Yorkshire engineers reports year of strong growth
A Yorkshire civil and structural engineering company has seen strong growth following increased work to support multi-million-pound projects across the UK and a healthy forward order book.
RWO has secured more than £500,000 worth of additional revenue for its structural engineering operations, propelling overall turnover to £2.5m this year across its operations.
Currently employing a 30-strong workforce and led by an experienced team of directors, revenue increase has come on the back of a resilient performance by the firm, while it has continued to invest in resources amid the economic challenges and pandemic.
The firm has seen demand for its services away from its traditional northern heartland with a raft of projects secured in London, Southeast England and the Midlands. Customers include Metnor Construction, Karbon Homes, Lindum Developments, Taylor Wimpey, Bellway Homes, Story Homes and Barratt Developments.
Work in the pipeline in core sectors and new regional markets will contribute to further growth as it looks ahead to further ‘exciting’ expansion this year on the back of a strategic development and growth plan supported by continued investment in senior level people and technical resources.
The firm works with house builders, developers and construction companies, providing engineering support such as structural design, roads and drainage design, as well as flood risk assessments, site constraints and level designs, from offices in Leeds and Newcastle.
Managing director Ross Oakley said the firm had enjoyed a strong 12-month performance on the back of all the hard work undertaken in previous years and a record of resolving complex engineering issues.
He said: “We have continued to invest in opportunities, develop relationships and expand our operations even during the darkest days of the pandemic. We are busier than ever, with the engineering experience and supporting technical skills available to meet the needs of our customers, who are always under pressure to deliver their projects on time.
“Despite some tough on-going challenges, we remain positive about the future and will continue to build on our success to date; adding further to our team as we continue to grow and improving the services provided to both current and new clients.”
Business Lincolnshire announces return of Greater Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference
Business Lincolnshire have announced the Greater Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference 2022: De-risking for a Sustainable Future.
The fully funded conference, which is being organised in partnership with NatWest, exclusively serves the manufacturing sector within Greater Lincolnshire. The conference takes place at Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth, on Friday 20th May 2022. The annual event celebrates its fifth conference, in a welcome return following a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
Greater Lincolnshire Engineering and Manufacturing (GLEAM) network are sponsoring the networking breakfast, which coincides with registration and an industry exhibition. This year’s theme focuses on ‘de-risking for a sustainable future’.
A programme of presentations and discussions will explore sustainable business opportunities, the practicalities of carbon capture and storage, insights into how to take the first steps towards net-zero, and more.
Peer-to-peer problem-solving and knowledge-sharing workshops will take place throughout the day, providing time to discuss and unpick topics covered by the speakers. The day’s events will close with the opportunity for delegates to attend site tours of local manufacturers Bottomley Distillers, Micronclean, and Wolds Manufacturing Services.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This conference plays a vital role in supporting the county’s manufacturing community. It provides opportunities to network, share ideas and seek out solutions to common challenges, and of course to hear about new developments from industry leaders. This is always an event to look forward to as we help this important sector thrive.”
To attend the event, delegates must represent manufacturing-based businesses, partnerships, sole traders, and registered charities, with a trading address located within Greater Lincolnshire.
Due to anticipated high demand places are limited to one person per organisation. To find out more and book your ticket visit: https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/event-details/?id=3934&navigatedFromSearch=true
Only two days to go until the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
The highly anticipated Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo is now just around the corner, offering the perfect chance to forge new connections.
Taking place this Wednesday (27 April 2022) at The Bentley Hotel, Lincoln, the free expo, for which Business Link is a proud partner, is a well targeted event aimed at the Construction, Property, Business, Investment, Finance, Professional Services and related B2B markets.
Exhibitors include Aspbury Planning Ltd, Belvoir, Business Lincolnshire, BSP Consulting, Delta Simons, the Federation of Small Businesses, J Tomlinson, NatWest, Willmott Dixon, and YMD Boon, to name a few. See the full list of who is exhibiting here.
Opening at 9am, the expo will also host a workshop from Team Lincolnshire and Business Lincolnshire. Running from 10:15 – 11:45, it will demystify the procurement process and explore the potential which public sector contracts could bring to your business.
Team Lincolnshire ambassador Neal Wheatley, director and general manager of RG Carter Lincoln Limited, and Barry Taylor, regional director at Parker Technical Service, will be sharing insightful first-hand experiences on winning a major Lincolnshire County Council contract for the construction of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone and how supporting the local economy is a core value within the RG Carter Supply Chain Commitment.
Sign up to the free workshop here.
As the exhibition closes, it will roll directly into an informal, open buffet style network lunch – tickets for the lunch are just £25 plus vat and can be ordered and paid for directly online.
Tina King, of Business Shows Group, said: “It’s been a long time in the making thanks to the pandemic, but we are finally nearly there, The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo is gearing up to be one of the best to date!”
To attend the event, register for free here.
Purchase tickets to the networking lunch here.
Meet more potential clients in one amazing cost effective day, than it would take months out on the road.
New scheme to give aspiring Leeds entrepreneurs the opportunity to build their own sustainable business
A new scheme to give aspiring Leeds entrepreneurs the opportunity to build their own sustainable business is being launched by BME-led housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise.
The Steps to Business programme has been developed in partnership with iota Business and The Apple Box Company whose representatives will be on hand throughout the 12-week process to assist up to 10 candidates.
Applicants will be invited to attend an initial assessment to discuss their business idea and establish if they possess the skills and drive to progress it.
Those chosen to take part in the programme will be given their own space in the business hub at Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown – one of three business centres run by Unity – as well as access to other services offered by the three organisations.
Each participant will be required to attend up to eight workshops on topics including business structure, legal responsibilities, raising finance, market testing and the effective use of social media.
The business adviser will also assist with the preparation of bespoke business plans for each candidate setting out objectives, key quantifiable targets and financial projections.
Participants will then be invited to attend an interview with a panel of experts to discuss their business idea in-depth.
The candidate deemed to have most potential will receive the Unity Scholarship which includes a £1,000 grant to purchase IT kit or tools and a £250 payment every month for 12 months.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Unity stands out amongst housing associations in having employment, training and entrepreneurial services which allow us to offer numerous opportunities to directly transform life chances.
“The Steps to Business programme provides an exciting but challenging route for talented individuals to learn new skills, set up their own business and create economic opportunities in the local community through inclusive growth.
“We are particularly keen to reach out to people who may not have had the chances they deserve in life and, with the guidance and structure this initiative provides, will grasp the opportunity to show what they can do.
“I encourage people of all ages who believe they have what it takes to achieve business success to get in touch.”
Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, so each candidate will be mentored according to their individual needs.
“Steps to Business will offer an array of pre and post start-up advice and support to ambitious individuals with the enterprising spirit, the drive to start a business and the capability to make it a success.
“Following its launch with the first cohort later this spring, it is our intention to repeat the initiative every six months to give as many prospective entrepreneurs as possible the chance to fulfil their business potential.”
Cristine Wilson, iota Business founder, said: “We have more than 30 years of experience in helping fledging entrepreneurs and small enterprises start and market their businesses, empowering them to realise their dreams of self-reliance, creativity and financial independence.
“iota is proud to be playing our part in this exciting new venture.”
A spokesperson for The Apple Box Company said: “Amongst the services offered by The Apple Box Company, encouraging local entrepreneurship by helping new start-ups to manifest their dreams and assisting going concerns to achieve their goals and objectives is one of our main priorities.
“We look forward to making Steps to Business a resounding success.”
National Grid’s Lincoln site changes hands for more than £600k
BNP Paribas Real Estate has completed the sale of National Grid’s depot and former gasholder site in Lincoln to Hawksmount Properties for more than £600,000, but there are no immediate plans to change the site’s use.
The site of almost six acres on Clayton Road has development potential for a range of uses, subject to planning consent.
Alex Willis, Senior Associate Director, Development Consulting at BNP Paribas Real Estate said: “The sale of this significant site demonstrates the continued attraction of the National Grid property portfolio, as well as the strength of the Lincoln and wider East Midlands markets. Development sites in major towns and cities such as Lincoln are currently in high demand, particularly where amenities, transport links and a skilled local work force can be easily accessed.”
John Carter at Hawksmount Properties Limited said: “We will continue to operate the site as warehouse/storage accommodation for the foreseeable future, but will explore its potential for alternative uses in the longer term. We are currently looking for tenants for the two acres of open storage.”
Hawksmount Properties is an investment / development company specialising in properties which have challenging and complex land use and planning issues and the company is actively on the lookout for similar opportunities.
BNP Paribas Real Estate and Shakespeare Martineau acted for National Grid. Browne Jacobson acted for Hawksmount Properties Ltd.
Insolvencies jump almost 40% as firms feel the pinch, says Mazars
UK company insolvencies have jumped 39% in the last month, with 2,114 businesses entering insolvency in March 2022, up from 1,517 in February according to international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars.
The figures show that the first quarter of this year has seen the highest number of company insolvencies – 5,197 – in any quarter since Q3 2017.
Mazars says rises in interest rates have made businesses’ debts more expensive to service and is likely to have pushed some heavily indebted businesses into the red. Businesses have also had to deal with spiraling inflation, with energy costs rising by an average of 250%** in the first quarter of this year compared to the same quarter in 2021. These costs, combined with HMRC’s move to recover outstanding arrears from companies that failed to agree a Time to Pay arrangement (TTP), mean that companies are being left with few options.
Rebecca Dacre, Partner at Mazars says: “Businesses that were just hanging on before the recent interest rate rises have seen the rise in borrowing costs push them over the edge.
“Between interest rates and inflation, this is the most difficult period for businesses since the height of the pandemic. This time they are having to manage without Government support. UK businesses will be hit by the ‘cost of living crisis’, just as consumers will be.”
Mazars adds that the moratorium on winding up petitions ended on March 31. This prevented creditors from applying to make a business insolvent because of unpaid debts during the pandemic period. This end of this additional protection for struggling businesses is likely to lead to even more insolvencies in the coming months.
Rebecca adds: “With no more Government protection from their creditors, even more businesses can be expected to fail.”
“Insolvency practitioners are now busier than they have been in a very long time. There has long been talk of a ‘wave of insolvencies’ that would happen once the insolvency moratorium was lifted. We’re now starting to see it.”
*Insolvency Service statistics for March 2022
Council expresses interest in potential acquisition of RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council has submitted an expression of interest in the potential acquisition of RAF Scampton.
Councillors made the decision as the Ministry of Defence’s disposal strategy allows all public sector bodies the opportunity to express an interest in acquiring the site before assets are listed on the open market.
Cllr Anne Welburn, Chair of Corporate Policy and Resources Committee said: “We see that the successful redevelopment of the site of RAF Scampton could contribute significantly to the ‘Levelling Up’ of economic and social outcomes across West Lindsey, Lincolnshire and beyond.
“The importance of this site both in terms of heritage and social history cannot be overstated. It is hoped that by registering our interest in the site we can take a leading role in ensuring a positive outcome and we look forward to working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Ministry of Defence as we go forwards.
“As a District Council we are seeking to safeguard the future of RAF Scampton. This expression of interest will enable us to do this. It does not commit the Council to anything apart from helping us to ‘explore all options’ available.”
The closure of RAF Scampton was announced by the Ministry of Defence in 2018 as part of cost cutting measures.
Destination Lincolnshire launches business survey to support tourism and hospitality
Destination Lincolnshire has started an extensive research programme to accelerate recovery and growth across Greater Lincolnshire.
The organisation is urging businesses to support research to understand the best and most effective ways to support Lincolnshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses, and to grow and develop the regions visitor economy. It is vital that Destinations Lincolnshire’s work is informed by robust evidence, and the most important piece of this evidence base is feedback directly from businesses such as yours.
By completing the survey, you will help the organisation to understand the benefits, challenges, and opportunities tourism brings to your business, Lincolnshire and the surrounding areas and how we can work together to:
- Recover from the pandemic shaping Lincolnshire into a world class visitor destination.
- Create more value; get visitors to stay longer, explore further, and spend more.
- Reduce any negative impact from tourism on the area.
Egg producers fear supermarkets are squeezing them out of business
British free range and organic egg farmers are said to be considering a mass exodus from the industry after major supermarkets refused to help them cover spiralling feed and energy costs.
New data shows scores of farms are considering stopping production at the end of their current flock – a decision which could remove hundreds of millions of eggs from retail shelves every year.
Egg producers have been hit with huge hikes in production costs. Feeding hens is now 50% more expensive and energy prices have risen 40%. Spending on fuel has grown by 30%, while labour and packaging also costs more than it did six months ago.
But despite warnings and pleas for help from the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, the UK’s biggest supermarkets have yet to increase the price of free range and organic eggs to a level where many farms can break even.
BFREPA surveyed egg producers last week and found that 51% of farmers are seriously considering stopping production until the price they are paid improves. A further 18% said they will make their decisions at the end of their current flock. More than 70% said they would leave egg production within a year if a price rise wasn’t forthcoming.
Robert Gooch, CEO of BFREPA, said: “There are clear and obvious cost increases being heaped upon farmers, and retailers simply aren’t sufficiently adjusting the retail price. Any increases being made are too little and too slow. They are suffocating businesses.
“This is nothing more than supermarkets putting cheap food marketing tactics above the needs of the primary producer.
“We’ve asked every major retailer to increase the price of free range eggs by at least 40p per dozen – organic eggs need an increase closer to 80p per dozen. Only two retailers had the decency to acknowledge our request, and not one has done enough to meet the additional costs of producing eggs during this crisis.
“Many of my members are losing money on every egg laid, and our data shows that even those who are making a small profit do not see a long-term future. The appetite for eggs from the public is extraordinary, but I’m afraid we will see shortages of British free range and organic eggs on the shelves before long.”
BFREPA says it has asked Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, and Waitrose for help – without success – and that they are the only ones in the supply chain who can make a difference.
ABP to pump £32m into port equipment on the Humber
Associated British Ports is to invest £32m in port equipment in the Humber to maintain customer demand as part of a wider Group investment.
A five-year strategy is being rolled out which involves new cranes, the full refurbishment of existing cranes and investing in landside equipment. The plan has involved looking at the eco-friendliness of new plant and equipment ensuring that ABP continues to invest in environmentally friendly and sustainable equipment. The ongoing strategy in the Humber has been split between investment in mobile harbour cranes and hydraulic cranes – the first of which the Mantsinen 300M, the world’s largest hydraulic crane, is due at the port of Immingham late April. Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports said: “This significant investment shows the confidence we have to continue to grow and invest to ensure the Humber ports are future-proofed when it comes to the latest technology in cranes and cargo handling equipment. “Our strategy is about ensuring we have a versatile mix of cranes to cargo mix and that we can provide additional capacity to meet growing volumes of cargo. As a port operator we remain resilient and give our customers what they need, and they want to know what we have is reliable and efficient.” The Covid-19 pandemic delayed the rollout of the strategy, but now orders are being placed and equipment is arriving. The first delivery in December 2021 were four Konecranes Reach Stackers which run on hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) costing £1.6 million This will be followed by the Mantsinen 300m Hybrilift hydraulic crane plus various attachments costing nearly £3 million in spring. A team from the Port of Immingham consisting of operations and engineers visited the Mantsinen factory in Finland last month to check on its build progress. It also gave them an opportunity to test the new crane simulator and see how it handles. The incoming plant and machinery will replace older infrastructure, while existing cranes will undergo a million-pound major refurbishment. Those being refurbished include the Butterley cranes built in the1990s for the width of the locks in the ports of Immingham and Hull. It has not yet been decided what some of the future cranage and attachments will be, giving ABP time to engage with the port community and ensure cranes are fit for purpose. It will include mobile harbour cranes and material handlers, with some more Reach Stackers and forklifts being ordered. Bulks, break bulks and project cargo are all being catered for, to ensure offloading and delivery are covered. This includes a spend of £16m on maintenance capex on cargo handling landslide within Immingham Container Terminal (ICT) and Hull Container Terminal (HCT), and the stocking of spare parts as part of the port’s resilience.