Energy industry employer welcomes creation of sustainable energy engineering hub

Stuart Pearcey
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Energy industry employer welcomes creation of sustainable energy engineering hub

Grimsby Institute has launched its Elite Centre, a sustainable energy engineering hub developed in collaboration with the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and supported by the Midlands Engine.

The facility will bring a cutting-edge curriculum specialising in low-carbon learning to the region, including 12 brand new training courses, offering students the opportunity to train as engineers. The project benefited from £1.4m of funding from the LEP which has helped to transform the existing facility into a dedicated low-carbon, engineering, and ports and logistics space. The state-of-the-art, green-focused hub will offer training on automation, electric vehicle technology and carbon reduction. Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We supported the development of the Elite Centre with £1.4m of LEP funding, and it’s a great pleasure to see the centre finished and ready to grow the next generation of green engineers and professionals.” Former Grimsby Institute Engineering student Lee Sutton, now CEO of myenergi, cut the ribbon to open the centre. He said: “I was an engineering student at the Grimsby Institute, and coming back today to officially open the Elite Centre is fantastic. It is so important to train people with the skills we need for this electrical revolution. “We are going to see many more electric vehicles on the road in the future, and we are now seeing three more times solar-powered systems than we saw a year ago. There’s rapid growth in this sector and we need so many more trained people in this industry. “As a big employer in the region myenergi is proud to be able to offer quality jobs in the sector. It’s great to see facilities like this opening today and students training for a career in renewable energy.”

Government announces new state pension age increase

Stuart Pearcey
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Government announces new state pension age increase
The Government has confirmed the State Pension age will rise to 67 by the end of 2028 for anyone born after April 1960. The Pensions Act 2014 forces the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to regularly review State Pension age – and after this one there’s to be a further review within two years of the next Parliament to reconsider the rise to age 68. This gives the Government appropriate time to take into account evidence which is not yet available on the long-term impact of recent challenges, including the Covid pandemic and global inflationary pressures. These events bring a level of uncertainty in relation to the current data on life expectancy, labour markets and the public finances. This will ensure that the Government is able to consider the latest information to inform any future decision on the State Pension age. This will include life expectancy and population projections updated with 2021 Census data and the latest demographic trends, the economic position and the impact on the labour market of the recently announced package of measures to tackle inactivity. Given the wide-ranging impacts of changing the State Pension age, it is important to take the time to get any changes right. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride said: “It’s essential the State Pension remains sustainable and fair across the generations. Our balanced approach will help achieve this and ensure we continue to provide security and dignity in retirement for millions of people across the country. “The Government remains committed to the principle of providing 10 years notice of changes to State Pension age, enabling people to plan effectively for retirement. All options for the rise to the State Pension age from 67 to 68 that meet the 10 years’ notice period will be in scope at the next review.”

Yorkshire businesses continue to focus on growth as confidence dips

Michael Fisher
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Yorkshire businesses continue to focus on growth as confidence dips
Lloyds Bank’s Business Barometer for March 2023 shows:
  • Business confidence in Yorkshire remains in positive territory, despite dip to 30%
  • Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (54%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and introducing new technology (30%)
  • Overall, UK business confidence in March reached its highest level since May last year, with eight out of 11 regions and nations reporting higher levels of confidence than February
  Business confidence in Yorkshire fell four points during March to 30%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking – conducted between the 1st – 15th March ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget on Wednesday 15th March. Companies in Yorkshire reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 15 points at 52%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 24 points to 8% this gives a headline confidence reading of 30%. Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer, (54%), diversifying into new markets (32%) and introducing new technology (30%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 26% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down 24 points on last month. Overall UK business confidence climbed 11 points to 32% in March, with firms reporting their highest confidence levels since May last year. On average, firms felt positive about their own trading prospects with 39% of firms expecting business activity to increase in the next 12 months, up eight points on last month and 25% said they would increase staff levels by this time next year, up five points month-on-month. Every UK region and nation had a positive confidence reading in March, with eight out of 11 regions recording a month-on-month increase in confidence. For the second month in a row the West Midlands reported the highest levels of business confidence at 48% (unchanged month-on-month), followed by Scotland (up 24 points), London (up 20 points), and the North East (up two points) all at 38%. Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s fantastic to see that so many Yorkshire firms are feeling optimistic about their own business prospects and are putting plans in place to seize opportunities for growth. And with additional investment touted for the region in the Spring Budget, firms will be hoping that more opportunities will be set to come their way. “We will remain side by side with Yorkshire firms to help them identify areas of potential growth and support them with the resources and tools they may need to boost their business potential.” There was a broad rise in business confidence across the sectors, particularly in construction (47% up 28 points) and manufacturing (37% up ten points) both at a ten-month high and retail (32% up 11 points) the highest since February 2022. Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence has seen a surge this month with economic optimism and trading prospects bolstering firms. With hiring intentions improving, we may see employment growth picking up in the coming months. Tentative signs of easing wage pressures suggest that businesses’ difficulties in finding staff may have started to ease. “Although the measures in the Budget were widely trailed, it is yet to be seen what the full impact of the Chancellor’s announcement, along with the surprise rise in inflation and recent increase in interest rates, will have had on business confidence.”

Humber marketing team moves into expanded C4DI tech hub

Stuart Pearcey
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Humber marketing team moves into expanded C4DI tech hub

Marketing Humber has moved its expanded team into the C4DI tech hub in Hull’s most vibrant commercial community.

The region’s economic place marketing organisation has grown to a six-strong team and relocated to a new base at the Centre for Digital Innovation building in the Fruit Market area. The move means Marketing Humber is now operating from one of Hull’s most sought-after office locations in a building that is a key gathering place for the region’s business community. C4DI opened in 2015 as the first phase and centrepiece of Wykeland Group’s @TheDock waterfront tech campus. Since then it has been the catalyst for the launch of scores of tech businesses, creating hundreds of highly-skilled digital jobs, as well as inspiring safety business Arco to relocate to a new state-of-the-art head office close by. Moving into a third floor office at C4DI further aligns Marketing Humber with the region’s tech sector, which has grown rapidly since the opening of the building in 2015 provided a focal point for the previously fragmented digital community. The Marketing Humber team – MD Dr Diana Taylor; Engagement and Stakeholder Manager Leahann Barnes; Marketing Manager Paige McGowan; Marketing and Communications Executive Alicia Woodward; Office Administrator Saffron Gregg; and latest recruit, Digital Marketing Executive Joanne Brady – are now enjoying being part of the collaborative C4DI community. Wykeland has also become a Marketing Humber Principal Partner, joining a powerful line-up of the region’s leading businesses who are at the forefront of promoting the Humber as a great place to invest. Meanwhile, C4DI has also become a Major Partner and will support Marketing Humber’s vital work, further underlining the close relationship between the tech hub, Wykeland and Marketing Humber. Dr Taylor said: “Joining the C4DI community reinforces the strong relationship we have with Wykeland and C4DI, who are both long-standing members of our Bondholders network of business ambassadors and have now become Principal Partners and Major Partners respectively. “It also underlines the importance of the ever-growing tech sector and the region’s impressive digital capabilities to the Humber’s investment proposition. It’s important to us that we can help weave digital technologies into all of our business sectors, supporting all our members as we look to thrive in a prosperous and sustainable future. “Our team are really enjoying being in such a vibrant working environment with so many creative and innovative companies around us. “It’s a fantastic place to take forward our work promoting and celebrating the Humber as a great place to invest, work, live and study.” Ian Franks, Finance Director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re excited to welcome one of the region’s leading business organisations and the voice of the Humber to C4DI. “We’re also delighted to become a Principal Partner and to play an even bigger role in supporting Marketing Humber’s crucial work promoting the region nationally and internationally, to attract investment and stimulate economic growth. “Our developments across the Humber, such as the Melton West and Bridgehead business parks in East Yorkshire, and Europarc in Grimsby, are among the region’s primary locations for inward investment, so we have a strong, shared interest with Marketing Humber in showcasing the area and the many exciting opportunities it offers.”

Look here: Deaf chef Scott cooks up business breakfast for Deaf Awareness Week

Stuart Pearcey
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Look here: Deaf chef Scott cooks up business breakfast for Deaf Awareness Week
Deaf celebrity Punk Chef Scott Garthwaite on the menu for a special business breakfast to mark Deaf Awareness Week in Doncaster on May 3rd. Scott, an ambassador for Doncaster Deaf Trust will be putting on a demonstration for guests at the business breakfast and Carrie Clewes, an associate chartered legal executive in discrimination from Ringrose Law, will share details of what the BSL Act will mean for businesses. Throughout the week children, pupils, students, and staff at Doncaster Deaf managed Little Learners Day Nursery, Doncaster School for the Deaf, Communication Specialist College Doncaster, Dickson House Children’s Home and Aspire to Be Employability Services, will be celebrating Deaf Awareness Week by sharing videos and BSL tips. Alexis Johnson, chief exec of Doncaster Deaf Trust, said: “We are looking froward to welcoming businesses from across South Yorkshire to this important free event. “It will be a great opportunity for businesses to learn more about the BSL Act and what it means to their business, to hear from Deaf people and to gain Deaf Awareness skills all in one session.”

Progeny appoints UK MD as part of restructure

Michael Fisher
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Progeny appoints UK MD as part of restructure
Progeny has appointed Caroline Hawkesley to the new role of UK Managing Director as part of a restructure to strengthen its position in the UK market and prepare the business for future international growth. Caroline will move from her current role as Chief Operations Officer in the business. She began her career in the banking industry before co-founding her own financial advisory firm, Evolve. When this was acquired by Progeny in 2018 she went on to head up the Operations team. In her new role Caroline will manage and direct Progeny’s activities in the UK, as the business continues to develop its distinctive, multi-disciplinary professional services platform. Progeny founder Neil Moles remains in position as Chief Executive Officer. “Exciting evolution” On her appointment, Caroline commented: “I am thrilled to be heading up the UK arm of Progeny at such a hugely exciting stage in our evolution. “To be managing the UK business, and our exceptionally talented team, is a great privilege and I can’t wait to get started.” Neil Moles said: “This is a measure of our ambitions for the Progeny brand and business in the years ahead. “Having worked alongside Caroline for many years, I know what a supremely capable manager and leader she is, someone who can bring energy, resilience and determination to driving Progeny forward in the UK.” Caroline will take up her role later in 2023. Further appointments stemming from the restructure will be announced in due course.

North south divide becomes entrenched for business, says BCC

Stuart Pearcey
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North south divide becomes entrenched for business, says BCC
The availability of quality public infrastructure and access to skilled labour are amongst factors entrenching a rural-urban divide among UK SMEs, according to a new survey of more than 900 SMEs by the British Chambers of Commerce and Xero. The survey, exploring the suitability of SMEs’ local trading environments, found that those based in rural areas were more likely to report a deficit in key success attributes. Across the country, the SME business outlook is subdued. Only half (53%) expect to see turnover growth in the next 12 months, while one in four (27%) expect turnover to shrink over the same period. Equally, less than a third (30%) of SMEs plan to increase investment in technology, research, and development, while 18% expect a decrease. When assessing the suitability of local infrastructure, the rural-urban divide was particularly notable in public transport. Well over half (58%) of SMEs in rural areas do not believe their area has reliable and well-connected trains, compared with just 39% in urban areas. Rail network deficiencies are also impacting SMEs based in business, retail or industrial parks, half (51%) of which were not satisfied with this provision. This rose further still when it came to buses and trams – over three-quarters (79%) in rural or countryside areas do not think they have access to reliable buses and trams, compared to 42% in towns, villages and high streets. There is also a regional disparity evident; SMEs in the North of England (52%) and the Midlands (51%) disagreed that they had access to reliable and well-connected trains, compared with only 36% of SMEs in the South. The rural-urban divide is also evident when it comes to internet connectivity. While three-quarters (75%) of SMEs overall agree their area has reliable broadband, this rises to 82% in urban areas and falls to around half (56%) in rural areas. Firms report a high level of dissatisfaction with their local labour markets; almost two in three (64%) SMEs do not believe their local area has high availability of appropriately skilled labour. However, there is divergence on this issue based on the type of business area. Firms in business, industrial or retail parks appear to struggle most acutely with this issue, with almost three in four (72%) stating that they did not have access to appropriately skilled labour. While still concerning, this drops to 56% for firms based in urban areas. Alex Veitch, Director of Policy & Public Affairs at the BCC said: “Our research highlights the rural-urban divide that continues to exist between firms across the UK, with rural businesses generally reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction with the quality and availability of local resources. “High-quality public infrastructure and access to a skilled labour force are both key to the success of a business, in particular SMEs, and today’s findings indicate that rural businesses are at a significant disadvantage. “Government must urgently prioritise the development of public infrastructure. Such investment will not only enable local and small businesses to adapt and thrive, it will also create jobs and inject money into local economies across the UK.”

Wright Vigar names joint Managing Directors

Stuart Pearcey
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Wright Vigar names joint Managing Directors
Wright Vigar has appointed James Sewell and Kevin Shaw as joint Managing Directors, taking over from Pete Harrison, who steps down after five years as MD. James joined Wright Vigar in 2007 and became a Director in 2010. He is responsible for teams at the Sleaford and Lincoln offices who support a wide range of clients in a variety of industry sectors. James is experienced in all areas of business advice from tax planning, growing a successful business, to sales, mergers and acquisitions. Kevin became a Director of the firm in 2013 and his specialities focus on medium and large owner-managed businesses, ranging across many industries. However, his passion and experience lie within the construction and property development sectors. Kevin is responsible for the Nottingham office as well as clients looked after in Lincoln. Wright Vigar has grown significantly over the past few years to become a regional firm and James and Kevin have played a significant role in that growth. They look forward to continuing the development of the practice across the East Midlands in their new roles. They will continue with their respective client responsibilities. Pete Harrison said: “It has been my great pleasure to be MD for the past five years and for the growth we have achieved during that period. I am delighted for both James and Kevin. They both bring different qualities to the table and their knowledge and experience will be vital as we continue to grow and develop.”

Government plans changes to business rates system

Stuart Pearcey
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Government plans changes to business rates system
The Government has introduced a bill to modernise the business rates system in England, claiming it will make the system fairer and more responsive to changes in the market. The Non-Domestic Rating Bill will introduce valuations on a tree-year cycle instead of the current five, meaning those with falling values will see their bills drop sooner. It will also provide new business rates improvement relief, so businesses making qualifying building improvements will not face higher business rates bills for 12 months. This will make it easier for businesses to invest with new reliefs for property improvements, providing tax breaks for businesses who are extending or upgrading their property. Local Government Minister Lee Rowley MP said: ‘The introduction of our Non-Domestic Rating Bill seeks to deliver the reforms announced during our Business Rates Review. We are bringing the administration of the tax up to date, and making the system more responsive to changes in the economy and introducing new support to reduce barriers to business investment.’ The bill will build on recent steps to cut business rates, with £13.6 billion of support announced at the Autumn Statement, and to redistribute the tax through the 2023 revaluation. Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: ‘Retailers welcome moving to three-yearly revaluations, meaning business rate bills will reflect underlying market conditions more quickly. Changes to valuation appeals processes and more transparency are also vital and the improvement relief will encourage more retailers to invest in their properties. These are all positive changes, but the job is not done. Government’s focus must remain on reducing the rates burden, enabling more local communities across the country to thrive.”

Lincolnshire LEP names new Chair of the Board

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire LEP names new Chair of the Board

University of Lincoln Vice Chancellor Neal Juster has been named as the new Chair of the Board of Governors of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

He said: “I am honoured to have been asked to take on the role of Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP following from the two, very inspirational, previous Chairs. They, together with Ruth Carver as CEO and the wider team, have given the Board a clear strategy to help the county achieve economic growth. “I would like to thank Pat Doody for his last three years as chair and eight years as a member of the Board. It is an incredibly exciting time for Lincolnshire as we discuss devolution, attract and create new businesses, create jobs and develop critical infrastructure. This cannot be done by any one institution and I look forward to working with partners across the region to achieve collective success.” LEP Chief Executive Ruth Carver said: “Bringing in Neal Juster to lead our Board of capable Directors is a tremendous opportunity for the LEP. Following in the footsteps of Ursula Lidbetter and Pat Doody will be tough, but we know that Neal has a wealth of experience, knowledge and business acumen as well as the high profile and excellent far-reaching contacts that this role requires. “His deep knowledge of the engineering sector will be an advantage as we promote and strengthen the manufacturing and engineering heritage of Greater Lincolnshire. Never has the business voice been more important in driving forward the economy, and Neal and the Board will bring fresh ideas to help us navigate the period of change that we’re facing. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Neal and getting started on the task in hand, which is to represent the business voice for our area at a regional and national level, build on our four game-changing sector developments across energy, food, ports and defence, and lead projects and programmes which are all aimed at driving economic growth.” Joining Professor Juster on the LEP Board will be four new non-executive directors drawn from the private sector and third sectors:
  • Liam Scully, CEO of Lincoln City FC
  • Shaun Povey, Head of Strategic Planning & Projects at Siemens Energy
  • Nikki Cooke, CEO of LIVES
  • Mark Webb, CEO of Grimsby-based business support group E-Factor
Professor Juster took over as Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln from Professor Mary Stuart in October 2021. He holds a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Computer-Aided Design, both from the University of Leeds,and has extensive experience of management in higher education including Senior Vice-Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Glasgow, and Pro Vice-Principal and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.  His research interests were in the area of computer-aided design including rapid prototyping and the use of virtual reality in design and manufacturing processes.
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