Government instructs councils to stop four-day working week schemes
Councils should stop any four-day week trials immediately and rule out adopting the practice in future to ensure taxpayers’ money is well spent, according to new government guidance issued to the sector today.
The publication comes after letters from Minister Lee Rowley to South Cambridgeshire District Council, calling on the local authority to cease its trial over value for money concerns.
The guidance sets out the government’s position that removing 20% of a local authority’s potential capacity does not offer value for money for residents. It makes clear that value for money for taxpayers is paramount and no further focus should be given by councils on this issue. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is also exploring measures to ensure the sector is clear this should not be pursued.
Minister for Local Government Lee Rowley said: “The Government is being crystal clear that it does not support the adoption of the four-day working week within the local government sector.
“Local authorities that are considering adopting it should not do so. Those who have adopted it already should end those practice immediately.
“Those councils who continue to disregard this guidance are now on notice that the Government will take necessary steps in the coming months to ensure that this practice is ended within local government.”
The guidance says: “Councils which are undertaking four-day working week activities should cease immediately and others should not seek to pursue in any format. Value for local taxpayers is paramount and no further focus should be given by local authorities on this matter. The department is also exploring other measures to ensure that the sector is clear that this working practice should not be pursued.”
The Government continues to support an individual’s right to request flexible working, which allows individual employees to apply for changes to the hours, timing, or location of work, which is clearly different to a blanket four-day working week on a full salary, across the whole organisation.
In July, DLUHC launched the new Office for Local Government to increase councils’ accountability for their performance. Oflog will ensure the sector can access clear and high-quality performance data and examples of great practice from other councils.
BRT Industrial Services elevates Grimsby operations with new, bigger facility
To reinforce its commitment to local manufacturing industries, BRT Industrial Services has unveiled an upgraded facility within the Enterprise Village business hub in Grimsby. This strategic move will enhance BRT’s ability to service customers, making more room for stock and creating a much-improved working environment for colleagues.
Sales director Philip Clarke highlighted the advantages of the relocation, stating: “Our new premises will enhance our ability to do what we do best, help our customers to enhance their profitability by improving lead times, working with them to improve machine reliability and energy efficiency. The new, enhanced Grimsby location is also well-positioned to service the local area and crucially is still equipped with an experienced customer service team.”
The move will significantly bolster BRT Industrial Services’ capacity to promptly supply vital components such as bearings, belts, electric motors, and fluid power products tailored for both process and heavy industrial applications. This strategic shift in location will undeniably have a positive impact on Grimsby-based businesses, ensuring a more efficient and reliable service.
The relocation follows the September 2020 acquisition of the industrial business of the BRT Group by Antifriction Components, in a deal that made Antifriction one of the UK’s largest specialist distributors of its type, employing nearly 120 staff. Antifriction is part of Milan-based Gruppo Bianchi, one of Europe’s largest specialist distributors of critical moving parts.
This investment in new premises reflects a strong belief in the potential growth of the Grimsby industrial sector. The Enterprise Village business hub provides an optimal location for the expanded facility, offering accessibility, convenience, and ample space for increased stock capacity.
Local businesses, particularly those in sectors like manufacturing, wood processing, food production, waste management, energy, and utilities, are poised to reap significant benefits from this development. The improved stock availability ensures that critical parts can be sourced promptly, minimizing costly production downtime, further underpinning the company’s focus on efficiency, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to Making Industry More Profitable.
BRT Industrial Services’ Grimsby branch can now be found at Unit E5, The Enterprise Village, Prince Albert Gardens, Grimsby DN31 3AG. All existing contact details, including phone (01472 311188) and email (grimsby@brt-industrial.co.uk), remain unchanged. For additional details about BRT Industrial Services and their new premises, please visit https://www.antifriction.co.uk/
Bradford aerospace manufacturer joins forces with ASG Group
Produmax, an aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Bradford, has integrated with ASG Group, based in Manchester.
Produmax employs around 90 people and has worked at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing for the past 25 years, led by the dynamic team of Jeremy and Mandy Ridyard. With a team of skilled engineers and an average age of less than 35, they have transformed the company through digitisation, automation, and a pipeline of talent.
Jeremy Ridyard said: “We have been on a remarkable journey for over two decades, and this partnership allows us to further expand our reach and impact in the aerospace industry.
“ASG Group’s values of engineering excellence align perfectly with ours, and together, we are well-equipped to take on new opportunities. Our goal together, is to drive this business to in excess of £20m over the next 5 years.”
Mandy Ridyard added: “Our people have always been our greatest asset. This merger means we can offer even more exciting career prospects, whilst continuing to focus on diversity and empowerment in our workplace.
“We remain committed to nurturing and developing talent. Working together makes so much sense to take advantage of the opportunities the aerospace industry now presents.”
ASG Group Managing Director Simon Weston continued: “The addition of Produmax to the ASG Group is a significant step towards our goal of becoming a global leader in aerospace manufacturing.
“We are impressed with Produmax’s relentless pursuit of excellence and their strong commitment to UK manufacturing. Together, we will leverage our strengths to deliver the exciting new work already won by Produmax and to work together across the group to win more.”
ASG Group, with its global footprint, now employs approximately 450 people, with an annual turnover exceeding $70 million.
Produmax, as a key player in the group, specialises in the manufacture of flight control assemblies for a range of aircraft, serving major customers including Boeing, Airbus, Eaton, Spirit, Collins and Bombardier.
Studios to be created at vacant Grade II listed building thanks to Hull City Council funding
A vacant Grade II listed building in Hull city centre will be converted into five studio apartments thanks to council funding.
Qube Property Limited is undertaking a restoration project of 61 Market Place worth £572,916, bringing an empty building back into use.
The developers will pledge over £340,000 to the scheme, with grant initiatives bridging the gap for the remainder of the costs.
Hull City Council’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) has awarded £200,520.60, whilst an additional £28,645.80 has also been granted through the High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ).
As well as restoring a heritage building, this project will also support the renovation and future development of Hepworth’s Arcade next door.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “The Levelling Up Funding is given to the council on behalf of the government and has to be awarded to applicants which meet the specific criteria such as creating new permanent jobs, bringing vacant floor space back into use, improving dilapidated buildings and restoring heritage properties.
“This has been evident recently in grants to regenerate Europa House, the former Lloyds Bank and on Humber Street and this application from Qube Property Limited meets the necessary conditions to merit the award.
“The scheme, in which Qube is investing over £340k of its own capital, will deliver high quality, city centre accommodation in a long vacant building and is another example of how the Levelling Up Funding continues to breathe new life into our city centre.”
Affordable homes to be built on site of former flats in Shipley
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has begun clearing the way for the construction of 42 new affordable homes on the site of former flats at Valley Road.
Following the site clearance, Casey Construction will begin building the new homes over the next few weeks, with construction expected to be complete in summer 2024.
The new development, named ‘Valley View’, is situated next to Shipley Fire Station, and will transform land that has been empty for the last eight years.
There will be 32 two-bedroom homes and 10 three-bedroom homes, which will be available through the Affordable Rent, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy schemes.
The development of the new affordable homes is being partly funded by the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England, as part of their pledge to increase the number of affordable homes across the country.
Graeme Scott, Executive Director of Development & Assets at Incommunities, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to share that we’re starting construction of these new affordable homes at Valley Road.
“Providing high quality affordable homes remains one of our major commitments, so we’re delighted that we can build these homes in such a prime location.
“It’s such a major route into Bradford, within walking distance to both Shipley town centre and Frizinghall train station, I’m sure these homes will be popular with local people.”
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The Council’s Housing Development team is working hard with our partners to make sure more affordable homes are being built across the district.
“We are delighted that work has started on preparing the ground for 42 new affordable homes in Shipley. These homes will be in an excellent location and will be a real boost for the area.”
Planning permission sought for £21m Catterick development
North Yorkshire Council has been given a planning application for the £21 million scheme to redevelop Catterick Garrison’s town centre.
The application has been lodged following a public consultation in July when seven in ten members of the community who responded to a survey were positive about the new proposal.
Permission is being sought to create a new town square on Shute Road, a new pedestrian ramp connecting the development to Richmond Road, and the construction of a Community and Enterprise Building.
The building, which will house offices for small businesses as well as space for community groups and food retail, will reduce carbon emissions through the use of sustainable design and renewable energy.
The plans also include landscaping improvements, upgrades to Coronation Park and Shute Road, improved play spaces, accessible routes to the town centre and improvements to footpaths and cycleways.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “Moving to the planning phase is an exciting step forward for this new development. The scheme will breathe new life into a tired area of Catterick Garrison town centre and bring new opportunities and facilities for the many people who live there – both civilians and members of the military.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to bring the proposals to fruition by June 2025. The council has received £19 million from the Levelling Up Fund, with the remaining match-funding coming from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the authority.”
James Roy, estates manager for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said: “Catterick is an important Garrison for the British Army and this is a significant milestone for the redevelopment proposals. We continue to recognise the need for regeneration of urban areas, to benefit both military and civilian communities.”
Council encourages businesses to apply for ‘shared prosperity’ grants
Businesses in North Lincolnshire are being encouraged to apply for grants to support entrepreneurs, the visitor economy, market and retail infrastructure that will increase footfall and spending in the region.
They’re amongst organisations urged to apply to North Lincolnshire Council for a share of the latest Government UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
More than £2.46m is available, including £322,000 dedicated to projects in rural areas under the Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is the latest tranche of Government cash that will help our region level up and face the future with confidence.
“These grants will support businesses, increase community pride and help people access many more opportunities that will improve their lives.
“The cash is available for a wide number of projects, from open air markets to community gardens and marketing schemes. It gives local organisations a fantastic opportunity to directly shape North Lincolnshire’s exciting future.”
Previous projects that have benefitted from UKSPF cash include:
• A fruit and vegetable growing project at Dam Road Park for schools and community groups from Friends of Barton Parks
• Modernisation of facilities at CrosbyONE community centre
• Cash to develop local creative talent at Fountain Arts in Scunthorpe
• A community garden to be planted at St Oswald’s Church in Crowle
• An upgraded clubhouse at Heslam Park
• A new campaign to encourage out-of-area visitors to enjoy cycling in North Lincolnshire
• Money to help get Scunthorpe’s first ever Pride event up and running.
This round of funding also includes £960,000 for projects which offer employment support and courses in basic skills with the aim of encouraging more local people into work.
NFU urges council to buy British food in a bid for sustainability
Such a move would help councils work towards a more sustainable future, boost the local economy and build on commitments from political parties to source a higher level of climate-friendly British food.
It follows the positive initiative from Suffolk County Council to support the county’s farmers by ensuring all catering at council-organised events is, wherever possible, sourced from local farmers, as well as always including meat and dairy options alongside plant-based produce.
Other councils such as Devon and North Northamptonshire have also made similar commitments to encourage people to shop locally, taking advantage of home-grown, nutritious food, both plant- and meat-based.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “It’s good that local authorities are looking at how they can become more sustainable and how food fits within that.
“We have always maintained that the best and most effective way to do this is to carefully consider sourcing – where the produce has come from and the sustainability of its production – whether that’s fruit and veg or meat and dairy.
“It’s a win-win. Sourcing British food, and locally wherever possible, means councils can cut food miles, reduce reliance on imports and have a much greater understanding of the environmental standards to which the food has been produced.
“It would also provide much needed support for British farmers and growers at a time when business certainty and confidence is at an all-time low, and at the same time put value back into the local economy.
“When it comes to food I believe people should always have a choice. That’s why it’s important that councils consider carefully their sourcing commitments so they can lower their carbon footprint at the same time as keeping tasty sustainably produced food on the menu.”
Robotics firm set to occupy part of Lincoln office building
Part of the G Tech Building on Firth Road Business Park in Lincoln will be occupied by a firm operating in the robotics sector, confirms the local agency of Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co.
The agency’s Lincoln office acted as joint agent with Fisher German, on behalf of the landlord, in a deal which sees the robotics firm take a lease on 7,740 sq ft of ground and first floor office space out of a total of 11,000 sq ft of business accommodation in the G Tech Building.
Neighbouring occupiers on Firth Road Business Park include Siemens PLC, ITP & Aero Engines UK Ltd among other technology industry occupiers.
The Firth Road Business Park is a short walk from the University of Lincoln’s city centre campus.
While the name of the new occupier remains to be announced by the agents, following fit-out of its new premises, William Wall, director, Eddisons incorporating Banks Long & Co, said: “Robotics is one of the fastest growing of the new industrial sectors and an active area for R&D – particularly in the Agri-Tech field where robotics figures alongside digital technologies & artificial intelligence.
“Together with the aerospace & defence sectors and large scale commercial logistics operators, robotics is a sector which is helping to re-present the commercial profile of Lincolnshire to new investors and operators.”
Farmers told cost-effective imports can continue
British farmers have been told they can continue to import seeds treated with EU-approved pesticides more cost-effective but identical to those authorised at home.
The imports were due to have been banned by the end of the year, but the restriction has been lifted, leaving the import window open until July 2027.
Government says the plans will not only provide certainty to farmers so they know which treated seeds and plant protection products they can use in coming growing seasons, but will also help improve the availability and reduce the cost of pesticides.
These treated seeds are important for both the arable and horticulture sectors and are particularly important for maize – a crop crucial for dairy farmers and in energy production.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said:”The government recognises the challenges faced by farmers and growers in importing treated seeds and more cost-effective pesticide products from the EU as the transition period concludes.
“Ensuring that British farmers and growers have access to the tools they need to produce food sustainably and affordably is a priority. The measures announced today will address the potential impacts and concerns raised by our valued farming sector.”
Under current timelines, farmers and growers were set to lose access to these products at the end of this year. However, the temporary measures will enable farmers and growers in Great Britain to:- Continue using seeds treated with plant protection products authorised for use in the EU for an additional 3.5 years, extending up to 1 July 2027.
- Reinstate trade permits for the import of PPPs that are identical to those authorised in Great Britain for a maximum of two years.
