Food entrepreneur urges manufacturers to share in donating five million meals a year

Stuart Pearcey
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Food entrepreneur urges manufacturers to share in donating five million meals a year

2 Sisters Food Group owner Ranjit Singh Boparan has urged other manufacturers to join him to help tackle the continuing food insecurity crisis gripping UK households by donating up to five million meals every year.

He intends to increase food donations from his food manufacturing empire, which has premises in Scunthorpe, following his announcement last November to work in partnership with charity FareShare and retailers.

He said: “We have a moral responsibility to do the right thing. It cannot be right that in the UK in 2024 people are struggling to feed themselves. No-one should go to sleep on an empty stomach at night, especially not children.

“I have previously committed to supporting the King’s Coronation Food Project and in partnership with M&S, we are working to boost Fareshare’s distribution efforts.  However, I do feel it is time for individual companies who make food to step up and help alleviate this problem.

“This also requires a big effort from our supply chain and it’s fantastic to see so much goodwill and support. Without the support of companies like Magnavale who are storing these products for us, this entire distribution effort wouldn’t be possible.”

Millions of people – including one in five families with children – have gone hungry or skipped meals in recent weeks because they could not regularly afford to buy groceries, according to new food insecurity data.

According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to about eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years.

In November 2023, Ranjit met The King in support of the Coronation Food Project following his pre-Christmas donation of one million meals, donated in partnership with M&S.

 

£20k grant helps Driffield business cut its carbon footprint

Stuart Pearcey
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£20k grant helps Driffield business cut its carbon footprint
Driffield-based engineering company Shields has significantly reduced its carbon footprint with the help of a £20,000 grant secured with the help of the Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team. The grant has been invested in a large solar panel installation at the company’s premises on the town’s Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate. Carey Kelly, a Director at Shields, said: “We have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Invest East Yorkshire Business Support team. As the business has grown and our plans have changed, we have worked closely with them, not just in relation to financial assistance but also for ongoing advice and guidance. We are very appreciative of this support and look forward to this relationship continuing as we grow as a business and create more skilled jobs for Driffield and the surrounding area.” Business Advisor Chris Moore said: “Following a review of the business and a discussion about its growth plans, we arranged for Shields to have an independent energy assessment by a specialist company that we appointed. This was fully funded and highlighted a number of energy saving measures they could take as part of their commitment to becoming more environmentally sustainable.” Shields is a family-owned mechanical engineering and bulk processing company established in 1984. It now employs more than 50 people and works with customers across the UK. Shields first worked with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Team more than ten years ago and, since then, has benefited from the advice, support and knowledge of its team of advisors on several occasions, helping to further fuel its growth and development. Most recently, the company worked with Business Advisor Chris Moore to access a £20,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This enabled Shields to achieve its goal of drastically reducing its carbon footprint by investing in a large solar panel installation project at its headquarters in Driffield.

Vacant space in Hull to be brought back into use as leisure and social venue

Tess Egginton
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Vacant space in Hull to be brought back into use as leisure and social venue
Dozens of city centre jobs will be created at a new, modern leisure and social venue in Hull. Hull City Council has allocated £400,000 of external funding to Federation of Sport Limited to bring back into use over 1,500sqm of vacant floor space at Unit 7, King William House. The unit has stood empty for an extended period but will now see a brand-new facility as part of the Lowgate building’s overall regeneration in recent years. The project will involve the installation of high-grade sports technology, including audio-visual equipment, as well as two bars and communal areas and a fully-fitted, commercial-grade kitchen. The overall cost of the works is projected to be almost £2m, meaning more than £1.5m of private capital is being invested into the city centre. There are 43.5 full-time equivalent job vacancies expected to be created as a result. Garry Taylor, assistant director of major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “King William House has seen significant regeneration in recent times and it’s pleasing to see another plan come to fruition. “City centre grants have unlocked so much potential for Hull and I’m delighted that the council has been able to provide further support.”

New chair for Keighley Town Board

Tess Egginton
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New chair for Keighley Town Board
Bradford Council has welcomed a new chair to the inaugural Keighley Town Board. As part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda, Keighley was awarded £33.6m via the Towns Fund for its Town Investment Plan in 2021, and has since has been allocated up to £20m to deliver a Long Term Plan. The Keighley Town Board has been set up to deliver both plans and is made up of representatives from local businesses as well as charitable and voluntary organisations, with support from Bradford Council. The newly-elected chair Tim Rogers is the CEO of Future Transformation, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to close the digital divide and reverse climate change. Born and raised in Keighley, Tim is a fellow of the University of Bradford as well as chair of the Digital Makers Operational Board and sits on various boards across the region with a STEM focus. Tim is also on the DSIT Cyber Security Board advising on policy and skills provision. Tim said: “Keighley has some of the most recognisable and important cultural assets of the whole district with the Worth Valley Railway, the heritage of the Brontë’s, our buildings such as Cliffe Castle, incredible local businesses like Timothy Taylors and so much more. “My vision is to use this multi-million pound investment from the public purse to create an environment where the private sector can see a sustainable return on any investment – allowing Keighley to realise it’s potential in its economy, skills, heritage, creativity and transport aspirations. “In order to do that we all need to be on the same page and we need to work together in a truly collaborative way. I want to hear from people in all Keighley’s communities, and from businesses, schools and colleges in Keighley on what they want to see. This really is our time to shape our own future over the next ten years and beyond. And it will happen with everyone supporting it.” Tim will oversee the delivery of some of the board’s pivotal projects such as the Providence Park development, the Community Grants programme, the Town Centre Infrastructure project and the Capital Assistance to Business Growth grants. Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The previously-established Keighley Towns Fund board has already been successful in delivering some excellent work. With the additional funding through the Long Term Plan, the vision for Keighley will now be developed further and this will of course take previous plans for the town into consideration. “We are pleased to welcome Tim as chair to drive the work of the Keighley Town Board. With his experience, he will be an asset to the team. These are exciting times for Keighley. The level of investment in the town is significant and it will be transformative.”

My Pension Expert acquires financial adviser

Tess Egginton
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My Pension Expert acquires financial adviser
Doncaster-based My Pension Expert has acquired Tenet&You. Tenet&You is a financial adviser that provides tailored advice to ensure clients’ finances are in the best possible place to match their circumstances and aspirations. It was appointed as a representative of the Tenet Group. This is My Pension Expert’s first acquisition. Tenet&You has £490 million assets under administration, taking the combined entity to approximately £1 billion assets under influence. As part of the acquisition process, Tenet&You will operate as an appointed representative of My Pension Expert. Then, in due course clients will be moved across to My Pension Expert systems as they become part of the My Pension Expert group. My Pension Expert CEO, Andrew Megson, said: “We’re delighted to conclude the acquisition of Tenet&You; a business that shares our ambition to empower all UK consumers to achieve their financial goals, and build our organic growth model. This exciting move will ensure My Pension Expert can deliver high-quality, independent financial advice to more people nationwide. “Throughout this entire process, our focus has been on ensuring the best possible outcomes for the existing Tenet&You customers. Much work has gone into making sure the move is seamless, and My Pension Expert is perfectly positioned to provide our new clients with outstanding service and care. “This marks our first acquisition, and we look forward to continuing our growth and strengthening our offering in the future. We’re an ambitious business, and the entire team are excited to continue driving My Pension Expert forward in the years to come.”

Music hub vision takes major step forward with £1.6m Canada House purchase

Tess Egginton
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Music hub vision takes major step forward with £1.6m Canada House purchase
Harmony Works Trust has reached a key project milestone following its purchase of the 35,000 sq ft Grade II* Listed Canada House in Sheffield City Centre. The £14m Harmony Works project will restore and revitalise Canada House, one of Sheffield’s grandest buildings. The building will be transformed into a new, central music education hub for young musicians from across the city and region. Harmony Works will be home to every genre of music and music-inspired culture offering spaces for teaching, practising, rehearsing and performing. The Trust, which was awarded charitable status in August 2023, has bought Canada House from retail brand Panache for £1.6 million. The Harmony Works project and Canada House refurbishment is backed by multiple funding initiatives, including Government Levelling Up Funds secured by Sheffield City Council to support the regeneration of Castlegate. Canada House’s city-centre location means it can be reached by public transport from all parts of South Yorkshire ensuring that the very best music education is accessible for all. Founded by Sheffield Music Hub, Sheffield Music Academy, Brass Bands England, and Music in the Round, the project is also backed by Sheffield City Council, major public funders, the Sheffield Culture Collective, and the universities. Commenting on the project’s progress, David Hobson, Chair of Harmony Works Trust, said: “Our goal is to foster growth and transformation through the power of music. We are incredibly excited to announce that Canada House is officially ours. This is a huge milestone moment for our project. “We, alongside all our partners, collaborators and funders, have worked incredibly hard to get this far, and we want to say a massive thank you to them for all their help and support to date.” Emily Pieters, Harmony Works’ Project Director, added: “While we’re one step nearer to achieving our long-term goals of creating a more accessible and inclusive musical pathway for the young people and their communities across the Sheffield region, our work here is just beginning. “With significant support from the public sector secured, we now need the help of our private sector to get this project over the finish line.” Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Skills and Development Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “As well as creating an educational and inspirational space in Sheffield, the Harmony Works project will be a major catalyst for change in our city, particularly the Castlegate area. “It will also help to preserve one of our city’s finest historic buildings and bring forward a plan to transform music provision in the region.” An Italianate Renaissance-style building, Canada House was built in 1875 for the Sheffield United Gas Company. Over the past few decades, the building has taken many guises, from nightclubs to restaurants, and has more recently been home to specialist lingerie brand Panache. The funding support to date has been provided by the Architectural Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the UK Government, and local Trusts and Foundations. International law firm CMS LLP has also provided pro-bono legal support for the project since 2018. Harmony Works Trust is now applying for additional funding support from Arts Council England and Trusts and Foundations for its next phase of the project.

Keighley businesses share in almost £1m to boost business and create new jobs

Stuart Pearcey
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Keighley businesses share in almost £1m to boost business and create new jobs
More than 20 businesses in Keighley have been awarded more than £973,000, and 15 businesses in Shipley have received more than £604,000 with the expectation of 151 jobs being created across both areas as a result. The money has come from the Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds, with more still available. The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is part of the Government-funded Towns Fund and there is £4m available to support local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, with approximately £2m allocated to each. Grants are allocated by the Towns Fund boards for each town, made up of private sector representatives, with support from Bradford Council. Businesses can use the grant to invest in premises, machinery, equipment or property to fit out and bringing disused buildings back into use. Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area. “Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.” Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. This kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible, has access to it.” Chair of Keighley Towns Fund Tim Rogers, added: “Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to support them. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.”

Major open die forge project enters second phase

Tess Egginton
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Major open die forge project enters second phase
A demolition programme at Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane base has opened the site up for the next phase of construction for the UK’s largest open die Forge. With a footprint of 150 metres by 84 metres, the location is now undergoing piling works for the foundations and base, which will support a 13,800 sq m building containing a new 13,000 tonne heavy forging press, furnaces, quenching pits and cranes. Partnered by Vinci Building, who have secured a £138 million contract to deliver the Forge building, Sheffield Forgemasters is undertaking a site-wide recapitalisation programme to produce a new level of technological advancements and production facilities in support of the UK’s defence programmes. Craig Fisher, Recapitalisation and Transformation Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We are now at a notable milestone in our Forge project, with the site fully cleared and processed so that piling works can proceed. “This moves the project into its next phase, which is where the pace of delivery ramps up.” Demolition and remediation works have been underway for the past seven months, including removal of internal steel structures, stabilising the ground, removal of any contaminants, processing more than 25,000m3 of spoil, and crushing 4,500m3 of old concrete to clear the site. Chris Winspear, from VINCI Building, said: “We are delighted that we have now completed the demolition and prepared the first areas of site ready to receive the substructure works for the new building. We are looking forward to the next phase of the project working in collaboration with our supply chain partner, Cementation Skanska, appointed to undertake piling and ground engineering package of works.” Working closely with VINCI Building, piling specialist Cementation Skanska will construct a 200 metre long secant pile wall for the new forge, between eight and ten metres deep. In total, 1,500 piles will be required for the project. The forging line is set to be operational in the summer of 2027 and will be complemented by a new machining facility, which is currently being scoped, containing multiple versions of the world’s largest, most advanced, five-axis vertical turning lathes and creating an unparalleled manufacturing facility. Craig Fisher added: “The scope of what we are undertaking at Sheffield Forgemasters is unmatched since the Victorian era, with facilities which will work to create a new standard of large-scale engineering accuracy, innovation and speed for complex, nuclear-grade components. “An uplift in defence contracts has meant that we need the capacity of our facilities to be able to match increased throughput.” The forging line and proposed machine shop will service defence and commercial work in sectors such as civil nuclear power, creating a new generation of engineers and designers, trained to work with Industry 4.0 technologies. Turner & Townsend is also a supporting partner for the Sheffield Forgemasters project, alongside Tetra-Tech.

Agreement safeguards £300m regeneration of RAF Scampton

Stuart Pearcey
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Agreement safeguards £300m regeneration of RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council has reached an agreement with the Home Office to explore temporary dual use of Lincolnshire’s former RAF Scampton site, marking a significant step forward in securing the council’s vision to deliver its regeneration plans for the site through collaboration. Under the agreement, outstanding legal action will be withdrawn. The Home Office, which has planning permission awarded through a Special Development Order can use the site for a fixed period of time, up to October 2027 and has agreed to house a significantly reduced number of asylum seekers. The agreement also allows the council to use a portion of the land to pursue the regeneration of the site with preferred development partner Scampton Holdings Limited. The Home Office will retain just 10% of the site to temporarily house up to 800 asylum seekers – compared to the original 2,000. Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young said the agreement is the culmination of weeks of negotiations with the Home Office and the result provides the community and investors greater certainty for the long-term future of the site. He said:“The specific details of the agreement are still being finalised, but this agreement paves the way forward for the short-term and long-term use of the site. “The council have always been clear that whilst it is our view that the site is unsuitable for large scale asylum accommodation, protecting the investment and regeneration plans for the site is a priority. This agreement provides the principles by which we can collaborate to unlock our investment and regeneration plan by working with the Home Office through a shared use proposal.” Cllr Young thanked the community for its continued support and said the council will focus its scrutiny and challenge to ensure the impact of asylum accommodation on the local community is as little as possible. The Home Office has committed to working with the council and Historic England to protect the heritage of the site, which is the former home of the Dambusters. Two listed hangars, the listed officers’ mess and Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s dog’s grave will be transferred to West Lindsey District Council once a legal agreement is in place, with the remaining listed hangars being transferred in 2026. As previously announced, the £300m of investment into the regeneration of the former RAF Scampton will preserve, protect, and enhance the site by providing aviation heritage, business, aerospace, space and education opportunities. Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council said:  “This marks a turning point in the council’s journey to protect the £300 million investment and regeneration plan. Our strategy to challenge every detail and hold the Home Office to account has successfully delivered the conditions in which the opportunity to collaborate and deliver a temporary, shared use of the site now exists. “This includes a significant reduction in operating capacity of the asylum accommodation centre, a vastly reduced Home Office footprint, and a suite of conditions on the Special Development Order designed to mitigate the impact of the development. “I am confident that over the coming months we can continue to use our energy and passion to protect this site and to develop an innovative and creative shared use proposal which allows for the kickstarting of plans to bring significant investment into West Lindsey and Lincolnshire.”

BCC sets out wish list for post-election Government

Stuart Pearcey
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BCC sets out wish list for post-election Government
The British Chambers of Commerce has set out a five-point wish list for immediate action to present to the post-July4th government. It wants to see:
  • An Industrial Strategy with green innovation at its heart.
  • Better skills planning, bringing businesses and training providers together.
  • Business rates reform to encourage growth and investment.
  • Improved relations with the European Union to cut the costs for business.
  • A Government appointed AI champion for SMEs to spearhead uptake of new technology.
The plan is part of the BCC’s ‘Future of the Economy’ manifesto. The manifesto includes the biggest ideas from a series of extensive policy documents published this year, focusing on the key economic challenges identified by the BCC. The challenges are: Green Innovation, People and Work, Local Economies of the Future, Global Britain and the Digital Revolution. The manifesto has been brought together after extensive consultation with the Chamber network, the BCC’s Business Council, external stakeholders and academics. Baroness Martha Lane Fox, President of the BCC said: “In the frenzy of the election campaign, it’s crucial that all politicians focus on the power of British business. “As I travel across the UK meeting Chambers and their businesses, I hear amazing stories of people determined to grow their businesses and make a difference in our remarkable country. But time and again businesses tell me they want to see a long-term vision for the economy.” “Our manifesto showcases practical ideas on how politicians can help companies successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities our economy faces. It’s a blueprint for boosting productivity and a pathway to higher growth. “Whichever party is in power after July 4th the immediate focus must be on implementing our five-point-plan for business. The stakes for business from the next government could not be higher.” BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland added: “A General Election is an important time for our country, our economy and our businesses. “The companies we represent are the drivers of economic growth and the employers of millions of people. They need to know that politicians have got their back. Once the votes are counted – we want government to know how to help business. Our five-point-plan is clear. “As companies play their part in the UK’s net-zero journey, we desperately need an industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart. “Firms are constantly telling us they can’t get the skills they need. We need better strategic planning on skills that helps business and training providers work together. “In local communities, firms are crying out for a fairer business rates system. Over a quarter (26%) of companies told us earlier this year they’d changed plans to upgrade or open premises because of the system. “The EU is the UK’s biggest market, so we urgently need to get a better trading relationship with our closest neighbour. It’s not about rewriting the referendum result, it’s about cutting red-tape and promoting trade. “The world of AI has huge potential to boost economic productivity. But it’s important that SMEs aren’t left behind, or vulnerable, as new technology accelerates. A Government appointed AI champion will help spearhead a boost in AI uptake by SMEs. “We believe our 5-point plan creates an immediate pathway for a new government, of whatever party, to help businesses succeed. When business succeeds, the country succeeds.”
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