Flood defence plan costing £29m has begun on the Humber
A £29m project to manage the risk of flooding to people and major industry in north-east Lincolnshire has begun with improvements made to 4.5 kilometres of coastal defences along part of the Humber estuary’s south bank.
The defences will benefit 2,300 properties, nationally important infrastructure, vital industry, and areas outlined by North East Lincolnshire Council for future development.
This is the third phase of the Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme, which has repaired and strengthened sea walls between Immingham and Grimsby in stages over the last 15 years.
This latest stage of work will see the installation of large rocks called rock armour along three kilometres of the seaward side of the flood defence. The rocks will cover from the Middle Drain to the northwest to the New Cut Drain to the southeast. The remaining 1.5 kilometres of defences will be repaired. In addition, the four river outfalls will also be repaired and improved to make them more sustainable and resilient to flooding.
The majority of the work will be undertaken over 3 years, with pauses through the winter to reduce ecological impacts to the seaward side of the defence.
Dom Freestone, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Low-lying communities along the Humber are at high risk of tidal flooding and rising sea levels.
“Works to improve the flood defences are vital to manage that threat and will help drive business confidence and investment in the area. But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen.”
Rock armour is one of the most sustainable and low-carbon options available and minimises the potential impact on the area’s internationally important habitats. It will help fortify the walls and prevent the sea undermining them, ensuring they continue to reduce flood risk for at least a further 25 years, taking account of climate change predictions.
The work is expected to generate economic benefits valued at £1.1 billion over the next 25 years.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for the Environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our coastline is an incredibly important one to protect, not only for the wonderful natural habitat, but also for the economic and industrial growth on the South Humber shore.
“The Humber Estuary’s natural tidal flow is something we have to embrace and work with, but by providing this investment in flood protection measures, the risk to people and businesses in this area is significantly less.”
Stallingborough’s coastal walls were originally built following devastating floods in 1953. They are now at increasing risk of damage from rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
South Yorkshire grant enables Danuta to bring her business to Barnsley
A Tech Welcome Grant funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has allowed a civil engineer specialising in complex 3D modelling to move her business to Barnsley to expand into the UK market and deliver training in CAD design software.
Danuta Rak’s 3DR Design and Training Studio Ltd, is the first recipient of such a grant, and has used it to part-fund an office at DMC 01 in Barnsley.
Moving from Rzeszów, in Poland, Danuta plans to use her new base as a springboard for growth, delivering 3D digital model applications for clients in a range of sectors including design and construction, medicine and research. Danuta will also offer training in AutoCad software.
Tech Welcome Grants aim to encourage tech businesses to move to the region – and also start-ups already here, to move into their first physical office space.
The grants provide help with accommodation costs for up to a year, with the percentage of rent covered dependent on the number of jobs the business brings to the region. Qualifying companies can choose to move into any South Yorkshire workspace.
3DR is the first company to gain a Tech Welcome Support Grant, which will cover 40 percent of the company’s rent for a 209 sq ft office at DMC 01 in Barnsley for 12 months.
Danuta said: “I was very keen to move to the UK to explore opportunities here; and the Tech Welcome Grant was a big help in taking this decision. The application process was quick and easy and the DMC team have been very helpful and welcoming.
“Every new business needs some financial support to move forward and develop; and this grant has helped me follow my ambition to work in the UK.
“DMC is a very friendly place and is more than an office but already a second home. It is good to be among so many smart, enterprising people.
“I am impressed with Barnsley too as it is an up-and-coming town. I am passionate about my work and excited about my company’s move to South Yorkshire.”
Beal secures planning approval to complete £210m Goole development
Beal Homes has secured full planning permission to complete the award-winning housebuilder’s largest-ever development, The Greenways in Goole.
The planning approval from East Riding of Yorkshire Council is for 600 homes, giving the green light for Beal to continue to deliver the £210m development, which will ultimately extend to 806 properties.
Construction of the remainder of the development will represent a further £156m investment by Beal in one of Yorkshire’s fastest-growing towns.
East Yorkshire-based Beal has now sold more than 180 homes at The Greenways, with continuing strong demand from a wide range of househunters, including first-time buyers, professionals, families and downsizers.
Many have been local people achieving their dream of owning a high-quality new home in their home town, with the Beal investment addressing a shortage of new-build properties in Goole.
The Greenways is on a 73-acre site equivalent to almost 50 football pitches off Rawcliffe Road in Goole and is the largest housing scheme in the town for decades.
The development is a key element of an ongoing wave of investment in Goole, including Siemens Mobility’s £200m-plus rail village and a worldwide distribution hub for FTSE 100 company Croda, which are creating hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in the town.
Demand for The Greenways has been exceptionally strong, validating Beal’s confidence in the town.
Beal Chief Executive Richard Beal said: “We identified the rich potential of Goole many years ago now, as well as a pent-up demand for high-quality new homes in the town.
“The strong sales we have achieved and the continuing high demand we are seeing at The Greenways has justified our confidence.
“We’re now pleased to have secured full planning permission to continue our long-term investment and the critical contribution we’re making to Goole’s remarkable rejuvenation.”
The 600 homes that have now received full planning consent will comprise a selection of Beal’s most popular two, three and four-bedroom properties.
Beal Land Director Chris Murphy said: “The Greenways has transformed the quality and variety of housing in Goole, providing luxury, contemporary homes for local residents as well as attracting new people to the town.
“As the largest single development in our company’s history, securing full planning permission for the remainder of The Greenways marks another significant milestone in our delivery of this long-term scheme.
“It builds on our proud history of delivering high-quality developments that enhance local communities, provide desirable places to live, and support economic growth.”
Ex-BBC presenter Rod offers experience to Carrington Communications
BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s longest-serving breakfast show presenter Rod Whiting is bringing his 35 years’ broadcasting experience to businesses across the UK as professional media trainer for Lincoln-based Carrington Communications.
Rod, who has worked for the BBC, ITN and commercial networks for over three decades, provides media training through his own brand, Ultravox Media Training.
Now, Carrington clients are also able to access Rod’s media training, adding to the agency’s existing digital marketing services for clients in manufacturing, professional services and tourism.
It also means Rod – now a presenter on commercial station Boom Radio – has been reunited with his former BBC colleague David Sykes, who worked alongside Rod at BBC Radio Lincolnshire before joining Carrington where he leads the agency’s PR team.
Mr Sykes said: “I used to be a reporter and producer for Rod’s programmes on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, and he is a truly formidable interviewer who knows exactly how to get the best from an interviewee or put them on the spot.
“As valuable as media coverage can be, there’s a good reason why people find the prospect of speaking to journalists or appearing on TV and radio daunting because the consequences could be either fantastic or disastrous. Fortunately, good media training and preparation can help ensure interviews go the right way, helping organisations and individuals get their message across to large audiences while proving themselves as experts that people can trust.
“We’ve arranged for Rod to train spokespeople from a few of the companies we work with already, and the feedback has been excellent so I’m really excited that we’re able to go this next step further and join forces properly.”
Rod said: “It’s been an aspiration to collaborate with a high quality PR organisation for a while and it’s good to be working with David again.
“Ultravox began trading as Rod Whiting Communications in January 2021, but, having now grown the business from a stand-still, the time is ripe for the next stage of development for the Ultravox Media Training brand. This, for me, is a natural and sensible progression in what is likely to be a challenging economic environment where media communications will be a critical business function.”
Yorkshire Business Myth Drinks recognised as one of UK’s most impressive firms
Myth Drinks in Yorkshire has been selected as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off its second decade in the UK.
Myth Drinks is already a multi-award-winning business, creating alcohol free rum for those who enjoy good taste and good times with friends and family.
Founded by Colette Safhill in 2022, it was designed to offer something a bit different that’s not available elsewhere in the market.
Following a nationwide search, it has been chosen as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most inspiring independent businesses from across the nation.
Colette commented, “It’s wonderful to be selected as a SmallBiz100 and to have all our hard work recognised alongside the other fantastic businesses across the UK. We launched Myth Drinks to offer something special to customers, because that’s what it’s all about isn’t it. Innovating and creating new products that customers will want to choose time and time again.”
Myth Drinks was profiled by the campaign on August 25th as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.
Small Business Saturday will return on 2 December 2023, with a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. With small firms facing huge challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, the campaign is more vital than ever as it moves in to its second decade in the UK.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate Myth Drinks as part of this year’s campaign” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“The impressive small businesses featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 sum up the phenomenal contribution that small firms make to our economy and local communities.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
The campaign was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK.
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent boutiques and eateries to small service and b2b based businesses like wholesalers and digital marketers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Over the time the campaign has run in the UK it has engaged millions of people each year and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign
Businessmen plan cross-country cycle ride to raise charity funds
A group of business professionals from the Humber are gearing up to repeat the 250-mile three-day Bridge to Bridge 4 (B2B4) cycling challenge to raise money for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation ten years after the inaugural ride.
Eight riders will start their journey from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on Anglesey, riding over the bridge on the Menai Strait. The first leg of the challenge will see them take on a 120-mile route to Bollington, near Macclesfield. Day 2 will provide the riders with a challenging 60 mile trek over the Pennines, and their final day involves a 70-mile ride to the Humber Bridge.
The group is raising money for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. The eldest son of one of the riders contracted a virus on his spine, causing paralysis from the chest down. Following news from doctors that he would never walk again, thanks to his commitment and determination to rehabilitation and physiotherapy, he is now able to walk with sticks. The aim of this ride is to raise funds and awareness of the ground-breaking research work into a cure for spinal cord injuries being supported financially by the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
Participant and Chairman of Forrester Boyd Chartered Accounts, Mike Beckett, said: “This ride will be a real challenge of stamina and determination. I have embarked on a number of cycling challenges over the years but I am really looking forward to this one. Not only because of the route that we will be riding and the great group that I have as company, but also to try and raise much needed funds for this charity. With a firm belief that a cure for spinal cord injury is within reach, it is now more important than ever that we try to support the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation in reaching its goal.”
Other riders taking part in the challenge alongside Mike are, Andrew Cooney, Ronnie Fletcher, Mark Hague, Richard Hardy, Bobby Pye, John Pye, and Grant Stables.
South Yorkshire businesses urged to share employment experiences
South Yorkshire’s trio of Chambers of Commerce want to hear from businesses in their region about their experiences of recruitment and staff retention.
The Chambers are running a repeat of the People Survey to gauge whether or not the situation has improved much for employers over the past twelve months, and to observe any new trends that may be developing.
Among other things, the form asks searching questions about how long vacancies are being left unfilled, what strategies & incentives are currently being used to retain staff, and the necessity of increasing salaries for new starters.
Equipped with these insights, Chambers for Sheffield, Barnsley & Rotherham, and Doncaster will then be better placed to represent the business community on all of these pressing issues.
Feeding into the nationwide Quarterly Economic Survey, the poll also asks organisations a number of questions, about the state of the economy and overall business conditions, including sections on cashflow, turnover, capacity, and price pressures, all of which are repeated in every single iteration of the QES. Meanwhile, there is an opportunity for respondents to explain what more their local authority and national government could be doing to supporting them during these uncertain times.
Encouraging businesses to take The People Survey, the respective Chief Execs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers issued a joint statement: “Last time we ran The People Survey, we discovered that a staggering 89% of businesses trying to recruit at the time were experiencing difficulties. We know that this is a perennial struggle of course, which is why we have decided to circle back around and ask those very same questions again, in order to see if the situation has improved or worsened.
“With that in mind, it is important that organisations take the time to have their say here and to articulate their own experiences. The findings from this survey will enable us to understand the major obstacles that the private sector is facing right now and to really get under the bonnet of this complicated issue.
“As representatives of the business community, we always strive to amplify the voice of South Yorkshire employers and will lobby for meaningful change on their behalf.
“In fact, just last week we published our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which outlines 36 practical recommendations for how the skills system in our region can be changed to better meet the needs of employers. We were only able to produce that document with the help of businesses, who kindly shared their insights with us and engaged in the consultation process.
“Their input was instrumental in the creation of the LSIP, and we are asking for it again now with The People Survey, so that we can better understand the issues that organisations are facing when it comes to recruitment and retention. We need as many responses as possible to this questionnaire and it only takes about 10 minutes to complete, yet every single form completed counts.
“As part of the national Quarterly Economic Survey, the results will not only be analyzed by ourselves but also by our umbrella body the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) and will be closely watched by policymakers as well. So it’s important that they’re hearing from South Yorkshire.”
The People Survey is open from now until Monday the 18th of September. Businesse
Doncaster gets green light for second University Technical College
Doncaster is to have a second University Technical College by September 2025, it has been announced, with a focus on the Health & Wellbeing sector.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “After a number of high-profile setbacks in recent months, this is a much-needed win for our city and an encouraging sign that we can turn things around.
“The original UTC has been a real asset for us. Indeed, helping to get that off the ground — by chairing its bid, drumming up political support, getting buy-in from the business community and even getting into the granularity of its design— is one of my proudest achievements as Chief Exec of the Chamber.
“I am confident that this new college will open up doors for Doncaster’s next generation of talent, especially those who are determined to pursue careers in health and wellbeing.
“There is always high demand for talent in these areas and anyone who decides to hone the relevant skills will undoubtedly have bright futures ahead of them. Young people who enrol at this second UTC will therefore be in a very strong position when it comes to entering the workforce later in life.
“In terms of employment partners, the college — and by extension its students — will be working closely with the NHS and other big players in the health sector.
“These are certainly promising foundations to begin with but, in order for the new UTC to be every bit as successful as its forbear, we need the voice of business to be at its heart. That’s why I’d like to encourage any other employers who are invested in fostering the next generation of talent to similarly reach out and see what role they can play in the college’s future.
“Once again, I’d like to welcome this much-needed positive news for Doncaster and to congratulate everyone involved for making it happen, especially those at the Brighter Futures Learning Partnership Multi-Academy Trust, who have done so much to diversify Doncaster’s education offer and embed work readiness in what they do. If today’s news is anything to go by, it seems that our city is getting back to its winning ways. And long may it continue.”
Yorkshire-based gym club business expands into Nottinghamshire
The chain of gymnastics clubs named after Leeds-born Olympic medallist Nile Wilson is continuing to expand with the acquisition of a Beth Tweddle Gymnastics centre in Mansfield.
Established in 2019 with the vision of increasing participation in the sport at all levels, the first Nile Wilson Gymnastics Club opened in Dinnington, Rotherham, and was quickly followed by a second club in Bramley, Leeds, last year and a third club in Coventry in early 2023.
The acquisition of the Nottinghamshire gymnastics club enables the business to expand into the East Midlands as it pursues its vision of creating a network of gymnastics clubs around the UK that ‘change the game’ by delivering unique and more engaging activities, balanced against the requirements of gymnastics programmes. The clubs are suitable for all ages, offering pre-school programmes and recreational gymnastics for 4-16 year olds, through to adult gymnastics.
Beth Tweddle Gymnastics will be re-branded as Nile Wilson Gymnastics Mansfield and is already open at Portland Retail Park.
The acquisition completed earlier this month with Nile Wilson Gymnastics once again supported by Leeds law firm Clarion which also advised on its Leeds and Coventry sites. The Clarion team included Caitlin Hare (corporate) and Grace Allison (property).
Luke Sutton, director of Nile Wilson Gymnastics said: “As a group of people, led by Nile, we are laser focused on creating the best possible gymnastics experience for both gymnasts and parents at all our clubs. Our aim is for everyone to leave our clubs with a smile on their face.
“We have some major development plans for our club in Mansfield and it will become a centre point for gymnasts and coaches in the Midlands. Our overall business continues to go from strength to strength and this acquisition is another step forward in an exciting journey that we have mapped out.”
Caitlin Hare of Clarion adds: “It’s really satisfying to see such a successful Yorkshire-based business continuing to grow and expand beyond the region. We look forward to work alongside the Nile Wilson Gymnastics team as it pursues its ambitious vision.”
Hull businessman shortlisted for national industry award
Tony Prescott, the managing director of Hull-based GTS UK, has been shortlisted for a prestigious, national industry award.
The MD is in the running for Logistics Leader of the Year at the 2023 Logistics UK Awards for his work in founding the logistics firm and overseeing its subsequent growth.
Launched from his home office in 2015, Tony has evolved GTS UK into a team of 13 staff managing customs, intermodal transport, supply chain management and trucking divisions, now working out of its Springfield Way headquarters in Anlaby. The company also employs six HGV drivers.
Tony said: “I’m so proud to be shortlisted and get this acknowledgement from within my industry. The shortlisting should also be viewed as recognition for my incredible team; they are a key part of my success and the continued growth of GTS UK.”
The Logistics UK awards are one of the leading awards events in the industry and celebrate achievements in the road, rail, sea and air sectors as well as operators, manufacturers, logistics and support industries.
Nominees will be judged and selected by the Logistics UK Board and announced at an awards ceremony on 7th December in London.
