Federation of Small Businesses calls on Government to act and save access to cash

The FSB has urged the Government to protect the ability to trade in cash for the 40% of small firms who says it’s their primary payment method, and 60% which need to make regular cash payments.
Responding to new findings from consumer champion Which? about access to cash ahead of next week’s Queen’s Speech, FSB National Chair Martin McTague, a member of the Access to Cash Pilots Board, said: “With our bank branch infrastructure further decimated over the pandemic, this Queen’s Speech is the last chance saloon where protecting access to cash is concerned. “Four in ten small high street businesses say cash is the number one payment method among customers, and six in ten need to make regular cash deposits. “Since the Access to Cash Review was published, we haven’t seen meaningful movement in the numbers of customers and small firms that rely on cash day to day. But we have seen further closures of bank branches, and new limits on opening hours – choking off supply while demand remains. “Notes and coins are still important to the lives of millions of consumers, not least disabled people, the elderly and those on tight budgets. Physical currency is also a vital backup for when digital systems fail. “Online banking brings massive benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency. Policymakers and banks should be working hand in glove to get everyone online and up to speed with all the perks that managing finances safely online can bring. “But so long as the need for cash remains, free access should be protected. Often, it’s in areas where consumers are most reliant on notes and coins that pay-to-use machines pop up – every pound spent on accessing cash is a pound not spent with the local small businesses on which our recovery will depend. “Legislation and clear oversight by a single regulator in this space is overdue – the former was promised years ago. It’s time to turn positive words into positive action.”

New partnership aims to highlight inward investment opportunities in North Yorkshire

A new ‘Invest in York & North Yorkshire’ partnership has been launched with the intention of promoting the region’s inward investment opportunities at next month’s UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum. Made up of the York & North Yorkshire LEP, North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council, Scarborough and Harrogate Borough Council, Selby, Harrogate and Richmondshire District Councils and Craven Council, the partnership will showcase itself  at the Royal Armouries in Leeds from Tuesday 17th until Thursday 19th May.  The whole event is expected to bring together more than 5,000 people, aiming to highlight commercial investment and development opportunities across the UK and promote collaboration in the area of economic regeneration and growth. The ‘Invest in York & North Yorkshire’ stand (B11) will showcase what makes York & North Yorkshire a great investment prospect. In addition to this, ‘Invest in York & North Yorkshire’ will be hosting a presentation themed ‘York & North Yorkshire- More than just a pretty place’ on Wednesday 18th May to highlight the diverse opportunities in the region.

New appointments to support post-COVID drive for York-based Continuum Attractions Group

0
With the UK tourism sector being one of the fastest to bounce back from the pandemic, York-based visitor attractions company, Continuum Attractions Group, has boosted its board and made key marketing and travel trade appointments. Paul Mahy and Dorothy Stubbs have both joined the board of Continuum Attractions Group, the umbrella company which owns and operates a portfolio of heritage and entertainment visitor attraction brands. Paul Mahy becomes group operations director, having worked his way up through the organisation over ten years, during which time he’s managed Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, and overseen the opening of Emirates Cable Car in London, the Void at Westfield London and most recently I’m a Celebrity and Netflix’s Army of the Dead London based VR offering. Dorothy has led the company’s HR operation, overseeing over 500 staff across eight attractions, for the last seven years. She joins the Continuum Board as group people director. “The tourism sector has seen a remarkable recovery in the last year, with domestic travel remaining buoyant and international visitors just starting to return, so now is absolutely the right time to strengthen our board for an exciting period to come,” says Chief Executive, Juliana Delaney. “We have a number of new projects planned for the next 12 months which will further expand the experiences that the Continuum Group offers across the country, from the heights of the Spinnaker Tower overlooking the South coast, to the below-streets experience at The Real Mary King’s Close on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.” With key partnerships with ITV to operate I’m A Celebrity Jungle Challenge in Manchester, Coronation Street Tours at Media City and Emmerdale Village Tours near Leeds, new group marketing strategist, Alex Caley, will be tasked with supporting attraction marketing teams with their campaigns and overseeing the strategic business positioning of Continuum Group as it continues to expand its portfolio. Building on the group travel market which is slowly returning to normal, Mark Smith has been appointed as group trade manager, focusing on developing the offer for the travel trade and coach operators across all attractions, including VIP experiences which will be key to attracting domestic and international premium tour markets, and multiple attraction visits. “We have amazing teams in place at each and every one of our attractions, and we are very excited to be strengthening our group-wide strategic management with these four appointments,” adds Sue Garland, chair of Continuum Attractions. “Paul and Dorothy have both proven their skills within the company, so we are pleased to have their commercial and people-first approaches as part of our board. “Marketing will be key to driving growth, and Alex is a great fit with the team to drive our overall strategy forward, and Mark knows the travel industry inside out, and is well-placed to develop new products and services specifically to suit the ever-evolving needs of our travel trade partners.”

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust acquires stake in Lincs Offshore Wind Farm

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust has entered into an agreement to acquire a 7.75% ownership interest in the Lincs Offshore Wind Farm (Lincs).

Lincs, located off the east coast of England, has been operational since 2013 and benefits from the UK’s ROC regime, receiving 2 ROCs per megawatt hour of electricity generation during the first 20 years of operation.

It has an installed capacity of 270MW, made up of 75 turbines each of 3.6 MW spread across c. 35 square kilometres. Lincs is operated and managed by Ørsted, the largest energy company in Denmark and a leading developer and operator of offshore wind farms in the UK and globally.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place during Q2 2022 (subject to receipt of consents from existing investors and lenders). Following completion of the transaction, Lincs will represent approximately 10% of the company’s portfolio on a gross asset value basis.

Phil Austin, chairman of Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust, said: “Our investment into Lincs is ORIT’s first into an operational offshore wind farm, and will provide us with an additional revenue generating asset, that benefits from the favourable ROC subsidy regime and gives ORIT further portfolio diversification. The acquisition will also strengthen ORIT’s relationships with leading investors and operators in the offshore sector.

York’s historic Guildhall restored and transformed

The restoration of York’s Guildhall has now been completed, with the historic buildings ready to support local businesses and drive economic growth.
Planning and Listed Building consent for the innovative scheme was secured in 2017 by the council, led by architects Burrell Foley Fischer. Restoration and redevelopment of the Guildhall began in September 2019, with the council appointed construction contractor, VINCI Construction UK, carrying out an extensive programme of works to refurbish the building and create a first-class business venue, whilst also respecting the Guildhall’s great heritage. Funding for the £21.7m restoration and redevelopment work was provided by City of York Council, York and North Yorkshire LEP and West Yorkshire Combined Authority through respective HMG Growth Deal contributions and the Getting Building Fund. Following the restoration, the building will be leased to York Science Park (YSPL), a subsidiary of the University of York, helping to support local entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to grow. The Guildhall is a collection of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around the 15th century hall and riverside meeting room. Before the project, the complex had only seen reactive repairs and maintenance works since extensive rebuilding work was carried out following the Baedeker bombing raids in 1942. This comprehensive scheme of refurbishment has safeguarded the building’s future, providing accessible 21st century facilities and amenities to complement the historical significance. The restored Guildhall will offer:
  • high quality (business) office, meeting, conference and events space
  • availability for community, civic and council use
  • a café
  • a new riverside restaurant
  • access for visitors and local residents
Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “The Guildhall is one of York’s and the region’s most historically significant buildings and I am pleased to see this great asset restored for the city. “The investment in the Guildhall means that the complex will once again play an important role in the city’s future for years to come, with excellent facilities for businesses and local residents to benefit from. “I would like to thank the efforts of staff and partners, who have worked tirelessly throughout the course of the pandemic to help deliver this project.” Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said: “The Council has made a major contribution to secure the long-term future of the Guildhall via this restoration project and we are proud to be custodians of such a nationally important building in the city. “Crucially, we have been able to preserve the historic character of the building, whilst also redeveloping the building for business, social and civic uses. The Guildhall will be accessible for local residents for the first time in many years, with tours and open days taking place next month, offering an opportunity for people to take a look inside.” Chris Winspear, regional director at VINCI, said: “It has been an honour to take on this once-in-a-generation project and the resulting transformation is testament to the successful partnership working between City of York Council, the design team, ourselves and our supply chain. “There have been some extraordinary engineering and logistic challenges to overcome and our team are very proud in what they have accomplished. It’s been a delight returning the Guildhall to its former glory, whilst repurposing it for twenty-first century use.” The focus now is on furnishing so the building can fully reopen in May. As part of the reopening of the Guildhall, a series of tours and open days will be taking place so people can see the restoration for themselves.

Innovative plastics sorting technology diverts waste from landfill and earns Queen’s Award

A division of Louth-based Luxus has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2022. Colour Tone Masterbatch Ltd has patented technology that makes black plastics recyclable by allowing them to be sorted, saving an estimated 10,000 tonnes of plastic going to landfill so far. Simon Atterby, General Manager at Colour Tone Masterbatch Ltd, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team. The management of plastics is, without doubt, one of the greatest challenges we all face as we try to build a cleaner, greener future for the generations to come.” Black plastic is mistakenly perceived by many consumers as a particular problem, due to it being regarded as single use and impossible to recycle. However, the polymer itself is perfectly recyclable, but when coloured in a traditional way, it could not be recognised by the near infra-red sorting equipment in post-consumer sorting facilities. That meant it went to landfill. Colour Tone recognised this and developed and patented a product which allows brand owners to continue to colour as they wish (including black) but via a colouring technology that is optimised for post-consumer sorting, therefore allowing the product to be identified and diverted from landfill and recycled. Added Simon: “It’s a sustainable solution for both black plastics and other products which would otherwise not have been sorted.” Tony Gaukroger, one of the founders of Colour Tone and creators of the NIR product, said: “We recognised that a fundamental part of tackling the challenge was developing technology that enabled the effective recycling of black plastic, so we applied our years of experience and insight and invested significant time and resources into making it happen. We look forward to continuing to play our part in driving innovation and applying our specialist knowledge to build a cleaner, brighter future for our industry.”

Property company fined £20,000 for failing to carry out safety improvements

A Yorkshire property company has been fined £20,000 for failing to carry out safety and fire safety improvement works on a property in Kirkburn, Driffield after ignoring a number of requests to do so by housing officers. GAP Properties (Yorkshire) Ltd, who are based in Doncaster, were represented at Beverley Magistrates Court on Thursday, 7 April, 2022 by director George Plant who pleaded guilty on their behalf to two counts of failing to comply with improvement notices served under the Housing Act 2004. The prosecution was brought to court by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s private sector housing team who had first received complaints from tenants at the property in October 2020. Following the complaints, an inspection took place and officers found the safety of the tenants was compromised as there were no smoke or heat detectors, there was also a collapsed ceiling, no lighting in the hallway as well as windows and patio doors that would not open or lock properly. The company, via Plant, was asked to deal with the issues and despite assurances repair and safety work would be carried out, further inspections carried out by housing officers in December 2020 and January 2021 saw the requests had been ignored. Legal notices were then served on the company which were also not complied with and court proceedings issued. GAP Properties (Yorkshire) Ltd was fined a total of £20,000, ordered to pay costs of £3,419.57 and a victim surcharge of £190. Chris Dunnachie, private sector housing manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Throughout this case, officers have continually advised the landlord of the need to undertake essential repairs to the property. “The council does, and will continue, to take robust action when the safety of tenants is put at risk due to serious hazards from the properties they are living in.”

Specialist manufacturer makes key acquisition

0
A specialist manufacturer has expanded its product range through a key acquisition, following support from Lloyds Bank. Hodgson Sealants, founded in 1968, is an independent sealant and butyl tape manufacturer employing more than 200 people from its base in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Now, with the support of a seven-figure finance facility from Lloyds Bank, Hodgson Sealants has acquired Britchem Ltd. Based in Heckmondwike, the company is a private label manufacturer of sealants for both UK and export customers. Britchem will continue to be run as an independent business within Hodgson Sealants Group, the parent company of both Hodgson Sealants and Britchem. Also within the Hodgson portfolio is Hampshire-based HS Butyl. Charles Hodgson, Managing Director of Hodgson Sealants, said: “Britchem is a successful well-run business, and it has been a pleasure to work with the team, led by Roy Barton and Trevor Jones, to bring this company on board. “We are really looking forward to welcoming all the staff and customers of Britchem into the Hodgson Sealants Group. We share many values with them, including a strong customer and quality focus, a flexible manufacturing approach, and a trust and belief in our people. We are determined to build on the success already enjoyed by Britchem.” Natalie Boswell, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We’ve worked with the team at Hodgson Sealants for more than 15 years, and it’s been fantastic to witness their growth and expansion. “This acquisition is the latest step in cementing their position as a true market leader, and we look forward to remaining by their side as they continue on their impressive trajectory.” Hodgson Sealants was advised by Park Place Corporate Finance and Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP.

Open All Hours: Government grants extended licencing hours for Queen’s jubilee celebrations

Pubs, clubs and bars across England and Wales can stay open until 1am to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, the Government has decided. The Home Secretary, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”. The Platinum Jubilee is an historic national occasion, and the licensing hours extension will coincide with the extended bank holiday. Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “For 70 years Her Majesty The Queen has served the UK and the Commonwealth with the utmost dignity, steadfastness and resolve. “The Platinum Jubilee is a truly historic national occasion, which will see families, friends and communities across the country come together to celebrate this unprecedented landmark in a remarkable reign.

“Over the extended bank holiday weekend, we will be able to raise a glass to toast Her Majesty’s incredible service to our country, while also providing a boost to the hospitality industry after a challenging couple of years.”

Following a public consultation, the government agreed with the majority of respondents that the order should not extend to premises which sell alcohol for consumption off the premises, such as off-licences and supermarkets. The consultation also received support from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and National Association of Licensing and Enforcement Officers.

Goole firm builds fleet of ambulances for use in Ukraine

The first military-grade ambulances built in Goole have gone into service in Ukraine – including armoured-plated ones, and others capable of carrying multiple passengers. Their production has been made possible through collaboration between O&H and Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy. He secured funding, and O&H were able to respond to a request from the Ukrainian Embassy to produce vehicles to replace the ones being lost in the conflict – up to 10 a day. O&H, part of the Venari Group, is converting former British army vehicles which are being comprehensively stripped, overhauled, modernised and converted into ambulances by Venari’s highly skilled team, who have worked 24 hours a day at Goole and Brighouse to speed up production time. The first batch is of 22 vehicles, but Mr Percy hopes there can be dozens more. With all-terrain capability, the vehicles will allow increased manoeuvrability for both paramedics and patients and allow medical teams to treat people who they may not otherwise be able to reach. The armoured variants will provide ballistic protection from small arms fire on the front line to allow safer extractions. Group CEO Oliver North North said: “When we got the call, we jumped into action immediately. As the UK’s oldest and largest ambulance builder, we truly feel that it is our duty to deliver on this project, with as much passion, precision, and speed as we possibly can. “Andrew Percy has been an integral part of the project, and wholeheartedly shares our sense of obligation to drive the project for the inspirational people of Ukraine. Our team have been relentless and tireless in their efforts, knowing that each vehicle completion will play a part in saving lives. And as many of us are former military personnel, we feel like we’re operating in a very familiar arena. “Although many of us are subsequently spending little or no time at home at the moment, we’re well aware that our sacrifices don’t even come close to those made by the Ukrainian people, so we’re genuinely humbled to be able to play our part.” Andrew Percy said: “I am so proud of the project and the amazing team a Venari here in Goole. Our town is stepping up to the challenge, and every worker at Venari should be proud of what they are doing.”