British Steel appoints almost 40 new apprentices
Almost 40 apprentices are embarking on their careers with British Steel.
In Scunthorpe there are 29 new starters – 12 each on mechanical and electrical apprenticeships, and a further five on structural programmes.
Six more have joined us Teesside Beam Mill while a further four have started their training with the Special Profiles business at Skinningrove.
British Steel HR Director Derek Scott said: “Given the huge levels of investment across the company and the major changes we’re undertaking on the road to net zero, these apprentices have a fantastic opportunity to support the transformation of our business.
“We’ll give them first-class training and support, and they now have the chance to build an excellent career with British Steel.”
Apprentices study towards a National Apprenticeship that will directly relate to the work they’re undertaking, and they’ll be rewarded with a progressive salary and benefits package.
Derek said: “All our apprentices were appointed after a rigorous selection process so they should be proud they’ve been chosen. They are the next generation of steelmakers and I’ve every confidence they’ll be huge assets to British Steel.”
North East Lincolnshire Council submits priority schemes to Government for Investment Zone status
Eight schemes that reflect North East Lincolnshire Council’s priorities of business growth and urban regeneration have been submitted to the Government for consideration for Investment Zone status.
The authority has confirmed that it has applied to be a part of the Government’s new Investment Zones (IZs) programme – one of a series of measures set out in its Growth Strategy last month.
If successful, and it has been stressed that this is only the first step in the consideration stage, it will see approved sites within the borough declared IZs. This means they will be entitled to potential benefits designed to boost investment and development over ten years. The Government asked interested councils to submit their bids by Friday, 14 October (today). An assessment process will then take place before a decision is announced.
The eight sites in North East Lincolnshire were selected after analysis of the criteria, which focused on delivery and project start timescale. Larger scale industrial projects and medium sized urban housing schemes were identified as being most aligned. They are:
- Pioneer Investment Zone: To include Pioneer Business Park and the development of the CATCH site.
- Immingham Investment Zone: To include industrial redevelopment sites earmarked for energy production, including a green hydrogen facility.
- South Humber Investment Zone: This includes the business area and infrastructure along the South Humber Bank – the Humber Gateway.
- Moody Lane Investment Zone: To include the area known as the Future Grimsby Site.
- Europarc: The area includes part of Europarc Phase 3 and Europarc Phase 4.
- Grimsby Port Investment Zone: A mix of heritage and commercial opportunities.
- Grimsby Town Centre Investment Zone: This covers the town centre redevelopment area around Freshney Place, and the proposed waterfront Alexandra Dock/Garth Lane housing site.
- Western Investment Zone: The housing site on the former Western School.
Record-breaking office building complete in Leeds
Construction works to deliver a record-breaking, 133,117 sq ft office building at Thorpe Park Leeds have reached practical completion.
B3 extends over seven floors with two levels of underground podium parking and amenity below.
B3 hit the headlines last year when Scarborough Group International (SGI) announced the pre-let of the entire building to credit management company, Lowell, making it the largest single out of town office deal ever recorded in West Yorkshire and the biggest property transaction in the Northern Powerhouse region over the last two years.
An event took place on site to commemorate the building’s practical completion and give thanks to the delivery team, which includes: architect, CJCT; principal contractor, GMI Construction Group PLC; structural engineer, Buro Happold; cost consultant, BWF; building services engineer, KNG; landscape architect, Ares; funding partner, OakNorth Bank; highways engineer, Pell Frischmann; legal advisor, Walker Morris; and planning consultant, Zerum.
Adam Varley, head of commercial at SGI, said: “It is fantastic to have reached practical completion of this record-breaking office building, after a 20 month construction programme.
“B3’s industry leading, low-carbon features not only delivers an exemplary building that we can all be proud of, but also helps to set a new benchmark for future buildings at Thorpe Park Leeds.”
Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction Group’s divisional Managing Director Yorkshire, said: “The completion of B3 is testament to the dedication of our entire site team, having been delivered despite the many challenges created by the pandemic.
“We are extremely proud to have built a state-of-the-art office accommodation that sets a benchmark for future development at Thorpe Park. It also exemplifies the levelling up agenda representing, as it does, a huge investment in the infrastructure necessary to support and contribute to Yorkshire’s resilient and growing economy.”
Electronic Trade Documents legislation paves the way for paperless business dealings
British businesses will be able to trade easier, faster and cheaper around the world thanks to new plans to remove needless paperwork and bureaucracy.
The Electronic Trade Documents Bill will boost the UK’s international trade, already worth more than £1.4 trillion, and will reduce the estimated 28.5 billion paper trade documents printed and flown around the world daily.
Business-to-business documents such as bills of lading and bills of exchange currently have to be paper-based due to longstanding laws.
Under the Electronic Trade Documents Bill, digital trade documents will be put on the same legal footing as their paper-based equivalents to give UK business more choice and flexibility in how they trade.
The Bill will modernise old legislation such as the Bills of Exchange Act 1882 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1992.
Removing the legal obstacle to electronic versions of trade documents will significantly lower administration costs and is expected to provide a £1.14 billion boost to UK business over a ten-year period. It will reduce trade contract processing times from between seven and ten days to as little as 20 seconds, according to Trade Finance Global.
Digital Secretary Michelle Donelan said: “Our digital-first plans will make it easier for the country’s firms to buy and sell around the world – driving growth, supercharging our economy, cutting carbon and boosting productivity.
“We want to support businesses by cutting red tape and allowing them to sell their goods and products globally without burdensome bureaucracy.
“The UK was central to establishing the international trade system in the nineteenth century and we are once again leading the world to boost global trade in the twenty-first century.”
The Digital Container Shipping Association estimates that if half the container shipping industry adopted electronic bills of lading, the collective global annual savings would be around £3.6 billion ($4 billion). The International Chamber of Commerce estimates SMEs could see a 13 per cent increase in international business if trade was digitised. Elsewhere the World Economic Forum has found that digitising trade documents could potentially reduce global carbon emissions from logistics by as much as 12 per cent. Electronic trade documents also increase security and compliance by making it easier to trace records – for instance, through the use of blockchain and distributed ledger technology. International trade still relies to a large extent on a special category of trade document which is dependent on being physically possessed by a person, and transferred over to another person. The UK is a world leader in digital trade but currently the law does not recognise the possibility of possessing electronic documents, which prevents industries going fully paperless. This is costly and inefficient. This Bill will allow businesses to choose to use electronic trade documents but does not force them to do so – allowing them to use practices and processes which work for them. It will set a vital precedent for all sectors and industries using English law as a basis for international contracts, including across the Commonwealth. Commonly used documents in the UK for the trade in or transport of goods which the Bill will enable to become electronic include:- a bill of exchange
- a promissory note
- a bill of lading
- a ship’s delivery order
- a warehouse receipt
- a mate’s receipt
- a marine insurance policy
- a cargo insurance certificate
Sheffield clean energy company wins feasibility funding from government of Western Australia
The Australian arm of Sheffield-based clean energy company ITM Power is to be given investment f 225,000 Australian dollars for a study to understand the feasibility of manufacturing renewable hydrogen electrolysers within Western Australia.
The funding is for a key stage in ITM Power Pty Ltd’s move to electrolyser manufacturing, itself a key initiative in implementing the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
The investment follows a WA Government process that invited a shortlist of electrolyser manufacturers to submit an outline for a business case for electrolyser assembly and manufacture. ITM Power has been selected to develop a business case.
The business case aims to understand the hydrogen industry’s potential for building a strong electrolyser and renewable hydrogen component manufacturing industry within WA. As the expansion of hydrogen production continues, demand for critical equipment such as electrolysers will increase, presenting a new opportunity for the local advanced manufacturing industry.
The business case is expected to increase the depth of industry information available, leverage funding from the private sector, promote competition and signal to the market that WA is serious about renewable hydrogen. Electrolyser manufacturing is a key initiative in implementing the Western Australian Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
Hydrogen Industry Minister Alannah MacTiernan said:“Developing WA’s advanced manufacturing capability to produce critical components for renewable hydrogen production just makes good sense – as it will increase the resilience of our future hydrogen supply chains.
“Funding this feasibility study is the first step toward manufacturing components for renewable hydrogen within the State. We want to be part of the full technology story in hydrogen.
“We look forward to working closely with the partnership of ITM Power and Linde Engineering in Australia to help WA lead the nation in renewable hydrogen component manufacturing.”
Dr Neil Thompson, Managing Director of ITM Power Pty Ltd, added: “Western Australia’s forward-thinking Government seeks to lead the way in Australia in the manufacture of the equipment needed to produce renewable hydrogen. This sensible approach can deliver jobs and supply chain opportunities in the State and we are pleased to be working with the Government on this first step.”
Watson Buckle takes bold steps to enhance its environmental, social, and corporate governance
One of Bradford’s leading accountancy firms, Watson Buckle, has attained the prestigious ESGmark having focused on its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) approach.
The firm has undertaken many strategic steps in recent months to achieve the high standards set by ESGMark – creating a dedicated team who meets regularly to push new ideas that drive improvements across the practice.
Already the firm has implemented an eco-conscious campaign within its office to try and reduce electricity and gas usage, while also making staff more aware of their impact on the environment.
To support this aim, Watson Buckle is making improvements to its office, including energy-efficient lighting and rechargeable batteries, as well as a green audit to see how further energy-saving upgrades can be made.
The firm has also made a big push on mental health and has not only supported The Cellar Trust with its fundraising this year but also partnered with the charity to run stress-buster workshops for its team.
Gillian Craven, Director at Watson Buckle, said: “Monitoring and creating a positive impact on communities, the environment and our team is crucial to us being a responsible and effective accountancy practice”.
“We are very proud to have received the ESGmark, as it indicates that we are an organisation that cares about the planet and society, which is important not only to us, but also to many of our clients.”
Looking ahead the firm is considering a tree planting project where staff and clients plant trees in Bingley, near the firm’s offices, to support local environmental pledges.
Alongside its tree planting campaign, Watson Buckle is also looking to launch a new school outreach programme. This will involve going out to schools in Bingley and beyond to offer an afternoon where the firm can educate students on what accountants do, to encourage more young people into the profession.
Ella Oldroyd, a part of the ESG team at Watson Buckle, added: “Every new initiative we launch or new policy we look to implement is moving us in the right direction to becoming a more socially, environmentally, and commercially responsible company”.
“This would not be achievable without the hard work and commitment of our team, who continue to rally around our ESG strategy.”
Building Society and Citizens Advice win award for collaboration initiative
The partnership between Yorkshire Building Society and Citizens Advice has been recognised at the Collaboration Network Annual Awards.
The Society and Citizens Advice were named winners in the Collaboration award category. The Collaboration Network aims to bring together people from different sectors to improve business practices and raise the level of support for consumers and employees across the UK.
Yorkshire Building Society and Citizens Advice this year announced the significant expansion of an innovative partnership that had piloted across six of the Society’s branches in Yorkshire in May 2021.
Following the success of the pilot, the expansion trebled the number of branches offering the scheme to 18 across Yorkshire and the North West region. The programme commits Yorkshire Building Society to fund Citizens Advice advisers to hold free, confidential appointments at least one day a week across the 18 locations until March 2023.
Helen Brannan, venture strategy consultant at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award! Our partnership with Citizens Advice is part of Yorkshire Building Society’s purpose of helping real life happen and our commitment to helping build the financial wellbeing of our communities. Receiving this award recognises the collaboration, effort and dedication of our colleagues at Yorkshire Building Society and Citizens Advice to making this partnership a success, allowing us to offer support to people at such a crucial time.”
James Woodcock, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Citizens Advice said: “Right now, our advisers are seeing so many people facing heart-rending choices as they try to pay bills. Our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society will help us reach more people who need support. We’re glad that this has received recognition.”
The appointments are open to everyone in the community, not only Yorkshire Building Society customers. The Citizens Advice advisers offer independent and impartial advice in private meeting rooms to assist people with a wide range of issues, including financial well-being.
The 18 Yorkshire Building Society locations running the scheme are Ashton-Under-Lyne, Barnsley, Bolton, Brighouse, Castleford, Dewsbury, Doncaster, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Rothwell, Sheffield, Stockport, Wakefield and York.
Helmsley Group acquires prominent grade I listed building in York
York-based property investment and development specialist, Helmsley Group, has acquired Cumberland House, a grade I listed building located in the heart of the city.
Dating back to the Georgian era, the 7,500 sq ft building overlooks the River Ouse and was purchased by Helmsley from law firm Hague & Dixon LLP, which also occupied the building.
While Helmsley Group engages with prospective new occupiers, the building will open its doors to the public as part of the York Unlocked festival, which is inspired by the Open House events held in over 60 cities across the globe.
Held on the 15th and 16th October, the inaugural York Unlocked event invites participants to uncover hidden gems within the city and aims to raise public awareness and appreciation of architecture and the built environment of York.
Cumberland House is one of a number of acquisitions made by Helmsley in this area of the city, with the developer having recently unveiled its ambitious vision for the regeneration of Coney Street and its adjacent riverside.
Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: “Cumberland House forms part of our programme of strategic acquisitions across this area of the city. As outlined in our vision for Coney Street Riverside, we’re committed to striking the delicate balance between transformation and heritage protection when it comes to development within York, as a means of further enhancing the city’s unique and historic character.
“We’re looking forward to being involved with York Unlocked and, in opening up access to this stunning building, prompting appreciation of York’s heritage and urban landscape.”
Kathy King, founder and project lead at York Unlocked, added: “It’s an honour for us to have Helmsley Group involved in York Unlocked. As a developer committed to enhancing central York’s urban landscape, while also sensitively preserving its heritage, Helmsley’s ethos aligns perfectly with our own.
“Cumberland House is a wonderful addition to the York Unlocked programme for 2022 and we’re excited to be able to showcase this unique heritage asset to York visitors and residents alike.”
Hull energy consultant secures funding to meet demand
A Hull company which helps businesses reduce their energy bills has secured a £150,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help it meet increased demand.
River Business Services (River) provides gas and electricity contracts and telecoms services from a range of suppliers, and helps companies to compare rates to find the cheapest deal. It also conducts energy audits and offers expert advice on how to reduce energy usage, as well as installing renewables such as solar panels.
The company was founded by brothers Ashley and Guy Hunter in 2017. Previously, the pair owned Nexus Hull Telecoms business before exiting as part of a national buy-out of the company in 2016.
River, which currently employs ten staff, serves businesses of all sizes, including chemicals giant Brenntag UK and RMC Digital Print in Hull. The funding will enable it to expand its team with the creation of six new jobs in the year ahead.
Guy Hunter, co-founder at River Business Services, said: “The rising cost of energy is not only painful for consumers, it is also having a major impact on businesses. With short-term government support now on the table for businesses, it’s crucial to maximise the benefit and fix in rates for budget certainty. We help them get best possible deal in a volatile market, as well as monitoring their usage and finding other ways to cut carbon and costs.
“That might include anything from switching to LED light bulbs and installing solar panels to rearranging shift patterns so they are using energy at the cheapest times of day. We have seen a big increase in demand for our services in recent months and the funding will enable us to increase the size of our team and take on new clients.”
Rebecca Pickering of Mercia added: “Energy is at the top of the business agenda right now. Tackling rising energy bills will be key to the survival of many companies while at the same time consumers and shareholders are demanding companies reduce their carbon footprint. River Business Services helps businesses to tackle these challenges and the funding will enable it to extend its support to many more companies.”
Andy Jewitt from Specialist Finance Solutions provided fundraising advice to River Business Services.
SMEs get just £1 from every fiver Government spends on procurement
Just one pound in every fiver spent by Government on public sector procurement in 2021 went to SMEs, a report from the British Chambers of Commerce, powered by Tussell, has found.
The BCC’s SME Procurement Tracker – said to be the UK’s most comprehensive source of data on SME procurement, in partnership with Tussell – has revealed that while the value of published public sector procurement spending with SMEs has increased, the proportion of total Government money awarded directly to SMEs has not grown over the past five years.
Based on procurement expenditure data published by public bodies for transparency purposes, the value of reported public procurement spending in the UK increased significantly over the period 2016-2021. The amount spent on third-party goods, services, and works increased more than two-fold during this time, rising from £80bn in 2016 to £181bn in 2021.
The total value of direct public spending with SMEs in 2021 was up significantly on previous years, nearly doubling from £20bn in 2016 to £38bn in 2021, when just over 105,000 SMEs invoiced the wider public sector directly for a median annual amount of £32,000.
However, SMEs are now receiving a relatively smaller amount of reported direct Government procurement spending than they were five years ago.
In 2016, 25% of public sector procurement spending was awarded directly to SMEs. By 2021, this figure had dropped to 21%, indicating that only just over one in every five pounds spent by Government on public services went straight to SMEs, excluding indirect spend with SMEs via the supply chain. This is significantly behind Central Government’s target of spending one in every three pounds with SMEs by 2022, a target which also includes indirect spend with SMEs via the supply chain, which is hard to measure.
As a proportion of their overall procurement budget, direct spend with SMEs by Local Government bodies was the highest at 38%. NHS bodies across England spent 22% of their procurement budget with SMEs, while Central Government was significantly lower than the average – awarding only 11% to SMEs.
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the BCC, said: “SMEs have traditionally struggled to access government business and have often found bidding for public sector contracts prohibitively bureaucratic, time-consuming, and expensive.
“While gradual improvements have been made in recent years, our tracker shows that further change is still required to unlock the public sector’s access to SMEs’ innovation and creativity.
“It is disheartening to see that as the level of public sector procurement spending grew over the past few years, the proportion of spending awarded directly to SMEs did not.
“We welcome the Government’s Procurement Bill which we hope will create a simpler, more flexible system which should accelerate Government spending with SMEs. However, business will not see the benefit of this until 2023. If Central Government is to meet its target of spending one in every three pounds with small businesses by 2022, serious consideration must be given to what steps can be taken in the short term to open up the public sector market to SMEs.”
