The Lincolnshire Care Association and Lincolnshire Voluntary Engagement Team have lobbied the council to highlight the consequences of the rise in the national living wage and employers’ NI contributions on services, the county council is calling on government to rethink its plans to avoid putting providers under additional financial pressure.
Council Leader Martin Hill said it was understandable that adult care providers and their colleagues in the voluntary sector felt let down by the government. “We share their serious concerns about the impact of the changes announced in the budget. These will create huge challenges for the sector, put added pressure on council budgets at an already difficult time, and likely have knock-on effects on NHS services.”
He said that although there had been indications that public sector organisations likethe NHS, would be reimbursed for the extra staffing costs, most care providers were privately run and wouldn’t receive any direct government support. “Many care providers already struggle to balance the books, and these changes will bring extra unwanted pressure,” he said.
“The council greatly values the work of social care providers and has a duty to take into account the actual cost of providing care when setting its rates. However, we do need to work within our budget. Although the government has announced some extra funding for social care, they should really step up and do more to protect providers.
“We are currently making a detailed assessment of the impact the changes will have on our adult care costs. We will need to discuss with providers how best to tackle the challenges this presents, including how to minimise any resulting disruption to the services more than 10,000 vulnerable residents rely on.
“To hit care providers, and other small businesses, with extra taxes is extremely short-sighted. At a time when the care sector is looking to government for a more stable and sustainable model for the future, it has instead added further pressure to an already struggling system. So, we are calling on the government to do the right thing and protect these vital services.”
Council stands up for employers in the adult care sector
Standing up for employers in the adult care sector Lincolnshire Councty Council has written to the Government asking it to shield adult care providers and colleagues in the voluntary sector from the impact of the budget’s tax rises.
Government promises permanent cut to high street business rates
High street businesses across the UK will benefit from permanent cuts to business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties for the first time from 2026, following the introduction of legislation in Parliament.
The tax cut will be funded by a tax rise for the very largest business properties, such as online sales warehouses.
Until then, 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties will receive 40% relief off their business rates bills up to £110,000 per business to help smooth the transition to the new system. This support is alongside the Budget announcement to freeze the small business multiplier, together with Small Business Rates Relief protecting over a million properties from inflationary increases. Taken together, this is a package worth over £1.6 billion in 2025-26.
To further support retailers, the government is also introducing legislation to increase the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500, meaning 865,000 employers will not pay employer national insurance next year.
James Murray, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, saidt: “For too long the business rates system has been working against our high streets.
“Today is a major step towards our new system that will support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses on our high streets to succeed. This Bill paves the way for a permanent cut to their tax rate, helping to level the playing field between them and online and out-of-town businesses.”
The government also plans to increase the Employment Allowance – discounting National Insurance bills – from £5,000 to £10,500 from April next year.
The increase to the Employment Allowance will mean that 865,000 employers will not pay any employer National Insurance next year, and 250,000 employers will pay less National Insurance than they are now.
It will allow firms to employ up to four National Living Wage workers full time without paying employer National Insurance on their wages.
The eligibility of the allowance will also be expanded to include all eligible employers, rather than just those with a wage bill of less that £100,000 a year.
Craig Beaumont, Federation of Small Businesses Executive Director, said: “We are pleased to see James Murray and the whole Treasury team take this important step forward – legislating for the significant increase to the Employment Allowance which FSB strongly championed, to protect smaller businesses with employment costs. But also taking a decisive step forward on business rates reform.
“For far too long, permanent business rates reform has been put into the ‘too difficult’ box. It is extremely encouraging on rates to see Ministers standing up for small firms in retail and hospitality and taking long-term action necessary to the future of our high streets – we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the new Government to make sure no small businesses whatsoever are blocked from achieving their ambitions by a rates system that has not simply not kept pace with the needs of a modern economy.
“This follows important action announced by the Business Secretary to tackle the scourge of late payments and to take forward an Industrial Strategy to unblock the supply side barriers holding small firms back from their full potential.”
Officials sign off finance deal that could see commercial flights at Doncaster Sheffield by 2026
South Yorkshire Leaders have today approved £3m of funding for South Yorkshire Airport City which could see commercial flights departing from the former Doncaster Sheffield Airport in Spring 2026.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board agreed to provide £3m from existing earmarked resources, so City of Doncaster Council can progress with reinstatement activity and continue commercial negotiations.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I remain completely committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and creating a world leading sustainable aviation hub. That’s why, together with the MCA board, we have authorised the release of £3m for City of Doncaster Council in support of their plans for the airport.
“This money is part of the £138m that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have already committed to releasing, subject to the right deal being struck with the right partner.
“DSA and the wider Gateway East site has huge potential to play a leading role in the economic regeneration of South Yorkshire and the North of England, which is why it’s so important we get this right. The deal we sign must offer a secure future for our airport, create growth in the economy, and offer real value for taxpayers.”
Initial assessment of the Full Business Case highlights the significant opportunity around South Yorkshire Airport City which could deliver 5,000 direct jobs, a Gross Value Add (GVA) uplift of £6.6bn, and a benefit cost-ratio of 9:1 – anything greater than 1.0 is expected to deliver a positive net present value to an organisation and its investors.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and City of Doncaster Council are working at pace but there are still a series of milestones to be delivered to ensure the airport is fully operational for passenger flights in 2026.
Commercial negotiations between City of Doncaster Council and the bidder are still ongoing, with a particular focus on the level of public control and investment.
Subject to agreement over the business case, the MCA Board have previously agreed in principle to provide £138m in support of Doncaster’s Place Investment Plan that could be used to reopen DSA and create a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “This is another successful stage completed in our plan to see planes take off from Doncaster once again.
“This support from South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and South Yorkshire leaders is critical in helping us to reopen our airport and realise the incredible potential for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider region. I would like to thank them for their unanimous support.
“We have identified a bidder to manage and operate the airport as we aim to see passenger flights return in Spring 2026.”
Councillor Jones and the rest of the SYMCA Board remain determined to ensure an appropriate level of public control over decisions impacting the future of the airport, and to take as much time as necessary to get the deal right. As a result, the paper that was presented to the Board recommended that City of Doncaster Council is given more time to conclude commercial negotiations. The release of £3m funding, which was approved today, allows for the delivery of time critical activity including work on CAA accreditation and standing up the necessary infrastructure.
Due to the nature of the proposed public investment in the project from City of Doncaster Council, and in line with all public subsidy, it is thus appropriate to refer the details of public support to the Government’s Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU). The SAU will continue to consider the proposal with an ultimate response expected in January 2025.
Spencer wins Science and Innovation Centre project for Reckitt’s
Construction and engineering specialist Spencer Group is to reconfigure part of Reckitt’s Science and Innovation Centre in Hull.
Spencer’s Building and Civil Engineering team will remodel part of the ground and first floor of the facility and fit out vacated areas for laboratories and fragrance evaluation, as well as creating new ancillary spaces.
The project brings together Hull-based Spencer Group and global giant Reckitt, which has its roots in the city, to ensure the Science and Innovation Centre continues to fully meet the company’s evolving needs.
Opened in 2019, the £105m Science and Innovation Centre is the global technical innovation hub for household name consumer health products such as Nurofen and Strepsils. It features state-of-the-art laboratories, as well as large open-plan working and collaboration areas.
Rob Bratherton, Operations Director at Spencer Building and Civil Engineering, said: “This is a very exciting project and an excellent fit for us, as we’re highly experienced at working in tightly-regulated sectors which have high levels of quality control.
“Our Spencer Building and Civil Engineering team brings together expertise from other sectors, to ensure we’re able to deliver facilities of the highest quality, to precisely meet the needs of our clients.
“This is especially important for research and development facilities, which incorporate complex laboratory rooms and sensitive technology.”
With both companies founded in Hull, the project demonstrates the commitment of Spencer Group and Reckitt to flying the flag for the city.
Reckitt’s story began in 1840, when Isaac Reckitt relocated to Hull and opened a starch mill in Dansom Lane, on the site that the business still occupies.
Beginning with a workforce of just 25 people, the business has grown to now employ more than 40,000 colleagues in more than 60 countries across the globe, and to become the company behind many instantly-recognisable household products.
Spencer Group was founded in Hull in 1989 by Charlie Spencer, now the company’s Executive Chairman. Now employing more than 400 people, the business specialises in the design and delivery of complex engineering and construction projects across a range of sectors including rail, renewable energy, bridges and materials storage.
Chamber’s Chief Exec praises firms showcased at awards ceremony
More than 500 people were at the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards organised by the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber and sponsored by Barnsley College.
Carrie Sudbury, the Chamber’s Chief Exec, said” “The Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards truly showcased our local business community. Each finalist and winner on the evening demonstrated the innovation, dedication, and hard work that make South Yorkshire such a special place to do business. We are so proud to celebrate their achievements.”
“A special shoutout must go to Barnsley College, our headline sponsor—who truly brought something extra to the evening. To all our sponsors, your generosity made the night possible, and your commitment to South Yorkshire businesses is incredible.”
For 2024, a new category was introduced to honour the Large Business of the Year, alongside awards recognising best practices in sustainability, commitment to staff development, customer service, and business growth.
Chamber President Matthew Stephens said: “Over the past twelve months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional and every organisation who was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.
“Collectively members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”
Winners were
Salute to Business Sponsored by GXO Logistics, Inc.
- Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
- Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
- Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
- JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
- White’s Bakery – 90 years
- Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services
- Winner – Leo Lewin, Affinity 2020 CIC
- Highly Commended – Ateeb Mughal – Equans UK & Ireland
- Highly Commended – Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
- Shortlisted – Aiden Ellis – Osbourne Technologies Ltd
- Shortlisted – James Stretton – Equans UK & Ireland
- Winner – Cranswick Convenience Foods
- Highly Commended – Glu Recruit LTD
- Highly Commended – MAKE YOUR MARK UK
- Shortlisted – Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
- Shortlisted – Mway Comms
- Winner – Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
- Highly Commended – Airmaster
- Highly Commended – M R Machine Knives
- Shortlisted – Trust Education
- Shortlisted – Wayv. Talk and Broadband for Business
- Winner – Alicia Hewitt Secure Power
- Highly Commended – James Biggin Steel City Marketing Ltd
- Highly Commended – Luke Hammill – Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
- Shortlisted – Mark Smith 🔵 – Make Your Mark UK
- Shortlisted – Rob Shaw – Glu Recruit
- Winner – Barnsley FC Community Trust
- Highly Commended – Age UK Rotherham
- Highly Commended – Weston Park Cancer Charity
- Shortlisted – Rotherham Hospice
- Shortlisted – The Archer Project
- Winner – Equans
- Highly Commended – IT Desk (UK) Limited
- Highly Commended – Secure Power
- Shortlisted – Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
- Shortlisted – SMH Haywood & Co
- Winner – Glu Recruit LTD
- Highly Commended – MED-EL
- Highly Commended – IT Desk (UK) Limited
- Shortlisted – Rotherham Insurance Brokers
- Shortlisted – Signum Facilities Management Ltd
- Winner – MACE GROUP
- Highly Commended – Instantprint
- Highly Commended – Equi-Trek Limited
- Shortlisted – Equans
- Shortlisted – Boohoo Group PLC
- Winner – Trust Education
- Highly Commended – Grassroots Sports Academy Yorkshire
- Highly Commended – Morgan Wills & Trusts
- Shortlisted – Empress Building & Ballroom
- Shortlisted – AHJ Wills & Estates Ltd
- Winner – Barnsley College
- Highly Commended – Instantprint
- Highly Commended – Equans
- Shortlisted – KCM Waste Management Limited
- Shortlisted – Hydrov Ltd
Customs red tape forms main export hurdle, UK firms tell British Chambers of Commerce
Customs procedures continue to be the main export hurdle for UK companies, according to a major new survey of more than 1,300 businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit, published during International Trade Week.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Though the picture has improved slightly in the last 12 months, customs procedures remain a significant stumbling block to trade for businesses.
“Successful exporting businesses are crucial to a thriving UK economy. We need roadblocks lifted to allow more companies offering their goods and services on the global stage.
“Our forecasts show the trading environment will continue to be challenging over the coming years, against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.
“We’re urging the Government to continue the implementation of customs simplification started by the last administration. Businesses also need to see a clear timetable for further trade digitalisation which will help reducing costs and border friction.”
When asked what businesses (regardless of whether they export or not) perceive as the main trade barriers, 45% of cited customs procedures and documentation as the top answer. That’s slightly down on the 2023 figure of 49%. Other top barriers cited include export documentation (39%), regulations and standards (35%) and tariffs (33%).
40% of companies say geopolitical events have significantly impacted their business in the last 12 months. Issues linked to the war in Ukraine, conflict in Gaza and Brexit are cited as the main events impacting trade. They include energy costs and shipping delays.
37% of exporting businesses expect an increase in exports over the next 12 months, with 16% expecting a decrease. Manufacturers are the sector most likely to expect an increase in exports.
When asked what most would do to encourage them to export, businesses cited a need to improve access to the EU market, simplify trade regulations and reduce bureaucracy, and provide greater export support.
Mr Bain said the survey showed awareness of incoming trade changes is low among firms who are actively doing business internationally. 65% of respondents are unaware of the Border Target Operating Model. Ahead of the UK joining the Asia Pacific trade bloc CPTPP in December, over half of respondents (53%) are unaware of the plans. 52% of firms have no knowledge of safety and security certificates needed from this month for imports from the EU.
The launch of new biometric checks for foreign travellers, including Britons, entering the EU has the highest level of preparedness from business. 34% of respondents are not aware and 37% know some details or are actively preparing for the change, due later this year.
Hull turbine blade factory to work on billion-pound contract for Scottish Power
Turbine blades for Scottish Power’s £4bn East Anglia TWO offshore windfarm will be built in Hull by Siemens Gamesa in a billion-pound contract.
The agreement will see Siemens Gamesa supply 64 offshore wind turbinesfor ScottishPower’s third offshore wind project in the southern North Sea. The turbines have a a rotor diameter of 236 metres – almost as tall as the observation deck at the Shard building in London.
Almost 33km off the Suffolk coat, East Anglia TWO will be capable of generating enough to power the equivalent of almost one million homes.
The 115 metres-long blades will be manufactured at Siemens Gamesa’s offshore wind blade factory in Hull, where the workforce has risen to about 1,300 people after recruitment of more than 600 new employees over the last year.
Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Today is tangible proof of the importance of Britain’s Clean Power Mission – our East Anglia projects are delivering UK jobs, UK supply chain contracts and UK green energy.
“Getting more projects like East Anglia TWO off the blocks quicker will turbo-boost the UK’s supply chain, giving companies like Siemens Gamesa the confidence to invest in facilities like this blade factory in Hull.
“Britain’s clean power targets are achievable but demanding. We’ve doubled our investment and are ready to play our part with Government as it gets barriers out the way to build more projects like this, alongside the electricity networks needed to ferry green, homegrown power across the country.”
Darren Davidson, UK and Ireland vice president for Siemens Energy and Siemens Gamesa, said: “The UK is the first leading industrial country to simultaneously phase out coal power and be a leader in offshore wind. If we’re to achieve our net zero targets, it’s mission critical this momentum is maintained.
“As well as delivering the blades to power the UK’s energy transition, our factory in Hull is acting as a catalyst for economic growth and green jobs across the region.”
The contract award comes just after ScottishPower confirmed it is doubling its investment in the UK – from £12bn to £24bn – between 2024 and 2028.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower will fire up our industrial heartlands and break down barriers to growth in our hard-working towns and cities.
“It will strengthen our national security – protecting our children and grandchildren from the climate crisis, and impact this will have on their future prosperity.
“By acting decisively and early, the UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the industries of the future – working in partnership with businesses like ScottishPower and Siemens Energy – creating real energy security, cutting energy bills and building jobs and supply chains in the UK.”
Investor acquires former builders’ merchant site in Lincoln
Castle Square Securities has acquired the leasehold of site and buildings on a 1.56-acre site on Chieftain Way of Lincoln’s Tritton Road for an undisclosed sum.
With 12,345 sq ft of warehouse and associated trade counter sales space, the compound was formerly occupied by the builders merchant chain Jewson, which moved last year. Addison’s incorporating Banks & Long acted for Castle Square Securities over acquisition of the site, which has been marketed with a guide price of £1 million. Nick Dawes of Brown & Co acted in the disposal of the site & premises.
Eddisons, on instruction from its client, has also now let 0.67 acres of storage area within the compound on a short term lease to a construction firm working locally on Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor.
The agency has been instructed to market the built elements of the site following refurbishment.
Eddisons’ Will Wall, who led the acquisition on behalf of Castle Square Securities, said, “The location of the site and the opportunity for increasing yield potential were the drivers of the deal for our client.
“The site is next to Lincoln’s Western Growth Corridor on which construction is now under way – this makes the acquisition even more of a strategic investment for our client in looking to the long term.
“The transaction is a mark of confidence in the industrial property market and investor confidence in the enduring appeal of bricks & mortar as an asset class.”
Internal Drainage Boards to get share of £50m to protect rural businesses from flooding
Recognising the significant impact of flooding on farmers and rural communities , the government is to share £50 million amongst internal drainage boards, the public bodies responsible for managing water levels for agricultural and environmental needs in a particular area.
Drainage Boards that submit successful bids will be able to spend the £50 million on projects over the next two years to improve, repair or replace flood barriers, embankments and maintain watercourses. The funding will support projects which reduce risks and impacts from flooding to farmers and rural communities across England. The Environment Agency has begun work with IDBs to distribute the funding from today.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “Farmers are the backbone of the nation, with their hard work helping to put food on the family tables across the country.
“More intense weather events are destroying homes, businesses and livelihoods across the country, with farming communities facing the heaviest consequences.
“That is why this Government is reforming how flood funds are distributed to protect businesses, rural and coastal communities as we invest over £2.4 billion in flood defences across the country.”
The government has also today confirmed payments to farmers impacted by last year’s severe weather through the Farming Recovery Fund. A total of £60 million will be distributed to eligible farmers, via recovery payments of between £2,895 and £25,000 to around 13,000 farm businesses. Payments are expected to land in farmers’ accounts from 21st November.CMA finalises new guidance for trader recommendation web sites
The Competition and Markets Authority has finalised advice for trader recommendation sites as it pushes the sector to ensure all businesses comply with consumer law.
This means all sites should have a clear idea of their obligations under consumer law, meaning they can offer their service responsibly and make sure they’re acting on the right side of the law.
And with the CMA set to receive stronger enforcement powers from next spring, trader recommendation sites that are not complying with their obligations risk facing a formal investigation.
The advice sets out the key principles sites should follow to make sure they stay on the right side of the law. Not only will this mean consumers are better protected, but it will help ensure there is a level playing field for qualified and reliable traders – who should no longer find themselves competing on recommendation sites with traders who are not properly vetted.
Mike Andrews, National Coordinator for the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, said: “Protecting consumers and honest business is at the heart of everything we do and we’ve welcomed the work CMA and partners have done to get this guidance in place. It marks the start of trader recommendation sites ensuring they vet and verify traders more carefully and take consumer complaints more seriously.
“With the guidance finalised and by following these tips, consumers can now be more confident about getting the right plumber, plasterer, or roofer for the job, while genuine traders will no longer miss out on jobs that might otherwise have gone to illegitimate ones.”
