Croda names new Audit Committee Chair
Ian Bull will take over as Chair of Croda’s Audit Committee on December 1st in readiness for the current Chair John Ramsay stepping down in March. and so lead the Committee over Croda’s 2024 year-end.
Ian has been a member of the Audit Committee since his appointment to the Board on 24 June this year. He is currently the Audit Committee Chair of Dunelm Group, Senior Independent Director at Domino’s Pizza Group, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
John will remain a member of the Audit Committee, as well as the Nomination and Remuneration Committees until his retirement from the Board.
Danuta Gray, Chair of Snaith-based Croda International, said: “John Ramsay has made an outstanding contribution to the Board and in his leadership of the Audit Committee. On behalf of the Board and colleagues in Croda, we thank him for all his advice, wise counsel and support over the past five years and wish him all the best for the future.”
Vuba Resin signs deal at Port of Goole
Associated British Ports (ABP) has welcomed Vuba Resin to the Port of Goole.
Listed in the Financial Times top 1,000 fastest growing businesses in Europe and with celebrity customers such as singer Olly Murs, Vuba is going from strength to strength after 15 years.
Their operation at the port will see them develop a port terminal facility for their production line, including storage, drying, blending and bagging.
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director of the Humber ports, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sean and his team to Goole. They are an industry leader in their sector and we’re always looking forward to helping customers expand their operations.
“We have an extensive portfolio of warehousing and storage facilities within our ports, making them ideal for those businesses looking to locate themselves in the Humber gateway.”
Sean Scott, Founder of Vuba Chemical Innovations, said: “ABP have been very helpful and accommodating throughout this process. I feel they share our vision for us to create a world leading suite of aggregate and derivative production facilities at the dock.
“We’ve invested £3m in the ABP site on a state-of-the-art drying, screening and cooling process, with four bagging lines and three robotic palletisers. We have a further £2m planned investment next year.
“We have a great management team in place for this newly formed division of Vuba. Ashton Nottingham and Ewan Netherwood, both local to Goole, have worked their way up through the ranks at Vuba and are very excited to head up this new division, as well as support their local community.”
Inflation’s ‘uptick’ leads BCC to urge Government action on business rate cuts
The latest uptick in the rate of inflation has highlighted the continuing price pressures in the economy, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.
David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said: “Electricity and gas costs have risen sharply, with households facing challenges as we head into winter.
“Our research shows that while concerns about inflation have been steadily declining, it remains a significant issue for many businesses. SMEs are now deeply concerned about rising costs on the horizon next year.
“The combined impact of national insurance and living wage rises and the Employment Rights Bill is likely to put strong pressure on labour costs. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and a potential tariff war will also have impacts.
“To help mitigate cost pressures, the government should look to accelerate the permanent cuts in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties – currently scheduled for 2026. Much also depends on the government’s strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. We need these plans to deliver at pace and help drive forward business growth across the UK.”
Record number attend first Humber innovation day event
A record number of delegates attended the inaugural EVA Humber Innovation Day in Hull staged by ABP and innovation platform Plug and Play.
Organised as part of ABP’s Energy Ventures Accelerator programme, the event welcomed many stakeholders across businesses, academia, local councils and other partner organisations in the Humber region. This follows an EVA Inclusive Energy event organised last month, which provided a forum to discuss how businesses can work together to champion more inclusive growth and support founders and investors from under-represented backgrounds.
Addressing a packed audience at the Aura Innovation Centre, Max Harris, ABP Head of Strategy & Sustainability, said: “Through our EVA programme, ABP is on a mission to enable clusters of innovative ventures in the UK’s most important industrial hubs.
“We’re excited to foster these innovation ecosystems around our ports – whether that’s by direct investment or through facilitating connections across our network and it’s fantastic to see so many join us for the first step of this journey.”
As the UK’s energy estuary, the country’s biggest gateway for trade by volume and the home of four of ABP’s ports – Immingham, Grimsby, Hull and Goole – the Humber is central to the energy transition. Handling over £80 billion of trade every year, together with its partners, ABP supports over 90,000 jobs in the broader Humber and Yorkshire region.
Diana Taylor, MD of Future Humber, shared the “seven wonders of the Humber” and set out the case for why the region was more than a place, but was a powerhouse of change. “From its location at the heart of European trading routes to its leading infrastructure and connectivity and of course its secret weapon – the people, the Humber is the place to accelerate industrial decarbonisation.”
“The EVA Humber Innovation Day truly showcased the pioneering spirit driving change, and we’re especially proud of the resourcefulness shown by the organisers in involving students from Healing Academy and Ron Dearing UTC, inspiring the next generation of leaders.”, she said.
A further highlight during the day was a panel discussion titled ‘Ports and Partners: Enabling innovation at scale on the Humber’, moderated by ABP Group Head of Business Development, Ralph Windeatt and featuring Richard Gwilliam, Chair of the Humber Energy Board and Programme Director at Drax, Simon Green, CEO of the Humber Freeport and Phillips 66’s Humber decarbonisation manager, Duncan Hammond.
Simon Green, CEO of the Humber Freeport, said: “When looking at the best models to support startups and incubators, you can’t look past the triple helix approach – that is industry, government and academia working collaboratively together.
“Humber Freeport is keen to be seen as a gateway for companies looking to access knowledge transfer, networks and funding streams. We also have the sites across the Humber which provide a range of incentives for investors and several of ABP’s locations fall within these areas.”
ABP’s port estate provides a wide variety of strategic locations at the heart of industrial hubs, often benefiting from Freeport status. There are also opportunities outside the port boundaries, including a 182 ha prime development site at Humber International Enterprise Park– one of the largest development sites in Europe – and a 200+ acre Stallingborough Interchange site. Several of these locations benefit from Freeport status.
Raworths makes two promotions within Commercial team
Harrogate-based Raworths is culminating a year of strategic growth and industry recognition with the promotion of two Associate solicitors within its growing Commercial team.
Harjeet Nangla, who has more than 8 years’ experience as a specialist employment lawyer, has been promoted to Senior Associate. Harjeet, who is named an ‘Associate to Watch’ by Chambers UK and recommended in the Legal 500 UK, provides specialist legal advice to regional and national SMEs and large-scale organisations.
Harjeet regularly works alongside the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team on employment related aspects of corporate transactions, advising on complex areas of law such as holiday pay, TUPE, redundancy and discrimination.
Adam Colville-Robins has also been promoted to Senior Associate. Adam has 6 years’ specialist litigation experience and is rapidly building his reputation in this practice area, delivering exceptional results for clients on property disputes and commercial litigation.
Also recommended in the Legal 500 UK, Adam acts for a variety of commercial and private clients including SMEs and business owners, private membership organisations, high net worth individuals and both commercial and private landlords.
Matthew Hill, Head of Commercial Client Services and Head of Dispute Resolution, said: “We congratulate Adam and Harjeet on their very well-deserved promotions. They have both excelled in their roles, building trusted, long-term relationships with their clients and establishing strong reputations for the fantastic results they achieve.
“They have contributed enormously to the growth of our Dispute Resolution and Employment teams and their commitment has been rightly rewarded. These promotions are an important part of our ongoing business development and strategy for growth.
“Our people are our biggest asset and to attract and retain the best talent, we continue to nurture the wellbeing and development of our team. Investing in both their technical skills and emotional intelligence is what sets us apart as a business and in turn, means we can offer an exceptional quality of service to our clients.”
National Windscreens moves to new site in Saxilby
National Windscreens has moved to new premises at Riverside Enterprise Park in Sexily near Lincoln.
National Windscreens is the second national brand to secure premises at Phase 6 of Riverside Enterprise Park, where Screwfix was announced as the anchor tenant.
The new 2,000 sq ft workshop provides National Windscreens with a blank canvas in which to roll out new operational practices which, increasingly, need to accommodate Advanced Driver-Assistance System technologies.
The move is part of the company’s planned sustainable growth strategy which includes several new UK-wide workshop relocations.
Andy Rae, Operations Director, said: “In seeking new premises in Lincoln, the key requirements were high quality premises in an accessible location.
“The advance of ADAS in our automotive specialism means glazing work needs a formal workshop environment with integrated tech installations that no longer fit the previous mobile windscreen replacement model of the past.”
Cameron McRae of Eddisons’ Lincoln agency said: “Riverside Enterprise Park has fast become an established commercial trading location. National Windscreens, as the second large brand operator at this latest phase of the Park, gives another national covenant strength and that’s a testament to it being a sought after location by high profile occupiers.”
Environment Agency opens consultation on East Yorkshire oil production
The Environment Agency has opened a consultation on a permit variation application from Rathlin Energy in East Yorkshire.
The company, which has operated at West Newton north-east of Hull since 2013, has an environmental permit for drilling wells and long-term oil and gas production.
It has applied to vary the permit for West Newton A well site at Fosham Road in High Fosham, about which the Environment Agency is now seeking views from the local community and interested groups in a consultation running from now until January 3rd.
Rathlin is asking for permission to carry out ‘reservoir stimulation’ on the existing WNA-2 well. This is a process used by the oil and gas industry, which is designed to improve the efficiency of the flow of oil or gas through the reservoir rock and into the well.
Mining and extractive industries must have an environmental permit to operate. Issued by the Environment Agency, environmental permits detail the conditions that an operator is required to meet to ensure its activities minimise the risk of harm to people and the environment.
Peter Stevenson, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We will carry out a detailed and rigorous assessment of Rathlin Energy’s permit variation application. Our regulatory controls for the onshore oil and gas industry are in place to protect people and the environment.
“We may only refuse a permit application if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have an unacceptable impact on the environment or harm human health. If all the requirements are met, we are legally obliged to issue a permit. ”
British Steel invests £10m in rail stocking facility in Scunthorpe
British Steel has opened a £10-million rail stocking facility – the largest of its kind in the country, at the home of the country’s only rail producer.
The investment is part of British Steel’s strategy to support the supply of rails to Network Rail, ensuring there is stock ready, as and when required, for its supply chain.
Craig Harvey, British Steel’s Commercial Director, Rail, said: “We are committed to building the railways of the future, and this investment supports the government’s ambition to improve rail travel and connectivity throughout the UK.
“It will also enhance our long-term strategic partnership with Network Rail – a partnership which helps millions of UK passengers and freight operators enjoy safe, enjoyable, and timely journeys. Together we have an integral role to play in strengthening the UK’s infrastructure, enabling development, and supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs in the supply chain.
“The new facility is the latest in a series of major investments in British Steel by our owner, Jingye, which is resolute in its commitment to enhancing our operations and helping us build a sustainable future for our business.
“British Steel is proud to be a global leader in rail production and innovation, and ventures like this will help ensure we keep delivering the high-quality products and services our customers demand.”
Julia Territt, Network Rail’s Supply Chain Operations Director, said: “We have a long running relationship with British Steel, who support the delivery of our track maintenance, renewal and enhancement activities.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that we have continued delivery of rail supply, now and into the future, so that we can continue delivering reliable services for our passengers. We’re pleased to see the ongoing commitment to supporting the UK rail network with the investment in the new facilities in Scunthorpe.”
The facility has 11 multi-gantry hoists to lift finished rail stock to customer rolling stock. From there it will be transported for installation on mainline routes within the UK.
When fully stocked, the storage facility will hold around 25,000 tonnes of 108m finished rail.
Inflation rises, ahead of expectations
UK inflation rose last month, with energy prices in part to blame, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), inflation ticked up by 2.3% in the 12 months to October 2024, up from 1.7% in September, and ahead of expectations of a 2.2% rise.
The largest upward contribution to the change came from housing and household services, mainly because of electricity and gas prices. The largest offsetting downward contribution came from recreation and culture.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to October 2024, up from 3.2% in September.
Alpesh Paleja, Interim Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Inflation was always expected to pick up in October, but the increase was bigger than the Bank of England had expected.
“We’ll continue to see bumpier inflation over the coming months, as more base effects play out in the data. But the big picture should still remain one of headline inflation being much lower than this time a couple of years ago.
“Despite the upside surprise in today’s data, the Bank is still likely to continue cutting rates at a gradual pace going forward. However, renewed price pressures from the fiscal loosening in October’s Budget means that the CPI rate is likely to stay above the 2% target for longer than previously expected.
“Coupled with continued strength in services price inflation and wage growth, this all but rules out the prospect of a faster pace of rate cuts in the year ahead.”
Golf day secures hole in one for Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Streets Chartered Accountants, with its Yorkshire offices based in Hull, Wakefield and Halifax, hosted their eleventh annual Charity Golf Day raising a record amount of more than £7,500.
The total amount fundraised will be divided between three regional charities: Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The winning team on the day was Bickford Ltd with Martin Sheardown coming in second and Fisher Motor Factors in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Scott Park (Mens) and Alice Gray (Ladies) and Rory Colhoun respectively.
Streets would like to say a huge thank you to all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible.
The event received fantastic support with 25 teams taking part and more than 30 local businesses sponsoring the day. There were Stableford team prizes as well as competitions such as Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro, All four hit the Green and Hole in One.
Commenting on the day, Streets Partner Andrew Manderfield said: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £7,545 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”
Streets’ 12th Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday 4th July 2025 at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey. Once again this will be in aid of the three Air Ambulances for which Streets have raised more than £70,000 for over the last 11 years.
