Tech Institute enrolments create pipeline of talent for regional businesses, says Director
The Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology has welcomed over 400 new students to its STEM programmes since the start of September, creating a pipeline of talent for businesses in the region.
That’s the view of Mark Gibson, Director of the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology, who said: “Many businesses in the region face challenges when it comes to upskilling their workforce and accessing a pipeline of industry ready talent. By welcoming these new students to our courses, which are tailored to local business needs, we’re ensuring that the future workforce will have the skills that these businesses need to succeed.
“STEM plays a critical role in today’s world and almost every industry is connected to it in some way, so welcoming fresh talent to our courses every year is so important as we work to drive innovation and economic growth in the Yorkshire and Humber region.”
The new students, who will learn technical skills in a variety of subjects including engineering, equine science, precision livestock and computing.
The Institute of Technology provision gives students access to cutting-edge learning environments and state-of-the-art facilities, recreating real-life working environments to prepare them for the world of work.
After completing their courses, students will be equipped with qualifications including Bachelors of Science with Honours, Foundation Degrees in Science and Higher National Certificates (HNCs).
The Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology is a partnership of local employers and education providers including York College & University Centre, Selby College, Askham Bryan College, Bishop Burton College, Craven College, East Riding College, Scarborough TEC, the University of Hull and York St John University.
The partnership aims to support learning in STEM by working collaboratively with learners, education providers and employers in the region. It creates opportunities for students and employers, as well as supporting regional economic growth.
Aviation sector work boosts consultancy’s turnover by 15%
The lead consultancy role it took in the £100m extension for Leeds Bradford Airport has helped Leeds-based engineering consultancy Dudleys to a 15% increase in turnover for the 2023/24 year.
The project is just one of further new contracts in the aviation sector, including London Luton Airport and Heathrow Airport.
Dudleys, which is celebrating 15 years in business has enjoyed several highlights in the last 12 months, including a property industry award for ‘Best Consultancy’, five new recruits at its Leeds headquarters, and new offices in Manchester city centre for its North-West base.
Dudleys MD Andy Walker said: “Strong trading over the last financial year is boosted by our work for Leeds/Bradford Airport, for which we have been retained as lead consultancy for all our 15-year history.
“We are immensely proud of our ability to maintain close working relationships with clients for the long term with intimate knowledge of the estates for clients including Leeds United and Betty’s and Taylors of Harrogate.
“Diversification and multi-sector work has also helped us to maintain business resilience and we are pleased to have expanded our care sector portfolio and repeat instructions from leading operators including Torsion Group, Voyage Care and LNT Care Developments. We have also seen a significant increase in business for large scale housing developments and the energy sector, particularly for EV charging sites.
“With a robust growth plan and succession planning in place we are very optimistic about future business development and regional growth.”
Valuation Office Agency to improve shared information on business rates valuations
Improved information on business rates valuations is to be shared by the Valuation Office Agency, which will by 2026 allow ratepayers to see more tailored information about their property, and by 2029 to see more specific valuation information and evidence.
This follows last year’s consultation in which ratepayers, agents and others what information they wanted to see disclosed about how properties are valued.
Carolyn Bartlett, the VOA’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, said: “We understand the importance of greater transparency in business rates valuations. The consultation showed there are different views about what property valuation information should be disclosed.
“We’ve balanced the desire for greater transparency from some with the concerns of others about the confidentiality of their data and a preference for simplified information.”
This is part of a wider set of changes that are coming to business rates in England over the same period, and which are said to support the VOA to deliver more frequent property revaluations.
The changes include a new duty on ratepayers to provide information about their property to the VOA. The new information duty on ratepayers is expected to be introduced after 1 April 2026. It will be tested with small numbers of customers in phases from that point so we can make sure the system works for all ratepayers.
The duty will then be formally activated and mandated for everyone by 1 April 2029.
There is no action you need to take now. We will tell you about the changes and when you will be affected.
The new duty means ratepayers will have to tell the VOA within 60 days when there are changes to their property. These include changes to:
- the occupier
- their lease or rent
- the property.
Menai Bridge refurb project completed ready for 200th anniversary year
Hull-based Spencer Bridge Engineering has finished the latest instalment of refurbishment works on the Menai Suspension Bridge ahead of the crossing’s bicentenary.
The team replaced and painted 168 of the 208 wire rope hangers on the bridge, a crucial road link between mainland Wales and the Isle of Anglesey, to restore its structural integrity and remove the critical risk to public safety which forced it to close in October 2022.
Project Manager Tom Inglis said: “The project posed a number of significant challenges, including working in a harsh environment with strong winds and wet weather, but we have a large and diverse skillset which enables us to draw on past experiences to develop solutions.
“We have decades of experience working on a range of complex bridge and infrastructure projects, and with a very collaborative attitude, allowing us to utilise expertise from right across the team to deliver the most efficient and effective results.
“One of the factors which made this project so successful was the close relationships we have developed over a number of years with the client, UK Highways A55 Limited, and our suppliers. Those relationships were especially important to deliver this challenging project on time.”
Opened in 1826, the Grade I listed structure is the second oldest suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicle traffic, and teams from Spencer have been carrying out a series of works over the past four years to revitalise the crossing ahead of its 200th anniversary.
Harrogate estate agency wins gold for the fifth successive year
Harrogate estate agency Verity Frearson has won gold at the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards in London for the fifth consecutive year.
The EA Masters event is the UK’s biggest estate agency leadership conference, exhibition, and awards ceremony with over 1,500 estate and letting agents and suppliers attending.
These independent awards assess every estate and letting agent in the country, and only the very best agents are listed.
Director Matthew Stamford said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have attained the highest standard possible and won the Best Agent Guide Award five years in a row.
“The Best Agent Guide is produced by the Property Academy, supported by Rightmove, and is by far the largest and most comprehensive awards scheme in UK Agency. Winning this puts us in the top 3% of agents in the UK!”
Fellow Director James Verity added: “Matthew and I were so proud to collect the gold awards for sales and lettings on behalf of our absolutely fantastic team. It’s a testament to the continued dedication and commitment from our team, and wonderful buyers and sellers who entrust us with their beautiful homes, we can’t thank them enough.”
A spokesperson for the Best Estate Agent Guide Awards said: “The Best Estate Agent Guide Awards is the only award that agents don’t pay to enter.
“That, combined with the fact that every agent in the country is assessed against the same performance criteria, is what makes a Best Estate Agent Guide Award such a trustworthy marque of distinction for sellers and landlords.”
New report calls on more Government funding to help Yorkshire & Humber SME manufacturers make the digital skills transformation
Nearly two thirds (65%) of small to medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) in Yorkshire & Humber are crying out for more Government funding to help them bridge the digital skills divide it was revealed today.
A new report produced by Oxford Innovation Advice has revealed that 84% of companies are looking to ‘digitally upskill’ their staff but are finding the biggest barriers to achieving this are cost and a lack of in-house knowledge.
72% of the businesses questioned are planning to invest in digital technologies, meaning there is a massive opportunity for the new Labour administration to deliver more specialised support to help boost skills and unlock the potential of UK industry.
Based on responses from the survey, Oxford Innovation Advice has developed a five-point policy action plan that it plans to submit to Government to build on successful programmes, such as Made Smarter Digital Adoption.
The recommendations focus on providing basic level training and advice to manufacturing SMEs to convert critical analogue data capture processes into digital ones. This is a critical first step for companies and gives them the ability to analyse processes and identify efficiency improvements.
Training should also be tailored to include a strong problem-solving focus, which could feature mentoring and one-on-one practical support to help manufacturers trial solutions and digitalise processes.
Finally, Oxford Innovation Advice is urging Government to involve companies in the design of businesses support, whilst also ensuring that programmes are available nationally and connect SMEs to their peers to sustain their digital journey.
“A massive 72% of manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber are predicting growth in the next six months and this is great news. However, as the report clearly shows, how many more could be increasing sales and creating jobs if they had more help to improve their digital skills?” explained Jane Galsworthy, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Advice.
“The digital revolution is no longer the preserve of the larger companies, it’s here and needs to be embedded on the shopfloors, in the design hubs and in the offices of our smaller manufacturers.”
Hull MP changes rules for farmers growing hemp
In her new role as Minister for Crime and Policing Hull MP Diana Johnson has announced changes in the law to make it easier for farmers to grow industrial hemp.
Under the changes, licence holders will now be able to grow hemp anywhere on a licensed farm, reducing the unnecessary burden on farmers who currently have to set out the exact field where they will grow the plants within a farm. This change is expected to come into effect for next year’s growing season.
In time for the 2026 growing season its planned to extend the maximum period for a licence from three to six years, subject to compliance with the licence terms, and to allow those applying for a licence to defer its start date by up to a year, helping farmers to make business planning easier.
She said: “These reforms will bring an important boost to this industry and cut down the unnecessary burdens that have been placed on businesses.
“We want to make it easier for licence holders to capitalise on the economic potential of legally growing hemp.”
Hemp is a variety of cannabis with low-THC levels, which is currently defined as a maximum of 0.2%. The plant is legally grown for the construction and textiles industries, and only farmers with a licence are allowed to plant it.
Lincolnshire eco waste shop supporting UK’s ambitions
Ahead of COP 29 next week, The Green Life Pantry in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, has taken measures to make sure it is one of the small businesses helping to drive progress in the UK’s journey to Net Zero.
The zero waste eco store, which has been running since 2019, provides residents with an opportunity to stock up on day-to-day items in a more eco-friendly way by using ‘bring your own’ containers or paper bags. This includes dry goods, such as baking supplies, dried fruit, loose tea and coffee beans, as well as environmentally conscious replacement products such as wash detergents, shampoo and soaps.
Jenny Salvidge, founder of The Green Life Pantry, came up with the idea as a way of helping her community become cost effective, eco-logical and less reliant on plastic. After leaving full-time-employment, Jenny sought out a Start-Up Loan of £12,000 via programme partner Norfolk & Waveney Enterprise Services to help launch the business.
Jenny Salvidge, founder of The Green Life Pantry: “The Start Up Loan was pivotal in helping me to launch The Green Life Pantry and in turn, allowing me to support a community of eco-conscious people throughout Lincolnshire.
“I would certainly encourage other businesses to consider what steps they can take to become more sustainable, no matter how small they may be.”
Richard Bearman, Managing Director, Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank said: “We are immensely proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit within communities that traditionally face barriers to financing. It is our firm belief that by providing access to financing, we are not only fostering innovation but also empowering individuals to create sustainable enterprises that contribute positively to our economy and society.
The Green Life Pantry exemplifies our commitment to supporting sustainability-focused businesses. Jenny has now established a thriving, eco-conscious business, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Start Up Loans programme.”
Sheffield company cuts precious metals usage by a further 40%
Sheffield clean energy company ITM Power has cut the use of precious metals in its hydrogen production technology by a further 40%.
This development comes on top of the company having met the EU’s 2030 target to reduce precious metal usage as long ago as 2019.
Company CEO Dennis Schulz said: “As part of a structured validation process, we have successfully reduced iridium loading by a further 40% without detriment to performance or degradation. As a costly raw material, reducing iridium benefits stack costs significantly. This loading reduction and our catalyst recovery and reuse processes will substantially reduce our consumption of critical raw materials and further lower our cost.”
The development of the company’s next-generation stack platform, CHRONOS, is said to be proceeding to plan. It will be a vehicle for adopting several technology improvements from the company’s development roadmap. Mr Schulz added: “As testing progresses, the validation of several features will be completed, many of which will also be implemented into the current TRIDENT stack platform. The step change reduction in iridium loading will be the first to be triggered for adoption for both platforms.”
How to save money of spiralling energy bills
UK businesses facing volatile energy price increases without the safety net of a price cap like that enjoyed by householders are looking for ways to cut back ahead of winter and stark forecasts for 2025.
New price forecasts warn of even steeper hikes ahead. By April 2025, the average annual energy bill for small businesses is expected to reach £13,264, while larger retail and leisure venues may face annual costs of up to £550,000.
Many business owners have been forced to review their energy usage and look into creative ways to cut back – and offices are a notorious culprit for energy wastage. Green Alliance found that UK businesses can rack up a staggering £60 million in wasted energy annually.
Renewable energy surveyor, James Welland of Go Green Power offers five tips for UK businesses looking to reduce their energy bills and become more sustainable this winter.
Get the most out of office appliances
“From air conditioning units to desktops, projectors and lighting, offices are full of energy-hungry appliances,” says Welland. “However, there are a few simple ways to be smart about how these are used.”
Even small changes as straightforward as using the eco-setting on dishwashers and only running full loads can help stack up energy and cost savings.
Being savvy with the devices you use in the office is key. When it’s time to upgrade, consider the energy rating of different models, and opt for energy-saving alternatives. For example, laptops tend to use 85% less electricity annually – so consider these over desktop PCs.
Skipping unnecessary appliances such as hand dryers and going paperless can also have a big impact on carbon footprint, as well as cutting down on electricity costs.
Make smart lighting choices
“Another great place to start is lighting, as this is one of the biggest hitters for offices. Switching lighting to LEDs has the potential to save businesses 85% – 90% on lighting costs.”
Almost half of business electricity usage also happens outside of regular office hours, so implementing light sensors can result in big energy and cost savings by reducing wastage.
Avoid leaving appliances on standby
Turning appliances off when they’re not being used, instead of leaving them on standby, is an obvious one – but it often goes overlooked and unmonitored,
“We know that offices waste significant amounts of energy,” explains Welland. “Devices in standby mode can still consume a huge amount of energy, so reducing this can lead to surprising savings.”
Computers left on standby overnight and at the weekends can still waste up to 70% of energy.
There are ‘smart’ ways to manage this, such as installing a smart meter or motion power strips (however, be careful with laptops to avoid losing unsaved work).
Heat the office effectively
“As we move into the colder months and temperatures begin to drop, heating the office can cause a big spike in energy bills. Only turn the heating on when you need it, in the rooms being used, instead of leaving it on low all the time,” advises Welland.
“If the office gets too warm when the heating comes on, turning the thermostat down – even by just one degree – can rack up big cost savings, as well as significantly reducing carbon emissions, if employees remain comfortable. Installing a smart thermostat can help monitor this.”
Some small business owners have also been lowering the flow temperature on their condensing combi boilers to save on energy bills, however, it’s important to weigh up the risks and make sure this is done safely.
Another helpful heating tip is bleeding radiators when it starts to get cold, as this frees trapped air to make sure they’re working effectively.
Similarly, improving insulation in the office can reduce heating costs, and be as extensive as you have the budget for. Simple hacks include installing reflectors behind radiators and window film to prevent losing heat through the glass.
Consider switching to green energy
“Although businesses can be sometimes deterred by the upfront cost, it’s an investment that yields huge benefits in the long run,” Welland explains.
“Solar installations can help businesses take control of their energy, stabilise costs, and significantly boost eco-credentials. As businesses face relentlessly high and unstable energy costs, the payback has never been better,” he adds.
“With the potential to reduce annual energy bills by thousands, solar has become an increasingly accessible option for UK businesses, with technological advancements and solar costs decreasing by 82%. Commercial investments now offer a full payback in around four years, and businesses may also be able to access a range of Local Council and Government grants to help cover costs.”
