Doncaster-based Keepmoat is one of a trio of businesses partnering with a Merseyside college to launch a plastering training academy. Keepmoat is working with Sterling Plastering and Hugh Baird College to launch a bespoke training academy that will support young people into plastering apprenticeships, bolstering its commitment to bridge the nationwide construction skills gap. It’s anticipated that 225,000 new construction workers are needed by 2027 in the UK, and this week the Government also announced that 5,000 more construction apprenticeship places will be made available every year through DoE funding. The SPL Change Academy will offer Level 1 and Level 2 NVQ plastering courses, supported by tutors from Hugh Baird College. Peter Barlow, Keepmoat’s North West Regional MD, said: “It’s been brilliant to support the launch of the SPL Change Academy by providing a mock timber frame house. “The Keepmoat team has also created a traditional working environment of closed rooms, where the students will carry out their training, in place of small open bays. The team is also set to deliver a series of site skills-focused employability sessions, in order to help bridge the gap between college and site work.” Chris Cox, MD at Sterling Plastering adds: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with like-minded and local businesses to create our newly built 6,000 square foot warehouse-style unit to upskill young people across Merseyside to help guide future professionals in the trade.”  

South Yorkshire-based Naylor Agility, a UK manufacturer of high-quality agility equipment and a division of Naylor Specialist Plastics Ltd, has acquired First Contact, an established agility equipment-hire and sales business. The acquisition is the second to be completed by Naylor Agility this year and will enable Naylor Agility to further expand its product offering to include ‘contacts’ – dog walks, seesaws and A-frames – and weave poles.  Naylor Agility’s product range also includes high quality dog agility tunnels, soft walls and long jumps. John Grice, MD of Naylor Agility, said: “We’re excited to welcome First Contact to the Naylor Agility family. First Contact is a trusted supplier of premium agility equipment and this acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the standard of agility equipment which is available in the UK.  Together, we will continue to innovate and to deliver the very latest solutions to enhance the sport of agility.” Based in Deepcar, South Yorkshire, First Contact will benefit from additional resources and be able to offer a wider range of products to its customers.  The dedicated First Contact team trading as ‘Naylor Agility’ will also continue to offer their expertise in equipment hire to ensure competitors and their dogs receive the best possible competition experience. Hazel Higgins, co-founder of First Contact, said: “The time is now right to take First Contact to the next level and I am confident that this will happen with the support of Naylor Agility.  My team and I are very excited to be working with Naylor Agility, making the best agility equipment in the world and putting UK based manufacturing at the forefront of sport.” Naylor Agility is based in Wombwell near Barnsley, and is a division of Naylor Specialist Plastics Ltd, a fourth generation family-owned business. The company has been manufacturing dog agility tunnels since 1983 and has worked with First Contact since 2003, making tunnels for hire at events.

Family-run construction hire company PAL Hire has appointed digital agency The SEO Works to bolster its online visibility. Following the initial enquiry an in-depth audit from the expert team at The SEOWorks identified several opportunities that could be taken in order to take organic visibility to the next level – all of which were highlighted within a competitive pitch process. Marketing Manager Barnaby Crawshaw said: “We welcome The SEO Works as our partner to amplify our online presence and help us deliver great customer experience. Their expertise in digital marketing and the construction industry aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and passion for innovation. As a company, we partner with suppliers that are best in class, and the SEO Works is a welcome addition to our team.” The digital agency will identify gaps in strategy and potential opportunities – all helping to contribute towards the end goal of improving search visibility throughout the UK for PAL Hire.

Twenty businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to take part in an AI Adoption Accelerator designed to guide business leaders through the transformative journey of Artificial Intelligence adoption. Running from January to the end of March, this hands-on programme provides workshops and expert-led sessions aimed at helping businesses overcome common barriers to AI, such as misconceptions and fears about cost, complexity, and relevance. AI is no longer exclusive to large tech firms – businesses of all sizes, including SMEs, can integrate AI solutions to boost productivity, improve customer experience, and streamline operations. Councillor Colin Davie, Councillor for Economy and Place at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “AI is transforming the way businesses operate, and we want to ensure that businesses in our region aren’t left behind. This programme is a fantastic opportunity for local companies to explore how AI can streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. The hands-on support provided by this programme will help businesses overcome any reservations they might have and empower them to adopt AI confidently.” He said the programme wa s a unique opportunity for businesses to explore the potential of AI in a structured, supportive environment. With only 20 places available, Business Lincolnshire encourages businesses to register early for this transformative programme. Applications are open to businesses that have been trading for over 12 months and are based in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. The programme requires attendance from a decision-maker and another key staff member to ensure the successful implementation of AI solutions within their organisation.

Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber fell 19 points during November to 20%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down ten points at 37%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 28 points to 2%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 20% (vs. 39% in October). However, a net balance of 30% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month. Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (29%), investing in their team, for example through training (27%), and introducing new technology such as automation and AI (27%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. National picture Overall UK business confidence dipped slightly in November to 41% – down three points from October’s 44% – but remained above the long-term average of 29%. While firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects strengthened two points to a net balance of 55%, their confidence in the economy fell nine points to 26%. London was the most confident UK nation or region in November (57%), followed by the West Midlands (51%). Sector insights Firms in the manufacturing sector reported the first rise in trading prospects in four months, with the net balance up three points to 49%. Companies in construction and services also indicated stronger business growth outlooks with net balances of 56% (up six points) and 61% (up four points), respectively. Retail firms, however, signalled softer prospects for a second month running, with the trading prospects’ net balance down six points at 45%. Martyn Kendrick, Regional Director of Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “While confidence is down this month, Yorkshire’s businesses have clear plans for growth and more plan to hire – a move that won’t just benefit them, but also their local communities. “We’ll remain by their side as they put their strategies into action, with on-the-ground support to help them make the most of any new opportunities that lie ahead.” Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “In November, the overall confidence metric fell by three points for the third month running. This is the lowest level since June, but still above the survey’s long-term average, which is ultimately positive from a longer-term perspective. “These results suggest that while firms have mixed views about the economy, they see their businesses in a good place to cope with any challenges they might face. Hiring intentions, although moderating this month, haven’t fallen by much which is also positive news. “Overall, these results show that businesses are still positive and feeling resilient, albeit with tempered views on the economic outlook.”