Selling to Germany?: Packaging rules will change in July
From July online marketplaces and fulfilment service providers operating in Germany will be subject to new producer responsibility obligations for packaging that they place on the market, with similar regulations for electrical and electronic equipment following next January.
German packaging law changes mean operators of online marketplaces will no longer be allowed to offer packaged products, and fulfilment service providers must not carry out any activities, such as storing, packaging or dispatching goods, if the sellers of these products have not complied with their legal obligations.
Sellers need to be registered with the German Central Packaging Register LUCID and license their packaging with a German compliance scheme. These regulations apply to both product and shipping packaging.
On 1 January next year, similar regulations will come into force for electrical and electronic equipment, i.e. operators of online marketplaces must not offer this equipment – and fulfilment service providers must not carry out any of their activities – if the manufacturer of this equipment is not properly registered. The German-British Chamber recommends that companies affected by the EEE regulations start the registration process as soon as possible to be able to continue selling products in Germany next year, as the registration process takes at least 6-7 weeks, but can be much longer at busy times.
The new regulations aim to close a loophole by making each individual marketplace seller and each user of fulfilment services accountable for complying with packaging law and EEE obligations, respectively. In addition, marketplace operators and fulfilment service providers themselves must be able to demonstrate that they are complying with the legal requirements.
Goods in non-licensed packaging face a sales ban from 1 July, with violations attracting potential fines of up to EUR 200,000, while non-compliance with EEE rules could be fined up to EUR 100,000 after 1 January 2023.
Additionally, existing sellers of licensed packaging will need to have registered their non-licensable packaging, e.g. transport and deposit packaging, in the German Central Packaging Register LUCID by 1 July. The simplified registration process is due to start on 4 May, however, data reports for the quantities of packaging are not necessary.
The German-British Chamber of Industry & Commerce offers a service which helps companies fulfil their obligations under the German packaging law and can also assist companies with EEE compliance. For more information, please contact Jana Toon, email: recycling@ahk-london.co.uk.
Major £23.1m investment projects for Dearne Valley submitted to government for approval
Five major projects which will help regenerate, renew, and revitalise Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne as part of a £23.1m investment have been submitted to government for approval.
Goldthorpe was one of 101 towns invited to bid for Towns Fund investment to help improve skills, digital and transport connectivity, create new jobs, raise aspiration, and revitalise the economic prospects of the area.
Towns Fund investment of £23.1m was approved in principle by the UK Government in March 2021.
Full business cases for these five major projects have now been prepared and approved by Barnsley Council’s Cabinet. These have now been submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) who will then release the £23.1m investment.
The plan is based on four themes of Growing Goldthorpe, Connecting Goldthorpe, Developing Goldthorpe and Placemaking Goldthorpe. It was prepared by the council’s Economic Regeneration Team and shaped by feedback from local residents, businesses and organisations through consultation and workshops over the last two years.
Five key projects which help develop these themes while meeting the strict criteria of the Towns Fund have now been approved by The Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, which is made up of community representatives, local businesses, and councillors.
The projects are:
Employment land: Investment to unlock development of major employment growth. It will support long-term commercial development of a 72.9ha site off the A635 Barnsley Road, Goldthorpe, South of the Dearne Valley Parkway. New employment opportunities will be created, and investment attracted into the area. A new roundabout will provide access to the site. The funding will also be used flexibly across other employment sites.
Housing: Funding will be allocated to regenerate traditional terraced streets through improvements designed to help grow people’s pride in their area and improve residents’ well-being, including physical and mental health. This will be achieved through creating more welcoming public spaces for residents to interact with each other socially with opportunities for informal play and active travel. In addition, new affordable homes could be delivered to a low-carbon standard. The aim is to create a healthy and safe living environment for everyone. Public consultation with residents is taking place from May 16 to May 29 to help shape this important part of the plan.
Phoenix Park: This project will help enhance the park’s appeal as a destination and thoroughfare between Thurnscoe and Goldthorpe. It will also help the park achieve its potential to support small scale enterprise and more community activity. Plans include a new visitor hub, more play facilities, improved car parking and improved active travel links to encourage people to visit the park on foot, bicycle, scooter, or wheelchair. The investment will also help expand the education programme currently working with four local schools, extending this work to include weekends and school holidays.
Community and Cultural Hub: This project will develop a combined community and cultural hub within the Welfare Park. This will include refurbishment of the Dearne Playhouse, a refreshed and reinvigorated outdoor multifunctional performance and community events space including improved event day parking, and business development support for the Playhouse team. There will also be widespread engagement and consultation with young people in the area who don’t currently use what’s on offer to them such as the youth club or sports activities. This will help create activities and opportunities to interest and engage them.
Heart of Goldthorpe: This project will include a new public plaza and events area providing a central point for community activity and temporary public uses like market stalls and pop-up events. This new square will make use of the site of the former Horse and Groom public house, which was purchased by Barnsley Council as part of the first stages of the Towns Fund. Public consultation has been carried out and further engagement with local people is continuing to help shape this new landmark space right at the heart of Goldthorpe.
Derek Bramham, chairperson of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “This level of investment in a local area is the sort we only see once in a generation at the most. I am delighted Cabinet have approved these five projects which will unlock more than £23m to help regenerate, renew and revitalise Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne.
“An enormous amount of effort has been put in to bring together projects supported by business cases which meet the criteria of the fund, as well as help us achieve the priorities we set as a board following consultation with local people.
“People wanted investment to help bring new jobs and investment to Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne, as well as improve the local street scene, improve local housing, and develop better transport links. I am very pleased we are able to submit projects which meet the priorities which we identified following consultation with local people.
“There will still be opportunities for local people to contribute their thoughts, comments, and ideas. I would urge people who want to keep up to date with the projects to visit Barnsley.gov.uk/TownsFund where latest updates will be shared throughout the projects, and you can sign up to an email mailing list for all major updates.”
A series of smaller projects has already been completed through the Towns Fund, thanks to £500,000 of Towns Fund accelerated funding which was released before the full £23.1m grant was approved.
Business growth sees company expand into new Barnsley warehouse and office premises
Minova International Ltd (Minova), a global manufacturer of ground support bolting systems, specialist injection resins and cementitious grouts, have moved to a new location in Barnsley.
To support a growing customer base, the company have expanded, and relocated from their current location at Redbrook Business Park to Ashroyd Business Park off Dearne Valley Parkway, to a new 22,000 sq ft warehouse and office facility to cater for construction market growth.
With the company investing over £0.7m, this expansion will allow the company to grow further and build upon the successful awarding of new contracts for HS2, CP6 and a variety of public sector investment projects, which has resulted in increased turnover across all sectors.
The move will help to create further jobs opportunities in the borough and has been supported by the team at Enterprising Barnsley through property search support and advice.
Cllr Robert Frost, cabinet support member – regeneration and culture, said: “We’re delighted to see Minova expanding into new premises in Barnsley.
“We’ve been committed to providing commercial premises in prime locations, which can support business growth and boost jobs opportunities in the borough.
“It’s fantastic that a successful global company has chosen to grow its operations here in Barnsley, and we wish them every success in their new premises.”
Michael Napoletano, Minova’s vice president for Europe CIS, said: “We are excited to announce the news of our brand-new UK office and warehouse. It’s a big step for Minova, demonstrating our commitment to the British market as well as Minova’s ever-expanding UK presence. We are very optimistic about new opportunities here, and this new location will enable us to better service our growing customer base in ground support as well as infrastructure projects.”
Manus O’Donnell, Minova’s UK manager, who has led the moving project, said: “We are pleased to have made the move into our newly built, modern and more spacious warehouse and office facility.
“As Minova plan for the future, this move will allow for continued strong customer relationships and enhance the addition of a new customer base. Minova will continue to further enhance its diverse product offering for civil construction, mining and infrastructure markets for years to come.”
Lupton Fawcett appoints new partner to corporate team
Law firm Lupton Fawcett LLP has strengthened its corporate team with the appointment of a new partner.
Rory Conwill has extensive experience of advising clients on corporate matters including high-value acquisitions and disposals, private equity investments and share schemes.
He has spent his whole career in Sheffield and will be primarily based at Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield office however will work closely with the whole Yorkshire team across all locations.
He brings particular expertise in the healthcare sector to the firm’s growing corporate team, having acted in a range of transactions for care home owners, dental practices and GP practices.
Giles Clegg, partner and head of corporate finance at Lupton Fawcett, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rory to the corporate team.
“Our reputation for providing excellent corporate legal advice and services is demonstrated by the great clients and deals we attract as well as by the strong growth we are seeing in this part of our business.”
Rory said: “I’m very happy to be joining Lupton Fawcett at a time when it is clearly so firmly focused on growth and development.”
James Richardson, Lupton Fawcett’s managing partner, said: “Rory is an excellent operator with a fantastic track record. His is the latest of a series of outstanding appointments we have made at all levels across the firm over the past year.”
CTS UK strengthens team with two senior appointments
CTS UK, the North Yorkshire-based business supply chain specialists, have strengthened their team with two senior appointments.
CTS UK is a leader in personalised uniforms, workwear, promotional products, personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning and hygiene products.
Thanos Klonis and Paul Mundy join Northallerton-based CTS UK at a pivotal stage in the company’s development in the wake of a record-breaking year.
Thanos is the company’s new group IT systems manager, while Paul joins as the group consolidation specialist.
Howard Gill, CTS UK’s Managing Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Thanos and Paul to the company. These are two very significant appointments, which will help to build on the substantial progress we have made during the past two years.
“Thanos’s appointment allows CTS and our newly purchased company, Safeguard Supplies Ltd, to seamlessly interface internally and with our customers. Thanos will also streamline and improve the whole business’s IT systems to support our continued and sustainable growth.
“Meanwhile Paul’s tremendous enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of supply chain sales, especially of the cleaning and hygiene sector, will enable us to extend our reach into this very fertile area.
“Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, CTS is expanding quickly, with increased turnover and profits in 2021, new premises in Northallerton, new clients and brand-new state-of-the-art machinery. The future is bright and we look forward to both Thanos and Paul playing a very important part in our progress over the next few years.”
He added: “The journey of CTS is a long-term project, which demands the fullest commitment from all our staff. Thanos and Paul, with their experience and expertise, are perfect for their challenging and pivotal roles.”
Thanos Klonis, who has previously worked for the Billingham-based NYMAS Group and Barrett Steel, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity and challenge for me. The speed of growth of CTS UK means that an integrated IT system is crucially important, both internally and externally. It is my responsibility to take CTS’s IT systems to the next level to ensure that our service to our customers – and our relationship with our on-line partners – is consistently excellent.”
Paul Mundy, who joins CTS from the Leicester-based Merton Group, said: “This is an absolutely dream job for me. I live in Tadcaster, so working for a company in the Midlands has been a logistical challenge. Now I’m much closer to home – and I’m joining a company which is really going places.
“I am looking forward primarily to expanding and developing CTS UK’s revenue stream in the cleaning and hygiene sector. But there will be a good deal of crossover with other sales lines and I am delighted to be joining such a dynamic and enthusiastic team and playing my part in CTS’s success.”
CTS UK’s clients include Sports Direct, WS Transport, Bunzl, Eddie Stobart, Heck, Flannels, Wolseley and HC-One.
Utility companies to face pothole punishment under new government rules
The government is to introduce new measures to penalise companies responsible for leaving potholes on the country’s roads after carrying out street works.
A new performance-based inspections regime will be introduced, where the worst performing utility companies whose road works fail to meet strict standards will face financial penalties. These companies will go on to be inspected more regularly by local authorities to ensure their work meets rigorous criteria and they leave roads in a good condition.
It is expected the new law change could prevent thousands of potholes being left behind by utility companies nationwide and will ensure more roads are resurfaced to a high standard. This will spare motorists from damage to car tyres or suspension caused by driving over potholes, saving money on expensive repairs.
While the majority of companies carry out street works to a high standard and pass inspections, utility companies are on average failing 9% of the inspections that are carried out, and the worst performing utility company is failing a significant 63% of its inspections.
The new regime supports the government’s commitment to improving transport and infrastructure at a local level, ensuring people across the country can more easily access local work, education and opportunities while reducing car maintenance costs.
Plans unveiled today will also help telecoms operators rollout broadband nationwide and ease congestion by mandating live updates on roadworks are improved.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The plague of potholes is the menace of our roads. That’s why I’m ensuring companies who create them and leave roads in a poor state can be held to account more easily – protecting drivers from unfair repair costs.
“We’ve already invested billions of pounds into roads maintenance, helping local authorities keep their highways well maintained and I’ll continue working to make sure all road-users around the country can enjoy the safe, world-class infrastructure they deserve.
RAC Head of Roads Policy Nicholas Lyes said: “While roadworks are frustrating at the best of times, it’s even worse when utility companies leave roads in a sub-standard state when the temporary traffic lights are finally removed.
“Poorly carried out reinstatement work very often leads to road surfaces breaking down, unnecessarily causing potholes much to the annoyance of drivers.“Introducing a performance-based inspections scheme should force utilities companies to raise their game and should ultimately lead to smoother and safer journeys for all road users.”
Last chance to book onto the Business Lincolnshire Creative Catalyst workshops with Rebecca Stockdale
Six local businesses are invited to attend a new workshop focusing on using creative techniques to help solve some of the key challenges they may be facing.
This three-session workshop starts on Tuesday 17th May and aims to give Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland’s more traditional businesses a place to develop and realise their creative potential. The workshop will be led by Rebecca Stockdale, who has years of experience in driving growth within businesses of all sizes and sectors.
During the course of the workshop, businesses will learn how to apply creative techniques to identify new opportunities for exploration, gain a deeper understanding of how they can refine their current products and services, learn how to diversify with new offerings for customers, as well as developing new skills and techniques to engage with clients to understand their wants and needs.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We are really excited to be able to offer this unique opportunity to six of our local businesses. Rebecca is passionate about helping businesses to grow, and we know that anyone who signs up for the workshop will benefit massively from her skills and experience.
“This is something new for us at Business Lincolnshire and we hope to see it succeed. We’re always looking to offer our businesses something different, new and innovative, bringing fresh ideas to the table, and we feel this does just that. We can’t wait to see how this workshop inspires these businesses.”
The Creative Catalyst series will launch on Tuesday, 17th May. Find out more about it on the Business Lincolnshire website here: www.businesslincolnshire.com
Contractor completes £150k play area refurb project in Lincoln
Contractors KOMPAN have now completed a £150,000 refurb project to update and enhance Whitton’s Park for the City of Lincoln.
Funding for this project came from a developer contribution of £152,413 held by the city council, which could be spent only on play equipment in the West End of Lincoln.
Whitton’s Park was highlighted as the only viable option in the area for the enhancement of play opportunities in the West End, using the funds allocated.
This play area has been developed through collaboration with the local communities that it will serve, the Long Leys Residents Association and West End Residents Association .
Cllr Bob Bushell, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council said: “We are very pleased with this positive enhancement to a much-used play area in the city.
“Over the past two years, we recognise play areas have been essential for the mental health of young people visiting and enjoying the site and we are proud to re-open this area for families to enjoy for many years to come.”
Jon Davies, Secretary for the Long Leys Residents Association added: “LLRA wishes to thank the contractor and the city council project team for delivering this brilliant playpark upgrade which will be enjoyed by children from Long Leys, the West End and Castle Ward for many years to come. LLRA’s thanks also go to all those who contributed to the original consultation on the playpark, the group of parents who helped put together the project proposal, and our neighbours from the West End Residents Association who provided support throughout the project.”
Lincolnshire businesses asked for views on devolution
Businesses in Greater Lincolnshire are being asked for their views on devolution – the process which would transfer powers and funding from Whitehall to Lincolnshire.
Devolution Lincolnshire is the start of a conversation with businesses which is being led by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Leaders from the 10 local authorities in the area have asked the LEP to lead this business discussion ahead of submitting a deal to the Government at the end of this year.
If you have a view on the benefits or disadvantages of devolution for Lincolnshire, or if you simply want to find out more, you can visit the website and complete the online survey from Wednesday 11 May 2022.
Pat Doody, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We were pleased to be asked by the councils to lead an independent engagement programme with the business community and we would like to encourage people to get involved, look at the website and take the survey.
“A devolution deal could give Lincolnshire more powers, more money and more say over public sector funding and can promote local decision-making across many public services that are important to the people, businesses, and communities of Greater Lincolnshire. This in turn should lead to better outcomes and greater prosperity for our area.
“A devolution deal for Lincolnshire could also be important to the business community. For example, it could mean that local leaders have more say to get Lincolnshire businesses the right education, training and apprenticeships to meet their needs – both now and for the jobs of the future.
“It could also mean that decisions are made locally rather than nationally on the best infrastructure to better connect people to jobs, freight to ports, or energy to facilities, ensuring that local priorities are met. This is the first stage of a long conversation about devolution for our area, and I encourage you to get involved and have your say.”
Last year the Government invited civic leaders to bring forward plans for devolving powers to local areas and to work together to help level up the UK.
The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper provides a framework for devolution and council leaders across Greater Lincolnshire are working together to develop plans to enable Lincolnshire to reach its full potential.
Surging costs bear down on small businesses, says FSB
Surging costs brought about by the cost of doing business crisis are bearing down on small firms, says the Federation of Small Businesses, threatening any economic recovery.
Responding to new Office for National Statistics data showing that GDP fell 0.1% in March and the UK’s trade deficit stands at £25.2 billion, FSBNational Chair Martin McTague said:“Our economic recovery is stumbling when it’s barely had a chance to come out of the gate.
“Small business owners were bullish at the start of this year, paving the way for a summer trading season that would have had it back on track. That rebound in activity is now at serious risk, with surging costs weighing heavily on our economic potential.
“We hear a lot from politicians about the cost of living crisis, but very little about the cost of doing business crisis which underlies it. Producer price inflation has been surging ahead of consumer price inflation for some time now, with businesses trying to absorb the difference.
“There comes a point, however, when they have no choice but to pass on more of their spiralling costs to customers.
“Consumer-facing firms, having been hardest-hit over lockdowns, are now caught between customers less willing to spend and the need to increase prices to cover surging outgoings, leading to a serious contraction in services output.
“The 15% fall in output for vehicle repair and MOT service centres is particularly worrying for that sector, as people travel less due to fuel costs.
“The economy has hardly grown over the past two years and we now have an indication that it’s shrinking again.
“Unless the Government acts to stem the cost of doing business crisis – extending direct support on energy costs to the small businesses caught between consumers and corporates, enabling firms to reclaim the cost of sick pay, and going much further in alleviating the pressure of regressive business rates – negative growth is set to persist.
“With our trade deficit now at its widest since records began, we’re urging government to take forward our recommendation for a new SME Trade Support Fund which would empower more of the smallest businesses to trade overseas.
“At the same time, Government needs to get serious about putting small firms first in tackling this deeply concerning deficit, making dedicated small business chapters central to any new trade deals.”
