Import charge decision angers British Chambers of Commerce

Stuart Pearcey
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Import charge decision angers British Chambers of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce organisation is angry at Defra’s stance on the ‘common user charge’ – a bill for importing certain goods. The organisation’s Head of Trade Policy William Bains said: “This is an extremely disappointing decision by Defra. The level of import charges shows scant regard to the interests of both businesses and consumers. “A flat rate fee for bringing most animal and plant products into the UK is a hammer blow for small and medium sized importers. It’s also deeply concerning for retailers, cafes and restaurants. “Importing a small consignment of goods with only five different meat, poultry, egg, milk or some fish products in the medium risk category will now face a bill of £145 per package under these proposals. “The clock is ticking to 30th April when these charges will come into force. We urge the Government to reconsider their import charge plans in the coming days. Failing to do so risks higher prices for us all, at a time when we should be bearing down on business costs and food price inflation.”

Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire 2024: A Resounding Success

Tess Egginton
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Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire 2024: A Resounding Success
On March 20th, 2024, Lincolnshire experienced a remarkable convergence of visionaries, investors, and innovators at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo. The occasion served as a beacon of opportunity, showcasing the region’s potential for growth, development, and prosperity. The day kicked off with an exhibitor breakfast that set the tone for all of the exceptional business opportunities awaiting attendees. Networking over a breakfast roll, exhibitors laid the groundwork for fruitful partnerships and collaborations. One of the highlights of the event was the informative Netzero update by Lee Marshall of Viridis. Lee’s insights into sustainable practices and their integration into business operations left attendees inspired and equipped with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of environmental responsibility. It underscored Lincolnshire’s commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in shaping future business endeavours. The fast-paced and fun speed networking session with Lincoln Business Club provided a unique opportunity for participants to expand their networks and forge meaningful connections in a dynamic environment. Additionally, attendees had the privilege of accessing the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce March Construction & Property Network free of charge, further enriching their experience and providing valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the industry. It exemplified the event’s commitment to providing attendees with unparalleled opportunities for learning and professional development. The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire event would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Team Lincolnshire & Invest East Midlands, whose continued sponsorship ensured the event’s success. Their unwavering commitment to promoting business excellence and economic growth in the region is commendable and deserves recognition. As we reflect on the success of the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo, be sure to add to your diary the big East Midlands Expo on November 11th, 2024, held at EMCC, Nottingham. Exhibitor space bookings are now open, and we encourage you to secure your spot early to avoid missing out on preferred position. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships within the Property, Construction, Investment, Financial & B2B environment. For further information visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/nottingham/ or email office@businessshowsgroup.co.uk

Transformed former South Bank brewing site fully let

Tess Egginton
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Transformed former South Bank brewing site fully let

Carter Towler has let The Small Mill, a converted 19th century brewery warehouse on Chadwick Street, South Bank, Leeds.

Acting on behalf of their client Yorkshire Design Group, Carter Towler has secured two new tenants who between them will occupy the entire 17,000 sq ft remodelled and extended building which was once part of the Tetley complex.

Mental health charity Northpoint has secured a 15-year lease for 10,500 sq ft of space and luxury furniture company Dusk.Com occupy the remaining 6,500 sq ft.

Commenting on the deals, Carter Towler Director Rick Fraser said: “The Small Mill is an exceptional property and is a fantastic example of Yorkshire Design Group’s commitment to revitalising historical properties for modern use.

“Located adjacent to Leeds Dock, on the fringe of the city centre, these offices not only provide excellent access to all the amenities the South Bank and the city has to offer but also have direct links to the motorway network. It will provide both companies with an excellent base from which to expand their operations.”

Rob Noble of Yorkshire Design Group added: “We are really pleased to welcome Northpoint and Dusk.Com to The Small Mill. We are proud of the investment we have made in repurposing the mill and its particularly rewarding to see others appreciating all the property has to offer.”

The three-storey brick-built property, including its distinctive steel grain silos, has been sympathetically transformed into contemporary offices complete with a roof terrace, meeting rooms, breakout areas, client-focused spaces, showers and cycle storage. The interior features include exposed brick walls, original oak trusses and exposed structural steelwork.

Duncan Pearse, Chief Executive of Northpoint, concluded: “Due to the consistent growth we’ve seen as an organisation over the past few years, we’re thrilled to now expand our services at The Small Mill.

“This move will further support us in providing good quality mental health provision across the city by improving client experience, as well as creating an environment that promotes the wellbeing of our clients and staff.”

JLL acted as joint agents with Carter Towler.

Approval secured for low carbon hydrogen production facility in Bradford

Tess Egginton
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Approval secured for low carbon hydrogen production facility in Bradford

Hygen’s plans for one of the UK’s largest hydrogen production facilities have been approved in Bradford.

The clean energy pioneers are working in partnership with N-Gen to deliver the hydrogen production facility, with the aim of producing enough hydrogen to replace 800 diesel-fuelled buses a day with zero emissions hydrogen buses, on the West Yorkshire roads.

Plans for the Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen development, on the old Birkshall gas storage site on Bowling Back Lane, were approved by Bradford Council. Once complete, the scheme will produce low carbon hydrogen which can be used to decarbonise vehicles and industry.

At the end of last year, the the Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen facility became the biggest scheme to be awarded funding through the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model, with the plant having the capacity to produce around 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen per day. The hydrogen will be produced through a process known as electrolysis, using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Jamie Burns, Director at Hygen, said: “The granting of planning permission is a significant step in the development of a facility which will provide enormous benefits to the people of Bradford and the surrounding area.

“Along with our partners, we have worked tirelessly to develop these plans, which will provide a blueprint for how complex projects like this can be delivered, boosting the hydrogen and green economies of the UK.”

Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen, said: “We are extremely proud to be bringing a flagship hydrogen production facility and significant investment to Bradford. The site was once home to gas holders, which stored natural gas used by the residents and businesses in Bradford, so it is fitting that the site will continue its heritage and now be used for the production and storage of hydrogen, a cleaner fuel.

“We expect the facility to be a valuable addition to the Bradford economy, providing a viable way for local businesses to decarbonise, as well as attracting new companies and jobs to the area, by placing the city at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.”

Businesses and other users in West Yorkshire will be able to use the refuelling facilities on site, with distribution experts Ryze delivering hydrogen to industrial users across the region.

100% exam success for Verner Wheelock Ethical Team

Michael Fisher
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100% exam success for Verner Wheelock Ethical Team
Verner Wheelock are delighted to reveal that every member of their Ethical Team has recently passed their IRCA Social Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor examination. This qualification is seen as the industry standard for social auditors and is recognised worldwide. MD Alison Wheelock explains, “Our Ethical Team, including myself, is responsible for organising and co-ordinating all our audits. We liaise with both customers and our team of experienced APSCA social auditors, providing pre and post-audit support, to ensure that the whole process runs smoothly. We decided to take the training, which is based on the international SA8000 Standard, so that we all had a really good, detailed understanding of all elements of carrying out an ethical audit from an auditor’s point of view. For example, the pressures facing companies and auditors; the legal context under which they are operating; standards, codes of conduct, specifications, social issues, the benefits of a social management system etc.” The intensive 5-day course was delivered by SGS at Verner Wheelock’s training centre in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Verner Wheelock’s Ethical Team have now proved themselves capable of planning, conducting, reporting and following up an audit of a social system against SA8000, or the ETI Base Code on a SMETA audit. “We aren’t planning to carry out any ethical audits ourselves, we’ll leave that to our team of professional ethical auditors,” adds Alison. “However, we do review Audit Reports and Corrective Action Plans within the team before they are published on the Sedex platform. This training will help us to answer even more customer and auditor queries and has given us a sound understanding of what our auditors do and the challenges they can face on a typical audit.” Perhaps better-known for outstanding results in HACCP, Food Safety, Auditing and specialist training for the food industry, Verner Wheelock has been delivering ethical audits for almost 20 years. Last year the company undertook 270 SMETA ethical audits for growers and manufacturing sites in the UK and Ireland.  Verner Wheelock is an Affiliate Audit Company (AAC) with Sedex and a member firm of APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors). “We are extremely busy and always looking for more social auditors to join our nationwide team,” says Alison. “If there is anyone out there who has experience in this field and is interested in working with us, or becoming an auditor, please get in touch.” Contact details can be found on Verner Wheelock’s website: www.vwa.co.uk

Humber Business Weeks gears up for 20th anniversary celebration

Stuart Pearcey
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Humber Business Weeks gears up for 20th anniversary celebration
Humber Business Week intends to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of its programme for the year at an event next month. The annual ‘festival’ of business events returns in the first week of June, and new chair Pat Coyle says time will be taken to reflect on how businesses across the Humber region have made the week a success, and envied from afar. The week is not backed by any public funding or private sponsorship, and has been driven by businesses themselves over the years, with the vast majority of events staged at no cost to attendees. Mrs Coyle said: “We know our Business Week model is envied in other areas of the country as we’ve managed to support and grow what has become a successful  event in the local business calendar each year with no access to major funding or major pots of money. “Humber Business Week was established in 2004 with five events and has been built on the willingness of our business community to come together for the good of the region, and to support one another. “We’ve had fantastic support from so many businesses and organisations who specifically plan and earmark an event for Business Week. They want it to be part of the week and that has ensured, over the years, that we’ve had some landmark moments. “We’ve had major announcements of new investment in the region and the week has also often coincided with extensive national media coverage about emerging industries such as the digital and renewables sectors. “I am thrilled that as part of the week this year Future Humber will be detailing the new Humber Place Narrative, a collective new branding and messaging for our region to collectively send out the right messages, drive strategic investment and foster a unified voice of the Humber. “It is about the collective strength of the Humber region, and that is what Business Week has always been about.”

I&G wins contract to build UK’s first centre for motor neurone disease

Stuart Pearcey
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I&G wins contract to build UK’s first centre for motor neurone disease

Yorkshire-based Sewell Group construction firm I&G has been appointed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to build the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds; the first of its kind in the UK.

The new facility, on the Seacroft Hospital site, will bring a much-needed resource to the region and see all MND services housed under one roof for the first time. Named after rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who campaigns for MND after being diagnosed with the condition in 2019, the new centre will be funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity who have been fundraising to bring Rob’s vision to life. The building has been made possible through fundraising efforts across the UK and will be constructed using modern methods of construction, with structurally insulated panels (SIPs) being manufactured offsite and erected in position, allowing a quicker, more efficient and more environmentally friendly process than a traditional build. The design of the building is intended to create a sense of community and an environment that meets the needs of patients, families and staff. As well as clinical areas and treatment rooms, the building will include a central space where people can come together, along with reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity, dining and outdoor areas. I&G have a track record of delivering high quality schemes in live hospital environments and the project is the next in a series that the company are delivering in conjunction with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, which includes the new Seacroft Community Diagnostic Centre. I&G MD Christopher Carline said: “We’re extremely proud to have been entrusted to build this new centre for motor neurone disease; it’s a life-limiting condition that has a profound effect on people diagnosed, as well as their friends and family, so we’re delighted to be able to deliver a centre that puts their needs at the heart of the local community it will serve, alongside the dedicated charity who have worked tirelessly to get to this stage.” Richard Noble, Associate Director Estate Strategy and Development at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’ve worked with I&G on several projects over recent years and we know they have a track record of delivering high quality schemes at pace, so we can’t wait for them to get started and see this much-needed facility come to life.”

Karl joins Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee

Stuart Pearcey
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Karl joins Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee
Yorkshireman Karl Oxford has been appointed to the Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee. Karl’s experience in strategic community regeneration, policy design and business development has been instrumental in uplifting Black businesses and communities in the region. His extensive career includes current roles such as Director of African and Caribbean Business Ventures, an Executive Director at Palm Cove Society CIC, Vice Chair of the BAME Committee at the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Co-founder of Voice 4 Change England and Co-founder of the former African Caribbean Westminster Initiative. Karl said: “This role enables me to support Black entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on addressing the unique challenges they face across the North. I look forward to working with the committee to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced in the region and ensure our support is as impactful and inclusive as possible.” Claudine Reid added: “Karl’s unique blend of expertise and dedication to community development makes him a valuable addition to the committee through his strong connections with businesses and community leaders in Yorkshire. His perspective will be instrumental in our continued efforts to build equity for Black business owners nationwide.”

Abandoning second class post is too much for small firms to bear, says FSB

Stuart Pearcey
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Abandoning second class post is too much for small firms to bear, says FSB
Doing away with second class postage is a step too far, Royal Mail is being told by the Federation of Small Businesses. The FSB says keeping six-day-a-week service for first class letters is a good step”, bulk mail delay from two to three days is a difficult but sensible decision, but second class proposals should be revised.
Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “Taking the axe to daily deliveries for second class would be a drastic cut which would hit the many small businesses which rely on it, and will in all probability leave some with no choice but to fork out for first class. “However, Royal Mail’s concession to retain a six-day-a-week service for first class letters is a good step in the right direction, compared to its original dire proposal – voiced via Ofcom – to torpedo daily deliveries altogether. The Government rightfully said it was committed to keeping the six-day service as it is, and that is something that would have required legislation to change. “We do recognise that savings need to be made, therefore the idea that bulk business mail, like bills and statements, will arrive within three working days instead of two is a difficult but sensible way to make savings without causing an enormous amount of disruption. “It’s good that Royal Mail has listened to us on some parts of its consultation response. We hope that Ofcom will reflect on the detrimental impact of diminishing six-day-a-week deliveries, and remind itself that its role is to protect consumers rather than be a cheerleader for service cuts by an organisation it’s supposed to regulate.”

Government plans to get tough with failing social housing providers

Stuart Pearcey
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Government plans to get tough with failing social housing providers
Failing social housing providers are being told the must raise standards to ensure all tenants live in decent homes and are treated with fairness and respect by their landlords under the threat of unlimited fines. In the most significant change to the regulation of social housing in a decade, landlords will now be routinely inspected and held to account to make sure they provide their residents with quality homes and services. Those who do not abide by these new rules face a range of potential sanctions, including appointing new management or unlimited fines. New powers mean the Regulator can drive up standards and take action where providers fall short. The rules now require landlords to:
  • Have an accurate record on the condition of every home, based on checks of properties so landlords can understand any problems and take action.
  • Set clear timelines for the completion of repairs, maintenance and planned improvements, communicating them clearly to tenants.
  • Give tenants opportunities to influence and scrutinise their landlord’s services such as through meetings with tenant organisations.
  • Provide tenants with information about their rights and how to make complaints.
  • Publish the new tenant satisfaction measures to make it clear how tenants feel their landlord is performing and hold them to account.
Minister for Social Housing Baroness Scott said: “Everyone deserves a decent home and to be treated with fairness and respect. That’s why we are taking strong action to improve the quality of social housing and the services landlords provide. If landlords fail their residents, there will be consequences. “This is a significant milestone in our work to put right some of the issues laid bare by the devastating Grenfell Tower tragedy, and I have huge admiration for the bereaved families, survivors and community who have campaigned tirelessly for improvements in the sector.”
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