Tradespeople owed an average of £7,000 in overdue payments, says Direct Line

Stuart Pearcey
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Tradespeople owed an average of £7,000 in overdue payments, says Direct Line

New research from Direct Line business insurance reveals tradespeople are currently owed an average of £6,984 past its due date for payment.

Late payments are a long-standing issue and many tradespeople have had to write off significant sums. On average, the largest single invoice they have given up chasing on payment comes to £4,757 with nearly a quarter losing out on payments worth over £2,500. More than three quarters have at some point tried to make a legal claim to recover payments. Over half were either unsuccessful in their claim or still have unresolved claims.

At a time when expenses are rising sharply due to inflationary pressures, late payments are significantly impacting tradespeople’s personal lives, business operations, and mental wellbeing, says Direct Line. Almost a quarter worry about not being able to cover their family or personal expenses, and one in five is concerned about how late payments are impacting their mental health.

To reduce the impact of late payments on their business, many tradespeople are changing the way they bill for their work. Over a quarter refuse to start work until they receive up-front payment in full, with a quarter choosing to take payments immediately with a card reader or mobile payment. Nearly a quarter charge a ‘late payment fee’ to their clients, and the same number of tradespeople take half of the payment in advance and then the remainder once work is complete. A fifth (20 per cent) of tradespeople offer discounts to clients for paying quickly.

Alison Traboulsi, Product Manager at Direct Line business insurance said: “Tradespeople are vital to the UK economy, and it’s worrying to see that so many are struggling to get paid on-time. Their time is hugely valuable, so effort spent chasing monies owed could prevent them from taking on more work or completing jobs on time. Late payments can also have a huge impact on business operations, finances and, at times, tradespeople’s mental health.

“Times are tough and it is difficult to see so many tradespeople miss out on payments they are legitimately owed due to concerns around legal costs, amongst other reasons. Direct Line business insurance policies come with Legal Essentials, a service that provides tradespeople with unlimited access to a team of DAS legal experts for confidential legal advice and access to a library of legal templates, tools, and guides to help them run their business, including guidance on how to pursue late payments.”

Penistone heritage site to be restored following acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Penistone heritage site to be restored following acquisition
A partially Grade II listed Penistone heritage site that has been derelict for years has been acquired by a local business that plans to invest in and renovate the area, restoring the local ‘eyesore’ to its former glory. Family-run, Barnsley-based property and land specialists, Fairbank Investments Ltd, have acquired the Coal Drops, signal house, and former railway siding site in Penistone in Barnsley, signalling a new chapter of growth and development for the area. The Coal Drops, which are located west of the bridge under Penistone Woodhead Railway, were Grade II listed in 1988. It is thought the six arched stone segmented structure dates back to the mid-19th century. The acquisition of the circa 1 acre development which is located on St Mary’s Street in Penistone, will introduce numerous positive changes to the area and will bring it into line with other development work and projects. Restoring the unique and culturally significant location will also create a significant number of jobs as well as future prosperity for the site, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. Through the site acquisition, Fairbank Investments Ltd has fully committed to developing the site, to benefit the local economy and the environment. The company has a track record of successful, sustainable development projects such as the old David Brown factory on Green Road, Penistone revitalising the site by transforming it into a new business park with 15,000 sq ft of offices and a further 66,000 sq ft of warehouse space, creating new jobs and attracting multiple businesses to the area, prioritising eco-friendly design and building practices. Antony Green, Managing Director of Fairbank Investments Ltd, said: “The Coal Drops is a hugely important site of cultural and historical interest in Penistone and we want to help preserve this heritage, rather than see the site continue to fall into further disrepair. We are thrilled to be taking on this new project in Penistone and are looking for the co-operation of neighbouring land owners to enable us to deliver a scheme that will benefit Penistone. “As a business we are passionate about supporting local communities, and we believe that this iconic restoration of the Old Signal House and Coal Drops will be a major step forward for the area. We’re excited to bring new businesses, jobs, and opportunities to the region, while also prioritising sustainability and environmental responsibility wherever possible.” The Coal Drops, signal house and former railway siding site represents a prime location with significant mixed-use development potential. Active planning consent for residential development on the goods yard section of the site is under full review as Fairbank feel that there is a better scheme suited for the site. As part of the planning phase of the project, led by Fairbank Investments Ltd, working with M Booth Design Ltd, consultations are ongoing with local authorities and community groups to ensure that any new development fully aligns with the requirements of the entire community of Penistone. In addition to the economic benefits of the development scheme, Fairbank Investments Ltd is also committed to minimising its environmental impact. The company plans to use sustainable building practices and technologies throughout the site clear and build, including renewable energy sources, to reduce the carbon footprint of the development. Antony Green added: “As a responsible business, Fairbank Investments Ltd has a proven track record of implementing successful development projects, particularly where restoration and heritage preservation is concerned. The acquisition of the Coal Drops, signal house, and former railway siding site is sure to be another major success story that will see the whole area transformed into a thriving and progressive development. We’re very excited to help bring new growth and prosperity to the region and are looking forward to working closely with the community to make the project a resounding success.”

UK plans revision of European GDPR rules to cut down ‘pointless paperwork’

Stuart Pearcey
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UK plans revision of European GDPR rules to cut down ‘pointless paperwork’
New data laws to cut down pointless paperwork for businesses and reduce annoying cookie pops-up are being introduced by the government today in Parliament with a new common-sense-led UK version of the EU’s GDPR. It’s claimed the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill will reduce costs and burdens for British businesses and charities, remove barriers to international trade and cut the number of repetitive data collection pop-ups online. Its said the revised bill will:
  • Introduce a simple, clear and business-friendly framework that will not be difficult or costly to implement – taking the best elements of GDPR and providing businesses with more flexibility about how they comply with the new data laws
  • Ensure the new regime maintains data adequacy with the EU, and wider international confidence in the UK’s comprehensive data protection standards
  • Further reduce the amount of paperwork organisations need to complete to demonstrate compliance
  • Support even more international trade without creating extra costs for businesses if they’re already compliant with current data regulation
  • Provide organisations with greater confidence about when they can process personal data without consent
  • Increase public and business confidence in AI technologies by clarifying the circumstances when robust safeguards apply to automated decision-making
Today’s data reforms are expected to unlock £4.7 billion in savings for the UK economy over the next 10 years, and maintain the UK’s internationally renowned data protection standards so businesses can continue to trade freely with global partners, including the EU. The Bill was introduced last Summer and paused in September 2022 so ministers could engage in a co-design process with business leaders and data experts – ensuring that the new regime built on the UK’s high standards for data protection and privacy, and seeks to ensure data adequacy while moving away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of European Union’s GDPR. Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Co-designed with business from the start, this new Bill ensures that a vitally important data protection regime is tailored to the UK’s own needs and our customs. “Our system will be easier to understand, easier to comply with, and take advantage of the many opportunities of post-Brexit Britain. No longer will our businesses and citizens have to tangle themselves around the barrier-based European GDPR.” “Our new laws release British businesses from unnecessary red tape to unlock new discoveries, drive forward next generation technologies, create jobs and boost our economy.” Alongside these new changes, the Bill will increase fines for nuisance calls and texts to be either up to four per cent of global turnover or £17.5 million, whichever is greater, and aims to reduce the number of consent pop-ups people see online, which allow websites to collect data about an individual’s visit. The Bill will also establish a framework for the use of trusted and secure digital verification services, which allow people to prove their identity digitally if they choose to do so. The measures will allow customers to create certified digital identities that make it easier and quicker for people to prove things about themselves. The Bill will strengthen the Information Commissioner’s Office through the creation of a statutory board with a chair and chief executive, so it can remain a world-leading, independent data regulator and better support organisations to comply with data regulation.

Second Coney Street Riverside planning application submitted

Tess Egginton
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Second Coney Street Riverside planning application submitted
Yorkshire property specialist Helmsley Group has submitted a second planning application for its ambitious Coney Street Riverside masterplan. The plans, submitted to City of York Council (CoYC), feature numbers 3-7 Coney Street and include proposals to create a new snickelway connecting Coney Street to the riverside walkway outlined in the initial planning application. This new riverside connection will create a route by which the River Ouse can be accessed and this part of the city can be explored. The land is currently used for bin storage and is not utilised by the general public. Opening up this new connection will play a key role in re-connecting Coney Street to the river. The development will open up the ground floor of 5 Coney Street and create access through to the new snickelway and the riverfront. The existing shopfronts of the listed buildings at 3-7 Coney Street will also be sensitivity regenerated to reflect their historic character. In addition to the creation of additional public realm through the introduction of the access route, the plans also introduce residential apartments into the currently unused upper floors of buildings 3-7. Retail space of a size aimed at independent businesses is proposed on the ground floors, and the creation of the new ginnel will allow for the introduction of new restaurants or cafés with external seating. This aligns with the ethos of Helmsley Group’s initial planning submission, which seeks to support local businesses, and attract independent retailers and leisure owners to the area. Helmsley Group is working with current tenants on Coney Street to relocate them within the existing scheme, should they wish to retain a presence. Max Reeves, development director at the Helmsley Group, said: “This further planning application forms part of our long-held ambition to reconnect Coney Street with its riverfront, create much-needed public realm of national standing and improve both connectivity and accessibility within central York. It builds on our vision to honour the area’s rich heritage while sensitively taking the necessary strides required to secure its long-term future. “As well as creating a welcoming, family friendly offer through the realisation of these plans, we’re also seeking to introduce much-needed affordable housing within the city centre. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reinvigorate a much-loved but sadly under-appreciated area of the city centre, and one that has played such an important role in York’s history to date.” Led by York-based developer the Helmsley Group, the Coney Street Riverside masterplan seeks to create 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial, residential and student space, alongside extensive public realm. The project team for the scheme includes Helmsley Group, Vincent & Brown, O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.

Converted mill in Leeds sold for £17m

Tess Egginton
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Converted mill in Leeds sold for £17m
JM Construction has sold a converted mill at the Victoria Riverside development in Hunslet, Leeds to global real estate investment and fund management firm, LRC Group for £17m. Comprising 93 apartments, Mill F was the final mill to be sold in a wider project converting a mix of grade II and II* listed former Hunslet and Victoria flax spinning mills to create a new £50m residential site. Now completed, Victoria Riverside comprises 350 one, two and three-bedroom units, including penthouse apartments, across six individual buildings. A team from law firm Gordons, led by partner and head of residential development, Michael Finnett advised JM Construction on the sale. John Mulleady, Managing Director at JM Construction, said: “Victoria Riverside is a development where classic meets contemporary and is truly a landmark scheme for Leeds. “It was great to work with Gordons on this latest sale. The firm’s effective, practical and straight-talking advice has been instrumental throughout the development’s entire journey.” Gordons partner, Michael Finnett added: “JM Construction is a developer with a strong track record for converting derelict buildings and brownfield sites to create modern housing. “It is exciting being involved in this award-winning development turning buildings that were once the industrial fabric of Leeds into modern properties without sacrificing their character.” James Smart, Managing Director of Smart Investments, who acted as agents for the sale, said: “Victoria Riverside is an opportunity for tenants to live in an historic building with a modern architectural design and excellent location next to the River Aire – a great asset for the purchaser to add to their portfolio.”

A quarter of Yorkshire businesses to improve workplace inclusivity by august 2023

Tess Egginton
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A quarter of Yorkshire businesses to improve workplace inclusivity by august 2023
Research from Lloyds Bank, ahead of International Women’s Day, found almost two thirds (60%) of businesses in Yorkshire plan to introduce new policies and training to improve inclusivity in the workplace – and one in four (25%) plan to act in the next six months. The survey found that firms in Yorkshire plan to prioritise joining inclusivity schemes (37%) as they strive to build a more inclusive working environment. Almost one in three intend to train their staff on diversity and inclusion (32%) while a similar proportion (30%) intend to hire a more diverse team. But for many businesses, delivering their plans will require external support and guidance. Almost two fifths (38%) said they need access to specialist HR skills, while nearly a third (30%) said financial incentives from government would help with their progress towards building a more inclusive workforce. Peer-to-peer support was cited by more than one in four (27%) as essential to help them move forward. Steve Harris, area director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank, said: “It’s great to see that the majority of firms in Yorkshire are concentrating on building a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Bringing in training and support from peers and networks will help as businesses strive to create workplaces that represent the communities they serve across the region and beyond. We’ll be by the side of businesses, and sharing our learnings on this important topic, as we all work towards building the economy of the future.”

Three women trailblazers from Yorkshire and the Humber win national award and £50,000 each

Tess Egginton
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Three women trailblazers from Yorkshire and the Humber win national award and £50,000 each
From converting the use of synthetics to wool in aquafarming for more healthier shores to a unique community-led digital training platform for health and social care professionals, Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards will empower three pioneering women from Yorkshire and the Humber to scale their innovative businesses. These three women entrepreneurs are amongst this year’s 50 winners of Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards who are developing novel solutions to major social, environmental and economic challenges. Each winner will benefit from a £50,000 grant, one-to-one business coaching, and a suite of networking, role modelling, and training opportunities. Coinciding with International Women’s Day (Wednesday 8 March), the Awards reflect the government’s ambition to give more support to women innovators and business leaders. The range of innovations from across the UK are vast, from health tech to education and from protecting lives to new ways to play music. The entrepreneurs from Yorkshire and the Humber are recognised today on International Women’s Day which is encouraging people to “embrace equity.” They are:
  • Kirsty Smitten, from Sheffield, is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Sheffield University’s Turner Prize awardee who developed a new game-changing class of antibiotics with her company MetalloBio that will prevent and treat bacterial infection. Fuelled by seeing the negative effects of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on her family members and closest friend, Kirsty is determined to stem AMR’s rapid rise, which currently contributes to 1.2 million deaths globally.
  • Katherine (Kate) Drury, from West Yorkshire, founder of Sustainable Rope, who aims to convert marine and aquafarming to using 100% wool rope as a viable natural fibre alternative to synthetics which are causing significant ecological problems in our rivers and seas.
  • Tammy Banks, from York, founder of Taye Training, who, after a complex childhood and spending her teenage years homeless, has designed an experiential, community-led training programme and first of its kind qualification for trainers of health and social care professionals that ensures their training is consistently impactful and relevant.
The flagship Women in Innovation Awards is a key part of Innovate UK’s commitment to boosting the number of women entrepreneurs. Innovate UK will give all 50 trailblazers £50,000 and bespoke mentoring and coaching to enable them to scale-up their businesses. Now in its sixth year, the competition drew a record number of 920 applications from women business leaders, 10% up from last year, reflecting the growing number of women-led businesses in the UK (according to the Rose Review Progress Report 2023, 20% of all UK businesses are now led by all-women teams). Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme continues to support high-potential women business leaders from diverse backgrounds. With a passion to support underrepresented innovation talent, 22% of the winners are Black, Asian, or from another ethnic minority group and 12% have identified as disabled. Emily Nott, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programmes at Innovate UK, said: “Each year I am blown away by the brilliant ideas and talent we uncover through our Women in Innovation programme. Despite these challenging economic times, this year’s winners have shown great leadership, passion and resilience in driving their innovations forward. “Innovate UK will work alongside them now to ensure they have the resources and support required to grow and scale their businesses, while encouraging a new generation of women to get involved in innovation, pursue their ambitions and transform our economy and society.” Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK, said: “The Innovate UK Women in Innovation programme is an important part of our many activities to make a real difference to the talent and skills pipeline for UK business innovation by inspiring, involving and investing in greater diversity. I warmly congratulate all the Women in Innovation Award winners and look forward to keeping in touch as they progress.”

Business leaders invited to share in peer-to-peer networking to boost international growth

Stuart Pearcey
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Business leaders invited to share in peer-to-peer networking to boost international growth
Business owners across Lincolnshire and Rutland are being invited to join a peer-to-peer networking programme that has been designed to support international growth. Delivered by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Business Lincolnshire, the Peer Networks programme gives directors, senior managers, and business owners the opportunity to share common business challenges and objectives relating to overseas growth. Regular sessions take place over several months and are facilitated by experts in the field and supported by specialist guest speakers. Charlotte Watson, Deputy Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, is heading up the programme. She said: “Peer networks are quite different to a traditional classroom development programme, they are much more informal as the agenda is set by the wants and needs of the group members. “Where we think the added value is the development of support channels outside of the group, which are nurtured over the longer term and bringing businesses together in such a way to share, learn and support is an area the Chamber is particularly well placed to lead on.” Eve Farley, International Trade Coach at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce who’ll be delivering the programme, said: “International Trade is a key area for the Chamber and there is a world of opportunities out there for businesses whether that be through expanding in to new markets or starting completely from scratch with exporting, these peer networks are designed to support businesses with international growth and the challenges that come with it.” To qualify, businesses must be based in Greater Lincolnshire, including North and North-East Lincolnshire or Rutland; have operated for at least a year; employ fewer than 250 people; and have aspirations to export or expand current activities. Up to 10 individuals are involved in each cohort and are required to give a time commitment of about 18 hours across the duration of the fully-funded programme. Anyone interested in taking part in the Peer Networks may register their interest via the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce website: https://www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/international-trade/peer-to-peer-networks/

Leeds food wholesaler fined almost £10,000 for breaking food safety rules

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds food wholesaler fined almost £10,000 for breaking food safety rules
Fines and costs totalling £9295.30 were issued to a Leeds food wholesaler for multiple breaches of the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations (2013), following a successful investigation by Leeds City Council’s environmental health team.
The company, GSL Wholesalers LTD, based on Roundhay Road, pled guilty to four individual offences at Huddersfield Magistrates court following an extensive investigation by council officers. An investigation was launched after a visit to the premises by environmental health enforcement agents in August 2021, which resulted in officers serving the business with a Hygiene Improvement Notice requiring adequate procedures to be put in place to control pests. The prosecution was triggered by a revisit to the premises in September 2021, which found GSL Wholesalers LTD had not made the required adjustments and were still committing several contraventions of food safety legislation. This included failing to prevent food contamination likely to render food unfit for human consumption. The business was charged with and pled guilty to breaching Retained Regulation (EC) 852 / 2004 and Regulations 19 & 6 (2) of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 on four separate counts, leading to the magistrates imposing a £4,000 fine and imposing further charges of £ 5,295.30 in costs and £190 in victim surcharges. Similar contraventions of food hygiene legislation were also found during previous visits to the premises in 2015, for which the operator was also prosecuted for and pled guilty to. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and housing, said: “All food businesses in Leeds are regularly inspected by Environmental Health Officers on a risk-basis to check their compliance with legislation all food businesses must follow, and which are designed to protect food safety and public health. “To protect public health, it is vital that food businesses are kept clean, in good repair, have all the necessary facilities, and have effective food management practices in place, prosecution is only a last resort if the team are unable to work proactively with businesses to resolve issues that arise. “I would like to thank the environmental health enforcement agents for their hard work in prosecuting this case, they have carried out vital work ensuring public safety across Leeds.”

BCC sets up three-year campaign to enhance gender equality

Stuart Pearcey
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BCC sets up three-year campaign to enhance gender equality
Two thirds of women feel they have missed out on career progression because of childcare responsibilities, according to a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce. Working with panel provider Find Out Now in the first survey of its kind from the BCC, the organisation has looked at the perceived impact childcare, general caring responsibilities and menopause have on a person’s career, as well as the support available to those impacted by the issues. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This survey is the first of its kind carried out by the BCC. With over 4,000 respondents, it is a significant contribution to assessing the state of play of gender equity across society today. “Many people feel that the burden of childcare, caring responsibilities and menopause have had a negative impact on their career, but women report higher levels of concern across the board. “What women want is a level playing field. They don’t want handouts or a hand up, they simply want to make sure there are no barriers to career progression and face the same opportunities as their male counterparts. “Tackling these issues is integral not only to the wellbeing of our women and workplaces, it is crucial to the functioning of any strong economy.” As a result of the survey the BCC intends to develop a three-year campaign based on a three-point plan, to include:
  1. Short-term action: Convene employment experts, Chamber CEOs and employers to create a Chamber Workplace Equity Commission.
  2. Medium-term work: The commission to analyse research findings and case studies, to develop policies for Government and best practices for businesses enshrining equity in the workplace.
  3. Long-term goal: Re-run the same survey with the aim of moving the dial on the findings we are publishing today.
Two-thirds of women amongst the 4,000-plus respondents who have had childcare responsibilities in the last 10 years felt they missed out on career progression as a result. This includes career development, pay rises and/or promotions. For male respondents who have had childcare responsibilities, 35% believed they missed out. Three quarters of male respondents believed there was not sufficient support available for people with non-paid caring responsibilities for elderly or disabled relatives or friends. This figure increases to 86% for women. For those who have had caring responsibilities in the last 10 years, half of all respondents felt they missed out on career progression as a result of their duties. Almost three quarters women felt there was not sufficient support for those experiencing menopause, with one in three who have gone through menopause feeling it impacted their career negatively. However, there is a higher level of concern about the impact of menopause on a woman’s career amongst those who are yet to experience it. Almost half of women believe they will miss out on career opportunities due to menopause.
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