Levels of start-ups in Yorkshire and the Humber rise
The UK showed some encouraging signs of an economic resurgence as all of the regions and nations, including Yorkshire and the Humber, recorded growing numbers of new businesses launching in July compared with the previous month, according to the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3.
Based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, the research from R3 revealed that having seen falling month-on-month levels of start-ups in February and March 2024, Yorkshire and the Humber experienced a peak in April before they again declined in May. After a minimal rise in June to 3,794, in July they increased by 7.4% to 4,076.
Looking across the 12 regions and nations, the strongest performances were in Northern Ireland with a 36% rise in new businesses, followed by Scotland (up by 14.8%) and Wales (up by 13.2%). In contrast, start-ups in Greater London grew by just 1.6% between June and July, by 4.9% in East Anglia and by 5% in the East Midlands.
However, improvements to insolvency-related activity appeared more patchy with only four regions and nations seeing a drop in levels last month compared with the previous month. Yorkshire and the Humber experienced an increase of 9.9% month-on-month with 256 businesses affected in July, 23 more than in June. Those that saw the greatest increases were Wales, up by 22.4%; and the North West, up by 14%.
The regions which experienced the largest drops in this type of activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings) were East Anglia (-16%), the East Midlands (-11%), the South West (-12.1%) and Scotland (-0.8%).
Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “While the recent interest rate cut will improve access to finance for both businesses and individuals, rates remain well above pre-Covid levels and many homeowners and businesses are still struggling under this burden.
“With some economists predicting that further cuts before the end of the year are unlikely as inflationary trends persists, it seems that the cost of borrowing will remain high for some time to come.
“In such a difficult environment, it is good to see growing confidence among would-be entrepreneurs both here in Yorkshire and across the UK. Small businesses are acknowledged to be the lifeblood of the economy and will be vital if the new government is to reach its growth rate targets.
“However, with two-thirds of the UK, including our region, seeing insolvency-related activity continuing to rise last month, the worst may not yet be over. We urge business owners to remain cautious – keep a tight hold of expenditure and turn to insolvency professionals as soon as you spot financial problems to prevent them from escalating.”
Growth and new jobs on the horizon in ‘creative powerhouse’ merger
DPS Digital has merged with sister-firm Intervino to create a new brand – IV Creative – amid plans to expand into the international market.
Launched in 2012, print specialists DPS Digital has rapidly grown, providing services for major brands including Moonpig.
Formed 18 years ago, Intervino boasts clients including Doritos, Coca-Cola, and Diageo – for whom the company has provided personalised packaging, gifting and fulfillment services.
IV Creative’s Chief Operating Officer Helen Smith hopes the merger will help the business fulfil its “immense potential.”
“Both DPS Digital and Intervino are success stories, and I believe this merger will only lead to more success and growth,” she said.
“Our long-term goal for IV Creative is to expand further into the international market and offer our services globally, and we hope that growth could bring about new employment opportunities for the area.
“IV Creative has immense potential and this merger will help us to unleash it.”
Having started above a shop with a team of just three, DPS Digital currently employs almost 100 staff at the firm’s base in Sleaford Business Park.
The merger will bolster the firm’s diverse leadership team, which is split equally between males and females.
Among the key appointments is Amy Lennox, who previously served as Intervino’s Chief Executive Officer and is a recently nominated finalist in the National Business Women’s Awards.
She will now take on the role of IV Creative’s Group CEO following the rebrand. This will see technology, staff, and processes integrated as part of a streamlined approach that will ultimately lead to more financial benefits – and more services.
“With both companies providing complementary services, the merger made perfect sense to us and it is just the latest stage of the incredible transformation in this business during the last few years.
“We’ve developed an enviable workplace culture and invested heavily in training, safety and technology – such as state-of-the-art printing equipment – so that we remain at the industry’s forefront.
“We plan to dominate the global personalisation, print, and gifting space by continuing to partner with some of the biggest brands and businesses in the World. We want to attract top talent to work in our dynamic, fast-paced and exciting business.”
Plans submitted for new 400,000 sq ft business site
An East Yorkshire property and development company has revealed plans for a major project on its doorstep to help meet the demand for new employment space and drive investment, growth and jobs.
Lovel Developments has submitted an outline planning application for a scheme which would deliver around 400,000 sq ft of new business space, expanding existing business parks including Green Park at junction 38 on the M62 at Newport.
The company itself relocated to Green Park in 2019 and sees the location as ideal for supporting the growth of local businesses and attracting significant inward investment, with this development having the potential to create up to 600 jobs.
Philip Lovel, who founded Lovel Developments in Beverley 25 years ago, said: “We began by specialising in strategic housing projects and then expanded into the health sector and commercial. As our business grew, the search for a new home brought us to Newport, and we’ve had a front row seat here watching more businesses arrive and thrive.
“When this opportunity arose just a short distance from our offices we didn’t hesitate. We know from experience that it’s a great, strategic location and is in demand from a variety of business sectors, particularly as there is a limited supply of available space.
“We moved here because of the excellent road links to all points of the compass, we’re confident others will be eager to share those benefits and we’re currently working on similar projects elsewhere across Yorkshire, the East Midlands and the North West.”
The proposals will benefit from the cluster of neighbouring businesses operating in growth sectors including distribution, manufacturing, energy, construction and civil engineering which have taken root in the area during two decades of development.
Mr Lovel said the project will also reflect the priorities set out in the revised National Planning Policy Framework and the East Riding Strategy and Local Plan Update, and particularly the desire to promote and safeguard sustainable economic growth and jobs.
Mr Lovel said: “The proposals here are for a high quality expansion of the existing employment area at junction 38, providing new, additional, modern floorspace and creating many new jobs.
“There is growing recognition that planning decisions should help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. Added to that there’s an expectation that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development.
“In the East Riding there’s a strong need and market demand for employment land to accommodate predicted growth and meet occupier requirements in key sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing and engineering, agriculture, food and drink and many more.
“These proposals are of a scale and quality which will help to promote and support employment growth and stimulate continued economic investment to the area, consistent with regional and local aspirations.”
Farmers gather in South Pennines to share ideas for maximising business
The event was held at NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos’s farm in the South Pennines, where she runs a commercial beef and sheep business with her husband and two children.
She was joined by a panel of other industry experts, including Helen Avery, Director (Nature Programmes), Green Finance Institute, NFU member James Robinson of Strickley Farm and Poppy Sherborne, NFU countryside adviser.
The discussion centred on food production, green finance, the environment and how farmers can make the most from their farm business now and in the future.
Rachel said: “With the changes to SFI and farm subsidies, ever-changing weather conditions and running costs, a lot of farmers are really struggling to make a living.
“We want to host these events to share experiences and help each other make the most of our farm businesses.”
NFU head of member experience Amelia Stratton added: “It’s so important to host events like these to share experiences good and bad on how to make the most out of farm businesses and explore different opportunities.”
Guests toured Beeston Hall, a 2,000-acre Yorkshire Water tenanted farm, where the family specialises in pedigree Salers cattle.
Rachel’s farm is also rich in wildlife, being part of a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).
Salers are one of the oldest known cattle breeds, identified by their thick mahogany red coats and ability to thrive on some of the UK’s more challenging terrain.
Upland farms like Rachel’s are important not just in terms of the food they produce but also due to their unique setting. The family has special habitats on farm, blanket bog, heathland and acid grassland, which are all species rich and home to important upland birds such as golden plover, curlew, twite, dunlin and merlin, among others.
Hull Trains enters new deal with city’s football club
Hull Trains has agreed a new partnership with Hull City for the new EFL Championship 2024 season, adding to existing relationships with the city’s two major Rugby League teams.
As part of the new partnership, Hull Trains branding will appear on the club’s social media, at the stadium and on match day collateral. The new partnership will raise awareness of rail travel for supporters at Hull City’s matches in London and the South whilst also providing a regular direct link home for the clubs London fanbase.
Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “Just like the rugby, football is a fundamental part of the Hull identity, we’re looking forward to working together to further raise the profile of both brands. We’ll no doubt be bringing plenty of fans to the games and we’re optimistic about what the team can deliver on the pitch too.”
Claire Burton, Partnerships and Hospitality Manager at Hull City added: “We are proud of our connection to local business and Hull Trains are a pillar of that community. We’re confident that this is going to be an exciting season and we’re very grateful for the support from the Hull Trains team.”
Businesses to get more compensation from water companies
Saying ‘our water industry is broken’, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed has set out tough new measures to crack down on water companies failing their customers.
Under new plans, businesses will be entitled to higher compensation rates from water companies, and in a wider range of circumstances when basic water services are hit.
The new proposals will double the amount of reimbursement that customers are legally entitled to when key standards are not met by water companies.
Subject to an eight-week consultation, government proposals will double payments for all existing standards and will more than double the payments for certain highly disruptive incidents, such as failing to provide notice of supply interruptions and missing arranged appointments with customers.
The government will also expand the list of circumstances that can trigger compensation, including automatic payments for boil notices when drinking water standards drop, or when water companies fail to conduct meter readings or installations as promised.
A boil notice means you must boil your water before you drink it, cook with it, or brush your teeth. The changes would mean that recent outages in Brixham and Bramley earlier this year would have automatically led to compensation for all customers, where there was no entitlement before.
Mr Reed said: “Our water industry is broken.”After years of failure, households and businesses have been let down by water companies time and time again.
“The new Government will clean up the water industry and turn the tide on the destruction of our waterways ensuring water companies protect the interests of their customers and the environment.”
Jenny Suggate, Director of Policy, Research and Campaigns at CCW, said: “We’re delighted the government is fast-tracking efforts to improve the Guaranteed Standards Scheme, with the potential to boost compensation and support for hundreds of thousands of people each year when they are let down by their water company.
“Given that there has been little change to the standards since they were first introduced, an overhaul is long overdue, and we know it is a pressing priority for household and business customers.“Demanding higher standards of service and improving levels of compensation when things go wrong will incentivise water companies to get things right the first time for all customers.”
Based on an average annual water and sewerage bill of £440, this would mean the minimum payment of at least £40 under all proposals would now represent around 10% of the average annual customer bill, with several higher payments worth at least a quarter. An issue like low pressure could see payments of up to £250 and payments for internal flooding from sewers of up to £2,000.CMA tells boiler manufacturer to change its marketing strategy
Worcester Bosch has committed to change how it markets its boilers as a result of intervention by the Competition and Markets Authority which has investigated the brand’s claims about its boilers.
The CMA was concerned that Worcester Bosch’s marketing claims may mislead consumers into thinking that its boilers – marketed as ‘hydrogen-blend ready’ – were unique or special as they can run on a blend of up to 20% hydrogen. However, most boilers can do this.
In particular, the CMA was concerned that Worcester Bosch’s claims could give the false impression that consumers would reduce their carbon footprint and ‘future-proof’ their heating system by buying a Worcester Bosch boiler because of it being ‘hydrogen-blend ready’. In fact, a consumer would be in the same position with other boilers on the market and, most likely, the one currently in their home.
In addition, the CMA is concerned that Worcester Bosch did not make it clear to consumers that it is uncertain whether hydrogen might be used for home heating systems in the future.
Worcester Bosch has formally committed to take steps to ensure it does not mislead consumers on the environmental benefits and ‘future-proofing’ of its boilers. It has committed to do this by withdrawing or changing its marketing material across all marketing channels and contacting its network of accredited installers and third-party retailers and asking them to remove or change any Worcester Bosch marketing material of concern to the CMA
Hayley Fletcher, Interim Senior Director, Consumer Protection at the CMA, said: “Around 1.6 million people buy a new boiler in the UK each year – a big decision that can cost thousands of pounds. With people increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment and the cost of bills, it is vital that consumers can make well-informed decisions.
“Our action – including the changes secured from Worcester Bosch – will help to ensure that consumers looking for a new heating system are provided with clear and accurate information.”
East Yorkshire firm wins four-year contract to treat waste from Staffordshire
Willerby-based Wastewise has won a four-year contract worth £600k a year to transport and treat about 14,000 tonnes of mixed kitchen and garden waste annually for Staffordshire Moorlands Council.
The collected waste will be processed at the Crewe In-Vessel Composting facility, which has been a key part of Wastewise’s operations since it opened in 2019. The facility uses GICOM in-vessel composting system, along with outdoor aerated static composting and screening. This setup meets strict industry standards and provides a safe and cost-effective way to recycle mixed organic waste.
Over 95% of the waste processed at the Crewe IVC facility is recycled into BSI PAS 100 certified compost. This high-quality peat replacement compost is then used in various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and landscaping.
The overall environmental sustainability credentials of the facility have recently been enhanced with the energisation of an adjacent 4.1MW solar farm. This solar farm now services 60% of the site’s energy needs, significantly reducing the facility’s carbon footprint and aligning with Wastewise’s commitment to sustainable practices.
WAstewise MD Bob Wilkes said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract by Staffordshire Moorlands Council. This partnership reflects our dedication to providing efficient and sustainable waste management solutions. We look forward to delivering high-quality service and helping the council achieve its environmental goals.”
Housebuilding starts on former mine site in Rotherham
Work to build 32 fully-electric homes on a former open cast mine in Rotherham is under way.
Waverley Green will feature two- and three-bedroom terraced homes – sustainable thanks to developer Forge New Homes’ innovative use of electric energy supplies.
The 1.5-acre site sits at the heart of Harworth Group’s Olive Lane mixed-use development at Waverley, which aims to transform the area into a new sustainable community featuring cafés, restaurants, bars, a convenience food store, a pharmacy, a nursery, small retail shops and a medical centre.
Forge has now moved onto the site, marking the occasion with a sod-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Harworth Group, Forge New Homes, and Lindum Group marking the fruition of a shared vision of a masterplan which infuses indoor/outdoor living, with a strong emphasis on encouraging interaction between residents.
The site is Forge New Homes’ third development in the Sheffield City Region. A location which boasts excellent connectivity with its proximity to Sheffield Parkway. £885,000 in funding for Waverley Green was awarded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority from the SYMCA Brownfield Housing Fund.
Andy Beattie, MD for Forge New Homes, said: “Olive Lane is a fantastic scheme by Harworth, one that will continue to transform the area and create a strong community at Waverley.
“The development will have a focus on open space and outdoor community areas, providing a vibrant neighbourhood for buyers. With customers at our heart, we’ll continue to build liveable spaces for thriving households and growing communities.”
Kcom gets two nominations in internet ‘oscars’
Hull-based KCOM has been shortlisted in two categories at the Internet Services Providers’ Association Awards, dubbed the “Oscars of the internet industry,” bagging nominations for the Best Consumer ISP and Best Enterprise ISP for businesses.
This is the second year running that KCOM has been shortlisted at the ISPAs as the UK’s best consumer broadband provider.
CEO Tim Shaw said: “We’re delighted to pick up two nominations for our work empowering customers and businesses across our region with ultrafast and reliable connectivity. Winning external recognition like this is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all our people at KCOM. I’m very much looking forward to the awards in November and let’s hope we can bring the trophies back to Hull.”
Last year KCOM scooped the ISPA Award for the UK’s Best Integrated Communications Category for its work raising awareness of its £17m copper to fibre network upgrade which is currently underway across Hull and East Yorkshire.
ISPA Chair Steve Leighton said: “The 2024 ISPA awards are a celebration of the tireless work and effort we have seen from the UK’s industry sector.
“It is safe to say that it’s not all been plain sailing for the sector in the past 12 months, but through their continuous efforts these outstanding organisations have not only strived to, but also succeeded, in consistently improving their quality of services.”
The winners will be announced on Thursday, 21 November, in London.
