Greener ship makes first call at Port of Hull
A greener kind of ship has made its maiden call at the King George Dock in the Port of Hull.
The general cargo carrier Vertom Joy, build earlier this year, has a state-of-the-art diesel electric propulsion system including a battery bank.
Operating on the Europe Caribbean Line monthly service managed by Vertraco Shipping, she is being handled by Global Shipping, and will travel between Belgium, the UK, Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, and Venezuela.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for ABP in the Humber said: “We are delighted to welcome Vertom Joy to our port of Hull on her maiden voyage. It’s great to see new vessels come in and see how connected the Humber is globally. The Humber ports are a popular choice for those looking to import and export across the UK, and beyond.”
Peter Waud, MD of Global Shipping Services said: “MV Vertom Joy is a great addition to an already established fleet of vessels calling in Hull providing a regular Liner Service to The Caribbean, we look forward to welcoming her not only on her maiden voyage, but for many voyages to come.”
£22m funding to protect West Yorkshire businesses and communities from floods
Homes, businesses and communities at risk of flooding will benefit from millions of pounds worth of protection against extreme weather events.
The cash was announced by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Calderdale Council Leader Jane Scullion, following a visit by the Mayor to Brighouse.
The town was ravaged by the Boxing Day floods of 2015, when the River Calder burst its banks. Other local towns including Mirfield, Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge, as well as large parts of Leeds and the wider region, were also badly hit.
In total, around 6,000 homes and businesses were damaged by the floods, costing West Yorkshire an estimated half-a-billion pounds.
Further serious flooding has occurred in Calderdale, including Storm Ciara in February 2020, with a number of ‘near miss’ events since that time.
In a bid to make the region resilient to future flooding, Mayor Brabin and Cllr Scullion have earmarked over £20 million to put up flood defences, slow the flow of water, and support at-risk businesses.
The announcement follows a letter from Mayor Brabin to government ministers, calling for better and fairer funding for areas that are geographically at greater risk of flooding through no fault of their own.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “As climate change worsens, and one in 100-year floods become more common, it’s vital we step up our support for businesses and communities and ensure our region is fit for the future.
“We want West Yorkshire to be more resilient to flooding so we can avoid the terrible devastation of the 2015 Boxing Day Floods.
“I am calling on the government to provide the further funding that we need to reduce the looming threat of flooding, and help us build a greener, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The multi-million investment follows the launch of the West Yorkshire Plan in June, which sets out five regional missions aimed at boosting progress on jobs, housing, transport, climate and crime.
One of these missions, ‘a sustainable West Yorkshire’, outlined plans to deliver warmer homes and greener businesses, protect communities from the harmful effects of climate change, and build a net zero carbon region by 2038.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Leader of Calderdale Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Climate, Energy and Environment Committee, said: “Although we’ve made incredible progress in our flood resilience work since the Boxing Day 2015 floods, people living or working in parts of Calderdale still live with the ongoing threat of serious flooding.
“This concern is shared in areas across West Yorkshire and sadly climate change is making extreme weather events, like flooding, more likely.
“The threat can never be completely removed, but we welcome this significant funding which will make a huge difference to communities across the region, supporting a variety of built and natural methods to prevent flooding and protect homes and businesses.”
The £22 million funding will be split across three priorities:
- A £7 million natural flood scheme to slow the flow of water by working with natural systems that boost wildlife.
- A £5 million scheme to help businesses implement new sustainability plans that guard against rising temperatures and water levels.
- A £10 million infrastructure scheme to build physical protections, as part of a wider programme which aims to better protect over 2,200 businesses, 2,500 homes, and vital infrastructure such as rail and road.
Telecoms provider welcomes Charter aimed at protecting the vulnerable
East Yorkshire-based KCOM has welcomed a national charter that will ensure vulnerable people are not left behind by the digital upgrade of phone networks across the UK.
The company has signed up to the charter, which was instigated by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to ensure vulnerable people remain protected and connected as the nation’s phone networks are upgraded from old copper wiring to fibre.
A KCOM spokesperson said: “As a responsible provider we’re committed to ensuring that no customer is left behind as we continue upgrading our landline phone network and making it fit to face the future.
“We have already done a huge amount of work to ensure that vulnerable customers are informed about what the switchover means for them and are providing personal engineer visits to those who need extra help to ensure their phonelines and telecare lifelines are in full working order when they are switched.
“We have worked extensively with local councils and community groups to reach the most vulnerable in our communities and also partnered with Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire to make sure older people in our area are fully informed about the upgrade process – and have extra help available when they need it.
“We absolutely welcome this initiative from the Technology Secretary to enshrine protections for the vulnerable in a charter and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure that no-one is left behind by the switchover.”
Inflation falls more than expected offering “whisper of relief” to businesses
UK inflation has dropped more than expected, with annualised inflation rate, measured by the consumer prices index (CPI), dipping to 3.9% from 4.6% in October.
This is the lowest rate since September 2021, is below the expectations of analysts, and comes largely thanks to declines in motor fuel prices and recreation costs and a slowdown in food and drink inflation.
Annualised inflation had been forecast to come in at 4.4%.
Meanwhile, core inflation, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, was more stubborn at 5.1% in the 12 months to November 2023, falling from 5.7% in October.
Responding to the news, Martin McTague, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The decrease in inflation is a whisper of relief to small firms as we end the year. The reduction marks a significant shift from the staggering 10 per cent figure this time last year at the peak of the cost-of-doing-business crisis.
“As inflationary pressures ease, small firms will be wanting the Bank of England to indicate when interest rates may start to fall – this would increase access to finance, drive economic growth and provide a fighting chance at avoiding a recession.
“Businesses will be hoping for a stable environment characterised by more predictable market conditions and lower costs in 2024.”
Collaborating bus companies get approval for plan to enhance city services
Hull’s Bus Alliance has welcomed the Department for Transport’s decision to approve its plans for an enhanced partnership to deliver better bus services for the city and its passengers.
The Alliance, bringing together Hull City Council bus operators Stagecoach East Midlands and East Yorkshire Buses, produced an enhanced partnership plan and scheme.
The plan outlines the delivery of the objectives within the bus service improvement plan, including bus user feedback and preferences and measures to promote bus travel.
Bus services in Hull have been impacted by a number of challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and a shortage of drivers.
Stagecoach and East Yorkshire Buses have worked closely with Hull City Council to address these issues, and are excited about delivering enhanced bus services, as part of a joint commitment to public transport in the city.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said: “It is vitally important that we deliver the bus services that the people of Hull deserve.
“Bus operators have faced significant and unprecedented challenges over the past few years, which have affected services.
“Through the new enhanced partnership, the Hull Bus Alliance is looking to the future and working even more closely together to help make bus travel more efficient, reliable and attractive.
“By encouraging more people to choose bus travel, we can reduce congestion on our roads and make travelling around Hull a better experience for everyone.”
Matt Cranwell, MD of Stagecoach, said: “We are pleased to see that our long-term bus service improvement plan for Hull has been approved by the DfT.
“Our partnership, in the past, has delivered a number of initiatives that have benefited bus users in the city, which has been supported by significant funding from Stagecoach.
“It’s now important that we work closely together to implement further measures that assist buses to move around the city more easily and that will help ensure we provide a punctual and reliable bus service, as well as reduce journey times for bus users.
“It’s vital that buses within the city are supported, as a thriving bus network helps reduce traffic congestion, whilst reducing harmful emissions.”
Ben Gilligan, MD of East Yorkshire Buses, added: “Buses play a critical role in the connectivity and prosperity of the city, allowing people to move around as well as opening up access to jobs, leisure and education.
“This collaborative effort between ourselves, Stagecoach and Hull City Council represents a commitment to overcoming previous challenges and helping create a better network across the city for our passengers.”
Fond farewell as Manningham Housing Association Chair steps down
The Chief Executive of Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has paid tribute to the Bradford-based organisation’s Chair, Barrington Billings, who is stepping down at the end of December after more than six and a half years in the role.
Mr Billings has more than three decades of experience in the housing sector and is currently Head of Asset Management and Development at Tuntum Housing Association in Nottingham.
He is a former President of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Lee Bloomfield said Mr Billings has played “an absolutely pivotal role in enabling MHA to establish a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking housing associations in the country.”
He continued: “Barrington joined us in 2017 following a regulatory downgrade. We needed a leader who could bring strength in governance and a unique blend of experience in both housing and non-executive roles. Barrington emerged as the beacon we sought, providing us with the guidance and expertise needed to navigate through challenges and steer MHA towards success.
“Under his direction, we have achieved the highest possible gradings from the Regulator of Social Housing and become the first housing association to be officially accredited for our work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion – alongside numerous other awards.”
Mr Bloomfield added: “Barrington’s journey with MHA has been marked by a dedication to excellence, an unwavering commitment to governance best practices, and a wealth of experience that has truly enriched our organisation.
“We cannot adequately express our gratitude for Barrington’s dedication to MHA and the broader community. As we say farewell, we reflect on the positive impact he has had on our organisation and the countless lives touched by his leadership. His legacy of excellence, integrity and compassion will continue to inspire us in the years to come.”
Barrington Billings said: “Establishing our Community Investment Strategy and the range of community based initiatives that followed were proud highlights for me.
“Winning awards and accolades are always welcome, but these are merely recognitions of the critical grass roots work MHA have been doing in local communities.
“Of course, none of this success would have been possible without the solid and transformational leadership of our CEO Lee Bloomfield, Deputy CEO Ulfat Hussain and Director of Finance and Resources John Kent.
“Lee and Ulfat have both been there from the start of my time as Chair and stood with me shoulder to shoulder in the challenging early days of putting our house in order.
“The success of MHA could not have happened without our staff, our tenants and customers. The Customer Panel, led by MHA tenant Cath Bacon, has also been instrumental in scrutinising, reviewing and improving the services we provide.”
He added: “I am delighted to be handing over the reins to Rupert Pometsey our current Vice-Chair, who I regard as one of the best in the country.
“I will leave knowing that the organisation is in great shape and in good hands, ensuring that the vision and legacy of its founding members – in providing excellent housing and related services to local communities – will endure.”
Sheffield firm secures strategic home
Knight Frank’s Sheffield’s agency team, headed up by Peter Whiteley, has facilitated the strategic disposal of 10,000 sq ft of offices in the Meadowhall district.Located at the junction of Brightside Lane and Weedon Street, the 1980s-built Riverside Court complex, will become a new base for project leaders and associated contractors handling one of the city’s most important industrial developments. Purchased by Sheffield Forgemasters, teams working on the company’s new 13,000 tonne forging line and proposed new machining facility will take up residence in the two-storey building, relocating from the main site.
Peter Whiteley, partner and head of office at Knight Frank, said: “Sheffield Forgemasters is investing in the city of Sheffield through its recapitalisation project, bringing employment, commercial and property opportunities.
“It was important for the company to house the relevant staff on one site, also emphasising how crucial an office space with associated parking is in this type and scale of scheme.”
The engineering firm is undergoing a multi-million recapitalisation project which will see its work force almost double via on-site contractors, making space a premium at the 64 acre site.
Steve Marshall, Manufacturing Transformation Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “The purchase of offices at Riverside Court offsets demands that the recapitalisation programme will place on existing facilities.
“Our employee count is more than 600 and contractors are set to number almost 500, so additional offices and car parking are essential to maintain productivity without any impact on our major recapitalisation works.”
Knight Frank acted for the owners of Riverside Court, while JLL represented Sheffield Forgemasters on its expansion in the Don Valley.
Lindum starts work on new homes for Lincoln City Council
Lindum Group has started work to convert an old garage site into 11 new affordable homes for City of Lincoln Council.
The project will bring a range of family properties, comprising two and three-bedroom homes, to Hermit Street. It is hoped the new homes will fill the gap for family homes within the area and create a sustainable community.
Procured through Pagabo’s Medium Works framework, each property will be council rented accommodation, equipped with air source heat pumps, two parking spaces, and an electric vehicle charging point.
At a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by City of Lincoln Council, Freddie Chambers, Lindum Group MD said: “As a local contractor with more than 400 employees based in and around Lincoln, it’s great to be involved in a scheme that will provide quality, affordable housing to this part of the city. It is particularly pleasing to see family homes being built within walking distance of the city centre, too.
“As well as carrying out construction, Lindum is working to bring additional value to the community. We are helping to bring forward a landscaping initiative covering Hermit Street, Portland Street, and a green space on Monson Street.
“We will also be looking to engage with the local Nest Nursery and Preschool, donating some logs for their outside area and hopefully getting the children to come on a visit at the site. As a local construction company, we will always look to prioritise improving the local communities in which we are working.”
Landmark leisure destination in Rotherham forges ahead as build programme enters final phase
Building work is on track at Forge Island in Rotherham as the flagship development enters the final months of construction ahead of opening to the public towards the end of summer 2024.
The new landmark destination, which will bring a much-needed family-friendly offer to Rotherham as part of Rotherham Council’s regeneration vision for the town centre, is being delivered in partnership with the Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor Bowmer + Kirkland.
Work began on site in November 2022 and construction has continued at pace, with all topping out milestones due to be reached early next year on the cinema, Travelodge hotel and retail buildings – set to house a mix of independent eateries. Once construction completes at the end of spring, the tenants will fit out their premises ready for the scheme opening.
Local resident, 30-year-old Sam Clarkson, whose apartment overlooks Forge Island, said: “We’re on the seventh floor so we have a bird’s eye view of the development; all of a sudden it seems to have sprung up out of nowhere. I’m getting married next year and we have 400 guests coming, and having a trusted name like Travelodge, that everyone knows, on our doorstep is really great.
“Hopefully the development will have a domino effect and help put money back into other local businesses by bringing footfall into the town centre. It will give people more choice socially and bring more people in from other areas.”
Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Denise Lelliott said: “These developments form the main cornerstones of the council’s multi-million-pound investment in Rotherham’s future.
“A number of major milestones have been achieved at Forge Island over the last 12 months, including the installation of a new pedestrian bridge, which connects to the town centre and which nods to the town’s rich engineering heritage and is inspired by the world-famous Bailey Bridge designed by Rotherham-born civil engineer, Donald Bailey, during the Second World War.”
Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “Developing a transformational scheme of this scale always comes with its challenges – not least the difficulties of building on an ‘island’ surrounded by water – so the fact we’ve remained on track is a testament to the hard work of the whole project team.
“It’s fantastic to see the impact Forge Island has already made on the town centre skyline, and we can’t wait for the community to come and enjoy all that it has to offer when it opens next year.”
Construction work on the £47m Forge Island scheme – which was announced as 100% let in October 2022 – is led by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, working alongside the wider project team which also includes Arup, Helm Consulting, Arcadis and re-form Landscape Architecture. The new pedestrian bridge was designed by FaulknerBrowne Architects.
2024 Business Predictions: Gav Winter, CEO of RapidSpike
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Gav Winter, CEO of RapidSpike.
Everyday AI is revolutionising how we work by seamlessly integrating automation, data-driven decision-making, and personalised experiences into our personal and professional lives. This transformative technology streamlines tasks and empowers individuals with data-driven insights, enhancing their skills and efficiency across various industries. The first evolution of AI will not be AI taking our jobs; it will be those who can use AI effectively to do more people’s jobs and machine learning taking over logistics transportation.
For those who find themselves made redundant by AI, there is a need to reskill those people, so there is a considerable surge in the technology educational markets, especially in deprived areas. The drivers can become technicians for the new logistics sector, and those who found themselves out of a role will be reskilled to help create more AI integration; this is where we provide the basic universal income in the first instance to allow some of those people to follow a passion rather than a vocation.
Moving onto a subject closer to RapidSpike, changes in E-commerce and Online will be exciting. The future of websites themselves is poised for transformative change, focusing on immersive and interactive experiences, mobile-centric design for personalisation, and an unwavering commitment to enhanced data privacy and security. As technology evolves, websites will continue to adapt to meet users’ changing needs and expectations in an increasingly digital world.
Mobile-centric in the future doesn’t just mean your pocket device. It will be watches, glasses, TVs, intelligent walls and more. E-commerce platforms like Shopify and similar will provide technology to many leading brands, with less being done in-house on the basic structure and more 3rd party tools created to enhance small niche parts of the experience. Standing out will be about the online shopping user experience, zero tolerance for issues, expectation of speed and the product itself.
AR/VAR/AI combining to create a virtual fitting room. Advanced technology, including AI-driven virtual try-ons either on an avatar on a 3D model of yourself, haptic feedback for fabric feel, high-quality imagery, and AI-powered fit predictions and recommendations, will revolutionise the online fashion retail industry, offering immersive almost real world shopping experiences.
Voice commerce is gaining traction due to the growing popularity of voice-activated devices like smart speakers. E-commerce platforms must optimise their voice search capabilities to ensure customers can easily find and purchase products using voice commands. Creating voice-friendly shopping experiences will be essential to effectively tap into this emerging trend.
As we look to the future, sustainability is poised to take centre stage in the technology industry. Beyond addressing the environmental impact of devices and data centres, consumers and stakeholders will increasingly expect brands to take a comprehensive approach to minimising their carbon footprint. Online sustainability extends from managing energy consumption to optimising data centres and making eco-conscious website design choices. Keeping the per-user footprint low will be crucial, aligning technology with the growing global commitment to a sustainable future.
