Businesses at Thirsk Industrial Park will soon be able to access ultrafast broadband speeds via full fibre provider NYnet Ltd.

For 14 years NYnet – a company wholly owned by ourselves – has worked solely within the public sector providing gigabit broadband to schools, hospitals, GP surgeries as well as local authorities where speed and reliability are essential. NYnet will now extend its Local Full Fibre network to 12 rural business parks across North Yorkshire, which have historically struggled with poor connections, as part of the £3.6m investment which was awarded to us by the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of its allocation from the government’s Getting Building Fund. NYnet’s Chief Executive Officer, Alastair Taylor, said: “We are delighted to be sharing the knowledge and expertise we have developed over more than a decade of working with the public sector to benefit local businesses. “Our provision of gigabit broadband to schools has recently put the county in the top three in the country for school broadband and we hope that the expansion of our service into business parks will help put the region on the map for digital services and capabilities.” The programme will potentially benefit more than 1,000 businesses across the county, enabling them to stay competitive and enhance the economy and attractiveness of North Yorkshire as a place to invest. Executive Member for Access Cllr Don Mackenzie said: “NYnet is well established and highly trusted by public sector services in our region and we are delighted that these benefits will now be available to business parks in rural parts of the county that have typically struggled with reliable connectivity. “The move to expand into the private sector and support rural business is excellent news for our local economy and comes at a time when many organisations are looking to relocate away from big cities, with advances in technology such as this making that possible.” Helen Simpson OBE, Chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our region has ambitions to become a greener, fairer, stronger economy and schemes like this will help us get there. Improved digital connectivity is absolutely vital for businesses so we’re really pleased to see the continued progress of this work.”

York is one of 10 areas of the UK with the highest gift card sales in 2021, says fintech Miconex, as local gift cards widen their appeal across the UK and across the generations. York, Aberdeen, Enniskillen, East Ayrshire, Cambridge, Belfast, Barnsley, Perth, East Lothian and Kirkwall recorded sales of over £1.2 million for their local gift cards in 2021, a 32% increase on 2020. Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID said the data shows the universal appeal of local gift cards: “The York Gift Card launched in 2019. We achieved almost £70,000 in sales in 2021, an increase of 47% on 2020 and we’re very proud of that. In 2021 we introduced a second card design, offered free postage on gift cards, and continued to add on businesses. Over 300 businesses now accept the York Gift Card now, making it the biggest in the UK. When you look at the range of businesses, you understand that it can be bought by, and enjoyed, by anyone, no matter their age, and this is reflected in the 2021 sales data, showing the appeal of local gift cards right across the generations. “When we started the gift card, we thought it would be a card primarily for residents, but it really is a card for all. We’ve had York Gift Cards purchased from as far away as Australia, and for such a wide range of reasons, from winning a pumpkin carving competition, thanking someone for taking care of them during lockdown to a gift for a staycation in York. In 2022 we’ll continue to innovate and grow the York Gift Card, there really is no end to the potential of a local gift card, it can always be developed with new businesses joining and new customers using the card.” Miconex increased the reach of its award winning Town & City Gift Card programme to 70 UK and Irish places in 2021. Analysis of 2021 data shows universal appeal for its local gift cards across the age brackets for both the initial sale of gift cards, and the value of that initial gift card sale. 25-34 year olds lead on gift card transactions but 35-44 year olds lead on gift card value in the UK. In the UK, 25-34 year olds were responsible for 25.44% of gift card transactions, followed by 35-44 year olds (21.15%), 18-24 (15.79%), 45-54 (14.77%), 55-64 (13.74%) and 65+ (9.11%). Higher purchasing value for the 35-44 age group placed this segment into top place for local gift card transaction value in the UK (28.96%), followed by 25-34 (19.94%, 55-64 (16.25%), 45-54 (15.87%), 18-24 (9.93%) and 65+ (9.05%). Women led the way in initial gift card sales and transaction value in the UK at 57%. Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex: “It’s really encouraging that support for local businesses is coming from all across the UK, and from all ages. Our places, like York, have created a local gift card that people want to buy and receive as a gift. Customers can pick up the gift card and instantly see many, many businesses where they could spend their card. It makes the idea of loving local easy for customers to achieve, and to share with others. “As well as the number of businesses, the unique mix of hospitality, retail, attractions and services on the York Gift Card is integral to its success, and is a huge contributing factor to their universal appeal. Whether someone is 18 or 80, there is an activity they’d enjoy, a restaurant they can visit, or a shop they can buy from, all through their gift card. “It’s particularly encouraging to see the adoption of local gift cards by younger people, in both the 25-34 and 18-24 age groups. These age groups may spend slightly less when they buy the gift card initially, but they back the concept of shop local which is vital for the recovery of our businesses, and the future of our high streets. As we roll out our new digital gift cards, we are continuing on our journey to make shop local easy, convenient and appealing to the whole community.”

A new grant scheme to supercharge digital growth across North Lincolnshire launches today. The Government-funded £150,000 cash pot will enable companies to invest in new technology to help them grow, creating more jobs and opportunities. The grants – which can be up to £5,000 – will be targeted at companies looking to invest in the latest technology. This can be anything from specialist cutting-edge hardware and software, upgrading internet connections, buying e-commerce equipment and paying for marketing campaigns or consultancy costs. Businesses of all sizes are eligible to apply, with the minimum award being £1,000. This latest grant programme comes after the launch at the end of last year of start-up grants for new businesses and sustainability grants so companies can upgrade to cleaner and greener equipment. It is part of the council’s pledge to deliver on the levelling-up agenda and support a strong, diverse business sector that will create jobs and enable growth. Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This money will help arm businesses with the cutting-edge technology they need to flourish in the 21st century. “Digitalisation is a key enabler for development, and we are already forging ahead with plans to bring full-fibre connectivity to North Lincolnshire. Businesses can take advantage of that, and more, with the help of these grants.” Ultrafast fibre was installed in parts of Scunthorpe last year and around 900 more commercial properties will be soon able to access the gigabit-enabled broadband thanks to more Government cash, part of the £27m Towns Fund deal for North Lincolnshire. For more information on eligibility for the new grants and to apply, go to the Invest In North Lincolnshire website to book an appointment with a business advisor.

The Government’s White Paper on Levelling Up the UK published yesterday has been broadly welcomed by the Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Pat Doody. The White Paper recognises the value of business-led Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and sets out a 12-point plan for reducing geographical inequalities across the country. But Pat Doody says the lack of devolved powers or a county deal for Lincolnshire is a missed opportunity for the area. “We’re very pleased to see that this Government recognises the value of business-led LEPs and has embedded the role of LEPs in Government policy for the first time,” said Pat. “The White Paper confirms that having an independent business voice in the decision-making process is vital for the economic wellbeing of local areas, skills and jobs. We are committed to working with Government to underpin that, to help build the new structures outlined in the White Paper and to focus on the priorities it sets out.” Pat welcomed the missions set out in the White Paper, in particular the commitment to investing in education in Lincolnshire. Lincolnshire will become one of 55 new Education Investment Areas aiming to improve education for disadvantaged children and young people. The county will receive targeted support including priority for new specialist sixth-form free schools, help for schools to retain the best teachers in high-priority subjects, and access to a new pilot programme to improve pupil attendance. “The increased investment in education is to be welcomed, as is the commitment to increase public funding for research and development away from the South East by 40%,” said Pat. “We will work with business and the universities to make sure we get our fair share of R&D opportunities in Greater Lincolnshire. “And it was encouraging to see our UK Food Valley highlighted in the White Paper as a good example of private sector initiatives supported by the public sector, and the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology cited too.” However, the Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP voiced a concern that future funding for Greater Lincolnshire might not match levels of EU funding seen in the past. “We welcome the news that the process of bidding for funding will be simplified, but the criteria for qualifying to receive cash are still unclear. We remain concerned that money from the Shared Prosperity Fund will not be sufficient to match previous regional funding from the EU for Greater Lincolnshire,” he said. Pat also expressed disappointment that Lincolnshire was not included in the first-wave list of areas to be offered devolution deals. Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Hull/East Yorkshire are all included. “We were disappointed to see that Greater Lincolnshire was not announced in the first wave for a devolution deal, despite being surrounded by areas that were invited,” he said. “As a LEP we will continue to put our shoulder to the wheel by lobbying for Greater Lincolnshire and by working at pace with our local authority partners to seek an early devolution deal. “Our opportunity has been unrealised and under-invested in for decades, and levelling up will only be achieved if it is a priority shared by the whole of Government, working with local and regional leaders.” We all know that we are stronger together, and the Greater Lincolnshire voice must continue to be united and strong.”

Iconic Yorkshire brewery T&R Theakston has announced plans for the permanent return of its much-loved Theakston XB beer after a two-year absence.

The 4.5% ale will be available to stock in pubs and bars across the nation from March 2022, following a return of licensee confidence in cask ale after the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

Often referred to as ‘Masham’s best kept secret’, Theakston XB is a premium strength ruby ale brewed with Bramling Cross and Fuggle hops, boasting subtle rhubarb and apple fruit flavours. First brewed in the 1970s, XB is brewed in Masham and was designed in tribute to the classic English and Scottish ‘border’ style of beer and has quietly established itself as a firm favourite of cask ale enthusiasts.

Theakston XB is the last of the brewery’s core portfolio to be reintroduced following the ongoing coronavirus lockdowns and is to be reinstated at a time when pubs and bars are demonstrating cautious optimism over a growing return to normality.

Simon Theakston, managing director at T&R Theakston, said: “We are certainly raising a glass to the permanent return of Theakston XB as we witness renewed confidence in the future of the hospitality sector from customers and licensees alike. As a beer that is strong in gravity with a low but complex hop character, Theakston XB was and remains an instant success.

“After the unique challenges of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector, we are delighted to now be in a position to permanently reintroduce one of our staple beers, and to continue to diversify the portfolio of handcrafted, legendary ales that we have built our almost 200-year reputation on.”