one of the region’s scenic locales, such as the Yorkshire Wolds or Lincolnshire’s coastline, can refresh your mind and boost creativity.
Digital calendars are invaluable for scheduling across regions, allowing you to coordinate meetings in Hull, factory visits in Scunthorpe, and strategy sessions in Harrogate. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your schedule ensures alignment with regional objectives and avoids last-minute conflicts.
Cultivating the Right Mindset for Local Success
Time management success in Yorkshire extends beyond tools—it requires a positive and adaptable mindset. Treating time as a valuable resource reflects the ethos of these industrious counties, where efficient planning drives success in manufacturing, retail, and agriculture alike.
Mindfulness practices can enhance awareness of time management habits, helping you identify areas for improvement. Reflecting on your daily activities and staying present enables you to adapt to the fast-paced changes often seen in Yorkshire’s dynamic business environments.
With these tips in mind, executives across Yorkshire can lead their organisations to success, fostering growth and innovation in the heart of England’s economic powerhouse.
Frontier Software named as supplier on G-Cloud 14 Framework
Frontier Software have been named as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s G-Cloud 14 Framework, Lot 2: Cloud software, for applications that are accessed over the internet or private network and hosted in the cloud.
G-Cloud 14 is an online catalogue hosted on the Digital Marketplace. It offers a quick and easy way for the UK public sector to procure and organisations using the frameworks can make purchases without a lengthy procurement or tender process.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2023/24, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £4.9 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.
Frontier Software has 40 years of experience in the provision of HR & Payroll software/services and is pleased to be a named as a supplier on the framework.
The Frontier Software ichris software (International Comprehensive Human Resource Integrated Software) is a functionally rich, highly configurable, and fully integrated system for cloud or on-premise.
The company has offices across the UK, including one in Nottingham providing outsourced payroll services to a wide range of organisations across all market sectors.
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2023/24, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £4.9 billion – supporting world-class public services that offer best value for taxpayers.
Frontier Software has 40 years of experience in the provision of HR & Payroll software/services and is pleased to be a named as a supplier on the framework.
The Frontier Software ichris software (International Comprehensive Human Resource Integrated Software) is a functionally rich, highly configurable, and fully integrated system for cloud or on-premise.
The company has offices across the UK, including one in Nottingham providing outsourced payroll services to a wide range of organisations across all market sectors. Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult gets new CEO from Sheffield’s AMRC
The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult has appointed Steve Foxley as Chief Exec, to replace Andrew Jamieson. He will take up the post early next year.
Steve is currently the CEO of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield, part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, having also led Siemens Building Technologies Division.
ORE Catapult Chair Ronnie Bonnar said: “Steve’s extensive national and international experience of driving innovation, investment and growth will be a huge asset not just to ORE Catapult but to the whole of the offshore renewable energy sector.
“His experience of working within the Innovate UK Catapult Network will also ensure ever greater collaboration across the Network, delivering massive benefits to the UK as we look to scale up offshore wind to meet our Net Zero goals and become a clean energy superpower”.
Steve Foxley said: “Offshore wind is a sector that has long held my fascination for its capacity to regenerate forgotten communities; to provide green energy to homes and businesses; to push the boundaries of innovation, and to make industrial scale impact globally.
“I am very much looking forward to joining the team at ORE Catapult to support this critical sector and to deliver on the country‘s ambitions.”
Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority takes another step forward
The Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) has taken another significant step forward, after the relevant order was laid by the Government in Parliament.
This formal, legal step will allow closer working across the region on key strategic priorities to boost the local economy.
The MCA will be led by an elected Mayor, with voters going to the polls on Thursday 1 May 2025.
Elections will then take place every four years.
The Chief Executive of Hull City Council, Matt Jukes, said: “I am delighted that we have moved another step closer to unlocking vital empowerment and investment for our region, which are two of the many benefits that devolution will bring.
“The creation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will bring with it more powers to make big decisions locally.
“Representatives from the city council are helping to form the MCA, and we are working hard with our colleagues in the East Riding to make the preparations for the Mayoral election.”
The interim Chief Executive of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Alan Menzies, said: “It’s fantastic to see this landmark step in the devolution process.
“We look forward to working with the new authority to ensure that devolution delivers real benefits and unlocks investment for our region.
“We will work closely with the new authority and Hull City Council, to manage the election and to maximise the benefits of devolution in the years ahead.”
Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council will both retain their independence, continuing their work as separate councils as normal alongside the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The new MCA will take on powers relating to transport, where it will become the Local Transport Authority for the area, allowing it to develop a single strategic transport plan for the North Bank of the Humber.
A £400 million investment fund will be available to the MCA, money that is moving from central Government to decision-makers in the area.
Education solutions firm The Twinkl Group acquires Natterhub
Sheffield-based The Twinkl Group, which provides teaching and learning resources, has acquired Natterhub, an interactive, gated platform that gives schools and parents all they need to teach learners how to stay safe online and be responsible digital citizens.
By providing a ‘sandbox’ for pupils to practise navigating the digital world, Natterhub embeds crucial online safety discussions and experiences into the curriculum, rather than isolated events that limit engagement.
The platform provides interactive social media-like features, as well as impactful lessons that resonate with students – making learning, and the discussions about online safety, more meaningful and effective.
“With reports showing children are spending more time online than ever before, there is added pressure to equip them with the knowledge to explore the digital world safely,” said Caroline Allams, co-founder and Product Director, Natterhub.
“Meanwhile, new technologies such as AI are increasingly inuencing how children develop social and emotional skills. Joining the Twinkl ecosystem will allow us to help schools better address these challenges and prepare the next generation.”
Natterhub adds to The Twinkl Group’s existing B2B education offerings used by schools and multi-academy trusts around the world – including Twinkl resources, Twinkl Phonics Training, and online assessment tool Educake.
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Natterhub and look forward to helping them grow and have an even bigger impact,” said Jonathan Seaton, founder and CEO of The Twinkl Group.
“This marks a signicant step forward in Twinkl’s ongoing mission to help those that teach, allowing us to address even more challenges for schools, educators, parents, and students alike.”
New youth enterprise hub to be developed in Hull
Hull City Council is engaging with contractors to help create a new youth enterprise hub and business incubation facility in the city centre.
The council has allocated £1.5m of government funding for the refurbishment of 161 High Street.
The plans will be developed by the council’s Building and Design Services and initial works will focus on regenerating the ground and first floors of 161 High Street to be used as a hub for young entrepreneurs.
The new project aims to support start-up businesses and entrepreneurialism in the city.
It also ties into Hull’s community plan to help create an enterprise culture which is vital to establishing a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive economy for Hull.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The development of a new youth enterprise hub at 161 High Street is great news for the city’s economy.
“As a council, we want to grow Hull’s economy and by investing in young people and enterprise, we’re doing just that.
“This new hub will provide a much-needed friendly and welcoming space for young people from all over Hull to grow their skill base and self-confidence by learning from local business experts and inspiring peers.
“The aim is that, for whatever length of their engagement with the hub, young people come out of it better prepared for the world of work.”
West Yorkshire Mayor pledges almost £90m to unlock new homes
A multi-million pound programme is supporting the delivery of thousands of new homes across West Yorkshire.
Speaking at the largest annual gathering of Northern social housing leaders in Leeds, regional Mayor Tracy Brabin pledged almost £90 million by March next year to help unlock over 5,400 new homes.
The funding is being distributed to housing providers working across 28 sites in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield. Work is already in progress or completed on 16 projects, with work on the remaining 12 due to start before March 2025.
The developments on previously developed, disused “brownfield” land include:
- Saxton Lane in Leeds, which will deliver 204 new, affordable apartments
- Newport House in Wakefield, which has delivered 37 new, affordable apartments
- Cow Green in Calderdale, which will deliver 122 new homes
- Manchester Road in Bradford, which will deliver 107 new, affordable homes
- Plane Street in Kirklees, which will deliver 30 new homes
Government makes £3bn available for housebuilders in new support package
A new £3bn support package for housebuilders has been launched by the government to help builders apply for more accessible loans, reducing the risk for lenders and encouraging them to increase the supply of credit for housebuilders.
It’s hoped that housands of new homes will be delivered across the country as a result, supporting the ambition to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years.
This includes doubling the ENABLE Build scheme to £2 billion so smaller housebuilders and firms can support the delivery of over 10,000 new homes, including more student accommodation and specialised housing for older people, in areas most in need.
Build-to-Rent developers will also see the Private Rented Sector Guarantee Scheme reopen at the end of the year, with nearly £2 billion available to ramp up housebuilding. A broader variety of projects will be eligible to access additional lending, so more housing projects can be completed without unnecessary delays.
Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said: “SME housebuilders and Build to Rent operators have a crucial role to play in delivering the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes in this parliament.
“The significant additional support provided by our housing guarantee schemes will enable them to access low-cost loans and support the building of thousands of new homes across the country”.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “SME house builders have a crucial role to play in helping to deliver the Government’s ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. In recent years, small house builders have faced a particularly difficult set of financial challenges. Diversification of the UK’s housing market is essential to deliver the number of homes needed.
“The Government’s announcement providing greater support for small housebuilders is welcome news. For the Government’s plans to succeed, it will be crucial that this lending is available for those small house builders who need it most and can build the homes this country needs.”
Two win promotions art Harrogate legal practice
Harrogate-based legal practice Raworths has promoted two associate solicitors within its growing Commercial team.
Harjeet Nangla, who has more than eight years’ experience as a specialist employment lawyer, has been promoted to Senior Associate. Harjeet, named an ‘Associate to Watch’ by Chambers UK and recommended in the Legal 500 UK, provides specialist legal advice to regional and national SMEs and large-scale organisations.
Adam Colville-Robins has also been promoted to Senior Associate. Adam has six years’ specialist litigation experience and is rapidly building his reputation in this practice area, delivering exceptional results for clients on property disputes and commercial litigation. Also recommended in the Legal 500 UK, Adam acts for a variety of commercial and private clients.
Matthew Hill, Head of Commercial Client Services and Head of Dispute Resolution said: “We congratulate Adam and Harjeet on their very well-deserved promotions. They have both excelled in their roles, building trusted, long-term relationships with their clients and establishing strong reputations for the fantastic results they achieve.
“They have contributed enormously to the growth of our Dispute Resolution and Employment teams and their commitment has been rightly rewarded. These promotions are an important part of our ongoing business development and strategy for growth. Our people are our biggest asset and to attract and retain the best talent, we continue to nurture the wellbeing and development of our team. Investing in both their technical skills and emotional intelligence is what sets us apart as a business and in turn, means we can offer an exceptional quality of service to our clients.”
The promotions conclude a year of expansion and industry recognition for the firm, which employs more than 70 staff.
New rules leave businesses feeling bruised, says BCC
The British Chambers of Commerce says businesses are feeling a post-Budget bruising, and has raised businesses’ serious concerns with MPs about the legislation and the speed and detail of consultation in the Employment Rights Bill.
The issues highlighted included a lack of detailed consultation on wide ranging changes to Trade Union powers; greater restrictions and penalties for firms who need to make workforce changes, and increased responsibilities, costs and complexity for employers.
The BCC said the Bill includes some of the most significant and wide-ranging changes to employment laws for decades. Employers are concerned that major decisions have been taken and written into the Bill without detailed consultation with business.
The Government’s own assessment suggests that the legislation will cost businesses almost £5bn per year, with SMEs impacted the most.
These costs follow a harsh budget for business, where increases in employers’ national insurance contributions and the national living wage are set to pile a further cost of over £20bn on firms.
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland said: “Businesses welcome the overall aim of this Bill to guarantee job security, offer employees a fair reward and provide them with workplaces free from discrimination.
“But the scale and scope of the changes is huge, with many feeling they are being rushed through at breakneck speed.
“The Budget has already left many firms feeling bruised, and if this legislation is enacted as it stands, it could hamper growth, restrict recruitment and lead to job losses.
“Firms are particularly concerned about the lack of detailed consultation on the Trade Union changes, especially when the Government’s own assessment was so vague about the impact.
“Overall, there is a lot in the Employment Rights Bill that reinforces much of what good businesses already do. But the fear remains that certain elements could create huge costs for firms and damage the UK’s ambitions for growth.”
Accu celebrates with FightFest competition winner
Accu, a leading Huddersfield-based supplier of high-precision engineering components, invited the winner of this year’s FightFest Featherweight robot fighting competition to its headquarters in Huddersfield to judge its own robot combat competition, as part of its commitment to innovation in robotics and engineering.
Winner Ellis Ware, 28 and from Shropshire, was presented with his prizewinning cheque of £1,000 by Accu’s CEO Martin Ackroyd – Accu has sponsored the national FightFest event for the past three years and this latest competition was held at Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham in August.
This is the first time that Ellis Ware, who heads up Team Ranglebots, has won FightFest, however he has had a very successful career at almost every weight class in robot fighting, often securing a top three place. He has competed in combat robotics from a young age, which includes battling in the official BBC Robot Wars reboot programme. Ellis uses Robot Wars as a platform to show that robotics can be self-taught, as his knowledge came from the Internet, having not taken a route into higher education.
Accu CEO Martin Ackroyd gave Ellis a tour of the factory and headquarters, followed by him being professional judge for the eight fighting robots designed by different departments within the company. All robots were ‘Antweight’ or less than 150g and this was the first robot fighting challenge ever held at Accu, with each battling it out for first, second and third places, with prizes for best designed, most destructive and most destroyed robots.
Accu CEO Martin Ackroyd, said: “We would like to congratulate Ellis on his fantastic achievement at FightFest! There was really strong competition there with 39 robots, including both Featherweights and Hobbyweight robots built by teams from across the country. With all his robot fighting experience, we’re honoured that he was able to judge our first staff Antweight robot wars competition!”
Martin adds: “We sponsor FightFest as part of celebrating innovation in robotics design and engineering. We also run a design competition alongside FightFest which encourages people of all ages, who may not have any previous design or engineering experience, to get involved. We’re hopefully inspiring the next generation of robotics engineers!”
He concludes: “Having our own internal Antweight challenge meant that employees who maybe haven’t tried their hand at designing and modelling robots before, can gain useful new skills in CAD modelling and 3D printing. It’s not just our engineers taking part but people in quality, marketing, IT, product strategy, product integration and purchasing.”
Ellis Ware said: “I really enjoyed FightFest and it was fantastic to take home the winning title! I was delighted to be invited to Accu and to judge their Antweight competition – hopefully this will be the first of many they host!”
Founded with a vision to support engineers, innovators and trailblazers, Accu has rapidly grown into a global business renowned for its award-winning customer experience. By integrating advanced technology through its dedicated team with deep engineering knowledge, Accu delivers precision components that drive innovation across multiple industries.
For more information about Accu visit www.accu.co.uk.
Lincolnshire Coop invests £200k in body cameras to fight increasing threats to staff
In the wake of a 245% increase in threats, abuse, and violence to its staff Lincolnshire Coop is investing £200k in body cameras for al of its 99 food stores and 44 pharmacies.
Security Manager Mark Foulds said: “We have had positive feedback from four trial sites with colleagues telling us the body cameras helped them to feel more confident and secure.
“The cameras are front-facing so show the customer what the colleague sees, which we believe may help with de-escalating incidents or make people think twice about what they are doing and how they are treating our colleagues.
“They also record both video and audio which we can share with relevant authorities when we believe a crime has taken place.”
Mr Foulds said that incidents vary and can include abusive and foul language, threats against colleagues or their families and in some cases, physical attacks.
“The vast majority of our customers are polite and respectful, but there are a minority whose actions are unacceptable,” he said. “This not only impacts on our colleagues – who are simply trying to provide the best service they can to our communities – but it can also impact on our other customers, who can find these incidents distressing and who don’t want to see our colleagues treated in that way.”
Mr Foulds said that age-related sales refusals and shoplifting are two particular flashpoints.
“Our teams have a responsibility to enforce the legal requirements around age-related sales for products like cigarettes, vapes and alcohol but regularly face abuse and threats from customers when asked for ID, or when a sale is refused,” he said. “We have also seen a 37% rise in shoplifting in the past year, which is another trigger.”
The society, which operates in Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and surrounding counties, has seen a 245% increase in incidents of threats and abuse to colleagues in the past five years. In the last year, there has been 127 incidents reported in food stores and 23 in pharmacies. There are a range of other security measures in place in Lincolnshire Co-op outlets. These include security guards in some locations, CCTV monitored by central service desk, and personal attack alarms.
High-tech day care facilities for people living with dementia complete
Building works at Knowl Park House have come to an end, with Kirklees Council making final preparations before doors open to residents living with dementia.
The old two storey building has made way for a high-tech, single storey, purpose-built facility that better meets the needs of people living with dementia including those with physical disabilities, sensory, and mobility needs.
Situated on Crowlees Road next to Knowl Park in Mirfield, the new facilities will provide dementia care for vulnerable residents and give carers much needed respite from looking after their loved ones.
The new facilities incorporate design features to give maximum flexibility and be fully inclusive. A key collaboration with the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Design Centre (DSDC) has ensured the facilities incorporate dementia design principles and meet the DSDC dementia design standards.
From the colour of the paint on the walls to the layout of rooms – everything has been envisaged through the eyes of someone living with dementia.
Modern facilities include a Home Therapy Zone incorporating a homely open plan lounge, dining, and kitchen area; an Activity Zone incorporating a large arts and crafts room; and a Wellbeing Zone incorporating a sensory and cinema room and a spa.
Throughout the building, people living with dementia can make use of the latest assistive technology that will enable them to maintain their independence as much as possible.
This continues outside in the sensory garden with more outdoor lighting, improved pathways, plenty of seating, a gazebo, and outside all weather coated handrails throughout allowing service users to move around freely.
Alongside the day service, which will run Monday to Friday with potential to expand to evenings and weekends, is the Centre for Excellence. The centre will offer advice and support for people with a dementia diagnosis, their carers, and adults and children with other physical and sensory disabilities.
The centre has a bungalow which is a mock-up of a Dementia Friendly home environment displaying the latest support techniques and practices in a safe and secure setting. There will also be opportunities for partnership working and the focus will be on early intervention, so people are better able to stay well and independent at home for as long as possible.
Councillor Beverley Addy, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “I am delighted to announce the completion of our fantastic, state-of-the-art day service facilities for people living with dementia. This is such a major investment for the council as we look to focus our efforts and resources on areas of the market where there are fewer alternatives.
“Having visited the facilities myself, I know they will make the lives of those living with dementia and their loved ones, a happier and more independent one. I look forward to seeing how service users interact and make use of the latest equipment and technology that will enable them to live more independently for as long as possible.”
Phil Shaw, Managing Director-Building North, at Tilbury Douglas, added: “This project showcases what can be achieved when construction, community, and care come together. It’s a shining example of how we can deliver both outstanding facilities and meaningful social contributions, which is at the heart of what we do.”
