Leeds student’s idea for promotion of Eurovision song contest wins business prize

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds student’s idea for promotion of Eurovision song contest wins business prize
Leeds Business School Teela Clayton and her teammate Ketevan Sarajishvili from the University of Georgia, beat competition from 10 countries to win gold in the European Public Relations Education and Research Association’s PR Arena student competition. They worked on a brief from the European Broadcasting Union to find effective and creative solutions to promote public service media worldwide through the Eurovision Song Contest. They were given the top prize by an international jury, made up of communication experts and academics representing the EBU, EUPRERA and the University of Bucharest. For winning gold, Teela and Ketevan have received tickets to the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, which is being held in Liverpool on 13 May next year. Teela said: “I feel lucky to have been selected to represent Leeds Business School on an international stage and am thrilled to have won gold with my partner Kate from Uni of Georgia. “EUPRERA continues to innovate with its approach to research and practice, designing a fantastic opportunity to work with prestigious clients alongside other students from across Europe.” Michelle Roverelli, Head of Communications at EBU said: “The well-deserving winning team, VOX, delivered a very original and creative project which met the challenges of our creative brief. We hope they have a great time at the Eurovision Song Contest Jury Final in Liverpool 12th May 2023.”

Team Pepps puts Christmas dinner on the table for hundreds of families

Stuart Pearcey
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Team Pepps puts Christmas dinner on the table for hundreds of families
The Christmas Dinner Project organised by Pepperells Solicitors has raised more than £11,000 and provided more than 460 families with a Christmas dinner this year. Pepperells embarked on a Christmas Mission at the start of December to provide local families in need with a tasty Christmas dinner to enjoy this winter time. Working in partnership with Morrisons Supermarket, food banks, charities, and churches, the Christmas Dinner Project, now in its fourth year, provides families in need with a tasty Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to prepare themselves at home, families who would otherwise have gone without. Julia Rymer, Marketing Director at Pepperells, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the generosity of this year’s pledges, the business community have come together in force to support us once again, now in our 4th year. “Many of us take our Christmas Meals for granted and it has been so heartwarming to be able to organise over 1,800 meals for families in need this year. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the business and personal donations that havebeen received. Without you, we couldn’t make all this possible.” Team Pepps will be popping on their santa hats and delivering the meals to the food banks, churches and charities this week, just in time for the big day.A £25 pledge provides a family with all the trimmings fortheir festive treats, including Meat, Vegetables, Potatoes, Pigs in Blankets, Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies and Treats for Santaand his reindeer. Thanks to the generous donations of so many kind people and businesses, over 1800 people will receive a dinner this year. .

Government plans new rules for tower blocks and care homes

Stuart Pearcey
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Government plans new rules for tower blocks and care homes
Buildings will be made safer under new government proposals including mandating second staircases for new tower blocks and sprinkler systems for new care homes. This is the latest step in updating the statutory guidance which underpins building regulations for new buildings to ensure the safety of those living and working there. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will consult on its plans over the next three months. The department is also looking at mandating sprinklers in all new care homes, regardless of height, to improve the safety of vulnerable residents and help firefighters with evacuations. Minister for Local Government and Building Safety Lee Rowley said: ‘There are undoubtedly lessons still to be learnt from the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the Department for Housing is committed to working with the sector and residents to explore what more needs to be done to make new homes across the country safe. “This consultation is the next step in the Department’s work to improve building regulations and make sure they are as clear and effective as possible.” Since the Grenfell Tower fire, the department has undertaken the task of updating and improving fire safety guidance to prevent it from happening again. The department has already made several significant changes to the Building Regulations and its guidance. Since 2017 the department has:
  • Implemented a ban of combustible materials for residential buildings, hospitals and student accommodation above 18m and provided new guidance for residential buildings between 11m-18m
  • Banned the use of Metal Composite Materials of the type used on Grenfell on all buildings
  • Undertook a large programme of work to clarify the guidance
  • Lowered the threshold for the provision of sprinklers in new blocks of flats from 30m+ to 11m+
  • Made provisions for wayfinding signage for fire fighters in new blocks of flats more than 11m
  • Made provisions for evacuation alert systems in new residential buildings over 18 metres in height

GBM wins starts on demolition work to make way for new Gainsborough cinema

Stuart Pearcey
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GBM wins starts on demolition work to make way for new Gainsborough cinema

GBM Demolition has officially been appointed by West Lindsey District Council to lead the demolition of the former Lindsey Centre in Gainsborough.

Work began on Monday and will enable the build of a new four-screen cinema, restaurant and commercial units as part of the ‘Thriving Gainsborough’ programme of work.

The project is part of a number of ongoing Council investment programmes, which aim to develop the district’s towns and rural communities.

West Lindsey Council leader Owen Bierley said: “The demolition of the former Lindsey Centre is a focal point of our plans to create a ‘Thriving Gainsborough’. The redevelopment of this key town centre site will not only enable the delivery of the cinema, but also connect Marshall’s Yard with the historic Market Place via a new walkway.

“It is a very exciting time for the town as there is a hub of regeneration activity taking place. Therefore, we really look forward to working with GBM Demolition as they join us in our ambitious plans to bring a real, sustainable change to the town.”

This project forms part of the Council’s ambitious plans to regenerate the wider town centre area, which is undergoing a significant investment thanks to Council’s £18 million Levelling up Programme.

Adrian Corrigan, Divisional Director for GBM Demolition, said: “We’re very pleased to be involved with this demolition project, which is local to us and enables employees and supply chain partners from the locality to carry out and benefit from the works. We think the development of the cinema will be of great benefit to the area, and it’s exciting to be able to play a key role in the improvement of lovely Lincolnshire towns such as Gainsborough.”

The building, previously Oldrids Department Store, is expected to be finished at Easter.

West Lindsey District Council’s Director of Planning and Regeneration, Sally Grindrod Smith, said: “As we end 2022 and move into 2023, there are huge and positive changes ahead for Gainsborough Town Centre. We are working hard to deliver a market place that is at the heart of our town, with spaces and activities for people to spend their leisure time, meet family and friends and enjoy our traditional street market in a special historic environment”

New exercise will realign skills supply and demand throughout Greater Lincolnshire

Stuart Pearcey
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New exercise will realign skills supply and demand throughout Greater Lincolnshire

A Local Skills Improvement Plan has been launched by the Federation of Small Businesses to review and realign skills supply and demand across Greater Lincolnshire & Rutland.

This Department for Education initiative will lead to shifts in the type and level of skills available to local employers. It will also affect change in how some post-16 technical skills and training are delivered.

West Lindsey District Councillor Lesley Rollings said: “This piece of work will help to shift our understanding of the skills we need for the future. It’s a great opportunity for local employers to really engage with the LSIP and to ensure that the skills they need can be met.”

Over the coming months, the project aims to generate thousands of responses to the research calls from employers of every size, sector, and location.

Amanda Bouttell, West Lindsey District Council’s Senior Project & Growth Officer – Employment & Skills, said: “The scope, availability and level of key workforce skills, including work readiness has been a great challenge and frustration for local employers for many years.

“This is a chance to collectively make the right changes, and by participating in these focus groups, employers can help to shape the LSIP for the future.”

Employers in the West Lindsey area can participate in three different ways. Book a place on one of the free employer focus group at the venues below:

11th January – Gainsborough: Thonock Park 8am to 10.30am. Book at https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/lsip-employer-focus-group-gainsborough-11jan2023.html

20th January – Grimsby: Catch UK 10am to 12.30. Book at https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/lsip-employer-focus-group-grimsby-20jan2023.html

Attend an on-line focus group on 15th February 2023. Book at https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/lsip-employer-virtual-focus-group-for-greater-lincolnshire-rutland-15feb2023.html

Skills Bank supports training for Barnsley manufacturer

Stuart Pearcey
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Skills Bank supports training for Barnsley manufacturer
Barnsley-based swarf conveyor manufacturer LNS Turbo, has benefited from part-funded training through South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Skills Bank as it continues on a programme of expansion, which has seen it achieve 25% growth in 2022. LNS Turbo, which is part of LNS Europe, with companies in Switzerland, Italy, Japan and China, invested in 15 employees undertaking Lean Tools & Techniques training with Brook Corporate Developments, through Skills Bank. The training focused on Lean Management and 5S techniques – a five step methodology for creating a more organized and productive workspace (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain). The training was undertaken by members of LNS Turbo’s manufacturing team, including operators and supervisors, as part of working towards improving manufacturing processes and increase efficiency. The training enabled production staff to understand how to investigate a problem and offer solutions, which has led to improved efficiencies across the business and has reduced the risks of any problems reoccurring.  The Lean Tools & Techniques training has also helped the manufacturing team to improve the working environment at LNS Turbo, which has positively impacted productivity. Mark Scanlan, Operations Manager for LNS Turbo, said: “The Skills Bank training has made a huge difference to our manufacturing team.  It allowed them to take a step back and identify where problems were occurring and to look at how to overcome them.  As a business, we have benefitted enormously from the Skills Bank training through process improvements which increase productivity, enhance quality and drive down rejects. “The Lean Tools & Techniques training has provided opportunities for employees to develop and understand how they can impact their working environment, including practices and processes, as part of keeping one step ahead of our competitors.” The Skills Bank training has become vey important in the new controlled parts manufacturing area where LNS Turbo has recently invested £850k in plant and equipment.  Here, Lean thinking and 5S is integral to how the area operates and thanks to the Lean Tools & Techniques training, the team has been able to optimise control of the whole area and to maximise the production of parts through the manufacturing process. Mr Scanlan added: “We believe in investing in training as part of our employee development programme and our management team and supervisors have also recently completed an Accelerated Leadership Programme.  Investing in upskilling people helps to retain staff within our business in what is a difficult labour market.”

Immingham firm gets grant to make jet fuel from black bin bag waste

Stuart Pearcey
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Immingham firm gets grant to make jet fuel from black bin bag waste
Immingham company Velocys is one of five companies given a share in £165m from the Government to help it convert black bin bag waste into sustainable aviation fuel. The company is currently working on a commercial scale factory to make the fuel, and is expected to have it operational in 2028, capable of producing 37.4kt/y of fuel when at full operational capacity. Velocys CEO Henrik Wareborn said:” Velocys is delighted to receive two grant awards from the Advanced Fuels Fund, which will help to accelerate the production of SAF at commercial scale in the UK using our technology. The Altalto grant will allow us to begin FEED for our waste-to-SAF plant in Immingham, which already has planning permission. The e-fuels grant allows us to work with our partners to explore the UK based production of power-to-liquid SAF.” Building on the success of the green fuels, green skies programme, the five projects alone will produce over 300,000 tonnes of SAF a year – enough to fly to the moon and back an estimated 60 times. The successful projects will also slash CO2 emissions by an average of 200,000 tonnes each year once fully up and running – the equivalent of taking 100,000 cars off the road. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Using waste or by-products to refuel airliners sounds like a flight of fancy, but thanks to £165 million of government funding it’s going to help us make guilt-free flying a reality.

“It’s exactly this kind of innovation that will help us create thousands of green jobs across the country and slash our carbon emissions.”

NFU President meets PM to remind him of his promises to farmers

Stuart Pearcey
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NFU President meets PM to remind him of his promises to farmers
NFU President Minette Batters has met prime Minister Rishi Sunak to remind him of the need for action on the commitments he made to farmers during the summer. Key amongst these promises was the need to establish a food security target, underpinned by a statutory duty to monitor domestic food production and to hold a UK-wide annual food security summit. The discussion also focused on the need for fairness within the supply chain, as well as drawing on the positives of the recent announcement on visas for seasonal workers, and the opportunities for British food and farming, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector, if supply chain issues can be resolved and production costs stabilised. Minette said: “The Prime Minister was very receptive and it’s clear that he is taking food and energy security seriously. “The past year has been a stark reminder of what we stand to lose if British food and farming is taken for granted, and why it needs to be a political priority. British farmers and growers have so much to offer to the nation, providing high quality, affordable, climate friendly food alongside increasingly important renewable energy and a thriving countryside for us all to enjoy. But the past year has been a stark reminder of what we stand to lose if British food and farming is taken for granted, and why it needs to be a political priority. “The Prime Minister made it clear today that he wants to provide an environment for British food and farming to thrive, and what farmers and growers need more than anything is certainty.” Minette went on to specify that this means continued support on the energy crisis, enabling fair contractual relationships in the supply chain, establishing a national food security target, and providing clarity and delivering effective policies such as the new Environmental Land Management schemes. “I hope this meeting and the Prime Minister’s commitment to ensuring Britain has a thriving food and sector will mark a turning point in how our government values and prioritises the production of home-grown food, and demonstrates this government does back British farming.”

Almost half League football clubs are in financial distress, say insolvency experts

Stuart Pearcey
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Almost half League football clubs are in financial distress, say insolvency experts
Almost half the clubs in the English Football League now in financial distress, with surge in new US and Middle Eastern ownership expected, say insolvency experts Begbies Traynor. The October 2022 Football Distress Survey, conducted for more than a decade by the company, shows that despite a 3% fall in financially distressed clubs since May this year, 31 clubs in the EFL, 43% of the total, remain in financial distress. In the Premier League, distress has risen by 75% since March and is now affecting seven of the 20 top-flight clubs. But hardest hit is League Two of the EFL, where 13 of the 24 clubs (54%) are showing symptoms of financial problems. Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “Clubs in the EFL are coming under financial pressure like never before as the financial effects of Covid continue to be felt and are now being exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. “While clubs are having to look at virtually every area to make saving as running costs rise and the threat of falling ticket sales looks inevitable, players’ wages, by far clubs’ largest outgoing, are a cost burden that remains untouchable. “Spiralling energy costs are prompting many smaller clubs to think about scheduling earlier kick-off times to reduce the need for floodlights. Meanwhile cancelling improvements to grounds and reducing budgets for non-playing staff are measures many clubs are considering or have already put in place, triggering concerns that some grounds could fall into disrepair without financial input from the Government and the Premier League.“ Gerald Krasner, consultant at Begbies Traynor, said: “The escalating financial problems of running a football club have seen many club owners run out of steam to the extent that, behind the scenes, more clubs are in fact up for sale than we have seen for decades. “The weak pound, combined with a growth in interest in football from the US and Middle East, are likely to trigger an increase in overseas ownership of English clubs from these two parts of the world. “Meanwhile many clubs are staggering on and I expect to see at least one or two clubs enter into an insolvency process during 2023.”

Riverhead improvement scheme will get under way next month

Stuart Pearcey
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Riverhead improvement scheme will get under way next month
Work is due to start on site for Grimsby’s Riverhead improvement scheme in early January. The remodelled area is being funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects. The scheme will see the existing area changed to incorporate a lot more green-space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There will also be space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “This scheme will create a much nicer area for our residents and businesses and encourage more people to use the town centre. It’s part of our wider town centre ambitions that will also see, subject to planning permission, the western end of Freshney Place remodelled to introduce more leisure activities to the area. “We have been working on many plans for the town centre, and it will be good to see the first of many starting on site. It’s vital for our borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day.” The new designs, approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting in November, have been drawn up by Arup Landscape Design. The footpath next to the business premises on the eastern side of the dock will not be affected. Access to businesses adjacent the works, including the Post Office and the Barge, will be maintained at all times. The works on Riverhead are being managed by Equans on behalf of the Council and will take about 10 months to complete.
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