That starts with the biggest set of reforms to the pensions market in decades to unlock tens of billions of pounds of investment in business and infrastructure, boost people’s savings in retirement and drive economic growth so we can make every part of Britain better off.
The UK pension system is one of the largest in the world – with the Local Government Pension Scheme and Defined Contribution market set to manage £1.3 trillion in assets by the end of the decade. However, the pension landscape is fragmented and lacks the size needed to invest in exciting new businesses or expensive projects like infrastructure. The government’s analysis – published today in the interim report of the Pensions Investment Review at Mansion House – shows that pension funds begin to return much greater productive investment levels once the size of assets they manage reaches between £25-50 billion. At this point they are better placed to invest in a wider range of assets, such as exciting new businesses and expensive infrastructure projects. Even larger pensions funds of greater than £50 billion in assets can harness further benefits including the ability to invest directly in large scale projects such as infrastructure at lower cost.Chancellor aims to increase investment by creating ‘pension megafunds’
The government is exploring the possibility of creating ‘pension megafunds’ as part of the biggest set of pension reforms in decades.
It says the move will unlock billions of pounds the could be invested in new businesses and infrastructure projects.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will use her first Mansion House speech in the role to announce bold action to tackle the fragmented pensions landscape, deliver investment and drive economic growth.
She intends to introduce the reforms through a new Pension Schemes Bill next year, will create the new funds by consolidating defined contribution schemes and pooling assets from the 86 separate Local Government Pension Scheme authorities.
These megafunds mirror set-ups in Australia and Canada, where pension funds take advantage of size to invest in assets that have higher growth potential, offering to deliver up to £80 billion of investment for new businesses and critical infrastructure while boosting defined contribution savers’ pension pots.
She said: “Last month’s Budget fixed the foundations to restore economic stability and put our public services on a firmer footing. Now we’re going for growth.
Train operator names new director of customer service
Train operator Northern has appointed Alex Hornby as its commercial and customer director.
Starting next week, he will lead the train operator’s sales, marketing, commercial development and customer experience functions.
He moves to the role from McGill’s, the UK’s largest privately-owned bus operator, where he was group MD. .has held a number of senior roles in the bus industry, including that of managing director and then chief executive of Transdev Blazefield between 2015 and 2023. He was also commercial director of trentbarton from 2010 to 2015.
Tricia Williams, MD of Northern, said: “Alex has a brilliant track record of creating customer-centric services and products that grow demand. His experience in public transport, mostly in the commercial bus sector, will be a great addition to our director group and we’re thrilled to have him on-board.”
Mr Hornby said: “This is an incredible role and I’m excited to get started. With the support of colleagues across the network and the potential for growth in the region, I know we have the ability to power economic growth.
“We can also be a valued asset to our customers, supporting their communities and helping to generate prosperity across the North of England.”
Hornby, who was born in Liverpool and now lives in Harrogate, studied transport management at Aston University in Birmingham.
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
Council stands up for employers in the adult care sector
Standing up for employers in the adult care sector Lincolnshire Councty Council has written to the Government asking it to shield adult care providers and colleagues in the voluntary sector from the impact of the budget’s tax rises.
The Lincolnshire Care Association and Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team have lobbied the council to highlight the consequences of the rise in the national living wage and employers’ NI contributions on services, the county council is calling on government to rethink its plans to avoid putting providers under additional financial pressure.
Council Leader Martin Hill said it was understandable that adult care providers and their colleagues in the voluntary sector felt let down by the government. “We share their serious concerns about the impact of the changes announced in the budget. These will create huge challenges for the sector, put added pressure on council budgets at an already difficult time, and likely have knock-on effects on NHS services.”
He said that although there had been indications that public sector organisations likethe NHS, would be reimbursed for the extra staffing costs, most care providers were privately run and wouldn’t receive any direct government support. “Many care providers already struggle to balance the books, and these changes will bring extra unwanted pressure,” he said.
“The council greatly values the work of social care providers and has a duty to take into account the actual cost of providing care when setting its rates. However, we do need to work within our budget. Although the government has announced some extra funding for social care, they should really step up and do more to protect providers.
“We are currently making a detailed assessment of the impact the changes will have on our adult care costs. We will need to discuss with providers how best to tackle the challenges this presents, including how to minimise any resulting disruption to the services more than 10,000 vulnerable residents rely on.
“To hit care providers, and other small businesses, with extra taxes is extremely short-sighted. At a time when the care sector is looking to government for a more stable and sustainable model for the future, it has instead added further pressure to an already struggling system. So, we are calling on the government to do the right thing and protect these vital services.”
Government promises permanent cut to high street business rates
High street businesses across the UK will benefit from permanent cuts to business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties for the first time from 2026, following the introduction of legislation in Parliament.
The tax cut will be funded by a tax rise for the very largest business properties, such as online sales warehouses.
Until then, 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties will receive 40% relief off their business rates bills up to £110,000 per business to help smooth the transition to the new system. This support is alongside the Budget announcement to freeze the small business multiplier, together with Small Business Rates Relief protecting over a million properties from inflationary increases. Taken together, this is a package worth over £1.6 billion in 2025-26.
To further support retailers, the government is also introducing legislation to increase the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, meaning 865,000 employers will not pay employer national insurance next year.
James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, saidt: “For too long the business rates system has been working against our high streets.
“Today is a major step towards our new system that will support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses on our high streets to succeed. This Bill paves the way for a permanent cut to their tax rate, helping to level the playing field between them and online and out-of-town businesses.”
The government also plans to increase the Employment Allowance – discounting National Insurance bills – from £5,000 to £10,500 from April next year.
The increase to the Employment Allowance will mean that 865,000 employers will not pay any employer National Insurance next year, and 250,000 employers will pay less National Insurance than they are now.
It will allow firms to employ up to four National Living Wage workers full time without paying employer National Insurance on their wages.
The eligibility of the allowance will also be expanded to include all eligible employers, rather than just those with a wage bill of less that £100,000 a year.
Craig Beaumont, Federation of Small Businesses Executive Director, said: “We are pleased to see James Murray and the whole Treasury team take this important step forward – legislating for the significant increase to the Employment Allowance which FSB strongly championed, to protect smaller businesses with employment costs. But also taking a decisive step forward on business rates reform.
“For far too long, permanent business rates reform has been put into the ‘too difficult’ box. It is extremely encouraging on rates to see Ministers standing up for small firms in retail and hospitality and taking long-term action necessary to the future of our high streets – we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the new Government to make sure no small businesses whatsoever are blocked from achieving their ambitions by a rates system that has not simply not kept pace with the needs of a modern economy.
“This follows important action announced by the Business Secretary to tackle the scourge of late payments and to take forward an Industrial Strategy to unblock the supply side barriers holding small firms back from their full potential.”
Officials sign off finance deal that could see commercial flights at Doncaster Sheffield by 2026
South Yorkshire Leaders have today approved £3m of funding for South Yorkshire Airport City which could see commercial flights departing from the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport in Spring 2026.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board agreed to provide £3m from existing earmarked resources, so City of Doncaster Council can progress with reinstatement activity and continue commercial negotiations.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I remain completely committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and creating a world leading sustainable aviation hub. That’s why, together with the MCA board, we have authorised the release of £3m for City of Doncaster Council in support of their plans for the airport.
“This money is part of the £138m that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have already committed to releasing, subject to the right deal being struck with the right partner.
“DSA and the wider Gateway East site has huge potential to play a leading role in the economic regeneration of South Yorkshire and the North of England, which is why it’s so important we get this right. The deal we sign must offer a secure future for our airport, create growth in the economy, and offer real value for taxpayers.”
Initial assessment of the Full Business Case highlights the significant opportunity around South Yorkshire Airport City which could deliver 5,000 direct jobs, a Gross Value Add (GVA) uplift of £6.6bn, and a benefit cost-ratio of 9:1 – anything greater than 1.0 is expected to deliver a positive net present value to an organisation and its investors.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and City of Doncaster Council are working at pace but there are still a series of milestones to be delivered to ensure the airport is fully operational for passenger flights in 2026.
Commercial negotiations between City of Doncaster Council and the bidder are still ongoing, with a particular focus on the level of public control and investment.
Subject to agreement over the business case, the MCA Board have previously agreed in principle to provide £138m in support of Doncaster’s Place Investment Plan that could be used to reopen DSA and create a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This is another successful stage completed in our plan to see planes take off from Doncaster once again.
“This support from South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and South Yorkshire leaders is critical in helping us to reopen our airport and realise the incredible potential for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider region. I would like to thank them for their unanimous support.
“We have identified a bidder to manage and operate the airport as we aim to see passenger flights return in Spring 2026.”
Councillor Jones and the rest of the SYMCA Board remain determined to ensure an appropriate level of public control over decisions impacting the future of the airport, and to take as much time as necessary to get the deal right. As a result, the paper that was presented to the Board recommended that City of Doncaster Council is given more time to conclude commercial negotiations. The release of £3m funding, which was approved today, allows for the delivery of time critical activity including work on CAA accreditation and standing up the necessary infrastructure.
Due to the nature of the proposed public investment in the project from City of Doncaster Council, and in line with all public subsidy, it is thus appropriate to refer the details of public support to the Government’s Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU). The SAU will continue to consider the proposal with an ultimate response expected in January 2025.
Spencer wins Science and Innovation Centre project for Reckitt’s
Construction and engineering specialist Spencer Group is to reconfigure part of Reckitt’s Science and Innovation Centre in Hull.
Spencer’s Building and Civil Engineering team will remodel part of the ground and first floor of the facility and fit out vacated areas for laboratories and fragrance evaluation, as well as creating new ancillary spaces.
The project brings together Hull-based Spencer Group and global giant Reckitt, which has its roots in the city, to ensure the Science and Innovation Centre continues to fully meet the company’s evolving needs.
Opened in 2019, the £105m Science and Innovation Centre is the global technical innovation hub for household name consumer health products such as Nurofen and Strepsils. It features state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as large open-plan working and collaboration areas.
Rob Bratherton, Operations Director at Spencer Building and Civil Engineering, said: “This is a very exciting project and an excellent fit for us, as we’re highly experienced at working in tightly-regulated sectors which have high levels of quality control.
“Our Spencer Building and Civil Engineering team brings together expertise from other sectors, to ensure we’re able to deliver facilities of the highest quality, to precisely meet the needs of our clients.
“This is especially important for research and development facilities, which incorporate complex laboratory rooms and sensitive technology.”
With both companies founded in Hull, the project demonstrates the commitment of Spencer Group and Reckitt to flying the flag for the city.
Reckitt’s story began in 1840, when Isaac Reckitt relocated to Hull and opened a starch mill in Dansom Lane, on the site that the business still occupies.
Beginning with a workforce of just 25 people, the business has grown to now employ more than 40,000 colleagues in more than 60 countries across the globe, and to become the company behind many instantly-recognisable household products.
Spencer Group was founded in Hull in 1989 by Charlie Spencer, now the company’s Executive Chairman. Now employing more than 400 people, the business specialises in the design and delivery of complex engineering and construction projects across a range of sectors including rail, renewable energy, bridges and materials storage.
Chamber’s Chief Exec praises firms showcased at awards ceremony
More than 500 people were at the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards organised by the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber and sponsored by Barnsley College.
Carrie Sudbury, the Chamber’s Chief Exec, said” “The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards truly showcased our local business community. Each finalist and winner on the evening demonstrated the innovation, dedication, and hard work that make South Yorkshire such a special place to do business. We are so proud to celebrate their achievements.”
“A special shoutout must go to Barnsley College, our headline sponsor—who truly brought something extra to the evening. To all our sponsors, your generosity made the night possible, and your commitment to South Yorkshire businesses is incredible.”
For 2024, a new category was introduced to honour the Large Business of the Year, alongside awards recognising best practices in sustainability, commitment to staff development, customer service, and business growth.
Chamber President Matthew Stephens said: “Over the past twelve months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional and every organisation who was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.
“Collectively members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”
Winners were
Salute to Business Sponsored by GXO Logistics, Inc.
- Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
- Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
- Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
- JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
- White’s Bakery – 90 years
- Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services
- Winner – Leo Lewin, Affinity 2020 CIC
- Highly Commended – Ateeb Mughal – Equans UK & Ireland
- Highly Commended – Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
- Shortlisted – Aiden Ellis – Osbourne Technologies Ltd
- Shortlisted – James Stretton – Equans UK & Ireland
- Winner – Cranswick Convenience Foods
- Highly Commended – Glu Recruit LTD
- Highly Commended – MAKE YOUR MARK UK
- Shortlisted – Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
- Shortlisted – Mway Comms
- Winner – Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
- Highly Commended – Airmaster
- Highly Commended – M R Machine Knives
- Shortlisted – Trust Education
- Shortlisted – Wayv. Talk and Broadband for Business
- Winner – Alicia Hewitt Secure Power
- Highly Commended – James Biggin Steel City Marketing Ltd
- Highly Commended – Luke Hammill – Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
- Shortlisted – Mark Smith 🔵 – Make Your Mark UK
- Shortlisted – Rob Shaw – Glu Recruit
- Winner – Barnsley FC Community Trust
- Highly Commended – Age UK Rotherham
- Highly Commended – Weston Park Cancer Charity
- Shortlisted – Rotherham Hospice
- Shortlisted – The Archer Project
- Winner – Equans
- Highly Commended – IT Desk (UK) Limited
- Highly Commended – Secure Power
- Shortlisted – Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
- Shortlisted – SMH Haywood & Co
- Winner – Glu Recruit LTD
- Highly Commended – MED-EL
- Highly Commended – IT Desk (UK) Limited
- Shortlisted – Rotherham Insurance Brokers
- Shortlisted – Signum Facilities Management Ltd
- Winner – MACE GROUP
- Highly Commended – Instantprint
- Highly Commended – Equi-Trek Limited
- Shortlisted – Equans
- Shortlisted – Boohoo Group PLC
- Winner – Trust Education
- Highly Commended – Grassroots Sports Academy Yorkshire
- Highly Commended – Morgan Wills & Trusts
- Shortlisted – Empress Building & Ballroom
- Shortlisted – AHJ Wills & Estates Ltd
- Winner – Barnsley College
- Highly Commended – Instantprint
- Highly Commended – Equans
- Shortlisted – KCM Waste Management Limited
- Shortlisted – Hydrov Ltd
Customs red tape forms main export hurdle, UK firms tell British Chambers of Commerce
Customs procedures continue to be the main export hurdle for UK companies, according to a major new survey of more than 1,300 businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit, published during International Trade Week.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Though the picture has improved slightly in the last 12 months, customs procedures remain a significant stumbling block to trade for businesses.
“Successful exporting businesses are crucial to a thriving UK economy. We need roadblocks lifted to allow more companies offering their goods and services on the global stage.
“Our forecasts show the trading environment will continue to be challenging over the coming years, against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.
“We’re urging the Government to continue the implementation of customs simplification started by the last administration. Businesses also need to see a clear timetable for further trade digitalisation which will help reducing costs and border friction.”
When asked what businesses (regardless of whether they export or not) perceive as the main trade barriers, 45% of cited customs procedures and documentation as the top answer. That’s slightly down on the 2023 figure of 49%. Other top barriers cited include export documentation (39%), regulations and standards (35%) and tariffs (33%).
40% of companies say geopolitical events have significantly impacted their business in the last 12 months. Issues linked to the war in Ukraine, conflict in Gaza and Brexit are cited as the main events impacting trade. They include energy costs and shipping delays.
37% of exporting businesses expect an increase in exports over the next 12 months, with 16% expecting a decrease. Manufacturers are the sector most likely to expect an increase in exports.
When asked what most would do to encourage them to export, businesses cited a need to improve access to the EU market, simplify trade regulations and reduce bureaucracy, and provide greater export support.
Mr Bain said the survey showed awareness of incoming trade changes is low among firms who are actively doing business internationally. 65% of respondents are unaware of the Border Target Operating Model. Ahead of the UK joining the Asia Pacific trade bloc CPTPP in December, over half of respondents (53%) are unaware of the plans. 52% of firms have no knowledge of safety and security certificates needed from this month for imports from the EU.
The launch of new biometric checks for foreign travellers, including Britons, entering the EU has the highest level of preparedness from business. 34% of respondents are not aware and 37% know some details or are actively preparing for the change, due later this year.
Hull turbine blade factory to work on billion-pound contract for Scottish Power
Turbine blades for Scottish Power’s £4bn East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm will be built in Hull by Siemens Gamesa in a billion-pound contract.
The agreement will see Siemens Gamesa supply 64 offshore wind turbinesfor ScottishPower’s third offshore wind project in the southern North Sea. The turbines have a a rotor diameter of 236 metres – almost as tall as the observation deck at the Shard building in London.
Almost 33km off the Suffolk coat, East Anglia TWO will be capable of generating enough to power the equivalent of almost one million homes.
The 115 metres-long blades will be manufactured at Siemens Gamesa’s offshore wind blade factory in Hull, where the workforce has risen to about 1,300 people after recruitment of more than 600 new employees over the last year.
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Today is tangible proof of the importance of Britain’s Clean Power Mission – our East Anglia projects are delivering UK jobs, UK supply chain contracts and UK green energy.
“Getting more projects like East Anglia TWO off the blocks quicker will turbo-boost the UK’s supply chain, giving companies like Siemens Gamesa the confidence to invest in facilities like this blade factory in Hull.
“Britain’s clean power targets are achievable but demanding. We’ve doubled our investment and are ready to play our part with Government as it gets barriers out the way to build more projects like this, alongside the electricity networks needed to ferry green, homegrown power across the country.”
Darren Davidson, UK and Ireland vice president for Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa, said: “The UK is the first leading industrial country to simultaneously phase out coal power and be a leader in offshore wind. If we’re to achieve our net zero targets, it’s mission critical this momentum is maintained.
“As well as delivering the blades to power the UK’s energy transition, our factory in Hull is acting as a catalyst for economic growth and green jobs across the region.”
The contract award comes just after ScottishPower confirmed it is doubling its investment in the UK – from £12bn to £24bn – between 2024 and 2028.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower will fire up our industrial heartlands and break down barriers to growth in our hard-working towns and cities.
“It will strengthen our national security – protecting our children and grandchildren from the climate crisis, and impact this will have on their future prosperity.
“By acting decisively and early, the UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the industries of the future – working in partnership with businesses like ScottishPower and Siemens Energy – creating real energy security, cutting energy bills and building jobs and supply chains in the UK.”
Investor acquires former builders’ merchant site in Lincoln
Castle Square Securities has acquired the leasehold of site and buildings on a 1.56-acre site on Chieftain Way of Lincoln’s Tritton Road for an undisclosed sum.
With 12,345 sq ft of warehouse and associated trade counter sales space, the compound was formerly occupied by the builders merchant chain Jewson, which moved last year. Addison’s incorporating Banks & Long acted for Castle Square Securities over acquisition of the site, which has been marketed with a guide price of £1 million. Nick Dawes of Brown & Co acted in the disposal of the site & premises.
Eddisons, on instruction from its client, has also now let 0.67 acres of storage area within the compound on a short term lease to a construction firm working locally on Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor.
The agency has been instructed to market the built elements of the site following refurbishment.
Eddisons’ Will Wall, who led the acquisition on behalf of Castle Square Securities, said, “The location of the site and the opportunity for increasing yield potential were the drivers of the deal for our client.
“The site is next to Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor on which construction is now under way – this makes the acquisition even more of a strategic investment for our client in looking to the long term.
“The transaction is a mark of confidence in the industrial property market and investor confidence in the enduring appeal of bricks & mortar as an asset class.”
Internal Drainage Boards to get share of £50m to protect rural businesses from flooding
Recognising the significant impact of flooding on farmers and rural communities , the government is to share £50 million amongst internal drainage boards, the public bodies responsible for managing water levels for agricultural and environmental needs in a particular area.
Drainage Boards that submit successful bids will be able to spend the £50 million on projects over the next two years to improve, repair or replace flood barriers, embankments and maintain watercourses. The funding will support projects which reduce risks and impacts from flooding to farmers and rural communities across England. The Environment Agency has begun work with IDBs to distribute the funding from today.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “Farmers are the backbone of the nation, with their hard work helping to put food on the family tables across the country.
“More intense weather events are destroying homes, businesses and livelihoods across the country, with farming communities facing the heaviest consequences.
“That is why this Government is reforming how flood funds are distributed to protect businesses, rural and coastal communities as we invest over £2.4 billion in flood defences across the country.”
The government has also today confirmed payments to farmers impacted by last year’s severe weather through the Farming Recovery Fund. A total of £60 million will be distributed to eligible farmers, via recovery payments of between £2,895 and £25,000 to around 13,000 farm businesses. Payments are expected to land in farmers’ accounts from 21st November.CMA finalises new guidance for trader recommendation web sites
The Competition and Markets Authority has finalised advice for trader recommendation sites as it pushes the sector to ensure all businesses comply with consumer law.
This means all sites should have a clear idea of their obligations under consumer law, meaning they can offer their service responsibly and make sure they’re acting on the right side of the law.
And with the CMA set to receive stronger enforcement powers from next spring, trader recommendation sites that are not complying with their obligations risk facing a formal investigation.
The advice sets out the key principles sites should follow to make sure they stay on the right side of the law. Not only will this mean consumers are better protected, but it will help ensure there is a level playing field for qualified and reliable traders – who should no longer find themselves competing on recommendation sites with traders who are not properly vetted.
Mike Andrews, National Coordinator for the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said: “Protecting consumers and honest business is at the heart of everything we do and we’ve welcomed the work CMA and partners have done to get this guidance in place. It marks the start of trader recommendation sites ensuring they vet and verify traders more carefully and take consumer complaints more seriously.
“With the guidance finalised and by following these tips, consumers can now be more confident about getting the right plumber, plasterer, or roofer for the job, while genuine traders will no longer miss out on jobs that might otherwise have gone to illegitimate ones.”
Former factory site changes hands ahead of new development in Stamford
Contracts have been exchanged in readiness for the planned transformation of the 15-hectare former Cummins site in Stamford.
It’s to be the site of the St Martin’s Park development, which will be made up of a designated commercial area; mixed-use area; retirement village; and a range of residential properties including affordable homes; and areas of green and open space.
South Kesteven District Council and landowner partner Burghley House Preservation Trust Ltd have reached purchase agreements with Morris Homes, Inspired Living and Burghley Land Ltd.
The Council bought the Cummins site in 2018 which, combined with adjacent land owned by Burghley House Preservation Trust, makes up the 14.7 hectare development site. The council bought the site in 2018 to ensure part of it would be used to provide jobs after the Cummins factory closed, and the designated commercial and mixed use areas will provide office space as well as a convenience store to serve the whole development.
Morris Homes will provide the residential development; Inspired Living the retirement village; and Burghley Land Ltd the commercial development.
SKDC’s Cabinet Member for Property and Public Engagement, Cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “This is a major development that will transform a derelict site into a thriving addition to the Stamford community. It will be a high-quality, well-designed and sustainable development with cycle routes and walkways into the town centre.
“It’s important to note that SKDC bought the former Cummins site in order to preserve employment use and we have remained true to that ambition.”
Outline planning permission for the site was granted in 2021 and the next stage in the planning process will see the three developers submit reserved matters applications early in 2025 for their parts of the development, along with an overall scheme to deliver joint infrastructure works on the site, including roads.
Cindy Cade, Group MD at Morris Homes, said: “We are pleased to be working with South Kesteven District Council to bring forward this exciting new development at St Martin’s Park in Stamford.
“This mixed-use scheme will offer a collection of premium and affordable homes ranging from two to five bedrooms. They will be designed to suit a range of demographics and lifestyles as well as some of the highest energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
“Following the success of our Cecil Square development, we are thrilled to continue our commitment to quality housing in the area, creating homes that will support the needs and aspirations of the whole community.”
Hull firm works with Siemens to develop production of clean hydrogen
Hull-based clean hydrogen producer HiiROC is working with Siemens on its hydrogen production technology, helping customers to decarbonise their operations and support their Net Zero ambitions.
Under the agreement, HiiROC will use Siemens’ control technology and factory and automation expertise to ensure the safe, efficient automation of hydrogen production and support in scaling.
HiiROC’s proprietary Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) technology is designed to meet rising demand for low-cost, scalable solutions for clean hydrogen production at the point of use, which helps to significantly reduce costs by removing the need for specialised storage and transportation.
Mike Plant, Head of Engineering at HiiROC, said: “Partnering with Siemens has allowed us access to a wide product range of solutions for the hazardous and demanding environment we operate. Not only that, but the support and industry leading knowledge Siemens has been able to provide on topics such as cybersecurity and software development is crucial to the product development and future upscale and production of our technology, which ultimately makes hydrogen an economically sustainable fuel source for millions of businesses worldwide.”
Andy Lane, senior commercial manager at Siemens, added: “The costs to transport and store hydrogen remains prohibitively expensive for businesses to make the switch at scale. The UK is also many years away from having an expansive hydrogen pipeline network for industry to tap into, despite positive early progress in its development.
“Powered by Siemens technology, HiiROC’s compact, low-carbon, low-cost solution to producing hydrogen at the point of use is a game-changer for the energy transition. They’ll enable many fuel-hungry businesses to meet their decarbonisation targets.
“No single organisation can deliver Net Zero alone. And we’re proud to work alongside like-minded innovators like HiiROC to tackle the energy transition – one of society’s biggest challenges.”
The TPE process splits gaseous hydrocarbons into hydrogen and solid carbon without creating carbon dioxide. This highly efficient process, recognised under the UK’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard, requires only a fifth of the electricity of water electrolysis.
As a key technology partner, Siemens will collaborate with HiiROC to advance product development, while its global developer support community will help in achieving the hydrogen producer’s international expansion goals. Siemens, which has ambitious commitments to decrease carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable society, works with organisations across sectors to decarbonise using technology.
New roles for two at Wright Vigar
Accountancy firm Wright Vigar has appointed Steve Newman to its Board, and make Ollie Martin the Office Director at Sleaford.
Steve Newman has a strong background in leadership, having served as a Board Director at Hobsons for five years before Wright Vigar’s acquisition of the company in 2021.
MD Kevin Shaw said: “Steve’s promotion to the Board will significantly strengthen our audit offering. His expertise and leadership have been invaluable in driving our technical standards forward, and we’re confident his contributions at the Board level will further enhance our services.”
Ollie Martin joined Wright Vigar as a Business Services Manager in 2015 and has played a crucial role in the Sleaford office’s growth and success over the past nine years.
Mr Shaw said: “Ollie has been an integral part of our team, consistently demonstrating his ability to develop our services and win new clients. His promotion to Office Director of Sleaford is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions and leadership.”
Hull names urban design consultancy to develop vision for city’s future
Hull City Council has appointed urban design practice Planit to lead the development of a vision for the future of the city.
Creation of a new vision for the city centre will be a key milestone in building Hull’s role as a regional hub for enterprise, investment and growth.
Over the next six months, Planit and their wider team of regeneration experts, will engage with Hull businesses, residents and stakeholders to develop a plan designed to stimulate the economy, respond to climate change and develop sustainable neighbourhoods.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis said: “We want residents of our city to have a say in its future, a city they can feel proud of and a place where people want to live and visit.
“Alongside ensuring our communities thrive, our city centre must thrive alongside it. We have set out to create a new long-term vision for the heart of our city that makes the most of its assets.
“The new vision will build on existing plans to use the city’s strengths to create a thriving economy with job opportunities for everyone and a healthy place to live with access to affordable housing, green spaces and great opportunities to experience our culture and heritage.”
The master planning work is part of a £19.3m Government-funded programme to unlock key sites and regenerate areas of the city centre.
Andy Roberts, director of urban design at Planit, added: “It’s such an exciting time for this legendary maritime city which has great historical significance, not only for the UK, but the rest of the world.
“Committed to a regenerative future, we are passionate about preservation and building cities that can adapt. We’re delighted to play a central role in Hull’s development.”
Businesses urged to have their say on plans to change waste charges
The Environment Agency is encouraging the waste, water, and farming sectors to have their say on charges associated with waste activities.
The 10-week consultation, which runs until January, proposes introduction of new regulatory charges for specific waste activities, as well as updating existing charging regimes from April 2025.
The Environment Agency is consulting on four key proposals:
- A waste levy which will enable the Environment Agency to increase waste enforcement activity by around 30%.
- New and updated hourly rates to ensure continued recovery of costs of regulatory activities.
- A waste fee for intervention to recover the cost of regulation where operators lack authorisation.
- Registration and compliance charges for waste exemptions. For farmers, we are proposing a reduced compliance charge for a set of 15 common on-farm waste exemptions.
“Our proposals will see more investment in our services, which is crucial in protecting legitimate businesses, tackling waste crime and reducing environmental damage. We encourage interested parties to respond to help shape the future of their industry.”
South Yorkshire firms urged to share experiences of crime
Organisations across South Yorkshire are being asked to share their experiences with business crime via a new poll conducted by the three regional chambers of commerce.
Open until Monday 9th of December, the Business Crime Survey aims to find out how often local firms are targeted by shoplifting, burglary, theft from motor vehicles, fraud, assault and cyber-attacks, as well as the effect that these illegal activities can have on their day-to-day operations.
In addition to gathering said insights, the questionnaire will gauge respondents’ awareness of the various different support mechanisms that are out there to help them, while also asking them to rate how satisfied they have been with the response to any incidents that may have been reported in the past.
The South Yorkshire chambers promise to listen carefully to what the business community has to say, and plans to use the findings to better understand the scale of the problem; decide what more can be done to support firms with these challenges; and articulate to key partners (including the police) where improvements are needed most.
Chief Execs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers — covering Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley & Rotherham — issued the following joint statement: “From our regular interactions with members, we already know just how profound an effect business crime can have on an individual organisation; whether it takes the form of reputational damage, financial harm, customer loss or an impact on staff wellbeing. From SMEs right through to larger corporations, this is a major concern that spans all sectors and industries, which is why we are so keen to get under the bonnet of it via our new survey.
“By sparing just a few minutes to anonymously describe their experiences here, business-owners will be enabling us to fight more effectively in their corner. Indeed, we will be using the results to lobby for meaningful change, to make sure that the best possible support is available to firms on the ground when it comes to dealing with crime, and to hopefully make South Yorkshire’s private sector less vulnerable to such activity in the first place.
“To do this well, however, we need as many different perspectives as possible. After all, the greater the response to our questionnaire, the more authentically we will be able to represent businesses on this hot-button issue.”
The latest iteration of the South Yorkshire Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), the Business Crime Survey is sponsored by Clear Insurance Management and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, added: “We need businesses to have the confidence to invest; but that means listening to businesses about what undermines that confidence. I know crime and security are huge concerns for our business community, from fraud to shoplifting. So, as I develop my first Police and Crime Plan, I’m determined to listen and to learn. That’s why I need businesses to fill in the Business Crime Survey, so I can understand their needs and priorities, and what they want to see in that Plan.”
Steelworks’ carbon capture programme wins extension
The Environment Agency has granted British Steel permission to extend its trial of ground-breaking technology to capture carbon emissions from Scunthorpe steelworks.
The extension means the company can gather more detailed data from the technology and further support research into how it could be used in the steel industry and beyond.
The tech has been developed by the University of Sheffield and was showcased by one of the people behind it, Dr George Dowson, to Environment Agency members on a recent site visit.
The CO2 captured at the company’s Central Power Station will be bottled in gas cylinders and taken to the University where it will be converted into synthetic transport fuels.
Dr Andy Trowsdale, British Steel’s Head of Research and Development, said: “This project is all about testing the capabilities of the technology. If it works for us, and others, it could be scaled-up and play an important role in carbon capture, utilisation and storage.”
Breach of immigration rules earns eight-year directorship ban
A businessman who hired five illegal workers at his Sheffield car wash has been banned as a company director for eight years, and his company is being pursued for £75,000 for immigration breaches.
Lukas Horvath, 27, employed the workers at the Storm Hand Car Wash on Attercliffe Common, which was visited by Immigration Enforcement in 2022.
Horvath, of Lowedges Crescent, Sheffield, was disqualified at a hearing at the High Court in Manchester, and his directorship ban started today.
Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said: “Company directors must follow all the rules and regulations that are required of them. Lukas Horvath failed to do this by employing five people who did not have the right to work at his car wash.
“Improving director conduct is a key priority for the Insolvency Service and we will continue to work with our partners at the Home Office to clamp down on those who do not meet the standards we expect.”
Storm Hand Car Wash, which trades as Storm Car Wash Limited, was incorporated in July 2020, with Horvath as its sole director. Immigration Enforcement visited it in June 2022, finding five men in their 20s with no right to work in the UK. Three were from Eritrea, with the other two from Iran and Iraq. Storm Hand Car Wash was fined £75,000 for the immigration breaches, which remains unpaid, but has been passed to specialist debt recovery contractors for enforcement action. Theresa Gregory, the Home Office’s Immigration Compliance Enforcement lead for North East, Yorkshire & Humber, said: “Illegal working undercuts honest employers, places vulnerable individuals at risk of exploitation and disadvantages legitimate job seekers. It also impacts public finances as taxes are not paid by these businesses and workers, which is why tracking down unscrupulous employers is so important.“We’re pleased to secure this director ban following an effective and close working relationship between the Home Office and the Insolvency Service.”
