Grant scheme to help Doncaster businesses reach Net Zero

Tess Egginton
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Grant scheme to help Doncaster businesses reach Net Zero
A grant scheme could help Doncaster businesses reach their net-zero aspirations in line with the UK Government targets and the Climate Emergency declared by Doncaster Mayor, Ros Jones. Any SME business can apply for this grant worth up to a maximum of £3,000 and can use it to develop decarbonisation initiatives that will help them become “greener” and ultimately a more environmentally aware organisation. Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said: “We are committed to doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint. Having secured this latest government funding, we are looking forward to helping as many businesses as we can to be much more energy-efficient and help the borough achieve its net-zero ambitions.” There are two different routes to achieving net-zero:
  • Reduce existing emissions
  • Actively remove greenhouse gases
How do I become a net-zero carbon company?
  1. Understand your current emissions…
  2. Set targets for reduction…
  3. Deliver carbon reductions and efficiencies…
  4. Develop low carbon products or business models…
  5. Compensate for your current emissions…
  6. Develop climate projects now, as part of your future strategy…
Any of the above involves investing now to improve existing projects, develop new ones and demonstrate your commitment to climate action and change. This grant is funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and administered by Business Doncaster.

Work starts on 430,000 sq ft sustainable logistics centre in Doncaster

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on 430,000 sq ft sustainable logistics centre in Doncaster
GMI Construction Group has started work on a 430,000 sq ft seasonal warehouse and distribution centre, which is to be leased by DIY giant B&Q at Symmetry Park, Doncaster. It was appointed principal contractor by Tritax Symmetry to deliver the sustainable development, situated close to the border of South Yorkshire and north Nottinghamshire. B&Q has already agreed a 15-year lease on the bespoke building, which is due to be completed later this year. It will be built to net zero carbon in construction, in line with Tritax Symmetry’s commitment to carbon neutrality across its new buildings. GMI Construction Group, which provides specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors, has already commenced earth moving works as part of their groundwork preparations. The 54 acre Symmetry Park is located next to J34 of the A1(M). The major industrial and distribution scheme has detailed planning consent for 721,000 sq ft of logistics space and is already home to luxury dog food supplier, Butternut Box, which took a 151,388 sq ft facility on a 15 year lease in August 2020. GMI Construction Group has a long standing relationship with Tritax Symmetry, the dedicated logistics development company for Tritax Big Box REIT, and was recently appointed to build a new 158,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at its new MA6NITUDE logistics/industrial development in Middlewich, Cheshire. Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction Group’s divisional managing director, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed main contractor by Tritax to deliver this major new facility for B&Q. “Our team has already made an excellent start on site, and we look forward to delivering another high quality sustainable building that will not only prove an asset to this region but helps meet the growing demand from the logistics sector.” Freddie Oakey, associate development director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “As an existing customer within the wider Tritax Big Box portfolio, we are pleased to have brought B&Q to this Tritax Symmetry development. Having a site with infrastructure already enabled and detailed planning consent in place allows us to provide a premium, bespoke and highly sustainable facility.” Mark Jacobs, director of property at B&Q, said: “We are planning to launch our highly sustainable seasonal warehouse and distribution centre in Doncaster towards the end of 2022. It will allow us to get more of the most popular products to B&Q stores, and quicker.”

Hull’s new cruise port to deliver £87m to the region in its first 15 years

Tess Egginton
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Hull’s new cruise port to deliver £87m to the region in its first 15 years
Hull City Council has published a report requesting approval to appoint a Preferred Partner to the Hull Cruise Yorkshire project. If approved by the council’s cabinet, the decision would see Associated British Ports (ABP) appointed. The report highlights how the new cruise port will be a major transformative regeneration project delivering almost £87 million to the region over the first fifteen years and generating more than 2,800 jobs. The project will create a purpose-built cruise port to bring an estimated 30,000 cruise visitors per year directly into Hull’s city centre waterfront. To facilitate sustainability the investment includes installing shoreside electricity power, allowing ships to turn off their main and auxiliary engines while in port – reducing pollutants by about 90%, as well as reducing noise and vibration. Road infrastructure investment will also form part of the project in the future. The report will be heard at the council’s Riverside area committee and economy & investment scrutiny before a decision is made at a cabinet meeting on Monday 28 March. In the report Councillor Daren Hale, Leader of Hull City Council, says: “I am delighted that the procurement process has secured Associated British Ports as the council’s Preferred Partner. The council is very much looking forward to working with ABP who will play a vital role in shaping, developing and operating Hull’s first dedicated cruise port. “Together we will expand cruise tourism in Hull and the Yorkshire region, making it a sustainable and successful historical and cultural cruise destination, creating new jobs and businesses.” Simon Bird, ABP Humber director, said: “We are delighted that ABP has been chosen as the Preferred Partner to operate the Hull Cruise Terminal. “As the UK’s biggest port operator with large cruise terminals in places such as Southampton, as well being a beating heart in the city of Hull, we feel we are the natural choice to be involved in this exciting project. We hope it will bring jobs and investment to our area.”

Unity provides Kickstart to young career prospects

Michael Fisher
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Unity provides Kickstart to young career prospects
Leeds housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise is giving four talented young people the opportunity to develop their workplace experience and skills with six-month placements through the Kickstart scheme. Funded by the Government, Kickstart is open to individuals aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Unity, based in Chapeltown, has provided four placements across four different parts of the organisation.  Two recruits are working in housing, with the regeneration and finance teams welcoming one new employee to their ranks. Each successful candidate was selected following a challenging selection process including a panel interview. Since taking up their posts, the young people have been having monthly one to one meetings with their line managers to review progress and explore any training needs that will help them to fulfil their respective job requirements. Members of Unity’s employment services team also meet with each of the trainees fortnightly to talk about their individual goals and expectations. These conversations help the advisors prepare the candidates for their future job search. Between three and six months into the placement, bespoke skills sessions are delivered in-house including CV building, completing application forms, interview preparation and techniques, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and achieving a positive work/life balance through efficient time management. The central aim of the training is to enable the candidates to recognise the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their placements and better understand their choice of career paths including next steps. Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “I’m a firm believer in growing our own so it’s fantastic to have these impressive young people working with us. “Each of them comes from local surrounding communities and has their own unique life stories to tell. “What they share are youthful energy, high levels of ability in the workplace, a willingness to learn and a burning desire to succeed. All of which will increase their confidence and make them more marketable in the workplace.” “We look forward to helping them to continue flourishing with Unity, before using the experience and new skills they have gained to progress their future careers.”

Local Housebuilder Makes Donation to The Sun’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Michael Fisher
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Local Housebuilder Makes Donation to The Sun’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
As the crisis in Ukraine continues, the Barratt Foundation has donated £50,000 to support The Sun’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal with the Red Cross. The donation will go straight to the Red Cross, who are a partner of the charity Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which is working inside Ukraine and at its borders to ease the suffering of those caught in the conflict. David Thomas, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments and Trustee of the Barratt Foundation, said: “We’ve all been affected by the distressing news from Ukraine. We welcome the Sun’s appeal and are happy to donate to support the vital work the Red Cross is doing to ease suffering and help families.” Mike Adamson, Chief Executive of British Red Cross, said: “This donation will help us reach people with food, water, medicine, medical equipment and other essentials. We thank you for your kind support.” Barratt Developments increased its charitable giving by establishing a dedicated Barratt Foundation, with a substantial increase in charitable giving to £4.5m last year. The Barratt Foundation is committed to building strong community relationships and ensuring it creates a positive legacy that helps local communities to thrive. As part of its charitable giving strategy, The Barratt Foundation supports a range of local and national good causes, and encourages employees to get involved with both fundraising and volunteering.

University wins national award for chaplaincy service of the year

Michael Fisher
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University wins national award for chaplaincy service of the year
A boost in engagement and impact, most notably throughout the pandemic, has been rewarded with the national recognition of a Multi-Faith Chaplaincy in Lincoln. Inclusive of a range of awards, the Central England Prestige Awards, launched to celebrate businesses and individuals that consistently offer excellent products and services to the community and its visitors alike, have awarded the University of Lincoln, UK, the award for Chaplaincy Service of the Year. Students and staff from all over the world and from all religions benefit from a support network that offers a host of engagement initiatives. The Chaplaincy has built a strong international community and host a range of regular cultural events and activities, including positive thinking, Ecumenical Communion service, Aarti Prayer, Catholic Mass, Orthodox Typica Prayer, Peace Garden and many more. The Chaplaincy also work in the West End of Lincoln with the Centre for Reconciliations to connect students with the local community though a “Chat Café” and wellbeing gardening. The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy’s work increased substantially due to the pandemic. Food parcel deliveries to students were provided by faith communities in Lincoln, and students were also offered virtual events such as meditation and regular virtual meetings with the University team to stay in contact with their community. The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy work with over 100 different nationalities and support those that arrive in Lincoln by connecting them to their faith and cultural community. Celebrations and faith and cultural awareness trips are prioritized with festival celebrations taking place at the University including Diwali which saw over 500 students attend on campus Subash Chellaiah, Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Coordinator at the University of Lincoln, said: “I am delighted the chaplaincy has won this award and gained national recognition. “I am very proud of the Chaplaincy to be part of the University, adding values and contributing to our one community. The University has built a trusting community with many students regularly attending each of the wide range of events on offer. “Our team plays a vital role offering a wide range of support and I am grateful for all the Chaplains and Faith Advisors who give so much to the Chaplaincy, and as a result to our staff and the students”.

Azets advises on sale of Yorkshire glass specialist to pan-European business

Michael Fisher
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Azets advises on sale of Yorkshire glass specialist to pan-European business
Azets, the largest regional accountancy firm and business advisor to SMEs, has advised on the sale of Yorkshire glass specialist Dual Seal Glass Limited to AEQUITA. Huddersfield-based Dual Seal Glass is an independent processor of high performance vision and insulated spandrel glass panels for the construction industry. The firm was founded in 1995 by the late David Meredith and his son, Nigel, and has since grown to become one of the UK’s leading insulated glass unit (IGU) manufacturers serving the commercial glazing market. AEQUITA is a Munich-based family office investing in special situations including corporate carve-outs, successions, and recovery situations across Europe. AEQUITA acquired 100% of the ordinary share capital of Dual Seal Glass in the firm’s third glass operations acquisition in Europe in three years, following its acquisitions of Glassolutions Nederland from Saint-Gobain in 2019 and Saint-Gobain Glassolutions Objekt-Center last year. Dual Seal Glass joins AEQUITA’s two new business units which were rebranded as vandaglas in 2021 and have total sales of more than €100 million. The acquisition of Dual Seal Glass is AEQUITA’s first in the UK and forms part of its investment strategy to create a pan-European glass processing business. Azets’ Mark Selby, National Head of Corporate Finance, and Tom Eastwood, Associate Director, advised the shareholders of Dual Seal Glass and managed the end-to-end sales process, supported by specialist Building Products and Glass Sector consultant, Simon Carin. AEQUITA was selected as the preferred buyer from five bids due to its strong commercial fit and long-term plan. Nigel Meredith, Managing Director of Dual Seal Glass Limited, said: “It was no easy decision to sell the business, especially during a global pandemic, but I’d like to thank the Azets team, both Mark and Tom, who led a sales process that resulted in us receiving a number of competitive offers and, ultimately, a successful sale. AEQUITA offers the best overall fit for Dual Seal Glass, with existing operations in Europe and ambitious growth plans for the UK market. Dual Seal Glass is well positioned to enter the next phase of its development – and all those involved in the transaction, in particular Mark and Tom, and Alistair Scott-Somers at Progeny, provided expert guidance and highly professional advice throughout the process. Finally, I would like to thank all the staff at Dual Seal Glass for their continued support as we look ahead to continued success under new ownership.” Mark Selby, National Head of Corporate Finance with Azets, said: It was a pleasure to work with Nigel and his team and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future. We are delighted to have been able to find the ideal buyer for Dual Seal Glass and look forward to seeing the future growth of the business under its new ownership. We have worked closely with Simon Carin over the past few years and his input into the sale of Dual Seal Glass was invaluable. Throughout the process we have been able to establish a wide network of active market participants throughout Europe. The building products sector and, in particular, the glass and glazing sub-sector, is seeing the benefits of current economic conditions. These positive trends are driving M&A activity and we look forward to working with other companies in this space in the forthcoming months.”

Huddersfield businesses make generous donations to Eden’s Army

Michael Fisher
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Huddersfield businesses make generous donations to Eden’s Army
Four Huddersfield-based businesspeople have come together to support Eden Smith, the six-year-old girl with an incredibly rare form of cancer that just 100 children are diagnosed with per year. The group includes Gavin Pearson, founder of Vita C; Sandro Bevilacqua, owner of Da Sandro Restaurant; Craig Waddington, owner of Easy Bathrooms and Steve Laidlaw, owner of Distinctive Chesterfields. They have each made generous donations of £500-£1,000 to Eden’s fundraiser. Eden, from Scholes, has neuroblastoma. She is currently undergoing high-dose chemotherapy, which will followed by radiotherapy and then immunotherapy. Upon diagnosis, she had a 40-50% chance of survival. However, she is responding well to treatment. Gavin said: “When Eden makes it through the treatment and gets the all-clear, there is however, a 60% chance of a relapse. If this happened, Eden would then have just a 15% chance of survival. “The good news is that her family is raising funds to send her to New York for treatment, which would not only reduce the chances of a relapse, but it would also improve her ability to then fight off a relapse. So far, the trials – which have been ongoing since 2017 – indicate a 91% survival rate. This treatment will be literally life changing for Eden and her family. Lots of people are doing amazing things to support them.” The Bivalent Vaccine treatment was created by the parent of a child who had neuroblastoma. So far, no other clinic in the world has the rights to the treatment, which is why it is only available in New York. Like any other type of vaccine, it trains the body to fight disease. Eden’s treatment in the UK will finish in approximately July, meaning there are four months left to reach the £310,000 target needed. It is currently on £280,000. The treatment would ordinarily cost £700,000 but Solving Kids Cancer is funding the remaining part, giving it £30,000 left to raise. Gavin continued: “This is a reachable goal, but time is of the essence, so anything that people can do to help would be amazing.”

Act now to avert £800m hit to levelling up areas, small firms urge, with one month to NICs hike

Steve Fisher
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Act now to avert £800m hit to levelling up areas, small firms urge, with one month to NICs hike
With a month to go until the jobs tax hike is brought in, FSB is calling for relief for small employers in the forthcoming Spring Statement
  • Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) urges Government to mitigate impact of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and dividend taxation hikes taking effect on 6 April
  • New analysis shows move will hurt areas earmarked for investment in Government white paper
  • National Living Wage (NLW) also set to increase in April as business support measures end
The UK’s largest business group is urging the Government to help small employers with spiralling overheads as today marks one month until an £18bn collective annual increase in dividend taxation and NICs for employers, employees and sole traders takes effect. FSB is recommending an increase to the targeted Employment Allowance – which entitles small employers to a discount on their NICs bills – to £5,000 to free up funds for investment and expansion. Analysis from the group shows that the planned 1.25 percentage point increase in employer NICs will add more than £3,000 to the annual tax bill of the average SME employer. In the North West of England and West Midlands – where the Government plans to launch innovator accelerators as part of its levelling up agenda – the collective cost of the NICs increase to small employers is set to surpass £800 million a year. On 1 April, the National Living Wage will increase to £9.50 for those over the age of 23. At the same time, business rates discounts for high street firms in England will drop in value and a lower rate of VAT for hospitality businesses will no longer apply. Last month, the Office for National Statistics revealed that the growth rate of input prices paid by businesses producing goods has surpassed 13%. FSB National Chair Mike Cherry said: “The Government’s levelling up plans are now at serious risk. The chilling impact of National Insurance hikes will hit the pay of those in regions that need help the most. “Slamming small firms with a jobs tax hike will put the brakes on investment, upskilling and growth within communities most affected by the pandemic. “At its forthcoming Spring Statement, the Government can still make a difference by increasing the Employment Allowance to £5,000 and adopting our proposal to take an additional 200,000 small firms out of the business rates system in levelling up target areas. “Once we reach April, we’ll be faced with rising taxes, an end to business support measures and mounting inflationary pressure. The clock is ticking. “The business community shrank in size by 400,000 last year. Unless the Government changes course, history is set to repeat itself.”

New Birmingham office sees Streets Chartered Accountants become a truly pan regional assurance and advisory firm

Steve Fisher
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New Birmingham office sees Streets Chartered Accountants become a truly pan regional assurance and advisory firm
Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK assurance and advisory practice, has opened its seventeenth office, this time in Birmingham, as part of its growth strategy. The new office, located at the Birmingham Business Park, along with the firm’s well-established offices across the Midlands including Lincoln, Luton and Northampton makes the company a truly pan regional player, now covering the East, West and South East Midlands – as well as specialist offices in London and Brighton, and general practice offices throughout the East of England and Yorkshire. Commenting on the opening of its new Birmingham office, Streets Chairman, Paul Tutin, says: “We have found that improved infrastructure links and a more regional approach to enterprise, supported and promoted in particular by the work of the Midlands Engine, means we are looking after a growing number of clients operating across the East and West Midlands. “A change of mindset and the improved infrastructure and connectivity has made it much easier to undertake business on a more pan regional basis. This, along with changes to the way we work, including more remote and hybrid working, has made it easier for businesses like ours to develop operational models to look after clients across a wider geographical area. “When considering opening an office in Birmingham, we also recognised that there was much synergy between the clients we already look after in other parts of our practice and the West Midlands. In particular the region has many family and owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurial start-ups and scale ups, third sector organisations and enterprises trading overseas or with international links. “In looking to establish our presence and foothold, we were fortunate to recruit Sarah Williams as our Business Development Partner for the new office and the region. Sarah not only lives locally to the office, but through her previous role with another regional practice also has an in depth understanding of the business community.” When asked why the firm had chosen Birmingham Business Park for the location of its new office, Paul says: “We spent some time considering the location for the new office along with what we needed from the space we occupy. For us and we believe our clients, Birmingham Business Park in Solihull is ideally situated with direct links into Birmingham city centre and with access to the wider surrounding business community. For our international visitors the airport is just a few minutes away.” From its new Birmingham office, Streets Chartered Accountants will provide a full-service offering including accountancy, audit, tax and business advisory services. This will be augmented by its more specialist work including Corporate Finance and banking and funding. Corporate legal advice is provided through its dedicated legal services firm Streets Law. International tax and assurance services are provided through the firm’s own international association, SBC Global Alliance. The new office for Streets in Birmingham now means the mid-tier and multi-regional firm has a total of 17 offices including its specialist offices in London and Brighton, along with general practice offices throughout the East of England, East/West and South East Midlands and Yorkshire.
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