Plans to increase funding for Sheffield businesses affected by Clean Air Zone

Tess Egginton
-
0
Plans to increase funding for Sheffield businesses affected by Clean Air Zone

Changes have been made to plans for Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone following feedback from public consultation.

Last year the council shared its proposals of support packages that will help people affected by the Clean Air Zone to upgrade their vehicles and avoid the need to pay the charge.

The Clean Air Zone will apply to buses, taxis, vans, and lorries entering the city centre who do not meet the council’s emissions standards. Private cars, motorbikes and mopeds will not be charged.

More than 2,700 businesses and individuals responded to the latest consultation on final plans for the Clean Air Zone, with 2 of every 3 agreeing that reducing air pollution should be a priority for the council.

However, whilst half of businesses who operate vans told the council that they would take a loan or grant, others were undecided or said they wouldn’t choose to upgrade, with the amount of funding on offer being cited as the most common reason for this.

Based on the feedback received, the council have made a number of changes to the plans, including improving support for smaller independent businesses and sole traders to make it easier to transition to electric or lower-emissions vehicles.

Cllr Terry Fox said: “We’ve heard what you have to say: clean air is important to you, but you’re worried about the cost. That’s why we’re asking Government to approve our plans to increase the available funding, including tripling the maximum grant available for replacement vans, to make cleaner vehicles more affordable.

“We know that businesses are facing many challenges at the moment and it’s important that we listen to what people have to say and take this step together to improve our air quality, which impacts on us all.

“I hope that this increased support will help to alleviate people’s concerns but as ever, if you have any questions, please do get in touch with us.”

The new proposals must be approved by Government who will make the final decision on funding before they can be implemented in Sheffield.

The updated proposals set out to Government are:

  • Increasing the maximum grant for van owners upgrading to a Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol engine to £4,000, or up to £5,000 to upgrade to an electric vehicle
  • Increasing the maximum grant for Hackney taxis upgrading to a Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol engine to £6,000, or up to £10,000 to upgrade to an electric vehicle
  • Increasing the maximum grant for Private Hire vehicles upgrading to a Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol engine to £3,000, or up to £4,000 for an electric vehicle
  • Increasing the maximum grant for HGVs, scheduled buses and coaches to £16,000

Retrofit grants will also be available.

Additional temporary exemptions will be put in place for people who are ineligible for a loan or who are waiting for their new vehicle to be delivered.

People who have upgraded their vehicle since 26 October 2021 will also be able to apply for the funding retrospectively, which may particularly affect local taxis and private hire drivers where licenses could expire before the support is available.

Further details on the full range of support measures available, and how to apply will be available from late spring 2022. People will have until 2023 to upgrade their vehicles after receiving funding.

Cllr Douglas Johnson, Executive Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “During two consultations, the people of Sheffield have told us that we should prioritise taking action to clean the air. Over the next year, drivers of the most polluting vehicles will be faced with a choice: use the support we are offering to upgrade to a cleaner vehicle; or pay to pollute.

“I’m pleased that the funding we’re requesting from Government will directly support our small businesses, and I hope that this improved offer makes upgrading easier and will give more people the confidence to do so.”

The delivery programme for the scheme has been reviewed and the Clean Air Zone is due to go live from early 2023. Further information on the start date will be provided later this year.

Once introduced, the Clean Air Zone will be monitored and evaluated regularly. Any concerns such as diverted traffic and congestion will be investigated, and changes made on a local level where needed.

£100m Gleadless Valley Masterplan given the go-ahead

Tess Egginton
-
0
£100m Gleadless Valley Masterplan given the go-ahead
The Gleadless Valley Masterplan, which will see improvements made to housing, green spaces and facilities as well as increased employment opportunities, has been given the go-ahead following consultation with residents. From January to March, Sheffield City Council conducted consultation with residents of Gleadless Valley on the draft Masterplan which will see £100m spent to improve the area. Their feedback showed overall support for the proposals with some minor amendments to the masterplan. During the consultation period residents and stakeholders were asked to provide feedback on the draft Masterplan, stating what they liked or didn’t like as much. The Council also sought feedback specifically from residents living in the homes that will be demolished or remodelled and 80% of respondents said they supported the proposals for the area of Gleadless Valley they live in. Of the 4600 homes in the area, only 2464 homes remain in council ownership, and of these only 25% are directly impacted by the specific housing proposals, such as refurbishment and replacement housing. The proposals for the green spaces, facilities, employment and skills will impact and benefit all local residents.

What changes can you expect to see?

Housing

  • 80 Older Persons Independent Living Scheme apartments
  • New build houses at Gaunt Road
  • 109 new build houses and apartments
  • Replacement of 10 blocks of maisonettes and replacement with 88 new houses and apartments
  • Remodelling of some ground floor maisonettes into 3-bed town houses and some upper floor 3 bed maisonettes into 2 bed maisonettes
  • Remodelling of 1 bed flats into 4 bed town houses
  • External refurbishment of 51 blocks – 624 homes

Green spaces

  • Improvements to paths and crossings and increased traffic calming measures
  • Upgrades to parks and play equipment for all ages
  • Green space and landscape improvements
  • Private gardens for new homes and remodelled ground floor town houses
  • Adapted maintenance regimes to support natural open spaces
  • New tree planting

Services and facilities

  • Improvements to shop fronts and local centres
  • Parking improvements – including formal parking for new and remodelled homes
  • A new community space included in the Older Persons Independent Living Scheme
  • Community food growing and gardening projects

Employment and skills

  • More opportunities for apprenticeships and training
  • Targets for local employment linked to the investment programme
  • Community enterprises
  • Career Fair and Support – helping businesses and supporting residents with job applications
The proposed changes to the Masterplan were approved at the Special Co-Operative Executive on Thursday, March 24 and authority was given for the Director of Housing to publish the final Masterplan by June 2022. Following that, the Masterplan will be launched and there will be further opportunities and events to get involved in. Further work will be done to create a firm timeline for implementing the Masterplan.

Just one month to go until the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo!

Tess Egginton
-
0
Just one month to go until the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo!
With just one month to go until the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo, if you haven’t already registered for the highly anticipated event, now is the perfect time! The free to attend expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, will take place on Wednesday 27 April 2022 at The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, providing everything you require for a great day of networking and business generation. A well targeted event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets, exhibitors include Aspbury Planning Ltd, Belvoir, Business Lincolnshire, BSP Consulting, Delta Simons, the Federation of Small Businesses, J Tomlinson, NatWest, Willmott Dixon, and YMD Boon, to name a few. To see the full list of who is exhibiting click here. Opening at 9am, the expo will also host a seminar, and as the exhibition closes, it will roll directly into an informal, open buffet style network lunch – tickets for the lunch are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online. Spaces for the lunch are limited, so order as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Tina King, of Business Shows Group, said: “It’s been a long time in the making thanks to the pandemic, but we are finally nearly there, The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo is gearing up to be one of the best to date!” To attend the event, register for free here. To generate opportunities by exhibiting at the event, click here. Purchase tickets to the networking lunch here. Meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.

Law firm makes six appointments

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Law firm makes six appointments
Six new people have joined the Lincoln office of rapidly-expending law firm Pepperells. Joining the Pepperells Lincoln team are:
  • John Conlon, highly regarded for his expertise in child law, representing children, parents and family members along with 20 years experience in family law.
  • Alison McGowan is a member of the Law Society Children Panel and the Association of Lawyers for Children, she specialises in complex court proceedings, including care, private law children matters, special guardianship and adoption.
  • Hannah Bell, specialises in representing parents in arranging contact orders, residency and guardianship along with supporting parents and family members where the Local Authority has issued care proceedings or commenced pre-proceedings.
Also joining the team are Ivy Waddingham, experienced family law legal assistant, Michelle Kent and Olivia Mychajluk who support the team with paralegal, administration and first line support. Ben Pepperell, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are beyond delighted to welcome John, Alison and their team to our rapidly expanding Lincoln Office. Their collective expertise and reputations as solicitors of the highest level will support our existing team in Lincoln and further develop Pepperells’ reputation of being trusted Family Law experts in Lincolnshire.” Pepperells Solicitors is a family run law firm with offices in Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and the North East.

East Yorkshire businesses to access fresh products and funding with re-launch of Inksmoor Capital to Acuity Finance

Michael Fisher
-
0
East Yorkshire businesses to access fresh products and funding with re-launch of Inksmoor Capital to Acuity Finance
Access to funding for property development, and business finance to help with stock or equipment purchase – to meet the needs of businesses and developers both large and small – has been bolstered with the re-launch of East Yorkshire-based Inksmoor Capital to Acuity Finance. The firm is underpinned by almost two decades of financial services expertise. As the local property market becomes awash with opportunity, and the uplift in the economy paves the way for business growth, Acuity’s solutions are perfectly tailored to this evolving landscape. The Beverley-based firm is headed up by Sarah Radley, who has accrued a wealth of experience in finance. Acuity Finance is a re-brand of Inksmoor Capital, a specialist in the fast turnaround property finance space. Acuity Finance will bring a fresh approach to lending with a new funding source and products that will help a myriad of businesses. The firm can help developers looking for loans for refurbishments and new developments, and businesses looking to solve cash flow issues or buy stock or equipment. Acuity Finance Managing Director Sarah Radley explained: “The bridging market has remained buoyant throughout the pandemic and continues to gather pace, with the developer profile becoming more diverse. There is an influx of people who have exited businesses during the pandemic and have some investment funds, and also those using pension pots to explore development potential for a better return on their money. Locally, there is a huge amount of development going on, and there is much room for these smaller developers. However, it’s a group that is sometimes overlooked and not adequately catered for in the finance space, with the onus being on the bigger players. At the same time, there are many businesses that have survived pandemic-induced challenges and now may need funding to either help with cash flow, or to capitalise on opportunities. “With a real need for finance solutions provision for these growing groups, at competitive rates, but more importantly, with the required speed of funding provision, Acuity is well placed to help. Every deal is looked at by an owner rather than an underwriter, negating multiple touchpoints on the deal, and increasing speed. As an owner-managed business, we can provide quick decisions. When it comes to bridging loans, we have an enviable professional support network comprising valuers and legal teams with specialist knowledge of the bridging market and a strong understanding of the acute importance of speed. We can get a deal on the table in as little as five working days,” she added. Acuity’s long-established relationships with the broker market increases access to these services, and with new funding lines, Acuity can offer competitive rates. Acuity also understands the needs of businesses looking for fast cash flow solutions or liquidity for business growth. The firm has new pricing and products, but offers the same established team and high level of service.  

Yorkshire gets slice of green bus funding from Government

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Yorkshire gets slice of green bus funding from Government
West, North, and South Yorkshire, along with the city of York, are to be given a slice of almost £200m from the government to introduce electric or hydrogen-powered buses, and the infrastructure to keep them moving. Allocation of £198.3m will provide 943 buses from a scheme launched as year to allow local transport authorities to bid for funding to purchase zero emission buses. The move is expected to remove over 57,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year from the country’s air, as well as 22 tonnes of nitrogen oxides on average each year, as government continues to go further and faster to achieve net zero, clean up the transport network and build back greener. It is also part of the government’s wider £3 billion National Bus Strategy to significantly improve bus services, with new priority lanes, lower and simpler fares, more integrated ticketing and higher frequencies. Jobs in the bus manufacturing industry – based largely in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England – will be supported as a result of the move. Zero-emission buses are also cheaper to run, improving the economics for bus operators. Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “We recognise the scale of the challenge the world faces in reaching net zero. That’s why reducing emissions and creating green jobs lies at the heart of our transport agenda.

“Today’s multimillion-pound investment is an enormous step towards a cleaner future, helping ensure transport is fit for generations to come and allowing millions of people to get around in a way that is kinder to our environment.”

Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach Chief Executive said: “We welcome today’s announcement, which will complement the significant investment and initiatives by operators as we work together to transition to a zero emission bus fleet and help the country achieve its net zero ambitions. “Stagecoach has already started its journey towards our target of a fully zero emission UK bus fleet by 2035, and there is also a major opportunity to deliver cleaner air by people switching to more sustainable public transport, cycling and walking.

“Britain’s buses have an exciting future ahead, helping decarbonise the country, as well as driving economic recovery and levelling up our communities.”

Mechan shortlisted for innovation award

Michael Fisher
-
0
Mechan shortlisted for innovation award
The unique nature of the products made by Sheffield-based rail depot equipment specialist, Mechan, is being celebrated by the city’s manufacturing community. Mechan is one of five firms shortlisted in the manufacturing innovation category at this year’s Made in Sheffield Awards. The firm has been selected for the accolade, which recognises the impact of an innovative product or process, after producing a bespoke bogie drop for Norwich’s Crown Point rail depot. The firm’s skilled design team created the equipment to allow complete bogies and other underfloor modules on trains to be changed without decoupling, meaning they can return to service more quickly. Winners of the Made in Sheffield Awards will be announced at a special dinner held on April 28 at the city’s Cutler’s Hall, bringing together competitors from across the S postcode. Lindsey Mills, Mechan’s sales manager, said: “We are thrilled to make the finals of the Made in Sheffield Awards, which celebrate the world class manufacturing taking place in our region. There is no other UK company providing the same bespoke design service to the rail industry as Mechan and the Crown Point project demonstrates perfectly the high level of engineering skill and expertise we possess. We fly the flag for Sheffield at home and overseas and hope the judges recognise our commitment to promoting the local manufacturing industry.”

Construction starts on £29.5m Leeds student development

Tess Egginton
-
0
Construction starts on £29.5m Leeds student development
Alumno Group (Alumno), purpose-built student accommodation specialist (PBSA), and Heitman LLC (Heitman), a global real estate investment management firm, have begun the regeneration of a disused site in Whitelock Street, north of Leeds city centre, starting construction on a student scheme. The development, valued at £29.5 million, has been designed by Durham-based architecture practice, Howarth Litchfield, which has worked with Alumno from pre-planning stage on proposals to demolish several vacant buildings on the site in preparation for its full re-development. Built over six and seven storeys with a gross internal area of 11,840 sq m, the building will host 411 beds with ground floor commercial and cultural uses. It will contain a mixture of cluster flats and studios, including ten accessible bedrooms, an entrance hub with communal space, offices, a meeting room, laundry and gym. At ground floor level there is also flexible gallery and studio space which will be used to support local artists and will feature workshops, a kiln and exhibition area. It will be run by a local non-profit organisation. At roof level there is a terrace with an innovative specially planted biodiversity area featuring further communal study spaces and a cinema room. Howarth Litchfield’s Managing Director, architect, Jonathan Yates, said: “We have collaborated closely with the Alumno team from the outset, and following a successful planning outcome, we were subsequently novated to provide a D&B role throughout the construction programme following GMI Construction’s appointment as preferred contractor in April 2021. “We are absolutely delighted to be involved again on such a notable student accommodation scheme with Alumno, who are well known for their high quality – high yield PBSA projects. Also, from a planning perspective, it is satisfying to be able to bring a disused site back to life in an up-and-coming area of the city.” David Lindsay, Alumno’s development manager, said: “Alumno strives to shape communities with innovative student accommodation schemes that really raise the bar for student living and this is no exception with its public art space on the ground floor, which we see as being a tremendous asset to the local community as well as adding interest for visitors and the students who live there. Placemaking is a key driver in our designs and ensuring everything we do brings value back to the local community is central to who we are.” Andrew Hurcomb, divisional managing director of GMI Construction Group, added: “We are proud to continue our relationship with Alumno with this latest project, which will be a significant part of supporting Leeds’ growing position as a major university city. “After completing the first three months of the 80-week build programme, which were spent demolishing the three existing buildings, we have now laid the concrete foundations and are commencing with the piling for the new development, which will contribute to the ongoing regeneration of this area of Leeds.” RPS, global professional services firm, was responsible for submitting the planning application and has subsequently been appointed project manager, cost consultant, principal designer and BREEAM assessor.

Texas automation specialist acquires Yorkshire business

Tess Egginton
-
0
Texas automation specialist acquires Yorkshire business
Texas-based Sensia, the automation specialist in oil & gas production, transportation, and processing, has acquired Malton-headquartered Swinton Technology, a market leader in metering supervisory systems and measurement expertise in the oil and gas industry. The acquisition will incorporate Swinton Technology products and solutions into the Sensia portfolio, expanding Sensia’s metering opportunities and measurement domain expertise to support accelerating its customers on their digital transformation journey. Sensia, a joint venture owned by Rockwell Automation and Schlumberger, provides hardware, software, systems and petrotechnical expertise to automate processes and workflows throughout the oil and gas industry. Swinton Technology systems generate measurement data for fiscal and financial transactions throughout the oil and gas supply chain. The acquisition provides Sensia with an asset it can incorporate into its measurement business, contributed by Schlumberger. “Measurement is the core of oil and gas automation, and fiscal measurement is our customers’ mechanism for revenue, billing and loss management,” said Allan Rentcome, Chief Executive Officer, Sensia. “Customers are demanding integrated automation, measurement and digital solutions and Swinton Technology provides us with technology and expertise that will expand Sensia’s growth in the metering systems market.” “There is a large customer installed base that needs to upgrade its measurement data systems to improve performance,” said Ben Leach, Swinton Technology Managing Director. “There are also metering system providers without supervisory capability. With its global reach and oil and gas expertise, Sensia will now be able to better serve this market. I’m confident that under Sensia’s ownership, Swinton Technology products and solutions will improve their market share.” Swinton Technology will be known as Swinton Technology, a Sensia company.

Wakefield Council to launch bid for up to £20m from next round of Levelling Up Fund for investment in Knottingley

Tess Egginton
-
0
Wakefield Council to launch bid for up to £20m from next round of Levelling Up Fund for investment in Knottingley
Wakefield Council has announced that it will launch a bid for up to £20 million from the next round of Levelling Up Fund to part fund investment in Knottingley. The new round of funding was announced by government in the Spring Budget. Proposals have been drawn up to rejuvenate Hill Top town centre to position it as a vibrant retail centre and a thriving place that works for the local community, and which builds a fairer future for residents and local businesses. Proposals include a new town square with new retail units which will be the catalyst for further investment in Hill Top in the future, including the delivery of new homes.
The Levelling Up funding would also go towards the delivery of the Knottingley Community Hub at Kellingley Club plus external leisure and play space and improving connections from the Hill Top retail centre to the Kellingley Club and the Knottingley and Goole Canal. Cllr Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property, said: “We have done extensive consultations and surveys with the Knottingley community and have listened to their wishes and understood their desires. We know that there is a lot of support for investment in Kellingley Club and the Hill Top area and this is important for existing residents as well as planning for future growth in the Knottingley area.” The proposals are delivering on what residents, businesses and local interest groups have said they wanted to see through extensive consultations and surveys. In those surveys, the community asked for three main things: a Vibrant Retail Centre, Active Health and Wellbeing and Active Travel and Green Infrastructure. These have all been brought together in the project proposals for the LUF bid. Those consultations shaped the content of the Knottingley Masterplan which was adopted by Cabinet in January 2021. The public will have the opportunity in late Spring to provide feedback on the proposals, to allow the Council to fine tune them for the application to the Levelling Up Fund. The development of the Knottingley Community Hub at Kellingley Club is already benefiting from £1million of government funding through the Getting Building Fund and £3million from the Council. The Council is currently tendering for a contractor to start work on The Greenhouse which is to host community activities and Council services.
1...867868869...953Page 868 of 953