With £2m to spend, LEP asks training providers for skills bootcamp proposals

Stuart Pearcey
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With £2m to spend, LEP asks training providers for skills bootcamp proposals

Colleges and training providers in Greater Lincolnshire are being asked to submit proposals for Skills Bootcamps to reflect future training needs.

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been awarded £2m by the Department for Education to develop a new wave of Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council. Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life, and are available to adults who want to change careers, find new jobs or upskill in the workplace by learning sector-specific skills. The courses are free and flexible and can be online, face-to-face or a mix of the two depending on the subject. The Greater Lincolnshire LEP has already started developing Skills Bootcamps as part of the Department of Education’s Wave 3. There is now a variety of courses available in multiple sectors including food and drink, transport and healthcare. Funding for Wave 4 means that colleges and training providers in Greater Lincolnshire have until 18th April 2023 to submit proposals for upcoming Skills Bootcamps. Employers can also get involved in the process, as Skills Bootcamps should be designed around their skills needs.  They can offer interviews to learners who have completed the Skills Bootcamp or send their own employees on the Skills Bootcamp to upskill them so they can take on a new role or extra responsibilities. This is an opportunity for employers to help develop training courses based on the needs of their industry, whether for existing employees or future candidates. Simon Telfer, Chair of the LEP’s Employment and Skills Advisory Panel, said: “Thanks to our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and funding from the Department of Education, we are now in the position to plan the next wave of Skills Bootcamps. “We are encouraging local training organisations to submit proposals as this is a great opportunity to help develop training that will fill the skills gaps and upskill our workforce in Greater Lincolnshire.” If you are a college or training provider with a proposal, you can submit an application now. The closing date for proposals is 18th April 2023 and those that are successful will start being delivered in May 2023.

Gainsborough business park units all sold, with planning permission for more

Stuart Pearcey
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Gainsborough business park units all sold, with planning permission for more

All plots at the Business Park at Foxby Lane in Gainsborough have now sold with planning permission secured across the site. Once fully developed, the site will generate more than 200 jobs for the area.

The six-acre Business Park, home to Lincolnshire County Council’s managed business centre Mercury House, was initially slow to attract investors, but the last couple of years have seen a lot of interest in the site and the plots have all been sold in quick succession, with more businesses having to be turned away. Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economic Development at the County Council, said: “We developed this site to provide grow-on space for local businesses and to future-proof for demand in the area. These latest sales suggest that the market has really turned in Gainsborough with an increase in demand for employment space. I’m delighted we’ve been ahead of the game in having this area ready to support business growth. “With our Mercury House Business Centre providing office and meeting space for small businesses, we are committed to ensuring that the local economy can thrive in Gainsborough and across the whole county.” Plots at Foxby Lane Business Park have been purchased by various private businesses and developed into office and warehouse space, and light industrial units.  The proposed development at the site has the potential to attract 223 jobs and create over 77,000 square feet of commercial floor space

ABP eyes up potential of installing wind turbines on Humber Bank

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP eyes up potential of installing wind turbines on Humber Bank
Associated British Ports is consulting with stakeholders on plans to install several onshore wind turbines to make the Humber ports greener and more resilient against higher energy costs. The Ports of Grimsby and Immingham will be the first onshore wind projects for consultation with a generation capacity potentially up to 36MW. Plans are being developed for up to four turbines at Grimsby (up to 24MW) and at least two at Immingham (up to 12MW). It comes after the National Grid announced at the start of the year that Great Britain had produced a record amount of wind-powered electricity with 21.6GW in power being generated. Onshore wind will contribute to ABP’s decarbonisation journey being able to generate 24 hours a day and give more power in winter than summer. Simon Bird, Regional Director for ABP Humber said: “We are steadily replacing our port plant and equipment with greener models, and we’ve already got the UK’s largest solar panel array at the Port of Hull. This application for onshore wind is serving to establish ABP as a greener part of the supply chain. “The presence of wind turbines within the port estate reflects the innovation of our ports and shows our commitment and investment to becoming sustainable. It is our intention to also develop turbines at our Port of Hull.” ABP supports government ambitions to achieving net zero and recently launched its own £2 billion plan for Energy Transition growth and Net Zero 2040. Called Ready for Tomorrow it looks to meet the challenges and grasp the opportunities.  ABP has already reduced its own CO2 emissions by over 35% since 2014 and invested over £55 million in sustainability measures, which includes the largest commercial rooftop solar array in the UK at the Port of Hull, electric vehicles and cranes across the group and a new fleet of more fuel-efficient pilot boats.   The Port of Immingham recently trialled a Terberg hydrogen fuelled tractor in its container terminal.

Grants equip Yorkshire Dales businesses with dark skies lighting

Stuart Pearcey
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Grants equip Yorkshire Dales businesses with dark skies lighting
Four prominently-located Yorkshire Dales businesses have received grants from the National Park Authority to cover the cost of introducing dark skies-friendly lighting. The Station Inn in Upper Ribblesdale, near to the iconic Ribblehead viaduct, has installed 19 directional and well-placed exterior LED lights, significantly reducing glare and helping to make the surroundings perfect for astrotourism. The other three businesses to install dark skies-friendly lighting are The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, including the Visitor Centre; the Stone House Hotel in Upper Wensleydale and the Yorebridge Sport and Leisure on the edge of the village of Askrigg. The Yorkshire Dales National Park – and its near neighbour the North York Moors National Park – achieved International Dark Sky Reserve status in December 2020. Since then both have embarked on a comprehensive programme of monitoring artificial light levels, providing lighting guidance on their websites as well as working with councils, businesses and residents to advise and provide grant-funding for those looking to change their exterior lights. Station Inn publican Claire Hobbs said:  “By working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Dark Skies initiative we have not only had support to make the inn ‘Dark Sky friendly’, with modifications to our outdoor lighting, but we also had support in terms of promotions and access to astronomers. “We are now running regular star gazing evenings and incredibly each is a sell-out irrespective of whether they’re midweek or weekend events. This is generating much needed trade in the always tricky off-season.” Hannah Kay, Dark Skies Project Manager for the Yorkshire Dales National Park added: “There are so many benefits to swapping to dark skies friendly lighting, particularly as newer appropriately angled low power LED warm light technology can reduce energy consumption. Beyond that, research has shown just how much wildlife needs true darkness, whether it’s night pollinating moths or birds roosting. There’s also the benefit to our own wellbeing and of course, the wonderment that comes from seeing a dark sky which is filled with thousands of stars.”

Drive Motor Retail expands with acquisition of Yorkshire-based dealer

Tess Egginton
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Drive Motor Retail expands with acquisition of Yorkshire-based dealer
Drive Motor Retail has acquired Yorkshire-based dealer Minstergate, which operates six businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber. Minstergate has Hyundai and MG sites in York, Hull and Scarborough, meaning the acquisition introduces three Hyundai dealerships into the Drive group, whilst complementing its three existing MG dealers in Bristol, Leicester, and Darlington. This increases Drive’s MG representation from three to six locations, making Drive one of the largest MG dealer groups in the UK. Rob Keenan, joint Managing Director at Drive, said: “We are thrilled that this acquisition has now been completed, enabling us to enter a new region of the UK which was not previously covered by a Drive dealership. “Minstergate has been a very successful business for many years and is well regarded by the franchises it represents and their customers. We will continue to work with and support the existing teams, including giving them the benefit of our recently enhanced employee benefits scheme. I would like to thank the team at Minstergate for their support during the acquisition process, which has been completed in a remarkably short time.” Stuart Harrison, joint Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to complete the acquisition of Minstergate, enabling us to add the Hyundai franchise to our portfolio at a very exciting time for the brand. We have built a successful partnership with MG over the past two years, so I am also pleased to expand our representation with MG at a time when the brand continues to deliver exceptional growth in the UK. “The addition of Hyundai and the expansion with MG complements our existing business portfolio, giving us a wider geographical footprint with exceptional brand partners who we are proud to represent.” The Minstergate dealerships will initially continue to operate under their current brand before transitioning to Drive later in the year. Mark Campey, Minstergate Holdings chairman and CEO, said: “Having owned the business for 18 years, selling to Drive made perfect sense. They have a fantastic business model and I know the team here will be in great hands. To be passing the company over to Drive seemed the right thing to do for the staff and the directors. “Although I wasn’t actively looking to sell the business, Drive approached me in December 2022 and a deal was agreed quickly. The whole process has been smooth and professional. James Cuff, Minstergate’s Managing Director, will leave the company alongside myself and we both wish the team a successful future. It’s now time for me to step back and spend some quality time with my wife Helen and enjoy a simpler life!”

Sheffield insolvency practice acquired

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield insolvency practice acquired
Leonard Curtis has acquired Sheffield insolvency and recovery firm Graywoods – enhancing its presence in South Yorkshire. Graywoods is being incorporated into the Leonard Curtis brand – with owners Adrian Graham and Deborah Lockwood welcoming the “excellent opportunity” to become part of a well-renowned national firm in the business recovery sector. Deborah and Adrian have worked together since 1999 and set up Graywoods in 2015 – building a successful firm that specialises in corporate recovery and insolvency advice for SMEs, charities and other third sector organisations right across South Yorkshire. Deborah is also a non-executive director at South Yorkshire Housing Association and chair of SYHA Enterprises, whilst collaborating with Sheffield Theatres both on the Development Council and the Fundraising Committee. Adrian stated: “This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a well-renowned group and for Leonard Curtis to strengthen its presence in South Yorkshire with the addition of a long-established and reputable firm.” Deborah added: “Working as part of the Leonard Curtis team, we can offer more to the businesses and organisations we currently support and provide an even better offering to our client base.” Sean Williams – head of Yorkshire and North East at Leonard Curtis, which already includes offices in Leeds, Gateshead and Barlborough – said: “We are fully committed to the region and acquiring Graywoods is a reflection of our efforts to provide an enhanced local offering.  The Graywoods team have a common approach to solving problems for business – vastly experienced, approachable and friendly. “2023 is forecasted to be a significant year in the business recovery sector, and we are focused on supporting as many people within the region as possible. “This acquisition enables us to extend our reach and offer the best possible support to those who need it.” Leonard Curtis Legal advised on the transaction, led by Jen Moore, with Sherrelle Scott, Alicia Renshaw, Kulzinder Garcha, Jenny Fell and India Lawrenson. Rob Moore of Taylor Emmet advised Graywoods.

Dock Beers hit the spot with low-carbon brew in partnership with Catch

Stuart Pearcey
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Dock Beers hit the spot with low-carbon brew in partnership with Catch
Using only low carbon ingredients, Grimsby brewery Docks Beers has created a low carbon beer in collaboration with Catch UK, to bring wider attention to the Humber’s efforts to lead the way in Carbon Capture & Storage, and help deliver net zero to the UK by 2040. The beer is Carbon Crush – a 5% Low Carbon IPA – made using only low carbon ingredients, resulting in a flavourful IPA that is sure to please even the most discerning beer connoisseurs. Catch UK, the industry led partnership supporting the process, energy, engineering and renewable industries in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Humber, is spearheading the region’s ambition to decarbonise the Humber region alongside its members and wider stakeholders. Katie Hedges, Director of Membership & Low Carbon Strategy, Catch UK said: “Catch and its partners have been collaborating on something a bit special – getting a plan in place for net zero industrial emissions by 2040. We wanted to launch a new beer with Docks Beers to raise awareness of the opportunities that our region has. They have come up with a beer that focuses the mind on all things lower carbon in industry and one which we hope will help cement in the minds of local people their active role in making this net zero ambition happen. “Technology available to us now can remove carbon dioxide permanently from industrial sources and store it safely underground, it is called Carbon Capture and Storage.  By building CCS projects here in the Humber region, our industries can capture co2 onsite, transport it via pipelines and store it under the north sea in depleted gas reservoirs and other geological structures such as saline aquifers. “With our local skills, expertise and hard graft we can build these co2 capture pipelines, start making some hydrogen and bring down our emissions! It’s important we talk to communities that live in our region to understand what this means for them.  By working with Docks Beers we’re reaching out to the wider community with information and we want to hear from local people to understand what this means to them, their jobs and the career prospects for our young people.” Mike Richards, Head Brewer Docks Beers said: “We were delighted to collaborate with Catch on this brewing project. It was important to make this beer as low carbon as possible so we also teamed up with Brookhouse hops, who lead the way in reducing the amount of CO2 used in producing hops with a unique process which allows brewers to obtain an aromatic beer while using ten times less carbon dioxide. “Malt grown in Lincolnshire also helps to keep the carbon footprint down. We have ended up with a finely tuned English style IPA with a full bodied malt canvas allowing the low carbon Chinook hops to shine. Juicy fruit flavours are tempered by a fine restrained bitterness with a clean finish.”

Manufacturers urged to apply for Made Smarter funding

Stuart Pearcey
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Manufacturers urged to apply for Made Smarter funding
Manufacturing businesses across Yorkshire and Humber can now join the £4.9m Made Smarter scheme, which will help them digitalise their business through expert business support. The programme, delivered by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, encourages digital adoption amongst SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber and includes intensive one-to-one advice and support. More than 200 Yorkshire & Humber SMEs engaged with the recent Made Smarter pilot programme in 2021, and almost 400 projects and activities were completed, ranging from digital diagnostics, intensive technical support and capital expenditure grants. Andrew Armstrong, SYMCA’s Made Smarter Development Manager, said: “The Made Smarter programme will help regional manufacturers to embrace digital adoption, with a view to increasing productivity as part of gaining a competitive advantage. The programme is designed to support SMEs to use digital processes across all their methods of manufacture, providing more efficiency and better information to enable them to improve continually and fine-tune their processes. “There are digital experts in all of the Yorkshire and Humber Growth Hubs who will assess each business’ requirements and make sure they are provided with the kind of specialist support they need.” The Made Smarter programme has recently announced that Oxford Innovation Advice has been awarded the delivery contract for the second round of the digital upskilling scheme. Oxford Innovation Advice has supported over 33,000 businesses through expertly managed business support programmes, of which more than 4,300 are SME manufacturers who have received support to make digital business improvements and work towards Industry 4.0. As delivery partners, they will lead on the overall programme management, contract management and governance with support from Brook Consulting, Edge Digital, the Institute of Manufacturing and the in-house team at SYMCA. Local businesses will be able to benefit from the scheme immediately.Made Smarter provides funded advice from a team of specialist technology experts. The team support businesses by identifying the right digital tools for making everyday improvements who can then benefit from up to 50% match funding, with grants up to a maximum value of £20,000, as well as guidance on creating an effective digital roadmap to ensure the right technology is taking businesses in the right direction. Any manufacturing business in Yorkshire and the Humber is invited to apply for Made Smarter funding

Rules governing charity finance come under the spotlight at Rollits

Stuart Pearcey
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Rules governing charity finance come under the spotlight at Rollits

The need for robust governance of charities will fall under the spotlight next week as experts from Rollits explore some of the issues arising from new legislation.

Gerry Morrison, Partner and Head of Charities at the firm, and her colleague Harriet Wheeldon, a Senior Solicitor in the team, expect to attract key figures from organisations of all sizes to the free seminar which will focus on the Charities Act 2022.  Gerry said the session should also be of interest to people in business who are involved in charities.  She said: “We’ll be looking at the legal issues coming up for charities this year and we’ll examine some case studies from recent Charity Commission investigations so people can look at lessons learned. “We expect to be joined by charity trustees, people who are ultimately responsible for the project management of a charity, CEOs and other advisors including accountants and investment managers. Also senior staff and managers, as well as people in business who set up their own foundations or serve as trustees.” The Charities Act 2022 arose from a bill announced as part of the Queen’s speech in May 2021 and follows a 2017 report by the Law Commission entitled “Technical Issues in Charity Law”. The first phase of implementation took place in autumn 2022 and further changes are due to come into force this year.  One area which Gerry will focus on is the impact of the Act on land disposals by charities and the procedures involved.  Harriet will discuss what sort of issues might attract the attention of the Charity Commission, and the circumstances which might require a charity to seek the involvement of the Charity Commission.  The event will take place at Rollits’ head office in High Street, Hull, from 9am until 10.30am on Tuesday 21 March.

Fortis Therapy and Training and Stokes Tea and Coffee celebrate International Women’s Day with a twist

Tess Egginton
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Fortis Therapy and Training and Stokes Tea and Coffee celebrate International Women’s Day with a twist
Wednesday 8 March heralded a collaboration between Fortis Therapy and Training and Stokes Tea and Coffee celebrating International Women’s Day – but with a twist. The organisers wanted to break the mould, and bring something new to Lincoln by way of an inclusive, fun & impactful charity event rather than something more traditional, raising money for three local charities – The O’Flynn Foundation, Just Lincolnshire and Edan Lincs. With International Women’s Day and people around the globe focusing on embracing equity this year, this event addressed empowerment in the modern day, celebrating diversity and inclusion, with an opportunity to openly discuss mental health, modern-day issues and the world’s changing perspectives, all while celebrating together. The event was held at The Blue Room with Magnus The Scandi Chef producing three phenomenal courses of Michelin style cuisine and featuring entertainment by the fabulous Celine Begone, a celebrated drag artist. Celine later joined other panel members on stage to take part in a lively and interesting discussion, hosted by Alexis Powell-Howard (TEDx Speaker and Fortis Managing Director). The panel included Jess Morgan, the marketing and PR guru manager at Rapha UK, Flt Lt Alun Pepper, Senior Leadership Instructor at RAF Cranwell, a Tornado navigator, pilot of the Lancaster on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and finally and by no means least, Kerrin Wilson the former Assistant Chief Constable at Lincolnshire Police, hostage negotiator, and founder of the GLOW network in Lincoln. The event was made even more celebratory by the support of local small businesses Santa Maria, who made the venue look stunning, Alex and Ollie from Hebb and Griff, who caught all the action on camera, and Karis Hildred of Stokes, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Alexis and the Fortis team then further collaborated with the O’Flynn Foundation to co-host another International Women’s Day event, this time at Healing Manor Grimsby, where Alexis was a speaker on Thursday 9 March. Across the two events hundreds of pounds have been raised for local charities.
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