< PreviousWest-Lindsey Council successfully awarded £10 million “Levelling Up” funding following Government announcement West Lindsey District Council has successfully been awarded £10 million from Central Government, as part of the “Levelling up” programme, it was announced in yesterday’s Comprehensive Spending Review. Earlier this year, the Council submitted a bid to be awarded a share of the £4.8 billion Central Government fund, in order to help fund exciting plans to create a “thriving Gainsborough 2024.” The national scheme was created to support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets. It is hoped that this funding can fund local Gainsborough projects including improving Whitton’s Gardens, creating a new park at the Baltic Mill, building a new cinema, refurbishing the bus station, bringing an extension to our heritage led regeneration, creating new homes in the town centre above shops, and improving the Market Place as the centre piece of town where people can enjoy outdoor dining, visit our traditional twice weekly street market and meet with friends and family. 10 Business Link www.blmforum.net NEWS Homebuilder staff in Lincolnshire think pink to raise awareness for breast cancer The team at Rippon Homes’ development in Navenby will be pretty in pink this Friday 22nd October, to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer Now. Rippon Homes – 093 – Sarah, Michelle and Tia (L-R) at Eleanor Gardens wearing pink PPE for Wear it Pink Day Colleagues at Eleanor Gardens development on The Headlands will be dressing to impress by switching out their usual hard hats and high visibility jackets for bright pink hats and vests to do their bit for the wear it pink campaign. Over £36 million has been raised by wear it pink supporters since it began in 2002. The charity helps fund vital research across the UK and Ireland to help find a cure for breast cancer at all stages. This year, campaigners hope to raise even more through businesses, schools and individuals wearing it pink. The Humber unites to lead the drive to net zero The Humber has come together to lead the global fight against climate change. The Waterline Summit 2021 – the biggest event of its kind in the North of England – successfully united businesses, public sector organisations, schools, colleges and communities in the drive to a net zero carbon economy. The five-day summit, organised by Marketing Humber as part of its The Waterline campaign, involved 100 speakers at 26 separate events, engaging tens of thousands of people. It covered a wide range of themes and topics to connect the whole region and illustrate that every sector has a part to play in combating the climate crisis. The summit was streamed to all seven continents, with participants coming from countries as far afield as Vietnam, Thailand and Greenland. 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:10 Page 5www.blmforum.net Business Link 11 NEWS Leeds-based brewery serves up expansion and new jobs following seven-figure funding package A Leeds brewery is expanding its production capacity and creating new jobs, after securing seven-figure support from HSBC UK. Northern Monk, based in Holbeck, has used the funding from HSBC UK to acquire a BrauKon 60HL Brew House, increasing the brewery’s production capacity by 280 per cent, amounting to an extra two million gallons of beer per year. The expansion will provide Northern Monk with the capacity to create up to 14 new jobs, in roles operating the new brew kit, as well as within the expanding business operations. The brewery will use its increased brewing capacity to aim to grow its volume of exports by 50% per cent over the next 12 months. The brewery’s growth will enable Northern Monk to service more pubs and bars across the UK, whilst maintaining a growing supply to major retail partners. Ultrafast broadband plans for Yorkshire’s most rural areas unveiled Thousands of residents and businesses across North Yorkshire will be kept up to speed on plans to provide them with ultrafast broadband connectivity, with the launch of a new online information hub. The new website, ‘Connected Yorkshire’, forms part of the development of the county’s digital infrastructure, which will see broadband specialist Quickline Communications installing OFCOM ultrafast internet access in North Yorkshire’s remotest locations. Visitors to www.connectedyorkshire.co.uk will find all the most up-to- date information on services available in their area, including when and where ultrafast broadband will be heading next, as well as an opportunity to register interest if their postcode is not yet listed. Quickline was appointed to deliver the Superfast North Yorkshire programme following a competitive tender which demonstrated value for money through its specialist technical solution. The £12.5m contract was awarded by the council and NYnet, the high-speed broadband connectivity provider set up by the County Council. York Gin gets keys to huge new distillery to keep up with demand York Gin has just got the keys to a huge new distillery, as demand for its gins rockets – even before the Christmas rush. The company is having to work seven days a week at its current distillery in Acaster Malbis to keep up with rocketing demand for its range of six gins. York Gin uses traditional methods to make its gins in a 300-litre copper still. The new site on Great North Way in Poppleton, within Evans Property Group’s Quad development at York Business Park, will have space to multiply production. Says Master Distiller Harry Cooke: “It really is a case of us outgrowing our original distillery. Our shop in the centre of York is selling more than ever. Local bars, restaurants and pubs are selling our gins in record quantities. And we have orders coming in from all over the country. 06-11.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:10 Page 612 Business Link www.blmforum.net BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Q&A Tell us a little bit about your role and the Resource Efficiency programme? My role is to work with small-to-medium-sized businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to help them understand the resources they are consuming, and to identify opportunities where they can save money. Businesses receive an on-site audit of their operations and a comprehensive report, which includes a review of energy and utility bills, that highlights where they should invest their time and money to both save the planet and grow their business. What can the Resource Efficiency programme offer to businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland? The programme comes with one-to-one support, including advice on not only where to invest, but when. There’s a lot of information regarding net zero and the green agenda out there and it can be overwhelming for businesses. I can break down what businesses need to know to become more eco- friendly, as well as help them to understand the short and long-term benefits that going green can have on their business - some changes are simple and immediate, others may require more investment initially but will pay off in the long run. After COVID- Q&A BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE We spoke to David Knight, Resource Efficiency Adviser for Business Lincolnshire, about how businesses can save money while doing their bit to protect the environment. 19, money is tight for many SMEs, so I can also ensure they get the best value for money when making these changes. I can guide them through the process of becoming more environmentally friendly, as well as help them to plan for the future. What do businesses need to know about the green agenda? The science shows that humans are causing climate change, which is why it is vital that we all think of the impact we are having on the environment. From large to small organisations, we can make a difference. The net zero by 2050 target is set by the government, and by 2035 the UK hopes to have slashed 78% of its emissions (compared to 1990 levels). Another target that businesses need to consider is that by 2030, diesel cars will no longer be manufactured, and by 2035, neither will hybrids, so if your organisation has a fleet, you will really need to think about how these targets will impact your business. The MEEs (minimum energy efficiency standard) regulation is another consideration for businesses that own or lease property, as non- domestic rented properties will need to have a minimum energy rating of B by 2030 or face charges. Being environmentally conscious will soon become 12-13.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:16 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 13 BUSINESS LINCOLNSHIRE Q&A a requirement for all businesses, and research shows that consumers are also taking climate change seriously. More and more shoppers are opting for brands and organisations with green credentials, whether that means supporting sustainable initiatives or wasting less. Demonstrating that you’re taking climate change seriously and taking steps to minimise your impact on the environment is crucial, and will only become more important for any business hoping to operate both locally and internationally. By taking action now, businesses can save themselves time and money in the future. Why is it important for businesses, and the economy as a whole, to reach net zero? We’ve already started to see the impact of climate change – from the heatwaves in the US and Europe, to the wildfires in Australia and the recent flooding we’ve experienced in the UK. These events are only going to become more common, but for businesses, they can also affect their resilience due to their impact on supply chains – especially if you work in industries such as food production, farming or tourism. By working towards reducing your carbon emissions, you can protect your business’s future as well as the planet - but the time to act is now. Find out more at www.businesslincolnshire.com. @businesslincolnshire @BusinessLincs @Businesslincolnshire David Knight, Resource Efficiency Adviser for Business Lincolnshire For more information or to see how Business Lincolnshire can help your company, visit www.businesslincolnshire.com or call 01522 782067 12-13.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:16 Page 214 Business Link www.blmforum.net COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Resurgence and rejuvenation Commercial property remains one of the most resilient industries in the UK, and the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire regions are in the perfect position to benefit. 14-17.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:17 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 15 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY 17 Á Y ou’d be forgiven for thinking there hadn’t been a pandemic given the spate of property deals taking place across the region. As the country struggles in the grip of a logistics crisis and a lack of housing, the property sector stands to benefit from both. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are prime locations in the midlands, straddling the spine of the country with numerous ports and harbours, all of which make us a prime spot for logistical development. Knight Frank’s report, Industrial Future Gazing, revealed that E-commerce growth could create 12 million sq ft of last mile logistics space requirements by 2025. Research also showed that E- commerce would account for 30 per cent of retail sales by 2025, fuelling last-mile urban logistics space requirements equivalent to 16 Wembley stadiums. Leeds beat off strong competition from the Amber Valley, Newcastle and Manchester to emerge as the regional urban logistics investment hotspot. Leeds heads the highest total investment returns forecast table outside London, with 22.3 per cent, followed by Amber Valley (21.3 per cent); Newcastle (21.1 per cent) and Manchester (20.6 per cent). Wakefield comes a respectable 10th in this table, with investment returns of 19.4 per cent. Henrie Westlake, partner and head of investment at Knight Frank in Leeds, commented: “The urban logistics market has attracted strong investor interest, particularly over the past 18-months, and Leeds is at the forefront of this interest, thanks to its superb motorway network, the availability of labour, strong rental and land value growth and lack of stock.” 14-17.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:17 Page 2Armstrong house Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 • Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Superb Location - - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre Secure off street parking High speed internet availability Easy in/out terms A range of affordable office sizes 3 3 3 3 3 Last remaining office suites Prime location in Grimsby Offering a prime position in Grimsby, Armstrong House on Armstrong Street is ideally located. Close to the ports of Grimsby and Immingham, motorway links and the town centre, off-street parking is also available for all staff and visitors, meaning it’s convenient too. Our spacious, welcoming offices are located on the ground floor and are both secure and CCTV-monitored, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. At Armstrong House, the flexible in/out terms of contract mean confidence when it comes to affordability and with a range of office sizes there are opportunities for all types of business. If you require virtual office services, prices start from just £15 per month. For more information, or to discuss your office requirements call 01472 310301. 14-17.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:17 Page 3www.blmforum.net Business Link 17 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY It’s not just logistics and warehouses that are scoring across the region, however. There have been a spate of new builds approved in recent months. Muse Developments has received full planning consent for One City Park, a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ 56,403 sq ft office building in the heart of Bradford city centre. The development will transform the former police HQ site, addressing a shortage in high-quality office space in Bradford city centre. The development will create more than 300 jobs throughout construction, with a further 450 jobs based in the new building once complete. One City Park is a key part of the council’s wider regeneration of the city, with major ongoing investment into transport and infrastructure as part of the £50m Transforming Cities public realm enhancement programme. Meanwhile in Hull, new plans to see Albion Square development include a large urban woodland. The transformational Albion Square development is set to include a large urban park as part of new plans that will be submitted to Hull City Council’s planning committee later this year. The new design features a mixture of residential, office and retail space, as well as the large urban park and additional eco-friendly elements. Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “The Albion Square development is a transformational project for Hull, in the heart of our city centre. These new plans will create a city centre oasis, a place where people will be keen to live, work, relax and socialise. There is a huge demand for premium city centre residential property, as we’ve seen with the success of projects like the Fruit Market on the marina, so this mixture of first-class residential property and office space is the ideal option for Albion Square.” The theme of regeneration and improvement is one gripping the heart of many cities – as they seek to take what exists but may be ugly and turn it into something desirable. Nowhere is that more espoused than in Scarborough, where a building once voted Scarborough’s ugliest will be completely transformed after the borough council’s cabinet gave the green light for a plan to transform the town’s station gateway. The approval allows the council to proceed with the purchase of Pavilion House, opposite the railway station, so it can be refurbished and turned into high-quality office accommodation. The purchase is one part of a wider flagship regeneration project for the area around the station which could unlock £50 million of investment in the borough. 14-17.qxp_Layout 1 02/11/2021 15:18 Page 418 Business Link www.blmforum.net MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT factory floor Fortifying the Fortifying the 18-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 09:02 Page 1www.blmforum.net Business Link 19 MANUFACTURING SPOTLIGHT Manufacturers are stuck between a rock and a hard place, experiencing high demand alongside supply chain challenges that leave them struggling to keep up with orders. Despite this, UK manufacturing total order books have improved to their highest since 1977. The headline finding comes from the September CBI Industrial Trends Survey of 273 manufacturing firms and follows the strong results observed in August. While this is clearly cause for celebration, the industry has seen a continuing slowdown in output growth. Although there was a slight pick up in stock adequacy, it remained considerably below average and close to the previous month’s record low. There is hope on the horizon, however, with expectations for Despite rising order books, manufacturers are beset by supply chain issues and cost pressures. However, smart technologies can help streamline operations and ease the burden. 20 Á © Shutterstock /PopT ika 18-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/11/2021 09:02 Page 2Next >