Goole firm develops fully electric police car
Goole-based O&H Vehicle Conversions has produced a fully electric Rapid Response Police Vehicle built on the Skoda Enyaq chassis.
This new model is said to mark a significant step forward in the electrification of emergency service vehicles, combining sustainable technology with advanced features tailored to the demanding needs of modern policing.
A spokesman for the company said: “By leveraging the Skoda Enyaq’s electric platform and incorporating cutting-edge technologies like CIGS solar panels and integrated control systems, we are setting a new standard for what emergency vehicles can achieve.
“This vehicle not only addresses the current needs of police forces but also paves the way for a greener, more efficient future in emergency services. With features designed to enhance functionality, reduce costs, and improve sustainability, we believe the new Rapid Response Police Vehicle is a game-changer for law enforcement agencies looking to modernise fleets while minimising their environmental impact.”
How businesses can respond if debtors won’t pay their bills
Taking a systematic approach to debt collection is always beneficial. It’s important to have fixed processes in place, as failing to collect debts efficiently can lead to a multitude of problems for your business, says Chris Bristow, a business debt expert at Real Business Rescue.
Writing on the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub web site he says issues such as increased bad debts, financial decline, or even cash flow insolvency and liquidation, can emerge when businesses arem’t paid for the work they’ve carried out. “Although this may seem like an impossible situation to resolve, you do have several potential paths available.
Hull business secures accolade for its sustainable travel work
Hull-based Sewell Group has received a Very Good Travel Plan award from Modeshift STARS in recognition of its efforts to change in travel behaviour and reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys to, from and between its sites.
Bethany Dennett, community investment strategist at Sewell Construction, said: “Becoming more sustainable as a business is one of our priorities, so it’s been great to work with Hull City Council to achieve the Modeshift STARS accreditation.
“Everyone, right across our company, has been so keen to take part and it’s been brilliant to see people try cycling to work or arranging to car share when travelling to meetings. We’ve had lots of creative suggestions for the travel plan from our people, and the benefits aren’t just for the environment, but improve our physical and mental health too.
“We realise there’s still lots to do to help people choose more active or sustainable ways to travel, but we’re excited to continue on this journey and can’t wait to see what ideas our team come up with next.”
The Sewell Group’s achievements and standout travel plan initiatives included:
- teaming up with the Hull Thursday Road Club to record a short film, highlighting the benefits of cycling, for Cycle to Work Day
- improving existing onsite cycle parking facilities by erecting a secure cycle shelter made from sustainable materials
- organising and delivering lunchtime litter pick walks within the community, collecting a total of 32kg worth of litter
- introducing a car share scheme to help match staff living within the same postcode, including floor vinyls and coloured, cardboard cars placed on desks to act as ice breaker
- car share competitions
- promotion of the council-funded ‘Rusty Riders’ adult cycle training programme.
- reductions of single occupancy car journeys, which helps alleviate pressure and congestion across site car parks
- identifying availability and accessibility of viable transport options, based on staff locations
- potential to improve and develop site connectivity links through sustainable and active travel
- improving staff wellbeing, with physical and mental health benefits.
CMA fears merger could increase logistics bill for businesses
The Competition and Markets Authority has found that GXO Logistics’ purchase of Wincanton could reduce competition in the supply of mainstream contract logistics services in the UK, raising costs for businesses which rely on contract logistics suppliers to move goods.
The CMA’s investigation found that GXO and Wincanton compete closely, particularly for contracts with large retail customers. Although GXO will continue to face competition from other contract logistics providers, many of these are significantly smaller, or focus on specific industries or types of logistics services (such as transport). Although some businesses have the option to bring services in-house if contract logistics suppliers do not offer good value, the ability to do this varies by customer.
GXO has five working days to submit proposals to address the CMA’s concerns. If suitable proposals are not submitted, the CMA will progress to an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
Naomi Burgoyne, Senior Director of Mergers at the CMA, said: “Contract logistics services are critical for the flow of goods around the country, reducing delays, and ensuring that products reach their destinations efficiently and reliably. These services are essential for millions of people who rely on timely deliveries or being able to buy products off the shelf.
“This market is worth £16 billion in the UK, and we’re concerned that this merger could reduce competition, resulting in higher costs being passed down to consumers. We consider that these competition concerns warrant an in-depth Phase 2 investigation, unless GXO offers solutions which address them.”
Contract logistics services include distribution, transport, warehousing and other supply chain services. GXO is the world’s largest contract logistics services company, and Wincanton is a British supplier of these services. Both companies supply mainstream contract logistics services to business customers in both retail (such as groceries, fashion and apparel) and non-retail (such as manufacturing and construction) sectors.North Yorkshire Council boosts businesses and cuts carbon footprint
Plans to reduce environmental impact while boosting both business and leisure opportunities are gathering pace across North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Councillor Greg White said: “We have been ambitious in our pursuit of becoming carbon neutral and are taking a leading role in encouraging others to follow suit. While we recognise that adopting new and innovative measures takes time and money to implement, we are confident people will see the long-term benefits of doing so.”
In Boroughbridge, LTC Healthcare has been helped to obtain a £13,460 Business Sustainability Grant from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to help with the installation of solar panels at its premises.
The company has been making condoms and lubricants for more than 25 years, supplying the NHS among others, and was keen to reduce their carbon footprint.
Company spokesman Craig Mawer said: “We’ve had LED lights put in and have an electric car charger in the car park for colleagues to use. We saw that there was an opportunity to apply for a grant from North Yorkshire Council, so that’s what we did. It was all very straightforward and now the solar panels are in place we should start to see the benefits.”
Craig said working with the council allowed the company to move faster than it might otherwise have been able to.
“We did the maths on this and without the grant it would have delayed us by about five years because we just didn’t have the cash flow to be able to do that,” he said. “We’re a small business and to be able to invest that amount was not feasible. The grant enabled us to bring those plans forward and get it done now.”
Meanwhile the council is currently installing solar PV panels and battery storage units at 21 business units at Pickering Park and Westgate Carr Road industrial estate in Pickering, as well as at the nearby Sheriff Hutton industrial estate.
The venture has been made possible thanks to a grant of more than £230,000 from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Net Zero Fund. The fund, allocated by the UK Government following devolution, is currently enabling decarbonisation projects throughout the region as York and North Yorkshire aims to achieve net-zero by 2034.
Alongside carbon reduction, the scheme aims to create a pipeline of net zero projects that will drive economic growth, create jobs, reduce energy costs for businesses and realise further investment for the region.
A further £124,000 of funds have been allocated to the Pickering and Sheriff Hutton projects.
Working in conjunction with our multi-disciplinary building design consultancy, Align Property Partners, the energy efficient technologies were installed at the locations after officers identified a gap in the local market.
There are currently no business units in Ryedale with green energy generation, so the introduction of solar PV and battery storage will not only boost local energy security but offer competitive and sustainable business space to support local economic growth.“In the case of Pickering Park, the technology enhances the already energy efficient units and cuts bills further for local businesses, but also serves as an example to other industrial premises looking for more sustainable sources of energy.”
East Yorkshire construction firms invited to free advice event
Construction businesses from across East Yorkshire and Hull are being offered the chance learn about the wealth of supply chain and collaboration opportunities available to them, as well as strategies to help them grow, at a free event taking place next month.
Invest East Yorkshire and Invest Hull are working together to stage the 2024 Construction Summit at the MKM Stadium in Hull on Wednesday 20 November, from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Funded by the UK Government, it is being delivered in collaboration with The Business Growth and Skills Hub, the Construction Industry Training Board, Humber Training Group and Hobson & Porter.
The Summit brings together construction businesses of all sizes, from small to medium enterprises to some of the sector’s biggest players. The theme is ‘People and Skills’ so the focus will be on how businesses can support their employees to get the very best out of them. It will cover topics such as recruitment and succession planning, as well as offering an overview of local apprenticeship and training provision. Delegates will also gain an insight into the latest industry trends and developments, and an increased understanding of the local supply chain and how to navigate the market.
A series of themed sessions taking place throughout the day will equip those who attend with practical tools and strategies to manage employee well-being, and provide them with invaluable networking opportunities with key regional and national organisations, including Kier, ESH, Mitie, Sewells, and Hobson & Porter.
Joe Booth, Business Development Director at Hobson & Porter, said: “This is a must-attend event for any local construction businesses that are looking to grow and develop their workforce at a time when the construction industry is facing a continued skills and labour shortage. It will provide a unique opportunity to network and collaborate with some of the biggest construction companies in the region, including national businesses with a presence in Hull and East Yorkshire.
“It will benefit businesses of all sizes, including small businesses looking for local supply chain opportunities and medium to larger businesses that want to develop their workforce and take advantage of forthcoming opportunities in the sector.”
Travel firms join forces to create £85m turnover business
Good Travel Management and CT Travel Group have joined forces to establish a new £85m turnover travel group.
This strategic move, backed by the John Good Group which is a majority investor in both businesses, has been completed to accelerate each business’ aggressive growth plans in the Business Travel, Incentive, Groups & Events, Trade Missions and Leisure Travel markets.
GTM acquired Wexas’ corporate travel business in 2023, has set out to be the partner of choice for business travellers who want to deal with a traveller-focused partner.
CTTG brands, CT Business Travel, CT Groups Conferences & Incentives, CT Trade Missions and Pettitts Travel, have ambitious plans to continue growth in both the corporate and leisure travel markets. The recent investment in several key appointments has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to growth.
Mark Kempster, founder of CT Travel Group, said: “We see a great opportunity to grow our combined position in the market and share values around our people.
“GTM has a long-standing reputation within the industry. It has been operating in travel since the late 1800s and is known for its client-focused service.
“It has been an amazing journey since I founded CTTG in 1988, to the proud position we find ourselves in today. That journey has been enhanced by the support of my business partners Tom Kempster, Clare Collins and David Bevan all of whom have played a key role in the success of CTTG. I’m pleased to say that Tom and Clare will be joining me as shareholders, alongside the John Good Group, in this new combined travel business.
“Over the last 37 years, I have had many experiences and made many friends within the industry, and I am now excited to continue that journey with the team at Good Travel Management and the John Good Group. We will be stronger together.”
Clare Collins, COO of CTTG, said: “The alignment of like-minded ambition combined with our passion for growth on a global scale makes this the perfect DNA to take the merged businesses to the next level.
Our teams of talented and loyal people, along with our robust supplier relationships, will continue to provide rich content, innovation and competitive pricing.
We value our clients and promise to maintain and enhance our personable approach; this will not be waived. The combined travel group have established physical office locations in London, Kent and Yorkshire, allowing us to attract the best talent in the industry to our already passionate and talented team. We will continue to invest in our remote and hybrid teams, allowing them to thrive and this is something we are looking to enhance as we move forward with GTM.”
York closes Mansion House for £1.2m refurb project
A £1.2m project protect and maintain York’s Mansion House is to be be led by Buttress Architects to deliver maintenance, accessibility and safety improvements.
The building will close on November 10th with a view to re-opening in time for Yorkshire Day on August 1st next year. Hannah Bellerby, project architect from Manchester-based Buttress Architects, said: “As we approach the Mansion House’s 300th anniversary, it is a privilege for Buttress to lead the efforts in safeguarding this vital piece of York’s civic heritage. “Our work focuses on not only preserving the building’s historical integrity but also working to ensure it remains accessible, sustainable, and fit for future generations. Through these planned restorations, we are ensuring that this significant landmark continues to enrich York’s cultural landscape for years to come.” Buttress Architects will provide specialist heritage consultancy and conservation architecture, and lead a team of experts including conservation architects and mechanical, electrical and structural engineers.
This refurbishment includes repairing wear and tear to the building and to prevent any further deterioration in the historic roof, walls and windows. It will also include important upgrades to the lift to improve the accessibility and environmental performance of the historic building, and decoration works will also refresh the interior where structural work is required.
One of the earliest civic buildings to be built in the classical style in England, the Mansion House is the official seat of The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, and holds an important collection of items connected to the history of the city over the past 800 years.
Work to build the house began in 1725 and was completed in 1732.
New Regional Director for the Humber takes the helm
Associated British Ports’ (ABP) is delighted to welcome Andrew Dawes to the position of new Regional Director, Humber.
A highly respected maritime executive, Andrew joins one of the UK’s major ports operators, at an exciting period as the four Humber ports evolve to sustain green energy needs.
Andrew Dawes, Director of the Humber ports said: “This is an incredible time to be joining ABP as the next five-year business strategy is launched. There are some great projects and growth opportunities in the pipeline as the ports play a key role in delivering our twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition here in the UK.
“Stepping into this role I‘ve been genuinely impressed by the talent of the Humber team and achievements so far. I am very much looking forward to working with them, our customers and wider stakeholders as we embark on this momentous journey.”
Henrik L Pedersen, CEO welcomed the appointment, adding: “Andrew has an impressive career history and brings a wealth of experience from across the maritime industry which will be hugely valuable.
“He has a stellar record of operational command and of leading organisations through change. I am delighted he has joined us as we embark on a new five-year strategy.”
Andrew began work in 1995 at what was the Southampton Container Terminal (now DP World) and has progressed his career to become a seasoned maritime executive, amassing almost 30 years of experience from the global ports and terminals industry with companies such as DP World, APM Terminals and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI).
Alongside his strong leadership credentials, he brings with him a wealth of experience in safety, operations and commercial and experience both as Managing Director with profit and loss responsibility of terminals, as well as regional portfolio responsibility.
Andrew will be part of the Executive team of the UK’s major ports group, and will report directly to Henrik L. Pedersen, ABP’s CEO.
Andrew was appointed after Simon Bird stepped down at the end of October as Regional Director of the Humber ports after nine years in the role.
Arrival of vet practice secures full occupancy for Long Sutton business park
The arrival of an independent vet practice means the Hoddins Way business park at Long Sutton has 100% occupancy for the first time in its ten-year history.
Katherine Cox, portfolio officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Independent vets are quite rare these days, but The Independent Vet Clinic Ltd has been incredibly popular with the community. The site is like a little village in itself and visitors to one business will often browse in the other shops or visit the café. We’re delighted that this new addition offers so much to the site and to residents.”
The Hoddins Way site was previously known as ‘CaNeBuZo’ and was an early adopter of sustainable development. It’s a unique development of seven self-contained, earth sheltered units. All contain toilet facilities, kitchen and store areas, with under floor heating and PV solar panels.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and environment at the county council, said: “Although buildings with solar panels and environmentally friendly credentials are commonplace now, the Hoddins Way business centre was unusual when we first built it.
“We’ve had lots of tenants over the years who have taken advantage of our short-term leases on easy in, easy out terms, which give start-up businesses flexibility and means they can manage cash flow more easily.
“We keep rents reasonable, and the location just off the A17 gives easy access to both Spalding and Kings Lynn. I’m pleased to see that the site now has established and thriving small businesses and is a great asset for the community.”
