North Lincolnshire employees encouraged to get active next month

Stuart Pearcey
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North Lincolnshire employees encouraged to get active next month
This June workplaces are encouraged to take part in the Get Active Challenge to improve their health and wellbeing. The month-long competition will see teams of four competing against other teams from across North Lincolnshire workplaces to walk or cycle to work or increase their physical activity. Any business in North Lincolnshire is eligible to take part, and can enter more than one team. The challenge involves each participant in the team aiming take part in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day or at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. The physical activity can be anything from walking or cycling to work, running, swimming, or chair-based activities. Those who participate in the challenge will be able to choose from a wide range of incentives to motivate them to take part in the activity, for example:
  • A cycle safety pack containing ahigh visibility rucksack cover, bike lights, bike lock, and flashing arm band.
  • Runners pack including running vest, water bottle and arm band.
  • One month swim or gym only membership with NL Active.
  • Access to a range of virtual and face to face exercise classes, including chair-based exercises and Do Something Different sessions.
Each week, a league table will be shared with participants to motivate and encourage them to incorporate more activity into their daily lives. At the end of the challenge the most active teams will win a prize. To take part, team leaders should register each team member on the online form. The deadline for entering is 27 May. Prizes will be awarded for the most active team and the team that has completed the most physical activity for commuting purposes (getting to and from work). This June workplaces are encouraged to take part in the Get Active Challenge to improve their health and wellbeing – sign up today. The month-long competition will see teams of four competing against other teams from across North Lincolnshire workplaces to walk or cycle to work or increase their physical activity. Any business in North Lincolnshire is eligible to take part and they can enter more than one team. The challenge involves each participant in the team aiming take part in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day or at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. The physical activity can be anything from walking or cycling to work, running, swimming, or chair-based activities. Those who participate in the challenge will be able to choose from a wide range of incentives to motivate them to take part in the activity, for example:
  • A cycle safety pack containing ahigh visibility rucksack cover, bike lights, bike lock, and flashing arm band.
  • Runners pack including running vest, water bottle and arm band.
  • One month swim or gym only membership with NL Active.
  • Access to a range of virtual and face to face exercise classes, including chair-based exercises and Do Something Different sessions.
  • Plus, much more.
Each week, a league table will be shared with participants to motivate and encourage them to incorporate more activity into their daily lives. At the end of the challenge the most active teams will win a prize. To take part, team leaders should register each team member on the online form. The deadline for entering is 27 May 2022. Prizes will be awarded for the most active team and the team that has completed the most physical activity for commuting purposes (getting to and from work). Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults and health, said: “The Get Active Challenge forms part of the council’s Wellbeing at Work initiative and we hope to encourage people across North Lincolnshire to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing throughout the challenge. The challenge is suitable for people of all abilities – you don’t need to be super fit to take part. “There are lots of benefits to keeping active for both your physical and mental health. Any exercise is better than none. “If you would like to take on a challenge this June with your colleagues, make sure you sign up to the Get Active Challenge.”

Call for projects to transform empty units on Sheffield high street

Tess Egginton
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Call for projects to transform empty units on Sheffield high street
Grants of up to £50,000 could be available to businesses in Sheffield to transform under-used spaces on the High Street. Following the impact of the pandemic on city centre footfall and trade, Sheffield City Council are working to support local businesses to revive empty spaces and bring vibrancy to areas of the city centre that have struggled in recent years. Expressions of Interest for the ReNew Fund are welcome for prime locations on and around Fargate and High Street, including Chapel Walk, Orchard Square, Norfolk Row and Surrey St. Businesses from all industries are encouraged to apply, including food and beverage, retail, leisure, hospitality and arts and culture. Fargate and High Street are at the centre of the Council’s plans to reimagine the city centre and will soon be home to five-storey Event Central, a year-round events and exhibition space, as well as a new outdoor performance space and improved lighting and seating facilities. The improvements will be funded by the £20.8m pot of funding from the Future High Streets Fund which the Council successfully bid for last year, and public sector investment. Councillor Mazher Iqbal, executive member for city futures: development, culture and regeneration at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is going through a major transformation at the moment, with millions of pounds being invested to bring people back into the city centre to work, shop, socialise and live. “Through ReNew we are encouraging local businesses to be creative in their plans and use this opportunity to try something new, expand or move to a central location. We are looking for projects that will have a long-lasting positive impact on the city centre and will benefit from the regeneration taking place. “At this stage, all businesses need to do is submit a two-page Expression of Interest to our team, so it’s worth taking the time to do that now and get the ball rolling.” Michelle Walton, at Birds Yard on Chapel Walk, said: “This type of funding can be a huge boost to businesses starting out as it gives you the support to establish yourself in a prominent location, which is not always possible otherwise. I opened Bird’s Yard on Chapel Walk in 2013 after receiving similar funding from the Council, and it gave me a head start to get set up. I now have got a thriving shop specialising in locally made homeware, clothes, and gifts. “I am a great believer in championing independent businesses and there is a lot of potential for some of the creative and talented people we have got in Sheffield to join me in the city centre. I hope people take the chance to have a look and see how the funding could work for them.” Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 22 May. Businesses are asked to set out the projected costs of their proposal and the economic benefits their project would bring to the area.

Tight labour market drives bonuses up but wider wage squeeze deepens

Tess Egginton
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Tight labour market drives bonuses up but wider wage squeeze deepens
A tightening labour market and an increasingly mobile workforce is driving up bonuses to hire and retain staff, but the wage squeeze for the wider workforce continues to deepen off the back of rising inflation, the Resolution Foundation said today (Tuesday) in response to the latest labour market statistics. The UK labour market continues to tighten, with unemployment falling to 3.7 per cent (the lowest since 1974) and the number of vacancies rising to almost 1.3 million, taking vacancy numbers above unemployment levels for the time ever. Workers are taking advantage of this tight labour market by moving jobs – almost a million did so in the first three months of the year. There are signs firms are using bonuses to respond to the hiring and retention challenges posed by this mass movement, with total pay including bonuses rising 7 per cent. Bonuses are up 30 per cent on last year, but remain concentrated in finance and business sectors which account for almost 60 per cent of all bonuses. There is less good news for those not receiving bonuses, with regular pay not responding to rising inflation. Real regular pay growth has fallen sharply by 1.2 per cent – the fastest rate in almost a decade. The Foundation notes that the true scale of Britain’s real wage squeeze is likely to be even deeper as the headline rate is flattered by the effects of last year’s furlough. Finally, the Foundation notes that the UK labour market remains smaller than it was pre-pandemic. While long-term unemployment is falling, there are no signs that the pandemic-induced rise in inactivity is reversing, with half a million people – largely older workers – having completely disengaged from work. As a result, we are working 10 million fewer hours a month than before the pandemic, which will lead to a smaller economy overall. Hannah Slaughter, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “The UK labour market continues to tighten, with the number of unemployed people having fallen below the number of job vacancies for the first time ever. People are taking advantage of these conditions to move jobs, and employers are responding by paying bonuses to hire or retain key staff. “But for the vast majority of the workforce, the labour market may feel far less hot. There is little sign of wider pay pressures building and real wages are getting squeezed even tighter. “With inflation having shot up in recent months, the scale of Britain’s wage squeeze is going to get far worse.”

Lincs law firm launches litigation funding with DBA option

Michael Fisher
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Lincs law firm launches litigation funding with DBA option
For the first time, Lincoln law firm Shakespeare Martineau is to offer damages-based agreements (DBAs) as part of its portfolio of litigation funding options called ‘FeeManage’. DBAs – a fairly new addition to English law – are contingency-based agreements where legal fees are payable as a percentage out of the damages received in the event a case is successful. Shakespeare Martineau is proud to be in a position to offer DBAs as part of its FeeManage proposition. If a DBA is entered into and the pre-determined success criteria is achieved but the recovery from the losing party is relatively low, the DBA percentage fee from recovered monies may be a sum significantly less than that which would have been payable by the client on a normal retainer basis or pursuant to a conditional fee arrangement (CFA) – meaning an increased shared risk between client and legal advisors. In addition to DBAs, the firm is working with a variety of funders to offer third-party funding (TPF) and after the event (ATE) insurance in combination with CFAs as potential options. Unlike competitors, Shakespeare Martineau is not tied to a single funding provider in order to flex requirements and offer full or part funding for litigation claims. Barry Jervis, partner and litigation expert at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “Too often businesses are put off from pursuing debts and assets that are rightfully theirs due to the associated costs, impact on the balance sheet and risk. “Litigation was buoyant across the country before the pandemic and, as we emerge into a post-pandemic economy, we can expect disputes to increase further. However, the costs of litigation are climbing sharply, alongside increasing numbers of businesses experiencing cash flow issues as a fall out from the pandemic. “Our new ‘FeeManage’ service helps to reduce the financial risk of litigation. Every individual and every business is unique and while traditional CFAs might work for one client, third party funding might be more appropriate for another. Whatever the size or complexity of the litigation, we have an option that will suit. “We’re really proud to be taking a different approach to litigation funding. We’re not fixed to a single provider and we’re giving our clients every option available for funding their claim.”

The 2022 Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference set to feature talks from five industry experts

Tess Egginton
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The 2022 Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference set to feature talks from five industry experts
The Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub is inviting Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland manufacturing businesses to attend this year’s Manufacturing Conference. Hosted at Kenwick Park Hotel in Louth, The Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference will act as the event of the year for local manufacturers. This all-day conference will provide invaluable insight into the future of manufacturing, helping businesses to future-proof for a more sustainable and prosperous future. This year, Business Lincolnshire have curated an impressive line-up of guest speakers, sharing their expertise to help Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland manufacturers to make better-informed strategic decisions about the future of their businesses. Among the expert speakers – discussing the sustainable business opportunity and why it matters – is Richard Hill, head of automotive and manufacturing at NatWest. Richard will be exploring what sustainability means for a manufacturing business and why it is so crucial in preserving the future of the sector. Graduating in Business Studies, Richard’s career has revolved around the Auto and Manufacturing sectors, representing NatWest Group and the banking sector on key bodies such as the UK Automotive Council, The Scale Up Institute, and Warwick-based manufacturing group, HVM Catapult, which he currently chairs. Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub’s very own David Knight will then be taking to the stage, discussing net-zero and how manufacturers can take their first steps toward building a carbon neutral enterprise. David is the resource and efficiency specialist at the Growth Hub, providing specialist advice on energy efficiency and how it can be applied to an organisation, as well as sharing his wealth of knowledge on carbon and energy analysis – supporting organisations to find effective ways of reducing their energy reliance and carbon emissions. Up next is Dug Harrison, industrial advisor at Nuclear AMRC. Dug joined AMRC back in 2021, after spending ten years at NSAN. Working across a variety of roles within the energy sector, he has gained a wealth of knowledge on oil & gas, nuclear, and offshore-wind energy solutions. His speech will be centred around the topic of carbon capture and storage, helping businesses to adopt cleaner practices and lower their environmental impact. With cyber threats on the rise since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, data security is pivotal in a technology dependant industry. Manufacturers will hear from Richard Morris, sales executive at KryptoKloud, next as he delves into the current dangers faced by the manufacturing industry, along with the steps that businesses of all sizes can take to combat them. The speeches will conclude with Justin Willis, Siemens Energy industrial gas turbine director of supply chain, as he shares tangible examples of sustainability in the supply chain via a case study example. Working in senior management across three key industry sectors over the past 35 years; including Construction, Aerospace, and Energy Generation, Justin is greatly experienced in implementing green solutions to support growth and efficiency within a manufacturing environment. Businesses that attend the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference will also be provided with the opportunity to take part in an industry site tour with Micronclean or Wolds Manufacturing Services. You can now find out more information and sign up to the 2022 Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference on the Business Lincolnshire website.

Bid successful on Skegness Town Hall

Tess Egginton
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Bid successful on Skegness Town Hall
East Lindsey District Council has announced that Skegness Town Hall has had a successful bid, which has now been accepted.
Skegness Town Hall has been offered for sale since February, and within that time it has been showcased by Lambert Smith Hampton as the vendor’s sole agents, where final offers for the Grade II Listed property ended on Friday 29 April 2022. Local businessman Taj Bola is the successful bidder in respect of the Town Hall. Taj Bola, owner of The Royal Hotel Skegness, said: “I am very pleased with the acquisition of this important piece of Skegness History. I am unable to disclose too much at this stage, other than to say that this forms part of my long-term strategy of developing visitor attractions and experiences along the entire length of the sea front, from North Parade all the way to Princes Parade. “Skegness is a great resort and has great potential for the future. East Lindsey District Council have shown great commitment to Skegness with the modernisation and development of key amenities, it is now up to businesses to show the same vision and commitment.” Councillor Richard Fry, portfolio holder for finance at East Lindsey District Council, said: “We are pleased the Town Hall has received a successful bid, it is an extraordinary building with a fantastic coastal location. We look forward to seeing the property in full use again and wish Mr Bola well in his future endeavours.”

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.”
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