Packaging tax could increase use of plastics and cost jobs, says British Glass
The Sheffield-based British Glass trade association says the Government’s controversial new packaging tax will add a financial burden that will drive producers away from recyclable glass and could result in job losses in the industry.
Under the new rules, glass fees for beverage packaging will be almost 50 times higher than other, less recyclable materials, leaving brands with no choice but to move away from using 100% recyclable glass products, says British Glass.
The new packaging tax, set to be implemented next April, will also push up the price of many items and could actually lead to more throwaway plastic, according to British Glass Chief Exec Dave Dalton. He said: “The Government has failed to listen to concerns from producers and trade bodies and is ploughing on with this ill-thought-out scheme which is a hammer blow to the glass sector and British manufacturing.
“British Glass supports the principle of pEPR and that packaging waste collection and recycling needs to be reformed to deliver a circular economy for the UK.
“However, this scheme will have a profound impact on competitiveness against other packaging formats – leading to job losses predominantly in the UK’s manufacturing heartlands.
“Prices will increase both for consumers and SMEs who are already operating on wafer-thin margins.
“The effect on the environment is equally depressing. The Government has a plan for a circular and zero-waste economy, yet the pEPR policy will incentivise more plastic – which is less circular than glass. We urge the Government to re-think this policy and meet businesses and British Glass as a priority.”
The new packaging extended producer scheme shifts the cost of collection and sorting waste from local authorities to producers, with heavier containers like glass incurring higher levies. In turn that means the price of products in glass bottles and jars could increase by at least 10p, whereas products in plastic or metal containers will only have a marginal cost.
British Glass, who represents the UK glass industry, says the move will lead to job losses in a sector which employs 120,000 in its supply chain. Along with several large food and drink producers it raised concerns with MPs and Ministers on the pEPR policy’s negative impact.
Recycling Minister Mary Creagh said: “As we look at the global plastic pollution treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea, we certainly hope to play our part in that work.”
As it stands, pEPR will work against this, says British Glass Technical Director, Dr Nick Kirk. “The aim of pEPR is to drive away from difficult to recycle packaging materials to recyclable packaging materials, but the current policy will incentivise the move away from glass packaging to less recyclable materials such as plastic packaging.
“The proposed pEPR fees are calculated on the weight of packaging. However, packaging is bought in units not weight, this will distort the packaging market as glass will have a substantial pEPR fee compared to competing packaging materials. Glass is 100% recyclable and is infinitely recyclable as it does not deteriorate on each recycle.”
In terms of price changes, a 330ml glass beer bottle will have a pEPR fee of about 5p, with the addition of supply chain margins and VAT, the consumer will see at least a 10p increase in a beer bottle and more on larger soft drink, wine and spirit bottles, whilst metal and plastic beverage packaging will not be affected.
This will lead to inflation for the consumer or a switch away from glass packaging, says Dr Kirk. “We have already experienced the impact of brands moving away from glass, as they are now purchasing their packaging for 2025,” added Nick Kirk.
“In addition, there has been an increase in the imports of empty glass packaging from countries outside of the EU and these countries are producing more carbon per unit of glass packaging.
“These imports can be at least 20% cheaper than UK-produced glass packaging and will be able to absorb the pEPR cost, which will lead to more imports and a negative impact on UK glass production, and ultimately more carbon into the global atmosphere. This shows a fundamental lack of understanding by the Government of the global competition the UK glass sector faces.”
Cautious welcome from Doncaster Chamber for economic inactivity pilot
Doncaster Chamber has cautiously welcomed news that South Yorkshire is to get Government funding to pilot an initiative focussed on bringing down economic inactivity in the region by helping local residents with health issues return to the workforce.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec Chamber, said it applauded any measures that will help boost growth and tackle our region’s persistent skills gaps. “Getting people back into work is obviously a key part of this, and we commend Westminster for seeing the inherent value in letting local partners — in this case SYMCA — devise local solutions.”
But he added: “While businesses can indeed be a force for good, it’s important that their role is not taken for granted. Recent weeks have seen successive blows for our nation’s wealth creators, in the forms of a controversial Autumn Budget and an employment bill that could inadvertently hamper growth and restrict recruitment.
“Given these difficult circumstances, we need to make sure that any programmes or projects that arise from this inactivity trailblazer are business-friendly and provide good incentives for employers to get involved.
“It’s also vital that we see real long-termism here. Although the goals behind this programme are certainly laudable, it must have a shelf-life that extends beyond its pilot if it’s to have any meaningful impact, Otherwise, it will just be the latest in a long line of well-intended, but ultimately patchy, Government projects designed to get people working.
“It is great to see that South Yorkshire will be at the vanguard of this promising work as one of the designated trailblazers, and we are hopeful that this represents an opportunity to start decluttering our region’s employment system; simplifying it for businesses and jobseekers alike.”
Rising tide of optimism ebbs away for business, says CBI
After three consecutive quarters of rising optimism among business and professional services firms, it slipped away during the three months to November, according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Service Sector Survey.
Alpesh Paleja, CBI Interim Deputy Chief Economist, said: “Our latest data does not paint a pretty picture of the services sector. Falling sentiment, weaker hiring intentions and firming cost pressures are all at least a partial response to the forthcoming rise in employer National Insurance Contributions.
“This is all coming against the backdrop of weakening demand and squeezed margins. And middling business conditions don’t look set to improve anytime soon.
“The Government must act on the pressing challenges facing business – including a faster timetable for business rates reform and a plan for the long-term through a competitive industrial strategy. Business stands ready to work with politicians to improve the UK’s economic prospects.”
Consumer services firms also saw optimism decline at the fastest pace in over two years. Consumer services firms also reported a notable decline in business volumes, and expect another hefty fall in the three months to February.
Similarly, business & professional services firms reported that volumes fell, albeit marginally, in the quarter to November. This marked the first decline in a year, and volumes are expected to fall again in the three months to February.
Costs per person employed in the services sector grew strongly over the last quarter. While the rise was slower than in the three months to August, cost pressures remained above the long-run average. Costs growth is expected to pick up further in the quarter ahead, particularly for business & professional services firms.
In contrast, selling prices rose only modestly over the last three months. As a result, services firms reported another decline in profitability, that is set to accelerate in the three months to February. Profits in the sector have now fallen for three full years.
Headcount fell marginally across the services sector in the three months to November, driven by a bigger fall in employment among consumer services firms. Employment is expected to fall at a faster pace in the quarter to February, with both major sectors predicting a reduction in hiring.
Plans for investment over the year ahead remain tepid. Across the sector, firms expect to cut capital expenditure on vehicles, plant & machinery and land & buildings. Investment plans for IT remain positive, but are at their weakest in two years. Uncertainty about demand has picked up as a constraint to capital investment, rising materially above average in the consumer services sector.
CEO Supper Clubs put hot topics in the table in Sheffield
Investec Wealth & Investment and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry are collaborating to bring together business and political leaders to discuss the region’s hottest topics in a series of ‘CEO Supper Clubs’.
The forums have sparked discussions between CEO and local political leaders looking at key themes relevant to Sheffield and the South Yorkshire, to help inform policy and spur innovation.
Manufacturing, culture and visitor economy, digital, and sustainability have been discussed far.
Each event, with an aim to support local business, has been hosted at an independent venue across the city. These have included the Adelphi Room at Sheffield Theatres, Lavang, Cubana, and The Sheffield Table at Leah’s Yard.
Events have been attended by Kate Josephs, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Council, and Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, along with a relevant sector leads from their offices.
Jason Hallam, Senior Investment Director at Investec Wealth & Investment UK, said: “As a firm deeply rooted in Sheffield, we continue to look outwards to support key issues affecting our region. That heritage, which started in 1844, is now complemented with industry-leading research capabilities and state-of-the-art technology.
“Being able to host these events, in partnership with the Chamber, and have crucial discussion with local leaders, those from businesses, and from the Council and SYMCA, has been so valuable.”
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We know that Sheffield works best when we work together and, Investec, through its continued commitment to the city, alongside its Chamber patronage, has supported the region for a long time.
“Being able to collaborate on the CEO Supper Clubs has been excellent. The work is so important for us as a Chamber, as we continually aim to bring the right people together to lobby and make an impact for change.
“Our work, together with Investec, will aid our members and the wider region. Ultimately, we want Sheffield to be recognised as both an innovator, and the best place to start, grow and run a successful business.”
Yorkshire embroiderers make ceremonial flags for Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
Embroiderers at Haworth manufacturer Wyedean Weaving have spent 900 hours creating ceremonial flags bearing the King’s new insignia for the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.
The experts have created new Regimental and King’s Colours for the 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Both ceremonial flags were consecrated and presented on behalf of King Charles during a ceremony attended by the Governor General of New Zealand, Government officials and military commanders in chief.
Wyedean’s Business Development Director Rosie Wright said: “As a family business it has been an immense privilege to play our part in such a historic moment for the New Zealand Defence Force.
“The last time a King’s Colour was presented to a New Zealand army battalion was before the Second World War, so it was an honour for Wyedean to be trusted with the responsibility of creating the new Colour bearing King Charles’ Tudor Crown insignia, as well as the new Regimental Colour which is emblazoned with the regiment’s battle honours.”
Last year, Wyedean secured the seven-year, £5m contract to replace British Armed Forces’ Colours and Standards with the new King’s insignia and the Tudor Crown, further cementing the business as a key player in the supply of ceremonial accoutrements for the British military and expanding its market influence by securing new international contracts and enhancing its product lines to meet the evolving needs of the global military and ceremonial sectors.
Farmers urge Minister to remove barriers to growth
The Crops Board called on the government to provide support which would de-risk and incentivise the uptake of protein crops within arable rotations.
NFU Combinable Crops Board chair Jamie Burrows said: “There is a growing demand for sustainable protein within UK agriculture, and the government has the opportunity to enhance our food security by ensuring that more of these crops are grown domestically.”
The Board said that a greater area of protein crops, turning the tide on a crop which is currently falling out of favourability, would help reduce the reliance on unsustainable imported feedstocks.
This would also deliver improvements to soil health, supporting the wider uptake of IPM practices, reducing reliance on PPPs and generating an abundance of flowering crop area, all in line with broader government ambitions.
He added: “We had a constructive discussion, and I believe the Minister will have a better understanding of our issues and ambitions. As well as overcoming the barriers, we look forward to continuing our engagement with the government as we seek to drive this sector forward.”
Lincolnshire business shines on the international stage with net zero goals
The ambitious net-zero goals of leading potato supplier Branston have been recognised by a pioneering organisation that supports businesses around the world to tackle the climate crisis.
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action strategy that enables companies and financial institutions to develop standards, tools and guidance in leading the way to a net-zero economy
This week, it has approved Branston’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, which encompasses the company’s near-term within the next 5-10 years, net-zero, and forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) targets. This showcases Branston’s alignment with SBTi’s rigorous net-zero standard criteria and near-term target criteria and recommendations.
Jim Windle, CEO of Branston, said: “As a leading produce and added value food business in the UK it is important to us that our ambitious climate targets have been validated by the SBTi. This ensures that our approach is robust, credible, transparent and aligned with acknowledged climate science. These targets represent a key step to developing a thorough climate strategy across all business sectors.”
Branston has committed to reaching overall net zero emissions across the value chain by 2050, with a near term target of 60% in Scope 1 & 2 emissions and 58.8% in scope 3 by 2033. Branston has also committed to an accelerated ambition target of 90% by 2035 for Scope 1 & 2 and for 90% for Scope 3 by 2050, all from a base year of 2021.
Branston’s progress towards net zero includes enhanced energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy. It has nine photovoltaic (PV) systems across its three sites, which generate around 1.3 GWh energy annually as well as an anaerobic digestion plant that supplies 20% of the Lincoln site’s energy from waste potatoes unfit for human consumption.
Jim added: “Our team has already stepped up to the climate challenge and shown fantastic ingenuity when it comes to making the entire potato supply chain more environmentally friendly – from the field to shop shelves. By closely monitoring our outputs and consistently researching new opportunities for us to integrate better practices, we’re making great progress. There is of course plenty more to be done but with the backing of the SBTi and a clear pathway to get there, we look forward to working with our customers and suppliers in achieving these goals.”
Most recently, Branston has reviewed the opportunities for alternative fuels and is trialling an electric truck within its Scotland fleet and installing electric vehicle charges for staff at all sites. Extensive smart energy monitoring systems are also used to monitor electricity use on all major pieces of equipment to better understand and observe their energy use.
In Scope 3, Branston has been working with growers, the agri-tech community and universities to take carbon out of potato production. This includes low carbon fertilisers, reduced cultivations, alternative farm fuels and novel cold store design – part of a trial that is entering its third year. They’ve been working closely with B-hive Innovations, an agri-tech company which is dedicated to developing high-tech solutions to some of the fresh produce industry’s more complex problems, with a major focus on carbon reduction throughout the supply chain.
Business startup support offers window of opportunity for stained glass conservers
A ‘start and grow’ scheme operated to help new businesses has opened a window of opportunity for a stained glass studio in York.
Woodside Stained Glass was created by Megan Barnett and Zoe Harrigan, who conserve and restore panels of glass that can date back several centuries, as well as making new stained glass commissions.
As newcomers to business they have been supported in its early business stages by a startup programme commissioned by City of York Council through Momentic’s Start and Grow York programme, commissioned through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver tailor-made support for start-ups and early-stage businesses in the city.
As newcomers to setting up a business, Zoe and Megan faced received advice from Lydiatt, Business Advisor at Momentic, on everything from the practicalities of getting formally registered as a business to developing their marketing and sales strategies and identifying initial priorities to focus on.
With Steven’s advice, the pair felt more confident in making key business decisions, like opting to outsource finances to an accountant rather than handling everything themselves.
The business is looking into ways to help preserve their craft for future generations. Having already taken on two interns from the University of York over the summer, Megan and Zoe are hoping to explore working with apprentices as well as running public workshops and community engagement projects to help as many people as possible engage with stained glass.
Claire Foale, Interim Director of City Development at City of York Council, said: “It’s great to see how our UKSPF partners like Momentic are helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to get a foot in the door as they get established, and grow, in our city.
“For centuries, York has been world renown for the skill and quality of our stained glass. With more medieval stained glass in the city than anywhere in the UK, stained glass is part of the city’s DNA. It’s fantastic to see how people like Megan and Zoe are now carrying on this legacy, literally making history everyday as they provide opportunities for the next generation of craftspeople to ensure that this at-risk trade survives for future generations to enjoy over the centuries to come.”
Hospitality venues urged to put effective tech on the menu in run-up to Christmas
As hospitality venues gear up to the festive season, almost half believe they will achieve their revenue targets this year, with a further 30% on track to exceed expectations.
That’s according to new data from payments technology company, Dojo, which reveals that more than half of managers forecast at least 10% revenue growth.
They see payments technology is key to continuing this growth trajectory, with one in five saying operational efficiency can be improved through better technology integration – the top opportunity in the next year.
Jon Knott, Head of Research & Market Insights at Dojo, said: “While there are positive signs from the hospitality industry that it’s seeing some shoots of recovery, many venues have been impacted by economic and technological turbulence. This year has seen a 139% growth in reservation numbers, underlining the pressure on hospitality businesses to deliver for their customers and the opportunity that awaits them should their payment systems maintain their reliability and performance.
“Bars and restaurants need to ensure that every customer touch point via technology, from the booking system to paying the bill, is seamless, reliable and pain-free. Investment in reliable technology and digital tools will be critical to the hospitality industry’s growth in 2025.”
One in five venues said payment failures or downtime were of particular concern, with payment system failures disrupting over half of businesses every week. In July, about 8.5 million systems crashed in one outage alone, described as the largest outage in history.
Efficient time management: key tools for busy executives in Yorkshire
Mastering time management is vital for busy executives, particularly in Yorkshire, where thriving local industries demand focused leadership and effective planning.
Whether you’re steering a manufacturing firm in Sheffield, managing an agricultural business in Lincolnshire, or overseeing operations in the bustling corporate sector in Leeds, the pressure to balance meetings, deadlines, and decisions can be relentless. However, honing effective time management skills tailored to regional challenges can enhance productivity and foster growth across these dynamic counties.
Understanding Time Management Tools
Time management tools encompass a range of resources designed to streamline tasks, crucial for executives managing diverse operations in Yorkshire. These include digital planners, prioritisation frameworks, and project management applications.
Utilising project management software can enhance communication and transparency among team members, whether you’re coordinating operations in Leeds, overseeing projects in Grimsby, or managing teams spread across rural and urban areas. Meanwhile, time-tracking applications shed light on how you spend your day, providing invaluable insights for identifying inefficiencies and optimising workflows. In fact, many professionals in the region find that enrolling in a time management course offered by local business hubs or training centres provides deeper insights into leveraging these tools effectively.
Incorporating these tools can transform your approach to daily tasks. They foster a more collaborative team environment and improve overall outcomes, helping executives navigate the unique challenges of Yorkshire’s dynamic business landscape.
Prioritisation Techniques for Yorkshire Executives
Effective prioritisation is crucial for executives in the region, where diverse industries coexist, and priorities often shift rapidly. From balancing export demands in Humber ports to overseeing infrastructure projects in Leeds, categorising tasks based on urgency and importance is key.
Delegating less critical responsibilities allows executives to focus on strategic initiatives that benefit their organisation and the local economy. For example, in Lincolnshire’s agricultural sector, prioritising tasks during harvest seasons can make or break the year’s productivity.
Scheduling for Maximum Impact in Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s unique business landscapes demand structured schedules. Executives overseeing operations in multiple locations, such as logistics in Doncaster and food production in Grimsby, benefit greatly from time-blocking techniques. Assigning specific time slots for high-priority tasks ensures uninterrupted focus amidst a busy schedule.
Incorporate regular breaks into your day to maintain high energy levels, especially when travelling between Yorkshire’s urban centres or Lincolnshire’s rural areas. A brief walk in one of the region’s scenic locales, such as the Yorkshire Wolds or Lincolnshire’s coastline, can refresh your mind and boost creativity.
Digital calendars are invaluable for scheduling across regions, allowing you to coordinate meetings in Hull, factory visits in Scunthorpe, and strategy sessions in Harrogate. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your schedule ensures alignment with regional objectives and avoids last-minute conflicts.
Cultivating the Right Mindset for Local Success
Time management success in Yorkshire extends beyond tools—it requires a positive and adaptable mindset. Treating time as a valuable resource reflects the ethos of these industrious counties, where efficient planning drives success in manufacturing, retail, and agriculture alike.
Mindfulness practices can enhance awareness of time management habits, helping you identify areas for improvement. Reflecting on your daily activities and staying present enables you to adapt to the fast-paced changes often seen in Yorkshire’s dynamic business environments.
With these tips in mind, executives across Yorkshire can lead their organisations to success, fostering growth and innovation in the heart of England’s economic powerhouse.
