Foreign investment to yield 7,000 jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber

Stuart Pearcey
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Foreign investment to yield 7,000 jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber
Foreign direct investment projects coming into Yorkshire and the Humber will create more than 7,000 new jobs, according to figures just out. New government statistics say that’s just part of nearly 80,000 jobs across every part of the UK, Northern England has seen huge gains, with Yorkshire and The Humber landing 103 FDI projects which will create 7,378 new jobs – an increase of 97% on 2021/22 and 423% on 2020/21 – while in the North West and North East, 198 projects are set to create 8,867 jobs. In just three years, the North West and North East have seen 604 FDI projects landed, leading to 25,872 new jobs. The Midlands has also seen scores of new projects creating thousands of jobs. In 2022/23, 265 FDI projects were landed which are set to create 11,091 jobs, and in Wales, 47 projects will create 3,062 jobs – up by 71% on the 1,793 in 2021/22. Minister for Investment Lord Johnson said: “These statistics reflect the sentiment I hear from foreign investors every day: the UK is a great place to invest and a fantastic springboard to start and grow a successful business. “These figures confirm investors are looking beyond London and the South East as they search for high growth opportunities with highly skilled workforces.  These investments are also supporting our strongest industries and creating the jobs of the future, from aerospace and car manufacturing to financial services and tech.” Inward investment is said to be crucial for growing the UK economy, and the latest statistics back up recent reports from PwC and EY that found investors are continuing to increase their confidence as well as their investments in some of our key sectors. The automotive sector has seen 76 new FDI projects in 2022/23, leading to 3,807 new jobs – up from 1,786 two years ago – while aerospace projects will create 3,208 new jobs – up from 1,277.

New funding pot to be made available to Yorkshire businesses

Stuart Pearcey
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New funding pot to be made available to Yorkshire businesses
Business in North Yorkshire are to have a chance to bid for funding from a £2.7m share in a £5.4m fund to support the rural communities. Next Tuesday members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will be asked to accept the cash from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, which aims to support local businesses, communities and place. It’s intended to split the allocation in two – using £2.7 million to support local businesses and a further £2.7 million for communities and places. It’s proposed to set up a £1.5 million grant schemes for micro and small businesses, use £600,000 scheme to help grow the social economy and supporting innovation, and allocate £600,000 to develop and promote the visitor economy. There would also be £467,000 in grant aid for community groups, £400,000 to improve green spaces, £333,000 for the local heritage offer, £333,000 for arts, culture and heritage activities, £717,000 to boost recycling, and £467,000 for volunteering and social action projects. Council leader Carl Les, said: “This funding represents a significant opportunity for our rural communities. It is the largest amount allocated to any council in the country as part of the Government’s overall Levelling Up programme. “The programme’s aspirations to increase pride in their local town centres and engage more with culture and community strongly align with our ambitions along with our plans for sustainable economic growth and support for local area improvements.” The scheme, which was set up to follow last year’s launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, provides 100 per cent funding for rural communities. We received a £5.4 million offer for the next two years after submitting a Rural England Prosperity Fund Investment Plan. This is the largest amount awarded to any local authority in the country.

Dave pilots course to retirement after 47 years on the Humber

Stuart Pearcey
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Dave pilots course to retirement after 47 years on the Humber
Dave Hunter is to retire after 47 years as a Very Large Ships pilot on the Humber, having brought the MV Propel Grace onto its berth at the Humber International Terminal at Immingham as one of his last tasks. Dave, above, had wanted to become a draughtsman or architect when he was younger, but as he was preparing to leave school, he spotted an article in a careers magazine about becoming a River Pilot, which sparked his interest in what would be an incredible career. He said: “The job really jumped out at me. I had never heard of a River Pilot, and it sounded really good, so I made some enquiries. I had never been to sea, neither had my father, but later I discovered that my great, great, great, great grandfather had been a pilot on the Tyne. I was able to start an apprenticeship in 1964 and haven’t looked back since.” Following time on the water and working through the necessary experience and qualifications, Dave became a Class 1 Humber Pilot in 1980, and 12 years later he qualified as a VLS Pilot. David said: “I have loved working with very large ships of 40,000 tonnes. Being a Humber Pilot has been a wonderful career. Without doubt the Humber Estuary is one of the hardest to navigate in the UK, but the feeling that you get from completing a job really well is like no other. It is a challenging job, but when everything goes right you feel ten foot high.” Dave reckons he has completed around 200 vessel movements per year, and he has enjoyed every one of them. The Humber Estuary is the largest harbour district in the UK, and the Humber Pilotage Area stretches from the Spurn Light Float through the Humber Estuary up the River Ouse to Goole and up the Trent to Gainsborough. Dave added: “Over the years I have worked with 100’s of apprentices and trainees. There is a lot of support for those working towards becoming a Humber Pilot, it is a great community in which I have made lifelong friends.” Simon Bird, Director Humber, said: “I would like to personally thank Dave for his incredible service to the Humber. Dave, and Marine Pilots here and around the world, carry out a vital service that supports our everyday lives. “Thanks to the considerable experience and expertise of Marine Pilots, we can all access the commodities to build our homes, keep our lights and heating on, stock our retail sector and bring in medicines for our hospitals and pharmacies. The work Pilots carry out goes mostly unnoticed by members of the public but is key to Keeping Britain Trading.”

Energy-intensive businesses could get energy bills slashed by 20%

Stuart Pearcey
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Energy-intensive businesses could get energy bills slashed by 20%
Energy-intensive businesses and heat network operators have one month left to apply for government support that could see wholesale energy bills slashed by as much as a fifth. Consumer Energy Minister Amanda Solloway today called on eligible businesses to act now to benefit from the support available through the Energy Bills Discount Scheme. Companies have until July 25th to apply, with discounts applied to their bills until April next year. The scheme was put in place to keep costs down by offering a higher rate of support for those using significant amounts of energy to deliver their services and goods – such as ceramic and textile firms. These companies are exposed to strong international competition, meaning they can’t raise their prices to cover the increase in costs they’ve faced. Minister Solloway also issued a reminder to heat network operators that they have a legal requirement to apply, to ensure a fair deal for their customers who would otherwise face higher energy bills compared to those covered by the energy price cap.  If no action is taken, they could face a fine of up to £5,000. Amanda Solloway said: “Today marks one month to go for businesses and heat network operators to apply for support that could cut their energy bills by as much as a fifth – I would urge all of those who haven’t already to set time aside, check they are eligible, and get their details registered.

“Energy prices are falling but we will continue to stand by businesses and do all we can to help and make sure they remain competitive in a challenging market, as we have done over the winter.”

Rob Flello, Chief Executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, said: “Energy costs have dominated many conversations with our members over the past year, and remain a concern. Therefore, we appreciate that the government has recognised the issues faced by the UK ceramics sector and other energy intensive industries.

“We are strongly advising our members to apply, even if their current energy prices are below the activation thresholds, to help cushion any future price hikes ahead of or during next winter. We are also highlighting the process and its deadline in the hope that it will be a smooth process.”

Businesses that become classed as an Energy and Trade Intensive Industry after the window closes will have 90 days from the first date they can apply to submit an application for support. Businesses in ceramics and textiles are among a wide range of sectors that have been able to claim further discounts on their bills between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 – helping deliver on the government’s priority to halve inflation. So far the government has provided nearly £40 billion to households and businesses to help with their energy bills, which has also helped efforts to bear down on inflation. Businesses are advised to check GOV.UK as soon as possible to find out their eligibility and what they need to do to apply. Support will be backdated to 1 April and could save some around 20% on predicted wholesale energy costs. Heat networks with domestic customers can also receive a sector-specific support rate to make sure households do not face disproportionately higher bills compared to customers supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. Heat suppliers are legally required to apply for this support and pass on the discount to their customers. If heat network operators do not apply for the scheme then enforcement action can be taken. Should a heat supplier fail to undertake any corrective action they may face a penalty of up to £5,000.

Urban living in Grimsby Town Centre takes step forward

Tess Egginton
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Urban living in Grimsby Town Centre takes step forward
A vision to create modern, smart homes on a riverside setting in Grimsby’s town centre are taking a step forward. Following discussions between North East Lincolnshire Council and Homes England, central Government funding has been agreed to allow investigative work to take place at Alexandra Dock. This will centre on six-acres of council-owned land behind the new Horizon OnSide Youth Zone and next to the remodelled Garth Lane bridge and walkway alongside the water. Around two weeks of specialist contract work, which starts on Monday 3 July, will determine the land type and what is beneath the surface – essential investigations ahead of preparing the site further. This area was earmarked for homes in Grimsby’s Town Centre Masterplan – cited as an ideal location given the water nearby and the improvements that have already taken place. Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the council with responsibilities for the economy, net zero, skills and housing, said: “The main objective of this work is to create a place that connects the town and its community with its waterside, creating a fantastic urban living environment that’s kind to the planet. “There’s a long way to go yet, and developments of this scale don’t happen overnight. But we are working to improve the town centre as a whole and this is part of that vision. Step-by-step we want to change how our centre is used and enjoyed as a whole.”

Bradford’s unique Peace Museum to move to Salts Mill

Tess Egginton
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Bradford’s unique Peace Museum to move to Salts Mill

Bradford’s Peace Museum is relocating to Salts Mill and will reopen in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire next summer.

The Peace Museum was previously based in Piece Hall Yard in Bradford city centre and its expansion will enable it to showcase more of its extensive collection. The move is supported by a £245,651 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Property solicitor and head of LCF Law’s real estate department, Harriet Thornton advised The Peace Museum on moving to its new premises in Salts Mill. The new museum will open in summer 2024, ahead of the launch of Bradford’s 2025 City of Culture year.

The Peace Museum opened in 1998 and is the UK’s only museum dedicated to peace. It’s full of fascinating artefacts ranging from protest banners, flags and posters that have been used to promote the peace movement over the decades. It also works with schools on projects looking at issues such as conscientious objectors and how animals were used during wars.

Clive Barrett, chair of trustees at The Peace Museum, said: “This project will be transformational for The Peace Museum. We’re delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players, and so excited to have the opportunity to make the history of peace accessible to everybody.

“This is particularly exciting in light of Bradford receiving City of Culture for 2025, as we’ll be able to welcome visitors from all over the world to our brand-new museum in the heart of the district.”

Helen Featherstone, director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “By opening their amazing collections in a new home that is renowned for its heritage, local people and visitors from further afield can learn more about the fascinating social history that the museum explores.

“We know that heritage can play a huge role in bringing people together and creating a sense of pride in local communities, and in turn boosting the local economy, and this work by The Peace Museum is sure to be a perfect example of that.”

Harriet Thornton said: “It’s been a privilege to work with The Peace Museum and help them secure new premises in one of the UK’s most famous mill complexes. Its new home will make the museum much more accessible as well as attracting many more visitors and we’re looking forward to their launch next summer.”

Hull’s Springfield Solutions acquired by global group

Tess Egginton
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Hull’s Springfield Solutions acquired by global group
All4Labels Global Packaging Group is continuing its global growth strategy through its acquisition of Hull-based Springfield Solutions, a supplier of digital packaging assets to some of the world’s leading brands. The company will become a subsidiary of the All4Labels Group. Terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed. With this transaction, All4Labels continues its strategy of building a leading business unit in the United Kingdom, which started with the acquisition of Olympus Print Group (All4Labels UK Leeds Ltd.) as its first subsidiary in Leeds over a year ago. Dr. Günther Weymans, All4Labels’ COO, said: “We are happy to welcome the entire Springfield Solutions team as new members of the All4Labels Global Packaging Group. “We believe that Springfield Solutions with their vision to be a world leader in the supply of innovative and sustainable digital packaging assets complements our digital business perfectly. “With both our sites in the UK All4Labels will now be able to offer a wider range of products and services to an even broader range of customers both locally and on an international level. Finally, I would like to thank all parties involved for their trust and valuable support in this project.” The Springfield Solutions owners and management team will continue to manage the business. Matt Dass, Managing Director of Springfield Solutions, said: “We are extremely excited to join the All4Labels Global Packaging Group, from our very first discussion it was clear that our vision, mission and values are completely aligned. “Partnering with All4Labels and its packaging design unit All4Graphics will accelerate our joint vision of being the World Leader in the Supply of Sustainable, Digital Packaging Assets.” The founder of Springfield Solutions, Albert Dass, added: “Since starting the company nearly 50 years ago, it has been a life’s ambition to pioneer the way print and packaging is produced, with digital being at the core of everything we do. Joining the All4Labels Group will ensure we continue to do this for the next 50 years.”

Warwick Ward makes the move to employee ownership

Tess Egginton
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Warwick Ward makes the move to employee ownership
Barnsley-headquartered Warwick Ward has joined an ever increasing list of UK companies to make the transition to being Employee Owned. Owners Ashley and Matthew Ward, as part of their long-term succession planning strategy, have sold a majority of their shares to a newly formed EOT (employee owned trust) Warwick Ward EOT Ltd. Warwick Ward was founded in 1970 and has grown into one of the largest stockists and suppliers of new and used earthmoving and waste recycling equipment, and spare parts in Europe. Ashley Ward, joint Managing Director at Warwick Ward, said: “This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for Warwick Ward (machinery) Ltd as we approach our 54th year of trading. “Over the past 6 years or so my brother and I have been working on a succession plan for the future of the business and after a lot of research and consideration we feel that the EOT model is a perfect fit for both the business, our brand partners and for ourselves. “It provides motivation for the staff, stability and continuity and ensures the legacy of Warwick Ward continues in the way we want it to. “It’s important to say that this will be a gradual transition with Matt and myself still involved in the business. “Over a substantial period of time, we have worked hard to put in place a fantastic senior leadership team in Simon Causier (commercial director), Matthew Godhard (operations director) and Russell Holmes (finance director) who are pivotal and responsible for the day to day running of the business. “Matt and I continue to work closely with the senior team during this transition. “The EOT model is incredibly exciting and motivational for all our driven and dedicated team as they are now all employee owners in the business, have representation on the trust board and will profit individually from the future success of the company.” Simon Causier, commercial director at Warwick Ward, said: “Having now been part of the management team for the last 15 years, it has been fantastic to have been part of the exciting and successful journey that the company has been on over that period. “The way the business has evolved and grown over recent times has been phenomenal and I think everyone at Warwick Ward has a huge amount of pride in the company and utmost respect for Matt and Ashley and how they have strategically shaped the business since taking over from their father 23 years ago. “The transition to being an EOT is a fantastic and exciting opportunity for all the staff and senior management team to now play a pivotal role in the future success and continued growth of Warwick Ward and we are all thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead.”

University runs first ever entrepreneur exchange

Tess Egginton
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University runs first ever entrepreneur exchange
The University of York has held its first ever entrepreneur exchange in Greece – helping three businesses from North Yorkshire create potential overseas investment opportunities.

Enterprise Works, the University’s small business hub, led the exchange which saw the three business leaders head to Thessaloniki for the networking event.

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, boasts a population of 1.2 million. Situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula in SE Europe, it is the home of CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, part of the University of York community since 2021.

Utilising the local knowledge and links by the University and CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, the entrepreneurs were given an expert introduction to the local markets and 1-2-1 meetings with a range of relevant local businesses.

They also attended the European Business Angels Network annual congress, held in Thessaloniki, where they accessed a range of specialist investment advice and access to the business community.

The exchange, which was organised through CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, based in Thessaloniki, saw Nature’s Laboratory, TestCard and Asclepius Healthcare, take part in the three-day event.

TestCard is a digital platform technology company based in Scarborough that allows accurate reading, recording, and reporting of medical test results. Asclepius Healthcare, based in Wetherby, provides an innovative solution to improve the quality of surgical care through better risk stratification and enhanced postoperative monitoring. Nature’s Laboratory, based in Scarborough, develop sustainable and effective natural medicines, including plant medicines, bee medicines and skincare.

Julie Macey-Hewitt, operations manager at TestCard, said: “As an ambitious company with a strong growth record, we were delighted to be selected to join this exchange. The existing in-country links meant that we could engage with a number of major potential-client companies, build relationships and expand our investor opportunities.

“It’s so valuable to regional businesses to have the University playing an active role in supporting small business and using its global links to create growth opportunities.”

Director of Enterprise Works, Sam Gardner, said: “Enterprise Works’ role is to create opportunities for anyone, from any community, to be entrepreneurial – whether that’s in their own community, through a charity, or in starting and growing a business.

“We’re delighted to be able to use the University’s strong global links to support our region’s entrepreneurs and look forward to building links with the thriving business community in Thessaloniki and the South East European region.”

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement, Prof Kiran Trehan, said: “We are building strong, collaborative partnerships in York and around the world.

“By promoting collaboration beyond disciplinary boundaries, and with diverse people and entities from across society, for and with our local and business community we can create a thriving local economy that retains talent in the region, and enables global competitiveness.”

There will be a continuing relationship between the University and the entrepreneurs, who will be sharing their expertise, stories and experience with the student and local entrepreneurial communities. Given the success of this pilot programme the university is exploring opportunities to provide a similar venture to Greece, and with other global partners next year.

Logistics platform acquires Tuffnells out of administration

Tess Egginton
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0
Logistics platform acquires Tuffnells out of administration
Shift, a UK-based logistics platform, has acquired Tuffnells out of administration via an asset purchase of its IP, brand and selected assets, for an undisclosed amount. Tuffnells, one of the UK’s largest delivery firms, was placed into administration on 12 June 2023 with the loss of more than 2,000 jobs, after it failed to successfully navigate a number of pressures which impacted trading, including Covid, high cost inflation, and an increasingly competitive market. Rick Harrison and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to Tuffnells. Headquartered in Sheffield and with 33 depots across the UK, privately-owned Tuffnells specialises in the distribution of mixed freight and handling items of irregular dimension and weight (IDW) throughout the UK. For the year ending 31 December 2021, Tuffnells generated revenue of £178.1 million, with an operating profit of £2.3 million, 24% higher than the previous year. Shift is a British-based technology company with global ambition. Founded in 2017 by Jacob Corlett, Chief Executive Officer, the company is transforming the delivery and logistics industry through its tech-based platform, creating an on-demand delivery marketplace. Jacob Corlett, CEO of Shift, said: “We are delighted to announce today that we have acquired Tuffnells out of administration and we are in the process of incorporating the business into our tech-based logistics platform. “Tuffnells is one of the UK’s most recognisable logistics companies, which provides delivery services to over 4,000 businesses across the UK and this acquisition will significantly increase our logistics coverage across the country. “The acquisition supports our vision for Shift’s tech-driven logistics platform to disrupt both consumer and business logistics, through cutting edge AI driven routing decisions and driver management efficiency. We are also currently in dialogue with relevant parties to enable us to reopen some depots and provide re-employment opportunities.” Richard Harrison, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We are pleased to have concluded this transaction which secures the future of one of the UK’s longest standing and well-recognised courier brands, as well helping to facilitate an opportunity for the purchaser to generate a number of jobs. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the employees and other stakeholders who have supported us throughout the administration process to date.”
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