Yorkshire business confidence falls in November
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber fell 19 points during November to 20%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down ten points at 37%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 28 points to 2%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 20% (vs. 39% in October).
However, a net balance of 30% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (29%), investing in their team, for example through training (27%), and introducing new technology such as automation and AI (27%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence dipped slightly in November to 41% – down three points from October’s 44% – but remained above the long-term average of 29%.
While firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects strengthened two points to a net balance of 55%, their confidence in the economy fell nine points to 26%.
London was the most confident UK nation or region in November (57%), followed by the West Midlands (51%).
Sector insights
Firms in the manufacturing sector reported the first rise in trading prospects in four months, with the net balance up three points to 49%. Companies in construction and services also indicated stronger business growth outlooks with net balances of 56% (up six points) and 61% (up four points), respectively.
Retail firms, however, signalled softer prospects for a second month running, with the trading prospects’ net balance down six points at 45%.
Martyn Kendrick, Regional Director of Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “While confidence is down this month, Yorkshire’s businesses have clear plans for growth and more plan to hire – a move that won’t just benefit them, but also their local communities.
“We’ll remain by their side as they put their strategies into action, with on-the-ground support to help them make the most of any new opportunities that lie ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “In November, the overall confidence metric fell by three points for the third month running. This is the lowest level since June, but still above the survey’s long-term average, which is ultimately positive from a longer-term perspective.
“These results suggest that while firms have mixed views about the economy, they see their businesses in a good place to cope with any challenges they might face. Hiring intentions, although moderating this month, haven’t fallen by much which is also positive news.
“Overall, these results show that businesses are still positive and feeling resilient, albeit with tempered views on the economic outlook.”
New head of trade credit at TL Dallas
A highly experienced industry professional has joined the trade credit division of independent insurance and risk management firm, TL Dallas Group.
Peter Hodgson is joining the Bradford-headquartered family and employee-owned firm as Director of Trade Credit. Peter will work alongside Simon Hyde, who has been with TL Dallas for over 25 years, and has been leading the 12-strong team over the last few years, until Simon’s retirement in early 2025.
Group Managing Director at TL Dallas, Polly Staveley, said: “We are thrilled that Peter is joining us. He was looking for a new challenge and given his experience in helping to grow independent insurance broker, Reynolds, both before and after its sale, together with his excellent knowledge of the market, we feel he is very well placed to lead and grow our trade credit team, who are based in our Bradford, Falkirk and Glasgow offices.”
Peter said: “TL Dallas has an enviable client base, many of which have been with the firm for decades, and it is renowned in the market for providing a personal service and having a dedicated and knowledgeable trade credit team. I’m looking forward to helping the firm continue to grow, whilst supporting businesses of all sizes by protecting them from the risk of non-payment and late payment, which is often a key reason why companies fail.”
Barnsley College partners with Laing O’Rourke and T3 to launch training facility for modern methods of construction
Barnsley College, in collaboration with Laing O’Rourke and T3 Training & Development, has opened the UK’s first dedicated modern methods of construction (MMC) training facility.
The first of its kind training centre represents a groundbreaking step in addressing the UK’s construction skills shortage and modernising the industry.
The new facility, part-funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), will provide people with the technical and digital skills required to assemble construction and engineering solutions that have been manufactured offsite.
This includes giving learners, ‘Trainee Assembly Specialists’, access to the equipment and skills needed to work with large-scale modular components in a safe and controlled environment as they learn how to deliver sections of some of the UK’s largest infrastructure and construction projects.
It will be the first purpose-built facility to offer a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Construction Assembly Installation – approved by The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) in 2019. No other UK facility currently offers this bespoke off-site training, which is key to building faster, safer, and more efficiently.
The UK’s construction sector is at a pivotal moment, with more than 250,000 extra construction workers needed by 2028, to deliver the expected levels of work. To meet this demand, the industry must evolve, adopting manufacturing (off-site) and assembly (on-site) approaches to enhance productivity, safety, and environmental performance.
This new qualification promises to help overcome the long-standing skills shortage in the sector and bridge the gap between young talent and experience.
Laing O’Rourke has committed to pioneering modern methods of construction for more than 15 years, knowing it offers attractive future careers that are safer, highly skilled and technical, in comparison to traditional construction approaches.
The new training facility will develop digital and technical skills among their 4,500 directly employed workforce, increasing its ability to deploy a manufacturing-led approach to construction and deliver certainty for their clients.
David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive, Barnsley College, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Laing O’Rourke and T3 Training & Development to create the UK’s very first Modern Methods of Construction Training Centre of its type.
“This facility will no doubt equip students with the expertise needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving construction sector, lead the way on more sustainable methods of construction, and ensure they are prepared for the ambitious demands of the modern workforce.
“Through this collaboration, we are proud to play a vital role in addressing skills shortages and supporting the development of a highly skilled, future-ready workforce for the local region and beyond.”
Laing O’Rourke director, Peter Lyons, said: “We are proud and excited to launch this first-of-a-kind training facility with Barnsley College and T3 Training & Development, and to have created a training course that will help accelerate change across our sector.
“Not only will it enhance the skills of our current directly employed workforce, but it will also attract a more diverse range of people to consider a career in construction.
“Only through the wider use of digital technologies and modern methods of construction can we transform productivity and create better work and careers for people. It’s a change we need to make to ensure we can deliver the essential infrastructure the country needs, and which underpins our quality of life.
“We would like to extend a huge thank you to Select Plant Hire, Explore Plant and Transport Solutions, Expanded, Explore Manufacturing, Crown House Technologies, Cemex and Patera Engineering Ltd for their help and support in the planning and construction of this new facility, they have been integral to the success of this project.”
Andy Adams, Managing Director, T3 Training and Development, said: “I am thrilled to see the vision we’ve developed over nearly four years with Laing O’Rourke, and more recently with Barnsley College, come to fruition with the launch of the UK’s first dedicated training facility for modern methods of construction (MMC).
“This pioneering site and programme are designed not only to elevate T3 Training’s mission of delivering industry-specific training but also to address the critical skills gap in our sector. Through this facility, we aim to equip the next generation of ‘Trainee Assembly Specialists’ with the technical and digital expertise needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
“This project is especially meaningful because of the remarkable collaboration and shared vision that brought it to life. Firstly, working closely with Laing O’Rourke, we saw the pressing need for a specialised facility and assembled a dedicated team to design and build a world-class, first-of-its-kind training centre.
“And with the steadfast support and commitment from Barnsley College, we were able to bring this vision into reality. I couldn’t be prouder of the commitment and hard work of everyone involved, all of whom share our passion for creating a space that will foster the skills and knowledge needed for the future of our industry.”
The Modern Methods of Construction Training Centre (supported by Laing O’Rourke) will see the first cohort of apprentices begin their apprenticeships in the new year.
Matt takes on Presidency of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber
Matt Travis has officially stepped into the role of President of the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber at the organisation’s AGM, at which members heard a strong forecast of growth for the Chamber.
Matt brings a wealth of experience, energy, and a strong commitment to supporting businesses across the region. As a passionate advocate for sustainability and innovation, the Chamber says he’s perfectly positioned to lead it n growth, collaboration, and environmental responsibility throughout South Yorkshire.
York Handmade wins major award
The York Handmade Brick Company has won a major honour in the prestigious 2024 Brick Awards.
York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, triumphed in the Craftsmanship category for the company’s work on 5 St Frederick’s Place in the heart of City of London.
The Brick Awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in the heart of London’s West End. Run by the Brick Development Association, they are an international competition that recognizes exceptional brick architecture and craftsmanship. The awards celebrate projects that demonstrate innovative use of clay brick, exceptional design and a commitment to sustainability.
The ceremony was hosted by popular TV personality and architect George Clarke, best known for his work on the Channel 4 programmes The Home Show, The Restoration Man, George Clarke’s Old House New Home and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
This year the awards have attracted entries from housebuilders, developers, architects and contractors across 18 hotly contested categories.
5 Frederick’s Place is based in the heart of London, near Bank Underground Station. This award-winning project involved the demolition of two buildings and the erection of a seven-storey structure consisting of both retail and commercial spaces, together with a new purpose-built archive for the Mercers’ Company.
The Brick Awards judges paid tribute to York Handmade’s work saying: “What a nice example of brickwork, well-planned and extremely well-executed. This was a real conversion of what was a site ripe for development and gave the building a new and relevant rebirth.
“The project boasts some interesting and exciting masonry features. It’s not very often one sees tapestry bond and here it’s well done. It’s very soft on the eye, a great use of brick.
“The combination of different types of bricks in the building’s construction adds character and appeal, drawing the attention of the public. This blend of bricks creates an alluring façade that speaks to both tradition and modernity. It’s an effective way to add personality to an architectural design, captivating the public.”
York Handmade Chairman David Armitage said: “We are tremendously proud to have won the coveted Craftsmanship Awards this year. The judges’ comments are wonderful and a ringing endorsement of everything we are trying to achieve here at York Handmade.
“Huge thanks are due to the management team and employees at York Handmade for their imagination, enterprise and hard work, which all combined to make this project so successful and so memorable.”
151 jobs saved as buyer found for bathroom products distributor
A buyer has been secured for an at-risk bathroom products distributor, administrators from FRP Advisory have confirmed.
Anthony Collier and Simon Farr of FRP were appointed as joint administrators of the Robert Lee group of businesses on 28 November. The group included Robert Lee Distribution Limited, RLD Stock Limited, Yorkshire Shower Trays Limited, and Aquadart Brands Limited.
Employing 151 people across sites in London, Wiltshire, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire, the Group was a national distributor of bathroom, shower and plumbing products, supplying a range of reputable brands as well as manufacturing its own product line.
Following a challenging trading period, FRP was commissioned to run an accelerated sales process. On appointment, the joint administrators completed the pre-pack sale of the group and its assets to trade buyer Roxor Group Limited. Halifax-based Roxor Group is one of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of bathroom products, having traded for more than 35 years.
The agreement sees the preservation of all employees’ jobs and will ensure continuity for customers of the Robert Lee group of businesses.
Anthony Collier, restructuring advisory partner at FRP, said: “Robert Lee was a firmly established operation, managing more than 30,000 product lines to a loyal customer base.
“However, it was not immune to the economic pressures felt across a range of sectors in recent years. We’re pleased to have found a high-quality buyer in Roxor Group, preserving the heritage of the business as well as a large number of jobs across the country.”
£3m project aims to help South Yorkshire firms to innovate and grow
A £3m South Yorkshire Innovation Programme has been launched to help regional organisations to innovate, accelerate, and grow.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard spoke at the launch event held by the South Yorkshire Innovation Network at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane on Monday night (25 November). He welcomed the official roll out of SYIP, which will offer high quality, tailored support to businesses, charities and social enterprises.
It is funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, led by Sheffield Hallam University, with the University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and will provide access to consultancy, including academic-led innovation audits and discovery days; professional interventions; student projects and placements; and specialist equipment and facilities provided by the universities and Barnsley Council.
Support will be available to South Yorkshire-based organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. Participating organisations will contribute a percentage of full project costs, based on their size, and also be eligible for funding support.
The programme is co-designed and developed with each of the four South Yorkshire local authorities. It is one of several partnerships between Sheffield’s universities, local authorities and SYMCA aimed at driving economic growth and inward investment into South Yorkshire.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Our ideas powered the industrial revolution. We invented the world’s most popular sport. We’ve created products that are used worldwide, from New York fire hydrants that are made in Rotherham to the McLaren supercar in Sheffield.
“Mclaren, Boeing and Rolls Royce already work alongside brilliant local businesses, in and around our world-class advanced manufacturing district. My mission is to build a bigger and better economy but to do that we need to create new industries and jobs for the future. Innovation is how we will achieve this vision and we can’t do that by just focusing on one sector or capability. We’ll only do it by working in partnership and that’s why I’m pleased to be investing in the Innovation Programme.
“There is talent and opportunity right across our region and by investing in our people and places we can unlock South Yorkshire’s full potential.”
Professor Conor Moss, Executive Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering and of Sheffield Business School, at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “There are more opportunities for businesses and organisations to thrive in South Yorkshire now than there ever have been before. The key is innovation, and we are delighted to be leading this programme to help people in our region to scale-up and reach their goals.
“At Sheffield Hallam, we believe in collaboration and in championing our region. SYIP will help us to take cutting-edge research and knowledge from our academics and turn it into tangible advice and outcomes for businesses.”
Businesses form Skills Board as part of new East Riding combined authority
Businesses are being given the opportunity to work alongside the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority as members of the Hull and East Yorkshire Skills Board.
The Skills Board will provide the opportunity for the business sector to provide advice on what areas need addressing in the skills agenda, supporting the development of a regional skills system.
It will bring together employers and providers – including the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector – where they will work together to creative innovative solutions to supply and demand challenges, as well as looking to take advantages of future opportunities.
Portfolio holder for children’s services at Hull City Council, Councillor Linda Tock, said: “The Skills Board will be very important in recognising the existing education and training provision in our region, and where we can all go from here.
“It’s down to everyone to work together to ensure that local people can benefit from high-quality post-16 education and training opportunities.
“We want to make sure we get the most of the economic boost devolution brings to our part of the world, but it can also allow for aspirations to be recognised – and this Board will try to help everyone achieve their full potential no matter their background.”
A Chair and a Deputy would be appointed at the group’s second gathering early next year.
Farm fires cost the industry £110m last year
NFU Mutual has said farm fires were larger-scale and costlier in nature, sparking calls for farmers to review and update fire prevention measures. It has speculated the rise, up from £80.4m in 2022, could be down to larger-scale fires being reported, as well increased costs for replacement equipment, building materials and labour.
There was a 15% fall in the number of fire claims involving growing crops, buildings and farm equipment reported to NFU Mutual in 2023.
The main causes of farm fire claims were electrical faults, lightning strikes and arson attacks.
The cost of agricultural vehicle fires, which are recorded separately by the company, remained high at an estimated £37.7m in 2023, driven by a rise in the cost of tractor fire claims to £20.4m.
There was a welcome fall in the cost of combine harvester fires however, down from £11.1m in 2022 to an estimated £7.4m in 2023, which the rural insurer has attributed to lower summer temperatures and industry calls for farmers to install fire suppression systems.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood said the report highlighted the significant financial and emotional toll farm fires continued to take on the farming community, and served as a stark reminder of the importance of fire prevention measures. “This alarming increase demonstrates the urgent need for farmers to review their fire prevention measures.
“From maintaining machinery to implementing fire suppression systems, taking proactive steps can help protect farm businesses from such costly and devastating events,” he added.
Law firm welcomes nine new trainee solicitors
Law firm Wilkin Chapman has welcomed nine new trainee solicitors to its Grimsby, Lincoln, Beverley, and Louth offices.
The nine new trainee solicitors have started training contracts which will begin in the medical negligence, personal injury, dispute resolution, Wills, estates, tax & trusts, real estate and domestic property teams. The training programme underlines Wilkin Chapman’s dedication to developing future legal talent and equips trainees with the essential skills and practical experience required to qualify as solicitors and embark on lasting careers.
The two-year training contract offers comprehensive, hands-on experience across various legal disciplines, divided into four six-month rotations. Additionally, trainees gain exposure to different offices within our network of four locations, providing them with a broad perspective on legal specialisms, client needs and diverse work environments.
The new cohort includes Jessica Badics Maeers (Grimsby), Danielle Ayscough (Lincoln), Abigail Bolton (Lincoln), Elliot Dawson (Lincoln), Aaron Grantham (Louth), Barney Seamer (Louth), Amelia Watson (Louth), Jack Herring (Beverley) and Jessica Stabler (Beverley).
Lisa Boileau, partner and head of Wilkin Chapman’s private client division, said: “Wilkin Chapman is renowned across the region for producing highly skilled, well- prepared lawyers – and that journey often begins right here, in our training contracts.
“Our trainee solicitor programme is designed to attract driven and talented individuals who are committed to learning, refining their skills, and building a long-term career with us. We’re thrilled to be able to continue the momentum of last year’s intake and award nine training contracts this year, bringing the total number of trainee solicitors currently training with us to 19.”
