Hull-based firm invests £1m in Bedfordshire training facility
Hull-based Ideal Heating is investing £1m in an Expert Academy expect ted to open next month to equip installers with the skills to fit, maintain and service domestic and commercial heat pumps.
The new Training and Technology Centre is at Insignia Park in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, just a few minutes from Luton and the M1 motorway.
The new hub follows the opening in January 2023 of the award-winning Expert Academy’s pioneering National Training and Technology Centre in Hessle, East Yorkshire.
The purpose-built £2.2m National Training and Technology Centre was the first dedicated centre of its kind in the UK. The training it offers is also focused primarily on green technologies, as the industry transitions from traditional gas boilers to environment-friendly alternatives.
Ideal Heating is part of Groupe Atlantic, a global leader in thermal comfort. Andrew Johnson, Training Director for Groupe Atlantic UK, Republic of Ireland and North America, said: “Following the huge success of our National Training and Technology Centre, we know just how much our customers value the importance of industry-leading facilities.
“We believe in providing the highest quality training experiences possible with carefully designed programmes and first-class facilities across the UK.
“Our training technologies, together with our comfortable and relaxed learning spaces, provide the best learning environments for our expert team to deliver unrivalled training.
“We’re delighted to be opening this impressive new facility, which is ideally positioned, with excellent road and rail links, for us to serve large areas of the South East, London and the central corridor.”
Ideal Heating is part way through a £60m investment programme at its main UK manufacturing and logistics hub in Hull, where over 800 people are employed. This investment includes a new £10m UK Technology Centre, which will play a key role in developing and testing low carbon heating solutions.
Dalton Industrial Estate gets £129,000 grant to help with 12-month decarbonising study
Decarbonising Dalton has been awarded more than £129,000 by Innovate UK towards a £202,000 12 month-long feasibility study at the rural Dalton Industrial estate near Thirsk, to look into emissions associated with power, heat, materials and transport and how those can be reduced.
Business leaders hope that the solution will find a pathway to net zero for other industrial estates across the country to follow.
It is projected that electricity demand on the estate of 28 businesses, including nine larger companies, will more than double in the next three years and beyond, with planning permission already granted to extend the area by another 22 hectares.
The project will draw up detailed assessments for each business and propose an action plan to take them to net zero whilst minimising offsetting. It will be delivered in five phases – business needs assessments, quick win reductions, shared onsite opportunities, offsite interventions, and collation and knowledge sharing.
Executive member for climate change, Cllr Greg White, said: “There is growing enthusiasm among Dalton business leaders to tackle carbon emissions but there are also constraints on the electricity grid. Owners of the largest businesses – and users – are working together to find a solution that helps them all grow in a more sustainable manner.
“They are looking at innovative ways to maximise benefits for the environment as well as for themselves. They aim to plan a route to net zero for Dalton which will become a blueprint for the decarbonisation of smaller, particularly rural industrial estates across the UK.”
The project is being led by a partnership of ourselves, six Dalton businesses – Cleveland Steel and Tubes Limited, Wetherby Stone Products Limited, Severfield plc, Inspired Pet Nutrition Limited, Citivale Group Holdings Ltd and National Tube Stockholders – and Northern Powergrid.
Partnership spokesperson and head of ESG at Severfield plc, Michaela Lindridge, said: “We are all committed to advancing the decarbonisation of our industries through our normal business so we are thrilled and excited to be able to potentially take the lead in decarbonisation for industry in general.
“Sustainability plays a vital role in the way in which we do business. Together we can support our ambitions for carbon neutral manufacturing in the region, as well as share experience and expertise in green technologies and actively working together to diminish our carbon footprint through sustainable production practices and energy-efficient manufacturing.
“This project presents a unique opportunity to drive sustainability forward for many different businesses and we are excited to see what opportunities lie ahead”
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.
Dr Bryony Livesey, UKRI Challenge Director, Industrial Decarbonisation said: “This project shows the keenness of businesses to collaborate on plans to decarbonise by forming local industrial clusters and working together to drive down emissions. This is a crucial step in tackling decarbonisation at dispersed sites on the UK’s journey towards net zero by 2050.”
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers see mixed start of the year
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers are seeing a mixed picture as they start the year but confidence is remaining robust despite the UK economy remaining weak overall.
However, Make UK is forecasting growth for manufacturing of just 0.1% in 2024 and 0.8% in 2025 which is weaker growth than the economy overall.
The findings come in the Q4 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. According to the survey, output in Yorkshire & the Humber fell in the first few months of the year. However, looking forward both output and orders are set to pick up substantially in the second quarter of the year in line with the national picture.
However, this picture is not currently being reflected in either investment intentions or recruitment, although this reflects an easing from a strong picture for both indicators last year rather than any negative pattern.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for the North at Make UK, said: “After the economic and political shocks of the last few years there is now strong confidence among manufacturers in Yorkshire & the Humber, despite the mixed picture. While growth in the economy is not exactly supercharged, the positive announcements in the Autumn Statement and Budget can at least allow them to plan with more certainty for the future.”
Steve Talbot, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire, added: “Manufacturers across Yorkshire and the Humber have continued to show their ability to overcome wave after wave of challenges, but they cannot continue to do this indefinitely without some more long-term support from the Government.
“The expected increase in output and orders in the latter half of this year is positive and in line with the overall national picture, but whatever happens over the next quarter will be critical to manufacturing businesses in the region.”
Rotherham MP bids to change the law about food traceability
The NFU has worked closely with her to develop the Bill which would amend two existing Acts of Parliament relating to requirements to be followed in public procurement. These include the need for a contracting authority to consider what proportion of the food originates from the UK.
Public procurement is the purchase of goods and services on behalf of a public authority, such as a government agency.
In December 2023, the NFU published its manifesto ‘Farming for Britain’s Future’, calling on a future government to identify opportunities to increase our market share of foods the country could produce sustainably, including a commitment to source half of food eaten in the public sector from British farms. The reporting of the origin of public sector sourced food is essential to monitor progress towards this ambition.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: “This would guarantee more British farmers and growers delivering high quality, fresh, seasonal and affordable food to world-leading environmental and welfare standards into our schools, prisons, hospitals and the military.
“Despite spending £2.4 billion on the the public procurement of food, disappointingly, there is currently no record of what proportion of this food is currently supplied by British farmers and growers,” he added.
“We know there is huge support across the country for food served in the public sector to be British,” David added, citing the NFU’s research, carried out by Deltapoll, which found that 76% of the public want the government to commit to sourcing at least half of all food for schools, prisons and hospitals from British farms.
Doncaster Chamber welcomes publication of reports’ potential for area’s businesses
Doncaster Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the arrival of two South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority publications and is optimistic about what they could mean for local businesses going forward.
The Plan For Good Growth and the new Skills Strategy were launched simultaneously, with each representing a commitment from SYMCA to help our region unlock its full potential. Both documents place an emphasis on innovation and embracing fresh ideas, while also being firmly grounded in reality and attuned to what’s happening on the ground level in places like Doncaster.
Chamber CEO Dan Fell said The Plan for Good Growth was concerned primarily with how the region will attract further inward investment and create more high-paying jobs in the future. Meanwhile, the Skills Strategy looks at what more can be done to retain talent here in South Yorkshire. He sad: “More specifically, it sets out three key missions: to help those who are currently unemployed transition more easily into the world of work; to ensure that people are equipped with the core knowledge they need to thrive in today’s labour market; and to generally increase the supply of a high-skilled workforce.
“It’s great to see such strong, but crucially realistic, ambitions being articulated for our region. We believe that this vision bodes well for South Yorkshire and that it will inject some much-needed positive energy into the discussion about where we are heading next.
“The Plan for Good Growth contains a lot of laudable aspirations, including ideas for improving our existing infrastructure as well as for encouraging further innovation and productivity; all of which will be instrumental to our success going forward. Between our Investment Zone status and major assets — like the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and Gateway East — there is already a lot of great opportunity here for the indigenous SME community and it’s imperative that we do all we can to help them seize it.
“It feels as though partnerships are working far more effectively in South Yorkshire than they have done for quite some time, and we are seeing a pleasingly collegiate atmosphere develop. The Plan for Good Growth gives us something new to rally behind so that we can continue in this vein and work towards a shared ambition that will really benefit our communities.
“If national government take note of this plan as well, and fully commit to partnering with the region on it, then they will find that there are several ideas here that will help them deliver upon their flagship levelling up policy. We know that our members feel very passionately about this need for greater collaboration with government— a point reinforced when the Levelling Up Advisory Council recently visited South Yorkshire — and so we hope the ambition of this plan is properly heeded by Whitehall.
“All in all, we are optimistic about these two strategic documents from SYMCA and expect that they will deliver great things for the region. Of course, this hard work must now move beyond vision and towards implementation. It is action, not just words, that the business community ultimately wants to see. Nonetheless, today’s strategies were a confident stride in the right direction.”
Manufacturing conference puts innovation and sustainability under the spotlight
Innovation and sustainability were key areas of focus at the Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland Manufacturing Conference, when delegates discussed the future of a sector contributing £5.6 billion to the regional economy.
The conference, hosted by Business Lincolnshire in partnership with NatWest, brought together ndustry experts, thought leaders, and business owners to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in the region.
The manufacturing sector in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland alone employs 66,000 workers and contributes £5.6 billion to the local economy, representing 21% of the total economic value (GVA) in the region. What’s more, over the past decade, the sector has experienced a remarkable 64% growth in real terms, outpacing the national average.
Laura Capper, Head of Manufacturing and Construction at NatWest, offered insights into the financial and non-financial solutions essential for supporting the growth ambitions of manufacturing businesses.
Shane Peel and Angela Borman from Siemens Energy shared their journey and expertise, underscoring the importance of skills development and sustainability in driving manufacturing excellence. A key takeaway from their session that resonated in the room was succession planning with your current workforce to plug the skills gaps projected over the coming two to five years.
Chris Corkan, Region Director at Make UK, provided a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current landscape, emphasising the intrinsic link between manufacturing and productivity. Make UK’s analysis underscored the UK manufacturing sector’s growth to £224 billion, positioning it as a global player. However, challenges such as energy prices and geopolitical instability persist, impacting profit margins and employment costs.
Make UK’s research shows that in 2024, a significant proportion of manufacturers are poised to seize net zero opportunities for growth, with 13% aligning with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and commitments. Additionally, more than half are preparing to launch new products, while over a quarter are gearing up to expand into new, previously untapped markets.
These initiatives are fuelled by a collective agreement among 71% of manufacturers that digital technology will drive productivity, with 62% affirming that opportunities outweigh risks. The overarching campaign message emphasises the fusion of physical and digital realms, leveraging automation, innovative materials, and cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance the UK’s competitiveness and productivity. Moreover, there’s a widespread commitment to sustainability, with 96% of manufacturers already decarbonising operations, 92% prioritising net zero, and 74% integrating ESG conditions into procurement decisions.
Government plans to foot entire pay bill for SME apprenticeships
Prime Minister Rishi Sunk is expected to expected to say Government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses from 1st April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21.
The move is part of a package of reforms to support businesses to deliver more apprenticeship places, cut red tape for SMEs and leverage more private investment in female founders, and he’ll reveal it at the Business Connect conference in Warwickshire today.
This will remove the need for small employers to meet some of the cost of training and saves time and costs for providers like further education colleges who currently need to source funding separately from the government and businesses.
The move is underpinned by an additional £60 million of new government funding for next year, guaranteeing that where there is demand for apprenticeships from businesses, the government will ensure there is enough funding to deliver them.
From the start of April, the government will also increase the amount of funding that employers who are paying the apprenticeship levy can pass onto other businesses. Apprenticeships can currently be funded by a levy paying employer transferring up to 25% of their unused levy to a different employer.
Under the new measures, large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to transfer up to 50% of their funds to support other businesses, including smaller firms, to take on apprentices. This will help SMEs hire more apprentices by reducing costs and enabling more employers to get the skilled workers they need while unlocking more opportunities for young people in a huge range of sectors, industries, and professions.
Hundreds of large levy-paying employers have already taken advantage of the opportunity to transfer their unused levy funds to other businesses. As of [December 2023], 530 employers including ASDA, HomeServe and BT Group have pledged to transfer over £35.39 million to support apprenticeships in businesses of all sizes since September 2021.
Taken together, these measures are expected to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships, primarily for young people, and is part of our plan to build a stronger economy and deliver a brighter future where hard work is rewarded and young people get the skills they need to succeed in life.
This also builds on our record of transforming apprenticeships over the last decade. Since 2010, we’ve helped 5.7 million people start an apprenticeship, working with employers to develop almost 700 new high-quality standards and increasing the funding for apprenticeships to over £2.7 billion from next year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Growing up in my mum’s pharmacy, I know first-hand how important small businesses are. Not just for the economy, but as a driver for innovation and aspiration, and as the key to building a society where hard work is always recognised and rewarded.
“Whether it’s breaking down barriers and red tape for small businesses, helping businesses hire more young people into apprenticeships and skilled jobs or empowering women to start up their own businesses – this government is sticking to the plan and leaving no stone unturned to make the UK the best place to do business.
“Taken together, these measures will unlock a tidal wave of opportunity and make a real difference to businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.”
Steelmaker secures top accolade for steel going to automotive industry
British Steel has been awarded the International Automative Test Force 16949 certificate – a standard demanded by the vast majority of customers in the automotive industry – for the quality of product and process at Scunthorpe Rid Mill.
The mill makes products to be converted into springs of all kinds, tyre cord and bead, and fasteners. After an audit by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Plant Manager Paul Collins said: “After four days of intense auditing, LRQA has approved our continued certification for a further year.
“We have a fantastic team at SRM and the entire Rods business. I cannot credit them enough. This was a really terrific effort by the whole Rods team, and those who provide the associated support functions, in achieving this certification.
“Everyone has the same vision, focus and passion and the contribution from colleagues has been excellent. Since 2019, when we were first accredited with IATF 16949, we have improved year on year and that is testament to the hard work and skills of this team. Everybody at the mill has played their part in influencing the high standards that have been set.”
Commercial Director – Wire Rod, Phil Knowles, said: “This is a very testing and competitive market with very exacting requirements. The fact that we have retained this certification with flying colours is a massive boost to the business and a testament to the work of our colleagues throughout the whole Rods business ”
CITB labeled ‘unfit for purpose’ after publishing its latest annual report
The Construction Industry Training Board is unfit for purpose and has had its day, claims the MD of Bridington-based CIS payroll company Hudson Contract.
He’s Ian Anfield, who highlights that CITB reserves have risen by £8.4m to more than £100m in a year in which the Board has said employers had said they were too busy for training. Mr Anfield said: “The reality behind the falling demand is massive disengagement with CITB. Under the Industrial Training Act, CITB is allowed to raise the funds necessary to cover its costs, but the latest report and accounts show it is raising much more, and has been for some time, which stems from its failure to properly engage with many employers.
“The accounts pose serious questions and could expose CITB to legal challenge when it goes back to government to ask for another year of levy raising powers. There could be problems ahead with the Charity Commission and HMRC.”
He called for the Board to cut levy rates to ease pressure on construction SMEs or to increase the number of training courses delivered, saying that its current business plan did little to address skills shortages or improve engagement levels with employers.
Mr Anfield added: “CITB supposedly exists to provide training to construction but by the chairman’s own admission, yet again it has failed.
“And when it comes to explaining what is going wrong, the best CITB can do is come up with glib criticism of the industry for not prioritising training.
“If our clients didn’t have to dig so deep to pay the levy in the first place, the state it has got itself in would be almost amusing.”
Major, new mixed-use neighbourhood approved in Leeds
Caddick Developments, part of Caddick Group, has received a unanimous resolution to approve a major, new, mixed-use neighbourhood in the South Bank of Leeds.
To mark the planning decision, the 2m sq ft scheme, previously named City One, has been rebranded as South Village. The new name reflects not only its location within one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration sites – South Bank, Leeds – but also the development’s design as a contemporary urban village for modern city living.
South Village could provide up to 1,925 homes, 650,000 sq ft of commercial space and significant landscaped areas, all centred around a curated ‘village green’ the size of a professional sports field, and accessible to both residents and local community alike.
Positively received by Leeds City Council’s City Plans Panel, the scheme was praised for its potential, which would “change this part of the city altogether.”
A new place brand has also been developed to accompany the name change, which will be revealed in due course.
Lee Savage, Director at Caddick Developments, said: “South Village will offer a revolution in city-centre living, transforming this strategically located brownfield site into an ambitious and accessible new neighbourhood.
“Our proposals are incredibly exciting, having been designed to provide bold, modern architecture, significant public space and enhanced connectivity between Holbeck and the city centre.
“As we work towards submission of a detailed planning application, we will continue to collaborate closely with key partners and the community to bring forward a vibrant new chapter for this part of the South Bank.”
Johnny Caddick, Caddick Group, said: “We’re delighted to have received the resolution to approve from Leeds planning committee for this transformational new development. South Village is set to redefine contemporary urban living in Leeds, offering all the amenities of a traditional village, while being located in the heart of the city centre.
“Perfectly suited to modern patterns of living and working, South Village has been carefully designed to provide significant public realm and community space, promote active lifestyles and connectivity, and ultimately enable the creation of a dynamic, multi-generational community.”
