Ideal launches heat pump production line in Hull as part of £60m investment
Ideal Heating has launched the first UK heat pump production line at its Hull site as part of £60m investment as the business undergoes a major transformation working towards the green heating solutions to support the UK’s drive to net zero.
Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, visited Ideal Heating’s Hull factory to mark the start of heat pump production by the company in the UK.
The new heat pump production line forms part of a £60m investment programme at the Hull site, which includes an expanded distribution hub, a research and development centre to pioneer the heating technologies of the future, and a heat pump manufacturing facility.
Ideal Heating has also invested more than £2m in a flagship training centre in Hessle, East Yorkshire – one of the heating industry’s largest and best-equipped training facilities and where up to 5,000 installers every year can gain the skills to install and service heat pumps.
Shaun Edwards, CEO of Groupe Atlantic UK, Republic of Ireland and North America, said: “The transition to low carbon heating solutions including heat pumps is the biggest transformation in the business since we moved from coal to gas-fired boilers in the 1930s.
“The major investments we’re making at our Hull site send out a very clear signal about our commitment to the net zero transition and to re-modelling our business to meet the needs of our customers today and into the future.
“For decades the name Ideal has been associated with boilers and other market-leading heating products. With the start of heat pump production and the many other investments we’re making, we’re now pushing strongly forward with renewable technologies that will play an ever-growing role in heating the UK’s homes and commercial premises.”
Ideal Heating’s transition to renewable heating solutions will play a key role in the UK’s green industrial revolution.
A huge decarbonisation of housing stock must take place for the UK to achieve net zero status by 2050, as homes account for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Lord Callanan’s visit to Hull is recognition of the vital role played by Ideal Heating in the heating industry’s green transition and the company’s status as a major UK manufacturer and employer.
Ideal Heating has a 800-strong workforce in Hull – the majority in manufacturing roles – with a total of around 1,500 employed across the UK by the company and its sister businesses.
Lord Callanan’s visit to the National Avenue site in Hull marked the start of heat pump production on the site. He also officially opened Ideal Heating’s £2.2m National Training and Technology Centre in Hessle.
Growth Hub aims to nurture dozens of start up companies in Yorkshire
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council are coming together and calling on budding entrepreneurs to seize an opportunity to launch a company.
The Strive Live Start-Up Incubator, which has empowered more than 4,000 grassroots entrepreneurs across the UK, is now coming to York and North Yorkshire for three courses beginning in September.
Offering a blend of dynamic live online training, personalised one-to-one advice, and on-demand online learning, the programme equips participants with the skills and knowledge essential for success in today’s fiercely competitive market. One of the programme’s highlights is the opportunity for participants to access grants of up to £2,500 at the end of the programme, fuelling their start-up’s progress and success.
Andrew Raby, York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub manager, said: “We have witnessed tremendous success stories emerge from our previous cohorts. Now, we are thrilled to open our doors to a new wave of talented entrepreneurs. Whether you are already running one or looking to launch your start-up, our tailored programme will provide the support and guidance you need.”
The Strive Live programme is designed to cater to the unique challenges faced by start-ups, with experts working closely with participants to address specific needs and foster growth.
Strive Live Sessions offer two hours of engaging and easy-to-understand concepts, tips, stories, and tools tailored for new start-up businesses. Moreover, participants can benefit from regular one-to-one advice sessions, where experienced professionals offer valuable insights and solutions to challenges.
The programme spans seven weeks of training sessions held online during the evening, featuring access to 20+ interactive e-learning modules and a supportive network of like-minded peers. The first series of the programme begins on Tuesday, 12th September 2023.
Daniela Genova, founder of Cafe Lago di Como in Harrogate, pictured, said: “Strive is an amazing place to learn absolutely everything you need to know about business. But most importantly the team work very hard and they are always available for any questions or concerns. We really enjoyed it and we have learned a lot from the project.”
Heron Foods turns to Sewell Facilities Management for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire stores
Heron Foods has signed up Sewell Facilities Management to keep its stores open for business, with the FM company providing reactive maintenance for the retailer’s stores across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The FM company will be on hand to respond to requests for maintenance assistance for 86 of Heron Food’s 323 stores, covering stores within the counties of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
As well as reacting to urgent issues, such as problems with doors, plumbing and lights, the company will also be completing small maintenance projects, including retiling and small shop repairs.
A quick response time is essential for the retail sector, as even minor problems mean that a shop can’t open to customers, meaning lost revenue.
Anthony Coulam, Senior Facilities Manager at Heron Foods said: “From the team who manage the calls, to the teams delivering the reactive repairs, everyone at Sewell FM understands our needs and delivers the service with professionalism, courtesy and pride. Working with Sewell Group for our reactive maintenance is easy.”
Arco turns to Ripon-based thread supplier for environmentally-friendly switch
Hull-based Arco has begun using environmentally-conscious recycled threads from a company in Ripon in the personalised workwear it produces.
The threads are made from recycled plastic bottles, and are part of the Polyneon Green range from a company called Madeira. They’re made from 100% recycled PET bottles, reducing carbon emissions associated with virgin thread production and reducing the amount of plastic in the environment.
Over the course of 2022, when the trial began, 62% of the cones supplied from Madeira were Polyneon Green. So far in 2023, 67% of the total cones supplied to Arco have been with thread made from the alternative. The trial has involved more than a tonne of thread.
In addition to the thread being made from recycled materials, they are also certified to be free from harmful chemicals. The boxes that the cones are packaged in are made of 66% recycled cardboard and are fully recyclable, the protective wrapper used for each cone is also 100% recyclable.
According to a recent study by the European Environment Agency, EU consumers discard 5.8 million tonnes of textiles annually, two thirds of which from synthetic fibres. This accounts for around 13% of all plastic waste globally.
Jim Harbidge, Head of Sustainability at Arco, said: “At Arco, we work in partnership with our suppliers, customers and relevant bodies to develop and provide responsible solutions for safer businesses.
“Switching to recycled threads is an example of how Arco is taking action for a safer tomorrow and making it easier for our customers to meet their sustainability and circularity goals and to be confident in making more responsible purchase decisions.”
Andrew Maylor, MD of Madeira UK, said: “As a long-term supplier of embroidery threads and accessories to Arco, we are proud to be working in partnership with them to help take action for a more sustainable future.
“Our Polyneon Green range was created in response to the global demand to reduce plastic bottles. With Polyneon Green, we are reducing the amount of plastic in the environment and making the textile industry more sustainable. Our aim is to develop the range further so that our customers can continue to have more sustainable options to choose from.”
Future dairy farming entrepreneurs invited to apply for bursaries
Future Farmers of Yorkshire is inviting its members to apply for a bursary place on this year’s RABDF Entrepreneurs in Dairying course, starting in the autumn.
This business training programme is for aspiring dairy producers and is organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers in collaboration with The Andersons Centre, AHDB Dairy and the NFU.
Entrepreneurs in Dairying has seen nearly 400 applicants successfully complete the course, all from varying backgrounds within or related to the industry.
The course has provided applicants with contacts and connections to go on and establish their own businesses, whether it be share partnerships, joint ventures, tenancies or development of their existing businesses.
The 2023 Entrepreneurs in Dairying course will be a mixture of face-to-face and online sessions and will run from 11th October to 7th December. Details of the full course programme are available here.
Applications are open until 31st September to attend the 2023 course via the above link.
North Yorkshire dairy farmer Ed Harrison said: “I found the Entrepreneurs in Dairying course really helpful to comprehend the logistical side of running our family farm.
“Since I live and work on our family farm, one day it is likely that me and my brother will be running the farm in place of our parents.
“On the Entrepreneurs in Dairying course we discussed in detail what’s expected in management positions such as: people and time management, recruiting staff and the importance of retaining staff.
“I think this will stand me in good stead when transitioning into a management role on our farm in the future.”
CBI predicts further rises in interest rates
Anna Leach, Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, says interest rates are likely to rise again in the coming months.
She said: “With inflation having come down quicker than expected in June, the pressure was eased on the MPC to deliver another bumper rate rise. But with inflation close to 8% – quadruple the Bank’s target – and wage growth around 7%, interest rates are likely to head higher in coming months.
“Economic conditions remain challenging for households and businesses alike. For firms, the cost of inputs is a third higher than pre-pandemic, the labour market remains very tight driving up wage and recruitment costs, and demand is sluggish.
“Meanwhile, real incomes are still falling for households and higher interest rates are squeezing spending power further. To drive up growth and living standards in the UK without generating inflation, we need investment to increase the productive capacity of the economy. ”
“Improvements in the tax and regulatory system – as recommended in our recently published tax roadmap and green growth reports – can provide a platform for transforming the UK economy.”
Council considers licensing scheme to tackle rogue landlords
North Lincolnshire Council is to consult on a new licensing scheme that aims to tackle rogue landlords in parts of Scunthorpe that are hotspots for anti-social behaviour, unsafe homes, and public health issues.
If approved, all landlords in the designated areas would have to apply for a license to be able to rent out homes.
Cllr Richard Hannigan, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health, Families & Communities, said: “The council tries to work with landlords to ensure they provide decent homes and that their tenants are not causing problems in their communities.
“But in some parts of North Lincolnshire this approach is not working with a few rogue landlords who are not working in the interests of their tenants and the communities they live in.
“A new licensing scheme in these areas would give the council more powers to intervene and protect tenants from poor accommodation and their neighbours from anti-social behaviour.
“We will consult on this new scheme in the coming weeks and if supported will have a new scheme in place as soon as possible.”
The areas covered by the licensing scheme would include Crosby, Town and Park wards and some streets in the Frodingham ward in Scunthorpe.
Work due to start at end of August on Shipley Business Enterprise Hub
Work is due to start at the end of August on the redevelopment of part of Shipley Library to create a resource for local businesses.
The Shipley Business Enterprise Hub will be created in current exhibition space at the library, using £85,000 of money from the Shipley Towns Fund.
The new facility will offer resources and advice to local businesses and start-ups, and the space will also be used for meetings and co-working.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The investment will fund a full refurbishment of the space, equipment for co-working as well as access to specialist business databases.
“The Enterprise Hub will be an excellent resource for the local business community, particularly those starting-up or newly-established businesses.”
Adam Clerkin, Chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “There will be an on-site dedicated business information advisor in place for a year, who will be able to offer advice and guidance as well as training existing staff.
“Shipley has a thriving business community and we’re keen to support it. Work on the hub will start in August and is due to be completed within a month.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Healthy Places, said: “This will be an excellent addition to the library and will be an incredible resource for businesses in the area. Once it has opened, we’ll be encouraging people to make full use of the opportunity.”
LEP Network chair responds to Government decision to end LEP funding
In response to today’s announcement that the government will no longer fund LEPs after March 2024, LEP Network Chair Mark Bretton said it was essential, that effective devolution could be achieved only whilst business retains a respected and impactful voice which is a key element of democratic accountability.
“I am hugely grateful to the LEP Network Board, CEOs group and our highly talented Executive team for their guidance, resilience and professionalism in their support to me personally over this period. Please rest assured that the LEP Network remains highly committed to support you.
“To all my LEP colleagues, whether you are one of the over 2,000 business leaders giving our time mostly freely, a leader in FE, HE or the third sector, a Local Authority board member or one of the over 1,000 employed team members, thank you. Thank you for pulling out all the stops to address the three reviews, for going the extra mile during the pandemic and for keeping going as we steered ourselves to today’s outcome. A recognition that what we do matters and should not be lost. I know your local businesses and communities value your contribution highly whether it is in support of skills, delivering complex infrastructure, seeding new businesses or through our excellent Growth Hub network. Getting these final next steps right is therefore vital to ensure that the capabilities that we have spent so long developing are protected and that our talented people are fully respected.
“To Whitehall, thank you for finally recognising that you have an asset of national significance and that we have always been on the side of devolution. Please now let local people get on with the task, provide the funding and tools to do the job and allow them to continue to make the impact that has been demonstrated time after time. Whether that means integrating more fully as devolution continues, or indeed continuing as a trusted delivery partner until such time as that proves possible.
“’To our Local Authority colleagues, we have always counted you as amongst our most important partners; you are an integral part of what has made LEPs tick. We respected the transfer of big capital to you, please respect equally our revised role in your local arsenal and let’s work together to bring post pandemic, post Brexit productivity and prosperity. To this end we welcome the practical and sensible steps in the response from the County Council Network, and we look forward to working with them in the months ahead.”
National Bed Federation calls for funding for mattress recycling
The National Bed Federation is calling on the Government to support its plans for a nationwide programme to fund a service, enabling everyone to recycle their used mattresses.
Around 4.75 million mattresses every year end up in landfill or are incinerated in the UK, – enough to fill Wembley Stadium twice.
While some parts of the country are well-equipped with facilities to recycle end-of-life mattresses, either at the local household waste recycling centre or via a household collection service, many are not, with the fragmented system amounting to a postcode lottery, says the Federation’s Jessica Alexander.
Last September, the NBF’s fourth report on the rate of mattress recycling in the UK showed that while the number of mattresses being sent for recycling between 2014 and 2022 had more than doubled to 24%, the ‘real’ rate of recycling – the fate of the mattresses or their components and materials after sorting and processing – was lower at an estimated 14%. The NBF has a target of 75% diversion from landfill by 2028.
Ms Alexander said: “In the current economic climate, with so many pressures on local government budgets, it is not surprising that mattress recycling provision is so patchy across the UK. However, given the ever-growing concern about global warming and increasing demand from consumers for sustainable options, we believe that the Government should move towards implementing a national mattress recycling service as a priority.”
The NBF, which last year launched an industry-wide ‘Pledge for Our Planet,’ has seen the number of signatories from its bed company members more than double in the last 12 months. These businesses have committed to coming together to take steps that will address global environmental damage at both a company and product-level to reverse these trends. The Pledge includes progressive targets for halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050, in line with Science-Based Targets Initiative.
“While many of our members are on a sustainability journey, working to find ways of operating in a more environmentally friendly way and developing products which re-use materials or can be recycled, it is still a real worry that so many mattresses end up in landfill. We have been actively supporting the development of the Register of Approved Mattress Recyclers (RAMR) which is now up and running, with the aim of helping to ensure that the 1.5m mattresses a year which are currently diverted from landfill are recycled in a responsible way. RAMR will help local authorities, public bodies and businesses wishing to dispose of used mattresses to identify responsible, reputable operators with whom they can work,” explains Ms Alexander.
“Given their size and mix of component materials, mattresses are difficult to dispose of responsibly, and often the public simply do not know what to do for the best when their mattress reaches the end of its life. In the current landscape, we advise consumers to take the time to find their nearest recycling facility that will strip it down into its parts for reuse, or, alternatively, to organise for a specialist licensed company to come to collect it from their house. Most importantly, beware of people in white vans offering to pick your mattress up for free or at a ‘bargain’ price – these rogue traders may take your old mattress and stuff it into a new cover to re-sell or dump it at the roadside!
“Our industry is offering leadership to solve this postcode lottery for those wanting to have their old mattress recycled and not dumped in landfill, we are calling on Government to play its part too with a regulative framework giving industry confidence to invest. “
