SMEs are in the dark about best route to Net Zero, finds BCC

Stuart Pearcey
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SMEs are in the dark about best route to Net Zero, finds BCC
A new report by the British chambers of Commerce and Lloyds Bank, compiled with the help of businesses in Yorkshire, has highlighted three key changes needed to help business hit Net Zero:
  • Government should review its support and advice to SMEs on moving to Net Zero
  • Large businesses and institutions must continue to drive behaviour change in their supply chains
  • Government should demonstrate commitment and consistency in its Net Zero plans
It followed an earlier BCC survey of more than 1,000 mostly SME businesses which found that nine out of 10 don’t fully understand what the Government’s target of making the UK Net Zero by 2050 means for them. There was also a substantial divide between firms with more than 50 employees and those with fewer than 50, in terms of understanding and progress. A total of 56% of the bigger firms had a ‘complete’ or ‘some understanding’ of the Net Zero target, compared to just 35% of the smaller ones. Almost twice as many firms with more than 50 employees (36%) had developed a plan for reaching Net Zero compared to those with fewer than 50 (19%). The research also showed that planning for the future skills needed to help businesses make the transition to greener and more sustainable operations has taken a backseat. Fewer than one in 20 firms (4%) had carried out a written assessment of the green jobs or skills they will need in-house over the next 10 years. One in five businesses (21%) also thought that, on balance, green technology will decrease the productivity of their company, while only 10% thought it would provide a boost.Reasons cited by respondents included the cost of green technology and the lack of available EV charging infrastructure. However, the survey also showed most firms were using new technology or adopting greener policies even if their overall understanding of reaching Net Zero was incomplete. The research showed that: 
  • More than two thirds of SMEs (69%) have installed LED lighting  
  • More than a third (34%) are investing in greener vehicles 
  • Just under a third (30%) are using solar panels 
  • Almost half (46%) are using recycling and waste reduction practices
  • Over a quarter (28%) use renewable energy providers or tariffs 
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “All the businesses we spoke to understand the devastating impact climate change is having on our planet, and that sitting this out is not an option – but many smaller firms feel lost in a fog of conflicting information and are reluctant to invest in new technologies when they fear betting on the wrong horse. “Mixed messages from Government on the importance of Net Zero are only compounding the problem, as well as a ‘stick’ heavy approach to enforcing change. As other countries and trading blocs pour billions into low-carbon technology there is a real danger we will get left behind. “But in the midst of a cost of doing business crisis, firms are reluctant to sink their money into Net Zero technologies and energy efficiencies when the commercial pay-off appears uncertain. Yet if we get this right then it will be a huge opportunity for UK Plc. To do that we need a coherent system of free support and advice made available for firms across the country. “Most importantly, Government needs to develop a long-term strategy which it can demonstrate it will stick to. That means supporting the development, and investment in, the infrastructure and skills needed to make Net Zero happen.”

Little things mean a lot to employee satisfaction, advises HR specialist

Stuart Pearcey
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Little things mean a lot to employee satisfaction, advises HR specialist
Employers need to consider using more than pay rises as an incentive if they want to keep hold of their best employees. That’s the view of HR specialist Laura Reilly of Lincoln-based Taurus HR Solutions, who says small pay rises or unobtainable bonus schemes aren’t effective motivators, but can actually have the opposite effect on employees. She says employers would begetter advised to look at rewards that are intrinsic motivators, such as recognition, learning and development, and additional responsibilities. She said: “Contrary to belief, money isn’t the best motivator – especially for individuals who are career focused. What’s more important to these employees is feeling valued, having their accomplishments recognised, and creating a path that helps them reach their goals. “Companies that take the time to learn more about these motivators in their employees often find that their teams are more engaged, more loyal, and far more productive.” Laura also points out that small rewards can have a big impact on employee motivation and job satisfaction too. She said: “Little things can have the same effect as a grand gesture, too. For example, giving a box of chocolates as thanks to an employee who has really impressed a client will demonstrate that you’ve noticed their actions and value their work. “And helping an employee to work towards their career goals with additional learning and development opportunities will show how invested you are, and that you hope to have this employee working with you for years to come. It all helps an employee feel valued, appreciated, and demonstrates that you’re as committed to them as they are to you. “These are all things that are low cost to you, but make a big impression on your people. In the current climate where budgets are often smaller, rewards like these can make a huge difference on your ability to retain your best people, which is another big bonus!”  

This is the reason we must take food security seriously, says NFU President

Stuart Pearcey
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This is the reason we must take food security seriously, says NFU President
If the UK had to rely exclusively on food produced on these shores, today’s the day when the 2023 cupboard would have become bare – which is why the NFU is warning the government that it needs to take domestic food production seriously and ensure food is given the same focus and political prioritisation as the environment.
In a year which has already seen UK agri-food inflation rise to 19.2%, and global instability caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, the recent bouts of extreme weather are further highlighting the frailties of the UK’s food system. Defra statistics for 2022 showed the UK is 60% self-sufficient in all foods. NFU President Minette Batters has called on the Prime Minister to “put words into action” and introduce legislation to “ensure the UK’s self-sufficiency does not drop below its current level of 60%”. She said: “I have never known such volatility in the global food system. Climate change is wreaking havoc on food production across the world, with farmers in Southern Europe literally fighting fires while farmers here are despairing as they now must spend thousands of pounds to dry sodden grain. At the same time, the conflict in Ukraine is putting pressure on the global grain market.” The recent ending of the Black Sea grain initiative has caused more uncertainty for the global crop market and could generate large movements in grain prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Minette added: “Ongoing inflation of input costs such as energy and fertiliser have meant that, for many farmers and growers, this year has already been incredibly expensive to produce food and now the weeks of wet weather mean more money is needed to dry the harvest that’s being gathered. “It is clear that our food supply chains need to be better prepared and more resilient to dealing with global shocks and the extremes of weather that are fast becoming the norm. “While we will always be a trading nation in food, we cannot remain over-reliant on imports when other countries are also facing significant challenges economically and climatically. “Our supply chains are too vulnerable. So, the government needs to take an active interest in the UK food chain resilience. The UK must be able to be able produce more of its own food at home. It starts and ends with food security. “Now is the time to ensure policies are in place to support the production of quality, climate friendly, home-grown food. This government has statutory targets for the environment and Ministers need now to give the same status to our food production.”

York firm offers payment of £23,000 to Yorkshire Dales River Trust after illegal waste spreading

Stuart Pearcey
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York firm offers payment of £23,000 to Yorkshire Dales River Trust after illegal waste spreading
York-based farming business J E Hartley, which produces frozen vegetables to some of the country’s biggest retailers and manufacturers, has offered to pay £23,640 to the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust after spreading waste sludge on land illegally – even though no environmental harm was done. The company, of Roth Hill Lane, Thorganby, repeatedly spread waste sludge on its land between March 2016 and February 2022 without permission. Since March 2016 the company had held a permit for spreading its own waste on its land. It operates an anaerobic digestion plant on site which produces a proportion of the company’s energy, and it is the waste sludge from this plant that the company spreads on land. Under the conditions of the permit, the company must make an application each time it wishes to spread waste, to say where it intends to spread waste, what type of waste, how much and when. Every application must also include evidence to show that there is an agricultural benefit from the spreading of waste. The Environment Agency then considers each application and decides if there is agricultural benefit and whether it can go ahead. Records showed that spreading took place every year from 2013 to 2021 in varying quantities from 2,664 tonnes to as much as 10,530 tonnes. However, only four applications for spreading were made during this period and all were refused, needing additional information. Therefore, the company avoided paying applications fees which ranged from £760 to £1,718 each time. No environmental harm has been identified from the spreading carried out by the company. Claire Barrow, Area Environment Manager for North Yorkshire at the Environment Agency, said: “It is vital that companies are aware of their environmental obligations. In this case JE Hartley Limited recognised that they had failed to comply with their environmental permit and we deemed it appropriate to accept an Enforcement Undertaking offer, which ensured that all avoided application costs were donated to a project that will enhance, restore and protect England’s natural environment.”

Award-winning wedding venue goes into liquidation

Stuart Pearcey
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Award-winning wedding venue goes into liquidation
The North Lincolnshire wedding venue named as one of the best in the country only two years ago has gone into liquidation.
Hirst Priory at Crowle near Scunthorpe has been run as a wedding and events venue for almost a decade, but Covid and the cost of living crisis have been blamed for its demise.
MD Hazel Wheatley instructed the voluntary liquidation of her business on Monday this week, handing the historic venue back to its owners the Hunt Group. She said: “Covid brought the wedding industry to its knees, with weddings being banned for the first time in history.  This created huge uncertainty, and many suppliers chose to leave the industry altogether.
“Despite the best efforts of myself and my team, the current economic climate has proved one storm too many.  Supply chain costs have rocketed and the dip in confidence caused by the cost of living crisis has seen new bookings plummet.
“With no end in sight this sadly forced the closure of the business as a viable entity moving forward.”
She said the building owners and landlord, Hunt Group Limited, had done their utmost to support Hirst Priory Limited, but had no choice but to take back control of the Hirst Priory building.

Pepperells Solicitors scores highly in mystery shopper exercise

Stuart Pearcey
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Pepperells Solicitors scores highly in mystery shopper exercise
Pepperells Solicitors have been recognised as one of the best in the industry for Customer Service by Conveyancer Insights. Shuhel Ahmed, Head of Residential Conveyancing, said: “We have an amazing team here at Pepperells and it’s great to see that the hard work and high standards that we demand from ourselves does not go unnoticed.” Stacey Marshall, Customer Service Manager, said “We have invested in many areas of the businesses and provided detailed conveyancing training to our call handlers, we have introduced a new electronic onboarding system for our clients and welcomed trained customer service professionals from the hospitality and travel sectors into the firm. These changes, along with the high level of expertise that our legal teams offer mean that we regularly receiving 4* and 5* reviews from clients and agents alike.” Conveyancing Insights pose as buyers to glean information from estate agents about their conveyancing relationships, as well as mystery shop firms offering a conveyancing service via telephone and web chat. They monitor how the firm engages with customers and experience first-hand how a customer is made to feel, how actively they are listened to and if they were made to feel valued. They also check for clear and concise pricing and how the customer is communicated to. They have very strict scoring parameters to ensure consistency. Pepperells Solicitors has ten offices; eight in Yorkshire and The Humber, and one each in Newcastle and London.

Nicholsons Chartered Accountants reach food bank milestone

Tess Egginton
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Nicholsons Chartered Accountants reach food bank milestone
On 31 July, Nicholsons Chartered Accountants hit a milestone as they reached 500kg of donations to the Lincoln Food Bank and Market Rasen Food Bank since they started in January. The aim is now to get to 1000kg by the end of the year. Nicholsons Chartered Accountants is supporting both the Lincoln and Market Rasen Food Banks as their chosen charities of the year for 2023. Throughout 2023, the Nicholsons team has been helping to raise the profiles of the Food Banks, as well as providing vital funds and goods to keep the charities stocked. Set up to ensure that no one in our community has to face going hungry, the food banks provide three days of nutritionally balanced emergency food and support. Richard Hallsworth, director at Nicholsons Chartered Accountants, said: “Food banks are under extreme pressure at the moment as the cost of living increases has hit many families hard. “We care about the local communities we work in and wanted to make a difference so supporting the food banks was an easy decision. It’s something that all of our team have fully embraced and we have got lots of different activities planned for 2023 to raise money and goods to support those most in need.” Cat Middleton, project work at Lincoln Food Bank, said: “We are so grateful to Nicholson’s choosing us as their charity of the year, it has been such a difficult time for many people. “Over the past year we have supported 8,381 people of which 3,047 were children. We could not do this without the generous support of local businesses like Nicholsons, and this next year we will continue to work hard to provide help to every person in need.” Rhona Sheppard, one of the Core Leadership team at Market Rasen New Life Church, said: “The last two years has seen an unprecedented increase in the need for food banks nationwide and locally too. “Whilst we have provided small scale food support for well over 30 years for families in need, the scale of operation has massively increased from 6-7 parcels a month to regularly packing over 130 food parcels a month. “We are so grateful for all the ongoing provision we have received and the partnership with Nicholsons will really help us sustain ongoing work of the Food Bank for families and individuals in Market Rasen and surrounding villages.” Emma Murray, director at Nicholsons Chartered Accountants, added: “For several years we’ve done the reverse advent calendar to provide goods at one of the toughest times of the year, so partnering with them as our charity of the year was a natural step. “I have two girls who have always helped with the collections and the buying of donations and its helped them gain an appreciation of the pressures that so many families face and what they can do to help, even in a small way. “Alongside supplying goods, members of the team and some of their families (including my two girls) will also be giving up some of their time to volunteer down at the food banks.”

Clegg Construction makes donation to Yorkshire food bank

Tess Egginton
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Clegg Construction makes donation to Yorkshire food bank

Contractor Clegg Construction has handed over hundreds of pounds worth of food, toiletries, nappies and other items to Maltby Foodbank in Yorkshire.

The company is partnering with Maltby Learning Trust on a £5.9m renovation scheme to repurpose the derelict Maltby Grammar School near Rotherham.

As part of its commitment to the local community, Clegg Construction held a collection for Maltby Foodbank at its head office in Nottingham and at the site.

Clegg Construction pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “Supporting the local community wherever we are involved in a project is very important to us.

“Our teams, sub-contractors and associates have been extremely generous with their donations, and I’d like to thank them for their kindness. We hope their support will make a big difference to families and individuals in the Maltby area who are in crisis.”

Approximately 3% of families in the UK – at least 2.1m people – used a food bank in the year ending March 2022. Maltby Foodbank gave out 391 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis last year.

The donations from Clegg Construction – which weighed an impressive 212.5kg – were handed over at the foodbank, which is based at the Full Life Church in High Street, Maltby, and is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks supported by The Trussell Trust. They included £200 worth of donations from Linsco, a Nottingham-based recruitment company working in the building, construction and property sector.

Denise Cropper from Maltby Foodbank said: “Since 2015, Full Life Church has run our local food bank in partnership with Trussell Trust. Together, we serve around 516 families a year. 

“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from Clegg Construction, its staff and associates. Our local community is really struggling with the rising costs, and this will help so many families in their time of crisis.   

“We want to make sure that no one in our local community has to go hungry, but we rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us. Donations such as these can make a real difference and we’d like to thank everyone for their support.” 

The collection and donation from Clegg Construction is part of a wider commitment to the Maltby area, with the company also planning to support Maltby Academy students with careers advice. 

Built in the early 1930s, Maltby Grammar School closed in 2012 and had fallen into a state of disrepair after being mothballed.

Maltby Learning Trust is now bringing the historic building back into use creating an incubator space for training and apprenticeships, bookable workspaces and serviced hot-desking, and start-up support for the leisure and hospitality sectors.

The re-purposed building – known for its impressive clock tower – will also extend Maltby Learning Trust’s Post 16 specialist facilities for students who attend Maltby Academy and Sir Thomas Wharton Academy sixth form. As part of the project, Clegg will preserve and repair the clock tower, which hasn’t worked for over 8 years.

Other members of the team on the project, which is being supported by £4.5m from The Levelling Up Fund, include Self Architects, engineer GCA Ltd and employer’s agent and project manager Cube.

York Racecourse reveals £5m transformation plans

Tess Egginton
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York Racecourse reveals £5m transformation plans

York Racecourse has submitted a planning application to transform the area of the racecourse which lies to the south of the Knavesmire Stand.

This £5m investment will see improvements in facilities for racing fans with additional lawns, seating, catering outlets, toilets, bars, betting facilities and big screens, all landscaped to reflect the summer nature of the venue.

The ability to follow races live from both the Bustardthorpe Stand and Knavesmire Stand will be retained.

The vision is to create racegoer lawns beneath a high-level canopy, similar to the John Carr canopy which has been keeping racegoers at the Northern End of the venue dry since 2015.

Extensions and improvements to the food and drinks on offer, toilet facilities, betting and screen viewing also form part of the plan. In addition, back of house facilities for the raceday team, which can be up to 1,500 strong, are being transformed.

Highlights of the scheme include:

  •  Refurbishing and better presenting the 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand, which offers live viewing of the racing;
  •  Replacing the existing 1950’s single-storey extension to the rear of the Bustardthorpe Stand, with a high-quality extension to compliment the work of famous York architect, Walter Brierley;
  •  An improved Theakston’s Bar, William Hill betting shop, toilet facilities and food outlets;
  •  The creation of two new racegoer lawns with an overarching canopy similar to that covering the John Carr Terrace;
  •  A better arrival experience, including refurbished entrance with feature gateway and enhanced accessibility;
  •  Landscaping continuing York Racecourse’s award-winning flowers, indigenous hedges and tree planting;
  •  Conversion of the temporary Roberto Village Bar facilities into a permanent feature building offering food, bar and betting;
  •  Environmental and sustainability features designed throughout, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, green living roof and infrastructure to support the Racecourse’s recycling initiatives – all in support of York’s “Green Knavesmire 300” Environmental Strategy to be net zero by 2040.

The aim of the scheme is to further improve the experience for racegoers, visitors and the York team, the scheme is not about growing attendance.

This scheme, developed by Yorkshire firm Dawson Williamson Architects, is to improve the facilities for York’s Grandstand and Paddock racegoers following recent multimillion pound schemes to improve the experience for both the County Stand racegoer in the Northern End Development (2014-15) and Clocktower Enclosure (2018).

Subject to planning approval, it is intended that the new Southern End Development      would be open for the busy days in the 2024 season. Mindful of both new and old neighbours, a full plan will be developed with a trusted local contractor to best manage the site traffic and delivery of the development.

William Derby, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, said: “The York Race Committee have a clear vision to ensure York remains one of the world’s best racecourses and it has a track record of investing in the facilities, race programme and visitor experience.

“This latest chapter aims to improve the facilities for racegoers in the Grandstand and Paddock area, following similar recent investments elsewhere. As a summer venue, we want to provide lawns to enjoy, however we are mindful of the Yorkshire weather so we are looking to repeat the success of the canopy that sits above the John Carr Terrace.

“Practical concerns around a better arrival experience, more toilets and easier access to both food and drinks and how we better support our raceday team, all form part of this ambitious scheme.

“Having launched our Green Knavesmire 300 Environmental Strategy earlier this year, this application embeds key sustainability aspects, notably solar panels, green roofs and rainwater harvesting. Of course, it remains subject to the proper planning process, however we are keen to deliver these improvements for the busy racedays of 2024.”

New knowledge transfer partnership with University aims to support Lincolnshire SMEs

Stuart Pearcey
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New knowledge transfer partnership with University aims to support Lincolnshire SMEs
Lincolnshire’s SMEs will be able to submit a free application to receive expert business support as part of a new scheme aiming to develop and implement Innovate UK-funded environmental, social, and governance accreditation for businesses. The collaboration between the University of Lincoln and the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce will take the form of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, within which businesses can grow by improving their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology, and skills. It offers an opportunity to collaborate with academic teams from the University to support the delivery of business initiatives. The KTP is available in partnership with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, to both members and non-members of the Chamber, supported by academic expertise from the University to embed the knowledge needed to create and maintain a digital self-assessment tool. This tool will enable businesses to evaluate and enhance their environmental, social, and governance performance. Professor Simon Lilley, Acting Head of the Lincoln International Business School, said: “The Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Lincoln and Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce exemplifies our commitment to supporting sustainable business practices and fostering economic growth in the region. “Through cutting-edge tools and expert guidance, we aim to empower Lincolnshire businesses to thrive in the ever-changing business landscape.” Simon Beardsley, pictured, CEO of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “With this KTP, we look forward to equipping our business community with the resources and expertise they need to improve their sustainability practices and achieve long-term growth and success.” To enquire about how your business could access the KTP funding, contact the University’s Research and Enterprise team: enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk.
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