Water Rats stay in the swim with help of £1,000 ABP donation
ABP in the Humber has given the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Water Rats open water swim club £1,000 towards their 24-hour swim challenge held in July.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said: “This is such a worthwhile club. Giving people an opportunity to swim in open water but within a safe environment is of great benefit to many people. At the same time, their actions are also being used in raising money for other local causes.”
Alex Martinelli, Water Rat member said: “ABP’s support over many years is very much appreciated. Grimsby and Cleethorpes Water Rats history can be traced back to the 1890’s and it is with the generous support of companies like ABP that the club is now well-established as a community organisation with over 190 members of all ages and abilities.
“Some train members for triathlons, others are social swimmers, while others swim for fitness. We all work towards improving local facilities for the sport and contributing to the community.”
The 24-hour swimathon raised £2,645 for the Sunflowers Children’s action group, the elected charity this year. Teams of up to six swimmers as a relay swam the distance of the 21-mile English Channel in 21 hours.
The open-water swimming club has more than 200 members of all abilities and ages. The Community Amateur Sports Club is run by volunteers and their aim is to provide open-water swimming at a grass roots level. Their home is Alexandra Quay Marina in Grimsby’s Alexandra Dock.
Their next event is the Dip a Day in December challenge where each day the Water Rats members pledge to take a chilly dip in the dock while raising money for charity. Over the past three years, they have raised £7,500 for local charities.
In 2021 ABP donated funds to help the group acquire their first clubhouse and assisted in some giant ABP logoed buoys.
Next reveals proposals to close Bradford facility
Clothing and homeware retailer Next has announced plans to close its Toftshaw Lane facility in Bradford.
The company says it is consolidating its returns processing operation into a new online fulfilment facility being developed in South Elmsall, Wakefield.
Retail and distribution trade union Usdaw is to enter into consultation talks with Next over the future of their Bradford warehouse.
Mark Todd – Usdaw National Officer says: “Next management have briefed staff about their proposed closure of the Bradford site and development of a new operation at South Elmsall. Myself and Usdaw reps will now enter into a meaningful consultation talks, where we will have the opportunity to look at the company’s business case.
“Our priorities are to secure the best available deal for those impacted by these proposals and keep as many staff as possible employed within the business and where necessary support members securing alternative employment. In the meantime, we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”
Green hydrogen pioneer establishes Sheffield base
Global green hydrogen pioneer Lhyfe has expanded its UK operation to South Yorkshire.
The France-based multinational has opened a Sheffield office to identify opportunities to deploy production facilities to support businesses and organisations in the drive to net zero.
Lhyfe chose Sheffield for expansion due to its “exceptional supply chain potential and strong industry connections, as well as ongoing world-leading hydrogen research.”
The company, which already has a base in Newcastle, is actively exploring various production sites and partnerships nationwide.
The new Sheffield office in the Wizu Workspace in the city centre will be headed up by renewable energy expert Stuart Sinclair.
Stuart Sinclair, Offshore Deployment UK and Ireland at Lhyfe, said: “At Lhyfe, we are already demonstrating that green hydrogen is now a reality and a key driver of the clean energy transition. Sheffield is at the epicentre of the development of the UK’s hydrogen economy and we look forward to playing our part in its growth.
“The city boasts exceptional supply chain potential and strong industry connections, as well as ongoing world-leading hydrogen research and development. We’re excited to offer our expertise to potential partners and fast-track the shift toward a sustainable future.”
Colin Brown, UK and Ireland Country Manager of Lhyfe, said: “Renewable green hydrogen production offers significant decarbonisation options for a range of organisations, and there is extraordinary potential in Sheffield.
“This new office is in line with our ambitious UK deployment plans and we felt it was the right time to establish a base here. I firmly believe creating regional green hydrogen eco-systems should allow everyone to benefit, in a way that is open to all while ensuring regional economies of scale.”
South Yorkshire employers to get easier access to skill system after £4.2m grant
Colleges and training providers across South Yorkshire have worked in collaboration to secure an investment of £4.2 million from the Local Skills Improvement Fund to support a step change in the skills provision needed to transform the regional economy and drive a high-tech future.
The funding programme will be used to make the skills system more accessible to employers, to remove barriers that are currently making it difficult to recruit apprentices, to raise the level of digital training offered by our providers, and to ultimately improve the opportunities and prospects that are available to residents. In this sense, it will be vital in addressing many of the priorities that were identified by the South Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) earlier in the year.
Reacting to this positive development, the South Yorkshire Chambers in Doncaster, Sheffield, and Barnsley & Rotherham issued this joint statement:
“When it comes to skills, there is a great deal that we should be proud and appreciative of here in the region. After all, we are home to three brilliant University Technical Colleges — with another one on the way — all of our further education providers are ranked Oftsed good or better, and we benefit from a number of strong and highly effective partnerships.
“Yet this crucially does not mean that there isn’t room from improvement. Indeed, we should always aspire to better ourselves and know that this is a view shared by many of our partners across South Yorkshire.
“In fact, those very same education providers that we just mentioned were absolutely instrumental in the development of our South Yorkshire LSIP and constructively engaged with the project right from the beginning. They did this because they too realise the importance of being agile and responsive to the needs, not just of their learners, but also of local employers.
“We therefore welcome this additional funding from the Department for Education, as it will help bring many of the recommendations from that LSIP to fruition and help colleges and universities to fulfil their laudable ambitions.
“Learners will be afforded new opportunities to develop the skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace — particularly embracing digital technology —while businesses will be able to harness the resulting talent to innovate and grow towards a more prosperous future.
“To reiterate, it is of vital importance that we have a skills system in the region that meets the needs of both local employers and learners. While we already have some fantastic provision in that respect, we believe that this investment from DfE will help take it to the next level and we have already commenced work with our excellent providers to realise the full value of the investment and meet our ambitions for South Yorkshire .”
Scunthorpe plumbing and heating firm wins caring for the community award
Scunthorpe-based Hales and Coultas Heating and Plumbing has won an award for its work in supporting people and causes.
The Caring for the Community category is part of Quality Plumber Week awards, led by the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors. It recognises organisations that go above and beyond to help and support their neighbourhoods.
Hales and Coultas was praised for its work in giving back a proportion of profits to support small organisations each year.
During 2021-2022, the team donated over £15,000 to support different projects. This has benefitted an allotment project, which aims to create pride on estates and boost mental health and wellbeing through practical gardening skills.
The donation also supported a ‘Raising Aspirations’ project which employs Youth Mentors to work with young people to inspire and encourage them to grow to their full potential as involved members of our community.
A £10k donation was made to Scunthorpe Imps amateur boxing club, as they were at risk of closure, and during the Covid lockdown, the team also took on the role of delivering care packages to those most in need, with more than 100 people benefitting from this service.
Michelle Mills, then company’s General Manager, said: “We are delighted to have been formally recognised by The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors at the Quality Plumber Week Awards.
“Caring for the community is something we pride ourselves in doing, so to win this category is amazing. We’ve supported lots of different community projects now that are having a big impact in our local communities, so it’s brilliant to be formally recognised for doing so.”
Family firm from Clapham wins E-Tailers award
North Yorkshire country clothing brand Glencroft has won the Small Retailers and E-Tailers Family Business of the Year Award at the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards 2023.
Based in Clapham, the Glencroft brand run by parent and son trio Justina, Richard, and Edward Sexton had been shortlisted in two categories: Wholesaler Family Business of the Year and Small Retailers and E-Tailers Family Business of the Year.
Edward said: “We were thrilled to win at the Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards. It is testament to the hard work of my parents, who founded the business in the 1980s, and the team around us who contribute every day towards making Glencroft the successful family business it is today.
“As times have changed so has our business model, which has seen us launch an e-commerce website to grow our customer base and revenue, whilst further developing our trade relationships – both in the UK and abroad. This has helped us to grow the business and future proof its success, whilst continuing to manufacture the high-quality clothing and accessories our customers know and love.
“While the move online has been been a key growth strategy for us, we are aware that online retailing can be quite an impersonal way of purchasing. As a family business we try to connect with our customers as we would a friend, with each online purchase packaged up with a handwritten note from us. By doing this we add that personal touch to the buying experience, which really helps to set us apart from other brands.”
Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, co-founders of The Family Business Community, said: “We always want to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees, and bringing the awards to Harrogate this year, added an extra layer of magic to the occasion. The turnout was our largest to date and felt a fantastic energy in the room which was incredible.
“We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to support the awards and recognise the hard work and dedication of our Yorkshire and Humberside family businesses. It was truly an unforgettable night for everyone in the room.”
Streets Chartered Accountants covers the Autumn Statement, Corporation Tax and VAT Funding Solutions, business insolvencies, and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers a recent merger, the Autumn Statement, Corporation Tax and VAT Funding Solutions, business insolvencies, and more in its latest monthly news roundup.
The merger of two leading accountancy practices is a welcome boost to Bristol, the South West and beyondStreets its delighted to announce the establishment of Streets Steele Chartered Certified Accountants. The announcement follows the merger of the award-winning Bristol practice, Steele Financial with Streets. When asked about the merger, Ben Steele, now Managing Director of Streets Steele, said: “Having started Steele Financial only six years ago we have experienced significant growth and as such, in line with the advice we give our clients, we recognised the need to develop our practice to service growing demand.”
Webinar: The Autumn Statement 2023Following Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday 22nd November, colleagues from Streets Tax and its financial services team will present on the announcements made along with providing an update on topical issues affecting business clients and private individuals during this tax year 2023/24. This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.
Corporation Tax and VAT Funding SolutionsWhether your Corporation Tax payment is looming or your VAT payment is approaching and you are looking at managing your cashflow and working capital, then it might be worth considering a tax funding solution. What is tax funding? Tax funding is a finance option enabling businesses to fund their VAT or Corporation Tax over monthly affordable repayments rather than paying HMRC in one go, giving more flexibility, aiding cashflow and providing you with additional working capital to use as and if required during the year.
Podcast: Business insolvencies are on the rise – how to manage your exposureIn this episode of The Streets Sessions, Andrew McTear, a director with insolvency and business restructuring specialists McTear Williams Wood, talks about the rising number of business insolvencies, what directors need to consider and how to manage their exposure should their business be struggling or be facing increased bad debts.
Event: Going Global ConferenceStreets’ international association, SBC Global Alliance, is delighted to support this event, with Marketing Partner, James Pinchbeck, as host. Are you eager to expand your horizons and explore international markets? Whether you’re embarking on your exporting journey, expanding into new markets, or delving into imports from international suppliers, this Going Global Conference is tailored to guide you on your international business ventures. Whether you’re a seasoned exporter or just starting your international journey, this event is crafted to equip you with the tools and insights needed to excel in the ever-expanding global business landscape.
Are we facing a meteoric rise in mediocrity?How often, especially if you are on LinkedIn, have you seen a post or received news that someone you know has been promoted? How often does such promotion seem to be a somewhat significant step up or change from an existing role? Whilst a career trajectory from assistant to a C suite role in a matter of a few years might seem unplausible, it does seem increasingly possible. It seems gone are the days that one’s career progression is based on a number, if not many, years of work and being mentored and supported by a more senior person, with such progression dependent even on the retirement of the person in the role above.
Cabinet to approve plans to transform dormant Canklow site into supported accommodation and council homes
Rotherham Council leaders are poised to agree to plans to transform a dormant site in Canklow into a day centre, supported accommodation for people with support needs and 13 new council homes.
Cabinet Members will consider proposals to develop a new investment of £1.9 million for accommodation for people with complex support needs, which includes a seven-bedroom property and two two-bedroom apartments, and 13 council homes on Warden Street.
They are also set to agree increased investment of up to a total of £6.4 million to build and fit out Castle View, a modern, purpose-built day centre to provide day opportunities for people with high support needs.
The 13 new council homes will comprise of 12 two-bedroom apartments for older people and those with a health need, along with a four-bedroom home suitable for wheelchair users.
The homes will occupy a site that has stood empty for a number of years, following its clearance in 2009, after which the Government’s Housing Market Renewal funding to redevelop the area was cut.
Councillor David Roche, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “The council is committed to developing and delivering services closer to home for people with more complex and specialist support needs.
“This development will deliver modern, purpose-built facilities that more effectively meet people’s needs, enabling better life outcomes for people to lead safe, well and independent lives.”
Deputy Leader of Rotherham Council, councillor Sarah Allen, said: “The council is committed to supporting residents with their housing challenges, including providing new affordable and high quality council homes for local people to rent.
“Our commitment is to deliver hundreds of new council homes, and this development on Warden Street will contribute towards the goal, whilst also helping to improve the area. It is therefore vital that the council continues to look at all opportunities to provide affordable homes for residents.”
Once approved by Cabinet, these plans will be subject to planning permission approval. The decision is due before Cabinet on Monday 20 November.
York and North Yorkshire visitor economy to be promoted with launch of new partnership
Tourism businesses in York and North Yorkshire are to be given more support with a new vision to help to ensure that the multi-billion pound visitor economy reaches its full potential.
A joint bid for a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for both York and North Yorkshire has been approved, paving the way for a far more co-ordinated and strategic approach to promoting the tourism sector.
Local Visitor Economy Partnerships have been introduced as part of the Government’s response to an independent review of how the nation’s visitor economy is co-ordinated and promoted and have the potential to draw in additional support and funding from Westminster.
It is hoped that the new partnership, which has been approved by a panel involving the VisitEngland tourism organisation and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will ensure that the greatest benefits are achieved for both York and North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.
Tourism is worth more than £3.2 billion each year in York and North Yorkshire, and in excess of 60,000 workers are employed in the sector.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “This announcement marks a watershed in the way we can help promote the visitor economy in both York and North Yorkshire.
“We know only too well how valuable the visitor economy is, providing jobs for tens of thousands of people and attracting visitors from across the globe.
“It is particularly important for North Yorkshire, as we now have the opportunity for a countywide strategy to promote the visitor economy following the launch of North Yorkshire Council in April.”
The announcement of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership is the latest indication of an increasingly close working relationship between City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council with the prospect of a devolution deal and a combined authority.
City of York Council’s leader, Cllr Claire Douglas, said: “Known around the world as ‘God’s own county’, York and North Yorkshire are blessed with an incredible experience for anyone wanting to visit and enjoy our region.
“Our amazing range of independent businesses and SMEs within the tourism and hospitality sector provide unique services and experiences for visitors, along with a huge range of flexible and interesting roles for people working in the industry.
“We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in North Yorkshire to develop this essential industry for our region, to provide as much support as we can to help it grow sustainably, build more resilience and deliver improved pay, terms and conditions and productivity for its workforce.”
Local Visitor Economy Partnerships involve both the private and public sectors and will need to follow a new national process to be eligible for support and potential funding from the Government.
Established destinations in York and North Yorkshire, such as the coast, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, Harrogate and market towns, are due to be supported through the proposed Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
A draft destination management plan for North Yorkshire and a proposed tourism strategy overseen by Make It York formed the foundations for the bid. Both documents will be considered by the relevant council executives by the start of next year.
The York Tourism Advisory Board is currently developing the city’s new tourism strategy alongside Make It York, City of York Council and the York BID.
The board’s chair, Brendan Paddison, who is also Associate Professor and Associate Dean at York St John University, said: “Achieving Local Visitor Economy Partnership status is a brilliant outcome for York and North Yorkshire.
“This will support Make It York and City of York Council to continue to position York as a leading destination, and working with North Yorkshire Council and the new mayoral combined authority, to advocate for the importance of tourism to the city and region together.”
There is a significant crossover in the priorities of the draft strategies for both York and North Yorkshire, adding even greater weight to pursue the joint bid.
Both of the proposed plans are looking to promote a year-round visitor economy, while ensuring that it is heavily themed on sustainability and that the industry can thrive alongside communities living in York and North Yorkshire.
It is hoped the promotional drive will ensure visitors stay for longer and explore more of what York and North Yorkshire have to offer, while attracting more people to travel from overseas.
Ground broken on South Yorkshire aerospace manufacturing innovation facility
Industry, academia and government leaders gathered in Sheffield yesterday (November 15) to break ground for a University of Sheffield AMRC innovation facility and research project led by global aerospace company Boeing, which will put South Yorkshire at the forefront of UK aerospace manufacturing.
The Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) research facility will house the Boeing-led Isothermic High-Rate Sustainable Structures (IHSS) project dedicated to developing and testing new technologies needed to meet future demand for lighter commercial aircraft and help the aviation industry’s commitment reach net zero by 2050.
The combined £80 million COMPASS facility and IHSS project, announced earlier this year in partnership with Loop Technology and Spirit AeroSystems, is jointly-funded by industry, key stakeholders and the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme; a partnership between Department for Business and Trade, ATI and Innovate UK.
The undertaking will initially create around 50 jobs in South Yorkshire and, based on forecasted aircraft demand, has the potential to create up to three thousand UK jobs long-term, and around £2 billion annually in export opportunities.
Steve Foxley, chief executive officer of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), said: “Today is a very important moment for the AMRC, our partners, funders and the region as we mark the first steps to build our Composites at Speed and Scale (COMPASS) facility and deliver on a vision to put South Yorkshire at the forefront of UK aerospace and composites manufacturing research and development.”
He added: “COMPASS shows that collaboration really is the cornerstone of innovation, bringing together the strengths of industry, academia and government to develop production technologies that currently do not exist and turn them into future capabilities that can enable lighter aircraft and more sustainable flight.
“The facility, and the research that will take place there, provides an exciting opportunity to unlock the economic potential of South Yorkshire, by creating high-skilled jobs, attracting regional investments and adopting world-class technologies to deliver a step-change for advanced manufacturing research in the UK.”
Maria Laine, president of Boeing in the UK, Ireland and Nordic region, said: “Boeing is firmly committed to investing in innovations that help meet future demand for commercial air travel, while also supporting decarbonisation efforts. By harnessing the collective strengths of our local partners alongside the expertise and quality found in the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector, this project will turn ideas into real-world innovations, benefitting the region and also the global aerospace industry.”
The £80m investment includes a £29.5m grant from the UK Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme for the latest, state-of-the-art equipment for the broader benefit of aerospace and other industries; and £20m for the building backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sheffield City Council, University of Sheffield and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The tender for the construction work for the building has been awarded to Henry Boot Construction. The facility is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
