Rogue car wash employers targeted in illegal worker crackdown
During an intensive week of action this month Immigration Enforcement teams carried out targeted visits to almost 300 rogue businesses suspected of employing illegal workers, with a particular focus on car washes.
More than 130 operations receiving notices for employing illegal workers, and 85 illegal workers have been detained.
According to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper many illegal workers live in squalid conditions on-site, earn far below the UK national minimum wage, work longer hours than legally allowed and may have entered the UK illegally, overstayed their visas or arrived under visitor conditions.
The fact they are paid so little also allows their employers to undercut honest competitors who follow the law, and these businesses often do not pay their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy.
This operation is said to be part of a larger, ongoing effort to tackle illegal employment and exploitation of vulnerable people in the UK. More operations of this kind will be conducted in the near future.
Unscrupulous employers are potentially liable to substantial financial penalties. The maximum civil penalty for employing illegal workers is £45,000 per worker for a first offence and £60,000 per worker for repeat violations.
Immigration Enforcement teams also play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.
Yvette Cooper said: “It is completely wrong that dodgy employers can work hand-in-glove with the smuggling gangs who risk people’s lives to bring them here illegally and push them into off-the-books employment.
“These workers are sold complete lies by the gangs before being made to live and work in appalling conditions for a pittance. We are determined to put a stop to this, which is exactly why we have launched crackdowns such as this. While this operation marks an important step forward, our commitment to tackling this issue is ongoing. We will ensure those who break the rules face the full force of the law.”
Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime at Immigration Enforcement, Eddy Montgomery said: “This operation shows how dedicated the Home Office is to protecting vulnerable people and holding employers accountable.
“We’re dedicated to stopping exploitation by criminal gangs, ensuring vulnerable people receive the correct support and make sure that those who break the law face serious consequences. I’m incredibly proud of our teams across the country for their hard work and teamwork in preparing for and conducting this national operation.”
Grant sees digital agency invest to improve productivity
A digital agency has expanded its team and invested in tech in a bid to improve productivity by 50 per cent after receiving a Business Productivity Grant.
Genius Division, based at the Business Village Barnsley, has gained grant support to back an investment package designed to slash the average time it takes them to complete website projects.
The aim is to tackle the stop-start nature of the process by reducing unproductive downtimes, often caused by waiting for missing pieces of content from clients or others.
Pilot projects bringing more control in-house and enabling the team to take the lead on more content creation have already shown they can reduce average start-to-finish delivery times on larger website projects from 151 days to 75 days.
The business is now set to spread this efficiency saving across all output after investing in new photography, videography and drone equipment, skills development and the recruitment of two additional staff members. The trainee web development and digital marketing executives take their team from seven to nine.
Genius Division’s investment has been backed by a Business Productivity Grant delivered by Barnsley Council through the Enterprising Barnsley programme and supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA); part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Genius Division creative director Craig Burgess said: “We had an honest look at what we do and realised that, whilst we’re always busy, we had to change the way we work to improve our productivity and profitability as a business.
“Although we meet our own internal project deadlines, the sticking point has always been waiting for the creation of website content by others within a similar timescale.
“We realised we could help clients to do this much more efficiently by making this part of our delivery package. By bringing this work in-house, we have more control and eliminate a certain amount of drag involved in chasing clients and outsourcing work.”
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Judy Sidebottom helped Genius Division apply for a Business Productivity Grant to support its investment.
Judy Sidebottom said: “Genius Division has grown as a successful digital agency over 14 years and this bold move to invest in improved productivity inhouse demonstrates the business’ growing maturity. We are very pleased to support their ambition and look forward to seeing the company’s larger, better equipped team go from strength to strength.”
Craig said: “We knew we wanted to invest, but gaining the Business Productivity Grant has made it happen quicker and all at once so we can see the project and cash flow management benefits sooner. Our clients get their new websites sooner and we get jobs done and invoiced for quicker.”
Drax welcomes new apprentice engineers
Renewable energy leader Drax has welcomed five new apprentice engineers to support its ambitious decarbonisation plans for the UK.
The youngsters are joining the company’s technical apprenticeship scheme at Drax Power Station, near Selby.
One of the apprentices who is excited to start her career at Drax is Keeley Sheldon, 17, from nearby Selby. She said: “I have a great interest in engineering and wanted to pursue this as my career,” she said. “I made an application to Drax knowing that this would be a great company to work for.
“I know being female and going into this career will be a challenge which I’m looking forward to and to want to break the stereotype label and know Drax will be an excellent employer to help me do this. Drax is well known both locally and globally so being given this opportunity is amazing and I’m excited to get started and for my future in engineering.”
Bruce Heppenstall, Drax Power Station Plant Director, said: “It was fantastic to welcome our latest group of apprentices to Drax Power Station. They are an extremely talented group of young people and I’m so pleased they have chosen to take their first steps in their engineering careers with Drax.
“The plant is pioneering carbon capture and storage technology and these young apprentices could one day be working at the world’s first carbon negative power station. By giving them the engineering skills today, we are ensuring they are ready to take full advantage of the opportunities of tomorrow.”
The four-year apprenticeship gives new recruits the opportunity to gain expertise working alongside the world-class engineers at the power station. The plant has been transformed over the last decade as part of Europe’s largest decarbonisation project, swapping coal to generate renewable electricity using sustainable biomass.
Seafood industry encouraged to engage in more self-promotion
The UK seafood industry is being encouraged to share positive and uplifting stories to support a new campaign aimed at improving the public’s perceptions of seafood and its production.
Seafish, the public body supporting the UK seafood industry, has this week launched Seafood for Life, an initiative that aims to help businesses or individuals in the sector share good news stories the public may not otherwise hear about.
Seafish CEO Marcus Coleman said: “The UK seafood industry has told us it wants our support in helping them improve perceptions of seafood.
“While we know the industry faces challenges, it is also clear that it is full of passionate people with remarkable stories to tell and we have developed Seafood for Life as a means of shining a light on these positive examples.
“We’re asking people to get behind this new initiative and tell us their stories so we can create exciting content they can share to encourage the world to think better of seafood and the industry that gets it onto our plates.
“Examples might include how the industry is responding to climate change, to managing end of life fishing gear or attracting new entrants to the industry; whatever the positive story, we want to hear about it.”
He said positive stories might include technological and environmental advancements to help make the supply chain more efficient and resilient, stories around creating employment for communities, spreading the news of fish as a protein rich food source or industry case studies which help debunk myths.
“We will then work with contributors to develop these inspiring stories into content including videos and photography, news, social media posts, fact sheets and more, to be shared with seafood businesses and help them communicate positively about the industry. The content will also be showcased in a new online Seafood for Life hub on our website.”
Creation of business hub is precisely what Grimsby needs, says Council Leader
The remodelling of St James’ House into a thriving business hub in Grimsby is precisely the vision and ambition needed for the town centre, according to Council Leader Philip Jackson.
Touring the facility with E-Factor Group MD Mark Webb he said: “It shows how our council’s ambition to work with our partners to achieve such regeneration is becoming a reality.
“Our vision is to see a town centre that is vibrant, and attracts a diverse range of business, retail, leisure and community activities. We see around us now a whole host of schemes that will do just that, and with plans now being finalised for our Freshney Place Market Hall and Leisure Scheme, there is a positive future to look forward to,” added Cllr Jackson.
North East Lincolnshire Council supported E-Factor’s application for a £1.5m Towns Fund grant towards the £2.5m complete renovation of the empty building. This has enabled the purchase of the building by E-Factor and for the work to go ahead.
Once the two-phase scheme is complete the new E-Factor Business Hub will stretch across three floors. In time there is also an ambition to remodel the roof space, which has wonderful views onto St James’ Square, the Minster, Grimsby, Cleethorpes, and the Humber Bank.
Phase one includes redevelopment of the ‘arches’ space along the ground floor – to be let – with a separate reception area and space for the E-Factor’s 15 staff. More than 23 business units will also be created on the second floor as part of phase one.
Phase two works on the remaining floors is the next step with the first-floor plan being a new Business Hive HQ, with facilities such as a business lounge and boardroom for the 300-plus local businesses, as well as a modern conference room for businesses, exhibitions, conferences, and other events – bringing even more people into the town centre.
Mark Webb said: “This building has such potential and I can only endorse what Cllr Jackson has said. We all want what’s right for Grimsby Town Centre and if we can bring in such a variety of businesses, we can play a part in turning this town centre into something incredible. We are not only investing in this building, but we are investing in the whole of Grimsby.”
Community groups share in grants from KCOM
Charities dedicated to healthy smiles and creating Hull’s future rugby stars are amongst the latest KCOM community grant winners.
The four groups benefitting from the latest round of grants are Hornsea and Holderness Mini & Junior Rugby Juniors, Goole-based The Green Team, The Teeth Team Hull and Withernsea Primary School, each of which will receive up to £1,000 towards empowering local communities and improving lives.
KCOM Community Partner Louise Babych, said: “As always it’s been an incredibly difficult choice for our panel to pick just four winners from more than 50 brilliant entries. The winners shone through as making a real difference to their local communities and we’ll look forward to seeing their progress.”
Pete Woolsey from the HNH RUFC Coaching Team said its grant would go towards buying new team kits for the U16s team.
He said: “I would like to thank KCOM for the sum of £1000. The team feels a huge feeling of accomplishment and pride that a major company within our community recognise the potential in this amazing group of teenagers.”
KCOM’s Community Grants are designed to provide funds to charities and volunteer organisations offering life changing help and support to people across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Goole-based The Green Team will use its cash to help recruit more volunteers. Development Officer Cheryl Price said: “On behalf of The Green Team, I would like to express our sincere and grateful thanks for our award from the KCOM Community Fund. It’ll help us immensely, as we will be able to fund and hold a volunteer open day, where we will be able to recruit new volunteers from within our community.”
Hull’s nationally-recognised charity The Teeth Team was started in 2010 to help combat high levels of tooth decay in the city’s children. It will use its grant to continue its programme promoting dental health in local schools. Chairman Chris Groombridge said: “Thank you so much for your award of £1,000 towards our work supporting the dental health of disadvantaged children in Hull. We are immensely grateful.”
The final winner is Withernsea Primary School which will spend its £500 grant buying new sound equipment for its main hall, giving young performers the chance to shine. Deputy Head Jeni Clark, said: “I’m thrilled about the £500 donation towards a new sound system for our hall. This generous contribution will greatly enhance our school plays and drama club performances, significantly enriching our children’s personal development and fostering their confidence and creativity.”
Brighouse’s market prepares to move
Brighouse Open Market will move to a new, temporary home this autumn so work can begin on the rebuild of their permanent home on the canalside as part of the £19.1 million Town Deal transformation.
As part of the UK Government-funded Town Deal, Calderdale Council is working with the Brighouse Town Deal Board to deliver a new permanent market on the existing canalside site, which will have around 20 fixed stalls, each with water, drainage and power.
Planning permission for the permanent home was granted in March and, following a competitive tendering process, Triton Construction was appointed as the contractor to work on the market rebuild.
The temporary market will be in a section of Daisy Street car park, across Anchor Bridge from the existing site. Traders will move to the Daisy Street site in late September and the canalside site will close for around 12 months for the work to be undertaken.
The Daisy Street site will have permanent storage for stallholders, pop-up stalls and access to electricity, water and waste to ensure the food, drinks, crafts and other items on sale each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday can continue to trade without disruption.
Colin Gordon, member of the Brighouse Town Deal Board and owner of Colin’s Café on Brighouse Market, said: “We’ve been working hard to ensure our market traders can continue to operate during the rebuild of Brighouse Open Market and it is great to now be making final preparations for the move to our temporary Daisy Street home.
“It is just two minutes’ walk from the existing market and I hope visitors and shoppers to Brighouse will cross Anchor Bridge and check us out when we make the move during the building of our new market, which we’re all excited to see completed.”
In addition to upgraded facilities, the new permanent market will also include a flexible central space which would accommodate additional pop-up stalls and could also be used for small events.
Alongside spaces to sit, rest and meet, with views over the canal, there will be new toilets for traders plus storage, to create a modern, attractive and vibrant market with the aspiration to open more days of the week in the future.
Other features will include an improved pedestrian area at the front and level access to the market; secure, decorative gates featuring a Brighouse-themed design; new cycle parking outside the market; and new entrances and exits to provide better connections to the town.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said: “As part of the Brighouse Town Deal, we’re working to transform the Open Market, creating a modern upgraded facility to benefit both traders and shoppers. The market project is one part of a package of investment across the town centre which includes new pedestrian areas, resurfacing of roads and footways and new seating and planting.
“These improvements, being delivered in partnership with the Town Deal Board, will make Brighouse an even better place to visit both during the day and into the evening, whilst also protecting the town’s distinctive character.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Silvia Dacre, said: “The exciting improvements at Brighouse Market have been carefully planned to create an attractive and more flexible space, which includes upgraded facilities to attract visitors, better support existing stallholders and encourage new traders.
“To ensure that trading can continue whilst these upgrades take place, we’ve identified a location for a temporary home for the market, just across the road from the market’s current location using part of Daisy Street car park. The market may be temporary, but it will have all the facilities to enable the market traders to continue to sell their food, drink and other great items.”
The market revitalisation is just one of the Brighouse Town Deal projects which aims to transform the town centre, making it a more attractive place to visit and spend time and money – benefitting residents, shoppers, visitors and businesses.
Planning application submitted for £15m expansion of Trinity Kitchen in Leeds
Landsec has submitted a planning application to invest £15m into the expansion of its food court concept, Trinity Kitchen in Leeds.
With a rotating line-up of food trucks and permanent eateries, Trinity Kitchen transformed the idea of traditional food courts when it opened in 2013 and has since welcomed over 800,000 visitors annually.
The plans will build on this success, repurposing under-utilised retail space and delivering a 72,000 sq ft multi-dimensional hospitality destination complete with a new outdoor terrace offering views overlooking the city.
The news comes as Landsec also submits plans at St David’s in Cardiff, to invest £17m to transform a former Debenhams unit into a vibrant outdoor space. Plans for the 102,000 sq ft square will create new opportunities for brands, while enhancing access to nature and play space. The square will feature two new restaurants with terraces and smaller kiosk-style units that open out onto the square. The plans also include a leisure space.
Nik Porter, Head of Retail Asset Management at Landsec, said: “These submissions mark the next step in our investment in our major retail destinations. Trinity Leeds and St David’s Cardiff both continually outperform industry benchmarks for footfall and have occupancy rates over 94%.
“By enhancing the guest experience, we’ll increase footfall and dwell time which in turn will bring more brands to the centres, whilst also strengthening the performance of brands already in occupation.
“These new spaces will create even more opportunities for both new and existing brands to benefit from the attraction of new F&B and leisure experiences, quality outdoor space, and the increasing demand for leisure.”
Scarborough retail giant snaps up major new distribution centre
A major industrial unit in Scarborough has been sold to well-known retailer, Boyes, which was established in the town in 1881, to support the company’s new store openings and ongoing expansion programme.
The detached 132,163 sq ft building sits on a 5.58 acre plot within Eastfield Industrial Estate on Thornburgh Road and was marketed by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co.
The site was previously home to printing company, Pindar, which formed part of the YM Group before it went into administration in 2022.
Boyes will now commence transforming the site into a new distribution centre that will operate alongside its existing warehouses on Havers Hill and Hopper Hill Road. Some operations will transfer to the new site, but it is expected that new jobs will be created when the new site comes fully on stream.
Boyes currently serves over a million customers every month from more than 70 stores across the East Midlands, the North West, Yorkshire and the North East. The retailer’s extensive product range now spans more than 30,000 different items.
Andrew Boyes, chairman and joint managing director of the firm, said: “Investing in this new site will provide considerable additional storage space to augment Boyes’ two existing distribution centres in Scarborough.
“These sites were struggling for space, for the volume of stock being handled, so having a third warehouse facility will improve efficiency and provide the capacity to open more stores, as well as helping to ensure that all our shelves are stocked with the vast range of products that make us so popular with our customers.”
Will Woodhall, a surveyor from GV&Co’s agency team, said: “We generated a lot of interest in this site from both potential occupiers and investors, but it’s very satisfying to agree a sale to such a well-known and longstanding Scarborough based company.
“It’s also good news for the town as a whole, because ultimately this deal will create jobs and help to support local economic activity, as well as giving an empty building a new lease of life.”
Paul Jenkins from Cedarwood, which had previously asset managed the site on behalf of the landlord, said: “Following the demise of Pindar, which was sad news for Scarborough, it’s good news that the sale to Boyes has gone through as it will support the growth of a local employer.”
Bradford business bought out of administration by Flowtech Fluidpower
Flowtech Fluidpower, the specialist technical provider of fluid power and motion control products and engineering services, has acquired the business and certain assets of Bradford-based Thomas Wright/Thorite Group Limited (Thorite).
The transaction completed immediately following the appointment of administrators, Interpath Advisory, to Thorite.
Mike England, CEO of Flowtech, said: “We are delighted to acquire this well-respected brand and skilled workforce. On behalf of all of us at Flowtech we welcome our new colleagues to the Group. This is an exciting moment for us all as both businesses have a history of deep expertise and knowledge in power, motion and control.
“For us at Flowtech, adding Thorite’s expertise in pneumatics, automation and compressed air capability is an excellent fit and aligns perfectly with our strategy – a world of motion – which will enhance our scale, margin profile, and help to accelerate market share gains.”
Thorite is a provider of pneumatics, compressed air, vacuum and fluid handling products and systems and has traded since 1850. It operates from seven sales and service centres across the UK.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Flowtech will acquire all the plant and machinery, vehicles, stocks, and intangible assets of Thorite for a total cash consideration of £350,000.
Flowtech has also repaid Thorite’s outstanding debtor finance facility of £1.7m in return for an assignment to the Group of a debtor book totalling £2.6m. A sharing arrangement relating to the excess of debtor book recoveries over and above the £1.7m paid has been agreed with the administrator of Thorite.
In the audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023, Thorite generated revenue of £21.2m and delivered an operating profit of £79,000. Thorite has since experienced cash flow challenges and incurred operating losses due to a combination of internal issues and market headwinds. Thorite’s operating losses in the year to 31 March 2024 are estimated at £1.2m.
