The Nu-Tech Engineering & Technology Solutions Exhibition is coming to South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in collaboration with the Nuclear AMRC.
The event, on May 25th this year, will bring together engineers, technologists, scientists and other key representatives from companies across the Park to meet exhibiting suppliers, see product demonstrations, discuss practical problem-solving, and find potential engineering and technology solutions through networking and supplier engagement.
Partnering with the Nuclear AMRC and University of Sheffield AMRC, the exhibition will create a forum for the promotion of technology transfer and innovation, while also allowing for the valuable sharing of best practice between multiple industry sectors.
£250,000 digital transformation investment pays off as Conservatory Outlet back on track with production
Investing in a major digital transformation programme has helped one of the UK’s leading fabricators of windows, doors, home extensions and conservatory products to bounce back from global supply chain disruption and rising energy prices.
Wakefield-based Conservatory Outlet, which supplies a 27-strong network of home improvement retailers across England and Scotland, is now back at 98.5% on time in full (OTIF) for the last four weeks and is aiming to build on this even further over the next six months.
The company has had to manage increased lead times for material and unprecedented demand from customers, who have been benefitting from the massive surge in spending on homes and domestic office spaces.
At the heart of the approach has been a £250,000 investment in creating a live tracking system in the factory, meaning that everyone in the business has real-time information on where a product is in the manufacturing process, starting from initial order right through to dispatch.
Led by Group Head of IT Craig Schmidt, the digital transformation has also given it critical information on improved order planning, material utilisation and predictive maintenance on machines, reducing downtime in the process.
“The whole team has worked tirelessly over the last six months to get production back to what we saw prior to Covid-19 with a stable supply chain and full control of the factory,” commented Michael Giscombe, Managing Director of Conservatory Outlet.
“This has basically translated into lead times being brought back into what customers would normally expect, despite volumes increasing by 20% since March 2019.”
He continued: “We had been looking at introducing more digitalisation to the shopfloor, but the pandemic accelerated how quickly we did this, and the live tracking manufacturing system has been a real gamechanger for the business, delivering efficiencies we didn’t deem possible six months ago.
“Craig and his IT team have opened our eyes now and this will be the first of many steps along our digital transformation journey.”
Whilst technology is playing an increasing role in production, Conservatory Outlet continues to be committed to developing its workforce and recruiting the talent of the future.
The company, which recently achieved Investors in People for the first time, is putting all the office team through an intensive product training programme to allow them to better respond to any customer service or product related issues.
A new training academy for attracting and developing future sales talent is also set to be launched shortly and will be rolled out across its network of retailers.
Michael concluded: “There are so many fabricators out there worrying about the ‘next big thing’ that sometimes they forget the basics. It’s been a tough challenge over the past two years, but we can confidently say we have quality and reliability nailed on for our customers and we’re back to pre-pandemic levels of service, consistently.
“A big thank you to our clients who have been patient during the initial disruption and worked with us to collectively get the right result for our sector.”
Social Change UK certifies as a B Corporation
Social Change UK has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.
The B Corp certification addresses the entirety of a business’s operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency.
Social Change UK scored 109. Most businesses score between 40 and 100, with 80 points required to become certified. A score of over 100 is considered outstanding. The Lincoln-based agency is now part of a community of 4,600 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps.
The B Corp community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of industries and sizes, comprises over 600 companies and include well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop, and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole. Social Change UK is only the SECOND business in Lincolnshire to certify as a B Corp and one of only 14 businesses in the East Midlands certified.
Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Social Change UK to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that Social Change UK are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”
He continued: “We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community – from start-ups to multinationals and across many different industries. Welcoming Social Change UK is an exciting moment because they have an opportunity to lead the way within the marketing and research industry.
“We and the rest of the B Corp community are really pleased to support Social Change UK in paving the way for a new way of doing things. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and the planet as it is about profit.”
Kelly Evans, Chief Executive of Social Change UK, said: “We are thrilled to certify as a B Corp and join a community of businesses who we greatly admire and respect for pursuing purpose and putting people and the planet ahead of profit. The values and ethos of B Corp have always been at the core of our business since it was founded back in 2010. In our heart we have always been a B Corp – but I wanted to officially certify to prove that we are true to our word and we will always pursue purpose before profit.”
Social Change UK is behind several successful social purpose driven campaigns in recent years. The agency scooped a prestigious Drum Social Purpose Award for their “Jiggle, Wiggle” sexual health campaign beating Dove, WWF, Mastercard, and the British Red Cross to the accolade back in 2019. Only a year later they were shortlisted for another Drum Social Purpose award for a breastfeeding campaign. The company has gone from strength to strength over the last three years becoming a leading behaviour change agency in the UK.
Council funds Chamber of Commerce to support York businesses
City of York Council has provided £20,000 of funding to the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce to undertake a programme of York business support activity.
The funding comes from a £40,000 allocation made by the council as part of its 2021 to 2022 Budget to promote the benefits of business membership organisations working in York, and aid businesses’ recovery from the pandemic.
West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce will provide subsidised membership to York businesses, with the council’s funding covering 75% of the costs of the Chamber’s membership subscription for new members with less than 50 employees. This offer is only open to businesses who have not been a Chamber member within the previous 12 months. Businesses interested in accessing the subsidised membership offer can get in touch with the Chamber via info@wnychamber.co.uk.
In addition, the Chamber will undertake research and engagement with a number of important sectors in York to improve the council’s understanding of:
- businesses’ workforce development and recruitment needs
- office space requirements
- the impact of technological change on the economy
- new international trade opportunities following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union
Council allocates £210k to boost York’s COVID-19 economic recovery
York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Make it York and York BID are set to receive funding to deliver a range of initiatives to improve York’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
To date City of York Council has received a total of £7,789,802 of funding from Central Government under the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme to support businesses severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
With £7,514,691 already spent on various initiatives to strengthen York’s economy, including £6,671,401 paid directly to local businesses as grant support, the council is keen to utilise the remaining funding to deliver additional business support activity in York.
City of York Council will provide £120k of funding to York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub to deliver a wide-ranging programme of business support to assist businesses with their recovery from the pandemic, and to aid their resilience.
A further £90k has been allocated evenly between Make it York and York BID to support the delivery of local projects designed to improve city centre footfall and boost trade. Both organisations play a key role in supporting a vibrant city centre and have been adversely affected by the pandemic. This funding will enable both organisations to deliver an exciting range of initiatives over 2022/23 that will boost the city centre’s economic recovery.
Andrew Raby, manager of the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, said: “There will be a range of support offers thanks to this funding which will make a real difference to small and medium sized businesses in the city.
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with City of York Council to take this opportunity forward. The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub is an experienced team, providing free and impartial business support, which is tailored around the needs of our region and this funding allows us to significantly increase that support. ”
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director, Make It York, said: “Make it York are pleased to receive the ARG funding which will help support an Art Trail in York later this year. We will be working with partners to develop the trail and will unveil the plans over the coming months. This is a really exciting project and will be lots of fun for everyone.”
Andrew Lowson, executive director, The York BID, said: “The York BID is pleased that it can support City of York Council by using government ARG money to help the recovery of the city centre post COVID. We have done this successfully in the past with our outdoor seating projects and we will ensure this funding is specifically used on projects this year to encourage footfall and benefit trade for our businesses.”
Cllr Andrew Waller, the council’s Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “The ARG scheme has been a lifeline to local small businesses. The council has decided to allocate the last of the ARG funding to our partners – York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Make it York and York BID – who will deliver a wide range of support for additional business activities around the city.
“We hope that this provides a welcomed boost to York businesses, whether that is through targeted programmes of business support or initiatives designed to increase footfall in the city centre and help businesses to flourish.
“Previously, the ARG scheme funded the council’s very successful Business Growth Voucher Scheme that funded 434 projects to take place in York, connecting businesses wanting support with local providers of business support. In addition, the council also made direct payments to 116 businesses across York to provide them with financial aid during the rise of the omicron variant.”
Trio of industrial units sold in £10m deal
Three prime industrial units at Waterside Business Park in Stourton, near Leeds, that are let to three separate tenants, have been sold in a £9.965m deal.
The sale was negotiated by the investment team at Leeds property consultancy, Gent Visick (GV), acting on behalf of Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), the property investment, development, hotel and car parking company. GV also acted on behalf of TCS when the company acquired the three units in 2015 for £4.48m.
The units have been acquired by Clearbell, the privately-owned real estate fund management and advisory business. Clearbell was advised by DTRE and the acquisition reflects a net initial yield of 4.49%.
The three detached buildings all comprise steel portal framed warehouse units with ancillary two storey office areas. Unit 2 covers 19,629 sq ft and is occupied by parcel distribution firm, SW Group Logistics. Unit 3 measures 24,597 sq ft and is let to vehicle rescue and recovery specialist, DH Mansfield Ltd. At 32,933 sq ft, unit 6 is the largest unit and is a food grade facility occupied by Elleron Consulting Limited.
Garry Howes, director of investment at GV, said: “This was a rare chance to acquire a prime, multi-let industrial estate in an established and popular industrial location and the level of interest from investors was extremely high.
“This is a particularly good result for our client given that the asset has more than doubled in price since we led the acquisition of the site seven years ago on behalf of TCS. This reinforces the current strength of the industrial investment market and the amount of capital that is ready to be deployed for high quality opportunities in good locations.”
Lincolnshire homebuilder secures five stars for record 13th year
Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands has received the maximum Five Star rating in the new Home Builders Federation (HBF) annual New Homes Customer Satisfaction Survey.
A computer-generated image of David Wilson Homes’ The Willows development in Bourne
The number of stars awarded is based on customer responses to the question: “Would you recommend your builder to a friend?”. Over 90% of Barratt and David Wilson Homes customers said they would recommend the housebuilder to a friend.
This is the 13th year in a row that Barratt and David Wilson Homes has achieved the Five Star rating – a record unmatched by any other major national housebuilder.
Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: “To achieve a Five Star rating whereby over 90% of Barratt and David Wilson Homes customers would recommend them to a friend demonstrates the commitment of the company to its customers and is a significant achievement.”
To celebrate its latest Five Star award, Barratt Developments is donating £100,000 to Starlight, a charity which provides distraction and boxes filled with sensory toys and games to hospitals around the UK to use the power of play to make the experience of illness better for children.
Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, says: “Thank you so much to Barratt Developments for choosing Starlight for such a significant donation. Their generosity will help us to provide time, space and even more opportunities for play in hospital for seriously ill children across the UK. Thanks to Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, we will be protecting play with important resources like Distraction Boxes, Boost Boxes and sensory trolleys.”
Mark Cotes, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “We are very proud to have been rated by our customers as a Five Star housebuilder for a record 13 years in a row.
“We focus on looking after customers by building high quality homes using sustainable methods and materials, so it is always great to hear back from them saying how much they value this, and rate us so highly.”
The HBF New Homes Survey is one of the largest surveys of its type in the country and is completed by nearly 50,000 people who have recently bought a new build home. The star rating system was developed to show customers which housebuilders have the most satisfied customers.
More than 200 staff celebrate 4,000 years of collective service to Willerby
Holiday homes market leader Willerby is celebrating the incredible loyalty of its workforce as more than 200 staff have clocked up 10 years’ service or more.
Almost a fifth of Hull-based Willerby’s 1,100-strong workforce have received recognition for their loyalty and commitment to the business, ranging from 10 years to more than four decades of service.
The employees’ combined milestones add up to an astonishing total of more than 4,000 years of collective dedication to Willerby.
The number of long serving employees reflects the family culture which is one of the greatest strengths of the Hull-based business. As well as having so many employees with decades of history with the company, family connections are common, creating a togetherness in the workforce that is a hallmark of the business.
During a series of long-serving awards ceremonies, Willerby CEO Peter Munk congratulated and thanked the long servers for their admirable dedication.
He said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to have so many staff with such a wealth of experience in the business.
“However, it’s equally wonderful to have great new talent coming through and seeing our experienced colleagues passing on their skills and knowledge to the younger generation.”
The longest-serving staff member, prototype joiner Ian Wilson, has clocked up almost 44 years’ service after starting his Willerby career as a 16-year-old apprentice.
Ian, 59, said: “Willerby is a great company to work for and I love the diversity of the job. I work with good people and it’s nice to be recognised for long service alongside so many other colleagues.”
The long servers recognised by Willerby also include sales administration lead Kerry Anderson and her father Terry Anderson, an aftersales coordinator. Kerry has notched up 19 years’ service in two spells at the company while Terry has achieved 16 years.
Kerry, 35, said: “I like working at Willerby because we’re a family and it’s nice to achieve this milestone alongside my dad. I hope to stay here for many more years to come. Willerby is a good company to work for and I feel valued.”
A total of 86 employees have reached 10 years’ service; 40 have achieved 15 years; 51 are celebrating 20 years; 22 are marking 25 years; 25 have clocked up 30 years; and eight have remained with the company for 35 years. Ian is the only colleague to achieve more than 40 years’ service to date.
Leeds-based Krone provides versatile trailers for cool freight expansion
Dual temperature trailers are providing the versatility an air freight specialist needs for its £5.5 million expansion into port logistics.
Perishable Movements Ltd (PML) has specialised in moving perishable goods from Heathrow Airport since 2003. Last year the company invested £5.5m in a depot at Lympne in Kent to do the same for goods from Dover. PML ships perishable goods from Dover to a temperature-controlled warehouse, from which the company distributes them for last mile delivery. PML initially used sub-contractors for port freight but has acquired five Krone Cool Liner refrigerated trailers as it moves the work in house.
Martin Kopicki, Transport Manager for PML, said: “Our owners recognised that the new red tape from Brexit would create opportunities for freight specialists like us. We have decades of experience in air freight, so it made sense for us to offer the same high level of service for port logistics. Having the right trailers is therefore vital to our business model.”
Krone Cool Liners use a continuous chassis design which absorbs force during coupling, uncoupling, and docking. The tail is protected by a fender and two bumpers, while the rear door hinges are recessed to optimise the opening angle. Other features include a flexible, ceiling-mounted air duct to evenly distribute cold air, as well as a leak-proof floor tray and water-tight aluminium kick strip.
“We are running some single temperature trailers from Heathrow, as the loads are typically one product such as blueberries or blackberries,” added Martin. “We needed more flexibility for our port operations, and the Krone dual temperature trailers enable us to split loads, optimising our efficiency. The drivers like them because they are not as heavy as other trailers, which they prefer for return journeys, and the Krone trailers are also very easy to use.”
PML has an O-licence for up to 20 HGVs at Lympne and is currently taking delivery of 18 Iveco tractor units to run with its growing trailer fleet. The company took the Krone Cool Liners on contract hire from commercial trailer specialist Hireco. “Lympne represents a new venture for us and it is a growing entity,” said Martin. “Working with Hireco gives us the flexibility to scale up as we grow in line with demand.”
Tax firm predicts surge in liquidations as Covid protection measures come to an end
Compulsory liquidations of struggling UK businesses have surged 76% from 139 to 245 in the last three months, says international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars.
The company says even more liquidations are expected in the next three months as the last temporary Government measure to protect companies from insolvency during the pandemic expires tomorrow.
Creditors owed £750 or more will now be able to submit winding-up petitions against businesses – previously companies had to owe £10,000 or more to be liable for winding up by creditors.
Michael Pallott, Partner at Mazars, says many firms have been struggling with the impact of interest rate rises, inflation and supply chain issues, driving up the number of businesses going insolvent.
The decision not to extend the remaining pandemic insolvency measures means that the insolvency regime for England & Wales will return to its pre-pandemic system. Measures the Government adopted to help shield struggling businesses from insolvency included:
- Additional hurdles to issue winding up petitions
- A ban on commercial landlord evictions
- Restrictions on exercising commercial rent arrears recovery
