Grants of up to £12,499 available to support South Yorkshire businesses to increase productivity
The Business Productivity Programme is supporting Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South Yorkshire to improve and measure their productivity.
Business Sheffield advisors are working with eligible SMEs in Sheffield to help them understand and find solutions to productivity challenges; from automation, maximising use of space and bringing processes in house to making use of new technologies.
Advisors will support businesses to navigate a route to increased productivity and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic. 75 Sheffield businesses have already benefited from a grant through previous rounds of the scheme.
Sheffield-based manufacturing company Blake UK previously received a Business Productivity grant to help them to move to a paperless system.
Paul Blake, Managing Director at Blake UK, said: “I was delighted to find out that our application had been accepted and since securing the grant, we’ve also been able to implement software that allows all aspects of the business to be viewed holistically.
“Moving to paperless systems has helped us to reduce the amount of waste we generate, and as a direct result of the improved processes we’ve implemented, demand for our products has risen. We also expanded our workforce, by creating two new apprenticeships within the business.
“The impact of this project has exceeded all our expectations. The new software means we can manage the team much more effectively, and diversify the product range, which has resulted in a significant increase in new orders.”
The grant will provide 50% of funding for projects up to £24,999. The maximum grant that can be awarded per business is £12,499. The other 50% must be provided by the applicant. Priority will be given to applicants that best demonstrate how the grant will have a positive impact on productivity and the creation of new employment opportunities in South Yorkshire.
To qualify for the grant funding, businesses must be based in South Yorkshire and have been trading for more than twelve months. Their customers must be other businesses rather than consumers. As part of the application process businesses must submit a detailed expenditure plan.
Grants will be issued on a first come, first served basis until October, so businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Councillor Martin Smith, chair of the Economic Development and Skills Policy Committee, said: “We know that businesses have faced a lot of challenges over the past couple of years and we want to provide as much support as possible to help them kick-start growth and succeed.
“Sheffield is known for its innovation, talent and independent businesses and this programme is designed to give people the practical tools they need to thrive. Our Business Sheffield advisors are on hand to talk businesses through their applications and provide expert advice, so if you think you are eligible, please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.”
The scheme is funded through the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered by Enterprising Barnsley, Business Sheffield, Business Doncaster and Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO).
Ørsted plans to invest more than £2.5m in Humber biodiversity programme
Sustainable energy company Ørsted is partnering with Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts to help restore the biodiversity around the Humber Estuary, in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.
The flagship project will invest more than £2.5m to restore parts of the Humber on aa scale not seen before, through the planting of 3 hectares of saltmarsh and 4 ha of seagrass, and the creation of a biogenic reef through the introduction of half a million native oysters. It will build on an ambitious programme of seagrass restoration work already underway between Ørsted ’s Hornsea 4 project and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Climate change is becoming one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, and a substantial expansion of renewable energy is central to tackling these interlinked crises. The UK Government has set an ambition to build 50GW of offshore wind by 2030, and Ørsted believes the expansion of offshore wind energy needed to fight climate change can and must integrate solutions onshore and offshore, that support and enhance biodiversity. That is why Ørsted has set an industry-leading ambition to deliver a net-positive impact on biodiversity across all the new energy projects it commissions from 2030 at the latest.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has commended this new pilot project as an example of how restoration of important marine habitats can work in practice and deliver multiple benefits.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Recent events have demonstrated the importance of developing a home-grown renewable energy supply.
“We are committed to developing schemes that work alongside the recovery of natural habitats. Climate change and biodiversity loss are significant challenges, and I welcome the commitment Ørsted are making today.
“This project in the Humber Estuary showcases the potential for private sector investment, alongside support from the public sector. I hope that this is a catalyst for further practical projects that protect and enhance our natural environment.”
Benj Sykes, Head of Environment, Consents and External Affairs at Ørsted said: “Now is the time for action on biodiversity. We know that the climate crisis is one of the biggest threats to our biodiversity and so we must start to implement tangible projects that will help restore nature.
“As a company that’s committed to building a clean, sustainable future for people and planet, we know that we need to work harder than ever to ensure we continue to develop in balance with nature as offshore wind becomes the backbone of the energy system in the UK.
“With this in mind, Ørsted has set the ambition that from 2030, all new projects commissioned must have a net-positive impact on biodiversity. Our vision is to create a world that runs entirely on green energy and protecting biodiversity is, and will continue to be, an integral part of the way we work. This project in the Humber Estuary, working in collaboration with experts from the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trusts, is a fantastic example of how the offshore wind industry can work with local partners to ensure we leave our natural environment in a better state for generations to come.”
Manufacturing output growth and price inflation expected to slow in three months ahead
UK manufacturing output slowed in the three months to June, while total order books and export order books also softened. Output growth is expected to slow further in the quarter ahead, while expectations for domestic price growth fell back to a nine-month low. That’s according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.
The survey, based on the response of 212 manufacturers, found:
- Manufacturing output growth slowed slightly in the three months to June (balance of +25%, from +30% in May). Growth is expected to ease further in the three months ahead, but expectations remain well above their long-run average (+20%; average is +9%).
- Output increased in 12 out of 17 sectors in the three months to June. The motor vehicles and aerospace sub-sectors provided the largest contribution to the headline balance this month, while the food, drink & tobacco sub-sector made a negative contribution for the first time in just over a year.
- Total order books were seen as above normal to a lesser extent than last month (+18% from +26% in May), while the volume of export order books fell back to a normal level (+1% from +19% in May).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as adequate in June, after being reported as inadequate in all but one month during the previous 13 months (+2% from -15% in May).
- Expected domestic price growth for the three months ahead eased markedly in June (+58%, from +75% in May and a survey record of +80% in March). This was the weakest expectations for selling price inflation since September 2021.
York Minster Neighbourhood Plan formally adopted
Following a vote by City of York Council’s Executive, the Neighbourhood Plan prepared by the York Minster Neighbourhood Forum has been formally adopted.
The plan sets out a 15-year route map to create a sustainable future for York Minster and its seven-hectare estate, and will carry significant weight in the determination of future planning applications within the Minster Precinct.
Having been voted through in a community referendum of all residents on the electoral register within the Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Area last month, the council has now voted to formally ratify the plan.
This pioneering approach to planning signals the first time that a Neighbourhood Plan has been used to map the future care of a cathedral or heritage estate, and its delivery will herald the biggest planned programme of works within the Minster Precinct Neighbourhood Area in 150 years.
The first stage of the Neighbourhood Plan includes the creation of an internationally renowned Centre of Excellence for the heritage craft skills responsible for the continued care of the Minster.
If approved, this will offer apprentices from the Minster and its network of international partners the opportunity to further develop their skills through cutting-edge digital techniques such as modern saw technology, data scanning and computer aided design.
Alex McCallion, director of Works & Precinct at York Minster, said: “We are delighted that our trailblazing approach to planning has now been formally adopted by City of York Council, and want to thank our partners at the York Minster Fund and the York Minster Neighbourhood Forum, as well as the local community, for their support in helping to make this a reality.
“The Neighbourhood Plan will be crucial for allowing us to safeguard the Minster, creating a sustainable future for this hugely significant religious, historic and architectural monument, not just for York, but for millions around the world.”
Mark Calvert, chair of the York Minster Neighbourhood Forum, said: “The York Minster Neighbourhood Plan is a genuinely community-led plan which intimately understands the complexities and sensitivities of planning for change both in a heritage setting and in a historic city such as York.
“It is the culmination of four years of hard work and extensive consultations, and with its official ratification, we are very proud to be leading the way for other heritage organisations to follow.”
Cllr Ashley Mason, executive member for economy and strategic planning at City of York Council, added: “We have worked collaboratively with the Minster and its Neighbourhood Forum over a number of years to develop this pioneering Neighbourhood Plan and are pleased to support its formal adoption.
“The plan is truly unique in rooting itself in heritage to safeguard one of our city’s most significant and well known areas, whilst also embracing next generation technology and skills.
“The Minster is enormously important to York and, through delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan, we hope to work with our partners to cement its future for many generations to come.”
Leeds estate agent conquers The Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise thousands for charity
Team members from Leeds estate agent HOP have raised thousands of pounds for charity, after conquering The Yorkshire Three Peaks.
The company then followed this up with a more sedate initiative and partnered with local schools in Horsforth to produce hundreds of commemorative Jubilee themed tea towels.
Members of HOP’s team from the company’s Horsforth, Leeds city centre and Pudsey offices completed the gruelling hike in under 12 hours and raised £3,698 for Ukraine Charity and Leeds Mind.
The challenge involves walking almost 25-miles and an ascent of 5,300 feet to the top of the three highest peaks in Yorkshire, comprising of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.
Luke Gidney, Managing Director at HOP, said: “The Three Peaks was a very tough challenge. We started at 7.15am and all finished by 7pm, within the 12-hour timeframe we were aiming for, which was a huge achievement.
“Despite the blisters, sore feet and aching legs, we all managed to maintain the team spirit and positive vibes that we rely on in our working lives, as well as the sheer determination of knowing that we were raising an impressive amount of money for two incredible charities in Ukraine Charity and Leeds Mind.”
As part of a second community focussed initiative, HOP invited pupils from Horsforth primary schools, including St Margaret’s, Featherbank and Broadgate, to produce a selection of Jubilee themed artwork. The designs are now also being displayed on large banners outside each school for all the children and parents to enjoy.
In addition, the standout drawings have been printed onto hundreds of tea towels that are set to become a feature in homes throughout Leeds and beyond, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Luke added: “We’ve also thoroughly enjoyed working with school pupils in Horsforth to design our special tea towels. We received hundreds of drawings from each school and all those who took part made a huge effort, the pictures are brilliant and we are delighted to include them on the tea towels. We’re giving these to all the pupils that took part and we’re sure they will take pride of place in the kitchen and make a fabulous souvenir to mark this special occasion.”
These latest charitable activities follow HOP committing to planting over 450 trees this year, after joining forces with GreenTheUK, which connects businesses with local wildlife projects and works in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) planting thousands of climate resilient trees across the UK.
Switch to streamlined customs service now, 220,000 firms are urged by HMRC
More than 220,000 businesses are being contacted by HMRC to urge them to move to the UK’s new streamlined IT platform Customs Declaration Service which much be used to continue importing goods after 30 September this year.
The Customs Declaration Service has been running since 2018 and should now be used for making import declarations when moving goods into the UK. The service will replace the old Customs Handling Import and Export Freight, representing a significant upgrade by providing businesses with a more user-friendly, streamlined system that offers greater functionality.
This marks the first step towards the government’s vision of a Single Trade Window, which will have considerable benefits for businesses through reduced form-filling, better data use across government and a smoother experience for users.
Businesses with a customs agent must make sure they are ready to make their import declarations on the Customs Declaration Service by 30 September. Those without a customs agent must set themselves up to make their own declarations using software that works with the system before the 30 September deadline.
Lots of businesses use a customs agent to make declarations on their behalf. If businesses want to hire one, they can find a list of customs agents on GOV.UK. This list is regularly updated to show which agents are ready to use the Customs Declaration Service.
Larger businesses, such as freight forwarders and hauliers, must start working with their software developer, community service provider or agent to begin the migration process now.
Carol Bristow, HMRC’s Director General for Borders and Trade, said: “There is only just over three months to go until CHIEF closes for import declarations and all businesses will need to use the Customs Declaration Service instead. It is incredibly important that businesses move across to the system as soon as possible. There is plenty of support and guidance available to help businesses make the move.
“It takes businesses time to move across onto the Customs Declaration Service depending on the size and nature of their business so they must start the process now to ensure that they are fully set up ahead of the 30 September deadline.
“Postal operators, such as Royal Mail, will continue to make customs declarations on behalf of UK small businesses who receive goods from abroad by post, and inform them of any tax or duty owed.” To help all businesses and agents prepare for the Customs Declaration Service, more information is available on GOV.UK, including a Customs Declaration Service toolkit and checklists, which break down the steps traders need to take. The Customs Declaration Service will become the UK’s single customs platform after 31 March 2023, replacing CHIEF. After 31 March, businesses will have to use the Customs Declaration Service to make export declarations for goods they send out of the UK.Brewster Bye Architects makes associate promotion
Leeds-based architecture practice, Brewster Bye, has promoted Hannah Cawthorne to associate.
Hannah joined Brewster Bye in 2016 after previously working for architecture practices in Bradford and Leeds and completing a Master of Architecture Degree at Leeds Beckett University. She successfully completed her Part 3 exams, to become a fully qualified architect, in 2019.
In recent years she has played a key role on a wide range of residential schemes and apartment developments throughout Leeds and York. She is currently working on several large-scale apartment developments in Leeds city centre, including an 11-storey building and a tower with more than 20-storeys.
Hannah also oversaw the construction of Regent Lodge in Hyde Park, which Brewster Bye designed for longstanding Leeds charity, St George’s Crypt. The development provides 14 self-contained studio apartments for residents with alcohol dependency issues, as they prepare to live independently, and was named Yorkshire’s best residential development at the inaugural Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Social Impact Awards.
Hannah said: “This promotion is a great opportunity to further my career and take on more management responsibility whilst working on a wide range of exciting and pioneering developments that will help to shape the skyline of Leeds and beyond, over the coming years.”
Mark Henderson, director at Brewster Bye, said: “Hannah is a hardworking and talented individual who has become an integral member of our team and thoroughly deserves this promotion. There’s no doubt that she will continue to thrive as she takes on more responsibility and becomes more involved in the management of the business.
“This further strengthens our business and follows the recent promotion of Andrew Chapman to associate director, as we look to expand following the continued growth of our quality client base and exciting range of nationwide projects across all the residential sectors.”
Brewster Bye currently employs a team of 21 based in Headingley, and plans to create three new jobs this year, in response to the increase in business from clients across the UK.
Award for Phillippa at Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals event
Ongo Contracts and Planning Manager Phillippa Sturdy has won the Women in Compliance award at the Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP) Safety & Compliance Awards 2022.
The Awards bring together leaders in the industry to recognise the achievements of inspirational individuals and organisations working within social housing compliance and facilities management sectors.
Phillippa was congratulated for her approach and commitment to the safety of tenants and for delivering safe and compliant practices for gas and electrical safety.
Emma Atkinson, Building Compliance Manager at Ongo said: “The ASCP awards showcase the best of the best in the social housing compliance and safety world, so to be recognised is a huge achievement for Phillippa.
“Making sure our tenants are safe in their homes and the wider community is vital for us, and it makes me really proud to see the work we do here at Ongo, being celebrated at these national awards for the second year running.”
Kirk Murray, Ongo’s Property and Compliance Officer was also shortlisted in the Rising Star category and was recognised for his progression and dedication to his role.
Yorkshire-based Ellers Farm Distillery announce partnership with Theakston Brewery
Ellers Farm Distillery, the new carbon-neutral distillery in North Yorkshire, announced today that it has partnered with the globally renowned Yorkshire-based brewer T&R Theakston, to combine their knowledge and experience in a truly unique whisky collaboration.
To create the whisky the Ellers Farm team will utilise an elegant Porter style beer that has been specifically developed through the collaboration of Theakston’s Master Brewer Mark Slater, and Ellers Farm’s Master Distiller, Jamie Baggott.
The vision Ellers Farm and Theakston have created takes the finest ingredients possible, brewed into a high-quality beer by one of the best brewers in the world. They then take that beer and distil it under the guidance of one of the most awarded distillers in the world at Ellers Farm. The expected result, a truly amazing unique Yorkshire whisky.
Production will commence this summer with a first bottle release scheduled for 2025. In addition to bottled whisky releases, the plans include an offering of a strictly limited collection of casks. The owners of those casks will also become members of a very exclusive partnership with Ellers Farm where they will work together to evolve those casks into some of the world’s finest exclusive whisky releases in the years to come.
Whisky cask investment is on the rise, as proven by a survey undertaken by Braeburn Whisky in February 2021. Of 1,931 randomly sampled participants, 76.0% of all respondents had considered investing in whisky, indicating a 25.4% increase from a similar survey conducted six months prior. 44.3% of respondents said they already invested in whisky, while 61.0% selected whisky as an asset class in which they would be most likely to invest in the future, ahead of stocks and shares, property, cryptocurrency, and various other traditional and alternative asset classes.
Andy Braithwaite, Managing Director at Ellers Farm Distillery, said: “Ellers Farm is extremely proud to be working alongside Simon, Mark and the brewing team at Theakston. Bringing together two family-owned Yorkshire businesses, one with almost 200 years of history and one just beginning its journey, to create a new Yorkshire whisky to take to the world is hugely exciting.
“Over the last 18 months we have built our distillery and launched Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, which has already secured national distribution in the major retailers as well as bars, restaurants and on-line platforms. We are delighted that we are already picking up awards from industry specialists such as the International Spirits Challenge 2022, and the Drinks Business for Best Brand Launch of 2022.
“The Theakston family have generations of brewing experience, famous not least for Theakston’s Old Peculier. Combining Theakston’s passion and knowledge for brewing with the skills of our multi-award-winning Master Distiller at the facilities we have at Ellers Farm means that the whisky we will produce will be unlike anything else in the market today.”
Simon Theakston, Joint Managing Director at T&R Theakston, said: “As a proud Yorkshire-based brewer, we are very pleased to announce our partnership with Ellers Farm. Though a relatively young business, they have already made a huge impact in the world of premium spirits, and we’re excited to be working with them on their journey to create a distinctive and distinguished Yorkshire whisky.”
“Our specially developed Porter, brewed using almost 200 years of expertise, will be the perfect foundation to the whisky masterminded by Ellers Farm, creating a truly unique, flavoursome, drinking experience.”
Government announces changes to product conformity markings
The government has today announced a range of changes to make it simpler for businesses to apply new product conformity markings for most products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales.
The UK Conformity Assessed mark is a mandatory mark on certain products, for example mobile phones, to indicate that they conform to Great Britain legislation. Businesses have until 1 January 2023 to start using UKCA marking which replaces the CE and reverse epsilon markings now that we have left the European Union.
The marking allows the UK to have control over its goods regulations and maintain our high product standards.
The new measures: To make it simpler for businesses to adopt UKCA marking, the government has today brought forward the following measures.
Reducing re-testing costs: Any conformity assessment activities undertaken by EU bodies before the end of 2022 will be considered as the basis for UKCA marking next year. Legislation on this will be brought forward before the end of the year and will enable manufacturers to apply the UKCA mark on these products without the need for re-testing.
Removing the need to re-test existing imported stock: This will allow CE marked products that are manufactured and imported into the UK by the end of 2022 to be sold, without the need to meet UKCArequirements. This will remove the current need for retesting and recertification for products that are imported whilst the UK recognised CE requirements.
Continuing to accept spare parts onto the GB market: The UK will continue to accept spares onto the GB market which comply with the same requirements that were in place at the time the original products or systems they were being used to repair, replace or maintain were placed on the market. This will help to address concerns about the availability of spare parts and ensure businesses and organisations avoid disruption to their operations.
Extending labelling measures: To make it cheaper and logistically easier for businesses to continue to supply goods to Great Britain, legislation will be brought forward to extend current labelling easements to allow important information and other UKCAmarkings to be added to products using a sticky label or an accompanying document.
Recognising historic testing on some construction products: Manufacturers of construction products under AVCP system 3 – such as radiators, sealants and tile adhesives – whose products are tested by an EU notified body before 1 January 2023 will be able to obtain a UKCA mark without having to retest through a UK-approved body.
