Energy from waste plant marks tenth operational anniversary

Stuart Pearcey
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Energy from waste plant marks tenth operational anniversary

Ten years into a 25-year contract with operators FCC Environment, Lincolnshire’s Energy from Waste facility in North Hykeham near Lincoln has cut the amount of the county’s waste going to landfill by around 93 percent, converting it into enough energy to power 27,000 homes across the county.

The plant’s General Manager Juergen Schaper said: “We are extremely proud to have reached this very significant milestone. Ten years diverting waste from landfill and converting to energy is a real achievement for Lincolnshire. We are focused on continuing to exceed performance expectations in our successful partnership with the Council as we carry on creating valuable electricity, jobs and community support for the county.” Andy Gutherson, the council’s Executive Director of Place said: “We look forward to our future as we process more waste and generate more energy for the benefit of the local community. “The presence of the facility in the county has a number of positive implications: reducing non-recyclable waste being sent to landfill by around 93 percent and producing power to supply 27,000 homes. These environmentally-friendly and cost-saving results make a real difference for the people of Lincolnshire.” Lincolnshire County Council and FCC Environment work with the seven district councils across Lincolnshire, which make the initial collection of both recyclable and non-recyclable waste from the county’s homes and businesses, diverting only the non-recyclable waste from landfill to the EfW plant for processing. The site is equipped to treat up to 190,000 tonnes of residual waste each year, converting it into 13.1 MW of electricity. The EfW plant has now processed 1.780 million tonnes of waste, producing 830,000 MWh of energy for the National Grid to provide essential power for more than 27,000 homes throughout the county. In addition to the energy produced, the waste treatment process has also produced around 215,000 tonnes of incinerator bottom ash. This material contains metal which can be extracted and aggregate which can be used in the construction of roads. As well as the environmental benefits for Lincolnshire, the North Hykeham plant is expected to save the county council about £30m over the lifetime of the contract by drastically cutting the waste which would have otherwise gone to landfill from 180,000 tonnes per annum to only 12,000 tonnes.  

Harrogate needs joint approach to boost prosperity, say business owners

Stuart Pearcey
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Harrogate needs joint approach to boost prosperity, say business owners

Business owners and tourism leaders have said a joint approach to boosting economic growth and the visitor economy will be vital to the future of Harrogate.

It’s a key focus of North Yorkshire Council’s economic development and tourism teams, who want to take advantage of the benefits of initiatives such as the recently created York and North Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Corporate director of community development is Nic Harne, who said: “Harrogate is recognised across the country and beyond as a jewel in North Yorkshire’s crown, a place not only to do business, but a base to experience the best in events and festivals.

“Thanks to the hard work of those who work in business and the visitor economy, allied to the knowhow of our economic development and tourism teams, the town is well-placed to exploit future opportunities.”

Figures from Visit North Yorkshire, the region’s destination management organisation, show that hotel occupancy in 2023 was up 10 per cent to 78.7 per cent when compared with the previous year, and revenue per room up 15 per cent to £73.55.

One of the people at the heart of the visitor economy is the chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar. She said: “Last year the arts charity delivered 100 events which attracted more than 90,000 people. Tourism and live events are incredibly important to Harrogate.

“From Spiegeltent, a unique pop-up, mirrored venue to the world-renowned Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Carnival to community events, there is a host of live events that drive footfall to our town, booking hotel rooms and spending in the local economy.

“We buy over 1,500 hotel bedrooms in the town from the Harrogate International Festivals office alone for this event, with many more of our visitors booking independently into a host of bed and breakfasts and private accommodation. “The spend for this event alone is huge; bars, restaurants and shops are full and the feedback we receive from retail is incredibly positive.”The Harrogate Chamber of Commerce works closely with businesses across the town to help them to thrive and boost their opportunities.

Its chief executive, Martin Mann, said: “The Chamber benefits hugely from the optimism of and professionalism of those around us in Harrogate.

“From the arts and culture brought to us by the Harrogate Theatre and Harrogate International Festivals to the conferences hosted in the Convention Centre, Harrogate has plenty to be proud of.”

Shorts appoints financial advisor to its wealth management team

Stuart Pearcey
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Shorts appoints financial advisor to its wealth management team
Financial services specialist Shorts has appointed Joseph Tighe to its Wealth Management Team as Financial Adviser. Partner Simon Hollin said: “Joseph’s appointment marks a welcome addition to our advisory team, enabling us to continue our business development and expansion over the coming years.” Joseph added: “Shorts have a long established and proven reputation for excellence, and I am very excited to join their talented Wealth Management team. I look forward to developing the role and playing a part in Shorts’ continued growth.” Established in 1890 and with offices in Sheffield and Chesterfield, Shorts provides financial services, whilst also offering accountancy and taxation services through Shorts Chartered Accountants.

Uniper and Phillips 66 sign agreement for green hydrogen production at Killingholme

Stuart Pearcey
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Uniper and Phillips 66 sign agreement for green hydrogen production at Killingholme

Uniper and Phillips 66 Limited have agreed to work together on a project to produce electrolytic hydrogen at its Killingholme site by 2029.

The Humber H2ub® (Green) project includes plans for an initial electrolytic hydrogen production capacity of up to 120 MW, with the potential for future expansion. The green hydrogen production facility would be developed as part of Uniper’s wider aspirations for the Killingholme Energy Transformation Hub. Uniper and Phillips 66 Limited have signed a collaboration agreement to work together towards a supply of green hydrogen from the Humber H2ub® (Green) project to Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber Refinery from 2029. The hydrogen would be used to replace refinery fuel gas in industrial-scale fired heaters, as part of Phillips 66 Limited’s plans to reduce the Humber Refinery’s scope 1 operational emissions. Hydrogen production is a key pillar of Uniper’s strategy, and our aim is to build more than 1 GW of electrolyser capacity across the business by 2030. The Humber H2ub® (Green) project development and the supply agreement with Phillips 66 Limited are subject to financial investment approval from Uniper’s and Phillips 66 Limited’s management, and several pre-conditions that would have to be satisfied; including securing the necessary planning consents and environmental permit, agreement on terms for the hydrogen offtake and a Low Carbon Hydrogen Agreement with the UK Government. Guy Phillips, Team Lead, Business Development Hydrogen, UK for Uniper, said: “The Humber H2ub® (Green) project is a key part of Uniper’s hydrogen ambitions in the UK and we’re pleased to be collaborating on it with Phillips 66 Limited. The Humber region is recognised as the UK’s most carbon intensive industrial region and hydrogen will be vital in decarbonising and securing the region’s economy. The Humber H2ub® (Green) project could make an important contribution to kick starting the hydrogen economy in the Humber region. “Our Killingholme site is ideally placed with excellent utilities infrastructure. It has the potential to support the UK’s hydrogen and decarbonisation ambitions, creating new high-skilled employment opportunities and ensuring the site continues to make a valuable contribution to the regional economy.” Duncan Hammond, Humber’s Decarbonisation Projects Manager at Phillips 66 Limited, shared: “We are excited to collaborate with Uniper on their low carbon hydrogen project. Hydrogen refuelling will be a big step in lowering the refinery’s emissions as we evolve with the energy transition. Energy security is vital for the UK.Utilising technologies such as low carbon hydrogen produced by electrolysis and also carbon capture will enable us to continue to produce essential products for the transport sector and supply chain, some of which are used in the production of electric vehicle batteries, wind turbine blades, pharmaceuticals and much more. We believe hydrogen will attract new industry, protect jobs, and develop the local economy.”

CPI reduction should be built on to get economy back into gear, says FSB

Stuart Pearcey
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CPI reduction should be built on to get economy back into gear, says FSB
Growth measures targeted at small firms are a good start, and should be built on to get economy back in gear, says the FSB in the wake of news of a reduction in the rise in CPI.
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair, Federation of Small Businesses says any easing in inflation brings relief to small firms, and the reported drop is a step towards reducing interest rates by the summer. But she added it was important not to discount the cumulative damage done to small businesses’ margins and cash reserves by inflation having been so high for so long. “With the fall reported today driven largely by falling food prices for consumers, the hope is that this will ease some of the pressures on household budgets, to the eventual benefit of small firms in consumer-facing sectors. “Small firms ended last year with a decrease in confidence levels, indicating that this first quarter would be tricky in many respects. However, many of the key economic indicators published so far have been a slight improvement compared with 2023, giving rise to a feeling of cautious optimism. “In order for any optimism to be nurtured, the promising start signalled by the increase in the VAT threshold to £90,000, the announcement on apprenticeships from the start of the week, and the business rate relief for small firms in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors should be built on. “What unites these growth-promoting measures is that they are targeted where they will have the most impact: on small firms, who are the ones with the potential to expand and kick the economic recovery into a higher gear. “Measures to ensure employment levels are maintained and improved are also needed. Wage inflation has eroded the Employment Allowance’s relative value, underlining the need for it to be uprated, especially with the impending rise in the National Living Wage. This will help small employers keep people in work, and to grow their workforce. “Politicians and policymakers should remember that small firms have been the driving force behind our recovery from past recessions, and this time around it’ll be no different, if they are given the right conditions to start up, scale up, and prosper.”

Full planning application submitted for new stadium for Sheffield FC and Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club

Tess Egginton
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Full planning application submitted for new stadium for Sheffield FC and Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Club
Sheffield FC, The World’s First football club, and Sheffield Eagles, the city’s professional rugby league club, have submitted a full planning application to Sheffield City Council outlining plans for a 5,000-capacity inclusive community stadium. The new stadium, which will be based at the former Sheffield Transport Sports Club site at Meadowhead, will see a partnership forged between Sheffield Eagles and Sheffield FC. The ambitious community stadium will encompass professional football and rugby league facilities as well as a cricket pavilion, multi-use artificial sports pitches, a football museum and an indoor community sports hall. It is planned that the stadium development scheme will be a fully inclusive community destination for sport and physical activity. Long-term commercial viability will be achieved by maximising public access and community use through health and well-being activities, educational programmes, social and other community events. In addition, park-and-ride facilities will be available within the development. The proposed 5,000-capacity stadium will meet the highest standards for both Football and Rugby League, adhering to both Football League and Super League criteria. The destination will enable Sheffield Eagles and Sheffield FC to consolidate their full range of sporting, educational, community and cultural activities on the purpose-built site. In addition to both club’s men’s and women’s teams, Sheffield Eagles Wheelchair, Learning Disability and Physical Disability teams will all be based at the complex, which will allow the club to further develop homegrown talent and provide a base for both clubs’ extensive community programmes. The development will also generate highway improvements and cycleways in the local area. Chairman of Sheffield FC Richard Tims said: “This development will not be just another shared rugby and football ground. It will be a new destination for Sheffield Eagles and ‘The World’s First Football Club’ Sheffield FC. “Whilst the site will be grounded firmly in the unique history and heritage of both clubs, including Sheffield’s status as the ‘Home of Football’, it will also be an exciting destination for sport, physical activity, business, educational, cultural, and other events that will attract local, regional, national, and international audiences. “We plan on creating a vibrant destination on both the days when Sheffield Eagles and Sheffield FC teams are playing in the stadium, as well as on non-match days through a busy diary of community, social and other activities such as conferences and meetings, functions and cultural activities. “We want to create a destination that attracts and grows the supporter bases of both Sheffield Eagles and Sheffield FC, as well as drawing local communities and visitors to the various events and activities throughout the year. “The stadium has the potential to generate positive economic development, social, and community impacts for the visitor economy of Sheffield and the wider City Region by attracting additional expenditure as well as raising the profile of sport in Sheffield in the UK and internationally.” Sheffield Eagles Director of Rugby Mark Aston said: “We’re very excited to have reached the milestone of submitting our planning permission application for the development of the Meadowhead site which will give us the facilities we need to not only achieve our ambitions to return to Super League, but also to give us a base from which to grow our already extensive community programme. “The feedback from both sets of fans and networks of sponsors has been overwhelmingly positive and everyone sees the potential of both clubs being unlocked with the facilities which are being planned for, which will be world-class. “We have also had very positive feedback from our governing body, the Rugby Football League, who are supportive of our plans and see how the development can benefit both the Rugby League in Sheffield and on a national basis. “It’s a great piece of news to kick off our 40th Anniversary Year with and we look forward to continuing our work with Sheffield FC on the next stage of the project.”

About turn after 24 hours: HMRC halts plans for on line DIY tax advice

Stuart Pearcey
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About turn after 24 hours: HMRC halts plans for on line DIY tax advice
Changes to HM Revenue and Customs’ helpline services announced only yesterday are being halted after a wave of negative feedback. HMRC wants to encourage people to get tax advice online, but is now halting its plans in response to the feedback while it engages with its stakeholders about how to ensure all taxpayers’ needs – including small businesses – are met. HMRC Chief Executive Jim Harra said the pace of change needed to match the public appetite for managing tax affairs on line. He said: “We’ve listened to the feedback and we’re halting the helpline changes as we recognise more needs to be done to ensure all taxpayers’ needs are met, whilst also encouraging them to transition to online services.” The changes to the Self Assessment, VAT and PAYE helplines announced by HMRC will all be halted while HMRC engages with stakeholders. This means the phone lines will remain open between April and September. HMRC will continue encouraging customers to self-serve where possible and access the information they need more quickly and easily by going online or to the HMRC app, which is available 24/7.

Leeds-based Endless completes sale of educational resources supplier to leader in European B2B ecommerce

Tess Egginton
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Leeds-based Endless completes sale of educational resources supplier to leader in European B2B ecommerce
Endless has successfully exited its investment in educational resources supplier Findel to Paris-headquartered leader in European B2B ecommerce Manutan. Endless originally acquired Findel in April 2021 from Studio Retail Group plc. Headquartered in Hyde, Greater Manchester, Findel also has a distribution centre and offices in Nottingham and employs around 300 people. Today, the company’s brands and websites offer more than 32,000 products to educators and parents based in the UK and overseas with the business exporting to 130 countries. Commenting on the sale, Findel Chief Executive, Chris Mahady, said: “It’s been a remarkable three years with the Endless team, where we have transformed the business from an unloved and non-core division of a plc to the digital leader in our sector with ESG at the heart of our operations and culture. “We’ve invested in our family of brands, giving them each a distinct identity that matches their customers wants and needs. We’ve invested in our operations and systems to ensure we can, and are, giving our customers the best experience we can with most orders delivered within 24 hours. “Endless also encouraged us to be brave with our ESG commitments and we completed a refinancing with a Sustainability Linked Loan. This has impactful ESG-related covenants and we made further public commitments by joining the Science Based Targets Initiative. “As a business, we had always done a lot in the communities in which we operate and we then launched the Findel Foundation as the umbrella for all of our charitable and social work supporting children and education. “It was as a result of this sustainable, in every sense, business transformation that we were then able to attract a fantastic business like Manutan to become our new long-term owner.” Manutan, which has a specialism in educational supplies, employs 2,200 people and operates 28 subsidiaries across 17 European countries, including the UK. The business offers in excess of 800,000 products to its customers and has a turnover of €946m. The company’s mission is ‘enterprising for a better world.’ Endless investment partner, Andy Ross, added: “It has been an absolute pleasure working closely with Chris and the entire team at Findel. Working with a team who cares so passionately about what they do and, importantly, how they do it, was a real privilege. Our role in this partnership was to provide guidance and support to the management team to help them unlock the huge latent potential in the business. “At Endless, we are only ever a temporary custodian of a business, but I’m incredibly proud of what our teams have achieved over the last three years and look forward to see what they can do as part of the Manutan Group in the future.” Owner and chairman of Manutan Group, Xavier Guichard, said: “Following on from our strong growth in recent years, we’re delighted to be acquiring Findel, whose culture, focus on people, performance and shared values, is totally aligned with our own principles. “We also share the same business model, which combines the strengths of digital technology (our e-commerce solutions) with a strong focus on sustainability, providing service excellence to customers and suppliers.” The investment in Findel was managed by Andy Ross and David Isaacs from Endless. Endless was advised on the sale by Rob Burden and his team at Clearwater (corporate finance) and Debbie Jackson and her team at Walker Morris (legal). Due diligence support was provided by CIL (commercial), KPMG (financial and tax), Anthesis (ESG) and Intechnica (digital). All values relating to the acquisition are undisclosed.

Nicholas Associates Group steps up to support local communities with ’50 for £50 Challenge’

Tess Egginton
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Nicholas Associates Group steps up to support local communities with ’50 for £50 Challenge’

Nicholas Associates Group (NAG), a provider of workforce solutions, has announced its recent initiative to support local community food banks through the ’50 for £50 Challenge’.

Throughout February, the company challenged its teams across the UK to walk 50 miles in return for a donation from NAG to enable the team to buy £50 of groceries for a local food bank. Sixteen teams took part, collectively raising £800.

In Sheffield, three teams completed the challenge from the NAG head office in Rotherham and £150 in groceries was delivered to the Archer Project, which helps homeless and vulnerable people.

NAG Group CEO, Paul Smith said: “Community support has always been a core value at Nicholas Associates Group, and we are constantly seeking innovative ways to give back.”

He continued: “The ’50 for £50 Challenge’ provided an excellent opportunity for our teams to come together, not only to support local food banks but also to prioritise their own wellness by getting outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and fostering meaningful connections with their colleagues.”

The challenge received an overwhelmingly positive response from employees across the company. Teams enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to make a difference in their communities while also prioritising their own well-being.

Paul emphasised: “This is just the beginning of our commitment to community engagement. We are excited to introduce our latest initiative, the ‘March on in March’ challenge.

“Building on the success of our ’50 for £50′ challenge, teams will continue to walk for a cause. For every 10 miles exceeded beyond the initial 50, an additional £10 will be donated to support local communities. We’re eager to see the impact we can make together.”

Bird flu controls strengthened with new poultry sector registration rules

Stuart Pearcey
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Bird flu controls strengthened with new poultry sector registration rules
New measures to better protect the poultry sector from future avian influenza outbreaks have been set out by the government. Under the changes announced there will be new requirements for all bird keepers – regardless of the size of their flock – to officially register their birds. Currently only those who keep 50 or more poultry must do so, limiting the effectiveness of our national disease control measures. By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks. This will help to manage potential disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease, and limit any spread. The information on the register will also be used to identify all bird keepers in disease control zones, allowing for more effective surveillance, so that zones can be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity and trade can resume more quickly following an outbreak of avian disease in Great Britain. The changes come following the UK’s worst ever outbreak of avian influenza, with more than 360 cases across Great Britain since late October 2021, including in a significant number of backyard flocks. Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer said: “These new rules will enable us to have a full picture of the number and location of birds kept across Great Britain, making it easier to track and manage the spread of avian disease. “This information will be vital in helping to inform future risk assessments and maintain our commitment to continually building our extensive avian influenza research portfolio.”
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