Doncaster wins city status

Tess Egginton
-
0
Doncaster wins city status

Doncaster has won city status as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

After a bid with support from residents and businesses across the borough and the region, Doncaster was given the honour along with 7 other locations. The Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours Competition required applicants to demonstrate how their unique communities and distinct local identity meant they deserved to be awarded city status. They were also required to highlight their royal associations and cultural heritage. Team Doncaster, which is made up of the main public sector organisations and businesses across the borough, put the city status bid together to showcase the pride in Doncaster, its achievements, its future aspirations and to outline why the borough should be given this accolade. The judging panel highlighted the following as reasons why the bid was a winning one:
Community spirit – Doncaster’s community spirit and resilience was demonstrated during Doncaster Floods in 2019 as the community rallied to provide relief. It has more than 70 places of worship and spirituality, with its mosques and gurdwaras serving as pop-up vaccination centres during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rich history – Originally a Roman settlement, Doncaster is almost 2000 years old. Its industrial heritage is built on rail and coal, with The Flying Scotsman and The Mallard both built there. Doncaster is synonymous with the St. Leger, founded in 1776 and the oldest classic horse race in the world. Royal link – The link between the Royal Family and horseracing is central to the relationship between Doncaster and Buckingham Palace, with regular attendance and involvement in the St Leger Festival by the Royal Family. The Prince of Wales (later George IV), The Duke of Clarence (later William IV), Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and HM The Queen have attended the St Leger Festival.
Mayor Ros Jones said: “This is brilliant news for Doncaster. I am utterly delighted that our borough has been recognised in this way as part of the Queen’s Platinum jubilee. “To become one of the UK’s newest cities underlines our firmly held belief that we think, act and feel like a city. I’ve said for a long time that we are a city in all but name and now we can proudly say that Doncaster has achieved city status. “This royal seal of approval will mean we can continue with our vision to drive our borough forward and realise our aspirations. Being a city will help boost the profile of Doncaster on many different levels from attracting new and growing business, underlining Doncaster as a tourist destination, upping our role on the national stage and giving us a stronger voice. “I would like to personally thank Dan Fell, the Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber for his leadership of this bid, and proof of what we can achieve when we work together across the Team Doncaster partnership. “Thank you to everyone who has supported our bid across Doncaster and who, like us in Team Doncaster, want Doncaster to be recognised for how far we have come and our exciting future ahead. Congratulations too from Doncaster to all of the other city status winners.” Speaking about how this will benefit the wider region, Dan Fell, Chief Executive Officer of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The campaign to earn city status is one that we have been pursuing for a long time and it is tremendously gratifying to see all that hard work pay off. “With both Doncaster and Sheffield, the South Yorkshire region is now home to two cities, which means that we will have an even bigger seat at the table when it comes to engaging national government. With this enhanced platform, we will be in a better position than ever before to drive the levelling up agenda in South Yorkshire, to hold policy-makers to account and to fight for the interests of our business communities. “What’s more, the addition of another city in South Yorkshire will help bring more inward investment to the region, as we will have increased prestige and will be recognised as a more attractive prospect for those outside the UK, who are looking for places to conduct their trade. “With a leading airport, strong connectivity to the rest of the country, established inks in the rail industry and now official city status, Doncaster is truly developing into a fantastic place to do business. We really have come a long way in the past few years. “I am looking forward to an even more prosperous future for South Yorkshire now. We’re going to see huge reputational and economic benefits from this, attracting more businesses and skilled workers into the area. I would also take this opportunity to offer my deepest thanks to all the businesses and residents who got behind this campaign and lent their voices in support of it. They exemplify the ambitious communal spirit of Doncaster and this would not have been possible without their vital contributions.”

Employment law specialist joins Sills & Betteridge LLP

Tess Egginton
-
0
Employment law specialist joins Sills & Betteridge LLP
Sills & Betteridge LLP has welcomed Aleksandra Flack as an associate solicitor to its employment law team this month in a move which will benefit employers, public sector organisations, charities, HR professionals and employees across the region. She provides assistance and advice on all aspects of employment law and has considerable experience and a very successful track record of representing clients in Employment Tribunal proceedings where she has negotiated many favourable and significant settlements, for both employees and employers. Additionally, Aleks delivers bespoke training to HR professionals and managers, and is a popular event speaker. Stephen Britton, head of employment law, is delighted with the appointment: “Aleks is a perfect addition to the team. She has a high level of expertise and her energy, enthusiasm and genuine passion for putting the client first really shines through.” For Aleks the position represents an exciting new opportunity: “I am really excited to start my role at Sills & Betteridge Solicitors and look forward to supporting businesses and individuals with the employment-related matters and challenges they face. Sills & Betteridge is a well-established firm that puts clients first and I am delighted to be part of its ambitious plans for the future.” The firm has grown significantly over the last 5 years through organic and acquired growth, and now has 15 offices and over 330 partners and staff.

Increase in NI contributions described as ‘body blow’ for small firms

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Increase in NI contributions described as ‘body blow’ for small firms
Questions asked of more than a thousand employers have uncovered a series of negative impacts from the increase in National Insurance contributions, described as a body blow to small firms. The British Chambers of Commerce, which conducted the research, found firms saying the rise in employer contributions to National Insurance from 13.8% to 15.05% had increased staffing costs, forced some to put up their prices, and meant they would be limiting their investment. As part of its call for an Emergency Budget, the BCC is calling for the rise to be immediately reversed for at least a year, as firms battle surging costs on multiple fronts. The BCC is calling for action to give businesses a chance to keep a lid on rising prices, boost productivity and ease cost pressures. Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC, said: “Businesses are telling us that the rise in National Insurance contributions has been a body blow as they try to get back on their feet. When firms are already facing a toxic mix of surging inflation, rising energy costs and supply chain disruption, this increase is very hard to swallow. “The tight labour market is already pushing up staff costs and the NI rise has only served to exacerbate that pressure, without having a positive impact on recruitment. “With firms’ profits also taking a further hit, after two years of the pandemic, it is no surprise that their investment intentions are also weakening – but it is not too late to change tack and push the increase back until firms are in a better place to take on the extra burden. “The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses, then they can keep a lid on the price rises. “Acting now will also put businesses in a better position to create the future profits needed to fill tax coffers.” The other two Emergency Budget proposals are: • Help firms manage the impact of rising energy prices by cutting VAT on their energy bills from 20% to 5% for a minimum of one year. • Address labour shortages by reinstating free Covid tests for companies to ease the strain on productivity caused by persistent high absences

Doncaster retirement adviser receives significant investment from private equity investor

Tess Egginton
-
0
Doncaster retirement adviser receives significant investment from private equity investor
Palatine has revealed a significant investment in fast-growing, Doncaster-based retirement adviser, My Pension Expert. The at-retirement adviser, with its telephone and video-based services, provides independent financial advice on a national scale. My Pension Expert, which has a team of 65, will use Palatine’s investment to accelerate its growth plans, expanding its business proposition to ensure people of all wealth brackets can receive independent financial advice and achieve their desired retirement outcomes. Palatine has identified significant growth opportunities for My Pension Expert to accelerate its strong growth to date and will be working alongside My Pension Expert’s management team to scale-up its operations and fulfil its mission of increasing consumer access to independent financial advice. Andrew Megson, executive chairman of My Pension Expert, said: “We are delighted Palatine have chosen to partner with and invest in My Pension Expert. Throughout the entire process, Palatine has supported management and identified the huge opportunities for My Pension Expert to expand and accelerate growth. “Palatine’s focus on sustainability was also a key factor in accepting the significant investment. And My Pension Expert will certainly harness this expertise over the coming years to enhance our own existing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) credentials. Suffice to say, we are incredibly excited about what the future holds.” Senior investment director Kieran Lawton, who led the deal for Palatine alongside James Painter, Gary Tipper and Ed Fazakerley, said: “Andrew and his team have done an outstanding job to date, and we are very much looking forward to working alongside them to help the company grow quickly and reach its potential. “Our focus will be on supporting the team through value enhancement initiatives across digital, technology, people and sustainability in order to help Andrew continue to build a highly-trusted and fast-growing pensions advisory business with technology at its core.” The deal will be funded through investment from Palatine’s Buyout and Impact Funds. It builds on the mid-market investor’s strong track record in the financial services sector, which includes successful investments in Wren Sterling, Wealth at Work, Money Plus Group and Chase Templeton. Beth Houghton, partner and head of Impact Fund, added: “Affordable, accessible and high quality pension advice is essential for those at or nearing retirement age with small or medium sized pension pots. My Pension Expert helps members of the public to navigate the increasingly complicated pensions environment at an affordable cost, and we are delighted to be working with the management team to increase the number of people who can access this advice.” My Pension Expert was advised by Addleshaw Goddard, Park Place and BDO Tax. Palatine was advised by Gateley (legal), Quinn Partnership (people), Kroll (regulatory and financial), Lockton (insurance), Open Partners (digital) and Equator (technology). The deal remains subject to FCA regulatory approval.

Future looks bright for Bell Lighting as it relocates and expands into new Normanton logistics space

Tess Egginton
-
0
Future looks bright for Bell Lighting as it relocates and expands into new Normanton logistics space
Bell Lighting, a manufacturer and supplier of lighting to the wholesale sector, is relocating to newly refurbished logistics premises at Centre 31 in Normanton as part of its expansion plans. CBRE Leeds and CPP have completed the letting of a 68,992 sq ft prime industrial/ warehouse at Foxbridge Way, acting on behalf of Kennedy Wilson. Bell Lighting were advised by Avison Young. The move will see the family-run company double its logistics and office space, relocating from its existing premises at Unit A on Normanton Industrial Estate, and will create a number of new skilled jobs for the local area. Established in 1920, Bell Lighting is part of the Bell Group of Companies and has seen growing demand for new technology lighting, prompting the need for bigger premises. Centre 31 is a modern, detached industrial unit comprising 48,823 sq ft of warehouse space with two floors of office accommodation totalling more than 20,000 sq ft on the well-established Normanton Industrial Estate. Danielle Raunjak, associate director at CBRE Leeds, said: “We are delighted to agree a deal at Centre 31 to Bell Lighting to facilitate the company’s relocation into larger premises to support its growth strategy. Centre 31 is strategically located with excellent links to the nearby motorway network. This latest letting confirms the increasing demand for good quality industrial units within the region.” Avison Young acted for Bell Lighting alongside Blacks Solicitors. Rob Oliver, principal at Avison Young, said: “We were delighted to have worked with Bell Lighting on this search and acquisition project. Given the current supply demand dynamics, it can be challenging to acquire additional premises. We had to be creative, securing additional short-term premises, in addition to acquiring Unit C at Centre 31. We were aware this unit was likely to be vacated by WLT and felt it could provide a good option, given its size, specification and great location, so were very pleased to have been able to engage in discussions early and agree a deal.” Jonathan Kay, senior associate solicitor, led the Commercial Property team at Blacks Solicitors and said: “We’ve really enjoyed working closely with Trevor and Ralph at Bell Lighting and Rob Oliver at Avison Young to secure the lease of new premises at Unit C, Foxbridge Way. I’m looking forward to seeing how the extra space will support Bell Lighting’s growth plans and the new jobs that will be created for people in the local area.”

Sixteen jobs saved as South Yorkshire-based joinery company bought out of administration

Michael Fisher
-
0
Sixteen jobs saved as South Yorkshire-based joinery company bought out of administration
Following the appointment of Andrew Mackenzie and Louise Longley of Begbies Traynor as joint administrators of Mustang Joinery Limited on 4th May 2022, a sale of the business and assets has been completed, saving 16 jobs. Based in Rotherham and founded in 1981, the company specialised in the manufacture of a range of bespoke window frames, staircases and door sets for local and national developers. Unfortunately, the business suffered a downturn in turnover with the impact of prolonged lockdowns and restrictions caused by COVID-19 over the last two years causing this to accelerate significantly. This resulted in a build-up of HMRC arrears which could no longer be serviced. After a period of accelerated marketing undertaken by Begbies Traynor Group, a pre-packaged sale to Mustang Bespoke Joinery Limited completed on 11th May. Gateley Legal providing advice to the administrators throughout the process. Joint administrator Louise Longley said: “After more than 40 years of trading, Mustang Joinery became another casualty of the pandemic, with multiple lockdowns resulting in falling turnover and, ultimately, an inability to service its mounting HMRC arrears. Having sought a buyer for the business, we are pleased to have secured this sale which is good news for employees, customers and suppliers.”

Yorkshire firms pledge support for Paces as it launches first-ever Business Club

Michael Fisher
-
0
Yorkshire firms pledge support for Paces as it launches first-ever Business Club
Businesses from across Yorkshire have signed up to the first-ever business club from Paces, the leading specialist centre, charity and school for individuals with Cerebral Palsy and motor disorders. The Sheffield-based charity, founded 25 years ago, welcomed the founder members of Club 300, and others interested in joining, to a launch event at Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham. The club has been formed as a way for businesses of all shapes and sizes to support Paces’ life changing work focused on conductive education, which offers children and adults life-changing skills – such as sitting, standing, walking, speaking, communication and self-care. Membership costs just £300 per year and will entitle businesses to priority access to the charity’s events, exclusive networking opportunities and other marketing support. The twelve founder members are GXO Logistics, Cinderella Support Services, Professional Energy Purchasing, Andy Hanselman Consulting, Glu Recruit, Irwin Mitchell, City Taxis, Line One Sales, Dawson Radford Solicitors, Bruce and Butler Cyber Security, TQ Environmental and Waverley Consultancy. They have already been joined by new members, including Stowe Family Law, MultiWeb Marketing and Universal Office Supplies, and more are set to sign up following the launch event. David Hall, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Paces, said: “Paces has received so much support from many businesses over the last 25 years so we felt it was the right time to launch a club that allows them to come together and show their support for our adults and children, and allows us to say thank you to them for their incredible efforts. “Our life-changing work is only possible thanks to the generosity of others across our community. Thank you to all our new members of Club 300 and, for any businesses interested in signing up, I promise this will be a fun and engaging partnership that makes a real difference to the incredible individuals we support at Paces.”

Newly appointed NHS Non-Executive Director excited to get to work at Lincolnshire mental health and learning disability trust

Michael Fisher
-
0
Newly appointed NHS Non-Executive Director excited to get to work at Lincolnshire mental health and learning disability trust
A newly appointed Non-Executive Director says he is hugely excited by his new role as he prepares to help reshape services for the future at Lincolnshire’s mental health and learning disability trust. After a competitive selection process, Chris Wright was duly appointed to serve in the role on Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LPFT) board. Mr Wright has served as a Chief Executive at a high performing large service delivery company in the ‘not for profit’ sector, as well as being able to call upon 35 years of experience in children’s services, social care and the criminal justice system. His new role will see him work with the other Non-Executive Directors to ensure the vision and values of the Trust, as well as key objectives are being met Mr Wright, who will perform the role for three years with the possibility of having that extended to six, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a Non-Executive Director. “I believe passionately in the work of the Trust and its reach into communities across Lincolnshire. “I’ve been hugely impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of colleagues across the Trust and their absolute commitment to providing people centred services across Lincolnshire. I very much look forward to getting stuck in”. LPFT Chair, Kevin Lockyer added: “Chris’ strengths of leadership, management and making strategic decisions coupled with his business acumen and commercial skills will add real value to our Board of Directors. “I am looking forward to getting to know Chris and working closely together to help provide the best mental health, learning disability and autism care we can to the people of Lincolnshire.”

Manufacturing output growth accelerates, but confidence falls further

Tess Egginton
-
0
Manufacturing output growth accelerates, but confidence falls further
UK manufacturing output grew at its fastest pace in ten months over the quarter to May, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey. Output still failed to keep pace with demand, however, as the volume of stocks of finished goods became less adequate compared with last month. The balance of firms expecting to raise selling prices in the three months ahead increased slightly, moving closer to March’s record high. The survey, based on the responses of 249 manufacturers, found:
  • Manufacturing output growth picked up in the three months to May (balance of +30 from +19% in the three months to April), with output increasing at the fastest rate since the three months to July 2021. Although output growth is expected to ease in the three months to July (+23%), the pace of expansion will remain comfortably above the long-term average (+9).
  • Total new orders were above normal to a greater extent than last month (+26% from +14% in April), matching the record high seen in March. Export order books were above normal to the greatest extent since January 2018 (+19% from -9% in April).
  • Stock adequacy for finished goods deteriorated in May (-15% from -3%). 26% of manufacturers this month said stocks were inadequate, with 11% saying that stocks were more than adequate and 54% saying they were adequate.
  • Expected domestic price growth for the three months ahead picked up slightly in May (+75% from +71% in April), moving closer to March’s survey record high (+80%).
  • Confidence showed a further decline in the quarter to May (-30%), while investment plans for buildings (-6%) and plant and machinery (-2%) remained weak.
Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “Manufacturers have reported output growth and order books improving in May. But cost pressures remain acute and are pushing manufacturers to raise prices. Sentiment among manufacturers has fallen in recent months as the outlook has deteriorated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and investment plans are being scaled back. “Rising costs are hitting consumers and businesses alike, and the Government can and must take action now to support the economy through the challenging months ahead. Putting pounds in the pockets of people already struggling should not be delayed, and must be coupled with action to support firms’ cashflow and to stimulate investment.”

Call for support for Career Passport to solve labour shortages in food-related industries

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Call for support for Career Passport to solve labour shortages in food-related industries
The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink and the Food and Drink Federation are calling on manufacturers of all sizes to back a new Careers Passport and help solve the chronic labour shortages that are hindering the industry. The Food & Drink Careers Passport, set to be introduced later this Spring in England and Wales, offers pre-entry accreditation to job hunters seeking entry-level roles.  The scheme speeds up interview short-listing and job onboarding, saving time and money for firms and fast-tracking eager and committed new talent into the sector. It is designed to make it easier to find new recruits with Food Safety, HACCP, Health and Safety and Allergen Awareness accreditation, to provide a common industry standard and raise the profile of industry jobs. Louise Cairns, CEO of the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink said: “The new Passport is proof that holders will arrive at interview with core food manufacturing compliance certification. All Passport holders have made a readily-evident choice to seek a career in food and drink and have put the work in to prove it. They’re engaged and eager to start.” Head of Industry Growth at the Food and Drink Federation Caroline Keohane said:“The food and drink industry has a long history of hiring a wide-ranging and diverse workforce at all skills levels and we need that to continue if we are to build a strong pipeline of home-grown talent and develop our next generation of engineers, food scientists, marketeers and leaders. “With around 500,000 vacancies across our farm-to-fork supply chain, we must fill these places with potential, by matching talent to opportunity in all corners of the country. The Careers Passport is a practical, industry-led initiative to provide a means to accelerate recruitment in all communities – the next tool to levelling up the nation.” A range of industry firms have already pledged support for the Passport including Premier Foods, Gressingham Foods, Glanbia Cheese, Greencore and Pukka Pies with the NSAFD launching a dedicated website www.fdcp.co.uk for interested businesses to find out more. The Food & Drink Compliance Passport acts as a quick and easy way for employers to identify entry-level job candidates with pre-interview compliance certification in:
  • Food Safety Level 2
  • HACCP Level 2
  • Health & Safety Level 2
  • Allergens Awareness
With input from leading employers including industry subject matter experts, the NSAFD have ensured course content reflects the highest industry standards. The NSAFD courses are already widely used and recognised across the sector so dropping them into an employability tool makes sense. The Careers Passport will be carried out online ‑ enabling 24/7 access from any location. Louise Cairns explained: “The primary aim of the Passport is to boost committed new talent into the industry and cut down onboarding and induction time so new starters can quickly move forward to additional training or orientation specific to their role. “Employers will be able to access a central database to check certifications in a couple of clicks – making shortlisting faster. There’s been strong interest in guaranteeing initial interviews to holders because of the value of attracting ready-certified staff but we think there’s a wide variety of beneficial ways employers can integrate the commitment and knowledge of Passport holders into their recruitment process.”
1...856857858...983Page 857 of 983