Hull Trains to increase numbers of trained mental health first aiders
Hull Trains is set to increase its number of internal Mental Health First Aiders following a positive rollout of the scheme earlier this year.
This week is World Mental Health Day and the theme this year is ‘mental health is a universal right’. The evidence-based training gives people skills to spot the signs of poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation and the knowledge to signpost appropriate support.
Hull Trains has already trained seven colleagues to become Mental Health First Aiders, and a further 15 are set to receive the training.
Deborah Birch, Head of HR at Hull Trains, explained: “Our employees are the heart of our organisation, and their wellbeing is of the utmost importance to us. By increasing the number of trained Mental Health First Aiders, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating a supportive and compassionate work environment. We want our colleagues to know that help is readily available if and when they feel they may need it.”
The training has been delivered to colleagues across all roles in the company, including each of the line managers.
The expansion of the Mental Health First Aider programme aligns with Hull Trains ongoing efforts to foster a workplace culture that prioritises colleague wellbeing, destigmatises mental health issues and encourages open communications.
The operator remains dedicated to ensuring that all colleagues have the necessary resources and support to maintain their mental well-being through their employee assistant programme which is available to all staff 24/7.
Hull trains MD Martijn Gilbert added: “It’s been great to see how positively our team has responded to the adoption of Mental Health First Aiders. Although there are lots of avenues available to provide support for our colleagues, and the customers they serve, knowing we have colleagues on the ground who are trained to spot signs of potential mental health matters and can signpost non-invasive ways of help will be key to ensuring our whole team feel comfortable to speak out if needed and knowing they have someone to turn to.”
Time to prepare: PSTN and ISDN switch off occurs in December 2025
BT are ceasing their PSTN (traditional copper phone line) and ISDN (digital phone lines).
You will either need:
• Internet-Based Communication: VoIP services allow you to make calls over the internet using a broadband connection. You’ll have to subscribe to a VoIP service provider, acquire compatible VoIP hardware (IP phones or analogue telephone adapters), and configure the necessary settings to use the service. This may mean a new phone number, although some providers offer the option to retain your existing number.
OR
• A mobile network system (Mobile Communication): You can switch to mobile networks by using mobile or smartphones. This involves selecting a mobile service provider, obtaining a SIM card and activating a mobile plan.
Traditional landline phone services will stop working. WHY?
The change is being made so that all telephony services move away from the old systems that have been in place for decades to a newer, more reliable technology.
Some countries have already made the change and the rest of the world are planning on doing this soon.
You may need to get new phones, phone numbers and devices for these options.
Existing landline phone may no longer be compatible with the new communication technologies.
But in most cases the existing number (especially for businesses), should be able to be moved across (it’s called porting your number).
You’ll need to switch to other ways of making phone calls.
If you use a phone system or have an Internet connection which relies on these traditional systems, whether at work or at home, you will be affected by this change. Any service that has not already been migrated to one of the new options will simply stop working.
How can LCS help?
LCS can help you move seamlessly from the old to the new by implementing Voice Over IP (VOIP), or mobile systems. These may result in additional one-off cost to replace any incompatible handsets / systems but the on-going running costs should be cheaper than your current systems and be more reliable and provide additional functionality.
T: 01522 718192 E: support@lcsit.com W: www.lcsit.com
Waverley land parcel sold for development of 32 houses
Harworth Group has sold a serviced land parcel at its Waverley site in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to Forge New Homes for the development of 32 houses.
This is Harworth’s first sale to the regional housebuilder, which was established as a joint venture between five housing associations – South Yorkshire Housing Association, Great Places Housing Group, the Guinness Partnership, Together Housing and Yorkshire Housing.
The new development will comprise two and three-bedroom terraced homes and will be built as part of Olive Lane, a new focal point for the community with amenities such as cafes, restaurants and local shops, alongside a new medical centre.
The new homes will provide a distinctive offer and be available for market sale. They will feature attractive street frontages, free-flowing layouts and a design that allows blended indoor and outdoor living, while also being fully electric.
The homes will have individual south-facing gardens, parking spaces with EV charging ports, and will be set amongst landscaped communal areas and footways. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has awarded Forge New Homes grant funding from the SYMCA Brownfield Housing Fund to support the delivery of the new homes.
A planning application for the retail and leisure element of Olive Lane is currently awaiting determination by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council. Subject to the timing of a planning approval, Harworth intends to break ground on the development later this year.
The medical centre already benefits from a planning approval and is expected to open by the end of 2024. Elsewhere at Waverley, a new learn-to-ride cycle track was opened in September by triple Olympian Ed Clancy, the latest in a series of community facilities that Harworth has built to date at the site.
Ed Catchpole, Regional Director – Yorkshire & Central, Harworth, said: “Forge is building a track-record of delivering high-quality modern homes designed for families, and we are delighted to be welcoming them to Waverley.
“This latest sale demonstrates the robust demand we are seeing for our serviced land products, which are located in established communities with plentiful green space, amenities and well-designed public realms, allowing housebuilders to start building much-needed new homes from day one.”
Andy Beattie, Director, Forge New Homes, said: “Olive Lane is a fantastic scheme by Harworth, one that will continue to transform the area and create a strong community at Waverley. We’re delighted to have been granted planning approval to build 32 family homes by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
“The development will have a focus on open space and outdoor community areas, providing a vibrant neighbourhood for buyers. With customers at our heart, we’ll continue to build liveable spaces for thriving households and growing communities.”
Sheffield IoT start-up raises £1.8m
A Sheffield IoT start-up that helps manufacturers to maximise productivity and reduce energy use has raised £1.8m from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, Mercia’s EIS funds and private investors.
The funding will enable FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics to further enhance its machine monitoring platform and expand its customer base. FourJaw’s platform acts as a fitness tracker for machines, monitoring ‘vital signs’ such as machine utilisation and energy usage. It then turns the data into actionable insight that enables manufacturers to remove inefficiencies from the factory floor.
Unlike traditional monitoring systems which are usually costly to set up and have to be hardwired into each machine, FourJaw’s technology can be installed in minutes, connected to any machine and is accessible to manufacturers of all sizes.
FourJaw was founded in 2020 by Chris Iveson and Robin Hartley-Willows, who had previously worked together at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. Its platform is now used by over 120 manufacturers worldwide in sectors ranging from aerospace and automotive to energy and food production.
The company currently employs 20 staff. The latest funding brings the total raised to date to almost £4m and will enable FourJaw to accelerate product development and invest in its technology and customer success teams, creating seven new jobs.
Chris Iveson, co-founder and CEO, said: “Improving productivity, sustainability and profitability are the three key challenges facing manufacturers today. FourJaw provides an affordable solution to overcome them and unlock opportunities by providing real-time insights to inform operational and commercial decisions.
“The funding will help us accelerate our vision to maximise manufacturing productivity across the globe which in turn will help elevate lives, communities and society.”
Chris Borrett of Mercia said: “Manufacturing is an enormous industry that is undergoing massive digitisation. Until now individual machine data across the entire assembly line has been prohibitively expensive and cumbersome to install.
“FourJaw is changing the game, providing the data, the platform and the intelligence required for manufacturers from all sizes and sectors to radically evolve their operations.”
Six new hires strengthen APSS team
Lincolnshire-based commercial design and fit specialist APSS has appointed six new staff to strengthen the team and add new skills to the business.
Sean Cuffley has returned to APSS in a new role as commercial manager. With 18 years’ experience of the industry and his existing knowledge of APSS, Sean will be mentoring newer staff and passing on his expertise. His appointment will help speed up internal processes and ensure projects are completed within budget.
Luke Krossoy has started as a site joiner in the company’s commitment to upskilling the workforce. While in a bid to combat the labour shortage in the construction industry, Finley Davis and Ben McGarragh are welcomed to APSS as joinery apprentices as part of its programme to develop the next generation of workers which is crucial to future-proofing the business.
Finley and Ben will be gaining hands on experience learning a unique trade whilst continuing to study at Lincoln College. Luke will be responsible for ensuring that projects are installed on site as efficiently as possible while meeting the highest quality standards.
Designer, Caitlin Maginess has joined the in-house design team, and brings with her a wealth of knowledge of building regulations for new builds, extensions and conversions. She will inject fresh ideas into the business and enable the team to take on additional and more complex work.
Project manager Mark Barnes has more than 20 years’ experience overseeing construction and interior fit out projects. With his knowledge of on-site joinery, he will be an asset to the team ensuring that customer projects are completed as efficiently as possible and within the agreed timescales.
Managing Director Laurence Barrass said: “We’re committed to delivering the best possible service to our customers and supporting our team by adding new strengths and capabilities. These new appointments focus on key disciplines out on site and in the office, helping to support the management team.
“We have an impressive work culture within the business which is proven when staff return to us like Sean has recently. We are thrilled he has come back to the APSS family and with the combined skills we now have in the business, we will be able to provide an even better service to our customers.
“As an SME, our customers are everything to us. Having staff who are willing to go the extra mile for them is an important part of who we are as a company.”
For over 25 years, APSS has specialised in commercial interior designs, office fit outs, retail refurbishments, healthcare and educational interiors. The company supports its clients to refurbish their workplace and ensure the best use of space, boosting productivity.
Hear about changes to the way the self-emloyed and those in business partnerships are taxed
A webinar taking place this week, on Thursday 12 October (11.00am – 12.00pm), will discuss the changes to the way the self-emloyed and those in business partnerships are taxed.
HMRC, His Majesty”s Revenue and Customs, has introduced changes to the basis period, the defined timeframe used to calculate the taxable profits for taxing the self-employed and those in business partnerships. The changes relate to this tax year, 2023/24 and beyond.
This special webinar, led by Streets tax partner Michael Ball, aims to provide a clear understanding of what the basis period is, the recent changes, who it affects, when it takes effect and considerations for those affected.
This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join us live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.
Renovation project breathes new life into historic dock buildings in Grimsby
Historic buildings at ABP’s Port of Grimsby are being brought back into use as part of a programme of renovation works.
Twelve buildings have initially been earmarked for requiring urgent works, identified from condition surveys undertaken by ABP, Historic England, and North East Lincolnshire Council, as part of grant-funded projects or through other surveys.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber said: “We are at a crucial stage in this exciting project. Ensuring works are carried out to these initial buildings proves our commitment to the value of our heritage and bringing the buildings back into use to pass on to future generations.
“The success of our recent Heritage Open Day at the port is part of the wider work we’re doing to help people understand this historic environment, while bringing new business and employment opportunities to the port, like the filming that has been taking place.”
Greg Lacey, Head of Property said: “The regeneration work being undertaken in the historic quarter known as The Kasbah is vital to the long-term future and security of this location. These buildings will become a great asset to the port and the town appealing to a wide range of business users. We are kick starting the works by prioritising building 74. This will include full scaffolding to the building to make it structurally secure as well as rebuilding the upper elevations and a full roof replacement.”
Part of the funding for the first of the buildings to be repaired, building 74 on Wharncliffe Road South, has come from the Partnership Scheme in Conservation Areas heritage grant worth £150,000. The scheme is being delivered as part of the Greater Grimsby Heritage Action Zone. The scheme is a joint project between Historic England and North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from Associated British Ports (ABP).
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy at North East Lincolnshire Council shares the excitement of all involved in what is currently happening in many areas of the Port of Grimsby, and the support of PsiCA (Partnership Schemes in Conservation Areas) in enabling the works on Building 74.
He said: “The rebirth of both the Kasbah and its surrounding area is a fine example of how partnership working and a desire for change is seeing a transformation that few would have envisaged a decade or so ago. To see this new life and new future happening before our eyes is fantastic – it allows us all to be reminded of what made our town and area great, whilst proving that we can provide fresh opportunities in very different ways.”
Louise Brennan, Regional Director (Midlands) for Historic England said: “We are very pleased to be able to support ABP in arresting the decline of Building 74 and carrying out repairs. It is a key building in the Kasbah conservation area. The huge success of the recent Heritage Open Day shows the interest the people of Grimsby have in the historic docks and the progress made to regenerate the area.”
The work being undertaken in the port of Grimsby within the Kasbah conservation zone has shown a shift by the company when it comes to what is left of our heritage. The Kasbah masterplan examines future opportunities and developments that present themselves in the context of historic buildings located within an operational port.
The Kasbah is becoming a place to go for many film makers, as being one of the few areas outside London and the south east which has conserved its heritage. Henderson Street, which features in the latest Netflix drama Bodies, which airs on the streaming platform on October 16th, is one of the few streets on the port which presents an ideal closed film location with its red brick period buildings.
This roll out of renovation works is only the beginning for the historic area of the docks as it enters a new golden age.
Building 74 was once the offices for Sir Thomas Robinson and Son Limited. Tosh Robinson, as he was known, was a trawler owner, who had a few business operations on the port. He came from a long line of Cleethorpes fishermen, and converted from smack fishing to steam trawling and was one of the many pioneers to establish Grimsby as the premier fishing port in the world.
Hull gets share in Government cash to build almost 100 new homes
Almost 100 new homes are to be built on the site of a former school in Hull thanks to a Government grant of almost £1m as part of the city centre regeneration.
The homes are part of more tan 60,000 to be built on brownfield sites, through money given to councils to transform unused land into beautiful and thriving neighbourhoods.
Across the country, from Hull to Somerset, nearly 100 regeneration projects will receive £60 million from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The investment is part of the second phase of the £180 million Brownfield Land Release Fund, with cash going directly to councils so they can release the land and get building as soon as possible.
Derelict car parks, industrial sites and town centre buildings that have fallen into disrepair will all benefit from the new funding, with the Government supporting communities to bring land back into use.
The Government has been clear it has a brownfield-first approach to building the homes this country needs through its long-term plan for housing and today’s announcement will help deliver that.
Minister for Housing and Planning, Rachel Maclean MP said: “We know we need to build more homes, but this cannot come at the expense of concreting over our precious countryside.
“That is why we are doing all we can to make sure we’re making use of wasteland and unused brownfield land, so we can turn these eyesores into beautiful and thriving communities.”This builds on the success of the first round of Brownfield Land Release Fund 2, where funding is enabling the release of land for almost 2,400 homes.
To date, the fund is supporting at least 89 local authorities, over 160 projects, and providing almost £100 million to support councils to release land for almost 8,600 homes. At the same time, the £1 billion Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund will unlock up to 65,000 new homes across England.
1,200-tonne crane lifts White Rose bridges into place in Leeds
Rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group has installed two new link bridges at the £26.5 million new White Rose Rail Station in south Leeds, connecting the main station buildings to platform level at the new station next to the White Rose Park on the main trans-Pennine route to Manchester via Huddersfield.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Munroe K, Leeds City Council, Network Rail and the Department for Transport.
The two link bridges were installed overnight over the course of two weekends with the help of a 1,200-tonne crane built on site. It had to be transported in sections and took a week to assemble with more than 25 lorry deliveries of components.
The east link bridge, which had to be built in two halves and welded together on site, is 40m long and weighs 84 tonnes. The west link bridge is 20m long and weighs 46 tonnes.
Anna Weeks, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “It’s always special to reach milestones such as this in the large-scale infrastructure projects that Network Rail supports alongside its partners. We’re proud to be playing our part in delivering a new accessible railway station for local residents and the wider public, offering them more sustainable ways to travel into Leeds city centre and beyond.”
Joe Bennett, Operations Director at Spencer Group, said: “The installation of the two link bridges represents a major milestone in the project.
“We had to work around external obstacles with the bridge lifts, including gas main renewals on the main road, but it went very well. The station is now really beginning to take shape.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re determined to create a better-connected region where everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life.
“Investing in transport schemes that support economic growth, like the White Rose Rail Station, has a key role to play in that.
“This investment will bring new opportunities for people in nearby communities by boosting transport links, regeneration and jobs.”
Steel industry at the heart of UK economic potential, says new report
Trade body UK Steel has published a new report highlighting how the industry is the bedrock for Britain’s supply chains, and why it is central to the nation’s economic potential and resilience at a time of geopolitical turbulence.
Called ‘Why the UK needs a strong steel sector’, it also says the UK deserves to have a strong, national industry making products for infrastructure, homes, energy and transport across the nation instead of importing high-emissions steel.
The report states: “We need more steel, not less, in our Net Zero future. The UK is in a prime position to lead green steelmaking, having one of the largest scrap resources in the world and a leader in renewable energy. Now is the time to be bold and seize the opportunity to lead the world by building a Net Zero steel sector.”
It sets out why:
- Steel is central to meeting the UK’s decarbonisation objectives, from reducing the emissions of the material itself to its use in energy infrastructure and technologies that will enable a Net Zero economy. A meaningful decarbonisation strategy must clearly focus on consumption emissions, not just emissions from steel produced domestically.
- Increased reliance on steel imports could lead to higher emissions if imported steel is produced in a more carbon-intensive steel plant. UK steel production sites are less carbon-intensive than the global average for both blast furnace and electric arc furnace steelmaking, and therefore import increases will likely lead to a rise in UK greenhouse gas emissions.
