Steel fabricator to cease trading with all jobs lost

Tess Egginton
-
0
Steel fabricator to cease trading with all jobs lost

A Sherburn-in-Elmet-based business which designed, manufactured and installed complex steel structures is set to cease trading with the loss of all jobs.

Andrew Mackenzie and Louise Longley of Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of SH Structures Limited on 4 April 2024.

SH Structures suffered from losses on various contracts and a gap in production scheduling due to projects being delayed.

Despite the multi-award winning company’s reputation, it has not proved possible to find a purchaser for the business. SH Structures will cease trading with the loss of all jobs.

The business was established over 30 years ago and employed approximately 70 staff.

Begbies Traynor is managing an orderly wind down of the business and seeking the best return for creditors.

Specialist PPC marketing agency doubles space at Leeds office building

Tess Egginton
-
0
Specialist PPC marketing agency doubles space at Leeds office building
Specialist PPC marketing agency Circus PPC has doubled its space at Tailors Corner, the central Leeds building which was originally the home of Hepworth Tailors. Circus now occupies 3,600 sq ft in the 25,000 sq ft building, which features flexible Grade A office space. Tailors Corner, formerly known as Wellington Park House, was bought by property developers Boultbee Brooks in 2018. It is situated on the corner of Wellington Street and Thirsk Row. Victoria Harris of global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who are marketing Tailors Corner, said: “Tailors Corner has led the way in terms of providing prime office space which has found the perfect balance between creative and corporate, creating an environment that appealed to the market and corporate occupiers at the beginning of the flight to quality movement. “This movement aims to bring staff back to a new office environment they will enjoy working in, which will help attraction and retention. The roof terrace is a perfect example of added building amenities that play a key role in occupier considerations and its design and style has set a new standard of expectation within Leeds. “This new deal, which sees Circus PPC doubling its space within Tailors Corners, is a resounding endorsement of Boultbee Brooks’ substantial investment in this very special building.” Rick Tobin, Managing Director of Circus PPC, said: “Since we moved into Tailors Corner back in 2022, we’ve seen huge growth in the agency, but we love the office building for its fantastic facilities, working spaces, and location. “We’re in a prime position in Leeds city centre that we know our team love, and has helped us to recruit further, so taking over a larger space just a couple of floors down made total sense. “We’re looking forward to putting our stamp on the new office and creating another exciting space that we love to work from and that can assist in facilitating further agency growth ambitions.” The suite within Tailors Corner that Circus PPC relocated from is already under offer.

Yorkshire law firm hires senior employment and HR solicitor

Tess Egginton
-
0
Yorkshire law firm hires senior employment and HR solicitor

Law firm Gordons has appointed a senior lawyer within its employment and HR practice.

Mike Patterson joins from law firm Berwins where he worked for almost 12 years as head of employment. He has particular expertise in advising clients within the food manufacturing, digital and technology and professional services sectors.

With almost 20 years’ experience in employment law, Mike has also worked inhouse for the Department of Health and food manufacturer Northern Foods plc which is now 2 Sisters Food Group.

He advises on all aspects of employment and HR issues, regularly represents clients at employment tribunals and provides bespoke training sessions.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said: “Gordons’ employment and HR team is highly regarded and has a well-established client base in sectors that I have a great deal of experience in.

“It’s also a firm known for having personable lawyers who are straightforward to deal with and that give practical commercial advice. I share those same values, so I am looking forward to further growing the employment and HR practice with likeminded colleagues.”

Gordons’ employment and HR clients include retailers AO, Wren Kitchens and Ocado Retail alongside temperature controlled food distribution business Reed Boardall and motor retailer JCT600.

Welcoming Mike to the firm, Gordons managing partner, Victoria Davey, said: “Mike is a great hire for Gordons due to his sector experience, professional capability and approachable personality.

“We have a strong employment and HR service offer and have every confidence that Mike will play a pivotal role in its continued expansion.”

Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford and employs 170 people.

James Reckitt Properties sells nine new homes to city council

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
James Reckitt Properties sells nine new homes to city council
Hull City Council is to buy nine brand new homes from James Reckitt Properties Limited at its Brambles Development in east Hull, which will be for rent from the council. The council will fund the acquisition via the Housing Revenue Account, the Council’s Landlord Service,  and grant from Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing said: “We have an acute shortage of affordable housing in relation to current demand. We have 1,400 people who have been awarded urgent priority status for rehousing, which is twice the number of people as in 2020, yet only 1,400 homes became available to let in the last 12 months. “The acquisition of more homes should help ease the pressure.  Hull City Council gives preference to its existing tenants for new build houses, giving those with good tenancy histories a better chance of securing a new home.  This in turn frees up other council properties for those who need them.” Hull is said to be currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for affordable housing. The latest Local Needs Assessment identified a net need for 242 affordable homes to be built every year until 2039.  General house building and affordable housing developed as part of that is unlikely to deliver sufficient affordable homes on its own, therefore turn-key opportunities such as at the Brambles are important additions to the council’s housing stock.

Clare’s team supports 40 West Lindsey businesses with wide-ranging advice

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Clare’s team supports 40 West Lindsey businesses with wide-ranging advice
West Lindsey District Council has been offering fully funded one-to-one support to more than 40 businesses in its area for a year, made possible thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Council commissioned Clare Bailey, Founder of the Retail Champion, and her dedicated team to support business on a range of topics including marketing, graphic design, social media, book keeping and accounts, finance and business improvement and wellbeing. Businesses supported so far include bed and breakfasts, an outdoor adventure park, a distillery, and an arts centre. Clare Bailey said: “I’ve had the pleasure of taking the first call from a whole host of different businesses across West Lindsey. I always complete the introduction and initial diagnostic, agreeing priorities / focus areas and introducing the right members of the team to complete the delivery for the client. “In some cases, I complete part of the work myself, in many cases the client will get to meet 3 or 4 members of the team, each with their own unique expertise and skills, who can support them in a diverse range of business areas.” Book Keeping and Accounts Specialist Catherine Smith is working with a distillery and a new performance arts centre to help them manage their ongoing accounting needs. She said: “From start-ups needing guidance to keep paperwork in line and deadlines met, to advising the best practises to making your money work for you. Sometimes all that’s needed is a friendly face that tells you ‘everything is OK’, we just need to tweak this particular area and we have got it. “Accountancy can be overwhelming when you’re starting out and is often the first thing people put on the back-burner, I aim to make it less of a burden and a panic, meaning the clients can focus their energy on growing the business.” Kim Hulse – Marketing and ecommerce expert has been supporting business owners of bed and breakfasts with brand positioning and marketing messages. She has been helping them showcase not just what they have to offer, but the attractiveness of the local area too.  She said: “The strategies developed have helped those with great programmes for local residents and visitors to enjoy, reposition how they present themselves on their websites and on social media. “I have worked with a number of retail businesses too on sales and marketing strategies, focused on generating online sales. Other service-based businesses now have customer profiles and a marketing plan to reach more customers. Overall, it’s been about helping businesses understand their marketing objectives, their customers and their key marketing messages and helping these businesses to communicate these messages effectively.” Social Media Specialist Frances Brown has helped businesses explore effective social media strategies to reach new audiences. She said: “Working with West Lindsey based small businesses has allowed me to support so many people with social media – an area which is often overwhelming to business owners. We go into more detail than just what does this button on Instagram do exploring  what holds them back from being visible and into how to tap into the psychology of the audience to create content that will stop them in their tracks rather than continue to scroll.”

Access to finance gets harder for SMEs, says BCC

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Access to finance gets harder for SMEs, says BCC
Getting finance is becoming more difficult for a large number of SMEs, according to new data from the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit. About half of business surveyed who accessed finance felt that getting funding had become more challenging over the past three years.  Only 13% said it was getting easier. The BCC’s latest survey of business conditions also reveals that three-quarters of the 553 firms surveyed – mainly SMEs – have not accessed finance from an external provider in the past twelve months. As businesses continue to struggle with a series of economic headwinds, half of respondents who sought finance said cash flow was the main reason. Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the BCC said: “As SMEs across the UK continue to deal with ongoing economic pressures, accessing crucial finance is really tough. For many SMEs it’s a hurdle too large to even try and tackle. “In evidence to the Treasury Select Committee last September, we called for urgent action to help SMEs seeking finance. We need to see measures to improve accessibility to finance, better awareness of alternative funding options, and greater competition in banking options. “Scaling up businesses in the UK is already challenging. The problems are multiplied for female or minority ethnic led firms. Many business owners are forced to dip into their own savings to grow their companies. “SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy. Giving firms easier and more competitive access to finance is crucial to getting the economic growth we all want to see.”

New rules mean special treatment for pregnant mums and new parents when redundancy looms

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
New rules mean special treatment for pregnant mums and new parents when redundancy looms
Pregnant women and new parents will now receive special treatment in a redundancy situation, as a suite of new laws are introduced at the weekend. New laws will protect workers by strengthening existing redundancy protections to cover pregnancy and a period of time after parents return to work. The Government-backed package of Acts will also boost support to vulnerable workers offering greater flexibility and confidence to workers and businesses – to help galvanise productivity, help grow the economy and tackle inactivity. Families today receive new employment protections, including redundancy protections for pregnant women and new parents and a new leave entitlement for unpaid carers. In addition, there will be new flexible paternity leave and pay for parents of babies due on or after 6 April. Against a backdrop of skills and labour shortages, these measures will help businesses to attract and retain talented staff. The measures also support groups more likely to fall out of the workforce, such as parents and disabled people, enabling them to thrive in the workplace. This comes alongside measures to make work pay – cutting taxes by £900 a year for the average worker, increasing the National Living Wage from £10.42 an hour to £11.44, and introducing free childcare for working parents, worth £6,900 a year. Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “Whether you’re a new parent trying to juggle work commitments with a newborn or a pregnant woman balancing the pressures of work and life, or looking after a disabled or elderly family member while working, these new laws will give families greater security and flexibility. “From childcare commitments to hospital appointments, the measures coming in today means more flexibility over where and when you work,   supporting workers across the UK. “These measures are good business sense too, helping firms to attract more talent, increase retention and improve workforce diversity.

Protecting and enhancing workers’ rights whilst supporting businesses to grow remains a priority for this government and a dynamic labour helps to drive up wages, employment and economic growth.”

This runs alongside new laws that give workers across Britain more flexibility over where and when they work, unless there are business reasons not to, as the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act comes into force. This means employees now have the right to request reasonable flexible working from their first day of employment, with those requests subject to business approval, and delivers on a 2019 Manifesto commitment to encourage flexible working. In addition, new measures require employers to consult with their employee before rejecting a request for flexible working. The employee will have the right to two requests a year – with employers needing to respond within two months, down from three.

Topping out ceremony marks major milestone for Sheffield’s West Bar development

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Topping out ceremony marks major milestone for Sheffield’s West Bar development
The first phase involved in created the 100,000 sq ft Grade A office building at Sheffield’s West Bar and two residential towers with 368 build-to-rent apartments have reached the topping out, with just months to go for practical completion. Two public realm spaces, West Bar Square in the heart of the commercial area and Soho Yard serving the residential BTR apartments, are also due to complete soon. Senior officials from Sheffield City Council, Urbo (West Bar) Ltd, and Legal and General,  are all stakeholders in the significant regeneration project, attended the ceremony to celebrate the occasion. Bowmer + Kirkland, principal contractor for the scheme, showcased progress on site from the top of the office building, No.1 West Bar Square, which acts as an impressive gateway for the site.  It also presented the significant social, local, and economic impact achieved to date.  This represents £14.9 million of value to the local economy with 57% of jobs created locally within a 30-mile radius, 288 apprentice weeks and the overall sustainability of construction demonstrated with 99.5% of waste diverted from landfill. West Bar represents the long-awaited redevelopment of a prominent seven-acre brownfield site on the Inner Ring Road between Sheffield’s Kelham Island, Cathedral and Castlegate Quarters.  It is to comprise one million sq ft of mixed-use space including over 500,000 sq ft of office accommodation with amenities, public realm and hundreds of apartments and the project expects to create up to 8,000 new jobs when completed. After many years in planning, the first phase was able to commence following a ground-breaking deal to secure £150 million funding from Legal & General.  This agreement represents the largest single city centre investment deal that Sheffield has ever seen. As part of the agreed deal between Legal & General and Urbo, a second 100,000 sq ft office building will be delivered to follow No.1 West Bar Square.  A new 450 space multi-storey car park is also part of the first phase which offers around 300 cycle storage spaces and electric car charging points.  Connectivity into the surrounding walking and cycling routes is incorporated to encourage more sustainable travel. Turbo MD Peter Swallow said: “This significant milestone at West Bar Sheffield is a strategically important regeneration project for the city. Indeed, it is integral to the transformational plan for Sheffield city centre, extending its prime core, and bringing forward much need new space for commercial and residential accommodation.” Ben Rodgers, Head of Regeneration, LGIM Real Assets added: “We’re thrilled to reach this project milestone as we get closer to realising the vision for West Bar. This mixed-use scheme will create a vibrant new quarter that re-connects with the city centre, delivering much needed office accommodation, housing, and green landscaped public spaces.  This further helps demonstrate the power of responsibly investing pension savings in urban regeneration, transforming and reshaping cities, creating productive, sustainable assets for future generations.” Kate Josephs, Chief Executive at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield needs high quality, energy efficient office and commercial space so it’s great to see this development close to completion. West Bar is a prime example of what can be achieved through strong partnership between the public and private sector.” Ralph Jones of Peveril Securities added: “Our vision to deliver a flagship destination to support demand for high specification, large floorplate offices, new housing, and jobs, is now very real. Standing atop of No.1 West Bar is in many ways surreal but also immensely rewarding for the team that has worked tirelessly over many years and through many challenges.” Designed by award winning architects 5plus with planning advice from Asteer Planning, No.1 West Bar Square acts as an impressive and sustainable gateway to West Bar.  Featuring a contemporary, curved, curtain glass façade, it provides eight storeys of highly efficient office floorplates up to 14,000 sq ft, a roof terrace offering panoramic views across the city and retail accommodation at ground floor. BNP Paribas Real Estate and Cushman & Wakefield have been appointed to market the space. Soho Yard offers 368 residential apartments within two buildings situated around a landscaped space and gardens with access via Plum Lane. The properties will be delivered and operated by Legal & General as part of its highly successful ‘Build to Rent – Homes for Life’ portfolio. It sits on the site of the famous ‘Soho wheel’ that powered grinding machinery near the River Don after the Industrial Revolution. Urbo (West Bar) Ltd, a joint venture between Urbo Regeneration and Peveril Securities (the development arm of the Bowmer and Kirkland Group).

‘No bad treatment’ campaign aims to highlight domestic abuse with help of beauty industry

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
‘No bad treatment’ campaign aims to highlight domestic abuse with help of beauty industry
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is inviting anybody in the area who works in the health and beauty industry to an online event which will launch a new campaign: ‘No Bad Treatment’. The campaign aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse, offer brief training on how to spot the signs, and provide information support services to those working in the Health & Beauty industry so they can discreetly signpost clients, colleagues, family or friends. The online launch event will be on Tuesday, 16 April, from 7pm-8pm. The No Bad Treatment campaign offers free training for hairdressers, aestheticians, beauty therapists and students. The session will provide the tools and resources to support a client who is experiencing domestic abuse. Since its Hull launch in January, 2023, over 60 hair and beauty professionals have signed up to the No Bad Treatment campaign. This event will provide an overview of the campaign and how people can sign up. It will look at why this is so important and what impact it could have on the local community. The Warren Youth Project and the Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership will be joined during the event by Rachel Williams, founder of Stand Up to Domestic Abuse. Councillor Leo Hammond, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning, communities and public protection, said : “Domestic abuse is a huge issue in our society, affecting one in four women and one in six men over their lifetime. On average, a victim will experience abuse 50 times before seeking help, and sadly may go to as many as five different agencies before finding the appropriate help, advice and support. “We are aiming to educate people who may be in a position to spot the signs and signpost correctly, and so we hope to dramatically reduce this number. “If you are in the health and beauty industry, please share these event details widely with anyone else in the industry, and hopefully we will see you at the launch.”

Foreign labour’s no longer a cheap option for UK businesses after enactment of new laws

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Foreign labour’s no longer a cheap option for UK businesses after enactment of new laws
UK businesses are now required to pay overseas workers coming to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa significantly more, as the government clamps down on cut-price foreign labour and continues to deliver on its commitment to drive down net migration. Part of a package of measures announced by the Home Secretary in December, which will mean 300,000 people who arrived in the UK last year would now not be able to, the general salary threshold for those arriving in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa has now increased by 48%, from £26,200 to £38,700. It’s said that this increase will help ensure the UK’s immigration system focuses on recruiting high-skilled workers, helping to grow the UK economy while bringing overall numbers down. A new immigration salary list  has been created, following advice from the expert and independent Migration Advisory Committee. Roles on the list will be included only where they are skilled and in shortage, and if it is sensible to include them considering the efforts being made by sectors to invest in the resident workforce. Inclusion on the list must not serve to reduce pay and undermine the recruitment of British workers. Employers are encouraged to invest in training, upskilling, and hiring domestic workers first. It comes as the government takes decisive action to support British people into work, in one of the biggest employment interventions in a generation, through its £2.5 billion Back to Work plan. This will help break down barriers to work for over a million people who are long term unemployed, long term sick, or disabled. Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “It’s time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad. Mass migration is unsustainable and it’s simply not fair. It undercuts the wages of hard-working people who are just trying to make ends meet. “We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers.

“I promised the British people an immigration system that serves their interests, and to bring numbers down – these tough measures deliver on that commitment. Employers must also play their part and put British workers first.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “For too long we have relied on labour from abroad when there is great talent right here in the UK. “I’m determined to give jobseekers the support they need to get on and get ahead through our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan, while our network of Jobcentres are providing apprenticeships, bootcamps, and skills programmes to help even more people into work.”

The changes coming into force today coupled with my next generation of welfare reforms will unlock the huge potential of the great British workforce.

Ashcourt Group increase fleet with new statement Defenders as they continue regional growth

Tess Egginton
-
0
Ashcourt Group increase fleet with new statement Defenders as they continue regional growth
New Ashcourt Defenders designed and wrapped in their iconic blue to increase the company’s presence in new areas. The Ashcourt Group is a well-established construction materials supplier in Hull & East Yorkshire, with recent acquisitions becoming stepping stones into new regions of Durham & Tees Valley and Lincolnshire. The iconic blue is hard to miss with its existing fleet already boasting over 300 vehicles from tipper wagons and concrete mixers to heavy haulage and artic tippers. Recently investing in new Defenders, Ashcourt Group have had four of these designed and wrapped in a statement Ashcourt design for their field sales team to drive when visiting customer sites throughout new territory, where the brand isn’t as well known. This will help promote brand awareness to further increase Ashcourt’s presence in these different areas as they continue their growth, with them now operating three regional businesses, Ashcourt (Hull & East Yorkshire), Ashcourt (Durham & Tees Valley) and Ashcourt (Lincolnshire). Emily Summerson, Group Operations Director, said: “We are delighted to see our new fleet additions making bold statements as our field sales team continue to conquer new territories with positive feedback from all. “Following recent regional expansion, this helps increase our brand awareness in our expansion strategy and allows us to create a presence in these areas, using our iconic Ashcourt blue to further strengthen our position as the industry’s sustainable construction materials and recycling partner.”

Administrators appointed to warehousing, distribution and logistics business

Tess Egginton
-
0
Administrators appointed to warehousing, distribution and logistics business
James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory have been appointed joint administrators to Carlton Forest 3PL Ltd, Green Forest Solutions LLP, and Carlton Forest Group Holdings Limited. Based in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, Carlton Forest 3PL Ltd is an award-winning warehousing, distribution and logistics business. Employing 90 people, the company operates over 1.2m sq ft of warehouse space across four sites in Bawtry, Worksop, Hellaby and Tuxhill. Green Forest Solutions LLP owns the UK’s first and only continuous pyrolysis plant for end-of-life tyres, an innovative technology used across the tyre recovery and recycling sector. In recent times, and in common with a number of other companies operating in the third party logistics sector, Carlton Forest 3PL had been battling industry and wider economic headwinds, including rising costs, significant excess warehouse capacity in the market and decreasing storage rates. With pressure on the company’s cashflow increasing, the directors sought to undertake a review of their options, including sale and investment options. However, when a solvent solution could not be found, they took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators. James Lumb, managing director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “We are seeing a lot of businesses in UK logistics which are facing similar issues to Carlton Forest, driven by new warehouse capacity hitting the market over recent years, and the general destocking of the UK consumer economy as Covid-related supply chain disruption has subsided. “Carlton Forest, like many of its peers in the market, had grown to meet demand and this has had the effect of increasing its overheads. Unfortunately, however, the race to the bottom on pricing and the loss of a key customer ultimately contributed to Carlton Forest’s inability to keep trading. “Our immediate priority has been to work with employees, suppliers and customers to repatriate stock as quickly as possible, minimising disruption to customers as best we can.”

Morrisons invests £1.4m in new Innovation Centre in Bradford

Tess Egginton
-
0
Morrisons invests £1.4m in new Innovation Centre in Bradford
Morrisons Greenside fresh food manufacturing operation, has officially opened a brand-new on-site innovation centre as part of a significant investment programme. Costing £1.4 million, the brand-new ‘Greenside Innovation Centre’, was officially opened with the unveiling of a plaque by the Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe and Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. The centre features a new state of the art development and showcase kitchen that will support the growth of Greenside and the wider Morrisons manufacturing division – Myton Food Group. The innovation centre will allow the site to showcase the food they’re known for and allow for the development of new and exciting products to present to prospective customers. Morrisons prepares and makes more than half of the fresh food sold in its stores. The Greenside site is the UK’s largest fresh food factory producing bacon, quiches, pies, sausages, gammon, cooked meats and packed cheese. Rami Baitiéh, Chief Executive Officer of Morrisons, said: “We’re pleased to officially open our Greenside Innovation Centre here in the city of Bradford. At Morrisons we are proud food makers and we are always exploring ways in which we can showcase our expertise and develop new and exciting opportunities to take our products to a wider market. “This new facility gives our fantastic team of chefs a space to create the high-quality, British products our customers want, using ingredients from our trusted farmers and growers.” Bradford Labour Leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “We’re really proud that Bradford is the home of Morrisons and therefore I really welcome this latest investment from the company in the city. “It’s a very well run operation and it’s great to see what care and thought they are putting into new product design at the Innovation Centre. It’s this kind of investment which will retain Morrisons’ place as a market leader.” Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I welcome the investment Morrisons has made into the Greenside Innovation Centre, helping to bring new opportunities to Bradford. Morrisons is an important partner for Bradford and West Yorkshire and I will continue to support them to grow and succeed.” The site has received significant investment in the past year, with an additional £6.6 million being used in cheese automation technology; a further £7m will be invested this year in new sausage lines. Morrisons Greenside is a 400,000 sq ft manufacturing site, employing a 1,400 strong team, producing 277m packs of fresh food products across 44 production lines.

Retailers record six months of negative sales

Tess Egginton
-
0
Retailers record six months of negative sales
Total in-store and online sales fell -2.2% in March, marking the sixth consecutive month of negative sales results, according to new data from BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker. The last six months marks the longest consecutive period of negative growth outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. BDO’s data, which looks at sales across discretionary spend categories, highlighted that in-store sales were negative for the fourth month in a row (-1.8%) and pulled down by sharp falls in both fashion and homewares sales. Non-store sales were also negative (-2.3%), following three successive months of positive results. Sophie Michael, Head of Retail and Wholesale at BDO, said: “These results continue to paint a bleak picture for retailers. Despite both the Easter bank holiday weekend and Mother’s Day falling in March this year, these results serve as a stark reminder of the pressure the sector is under.” Fashion was the only non-store category to see positive results in March but the growth of 1.5% failed to offset the negative in-store sales, which declined by -6.0%. The homeware sector also performed poorly, falling by -10.9%, the lowest monthly result for this category since May 2022. The lifestyle sector performed slightly better, with sales up +0.9% compared to the same month last year. Sophie continued: “Going into April, retailers will see their costs rise even higher with the uplift in the national minimum wage and increased business rates leaving very little room to spend on investment, promotions or other ways of encouraging consumer spending. “Elsewhere, there are reports that order levels fell in March and are expected to fall further in April, showing no signs of appetite for consumers to increase discretionary spend. Retailers will be fixated on managing their cost base to ride out what continues to be a challenging trading period, with no notable recovery on the horizon just yet.”

Hull firm acquires Scottish bathroom specialist

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Hull firm acquires Scottish bathroom specialist
Hull-based MKM has acquired Dumfries bathroom specialist Rob Corder Bathrooms, making it the company’s 126th branch nationwide. The acquisition marks an expansion of MKM’s presence in the Dumfries region, with Rab Corder Bathrooms becoming ‘MKM Dumfries St Mary’s’ with full support from existing branches, MKM Dumfries and MKM Dumfries Timber, both of which originated from the acquisition of Dumfries Timber Company (DTC) Merchants Limited in 2020. The latest acquisition was founded by Rab Corder in Castle Douglas in September 2011. Company growth saw him open the Dumfries showroom in September 2018. The business will continue to provide bathroom design to the trade and public, benefiting from MKM’s logistics and industry experience with the addition of new brands and free local delivery services, plus investment to enhance the existing bathroom showroom, introducing a new kitchen showroom and expanding the plumbing and heating offering in the comign months. Andrew Popple, MKM’s Business Operations Director, said: “Rab has built an outstanding reputation in Dumfries, approaching MKM in 2023 about a potential acquisition due to retirement. We are delighted to retain the whole team. This acquisition is a fantastic opportunity for MKM to further strengthen our presence in Scotland, enhancing our services with the capabilities of Rab Corder Bathrooms.” Former owner Rab Corder has stepped down from his position as CEO with immediate effect, but all other employees remain with the business as it transitions to MKM Dumfries St Mary’s. The acquisition and expansion of the plumbing and heating services will create three new full-time jobs in the next two months.

Sheffield Chamber offers financial advice service to members’ employees

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Sheffield Chamber offers financial advice service to members’ employees
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a new Financial Wellbeing Support Service to help employees in the city region amid growing cost of living concerns. Partnering with Mortgage PA, Forest Oak Financial Planning, Money Helper, Step Change Debt Charity, Mind and Sheffield Credit Union, SCCI is offering the free-to-access service to all Chamber members. It is split into two halves: the Financial Wellbeing Support Programme – available to all levels of membership offering a range of support through an online self-serve portal and a Financial Friend Session – available to Premium and Patron members. Through this service, a financial expert will visit an organisation to offer one-on-one specific, tailored advice for employees. The introduction of these services comes as the Bank of England reported that UK households and businesses remain under pressure from higher borrowing costs. Interest rates are expected to remain high and more than 1.5 million people are reported to be experiencing both problems with debt and mental health*. Liam Hughes, MD at Mortgage PA, said: “One in three people are said to be experiencing anxiety caused by debt related worries or fears over job insecurity or unemployment. Regardless of the industry you work in, financial wellbeing is highly important, both for greater confidence in a business but in the wellbeing of employees too. “Finance related anxiety, and more specifically debt related stress, is reported to cause sleepless nights, higher chances of anxiety and depression, and diminished social lives which can all lead to lessened wellbeing for individuals. “We’re grateful to partner with Sheffield Chamber and work together to help those people that are struggling or who want greater confidence in managing their finances.”

Independent inspector to assess plans for major North Yorkshire housing scheme

Tess Egginton
-
0
Independent inspector to assess plans for major North Yorkshire housing scheme

Plans for thousands of new homes to help meet demand for housing in North Yorkshire have been submitted for independent examination.

The proposals for the Maltkiln Village scheme would see as many as 3,000 properties built on a site centred around Cattal Railway Station, which is 10 miles to the east of Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Council have sent the Draft New Settlement (Maltkiln) Development Plan to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.

The draft plan, which sets out how Maltkiln should be developed, has been drafted in consultation with communities and specialist organisations. It includes a vision, objectives and detailed policies to guide development.

Corporate director of community development, Nic Harne, said: “We are acutely aware of the need for more housing across the whole of North Yorkshire to meet the demand for homes so that people can choose to live in the communities that they wish to.

“The Maltkiln development is a major scheme and is aimed at addressing the housing needs in the area.

“We have now submitted documents for the independent examination, and we will wait for the inspector’s comments to see how we can then hopefully progress the development.”

The draft plan, as well as accompanying evidence and consultation responses received during the consultation on the draft plan, will now be examined by an independent inspector to assess whether it has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and if it is ‘sound’.

In most cases the examination will include hearing sessions which are held in public. The inspector will determine the appropriate format for these sessions.

At the end of the examination, the inspector will send a report to the council recommending whether or not it can adopt the plan, and if any modifications are needed.

The Maltkiln Village development is due to be heavily themed around sustainability and the environment and is set to provide local amenities and facilities alongside the new homes, as well as extensive areas of open space and landscaping.

£1.8m seed fundraise for biotechnology business

Tess Egginton
-
0
£1.8m seed fundraise for biotechnology business
SynGenSys, a fast-growing biotechnology spinout company from the University of Sheffield, has completed a successful angel-led £1.8m seed fundraise as Dr Andy Racher steps in as its Commercial Operations Director. SynGenSys specialises in designing and constructing synthetic genetic components to advance next-generation biomedicines and biomanufacturing processes. With over three decades of experience in the biotechnology sector, Andy brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He has previously held numerous senior positions at Lonza Biologics, a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO). Andy’s roles at Lonza included Director of R&D IP Strategy, Associate Director within the Future Technologies Group, Head of Process Development Sciences, Acting Head of Cell Culture Process Development, and Senior Principal Scientist of Cell Culture Process Development. Andy said: “I am delighted to be joining the SynGenSys team at such an exciting time in the company’s development, and I am looking forward to helping SynGenSys build out its market-facing commercial function.” Professor David James, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of SynGenSys, added: “We are very pleased to have recruited someone of Andy’s calibre to our team. His is the first of a number of appointments that the company is looking to make as we start to offer our products and services to customers across the world.” Law firm Freeths advised SynGenSys on the seed fundraise. Commenting on Andy’s appointment, Freeths’ Corporate Partner, Peter Crawford said: “Having recently advised on SynGenSys’ successful seed fundraise, it is great to see the company making real progress and Andy’s appointment is fundamental to support that growth. I’m confident he will be a great addition to the team.” Corporate finance advice on the fundraise was provided by Translink.

Fifty North Bank funeral directors get clean bills of health from local authorities

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Fifty North Bank funeral directors get clean bills of health from local authorities
Fifty Hull and East Riding funeral directors have been visited in the wake of the ongoing police investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Ltd. Public protection teams from Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have spent three weeks speaking to funeral directors and carrying out visits to their premises  to review compliance with health and safety regulations, operational procedures and care of the deceased, and to offer support and advice to businesses. While the sector is not formally regulated, the visits were an opportunity for the public protection officers to look at a number of key areas of funeral directors’ business and provide reassurance to both customers and businesses. Rachel Stephenson, head of public protection at Hull City Council said: “The businesses we visited were all welcoming and receptive if any advice or suggestions were made. It is very clear from our visits that the ongoing incident at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Ltd is in no way typical of the funeral industry in our area.” Angela Dearing, director of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “We would like to thank all the funeral businesses for their cooperation, professionalism and for their support of these visits. “There is currently no national statutory regulation of funeral directors, so councils don’t have specific powers or responsibilities to oversee these businesses. “Therefore, these voluntary visits were conducted in partnership with funeral directors, in order to give reassurances to customers and our local funeral directors.” The visits were supported by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).

Small firms offered free support to tackle cowboy practices in energy contracts

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Small firms offered free support to tackle cowboy practices in energy contracts
Businesses are to be given free support to resolve issues with their energy contracts as government and Ofgem set out to tackle cowboy practices like hidden fees, inaccurate energy bills and pressurising sales tactics for energy contracts. Organisations with fewer than 50 employees will be entitled to free support from the Energy Ombudsman on disputes with their energy supplier. It will extend the service to cover 99 per cent of all businesses in Great Britain. The Ombudsman has the power to order suppliers to provide compensation of up to £10,000 or take action to resolve issues – such as raising standards for their customers, or to credit or amend customer accounts. The move will also enable businesses and other organisations to settle disputes with their energy broker via the Ombudsman, without the need for costly legal proceedings – as part of changes set out by the government and Ofgem today. It is a first step in a crackdown on rogue energy brokers targeting small organisations with thousands of pounds in hidden fees. Energy Affordability Minister Amanda Solloway has warned energy brokers to end these unacceptable practices, with the government planning to consult later this year on regulating brokers and other third-party intermediaries. She said: “All businesses deserve to get a good service from their energy supplier – and today’s changes will empower small businesses with free redress support via the Ombudsman.

This is just the beginning. Rip-off energy brokers have no place in our market and we will act to raise standards for customers.”

Energy brokers are used to help small businesses and organisations, like charities or schools, find the best energy deal for their needs – which larger businesses often manage in-house. This can leave smaller organisations vulnerable to unfair fees, with only the courts as a route to redress.  
1...152153154...466Page 153 of 466