Lincoln firm starts work on boathouse project in Nottinghamshire
Lincoln-based Lindum Construction has started work on a new boat house and restaurant space at Kings Mill Reservoir near Sutton in Ashfield in Nottinghamshire.
The project has begun with the creation of a new car park and will include the demolition of an old boat house to make way for a new two-storey structure providing modern, accessible changing and storage facilities for water sports on the ground floor, with a restaurant and function space on the first floor.
The project is one of 17 in the district being funded by £62.6m of Towns Funding and will complement the expansion of the neighbouring The Mill Adventure Base.
Lindum Construction Manager Mark Robertson said the entire project would take around a year to complete. “We are looking forward to getting started on this project, which will result in a superb leisure attraction for local people. The restaurant will be in a fantastic location with views of the water,” he said.
“We have a strong pipeline of local subcontractors who will be working on this scheme with us so the council’s investment will continue to circulate within the economy.
“It is good to be working with Ashfield District Council again. Lindum has a delivered several housing schemes for the authority over the past three years and we’ve developed a strong relationship, based on openness, trust and successful delivery of projects.”
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning added: “This is another positive step for our plans to make Mill Waters one of the top tourist destinations in the East Midlands.
“We want to hear from clubs or individuals, who are keen to get involved in developing and running water sports activities at the reservoir. Please get in touch with the team if you are interested.”
Newark-based Influence Landscape Planning and Design is the landscape architect on the project. As part of the planning application, Influence provided visual appraisal and comprehensive landscape design to complement the new building.
Kathryn Dunk, principal landscape architect at Influence, said: “Kings Mill Reservoir is a special place where nature and visitors flock. It’s a place for being close to nature, enjoying the surroundings and experiencing the myriad of water sports on offer.
“I’m really pleased that progress is being made to create the new leisure building which will sit alongside the water sports facilities and provide a place to dine and relax. Naturally landscape plays a key part here and we have created designs that responds to the specific character of the reserve, with a naturalistic planting palette of grasses and wildflowers and native Downy Birch trees reaching across the site to the water’s edge.”
One-day event examines latest developments in cooling for machining
The seventh annual cooling seminar run by Rotherham’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre will explore the state of the art in advanced coolant techniques for the most demanding machining applications.
The one-day forum on September 21st brings together industrial users with researchers to discuss the opportunities and challenges of advanced cooling methods, and share the latest knowledge and innovation.
There will be speakers from leading engineering companies and research institutions to the AMRC Knowledge Transfer Centre to discuss their work across a host of industries and applications.
The Nuclear AMRC has led research into supercritical CO2 cooling over the past eight years, with a focus on combining CO2 with minimum quantity lubricant (MQL) techniques for optimum performance in the most challenging machining tasks. Recent projects include work with difficult-to-machine refractory metals such as tungsten for applications in the fusion power sector.
These advanced cooling techniques can improve component surface integrity, cleanliness, reduce the cost of the components, reduce waste and cut the environmental impact of machining. But in applications where quality and performance are critical, dedicated R&D is needed to optimise CO2 and MQL delivery parameters and cutting conditions.
To register, go to advancedcooling23.eventbrite.co.uk
Government prepares to out ‘rip-off’ road fuel price retailers
Government has taken action after finding some supermarkets after deciding that some fuel retailers treated drivers as cash cows, charging 6p more per litre for fuel from 2019 to 2022 – meaning £900m in extra costs across the UK in 2022 alone.
In a win for consumers, drivers will be able to compare prices in real time in any area of the UK, through a new fuel price reporting scheme. Drivers will be able to easily identify those charging fair prices and those failing to pass on savings from falling wholesale costs.
The government will change the law to force retailers to comply by providing up to date price information, which is expected to lead to greater transparency and competition – in turn driving down prices and easing people’s cost of living.
The new scheme will make pricing data available for third parties – paving the way for them to create price comparison apps and websites – supporting the digital economy and helping growth.
The tough action by government follows publication of a Competitions and Markets Authority report showing some supermarkets charged drivers 6p more per litre for fuel. This amounts to £900m in extra costs in 2022 alone – around £75m a month.
New powers will be handed to a public organisation yet to be decided, to closely monitor the UK road fuel market, scrutinise prices and alert government if further intervention is needed.
Energy Security Secretary Grant Schnapps said: “Some fuel retailers have been using motorists as cash cows – they jacked up their prices when fuel costs rocketed but failed to pass on savings now costs have fallen.
“It cannot be right that at a time when families are struggling with rising living costs, retailers are prioritising their bottom line, putting upwards pressure on inflation and pocketing hundreds of millions of pounds at the expense of hardworking people.
Today I’m putting into action the CMA’s recommendations and standing by consumers – we’ll shine a light on rip-off retailers to drive down prices and make sure they’re held to account by putting into law new powers to increase transparency.”
West Yorkshire SMEs get advice on energy cost-cutting measures
Businesses under financial pressures from inflation and the climate crisis are to benefit from new support being launched today by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.
The Mayor’s Business Sustainability Support will help SMEs cut their energy use and combat the effects of climate change.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will work with interested businesses to develop and implement new sustainability plans, aimed at slashing energy bills and boosting resilience against rising temperatures, supply chain issues and flooding.
Following a free assessment of the firm’s environmental impact, these bespoke plans will recommend various workplace adaptations, such as lighting that is more energy efficient, measures that cut down on waste, or equipment that harnesses cheap, clean and renewable energy, including solar panels.
Advice will then be offered on how to deliver the plan, secure public and private investment, and make sustainable changes to ensure annual energy bill savings long into the future.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said the new support would be a gamechanger in the region’s fight to become a more resilient, Net Zero carbon economy by 2038. The £10m fund comes after the Mayor’s recent launch of the West Yorkshire Plan, which commits to building a greener, more vibrant West Yorkshire that works for all.
She said: “As the cost of living and energy crisis continues, it’s vital we step up support for our hardest hit businesses, helping them keep down costs, protect jobs and stay afloat during this difficult time.
“This new, £10m scheme will help us deliver a greener West Yorkshire by slashing the carbon footprint of our small and medium-sized businesses, while futureproofing them against the harmful effects of climate change.
“As we transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2038, we’re determined to ensure that no business is left behind, as we work to make positive, greener changes that benefit all our communities across the region.”
The scheme will build on previous sustainability support through the Mayor’s Resource Efficient Business programme, which helped 360 West Yorkshire businesses save an average of £11,500 per year on their energy bills.
Lowe Engineering Limited, a Leeds-based power plant equipment supplier, was given a £5,000 grant last year, which was used to fit the warehouse and offices with modern LED lighting, helping to save the business up to £2,000 per year.
Operations Director Graeme Walker said: “Improving the lighting throughout our premises had been on our “to do” list for some time but, due to the large initial expenses and slow cost-saving recovery, it was always at the back of the queue when it came to annual building repairs and improvements.
“However, with the onset of higher energy prices coupled with the Mayor’s support, we were encouraged to install LED lighting throughout the building, and recovered our 50% of the expenses within a short period of time.
“It is safe to say that without the scheme in place, this improvement would still be on the “to do” list.”
Businesses are encouraged to find out more about the support on our Sustainability webpage.
Arco scoops Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award
Safety specialist Arco has won the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award at the Family Business United Awards, in which it was up against more than 200 national businesses.
The judges recognised the role which the Martin family plays through its stewardship and investment in the business. Whether that be through being active members in our communities through charitable work or lobbying for change in parliament against non-compliant PPE, their passion, expertise and support is invaluable.
At a ceremony held in London, fifth-generation family member Charley Seward, who’s Supplier Relationships and Transformation Manager, Becky Casson, Buying Director, picked up the award on Arco’s behalf.
Mr Seward said: “I was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the 1600 members of the Arco family who make this business tick. As colleagues, we know we have something very special at Arco, but it’s wonderful to have this validated by Family Business United too.”
CEO Guy Bruce added: “It’s a privilege and honour to have our business recognised in this space and to be able to share in the celebrations with other family business of all sizes, generations and sectors who were also awarded on the night. “Congratulations to all colleagues on this achievement – you all play a part in making this business great.”
Survey shows major jobs boost for Yorkshire & the Humber manufacturers
A new report released today from Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, shows that manufacturing remains vital to the success of the economy in Yorkshire & the Humber, with the sector accounting for more than 15% (15.4%) of the region’s output in 2022, substantially ahead of the national average of just under 10%.
This is a significant increase on the share of output from 2021 (14.6%) and is reflected in a major boost for manufacturing jobs across the region with employment having jumped from 278,000 in 2021 to 316,000 in 2022.
This has been largely driven by the Food and Drink sector which accounts for almost a fifth of manufacturing output in the region (16.2%) and has benefitted significantly from the re-opening of hospitality during 2022. This is followed by the manufacture of chemicals (15.4%) and Metal Products, largely steel, at 13.9%.
The region is also a strong export performer with its share of exports going to the EU (worth £11billion) remaining at 57%, well above the UK average of 52%. This makes Yorkshire & the Humber the second most dependent English region on the EU market, but leaves the region more exposed to new trading arrangements with the bloc than other English regions and devolved nations.
The next largest destination is North America, accounting for 17% of goods exports, closely followed by Asia & Oceania which accounts for 12% of goods exports.
Dawn Huntrod, Make UK director for the North, said: “Industry remains critical to the growth of the Yorkshire & Humber economy, providing high value, high skill jobs and aiding the process of levelling up.
“To build on this position we need a national industrial strategy which encompasses local growth strategies which fit with the priorities and strengths of the region including infrastructure, innovation and skills in particular.”
Steve Talbot, head of manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire, added: “The manufacturing jobs growth we have seen in the region across the last year is testament to the resilience of the sector as a whole.
“Manufacturing companies across Yorkshire & the Humber have had to overcome the multiple challenges thrown up by Brexit, shortages in skilled labour, pandemic-related supply chain delays and the huge energy price rises we have seen following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“While everyone is hoping for some respite, the headwinds show no sign of abating. With high inflation and interest rates continuing to rise, manufacturers will need to remain alert, responsive and resilient in the face of any future geopolitical or economic shocks.”
Independent labour review urges action to help farmers get necessary workers
The review includes the NFU request to remove the cap on the total number of seasonal agricultural worker visas and extend the length of those visas to nine months. It also suggests businesses should have the ability to directly sponsor workers and calls for greater automation with improved access to funding.
NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said ensuring we had enough workers was essential to maintain domestic food security and provide British consumers with high quality, nutritious, climate-friendly food.
“Our own recent survey looking at worker shortages across the agriculture industry shows that 41% of respondents reduced the amount of food they produced due to being unable to recruit the essential workforce needed.”
He said the NFU had gathered responses from 506 members as part of a survey which looked into eight different roles which have been a challenge to fill within farming and horticulture.
Despite respondents using a variety of platforms and techniques to advertise for new employees, such as recruitment agencies, social media, word of mouth, and taking varying measures to retain and recruit, 71% of respondents said they have had difficulty in retaining workers in the past two years.
“The horticulture and poultry sectors have been severely impacted by worker shortages in recent years, and we welcome the panel’s recommendation to secure the Seasonal Workers Scheme beyond 2024,” said Tom.
“We have been calling for a long-term 5-year rolling scheme to guarantee businesses have the certainty they need to continue producing food.”
Just under a quarter of respondents said that they were increasing automation on farm to minimise the impact of labour shortages on their business, but automation still has a long way to go before it can replace labour completely.
One grower who participated in the survey explained how despite having looked at automation to minimise the impact of the shortages “the technology is not there, so we are still heavily reliant on human labour, especially in the field”.
Centrica boss calls for reform of energy sector pricing
Centrica’s Group Chief Exec Chris O’Shea has called on the energy regulator Ofgem to implement reforms that could make the energy sector more transparent, simpler and more affordable for customers.
He’s urging abolition of the standing charge from the price cap and putting it into the unit cost, moving to a flat national tariff with no regional variations, and introducing a progressive social tariff to help those who need most help with bill payments.
He said: “Existing energy bills are way too complicated – we’ve got to change that. Any customer should be able to pick up their bill and easily understand how it is calculated, and how they can get help if they need it. It should be simple and straightforward. There are three things we want Ofgem and the Government to change to make the system more affordable, fairer and easier to understand.
He added: “The last few years have shown us that we need to make changes. This is a crucial issue for millions of households. We need other suppliers, distributors, regulators, and the Government to come together, work with us, and help us make these reforms a reality.”
August’s alcoholic drink tax reforms will slash duty payable by pubs
The biggest Alcohol Duty reforms in 140 years come into effect at the beginning of August, creating six standardised alcohol duty bands across all types of alcoholic products.
The rules will apply to all individuals and businesses involved in making, distributing, holding and selling alcoholic products across the UK.
To support the hospitality industry, and recognising the vital role played by pubs in our communities, there will also be a reduced rate for draught products – known as Draught Relief. This will reduce Alcohol Duty on qualifying beer and cider by 9.2%, and by 23% on qualifying wine-based, spirits-based and other fermented products, sold in on-trade premises such as pubs and restaurants.
The reforms will mean that every pint in every pub across the UK will pay less duty than their supermarket equivalent, in line with the government’s Brexit Pubs Guarantee.
These reforms will replace and extend the existing Small Brewers Relief with Small Producer Relief. This means that all small businesses that produce any alcoholic products with an ABV of less than 8.5% will be eligible for reduced rates on qualifying products, if they produce less than 4,500 hectolitres per year.
To support wine producers and importers in moving to the new method of calculating duty on their products, temporary arrangements will be in place for 18 months from 1 August 2023 until 1 February 2025.
From 1 August 2023 the Alcohol Duty system will tax all alcoholic drinks based on their alcohol by volume. This replaces the current Alcohol Duty system, which consists of four separate taxes covering beer, cider, spirits, wine and made-wine.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Gareth Davies said: “Because we left the EU we can make sure our alcohol duty system works for us. From next month the whole system will be simpler – the duty will reflect the strength of the drink.
“We will also protect pubs and brewers with our Brexit Pubs Guarantee keeping Draught Duty down, and a new Small Producer Relief.”
Jonathan Athow, Director General of Customer Strategy & Tax Design, HMRC, said: “After listening to feedback from industry, economists, public health groups and many business owners, the new Alcohol Duty system will be based on the founding principle of taxing alcoholic products by strength, ensuring consistency across the board for the first time.
“The new system will support the government’s public health objectives and provide extra support to small producers, pubs and the hospitality sector.”
To support innovation and responsible drinking, low strength drinks below 3.5% ABV will be charged at a new lower rate of duty. In making these changes, the government aims to encourage product innovation and ensure the Alcohol Duty system works for business and consumers.
University of Bradford signs as shirt sponsor with Bradford City
The University of Bradford is to be the back-of-shirt sponsor for Bradford City AFC for at least three seasons.
The University of Bradford became officially partnered with the club last summer, when a four-year deal saw the launch of the University of Bradford Stadium.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “To be announced as the new back of shirt sponsor for Bradford City is a proud moment for us. Working in partnership with Bradford City has been, and continues to be fruitful for the region as we come together to work with the community of Bradford and the young people of the city. Seeing the name of the city’s university on both the players and the fans who are so proud to support their club will be fantastic as our partnership grows and develops.”
This agreement signifies the latest development in a partnership which pledges to unlock community opportunities across the district, and will see the University’s branding take pride of place on the rear of the Bantams’ playing and replica jerseys for at least the next three seasons.
It follows last week’s news that fellow club partner, Mitton Group, would be ending a seven-year spell as the club’s back of shirt sponsor, and comes ahead of next week’s unveiling of City’s 2023/24 home kit.
City’s chief commercial officer Davide Longo said: “Working with Bradford-based businesses and other key pillars from across the district is hugely important for us, and this agreement signifies the start of another exciting period for the club, partnered with University of Bradford.
“The first year of our partnership has already proved highly beneficial, not only for the two parties but also for thousands of individuals across the district, as we continue to harness and nurture the young talent this city has.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon and the brilliant staff at the University for their hard work and fantastic support, and for sharing our vision and many of our core values, which has in turn allowed this partnership to flourish.
“We are looking forward to what the next three years hold – and, of course, seeing the University of Bradford’s name on the rear of our playing and replica shirts.”
