Rural West Yorkshire businesses start to benefit from new £2.5m fund
Small businesses across West Yorkshire’s rural communities are starting to benefit from a new £2.5 million Rural Fund, Mayor Tracy Brabin has announced.
With awards of up to £50,000 to help rural businesses develop new products, purchase machinery and improve facilities, Mayor Tracy Brabin has made her first award to Birkwood Plant Training in Crofton, Wakefield – a construction training business with a 20-year heritage.
On a visit to the family run business, the Mayor learnt how the investment will create two new jobs and a purpose-built training facility, with plans to work with local suppliers and appoint local tradespeople to make the improvements.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “Rural businesses are vital to our wider economy, and I’m thrilled that communities are starting to benefit from our fund.
“It’s fantastic that our support for Birkwood will allow more people to be trained in the construction sector and boost well-paid jobs. This will help us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Managing Director, Birkwood Plant Training, Sally Ramskill said: “Birkwood Plant Training Ltd is a small but dynamic family business, and we have significant challenges to business growth, particularly in terms of space for training delivery, and the purchase and upkeep of plant and equipment.
“The fund has supported us to invest further in the business and provide excellent new enhanced training facilities and resources to strengthen our offering to our clients. The level of investment would not have been possible without this support.”
The Mayor has so far approved over £230,000 of grants through West Yorkshire’s £2.5 million Rural England Prosperity Fund, which will be distributed among seven businesses and is expected to create an additional 12 jobs.
With more set to be approved over the coming months and with applications still open, small businesses of up to 50 employees based in rural areas of West Yorkshire can apply for awards of up to £50,000.
These projects are part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, as part of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to live, work or run a business.
Chamber welcomes plans to scrap rail ticket office closures
The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the scrapping rail ticket offices, announced by Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
Chamber Chief Exec Ian Kelly said: “This was never a good idea and is one of the issues we raised when we met with the Rail Minister in the House of Commons a couple of weeks ago. I am pleased the Government has now cancelled these proposals and people will still be able to buy their rail tickets from a person, rather than having to battle with a ticket machine or an app.”
Train operators had come up with the plans as a way of saving money after the Government told them to cut costs after they had been financially supported through the pandemic.
Unions, passenger groups and the public complained loudly about the plans which would have left people largely reliant on ticket machines and reduced staffing levels at stations.
Dr Kelly had written to Rail Minister Huw Merriman to urge him to reconsider the proposals after “the limited time for consultation you have given us to feed back and consult our own members across the Humber economic sub-region for what appeared to be a plan to save money rather than a sensibly timetabled review of rail customer services across our area.
“These ticket office closure proposals appear to be very badly thought through, discriminatory towards older people and variously disabled people who currently use these services.
“Our business rail users in Hull, Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe have indicated valuable service from their ticket offices and we would therefore strongly urge you and the Secretary of State to review this decision to consult in this way, which appears to have little to do with public service/transport interest to business travellers and everything to do with cost cutting objectives in the department.”
Following today’s announcement, Trans-Pennine Express, which operates the stations at Brough, Cleethorpes, Grimsby Town, and Scunthorpe, among others, said it was not taking forward any of its proposals to change ticket office opening hours.
UK manufacturing sector risks falling behind international rivals on AI and automation
Britain’s manufacturing sector is warning the UK risks falling behind its international rivals in the race to embrace cutting edge technologies such as AI and other game changing automation seen as vital to Britain’s industrial future.
The warning was made on the back of a major survey published by Make UK and Infor.
The survey shows that companies are fully committed to investing in AI, Machine Learning and other automation to improve productivity, processes and efficiency. However, despite this, a majority of manufacturers believe the UK is falling behind competitors and hampered by access to key technical and digital skills, as well as short term policy incentives which do not match investment cycles or expected returns on investment (ROI).
In response, Make UK is calling on Government to reform the Apprentice Levy to help expand Britain’s technological skills base, roll out a widely proven scheme to help boost digital adoption by SMEs and introduce a better approach to the tax system with policies which match the average investment cycle of manufacturers and expected ROI.
Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make UK, said: “The adoption of AI, automation and other game changing technologies by manufacturers is rapidly accelerating and will provide vital pieces in solving the productivity puzzle. But, there is still more to be done to match our competitors, especially among SMEs who face far greater hurdles in adopting digital technology.
“As well as tackling the digital skills barrier which remains the biggest hurdle, Government should roll out the Made Smarter scheme across the UK. This has a proven success in delivering step change for SMEs on their automation journey.”
Andrew Kinder, SVP, Industry Strategy, Infor, added: “We are seeing a substantial shift in the adoption of digital automation as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency, instill agility and drive greater productivity. While generative AI is still in its relative infancy, intent to capitalise on it is incredibly encouraging with many companies saying they are ‘aware of and planning to use’ the technology.
“Actions, however, speak louder than words. While the government clearly has a role to play in supporting AI adoption, manufacturers have an opportunity to take control in bridging the gap between intent and value in creating first-mover advantage. The technologies are now widely available, affordable and come with a typically fast return on investment, which all help manufacturers compete in increasingly challenging conditions.”
According to the survey, more than half of companies (55%) have already implemented, or are planning to implement, AI and Machine Learning to automate decision making processes and improve operational efficiency. In addition, four fifths of companies have already introduced, or are planning to introduce, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality techniques in areas such as design and prototyping.
More than three quarters of companies (76%) have invested in automation, while almost six in ten (59%) plan to increase their expenditure this year compared to last. Furthermore, a fifth of companies plan to automate between a quarter and half of processes in the next two years, while a further quarter plan to automate between 10% and 25%.
These investments are aimed at improving manufacturing processes (65% of companies) and product design & development (49%) with companies seeing significant benefits of improved productivity (60%) greater labour efficiency (49%) and a similar number seeing better quality.
However, despite this positive picture, 40% of companies believe the UK is falling behind competitors in adopting automation. Robot density in the UK is currently at 101 units per 10,000 workers, below the average of 126 units globally. Overall, the UK ranks 24th globally and is the lowest of the G7 nations.
According to the survey, significant barriers to investing in automation are a lack of technical skills cited by almost half of companies (48%) and a similar number integration and data challenges (41%). More than a third of companies cite high costs and workplace culture (38% and 36% respectively) as barriers.
In addition, the survey shows a clear mismatch between policy incentives designed to boost investment and the expected ROI. More than eight in ten companies expect up to five years for a positive impact of investment. In contrast, more than half of manufacturers (56.4%) believe Government policies are not sensitive to the time needed to see a ROI.
To help address these barriers and boost further automation, Make UK has made the following recommendations:
- Roll out the successful Made Smarter scheme nationwide. This is a proven scheme to help with the adoption of new technology in manufacturing businesses. It should also extend the remit of Made Smarter to include industrial decarbonisation to aid energy efficiency and transition to net zero.
- Make full expensing capital allowances permanent to enable businesses to plan investment over long leads.
- Expand the R&D tax credit to include capital expenditure to spur further digitalised R&D.
- Government should work with business organisations and sector specific bodies to help SME engagement with the successful Catapult Centres. This is especially important given the geographic distribution of the centres and would help more SMEs take advantage of their world leading facilities.
Council forums to provide information on changes in property law
North Yorkshire Council is to run two forums to help private landlords, estate agents, estate landlords and people involved with private sector housing to gather information and updates on changing legislation.
The autumn forums take place on Wednesday, November 15, at 2pm at Mercury House in Richmond and Thursday, November 30, at 4pm at Ryedale House in Malton.
In Richmond, they will feature news from the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Police’s Community Safety team, the National Residential Landlords Association, the Department of Work and Pensions and our environmental health team. The session covers the Hambleton and Richmondshire area, although attendees from across the county are welcome.
The Ryedale House event will also cover legislative updates and damp and mould guidance.
The council’s executive member for housing, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “These forums build on the good work started by the previous district councils and aim to provide those in the private housing sector with updates on our work and that of partners agencies.
“They also provide a great networking opportunity with like-minded people and organisations – we encourage everyone to attend.”
To book a place at one of the events, please contact the council.
Hull Trains receives accolade as UK’s most reliable operator
Hull Trains has been recognised nationally as the most reliable operator in the UK.
Whilst other operators across the UK have struggled with cancellations resulting from a wide range of circumstances, Hull Trains has continued to maintain direct services to London King’s Cross from all stations including Hull, Selby, Retford, Howden, Grantham, and Doncaster.
Disruption over the most recent four-week period was so minimal that the Office of Rail and Road data named Hull Trains as the best-performing operator, following the publication of its recent statistics.
The ORR is a non-ministerial government department responsible for the regulation and performance of National Highways including rail.
Its most recent report, covering the four-week period to September 16th, showed that only 1% of Hull Trains’ services were affected by a cancellation; the lowest figure amongst all train operating companies in the UK.
Hull Trains MD Martijn Gilbert, said: “This an incredible achievement for Hull Trains. There have been so many circumstances that have affected the reliability of some rail services, many out of the operator’s control, so for Hull Trains to maintain vital transport links during the same period shows our commitment to delivering reliable and environmentally friendly services.
“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Hull Trains team. Whatever the challenge, we continue to deliver for our customers. Whilst this is pleasing news, we will not rest on laurels and will continue to look for new ways to further improve the level of service.”
Drones, racing cars, and robot dogs: LEP demonstrates the future of business tech
Drones, racing cars and robot dogs will be at the heart of this year’s Greater Lincolnshire LEP conference showcasing the technologies that will shape the future of work.
For the first time the highlight of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership Conference on Tuesday 7th November will be a demonstration arena featuring future technologies and innovations in the world of work.
The agri-robotics team at the University of Lincoln will showcase the state of the art in crop care, selective harvesting and robotic phenotyping, including a strawberry-picking robot developed by Dogtooth Technologies, one of the industrial partners in its Agri-OpenCore project.
TIAGo will also be making an appearance, showing off her fully collaborative mobile manipulator robot skills used by the National Centre for Food Manufacturing test factory for future research.
Also on show will be the UK’s fastest 3D printer demonstrating speed, quality and precision, making 3D parts to complement other 3D-printed items that will be on display made from a variety of polymers.
Eagle Eye will be exhibiting a variety of different remote-piloted aircraft systems used to provide training and operational delivery.
VISR will demonstrate its narrative-based learning metaverse technology featuring XR developers, unity experts, 3D artists and logistic co-ordinators, creating immersive, narrative-driven experiences which help people and businesses grow in new and exciting ways.
And for many the highlight of the conference will be not one, but two Boston Dynamics quadrupedal dynamic sensing platform robots – also known as Spot dogs!
Spot is a dynamic sensing platform which can provide valuable insights into routine operations and potentially hazardous situations on factory floors, at construction sites and in research labs, and this will be the first time Construction Spot meets a robotic colleague working in the field of agri-tech.
Outside the Epic Centre where the conference will be taking place will be a chance to take part in a circuit race in an electric sports car built from recycled materials by pupils from the Baysgarth Northern Lincolnshire Greenpower Centre of Excellence.
Inside the hall the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Conference will feature panel discussions and a keynote speech by Paul Redmond, an employment guru at the University of Liverpool and an expert in the future of work.
There will be talks on the theme of the future workforce as well as an overview of the impact the Greater Lincolnshire LEP has had in the past year.
There will also be a buffet lunch and plenty of opportunities for networking and getting up close to the high-tech exhibits in the Demonstration Arena.
The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Conference takes place from 8.15am until 2.15pm at the EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln on Tuesday 7th November.
Avant Skills Academy secures Department for Education approval
Grimsby-based Avant Skills Academy has been awarded Apprenticeship Expert Training Provider status by the Department for Education, making it one of only six independent apprenticeship training providers across the country and the only apprenticeship provider in the Humber.
The Department for Education’s decision is said to reflect Avant’s outstanding track record in providing high-quality apprenticeship programmes.
Entry criteria were strict, with only 13 apprenticeship providers being selected from over 1,000 currently delivering apprenticeships in England. Eligibility criteria included:
- • Judged ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted • Have an apprenticeship achievement rate of 51% or above • Have at least a 4-star employer feedback rating • Be in good financial health • Delivered apprenticeships for more than 5 years
Leeds Bradford Airport retains Dudleys to advise on £100m upgrade
Dudleys Consulting Engineers have been retained to advise on structural and civil engineering matters to support the £100 million upgrade plans for Leeds Bradford Airport.
LBA announced the investment last week with a view to improving the passenger experience and unlocking major economic growth potential for the airport.
The first phase, set to start on site imminently, will deliver a 102,000 sq ft, three-storey extension to the east side of the existing terminal. It will provide a new baggage reclaim hall in the basement, a new arrivals hall on the ground floor, and an extended departure lounge on the first floor.
LBA has also committed to a major refurbishment programme for the existing buildings with a new security hall and duty-free area. Significant improvements will be made to the seating, security, baggage reclaim and immigration areas as well as shops, amenity and food outlets with additional aircraft stands.
Dudleys has been supporting LBA for more than fifteen years, advising across the entire estate including airside aprons, building alterations, car parking areas, masts, and tunnels as well as the public buildings. The award-winning practice has worked with LBA since 2018 to specifically support design proposals for the extension through planning processes.
Dudleys is working alongside main contractor, Farrans Construction and Architect Millar Management & Design to deliver both phases using sustainable methods of construction.
Dudley’s MD Andy Walker said: “Having advised across the LBA estate for many years, our historic knowledge of previous plans and experience of the site constraints have proved invaluable in helping LBA and its team to navigate the many challenges for this highly publicised project. The repurposing of existing 1960’s 70’s and 80’s buildings support the important sustainability agenda, whilst the extension and adjoining improvements make way for a much improved, future-proofed airport of which Yorkshire can be proud.”
Vincent Hodder, the airport’s Chief Exec, said: “It’s fantastic to continue working with Dudleys and we are incredibly excited to get regeneration work underway at Leeds Bradford Airport. This investment will enable us to better our customer experience and create significant benefits to the local economy, by creating jobs and enhancing connectivity for businesses. Working closely with our contractors, including Dudleys, we have been able to keep sustainability and our 2030 Net Zero Carbon Roadmap at the heart of these regeneration plans. We look forward to continuing work with Dudleys on this regeneration and the future of the airport.”
Administrators appointed to Safestyle UK with redundancies made
Rick Harrison and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory have been appointed joint administrators to H.P.A.S Limited, trading as Safestyle UK, Style Group Holdings Limited and Style Group UK Limited.
Headquartered in Bradford, Safestyle UK is one of the UK’s leading retailers and manufacturers of PVCu replacement windows and doors for the homeowner market. The company has a large manufacturing facility in Wombwell, near Barnsley, and operates from a network of 42 sales branches and installation depots across the UK.
In common with a number of companies across the home improvement sector, Safestyle UK has had to navigate a number of pressures which have impacted trading, including high cost inflation, ongoing economic uncertainty and fragile consumer confidence. In recent months, these pressures have been exacerbated by an unseasonally warm September, which has dampened customer demand.
In response to these challenges, the Group engaged with stakeholders to explore a range of options to help strengthen its balance sheet, including a capital injection or new financing, a potential sale of the shares in the subsidiaries and/or a sale of the business and assets of the subsidiaries.
Unfortunately, despite interest being shown by a number of parties, a solvent solution was unable to be found, and the directors took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators.
The company directly employs circa 750 employees. With trading ceasing upon the appointment of the joint administrators, the majority of staff have been made redundant. Circa 70 members of staff have been retained by the administrators in the short term to assist with an orderly wind-down of the business.
Rick Harrison, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory, said: “These are really challenging times for companies across the home improvement market. After seeing strong sales during the COVID lockdown periods, many companies are seeing trading being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and soaring costs.
“Unfortunately for Safestyle, and despite the tireless efforts of the management team over recent months, these challenges have proven too difficult to overcome. This will be particularly devastating for the company’s employees, as well as the many self-employed contractors who worked on behalf of the company.
“Our immediate priority will be to provide support to those impacted by redundancy, including supporting them in making claims to the Redundancy Payments Service where relevant.”
Final round of consultation launched on key planning document shaping Leeds’ future
Leeds City Council is encouraging residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to have their say in the final round of consultation on the Local Plan Update. This final round sets out new and updated planning policies, to help the council deliver its climate emergency commitments.
This third round of consultation is the last step, before the Leeds Local Plan Update is submitted to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for independent examination by a planning inspector.
The previous round of consultation, which took place between October and December 2022, saw a supportive response for the proposals, with many residents and local businesses seeing the value of updated planning policies on building low carbon developments, protecting nature and biodiversity, and preparing for the extremes of climate change.
There were, however, concerns raised by the development industry, regarding the capacity to implement proposed policies on net zero carbon developments from the initial adoption of the plan.
The council has carefully considered both the support received and the concerns expressed and are proposing a range of changes to the proposed Local Plan policies to address some of the concerns.
These include proposing a short transition period to the ambitious policy on net zero buildings. This would give the building industry until January 2027 to adjust to new building practices and technology, whilst still maximising energy efficiency and renewable energy generation.
A particular focus of the latest round of consultation will be on the proposed transition period, however comments are also invited on the proposed changes to policies covering the five key themes of carbon reduction, flood risk, green and blue infrastructure, placemaking and sustainable infrastructure.
Speaking about the Local Plan Update consultation Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: “The Local Plan Update will play a key role in meeting our climate emergency commitments, shaping our city’s planning policies for the long term, to help Leeds on that critical journey to becoming carbon neutral.
“It is really pleasing to see the amount of positive engagement with the previous consultation reflecting how engaged our city is with meeting the climate challenge. These policies will ensure that Leeds does all it can to mitigate carbon through new development and prepare our local communities for wetter winters and warmer summers.
“I welcome this latest round of consultation that seeks further feedback prior to the plan being submitted for review and I would urge everyone to have their say.”
