Workplace health platform acquired in £10m deal

Tess Egginton
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Workplace health platform acquired in £10m deal
Physitrack, a leader in the global digital health space, has completed the acquisition of Sheffield-based Champion Health, a workplace health platform. Physitrack will pay a total cash consideration of £2.5 million upfront for the acquisition, and a further potential aggregate earn-out consideration of up to £7.894 million over four years, subject to Champion achieving stretching growth and profitability targets in that period.
Henrik Molin, CEO and co-founder of Physitrack, says: “Joining forces with Champion Health today is a pivotal event for Physitrack, and we are beyond excited to share this news with the market. Champion Health has built some of the most innovative and dynamic technology for workplace wellbeing in the market, and it’s my firm belief that combining Champion with Physitrack’s holistic health and wellness product Access, is a true home run for us – technically and commercially. “The acquisition of Champion will create a more comprehensive and attractive offering for Physitrack in the booming corporate wellness market, and it will accelerate our expansion in the UK, the Nordics, Germany and in the US. I can’t wait to enjoy a very bright future with Harry Bliss and his team.” Harry Bliss, CEO and co-founder of Champion Health, says: “This is a big day for Champion’s team, clients, mission and for me personally. In 2018, I lost my friend and mentor to suicide, following a short bout of stress. From here, I made a personal vow to change the way health and wellbeing is delivered in workplaces, to make wellbeing more accessible, inclusive and engaging. “Since then, we have rapidly established ourselves as a leading technology provider that can build happier, healthier and more productive organisations, at a global scale. Becoming part of the Physitrack family is the next step for us in achieving this mission, by joining forces with a fast-growing leader in healthcare SaaS aligned to our mission and vision. “With a solid track record over a ten-year period, a public market listing and a multi-cultural, multi-geographic team, Physitrack is perfectly positioned to fulfil Champion’s vision and mission, and deliver on the vow I made to myself in 2018.” Ricky Bailey, CDO and co-founder of Champion Health, says: “Joining forces with Physitrack enables Champion to have immediate distribution in a multitude of geographies where Physitrack is already present with its range of products, as well as to accelerate outreach and localisation globally. “Champion will continue to benefit from the resources and integration opportunities available to it from the broader Physitrack group in the coming years, especially the ability to partner with Physitrack’s care and wellness companies on the integrated Access product.”

Ongo looks for a further four North Lincolnshire apprentices

Stuart Pearcey
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Ongo looks for a further four North Lincolnshire apprentices
North Lincolnshire social housing provider Ongo is taking on four new apprentices as part of its commitment to invest in local employment and education, taking the total number of current roles to 20. All four vacancies are within their maintenance team, and involve two plumbers, a plasterer and a works planner. Alongside full on the job training and being paid above the average rate, each will complete a recognised qualification. Dan Vockins, Apprenticeship Support Coach at Ongo said: “Not only do the majority that come to work for us go on to have a great career, we have many in management roles that started as apprentices, people completing degrees and higher education, who are all advocates of the scheme. “We’re very excited to welcome new talent into the organisation and hope to offer many more opportunities in the future.” Max Bushell, Manager at Ongo’s Heating & Plumbing Business Hales and Coultas, is passionate about offering apprenticeships to the next generation. He said: “An apprenticeship in a trade opens so many doors in terms of development and opportunities. “It has helped me because you learn so many skills and meet so many skilled contacts. Even if you start by doing more basic jobs, you need to learn these primary skills to get into all of the exciting job roles that are out there.” Katie Walmsley started as an apprentice and has been with Ongo for ten years. She said: “My apprenticeship benefited me greatly as I was always fairly shy. This role pushed me to be more confident, to believe in myself and to challenge myself. “Advice I would give to someone considering an apprenticeship is to just go for it. Personally for me, the aspect of learning whilst earning is another bonus. Who would want to miss out on an opportunity like that?”

YMD Boon opens new Lincoln office as part of business growth

Tess Egginton
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YMD Boon opens new Lincoln office as part of business growth
Architects and construction consultants, YMD Boon, have opened a new, larger office in Lincoln as part of growth plans to expand its business further across the Midlands. In the past 18 months, the company has expanded into new sectors, broadened its client-base and increased its employee headcount by approximately 35%. With offices in Market Harborough and Nottingham, the expanding firm will be replicating the success it has had in these areas with a new focus on Lincolnshire and surrounding regions. Shari Setayesh, director, said: “YMD Boon have established relationships with many clients in Lincolnshire, including Boston College, Boston Borough Council and several local schools, so a natural step for us was to open a larger premises here for our growing team.” Jonathan Warren, director, also said: “We are excited at the prospect of working with more organisations in and around Lincolnshire. The move to larger office space strengthens our capabilities within Lincolnshire at a time when the region is booming.” YMD Boon are now looking for talented individuals to join them at this exciting time. Are you looking for a new role? Get in touch today or visit their Careers page here.

Rotherham businesses encouraged to apply for grant to help improve productivity

Tess Egginton
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Rotherham businesses encouraged to apply for grant to help improve productivity
Rotherham firms are being encouraged to apply for a grant which will help improve their productivity. The Business Productivity Project is being run by Rotherham Council’s economic development unit RiDO to benefit small and medium sized businesses across the borough, part funded through the European Regional Development Fund. The aim of the project is to improve firms’ productivity through the provision of capital or revenue grant, and to improve how they measure and report productivity gains. Whilst the project is initially looking to safeguard businesses and jobs, priority will be given to those applicants that can best demonstrate how the investments will have a positive impact on productivity and the creation of potential new employment opportunities in the town. Rotherham’s businesses are invited to apply with an investment project up to a maximum value of £15,000, to benefit from 50% grant funding up to £7,500. Already businesses are benefiting from receiving funding. Examples of projects that have been supported are purchase of new equipment which has increased the speed of production, therefore improving the productivity of the organisation, and new CRM software which have improved processes and improved the productivity of staff. Paul Woodcock, strategic director for regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses within Rotherham to receive support around a project that will make their services or people more productive. We’d encourage firms to get in touch to see if they are eligible, and what the steps are, soon as there is a finite budget and timescales.”

DIT promotes offshore energy investment opportunities

Stuart Pearcey
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DIT promotes offshore energy investment opportunities

Opportunities to invest in the growing offshore wind energy sector on the North Sea coast off the Humber estuary are being promoted by the Department for International Trade, as the UK offshore wind workforce is predicted to double from 15,000 employees in 2021 to a predicted 27,000 by 2030..

The DIT launched its High Potential Opportunity for the Offshore Wind Deepwater Ports Hub (Teesside and Humber) at Offshore Wind Connections 2022 in Bridlington. The HPO showcases the investment opportunities presented by the offshore wind energy sector on Teesside and the Humber, particular for companies looking to manufacture wind turbines, towers, blades, cables and other energy infrastructure. The UK is a leading nation in the deployment of offshore wind and currently has the largest offshore wind assets in the world. Offshore wind energy in the UK is poised to grow rapidly over the next 10 years, and Teesside and the Humber presents a unique investment offer in its ability to test, develop and manufacture the necessary components and subcomponents with the large quayside needed to deploy the offshore wind farms in the North Sea and further afield. The UK government has committed an investment of £95m for two new offshore wind ports to be constructed in the Humber region and Teesside, complementing the existing Greenport site at Hull. This will enable large manufacturers of blades, monopiles, wind turbines, cables, large installation vessels and other supply chain companies to co-locate at these sites. The region offers a wide range of testing facilities, ample physical space for investment and a committed offshore wind cluster to support investors. Stephen Parnaby OBE, Chair of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP) and Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, both spoke at the Offshore Wind Connections conference. Pat said: “Offshore Wind Connections is a very important event for the offshore wind energy sector and the perfect platform for the launch of this High Potential Opportunity. As the world moves towards Net Zero wind energy will play a crucial role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. “We’re fortunate to have a well-established offshore wind energy sector on our North sea coast, and this HPO will help to cement our position as a world-leading cluster in this area. “The low-carbon and energy economy is already worth £1.2bn a year to Greater Lincolnshire and employs over 12,000 people. “The Humber Estuary is fundamentally connected with at least 25% of the UK’s energy production and the south bank of the Humber lies at the centre of an emerging offshore wind market, with the potential to create wholly new supply chains. It will become the biggest Enterprise Zone in the UK and will position the area as one of the major hubs for the renewables sector in the UK.”

It could be you: Why data breaches can have dire financial consequences

Stuart Pearcey
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It could be you: Why data breaches can have dire financial consequences

Businesses are being warned about the increasing number of significant fines being issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office for business data breaches.

The ICO has More than 60 different monetary penalties are available to the ICO, and any of them can be actioned when an organisation fails to protect its data – the biggest fine being up to £17m or four per cent of annual turnover (depending on which one is the largest).

Paul Wallis, a privacy information management expert at Hantec Systems, warns business owners that the biggest threat of a breach are within an organisation, often resulting from insufficient staff training and awareness.

He said: “Many organisations do not know how to spot a potential ransom attack, or do not realise the potential consequences of their non-deliberate actions, putting itself at a higher risk of being fined by the ICO.

“But to reduce the risks of fines, it is vital for business owners to implement robust industry-standard management systems (ISOs).

“ISO systems are good business practice and ensure organisations have policies and procedures in place which reduce business errors that could lead to extremely large fines from the ICO.

“If a business is caught out by the ICO it could have very serious consequences for the organisation and its staff. The biggest mistake we all make in life is thinking that it will never happen to us. Be sure to protect yourself and business wherever possible.”

Paul has recently enhanced his expertise in GDPR and Data Protection issues through a privacy management development course which ensures he is best qualified to advise clients of the steps they need to take to maintain compliant.

Lending to small businesses hits all-time low, new study finds, with six in ten impacted by late payment

Tess Egginton
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0
Lending to small businesses hits all-time low, new study finds, with six in ten impacted by late payment
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is warning that banks “pulling up the drawbridge” to small firms will further stifle economic growth as its new Small Business Index (SBI) study shows successful finance applications plunging over the first quarter of this year. Fewer than one in ten (9%) small firms applied for finance in Q1 2022, the lowest proportion since SBI records began. The share that saw applications approved (43%) is also at a record low. The number of respondents describing the availability of credit as “good” (19%) has tumbled to its lowest point since 2016. A minority (44%) of successful applicants were offered a borrowing rate of up to 4% in Q1 – the figure is down 32 percentage points on the same period last year. Of the few firms that did manage to secure finance, four in ten (42%) plan to use credit to manage cashflow, considerably more than the numbers planning to use funds for equipment updates (21%), expansion (19%) or recruitment (4%). The majority (61%) of small firms were impacted by late payment of invoices over the first quarter of this year. A quarter (26%) say the propensity for late payment is growing – close to one in ten (7%) experienced late payment for the first time in Q1 of this year. Of those that applied for finance, the majority (61%) sought traditional overdraft and/or loan products. A quarter (25%) applied for asset-based finance, such as invoice finance, with smaller numbers seeking funds through peer-to-peer platforms (7%) and/or crowdfunding (5%). Latest Bank of England figures show the annual growth rate of lending to SMEs at a record low, despite small firms making net debt repayments of close to £1bn in March alone. Lending to big corporates, by contrast, has increased significantly since the start of the year. One in ten (11%) small firms plan to close, sell or downsize their business over the coming year, equating to more than half a million businesses. FSB national chair Martin McTague said: “Lenders pulling up the drawbridge for small firms will threaten our already faltering economic recovery. “Businesses are born every day across the UK – many need funding to get off the ground, ensuring they reach a stage where they’re profitable and creating opportunities. “A lot of those who’ve worked tirelessly to adapt, survive and thrive over lockdowns need finance too, empowering them to take their firms to the next level, driving our economic recovery and the transition to net zero in the process. “A big chunk of what little finance is being accessed is being used to manage cashflow challenges as our late payment crisis worsens, rather than for much-needed investment and innovation. “The Government should accelerate delivery of our proposal to make Audit Committees directly responsible for supply chain practice to address this worrying trend. “Culture change is what’s needed here – lenders taking an objective approach to small business finance and big corporates putting best supply chain practice at the heart of environmental, social and governance programmes. “The result would be win-win: strength in corporate supply chains and a thriving small business community driving economic growth from the ground up.”

European manufacturer picks Gainsborough for distribution hub

Stuart Pearcey
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European manufacturer picks Gainsborough for distribution hub

A leading European manufacturer plans to build a storage and distribution facility at Gainsborough’s Somerby Park, leading to the creation of up to 70 jobs. 

Meditrade is one of the leading manufacturers of healthcare products in Europe, and intends to deliver a phased distribution centre of more than 25,000 square metres of new employment space including office accommodation.

MD Maximilian Roesner met Sir Edward Leigh MP, Cllr Owen Bierley leader of the Council and Ian Knowles Chief Executive of the Council to discuss the company’s plans.

Cllr Bierley said the visit was an opportunity for Meditrade to showcase their investment plans and outline their development programme. “I am thrilled  the company is moving to our district. The site will provide the company with a base for the storage and distribution of its products across the UK. “We hope the business will have a bright future here like many of our other major employers who are based in Gainsborough including Eminox, Amp Rose and Ping European headquarters. “This opportunity is a huge step forward in our plans for the growth of Gainsborough and continues to build on our Invest Gainsborough initiative.” Invest Gainsborough was launched in 2018, an initiative, led by West Lindsey District Council, supported by the private sector to deliver £18 million regeneration plans in the town. Sir Edward said he was proud to showcase Gainsborough and thanked Ron Gore, MD of local company, Barrier Healthcare, for introducing Gainsborough as a site for expansion. Sir Edward added: “Gainsborough is a great place to live, work and invest, which is evident with all the exciting projects that are being developed. Gainsborough already has a diverse business base here in the town and Meditrade is a welcome addition. The town has undergone a lot of investment in recent years and that is set to continue as it wasrecently successful in its bid for £10m of Levelling Up Fund. It will help develop plans for a four-screen cinema, retail units, new wayfinding signs, green spaces for families and much more to enjoy.” The company is looking to locate on land at Somerby Park which was identified in the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan as an area for employment growth and through the recently approved planning application. Meditrade UK will facilitate the area to distribute itsmedical equipment over a multiphase development. Mr Roesner said:”Gainsborough is strategically located close to major road networks and therefore fits perfectly into our logistics concept. West Lindsey District Council has been absolutely brilliant to work with and have showed tremendous support for our project.” The new logistics hub will facilitate 12 jobs after the completion of its first phase and the company plans to create 60 to 70 new jobs over the next few years. The company is hoping that work can commence on site in Q3 2022 and the first phase of the facility to be up and running by Q3 2023. Ian Knowles Chief Executive of West Lindsey District Council said: “Knowing that International businesses are willing to Invest in Gainsborough is a massive step forward for us and we’re excited to see what the future will hold.”

Selling to Germany?: Packaging rules will change in July

Stuart Pearcey
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Selling to Germany?: Packaging rules will change in July
From July online marketplaces and fulfilment service providers operating in Germany will be subject to new producer responsibility obligations for packaging that they place on the market, with similar regulations for electrical and electronic equipment following next January. German packaging law changes mean operators of online marketplaces will no longer be allowed to offer packaged products, and fulfilment service providers must not carry out any activities, such as storing, packaging or dispatching goods, if the sellers of these products have not complied with their legal obligations. Sellers need to be registered with the German Central Packaging Register LUCID and license their packaging with a German compliance scheme. These regulations apply to both product and shipping packaging. On 1 January next year, similar regulations will come into force for electrical and electronic equipment, i.e. operators of online marketplaces must not offer this equipment – and fulfilment service providers must not carry out any of their activities – if the manufacturer of this equipment is not properly registered. The German-British Chamber recommends that companies affected by the EEE regulations start the registration process as soon as possible to be able to continue selling products in Germany next year, as the registration process takes at least 6-7 weeks, but can be much longer at busy times. The new regulations aim to close a loophole by making each individual marketplace seller and each user of fulfilment services accountable for complying with packaging law and EEE obligations, respectively. In addition, marketplace operators and fulfilment service providers themselves must be able to demonstrate that they are complying with the legal requirements. Goods in non-licensed packaging face a sales ban from 1 July, with violations attracting potential fines of up to EUR 200,000, while non-compliance with EEE rules could be fined up to EUR 100,000 after 1 January 2023. Additionally, existing sellers of licensed packaging will need to have registered their non-licensable packaging, e.g. transport and deposit packaging, in the German Central Packaging Register LUCID by 1 July. The simplified registration process is due to start on 4 May, however, data reports for the quantities of packaging are not necessary. The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce offers a service which helps companies fulfil their obligations under the German packaging law and can also assist companies with EEE compliance. For more information, please contact Jana Toon, email: recycling@ahk-london.co.uk.

Major £23.1m investment projects for Dearne Valley submitted to government for approval

Tess Egginton
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Major £23.1m investment projects for Dearne Valley submitted to government for approval
Five major projects which will help regenerate, renew, and revitalise Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne as part of a £23.1m investment have been submitted to government for approval. Goldthorpe was one of 101 towns invited to bid for Towns Fund investment to help improve skills, digital and transport connectivity, create new jobs, raise aspiration, and revitalise the economic prospects of the area. Towns Fund investment of £23.1m was approved in principle by the UK Government in March 2021. Full business cases for these five major projects have now been prepared and approved by Barnsley Council’s Cabinet. These have now been submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) who will then release the £23.1m investment. The plan is based on four themes of Growing Goldthorpe, Connecting Goldthorpe, Developing Goldthorpe and Placemaking Goldthorpe. It was prepared by the council’s Economic Regeneration Team and shaped by feedback from local residents, businesses and organisations through consultation and workshops over the last two years. Five key projects which help develop these themes while meeting the strict criteria of the Towns Fund have now been approved by The Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, which is made up of community representatives, local businesses, and councillors. The projects are: Employment land: Investment to unlock development of major employment growth. It will support long-term commercial development of a 72.9ha site off the A635 Barnsley Road, Goldthorpe, South of the Dearne Valley Parkway. New employment opportunities will be created, and investment attracted into the area. A new roundabout will provide access to the site. The funding will also be used flexibly across other employment sites. Housing: Funding will be allocated to regenerate traditional terraced streets through improvements designed to help grow people’s pride in their area and improve residents’ well-being, including physical and mental health. This will be achieved through creating more welcoming public spaces for residents to interact with each other socially with opportunities for informal play and active travel. In addition, new affordable homes could be delivered to a low-carbon standard. The aim is to create a healthy and safe living environment for everyone. Public consultation with residents is taking place from May 16 to May 29 to help shape this important part of the plan. Phoenix Park: This project will help enhance the park’s appeal as a destination and thoroughfare between Thurnscoe and Goldthorpe. It will also help the park achieve its potential to support small scale enterprise and more community activity. Plans include a new visitor hub, more play facilities, improved car parking and improved active travel links to encourage people to visit the park on foot, bicycle, scooter, or wheelchair. The investment will also help expand the education programme currently working with four local schools, extending this work to include weekends and school holidays. Community and Cultural Hub: This project will develop a combined community and cultural hub within the Welfare Park. This will include refurbishment of the Dearne Playhouse, a refreshed and reinvigorated outdoor multifunctional performance and community events space including improved event day parking, and business development support for the Playhouse team. There will also be widespread engagement and consultation with young people in the area who don’t currently use what’s on offer to them such as the youth club or sports activities. This will help create activities and opportunities to interest and engage them. Heart of Goldthorpe: This project will include a new public plaza and events area providing a central point for community activity and temporary public uses like market stalls and pop-up events. This new square will make use of the site of the former Horse and Groom public house, which was purchased by Barnsley Council as part of the first stages of the Towns Fund. Public consultation has been carried out and further engagement with local people is continuing to help shape this new landmark space right at the heart of Goldthorpe. Derek Bramham, chairperson of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “This level of investment in a local area is the sort we only see once in a generation at the most. I am delighted Cabinet have approved these five projects which will unlock more than £23m to help regenerate, renew and revitalise Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne. “An enormous amount of effort has been put in to bring together projects supported by business cases which meet the criteria of the fund, as well as help us achieve the priorities we set as a board following consultation with local people. “People wanted investment to help bring new jobs and investment to Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne, as well as improve the local street scene, improve local housing, and develop better transport links. I am very pleased we are able to submit projects which meet the priorities which we identified following consultation with local people. “There will still be opportunities for local people to contribute their thoughts, comments, and ideas. I would urge people who want to keep up to date with the projects to visit Barnsley.gov.uk/TownsFund where latest updates will be shared throughout the projects, and you can sign up to an email mailing list for all major updates.” A series of smaller projects has already been completed through the Towns Fund, thanks to £500,000 of Towns Fund accelerated funding which was released before the full £23.1m grant was approved.
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