Upskilling existing employees can beat skills shortage, says software developer
Manufacturers should upskill current employees with supporting technologies to beat the skill shortage, according to the CEO of a 3D simulation software development company.
Mikko Urho, CEO of Visual Components said: “Deployment of robots, alongside digital solutions such as OLP and simulation software, can train employees in state-of-the-art solutions and also encourage new talent to join the sector.”
His comments come on the back of new research that shows more than a third of UK manufacturers say hiring new talent is one of their biggest challenges, according to research by developer of Visual Components.
These skills shortages look set to worsen as businesses expect 25% of their workforce to leave over the next five years, and over half don’t have a solution to deal with lost knowledge when skilled professionals leave or retire. Many are also failing to bring in new talented hires to replace the ones who leave, with half having not yet built relationships with educational institutions to build a pipeline of new talent into the business.
In the midst of too few skilled employees in the sector, 81% believe that their current solutions allow their workers to be at the centre of the production process, but only 46% are training them in the use of new technologies. Prospective talent is also likely to be deterred by the fact that almost a third of factory machinery is legacy equipment, with the younger generation more accustomed to digital solutions.
Current employees are largely enthusiastic to adopt new solutions, with 78% of respondents stating there’s no hesitancy among their workers to make use of new platforms. Upskilling is also the highest priority for UK manufacturers, with 60% of French respondents stating the same.
Leeds firm commits to supporting environment with funds for Wild Ingleborough
Leeds-based mattress producer Harrison Spinks has joined the Wild Ingleborough programme to help restore and maintain nature across the region.
As part of the long-term commitment, Harrison Spinks, will focus its substantial five-figure investment on high-quality climate work, which includes natural regeneration and restoration of land around the Yorkshire landscape, the recovery of rare and endangered plant species, increasing employment in wildlife conservation, and supporting local farmers to promote environmentally positive production.
The collaboration comes off the back of a recent shift in Harrison Spinks’ commitment to carbon restoration, from previously paying to offset carbon use overseas, to now redirecting its contribution into premium climate initiatives to ensure substantial, long-term changes are taking place across the region.
Wild Ingleborough is a multi-partner, landscape-scale conservation project working with the local community to bring about nature’s recovery in parts of North Yorkshire and within the Yorkshire Dales. The partnership is a long-term commitment to address climate change between Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, WWF, Natural England, University of Leeds, United Bank of Carbon, and The Woodland Trust, which will help to address the ecological and climate crisis.
Dr Louise Ellis-Jones, Sustainability Non-Executive Director at Harrison Spinks, said: “Developing this working relationship has and will be extremely rewarding for everyone involved; creating innovative, high-quality solutions with real impact is at the heart of the work, and is what attracted us to the exceptional work being planned by the team.
“Wild Ingleborough is a fantastic initiative which aligns to our ethos and values as a family business rooted in Yorkshire that has always strived to play an active role within the wider community and our natural environment. We are very excited to be part of such a progressive and groundbreaking project which will drive forward our understanding and response to both nature restoration and climate impact.
“What we are focused on is shifting the agenda forward to put emphasis on measurable action and finding long-term alternatives to more ‘traditional’ carbon offsetting to create a positive outcome here in this country.”
The Wild Ingleborough programme engages the local community and work closely with regional businesses to grow their offering of sustainable wildlife tourism opportunities within the area, as well as support local producers to promote their products with environmental benefits.
Dr Tim Thom, Wild Ingleborough Manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust added: “Our Wild Ingleborough programme is restoring and rejuvenating the stunning landscape around one of Yorkshire’s famous three peaks and surrounding Dales. We are absolutely delighted that Harrison Spinks, a respected and established Yorkshire business, has recognised our shared values and given their support and invested generously in our work.”
Safestyle UK administrators agree sale of order book
The joint administrators of H.P.A.S Limited, previously trading as Safestyle UK, have reached an agreement to sell the company’s order book, as well as certain other assets, to Anglian Home Improvements (trading as Anglian Windows Ltd).
While the terms of the agreement are finalised and any legal requirements are fulfilled, the joint administrators have entered into a sub-contractor arrangement that will enable customer orders to be fulfilled by Anglian Home Improvements.
This will ensure all Safestyle UK customers impacted by the company’s insolvency will have the opportunity to have their home improvement projects carried out in full.
Rick Harrison and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to H.P.A.S Limited, trading as Safestyle UK, Style Group Holdings Limited and Style Group UK Limited on 30 October 2023.
Following the group entering into insolvency, customers were advised that orders would not be fulfilled by the company in administration, and that the joint administrators were exploring the possibility of selling certain business and assets to a third party.
The interim sub-contract agreement with Anglian Home Improvements will enable Safestyle UK customers to arrange completion or fulfilment of their orders by Anglian. This includes those customers who were mid-way through the installation process, as well as customers who had booked an installation with Safestyle UK.
Rick Harrison, joint administrator of H.P.A.S Limited and managing director at Interpath Advisory, said: “We understand the uncertainty felt by customers following Safestyle UK falling into administration last week.
“We’re therefore pleased to have reached this agreement with Anglian Home Improvements which gives Safestyle UK customers the certainty and peace of mind that their home improvement projects can now be completed by Anglian.”
Peter Mottershead, executive chairman of Anglian Home Improvements, said: “We were keen to support in what we know is a very difficult situation, and so hope that this will go some way towards alleviating the concern and burden on those Safestyle UK customers who have been impacted.
“Our customer service teams will be making contact with customers in the coming days and weeks to arrange completion of orders, prioritising those who were part-way through the installation process. I can also confirm that Anglian will honour the terms of the contract, including the price, that had previously been agreed with each customer.”
North Yorkshire Growth Hub appoints three new advisors
Three new team members have joined the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub. Faye Greer-Pickup, Jack Colding, and Adrian O’Neill will play a crucial role as business advisors for North Yorkshire. Each will bring a unique set of skills and experiences to provide free and impartial support.
Faye Greer-Pickup will provide support to people looking to start businesses in North Yorkshire. Faye’s background in business support, and passion for assisting young entrepreneurs, makes her a valuable member to the team. She said: “I’m thrilled to work with pre-start and early-stage start-ups. I can’t wait to start helping them find the path to success.”
Faye’s work will involve referring businesses to the Growth Hub’s range of support for start-ups. This includes the acclaimed Strive Live Start-Up Incubator. The programme designed to equip business owners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s market.
Jack Colding is the Growth Hub’s new specialist for Environment and Sustainability. Jack will work closely with businesses in North Yorkshire to reduce costs and stay ahead of new rules on net zero. Jack’s background has given him insights into decarbonisation processes, and he is eager to help businesses reduce their energy and waste. Jack said, “Net zero is a tremendous business opportunity. It can save costs and boost your brand while helping the environment.”
As part of £22.3m of Shared Prosperity Funding, North Yorkshire Council have made grants and support available to address gaps preventing businesses taking action on net zero. Jack Colding will assist businesses in accessing this funding, opening the door to opportunities for sustainability and growth.
Adrian O’Neill has joined as the new Skills specialist. Adrian will dedicate his time to helping North Yorkshire businesses create a well-trained and fully engaged workforce. This will help with challenges such as hiring and keeping staff. Adrian will work with businesses to put long-term skills development plans in place rather than rely on short-term fixes. Adrian’s diverse background, including teaching and working with disadvantaged groups, positions him to understand business needs.
He said: “Well-trained and motivated employees are the cornerstone of business success. I’m here to identify and address skills gaps, provide solutions, and connect businesses with the right training providers.”
Adrian O’Neill is helping business access an array of support. This includes an exciting programme of 30 Skills Bootcamps, supporting more than 800 learners. Skills Bootcamps can help businesses develop their workforce, with up to 90% of costs met by York & North Yorkshire LEP.
Council seeks Project Manager to support regeneration of Cleethorpes’ Pier Gardens
North East Lincolnshire Council has has launched a tender for a NEC4 Project Manager to play a key role in supporting the regeneration of Pier Gardens.
The project is part of an £18.4m transformation of Cleethorpes seafront including the key areas of the Market Place, Pier Gardens and Sea Road.
Philip Jackson, Leader of the council, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration. Opened in 1885, Pier Gardens’ location is at the heart of the resort and the scope for re-development is vast.
“The area for regeneration presents a unique opportunity to create a space that will become an attraction for residents and visitors alike. The linear park raised above Central Promenade is a hidden and an underutilised gem of a public green space that could offer so much more.”
Starting in January 2024, the council’s delivery partner Equans and NELC’s project management team will work in partnership with the successful NEC4 Project Manager to ensure the design team who will be appointed via the Pagabo framework are supported in developing comprehensive designs.
The tender is now open through YORtender for potential applicants and will close on Thursday 30 November 2023.
NFU urges turkey producers to turn to social media to market Christmas poultry
Turkey producers in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire have taken NFU advice and turned to modern tech to sustain the Christmas turkey tradition.
They’ve signed up for the NFU’s ‘Buy My Turkey’ campaign, starting on November 17th, when customers can go on line to the turkey finder and find producers in their area from whom to buy the Christmas bird.
The NFU has offered advice about what to put onto social media to get the highest profile for their posts, and attract potential customers. It says that by sourcing a turkey from a local producer, customers will get a high-quality bird raised to world-leading standards, at the same time as cutting food miles and supporting the rural economy.
The campaign has been extremely successful in recent years, with producers taking part reporting that they have sold out very quickly. One said: “The campaign has not only been excellent in raising customer awareness of our birds, but also reduces food miles because customers didn’t have to travel far to get to us.”
King’s speech has missed an opportunity, says Doncaster Chamber
Doncaster Chamber believes Government missed a vital opportunity to show that it understands the plight of businesses in the North.
It’s says the speech contained comparatively little in the way of new policy proposals to reassure businesses in places like South Yorkshire. Said Frank Horsley, Head of Policy and Partnerships at Doncaster Chamber: “In fact, while the speech did outline some laudable ambitions for the UK — in terms of stimulating economic growth, bringing down inflation and creating new jobs — it failed to articulate exactly how these goals will be achieved.”
the day before the speech Doncaster Chamber published a wish list of key asks that, if implemented, would have allow government to show that they truly understand the needs and wants of firms on the ground. “Given that nothing specific was announced, and that the speech was generally lacking in fresh ideas, the Chamber is now arguing that an opportunity has been missed and is therefore urging Government to provide further detail as soon as possible, to help provide confidence during such difficult economic times,” added Mr Horsley.
“Although the King’s Speech is not intended to go into forensic detail with any legislative plans, and we still have an Autumn Statement on the horizon, this was nevertheless an underwhelming look at Government’s ambitions for the coming months and we will continue to press them for concrete initiatives that will positively support our businesses in Doncaster.
“Now is the time for bold policies that will help firms get through these challenging times. In the face of great upheaval and assorted macroeconomic headwinds, our business communities have weathered a fierce storm over the past few years and really impressed us with their grit, resilience and determination.
“Yet they still need to know that Government has their best interests at heart. With that said, today’s King’s Speech could have, and should have, gone a lot further to assure them of this.
“There were some encouraging references to things like: increasing high quality apprenticeships; investing in emerging industries; and regenerating towns, but not enough clarity on how these various aspirations will be realised or funded. For example, the speech failed to explain how funding from the cancelled HS2 project will be reinvested into the North’s transport infrastructure, beyond a vague commitment to delivering faster and more reliable journeys.”
ABP signs MoU with Taiwan on journey to net zero
Port operator ABP has signed an MoU to co-operate with the Taiwan International Ports Corporation to exchange information and experience about floating offshore wind-related port facilities and for the exploration of future business collaboration opportunities.
ABP CEO Henrik L. Pedersen said: “This agreement with Taiwan International Ports Corporation represents an exciting new stage in our journey towards net zero, for which international collaboration is key. Floating offshore wind presents huge opportunities to the UK, from becoming a global leader in green energy generation to creating significant jobs, prosperity and energy security. We look forward to working with TIPC to exchange ideas and accelerate the advancement of this technology.”
The MOU was signed by TIPC Vice President of Business Shu-hui Cheng, and ABP Head of Offshore Wind Andy Reay, and witnessed by TIPC Chairman Hsien-yi Lee and British Office Taipei Representative John Dennis.
Shu-hui Cheng said: “The third phase of offshore wind power development is about to unfold in Taiwan. With larger scale wind turbines, localization policies, etc., there will be more demand for land and space in ports of Taiwan, and the demonstration plan of floating wind will also bring up more requirements and challenges. Through the signing of the MOU with ABP and information sharing between the two parties, I believe that TIPC will be fully prepared on port planning and construction in coordination with offshore wind power policies.
“I would also like to express my deepest appreciation for ABP to visit Taiwan and sign MOU with TIPC despite their busy schedule. I believe that the signing of the memorandum is the beginning of mutual cooperation and an important development of future port cooperation between UK and Taiwan.”
ABP is the UK’s leading and largest port operator with a network of 21 ports around UK, handling a quarter of all UK port volumes, worth £157bn in 2022. It provides critical support services to various national sectors, including energy, cruise tourism, container shipping, agricultural and forestry products, automotive, and steel. Many of ABP’s ports are in close proximity to major British offshore wind farms, and ABP offers tailored services at its various ports to meet wind farm needs.
For example, the Port of Hull hosts the Siemens Gamesa wind turbine blade factory, the Port of Grimsby hosts Europe’s largest offshore wind turbine operations and maintenance centre and the Ports of Lowestoft and Barrow also host significant O&M hubs. ABP has bold plans for future growth of its offshore wind related activities, including a transformational project to develop a major floating offshore wind hub port at Port Talbot. To further foster exchange and cooperation, TIPC Chairman, Lee took a delegation to the UK in July to visit ABP CEO, Henrik L. Pedersen and share experiences as well as to invite ABP to visit Taiwan.
Wakefield recruitment firm becomes employee owned
The ownership of Wakefield recruitment firm Pratap Partnership has been transferred to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Nik Pratap said: “Establishing Pratap Partnership with the other shareholders has been the proudest achievement of my career so far. The process of nurturing and expanding our current team has deepened that sense of accomplishment.
“Completing this transaction to place the ownership of the company in the hands of our employees is an achievement that is hard to put into words. It has been the most rewarding and exciting experience that I can imagine.
“We have had a lot of fun building our brand, developing our strategy and working with our clients & candidates. This change will allow us to continue with our forward momentum.
“The experience of going through the EOT transaction has allowed me to think a lot more about our future legacy, our purpose and to develop a business that continues to create value for our team, our clients and candidates for many years to come.”
The business was established in 2019 and has grown through investing in its team and expanding to its current size of 20.
Karen Caswell, one of the firm’s longest serving employees, will step up to be a director of the EOT.
Karen said: “I have worked with Nik for 10 years. He was/is well-liked and respected across our network and for good reason.
“He is very knowledgeable, honest and transparent, and it is easy to see why people have worked for/with him for so long. I was keen to continue working with Nik as I felt it would benefit me longer term in many ways: flexibility, autonomy, new opportunities etc.
“We have a brilliant team at Pratap Partnership, everyone works together and supports each other, both professionally and personally, and the EOT pays a testament to the hard work, determination and drive of all the employees who all have the same goal: to provide a top tier service to all clients and candidates.”
Advisers included Adam Ames and Andy Irvine at Shorts and Russell Bainbridge and Paul Trudgill at Knights.
Andy Irvine, audit partner, said: “We are delighted to have helped advise Nik and the rest of the shareholders with the transfer of the company into employee ownership. This is an important milestone in the ongoing development of the business and we look forward to helping the company in the next stage of its journey.”
New export programme promises growth for UK dairy industry
The UK’s dairy industry is set to be boosted by a brand-new programme to increase exports, the Government announced today.
The Dairy Export Programme promises to help UK agri-businesses grow by seizing new export opportunities and exploiting overseas markets through a comprehensive package of export support for an industry whose SMEs already export goods worth more than £2 billion of goods a year to over 135 countries.
The Programme is a direct result of this funding and forms part of a wider package of Government support for agriculture, food and drink. This includes an investment of £2 million to boost DBT’s programme of global tradeshows and missions, which will be delivered in partnership with industry and the Food and Drink Export Council.
The programme will provide a wide range of targeted support for businesses, through education sessions on how to boost exports and target new markets and trade promotion activity, including an inward buyer trade mission and a UK Dairy Showcase.
It will also provide specialist resource in priority markets dedicated to supporting dairy exports and market intelligence support to help businesses exploit overseas opportunities.
NFU Dairy Board Chair Michael Oakes said: “The NFU has been working closely with dairy producers, exporters and government through the Dairy Export Taskforce to examine ways to reduce trade barriers for dairy, improve market access and identify new opportunities for growth.
This new £1m programme shows how industry and government collaboration can help drive UK dairy exports, target new markets and bolster our exporting strength. With the global demand for dairy set to rise significantly, the UK should be leading the way when it comes to the trade of safe, high-quality and sustainable UK dairy products.
