Rotherham set to agree £6.4m of funding to support economy

Tess Egginton
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Rotherham set to agree £6.4m of funding to support economy

Ensuring that more residents benefit from a more inclusive local economy is at the heart of proposals set to be considered by Rotherham Council.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet are set to allocate the £6.4m of borough’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) monies next month. Recommendations on how to use the funding is focused on increasing opportunities for residents across the borough in employment, skills and support to local businesses. Proposals for the funding will be allocated across three areas, including:
  • Supporting Local Business
  • People and Skills
  • Communities and Place
If approved, the programme outlines more than £2 million to help new businesses to start up, grants to increase business productivity and cut carbon emissions, and to encourage businesses to ensure all staff are paid at least the Real Living Wage, as well as support to the Council’s business centres, and improving access to public sector procurement opportunities. A programme of small grants for businesses in rural locations is also planned. Residents will be able to access training opportunities through the Rotherham Integrated Skills Programme to reach sustainable employment and career progression through a tailored programme of support. The Children’s Capital of Culture will receive funding to support a range of events for young people across the borough, and will also include the creation of a further 40 paid traineeships for young people aged 16-25 through the programme. Targeted neighbourhood-based support through the Open Arms programme will continue offering fortnightly one-stop shop sessions to offer advice and guidance on a range of topics such as energy bills, financial and debt advice, and benefits support through to the middle of 2025. Funding will also be allocated to ensure that existing regeneration projects can be delivered at a time of high inflation and rising cost pressures. Rotherham Council’s Leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: “This package of measures will provide residents with new opportunities to get skills and support where they need it most, helping local businesses and helping to make our economy more inclusive to the whole community. “Although the shift to the UKSPF funding package means that South Yorkshire will once again receive less money that we would otherwise have done, we are determined to ensure we maximise the benefit for our community.” Funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is allocated by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority based on bids from Rotherham Council. Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), businesses will also be access support to reduce their carbon emissions, improve resilience and protect jobs through a Low carbon grant which is being administered by Sheffield City Council.

BT Group’s flagship Sheffield office building reaches key milestone

Tess Egginton
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BT Group’s flagship Sheffield office building reaches key milestone
BT Group has marked a key milestone in the development of its multi-million-pound new home in Sheffield, as the state-of-the-art building was formally handed over from developer, Scarborough Group International (SGI). The tech and telecommunications firm celebrated the latest phase of construction of its Endeavour building, which will serve as its new South Yorkshire base, alongside representatives from SGI and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire. Delegates gathered at the seven-storey, 65,000 sq ft office building to hold a hand-over ceremony, marking the completion of the building’s structure and preparing it for the next phase of its development. BT Group will now progress the fit-out and kit-out of the building to prepare to welcome staff next year. Endeavour forms part of BT Group’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. Sheffield joins other key locations including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Glasgow in undergoing a workplace transformation under the Programme. It also follows the multi-million-pound refurbishments of BT Group’s contact centres across the UK, including its site in nearby Doncaster. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “It’s great to see businesses like BT expanding their base here in South Yorkshire, not only creating a brilliant working environment for their teams but redeveloping a key site in Sheffield City Centre, too. “The Endeavor building is located within South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone – the first to launch in the UK. It’s a really exciting time for our region as we work to make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses, and I’m glad BT are going to remain a part of it.” Brent Mathews, property director at BT Group, said: “This investment demonstrates BT Group’s continued commitment to Sheffield and Yorkshire, which remains central to our long-term plans. “Our Better Workplace Programme is about modernising the spaces where our colleagues work and giving them buildings and facilities they can be proud of. “The handover ceremony is a key landmark in our journey towards opening this state-of-the-art building for our colleagues in the region, and we look forward to opening the doors to them next year.” BT Group will take up all floors in the 65,000 sq ft building. The state-of-the-art Endeavour building is the final phase of the acclaimed Sheffield Digital Campus and will allow colleagues to collaborate and to work more efficiently, helping to boost the service it provides to customers. Adam Varley, development director at SGI, said: “Our decision to proceed with the speculative development of Endeavour in the midst of the pandemic was driven by our confidence that the building would have a meaningful impact on the wider city, stimulating the creation of new jobs and driving economic growth; a decision that was later rewarded having secured BT Group. “Throughout the construction of the building, we worked collaboratively with BT Group’s Property team to ensure that it fully aligned with their ambitions to create a truly unique and innovative workplace and we’re delighted to officially welcome them to their new home so that they can start their fit-out process.”

R&D claims to come under greater scrutiny, as HMRC reveals £1 billion of ‘fraud and error’

Tess Egginton
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0
R&D claims to come under greater scrutiny, as HMRC reveals £1 billion of ‘fraud and error’
Challenges against R&D claims are set to ‘intensify’ for businesses, after HMRC uncovered more than £1 billion of ‘fraud and error’. A new report from HMRC has revealed £1.13 billion of fraud and error in research and development tax credits claimed by SMEs in 2020-21. According to the report, the overall level of error and fraud for both R&D tax relief schemes (SME and RDEC) across all sectors of the economy was the equivalent to 16.7% of claims, significantly higher than HMRC’s previously published estimate of 3.6%. Ross Northall, BDO partner and head of Innovation Taxes for the North, said: “This announcement will have a significant impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, as it cements HMRC’s stance on R&D claims and the level of challenge it’s prepared to undertake against potential fraud and error. What is clear is this level of scrutiny is not going to go away and will in fact intensify, as HMRC seeks to use newly introduced legislation to challenge claims.” In August, tighter rules around R&D claims will come into force. Claimants or their R&D advisers will have to fill in an Additional Information Form which is designed to allow HMRC to quickly assess the validity of any claim and the level of expertise of any R&D agent used to prepare the claim. HMRC has also risk-profiled claims across the different business sectors and by size of claim. Northall added: “Businesses will need to ensure more than ever that they are clearly demonstrating their qualifying activities to HMRC when submitting claims and, where they use professional advisors to support them in doing this, that they have the skills needed to provide high quality advice and support to these businesses. “Failure to do so could result in HMRC opening enquiries that will prove expensive and time consuming to deal with. Should HMRC be successful in their challenge, it will also result in the denial of relief, potential penalties, and the possibility of HMRC also looking at earlier submitted claims, further compounding the problem.” The figures come as the government unveiled draft legislation to change the UK R&D regime, with proposals to merge two schemes – the Research and Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) and the small or medium enterprises (SME) R&D relief. The aim of the single R&D relief scheme is to achieve tax simplification, including having a single set of qualifying rules, particularly around subcontractor costs and in the restriction of claims where R&D work is deemed to be subsidised. Northall warned that the changes could go ‘too far too fast’ if implemented from April 2024, hitting innovative businesses and creating more uncertainty. He said: “Following the review of R&D reliefs launched in Rishi Sunak’s 2021 Spring Budget, the government has taken many steps to reduce the costs of the UK’s R&D scheme to get better ‘value for money’ – while this is understandable, I’d argue that this latest move is going to prove the most disruptive yet. “Given all the recent changes, creating yet more uncertainty by changing the R&D regime again for accounting periods beginning on or after April 2024 could risk turning innovative businesses away from investing in the UK.” The current SME and Research & Development Expenditure Credit (RDEC) schemes offer different rates of relief with the SME scheme being more generous – even after the reductions in tax relief from 1 April 2023. Northall continued: “Under the proposals, many start-up and growing businesses will be concerned that they will get even less tax relief under a combined scheme – although the higher relief for R&D intensive businesses looks set to continue – albeit running alongside the new scheme. “Businesses understand that the government will move the goalposts to make it harder for fraudsters to win tax reliefs from HMRC. But, making radical changes to tax law at such short notice not only creates uncertainty for compliant businesses it also risks introducing new rules with loopholes that fraudsters can exploit further down the line. “The government has not made a final decision to push these changes through from April 2024 and I believe the changes should be delayed until at least 2026 so that they don’t damage the R&D investment the relief is supposed to support.”

Renewable energy projects to get more development cash from government

Stuart Pearcey
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Renewable energy projects to get more development cash from government
A multi-million-pound boost for cleaner, more secure energy will make Britain the ‘first choice’ for investors, says Energy Secretary Grant Shapps when he announced a £22million increase in Government backing for renewables through the flagship “Contracts for Difference” scheme. The scheme – launched in 2014 – is the Government’s main system for supporting low-carbon electricity generation and has already led to an increase in the proportion of the UK’s energy coming from renewables. In 2022, renewables fuelled around 42 per cent of the UK’s electricity generation – up from 7 per cent in 2010 – compared to around 21 per cent in the US and 23 per cent in Japan. In the first quarter of 2023, renewables generated a record 48 per cent of our electricity, all making strong progress towards our targets to deliver a decarbonised power sector by 2035 and net zero by 2050. Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: “Our successful, world-leading scheme has accelerated the roll-out of renewable, homegrown energy.

“Today’s increase will improve energy security and maximise the potential of the scheme. This will result in investment, a stronger renewables sector and growth to our economy.”

The increased funding combined with the introduction of annual auctions, will boost investments in Britain’s world-leading renewable industry, while strengthening the UK’s energy security, fostering growth in the country’s green industries and reducing exposure to volatile global gas prices. Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps said the Russian invasion of Ukraine had made it plan that the UK had to do whatever was necessary to bolster the country’s energy security. Funding through our flagship Contracts for Difference scheme – the lifeblood of our renewables industry for nearly a decade – will help grow our economy by making Britain the first choice for investors in renewable energy projects and secure skilled jobs for future generations.

“This will be the case for established technologies like solar, and new innovations like floating offshore wind and, alongside our backing for oil and gas, carbon capture and our revival in nuclear, will ensure we can help power more of Britain from Britain for decades to come.”

Today’s new funding for the current round (AR5) will mean:
  • An increased budget for established technologies such as solar and offshore wind – from £170 million to £190 million;
  • An increase in the budget for emerging technologies such as floating offshore wind – up from £35 million to £37 million; and
  • Maintaining £10 million ring-fenced budget for tidal stream projects
This funding boost is expected to send a powerful signal to the industry, increasing developer confidence in the sector every year and enhancing the UK’s reputation as among the most attractive places to invest and grow the economy, with nearly 25,000 jobs directly supported by renewable electricity sectors in 2021.

British Steel is at the heart of £35m railway station transformation

Stuart Pearcey
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British Steel is at the heart of £35m railway station transformation
Scunthorpe-based British Steel is at the heart of a £35million transformation of Middlesbrough Rail Station  – with a 200-tonne crane lifting in 40 tonnes of beams and columns. They will form part of the ticket hall, new staircase, wall structures and undercroft, breathing new life into the site with new walkways and spaces for businesses, and providing increased capacity for more rail services.  An extension to the existing Platform 2 to cater for intercity rail services and a new Platform 3 to accommodate the planned increase in passenger rail services in the coming years are all part of the huge revamp.  Work is being carried out by Story Contracting from Carlisle on behalf of Network Rail. British Steel Strategy and Marketing Director Lisa Coulson said: “Building Stronger Futures is what we are about at British Steel and we are delighted we have been able to manufacture and supply vital materials to such an important and transformative project. In this case a local workforce has been key to the development of a pivotal project on their own doorstep.”  The project is set to be completed next year.

Hull property owners urged to keep it clean after £2,000 nuisance penalty

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull property owners urged to keep it clean after £2,000 nuisance penalty
Hull City Council is urging landlords and property owners to maintain the cleanliness of their land, after a prosecution that resulted in fines and costs totalling more than £2k. M3A Property Investment Limited has been prosecuted by Hull City Council for failing to deal with the condition of a property on Mayfield Avenue, which was causing a statutory nuisance due to the presence of waste accumulated on site. Action was taken by Hull City Council’s environmental enforcement officers, in response to complaints from members of the public. Hull Magistrates fined M3A Property Investment Ltd for failing to deal with the condition of the property. With costs, the penalty amounted to £2,338. Councillor Julia Conner, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “As a council, we will always listen and respond to complaints from the public about environmental crimes. “Landlords and property owners must take responsibility for any waste on their land as it can blight the neighbourhood, is unfair on other residents and the council will ensure there are consequences for failure to do so.” Hull City Council continues to recommend that residents in rented, and non-rented accommodation, dispose or recycle their household waste through approved services – including any of the recycling centres throughout the city, household collection schemes and bulky household collection service. The Council also urges anyone using non-Council services to collect and remove waste, to check that the people doing the work are authorised to do so. To check if a person is authorised to take waste, visit the Environment Agency or call 03708 506 506. To report untidy land, call 01482 300 300.

South Yorkshire specialists team up with South Africa and America to develop new weld repair technology

Stuart Pearcey
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South Yorkshire specialists team up with South Africa and America to develop new weld repair technology
Rotherham’s Nuclear AMRC is working with engineers from South Africa and America to develop a new weld repair technique to meet quality requirements for safety-critical fabrications. The research involves WeldCore technology developed for the power generation and petrochemical industries by eNtsa, an engineering technology institute based at Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. WeldCore was developed to cut core samples for material analysis from high-pressure components such as steam pipes, and uses a solid-state welding technique known as friction tapered hydro pillar processing (FTHPP) to permanently plug the hole and allow the component to remain in operation. The Nuclear AMRC has been developing electron beam welding techniques for reactor pressure vessels since 2018, in an ongoing collaboration with US-based research institute EPRI. The team have successfully demonstrated how electron beam welding can help slash the production time and cost of reactor pressure vessels for a new generation of small modular reactor (SMR), by replacing multiple arc welded passes with a single deep-penetration power beam weld. But as in any welding process, there’s always the risk of a defect which could lead to significant costs and delays, or even the scrapping of the entire fabrication. Before the process can be used in the nuclear sector, there must be a proven method for repairing such flaws. Will Kyffin, head of welding and materials at the Nuclear AMRC, said: “Codes and standards require you to have an effective repair strategy in place. This work is addressing one of the most severe types of flaw, where the electron beam welding process can’t be used to repair the flaw itself.”

Communicating clearly: Plans could put £160m into high-tech satellite development

Stuart Pearcey
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Communicating clearly: Plans could put £160m into high-tech satellite development
British innovators working to revolutionise 5G and broadband coverage for every corner of the UK could be in line to secure up to £160 million from a scheme to deliver the next generation of high-tech satellites, Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan announced today. Low Earth Orbit satellites represent the next generation of space technology, offering unparalleled resilience and resistance to disabling attempts. Their vital importance was demonstrated during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when they ensured continuous and reliable connectivity, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit scheme (CLEO) would build on our country’s established and growing satellites industry by providing UK researchers and businesses with critical support to drive the development of new constellations. This would include supporting smarter satellites with better hardware, using AI to make data delivery faster and connecting satellites together for improved connection – all creating interconnected networks serving billions worldwide. The proposed scheme would ensure UK businesses are supported in developing the next generation of low Earth orbit satellites, driving the UK’s thriving satellite industry towards global leadership. The development would mark the UK’s most significant ever investment in satellite communications, unleashing our country’s potential to become global giants of the satellite industry while creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs to boost the Prime Minister’s priority of growing our economy. This package would be complemented by a range of live 5G integration projects such as the 5G testing facility at ESCAT in Harwell, Oxfordshire, aiming to establish networks in underserved and remote areas, bringing high-speed internet and connections to every single part of the UK, while addressing a major priority to improve Future Telecoms, as laid out in the government’s Science and Technology Framework. Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Tackling the digital divide is at the heart of empowering our citizens wherever they live, and by investing in the vital research and development that CLEO would facilitate, we can level up our country while growing the economy through high-quality jobs.

“This proposed record investment is also potentially a huge opportunity to harness our reputation as a world leader in innovation and R&D investment, supporting leading UK businesses to deliver the next generation of satellites and positioning the UK as true space superpower.”

To propel the UK’s capabilities and long-term ambitions in the space sector, the government is exploring grant funding of up to £100 million. The government is also exploring whether to support this grant funding with an additional £60 million from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) UK-backed Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme, which supports UK industry in delivering commercial satellite communications infrastructure. The scheme would establish UK leadership in many critical areas for the next generation of LEO satellite communication technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Carl lands regional trainer role with care provider

Stuart Pearcey
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Carl lands regional trainer role with care provider

Carl Taylor from Cleethorpes has been appointed regional trainer for care home provider HICA.

He will provide learning and development to staff across a number of HICA’s care home and care services in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire including Grimsby Homecare, The Anchorage, Prospect House, The Birches, The Wolds, and Cranwell Court.

Carl will spearhead the delivery of comprehensive induction training to new recruits, ensuring they embrace the core values and ethos that have earned HICA Group its reputation for excellence in person-centred care. He will also provide requalification training to existing employees, enabling them to stay up to date with the latest industry standards and practices related to care delivery.

Steve Reed, learning and development manager at HICA Group, said: “Carl is an asset to our organisation and it’s great to have him on board. His expertise in care and education, coupled with his passion for person-centred care, will undoubtedly elevate the training standards across the Group and enhance the quality of our care provision.”

Carl brings extensive experience in the care and education sector, having worked for Kisimul Group which provides education and care for children and adults with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs. Carl has also served as a tutor at the Grimsby Institute, where he taught Level 3 Psychology. His academic background, which includes a BSc degree in Applied Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Wakefield milk supplier falls into administration

Tess Egginton
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Wakefield milk supplier falls into administration
Gareth Harris and Lee Lockwood of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP have been appointed joint administrators of Fresh Pastures Limited and School Milk UK Limited. Established in 2006, Normanton-based Fresh Pastures and School Milk supplied diary and breakfast products to thousands of schools, nurseries and councils within 14 local authorities across the UK; and employed 66 employees. The decision to appoint administrators was made by directors due to difficult ongoing trading conditions and all employees have been made redundant. RSM was advised by Matthew Brown and Niall Crossley at Gateley LLP. Gareth Harris, partner at RSM and joint administrator, said: “Unfortunately the business has been loss making for several years, and despite concerted efforts by management it did not prove possible to turnaround performance; or find a buyer for the entire business. “With further losses predicted over the summer and a large funding requirement imminent, the directors took the difficult decision to close. Schools have broken up for the summer, so we are hopeful that they now have some time to find an alternative supplier before the Autumn term starts.”
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