Invest East Yorkshire and Invest Hull are working together again to offer businesses the chance to develop their social media skills further.
The latest series of workshops aims to help business owners understand all aspects of social media and how they can use it to help grow their business, but also includes some intermediate sessions for those who are already familiar with using social media and want to expand their knowledge. Taking place throughout February, March and April, the workshops will cover everything from storytelling for business, creating an integrated social media campaign and advertising on Meta platforms to measuring the effectiveness of your activity, building a social media strategy and using Canva to make your posts more eye-catching and engaging. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund , workshops are available online and in person at a choice of different venues across the East Yorkshire area. Dawn Hall of the Invest East Yorkshire team said: “Following on from the the resounding success of our initial series of social media workshops aimed at supporting businesses, we’re thrilled to announce a brand-new series of FREE workshops. “Working in partnership, the Business Support Services teams from Invest East Yorkshire and Invest Hull are delighted to present an expanded range of workshops. Fully funded and delivered by Electrify, they cover every aspect of social media for businesses. This time around, we’ve also added some intermediate workshops for those already familiar with leveraging social media for marketing their businesses.” Invest East Yorkshire and Invest Hull are the business support functions of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council respectively. Both teams are available to work with business owners in our area to help them identify projects that will help their businesses grow and evolve, and can provide eligible businesses with access to a range of funding and practical support.New law requires developers to build nature into new projects
In a world first, developers in England are now required to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments.
From this week it has become mandatory for all major housing developments to deliver at least a 10% benefit for nature with England becoming the first country in the world to make Biodiversity Net Gain a legal requirement.
Biodiversity Net Gain, introduced through the Environment Act, will help deliver the government’s commitment to halt species decline by 2030. It means developers in England are now legally required to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity when major building projects are undertaken.
To help Local Planning Authorities integrate Biodiversity Net Gain at a local level, £10.6 million of funding is being committed to help local authorities recruit and expand ecologist teams, investing in green jobs and increasing capacity to create new wildlife-rich habitats alongside developments.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Biodiversity Net Gain will help us deliver the beautiful homes the country needs, support wildlife and create great places for people to live.
“This government is going further and faster for nature, since 2010 we have restored an area for nature larger than the size of Dorset, banned micro plastics and set ambitious targets to halt biodiversity decline.
“This vital tool builds on our work to reverse the decline in nature and for everyone to live within a 15-minute walk of a green space or water and will transform how development and nature can work together to benefit communities.”
Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said: “If we are to halt and reverse the decline of wildlife in line with our ambitious national targets then it will be vital to ensure that new habitats are created to compensate those being lost to developments.
“Biodiversity Net Gain is a key moment on our path to halting the decline of nature, enabling developers to make a positive contribution through creating new habitats, increasing access to green spaces, and building healthy and resilient places for people to live and work.
“Many developers are already using Biodiversity Net Gain in new developments and recognising the benefits for people and nature.”
Egg production under threat because there’s no money in it, farmers tell NFU
It found that almost a quarter of egg producers and 15% of broiler producers were either unlikely or unsure if they would still be producing poultry beyond November next year. The main reason cited for this was a lack of profit.
The survey also highlighted some of the key concerns for both sectors, including:
- The risk of AI (avian influenza)
- The lack of fairness in the supply chain
- High energy prices
- Being undercut by imports
The NFU is calling for greater fairness in poultry supply chains, for poultry producers to be included in the Energy Intensive Industries Scheme, and for a long term strategy from government to be set ahead of any future outbreaks of AI.
NFU Poultry Board chair James Mottershead said: “The sector urgently needs support, certainty and fairness across the supply chain if it is to remain strong in its production of quality, safe, nutritious and sustainably produced poultry meat and eggs.”
The NFU has responded to Defra’s current supply chain review on the UK egg industry, which hopes to end unfair practices in the sector, and calls for a fairer share of risk and reward across the supply chain.
Despite the current low numbers of AI outbreaks across the UK in comparison to 2023, the results of the NFU’s latest survey still show that the threat of the disease still continues to impact the sector.
Both the egg and poultry meat sectors are holding back on investing in their businesses, according to the survey.
The work found that a third (31%) of broiler producers had no plans to invest in their business during the next two years, while 29% of laying hen producers had not invested for the past two years and 33% had no plans to invest going forward.
Those that have invested have done so by supporting staff wages, training and improved equipment. Insufficient returns were blamed by the majority of producers as the reason for remaining cautious.
Rising input costs were a problem, with energy prices (46%) and feed prices (28%) being of major concern to poultry producers.
Inflation holds steady at 4%
Annualised inflation remained at 4% in January, unchanged from December despite a forecasted rise.
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted this was influenced by higher gas and electricity charges, while inflation kept at 4% due to a downward contribution from furniture and household goods, and food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Meanwhile, core inflation, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, came in at 5.1% in the 12 months to January 2024, also the same as December.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “No movement in inflation over January is not entirely a surprise, due to base effects and a small rise in Ofgem’s energy price cap coming into effect.
“We may see a few more bumps in the road over the coming months, but the broad direction of travel with inflation is encouraging, having fallen considerably from its double-digit highs 15 months ago.
“The Bank of England seems to share this view, though will want to see more definitive signs that domestic price pressures are continuing to soften. But with monetary policy now believed to be doing the trick, it’s increasingly a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ interest rates will be cut.”
Solutions engineer joins virtualDCS after Yorkshire cloud technology firms join forces
Jason Fenwick has joined virtualDCS as a solutions engineer as a result of the disaster recovery specialist now hosting cloud technology firm, Vapour’s Veeam backups on behalf of its customers, after the two Yorkshire-based companies entered into a new partnership to bring unprecedented scale, flexibility, and security to clients’ data management.
As well as having a strong knowledge of the company’s client base, Jason knows Vapour’s platforms inside-out, meaning his appointment will ensure service continuity and an excellent end-user experience for the firm’s customers.
In addition, virtualDCS has appointed Tom Best as a technical support apprentice. Tom will work alongside Jason and the wider virtualDCS team, handling support queries and helping to manage virtualDCS’s CloudCover backup and disaster recovery services.
Jason Newell, channel director from virtualDCS, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Jason and Tom to the team. Jason’s understanding of Vapour’s system and customers made him the perfect person to manage and oversee the transition, and we’re delighted that he’ll continue to be their key point of contact moving forward.”
Major work under way to renovate Keighley’s Sangat Centre
Major work is ongoing to renovate a long-standing community organisation in Keighley, after almost a quarter of a million pounds worth of funding.
The Sangat Centre received £230,000 from the government-funded Keighley Towns Fund for essential refurbishments to its Marlborough Street premises and work has been ongoing since Summer last year.
The centre has been based in the old Victorian building for more than 20 years and the venue was in urgent need of modernisation. Structural work has already been undertaken including the replacement of a section of the roof, the installation of a new floor as well as a new heating system.
Riasat Ali, Sangat Centre Manager, said: “The electrics are currently being upgraded and work has now started on the installation of the new mezzanine level and refurbishment of the toilets.
“Previously, the building needed constant repairs and we were continually having to patch up leaks such as water pouring through the roof, as well as dealing with ongoing heating, boiler and electrical issues. We are so grateful for the funding which means we can do the work at once, instead of piecemeal and we’ve been using local tradespeople, to put the money back into the area.”
The redevelopment will enable the association to continue to offer social day care, adult education activities, youth activities, holiday play schemes and other services to the hundreds of people it sees each week.
Liz Barker, Acting Chair of the Keighley Towns Fund board, said: “Keighley residents deserve a building that reflects the character of the local community – a building which works well and which people can be proud of for years to come.
“This renovation means the Sangat Centre can function more efficiently and effectively for the people it serves. Supporting the community in this way is a vital part of the work of the Keighley Towns Fund.”
Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “Money from the Keighley Towns Fund means the Sangat Centre will be modernised so it’s energy efficient, meets the digital and online needs of service users and means it can provide an accessible, practical environment for an extensive range of crucial community services.”
The Sangat Centre has also received £140,000 of match funding towards the refurbishment from the Community Ownership Fund.
Nuclear industry launches recruitment campaign to fill critical skills gaps
The UK’s nuclear sector is launching its first sector-wide initiative to attract and recruit people over the next two decades, as it enters a new era of government-backed expansion.
The Destination Nuclear campaign brings together government, sector organisation, suppliers and education institutions – including the the Nuclear AMRC at Rotherham – with the shared aim of attracting and recruiting more people into the industry to help fill critical skills gaps.
The UK’s nuclear sector is growing, with the civil and defence nuclear workforce forecast to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80,000 additional skilled jobs across the UK. Growth is driven by the government’s ambition for nuclear power to generate a quarter of the UK’s electricity by 2050 as part of the national decarbonisation programme, as well as the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership.
Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear, said: “To meet our ambitions, we need to rapidly ramp up recruitment in the sector, making sure we have enough people from engineers to welders to design and build new nuclear. Nuclear has fantastic career opportunities, and we want people of all ages to consider joining a key industry of the future.”
The campaign will target those considering a career change with transferrable skills, as well as supporting a commitment to apprenticeships and graduate schemes and increasing the opportunity for PhD students. The campaign will also benefit national and regional employment, as well as supporting broader equality, diversity, inclusion and social mobility goals through reaching a much broader audience.
Lynne Matthews, head of Destination Nuclear, said: “Destination Nuclear has provided a focal point where the sector has come really come together to deliver this vital campaign programme. To deliver our nuclear ambition, we need to significantly grow the workforce. Many potential candidates may have not considered nuclear as a career. Destination Nuclear will help show the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer and help a broader range of people explore and venture into a career that is challenging, rewarding and sustainable.”
North Yorkshire ground protection products supplier snapped up
Origin UK Operations Ltd, part of Ireland-based Origin Enterprises PLC, has acquired North Yorkshire ground protection products supplier, Groundtrax Systems as part of its diversification strategy and to increase the range of services it offers to its agricultural and groundworks customers.
Groundtrax Systems was founded in 2011 by Simon Adams and provides a range of permanent and temporary ground protection and ground reinforcement systems for applications such as pedestrian access, roads, car parks, storage areas and commercial sites with the capabilities to support heavy goods vehicles and construction plant equipment.
With its storage and distribution facility based in Ripley, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, the business has experienced strong growth in recent years.
Led by Simon and supported by director Laura Tyrrell and sales manager David Marsh, Groundtrax Systems has built a UK-wide customer base of high-profile organisations that operate in the construction, hospitality and transport sectors, amongst others.
As a result of the acquisition, Groundtrax Systems will be integrated into Origin Enterprises PLC as it diversifies its presence in the amenity, environmental and ecological markets. Dublin-based Origin Enterprises provides a range of agricultural advice, services and products to arable, fruit, vegetable growers amenity and landscaping professionals in the UK, Europe and Brazil.
It also operates amenity, environmental and ecology services, providing a diverse range of consultancy and technical solutions in areas such as sports turf management, landscaping and environmental conservation.
Groundtrax Systems will join a portfolio of nine businesses already operating within Origin’s amenity, environmental and ecology service line.
Following the completion of the transaction, Simon will remain with the business to support Origin’s plans to accelerate Groundtrax’s growth and assist with integration into the wider group operations.
Advising Simon, who was 100% shareholder of Groundtrax Systems, was North-East based RG Corporate Finance (RGCF), led by corporate finance partner Nick Johnson, CF manager Adam Tindale and CF executive Max Woodhouse.
Tax due diligence was provided by RG’s director of taxation services, Simon Hopwood and corporate tax partner Simon Whiteside, with financial accounting support provided by BFE Brays, led by partner Laurence Bentley and senior Jamie King.
Legal advice to Groundtrax was provided by Leeds-based LCF, led by head of corporate, Susan Clarke, corporate law solicitor Brad Stewart, and trainee solicitor, Sara Coleman.
Origin UK Operations received advice and due diligence support from KPMG with a team including associate director Domhnaill Drumm, manager, Conall McNally and partner Gavin Sheehan. Tax due diligence undertaken by Sara Hamill, tax partner and Helen Morgan, associate director at KPMG.
Legal advice was provided to Origin UK Operations by in house counsel, Aaron Vickery, along with Boyes Turner led by Pearse Connery.
Simon Adams, founder of Groundtrax Systems Ltd, said: “I am exceptionally proud of what we’ve built at Groundtrax Systems with a prestigious portfolio of customers and a reputation for quality and service.
“As part of Origin, the business will experience the next stage of its growth, benefiting from the strong presence the group has in a diverse range of industries, supplementing where we already operate. I’m excited to support the Origin team as we integrate into the group and deliver new opportunities for the business.”
Chris Clark, Managing Director of Origin Amenity, said: “Groundtrax Systems is a welcome addition to our amenity and landscaping operations as we accelerate the diversification of the group beyond our core agricultural business.
“There are strong synergies with our existing amenity businesses and its products and distribution capabilities will add value to our expanding offering to our key sector client base.”
Nick Johnson, partner at RGCF, said: “Simon, Laura and David have created a brilliant business, which has an exciting future ahead of it as part of Origin. Groundtrax has an exceptional reputation for quality of product and service, and the potential market for its products is huge.
“It is a great fit for Origin and the transaction will provide a springboard for further growth and expansion, and the opportunity to benefit from access to the existing Origin customer portfolio.”
Grant for labelling machine more than doubles chocolate factory’s daily output
Top chefs say restaurants have a vital role in boosting North Yorkshire’s visitor economy
Leading chefs have spoken of the importance of North Yorkshire’s hotels and restaurants in helping to boost the county’s £1.5 billion a year visitor economy.
With the Good Food Guide having declared Helmsley and the Howardian Hills, between the Yorkshire Wolds, the North York Moors National Park, and the Vale of York, as the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ for 2024.
The owner of the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome, Andrew Pern, said: “Having so many exceptional pubs, restaurants and all-round eateries in our area is great for our local economy. “One Michelin-starred restaurant might be worth a day out, but three is worthy of a few nights away, with time to visit attractions such as Castle Howard or Rievaulx Abbey, for example.
“Visitors from outside the area bring in money that allows us to employ people from the area, support suppliers and use local tradespeople in this lovely part of the world.”
Tommy Banks, who runs the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead, Abbey Inn at Byland and Roots in York, accepted the award along with Howardian Hills National Landscape manager, Ellie Hook.
He said: “I have always been very proud that people come from all over the world to visit our beautiful pocket of North Yorkshire. “In recent times the food scene has really evolved and now you are spoilt for choice for great award-winning pubs and restaurants in the area.”
The hospitality sector is seen as a key element of a new plan that is being drawn up to entice more visitors to the county. North Yorkshire Council’s Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman said restaurants and the businesses they supported were crucial in growing the county’s economy.
“When people eat at any of our restaurants and cafes they are not only supporting that location, but a wide range of other businesses across North Yorkshire as well, thereby securing jobs and ensuring future investment,” he said.
