“We will now consider how Vodafone and Three might address our concerns about the likely impact of the merger on retail and wholesale customers while securing the potential longer-term benefits of the merger, including by guaranteeing future network investments.”
The CMA has also provisionally found that the merger would negatively impact ‘wholesale’ telecoms customers – Mobile Virtual Network Operators such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara – which rely on the existing network operators to provide their own mobile services. The merger would reduce the number of network operators from four to three, making it more difficult for MVNOs to secure competitive terms, restricting their ability to offer the best deals to retail customers. While identifying these concerns, the CMA has also found that the merger, by integrating the Vodafone and Three networks, could improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by Vodafone and Three. But the CMA currently considers that these claims are overstated, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to follow through on its proposed investment programme after the merger. As a result, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets. The CMA will now consult on its provisional findings. It will also consult on potential solutions to its competition concerns, including the options set out in its remedies notice (also published today). These include legally binding investment commitments overseen by the sector regulator, and measures to protect both retail customers and customers in the wholesale market. The CMA will retain the option to prohibit the merger should it conclude that other remedy options will not address its competition concerns effectively.Proposed merger between Vodaphone and Three could lead to price rises, fears CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority believes a merger of Vodaphone and Three would lead to UK price increases or service reductions for tens of millions of mobile customers.
The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value.
Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group leading the investigation, said: “We’ve taken a thorough, considered approach to investigating this merger, weighing up the investment the companies say they will make in enhancing network quality and boosting 5G connectivity against the significant costs to customers and rival virtual networks.
UK Centre for Events Management in Leeds collaborates with Whitecap Consulting
Whitecap Consulting, LegalTech in Leeds, and FinTech North have partnered with the UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett University to share knowledge, resources and insight, and to create strategic project opportunities for students seeking careers in the events industry.
The new partnership aims to foster knowledge exchange between the academic and professional communities, and enhance the educational experience for students. It will leverage Whitecap’s active involvement in emerging technology sectors via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds, two regionally focused initiatives.
Students will be given the opportunity to gain events management experience via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds events, will participate in knowledge share and best practice sessions, and will be able to deliver relevant consulting project work as part of their courses.
The partnership will see the integration of real-world applications into the curriculum through live case studies. By doing so, the collaboration aims to prepare students for diverse careers in rapidly evolving markets. Students will benefit from hands-on experience with both the FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds initiatives, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge that will be crucial for their future careers.
Peter Robinson, Head of Events Tourism and Hospitality, which includes the UK Centre for Events Management, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Whitecap, FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds to drive innovation in our curriculum. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to offering students unparalleled opportunities with leading corporate events in Yorkshire.”
In the long term, the collaboration seeks to develop joint research projects and internships, providing students with invaluable in-person experience.
Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting, also highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration: “Partnering with the UK Centre for Events Management allows us to access fresh perspectives and emerging talent, and combines our core competence as a strategy consultancy with our passion and enthusiasm for building regional event-based ecosystems. We see this partnership as a source of long-term benefit for all parties and the wider region.”
FinTech North was created by Whitecap Consulting and White Label Crowdfunding in 2016, and acts as a regional hub for the financial technology community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Since its launch, FinTech North has hosted approximately 130 events, including a prominent series of annual conferences across the north, drawing industry leaders and facilitating discussions on the future of financial technology.
Joe Roche, General Manager at FinTech North, said: “FinTech has grown to be a significant part of the UK and regional tech economy, and over recent years FinTech North has developed into a highly active organisation, running an extensive programme of events and also developing international and skills related activities.
“Part of our mission is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of FinTech related career opportunities to young people, and we very much welcome the engagement and support of the UK Centre for Events Management students in our work.”
Launched in 2022 to advance the recommendations of the Leeds City Region LegalTech and Innovation Report, LegalTech in Leeds focuses on the intersection of law and technology. This initiative brings together legal professionals and tech innovators to explore how technology can transform the legal sector.
LegalTech in Leeds has organised approximately 50 events, including its flagship LegalTech in Leeds Conference, attracting professionals from across the UK to discuss the latest developments in legal technology.
Chloe Thompson, Consultant at Whitecap, oversees the LegalTech in Leeds programme and said: “LegalTech is an exciting and fast evolving field to work in. Since we first started running events in 2022 we have always benefited from the active engagement of students from across the region, both as attendees and also in helping run our events.
“For our annual conference earlier this year we worked with three students from the UK Centre for Events Management, who supported us with pre-event planning, exploration of ideas, and being part of the events management team on the day itself. They were a huge help and I’m delighted we are able to partner with Leeds Beckett University for future events and initiatives.”
DJH to take on the Three Peaks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Accountancy firm DJH are taking on the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for charity.
A team of 48 from across the group will be taking on three of the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park on 28 September, to help raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
After the triumph of their Go Joe Movement Challenge in June, where the firm successfully raised £1,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society through moving and exercising regardless of fitness level, taking on the Three Peaks is the latest DJH charity initiative.
With keen walkers across the group, training has already begun, with organised walks within offices and weekend hikes taking place in the lead up to the big day, where DJH will cover 24.5 miles and climb a total of 5,200ft.
Speaking about the challenge, James Beardmore, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This challenge isn’t only to test ourselves both mentally and physically, we’re also aiming to raise funds and awareness for the amazing work of Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity chosen by the team themselves as one close to their hearts.”
Karen Borowski, Director from their Huddersfield office who will be taking part in the challenge, added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to also get to know members of the team outside of the office. There’s a great mixture of ages, fitness levels and departments who are taking part so it will also be a great networking opportunity whilst getting our steps in and raising money for a wonderful cause!”
DJH are aiming to raise £15,000, with all profits going to the charity, helping them continue to provide their services to millions of people with cancer in the UK.
£3m provided for new programme supporting innovation and growth across South Yorkshire
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has provided £3m for a new programme to support innovation and economic growth across South Yorkshire.
Approved at the Mayoral Combined Authority Board meeting on 10 September 2024, the South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP) is a collaboration led by Sheffield Hallam University with the University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The programme is co-designed and developed with each of the four South Yorkshire local authorities.
SYIP will provide opportunities for businesses to engage in and benefit from innovation-led growth, driving innovation led activities. It will build upon a successful track record of delivering innovation support to SMEs in the region.
The programme will provide access to high-quality and bespoke innovation support including academic consultancy, innovation audits, student projects and placements, access to university equipment and facilities, events and technical workshops
Support will be available to organisations of all sizes across all sectors based in South Yorkshire, including charities and social enterprises. Further details on the launch of the programme and how organisations can access support will follow later this year.
The project is one of several partnerships between Sheffield’s universities, local authorities and SYMCA aimed at driving economic growth and inward investment into South Yorkshire.
Others include the Sheffield Innovation Spine, a long-term spatial and economic strategy to create and link the infrastructure required to grow knowledge-led businesses and the Innovation Network South Yorkshire which brings together academics, businesses and organisations at free networking events to encourage collaboration.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “We are getting on with the job of building a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire. But we can’t build a new future without new ideas.
“That’s why it’s vital we bring together our world-leading universities and local authorities to help our local businesses harness innovation. The South Yorkshire Innovation Programme will help our businesses to create the future here, right here.
“I’m determined to build a South Yorkshire that works together to spread wealth, opportunity and success to all our communities.”
Professor Rory Duncan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “At a time of rapid advancements across an ever-increasing range of sectors, the ability to innovate and harness new technology is more important than ever for businesses of all sizes.
“Sheffield Hallam is delighted to be leading this new programme fostering stronger partnerships between academia and business. This collaboration aims to translate cutting-edge research and knowledge into tangible solutions that address the unique challenges of our region’s businesses.”
Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The University of Sheffield has a proven track record of partnering with local organisations to drive innovation and boost economic growth. This collaborative programme offers an exciting opportunity to build on our successes.
“We’re very much looking forward to working closely with some of South Yorkshire’s innovative organisations to help them adapt and thrive as the challenges they face continue to evolve. Together, we can turn our world-leading research into practical solutions to address the region’s specific needs, while strengthening South Yorkshire’s position as a hub for innovation.”
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic programme for businesses who are looking to innovate and increase productivity by accessing technologies and dedicated one to one support. Our Enterprising Barnsley team will lead the technical expertise though the innovation spaces at the DMC, bringing value through our wide-reaching network of specialists.
“We’ve already seen businesses making the most of the MakerLab and CreatorLab to diversify their business offer, develop new products, and tackle productivity challenges. Now we have a programme which opens that opportunity for even more businesses, whilst bringing three new jobs into the Enterprising Barnsley team to drive further innovation into the region.
“We’ll be hosting a number of workshops and events to welcome business to the spaces, encouraging those who typically haven’t engaged with modern technologies such as 3D scanning and printing, Internet of Things devices, and laser cutters, to come and explore what is available to them at the DMC in Barnsley.”
Sibling companies reach finals in five award categories
Two Yorkshire coast businesses have reached the final in five categories of a tourism awards competition.
Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery has been shortlisted in the Remarkable Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, and the Remarkable Local Producer categories of the 14th annual Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards for businesses and individuals working within the tourism industry. Sister company Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery has been shortlisted for the Remarkable Cuppa, the Remarkable Local Producer and the Remarkable Taste Awards.
Spirit of Yorkshire’s marketing director Jenni Ashwood said: “Tourism is an important part of the distillery’s offering, and the team is over the moon that the Pot Still Coffee Shop has been recognised by tourism chiefs in the region. We look forward to meeting our fellow finalists at the awards dinner.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year.”
The teams of both businesses will find out whether they have won at an awards dinner at Bridlington Spa on 14th November 2024.
Home to Filey Bay single malt whisky, Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire is a field-to-bottle distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that uses 100% home-grown barley to produce its whisky.
Wold Top Brewery was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange near Filey. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of cask, keg, and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.
Leeds City Council names interim Chief Exec
Later this month Mariana Pexton will take over as interim chief executive at Leeds City Council on the retirement of current chief executive Tom Riordan.
She will be the first ever woman to take up the role, heading the second-biggest local authority in the country and bringing a strong track record of driving the council’s ambitions for both itself and the city.
She said: “It’s a great privilege to have this opportunity and I’m completely committed to the council and to Leeds. Here we do things together, working with residents and partners to achieve the best for the city and its people.
“I will be focused on consolidating all the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the council, while working towards delivering a balanced budget. I am also determined that alongside this work we continue to operate as a team, both within the council and more broadly, to make the most of opportunities to help improve lives across the city.”
As the council’s current director of strategy and resources, Mariana leads a large directorate with key corporate services including finance, human resources and many other areas, along with Civic Enterprise Leeds, which provides frontline services such as catering, cleaning, school crossing patrols, passenger transport and building repairs.
Mariana joined the council in 2000 and has held senior roles in strategy, customer services and children’s services. Before then she had a career in leadership and management in the Civil Service and an inspectorate. She studied sports studies in Newcastle, has a master’s in business administration from the University of Leeds, and has recently been awarded a professional doctorate at Leeds Beckett University, researching leadership and strategy in local government.
Married with two children, she is also chair of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and a director at Leeds Rhinos Netball as a volunteer. She completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023.
She will formally take up the interim chief executive post on the 23 September and will continue in this until the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is completed.
York firms meet delegation from Japan to talk about highway technology
York and North Yorkshire businesses and local authorities have met representatives from Tokyo Metropolitan Government in a move said to represent an important global partnership for the region’s manufacturing economy.
Under discussion were innovative ideas and technologies for highway management, with a focus on Tokyo’s development of its Three Ring Expressways project, an ambitious infrastructure scheme that will see billions of dollars invested in developing a new system of high-speed ring roads for the Greater Tokyo Area, the world’s most populous metropolis..
Tony Corby, Head of Inward Investment and Business Growth at City of York Council, said: “We’re delighted that members of the team working on one of the world’s most ambitious urban highways projects have chosen to visit us in York.
“Large-scale infrastructure projects like those currently taking place in Tokyo represent amazing trade opportunities for businesses in our area who are developing exciting and innovative technologies to make highways safer, more resilient and more sustainable.
“Our Economic Growth team can support local businesses to develop their trade links overseas by putting them in touch with investors from across the globe.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “These public and private sector partnerships are essential for our region to reach its full potential.
“We are good at what we do and we’re ambitious. This visit signals that our strengths in these sectors are being recognised internationally.
“It’s time to be confident, ambitious and champion York and North Yorkshire.”
Goole tobacco smugglers get prison terms
Illegal tobacco smuggled into the UK through Goole has helped HMRC to slash the tax gap on illicit cigarettes and tobacco by more than half since 2005, according to a new report – and in the year to March 2024 prison sentences totalling 148 years were handed down to 107 cigarette and tobacco fraudsters.
In the same period, more than 1.3 billion illicit cigarettes have been seized, worth more than £678 million in tax, along with hand-rolling tobacco worth £41 million.
Just last month, two crooked carpenters who smuggled millions of illegal cigarettes into the UK through Goole inside planks of wood were jailed for nine and a half years.
Regimantas Nekrosevicius, 45, and Edvardas Zolynas, 43, used the same timber planks in a dozen shipments to and from Eastern Europe.
The multi-million pound tax scam was uncovered after 5.4 million cigarettes were seized by Border Force colleagues at the Yorkshire port of Goole. HMRC investigators proved the pair had received more than a dozen deliveries worth an estimated £19.9 million in evaded duty.
And in June last year a gang that was caught red handed with millions of counterfeit cigarettes at a Lincolnshire farm were jailed for 26 years.
These new figures, which were published today show the cigarette smuggling tax gap – the amount of estimated duty lost every year to cigarette fraud – has now reduced from 16.9% in 2005, to 6.9%.
Earlier this year HMRC and Border Force published a new illicit tobacco strategy ‘Stubbing Out the Problem’, which set out a continued commitment to reduce the trade in illicit tobacco, with a focus on reducing demand, and tackling the organised crime groups who are responsible.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said: “We are determined to tackle the tax gap to help rebuild the public finances and ensure everyone pays their fair share.
“Stamping out the illicit tobacco trade will also cut down funding for wider crime and improve public health.”
Spencer Group takes on quartet of apprentices
Hull-based Spencer Group has appointed four new apprentices as part of its ongoing partnership with Ron Dearing College.
Level 3 Electrical Apprentices Mason Creighton and Johnny Reilly join Spencer Group’s growing M&E team, whilst Michael Ward and Dylan McCallion, are completing their Level 4 HNC Civil Engineer and Technician qualifications.
The new apprentices will learn from industry experts and will work across rail, bridges, build and civil, providing in-house services to each department, which places the Group in a strong position to meet client requirements.
The new Electrical Apprentices will join the M&E team, following in the footsteps of Operations Director Dan Whittle, who started at the business as an apprentice himself.
Dan began his time at Spencer Group in 2006 as an Apprentice Electrician and after completing HNC and HND courses worked his way up to becoming a Site Engineer.
He went on to complete Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and progressed through the roles of Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Director.
Dan said: “Throughout my career the team at Spencer Group has supported me to move outside of my comfort zone, which has pushed me to develop and grow.
“I’ve also been provided with great career progression opportunities. I’ve been allowed to grow within the business, gaining experience from undertaking challenging projects and this has been made possible by having a strong support network.
“Having started my career in the same position almost 20 years ago, I know how beneficial an apprenticeship is and I’m excited to see what they achieve in the coming years.”
Fully funded business support across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland
Business Lincolnshire provides a comprehensive range of fully funded programmes designed to help businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland grow and succeed. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, their tailored services offer essential guidance, resources, and mentoring. They support a diverse range of sectors, including retail, leisure, hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, the visitor economy, and digital industries.
The Your Business Boost programme is specifically designed for businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. It combines masterclasses, 1-2-1 support, and peer group sessions to help business owners develop strategic action plans and achieve their growth goals. This programme provides valuable insights into marketing, HR, and sales, ensuring businesses have the tools to thrive in these competitive industries.
The Low Carbon Lincolnshire initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming more sustainable. Through this programme, businesses can learn about decarbonisation, energy management, and creating sustainable supply chains. It helps businesses reduce energy costs and improve their environmental impact, positioning them to take advantage of emerging low-carbon opportunities.
For businesses with growth ambitions, the Next Level Scale Up Programme offers leadership development and coaching. This programme focuses on building strong leadership skills, enhancing management capabilities, and connecting businesses with high-level networks. Through personalised coaching and leadership workshops, business leaders are equipped to drive growth and navigate challenges.
Startups can access the Start-Up Programme, which provides dedicated support from concept to market launch. This programme offers expert guidance on business planning, market research, and funding opportunities. With access to workshops and mentoring, new businesses receive the support they need to build a solid foundation for future growth.
In addition to these programmes, Business Lincolnshire also offers specialist support for areas like exporting and internationalisation, helping businesses expand into new markets, and social economy, offering guidance for social enterprises.
To explore these opportunities further, businesses are invited to attend a special event at the Drill Hall in Lincoln on October 8th, where they can network with other local businesses and learn more about the support available. More information can be found here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-and-network-lincolnshire-business-support-forum-tickets-1013512853227?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy & Place at Lincolnshire County Council, highlights the importance of these programmes: “Business Lincolnshire provides essential tools and guidance that enable local businesses to innovate, expand, and reach their full potential. This comprehensive support network is key to ensuring that Lincolnshire remains a thriving place to do business.”
For more information, businesses are encouraged to contact the Growth Hub and book a consultation with an experienced adviser to guide them through the support available via the Business Lincolnshire website: https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/enquiry.
