Manufacturing network teams up with charity to provide free mental health support
Made in Group, the network that champions, unites, and empowers manufacturers across the Midlands and Yorkshire, has teamed up with Mental Health Innovations, a national charity that powers the Shout helpline. This partnership will enable the group’s 300+ member companies to provide free mental health support to 126,000 manufacturers.
The Made in Group membership is made up of 320 manufacturing businesses across its Made in the Midlands and Made in Yorkshire networks. Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging mental health support service.
The Made in Group is funding access to a Shout helpline, run by trained volunteers, for all network members. Anyone working in a member organisation that has signed up to the initiative can access free support by sending a text message that will enable them to start a conversation with a Shout volunteer at any time of the day or night.
Made in Group CEO Jason Pitt explains the thinking behind the project: “Studies show that manufacturing ranks in the bottom 10% of industries for employee mental health, with 17 million days lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety between 2021 and 2022.
“Add to this the fact that, despite efforts to redress the balance, our sector remains heavily male-dominated, with men making up more than 80% of the workforce in the sector, and men are more than 40% less likely to talk openly about their mental health.
“Our aim is to enable our members to provide free, confidential support for their employees and to help break down stigmas surrounding mental health. We are also keen to encourage a culture of more open conversations about mental health in the workplace and the industry.”
The Made in Group plans to host a series of workshops and events throughout the year, offering further tools and strategies to help manufacturers create supportive environments for their teams. They are also planning a series of fundraising activities for Shout.
Francesca Hughes, partnerships manager at Mental Health Innovations, adds: “At Mental Health Innovations, we are pleased to be partnering with Made In Group to help support engineers across the Midlands and Yorkshire.
“Common challenges those in the industry face, such as financial worries and loneliness, can have a significant impact on mental health, so we want to ensure they have access to immediate and confidential support whenever they need.
“Through our free, confidential and 24/7 text service Shout, we hope to help more people feel heard, supported and empowered to seek further help with their mental health.”
Record number of SMEs expected to attend largest-ever export conference
More than 1,000 business leaders will today attend the today’s UK Trade and Export Finance Forum to discuss ways of reducing financial barriers to exporting.
Hosted in London by UK Export Finance, the largest-ever event of its kind welcomes speakers from the CBI, British Chambers of Commerce, and Invest in Women Taskforce. Workshops will discuss overseas opportunities and how government and private sector can collaborate to help a wider range of businesses to export.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Exports, said: “UKEF plays a key part in this government’s central mission to go further and faster to deliver economic growth across the country. Their support has led to projects in dozens of countries around the world, supporting jobs, boosting wages and increased investment into the UK.
“Supporting small firms and supercharging exports are at the very core of that growth mission, because we know that when more SMEs trade around the world, it boosts the whole economy.”
In the 2023-24 financial year, UKEF backing for businesses contributed £3.3 billion to the UK economy and supported up to 41,000 jobs across the country, securing export deals to 45 territories, increasing the availability of overseas contract opportunities for British businesses. A majority of businesses seeking UKEF support and attending the conference are SMEs. Export finance support complements other actions which the government is taking to support SMEs, like measures tackling the scourge of late payments, the launch of a Business Growth Service, and trade agreements generating new opportunities.Continued growth for Keighley glazing firm
A glazing firm in Keighley has created five new jobs as part of its expansion, which was funded in part by the Keighley Towns Fund.
Marlin Windows is a family-owned business founded in 2003, which manufactures aluminium glazing systems, and they received £30,938.79 from the towns fund to expand their premises.
The business makes windows and doors including sliding patio doors, bi-fold doors, bespoke entrance doors, steel replacement aluminium windows and doors for heritage properties, from their factory on Fruit Street.
Managing Director Adrian Martin said: “Alongside significant investment of our own, we have used the grant from the towns fund towards the expansion of our premises. We have been able to acquire an additional adjacent 12,000 sq ft unit which will enable us to grow the business.
“This investment means we can continue to offer the highest quality in manufacturing to our growing customer base. We currently employ 23 people and the funding has meant we’ve been able to grow our team with five new roles.
“Bradford Council’s Business Investment & Enterprise team have provided business advice and support during the recruitment, and we are looking forward to continue to grow our business in expanded new premises.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Keighley has a strong heritage in manufacturing, and it is great to see a family business like this going from strength to strength.
“This is exactly what the capital grants are for, to support local businesses so that they can thrive which creates opportunities for local people in terms of skills and jobs.”
Keighley Towns Fund Chair, Tim Rogers added: “Businesses across Keighley have made good use of these grants to upgrade and expand their facilities and we wish Marlin Windows every continued success in their new premises.”
Streets’ to deliver annual update on issues affecting payroll management, HR and compliance
Whether you have just one employee or a large workforce, you do payroll in house or use a payroll bureau, have an HR team or not, Streets Chartered Accountants’ Annual Payroll & HR Update aims to keep you informed of the issues, regulations and changes affecting payroll management, HR and compliance.
Taking place from 11:00 – 12:00 on Wednesday 19th February, the virtual event will also look at the broader HR matters that may concern employers now and in the year ahead, along with the potential impact of changes to and the introduction of new employment legislation.
Payroll – a topical update and refresher
Theresa Waddingham, Partner, Streets Chartered Accountants
Theresa’s presentation will focus on the forthcoming changes affecting payroll as we start a new tax year, along with some useful hints and tips to make your life easier to ensure that those charged with payroll are on the right track. Her presentation will include the following:
- NLW and NMW changes and rates for 2025
- Statutory increases
- Working from home expenses
- Working from home when home is in another country
- Changes to the employment allowance
- Employment allowance and connected entities
- Employers NI changes
- What can be done to mitigate the NI increases
- What can we anticipate in the future
- What businesses need to do to demonstrate that they are taking measures to prevent sexual harassment following the amendment to the Equality Act that came in in October 2024 and the guidance issued by Equality and Human Rights Commission
- What will happen with the Government’s Employment Rights Bill in 2025
- Other legislation that will come into force in 2025 that businesses should be aware of
To register for the event click here.
This presentation will be recorded and available on demand for those not able to join live. Simply register to receive a link to watch on demand.Leeds children’s charity appoints new CEO
Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm has appointed Sharon Milner as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Leeds-born Sharon brings 18 years of experience in the charity sector to the new role, having spent the last two years as director of Bradford Hospitals Charity, and prior to that, 16 years as CEO for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Sharon replaces Dave Norman MBE who has held the position of CEO of Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm for the last 10 years.
Under Sharon’s leadership, the charity aims to continue expanding its reach, ensuring that even more children can benefit from the support and care it provides.
Speaking about her appointment Sharon said: “I am enormously proud to be back in my home city taking up the position of CEO for Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm. The charity provides a vital service for youngsters in Leeds by offering adventure and learning in a safe and happy environment.
“The team here do an incredible job, helping to make a real difference to young people and I am looking forward to continuing this excellent work, further strengthening our brand, and highlighting the hugely important impact the charity’s work has on the lives of deprived children across the city.
“Currently around 20% of young people living in Leeds live in poverty and in some areas this figure is far higher, reaching 55%. My commitment is to continue to help as many of these children as possible to enjoy some fun and normality away from their difficult circumstances and help to play a positive part in their future development.”
Welcoming Sharon to her new position, Dave Norman MBE, said: “It’s been an honour to lead the Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm for the past 10 years and I am hugely proud of all we’ve achieved in that time.
“I am very pleased to welcome Sharon as the new CEO knowing that the charity’s work will continue to develop under her guidance, support and leadership. I know the team feel the same as I do, and that they will do all they can to support Sharon in the coming months as she acclimatises to life on the farm and at the charity.”
£18m funding secured to support completion of residential development in Leeds’ Climate Innovation District
Citu has secured an £18m development finance facility from Maslow Capital to support the completion of an 87-unit residential development, District Lofts, in Leeds’ Climate Innovation District.
The scheme will comprise a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including seven affordable units, contributing to Leeds’ housing supply amidst a growing undersupply in the market.
The development is part of a wider 955-home masterplan that will deliver a net-zero residential district supported by an aligned leisure offering and multigenerational building, including a school and care home.
Citu designs its schemes with Passivhaus principles in mind. To achieve high sustainability standards, its homes feature triple-glazed windows, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery systems, and airtight construction methods to minimise energy consumption. Additionally, sustainable drainage systems enhance water management.
Construction of District Lofts is underway, with completion anticipated in Summer 2025.
Sky Mapson, Senior Director, Origination at Maslow Capital, said: “This partnership with Citu exemplifies Maslow Capital’s commitment to financing forward-thinking, high-quality developments that push the boundaries of sustainable living.
“The Climate Innovation District is a benchmark in urban regeneration, and we are proud to support a scheme that not only delivers much-needed housing but also integrates pioneering construction techniques to dramatically lower the built environment’s carbon footprint.
“We look forward to seeing this vision come to life and its positive impact on the future of UK residential development.”
Chris Thompson, Founder of Citu, said: “At Citu, we believe the homes we build should actively combat climate change, and this project embodies that belief. By integrating smart design with sustainable materials and construction methods, we are proving that urban living can be both aspirational and benefit the planet.
“With Maslow Capital’s support, we are realising our ambition of creating the most impactful places for our planet.”
Yorkshire Water plans service enhancement – with an increase in bills
Yorkshire Water plans to spend £8.3bn between now and 2030 to improve services for customers and upgrade infrastructure – but bills will rise by almost 30% as a result.
The work for the first year will include:
- Replacement of more than 200km of water mains, as part of 1,085km of main replacement over the next five years.
- More than 150,000 smart meter exchanges across the region
- Over £250m investment to reduce storm overflows across the region and continuously monitor the quality of our rivers, as part of a £1.5bn investment over five years
- More than £2bn investment in the water industry national environment programme (WINEP) over the next five years
- £67m to continue our work to reduce Phosphorus entering watercourses at 45 wastewater treatment works, of which 13 will be completed in the first year.
- £23m on improved monitoring of the wastewater network
- Investment in water treatment works at East Ness, Doncaster boreholes, Ingbirchworth, Haisthorpe and the construction of a new borehole at Brayton
- New investments at Scarborough, Robin Hood’s Bay and Bridlington to improve bathing water quality
Sewell Group wins place on public sector decarbonisation framework
Hull-based Sewell Group has been appointed to a four-year framework agreement to support the decarbonisation of public sector organisations, including the NHS.
The £500m framework from NHS Shared Business Services will help public sector organisations decarbonise their estates, through work such as creating decarbonisation plans and retrofitting aging buildings with new technology such as photovoltaic and ventilation systems, as well as internal and external wall insulation, replacement of windows and doors and monitoring and optimising buildings already in use to reduce their carbon footprint. The framework covers everything from consultancy to construction, providing holistic or turnkey services to make decarbonisation projects a reality.
Steve Dam, Retrofit Lead at Sewell Group, said: “Decarbonisation of the country’s public sector is essential, both to reach net zero targets and to help combat rising energy costs. We’re delighted that Sewell Group has been chosen to support the journey to net zero, and we’re looking forward to bringing our expertise in sustainable refurbishment and retrofit to help the NHS and other public organisations create sustainable buildings and modernize their existing estate.”
Anjub Ali, Senior Category Manager at NHS SBS, said: “With the announcement of over £1bn for public sector decarbonisation in 2024’s Budget, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed funding for the next wave of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
“This new framework agreement will support the delivery of the NHS’s ambition in ‘Delivering a Net Zero Health Service’ and is a response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change. It is geared towards helping the NHS modernise and decarbonise aged assets and buildings throughout the public sector’s estates.”
The framework allows organisations across the north of England to make direct awards to Sewell Group, and the framework agreement can be used by all NHS and wider public sector bodies, including local authorities, universities, schools, police, blue light, central government and third sector organisations.
Council urges tourism businesses to get involved with promoting North Yorkshire
Tourism businesses are being given the chance to learn more about a ten-year vision to promote North Yorkshire and find out how they can get involved.
Visit North Yorkshire is hosting drop-in sessions for accommodation providers, retailers, hospitality, and tourism business owners. The sessions will offer businesses the opportunity to meet members of Visit North Yorkshire and find out more about how the service is evolving alongside the launch of its new website in April.
North Yorkshire Councillor Mark Crane said: “These drop-in sessions are a great opportunity for businesses that may not have already engaged with Visit North Yorkshire or the previous destination management organisations to get an insight into the great work that is happening across the county and learn about how they can get involved.
“Our new partnership model encourages collaboration between Visit North Yorkshire and businesses which is one of the key actions in the county’s destination management plan.”
The first events will take place in Skipton, Harrogate, Richmond, and Ripon, and will be run in partnership with Skipton BID, Harrogate BID, and Ripon BID.
Details of the first drop-in sessions are:
- Thursday 6 February, 12.30pm to 2pm and 4.30pm to 6pm at Skipton Town Hall
- Monday 10 February, 8am to 9.30am, 10.30am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 6pm at The Mercer Gallery in Harrogate
- Monday 17 February, 10am to 2pm at The Station in Richmond
- Monday 24 February, 10am to 1.30pm at Ripon Cathedral
- Thursday 24 April, 10am to 2.30pm at Whitby Tourist Information Centre
Calls for Government to take a lead in strengthening cyber security
The British Chambers of Commerce is warning that businesses face increased cyber security risks without stronger engagement with government.
In a new report published today, the BCC is calling for ministers to:
- Carry out a cyber security awareness programme for businesses, particularly smaller firms
- Update the National Cyber Strategy
- Reform cyber security insurance to provide firms with better protection
- Address the shortage of UK cyber security professionals and support more training in all workplaces
- Engage directly with businesses to strengthen confidence in the UK’s digital infrastructure
