Arco scoops Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award
Safety specialist Arco has won the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award at the Family Business United Awards, in which it was up against more than 200 national businesses.
The judges recognised the role which the Martin family plays through its stewardship and investment in the business. Whether that be through being active members in our communities through charitable work or lobbying for change in parliament against non-compliant PPE, their passion, expertise and support is invaluable.
At a ceremony held in London, fifth-generation family member Charley Seward, who’s Supplier Relationships and Transformation Manager, Becky Casson, Buying Director, picked up the award on Arco’s behalf.
Mr Seward said: “I was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the 1600 members of the Arco family who make this business tick. As colleagues, we know we have something very special at Arco, but it’s wonderful to have this validated by Family Business United too.”
CEO Guy Bruce added: “It’s a privilege and honour to have our business recognised in this space and to be able to share in the celebrations with other family business of all sizes, generations and sectors who were also awarded on the night. “Congratulations to all colleagues on this achievement – you all play a part in making this business great.”
Survey shows major jobs boost for Yorkshire & the Humber manufacturers
A new report released today from Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, shows that manufacturing remains vital to the success of the economy in Yorkshire & the Humber, with the sector accounting for more than 15% (15.4%) of the region’s output in 2022, substantially ahead of the national average of just under 10%.
This is a significant increase on the share of output from 2021 (14.6%) and is reflected in a major boost for manufacturing jobs across the region with employment having jumped from 278,000 in 2021 to 316,000 in 2022.
This has been largely driven by the Food and Drink sector which accounts for almost a fifth of manufacturing output in the region (16.2%) and has benefitted significantly from the re-opening of hospitality during 2022. This is followed by the manufacture of chemicals (15.4%) and Metal Products, largely steel, at 13.9%.
The region is also a strong export performer with its share of exports going to the EU (worth £11billion) remaining at 57%, well above the UK average of 52%. This makes Yorkshire & the Humber the second most dependent English region on the EU market, but leaves the region more exposed to new trading arrangements with the bloc than other English regions and devolved nations.
The next largest destination is North America, accounting for 17% of goods exports, closely followed by Asia & Oceania which accounts for 12% of goods exports.
Dawn Huntrod, Make UK director for the North, said: “Industry remains critical to the growth of the Yorkshire & Humber economy, providing high value, high skill jobs and aiding the process of levelling up.
“To build on this position we need a national industrial strategy which encompasses local growth strategies which fit with the priorities and strengths of the region including infrastructure, innovation and skills in particular.”
Steve Talbot, head of manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire, added: “The manufacturing jobs growth we have seen in the region across the last year is testament to the resilience of the sector as a whole.
“Manufacturing companies across Yorkshire & the Humber have had to overcome the multiple challenges thrown up by Brexit, shortages in skilled labour, pandemic-related supply chain delays and the huge energy price rises we have seen following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“While everyone is hoping for some respite, the headwinds show no sign of abating. With high inflation and interest rates continuing to rise, manufacturers will need to remain alert, responsive and resilient in the face of any future geopolitical or economic shocks.”
Independent labour review urges action to help farmers get necessary workers
The review includes the NFU request to remove the cap on the total number of seasonal agricultural worker visas and extend the length of those visas to nine months. It also suggests businesses should have the ability to directly sponsor workers and calls for greater automation with improved access to funding.
NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said ensuring we had enough workers was essential to maintain domestic food security and provide British consumers with high quality, nutritious, climate-friendly food.
“Our own recent survey looking at worker shortages across the agriculture industry shows that 41% of respondents reduced the amount of food they produced due to being unable to recruit the essential workforce needed.”
He said the NFU had gathered responses from 506 members as part of a survey which looked into eight different roles which have been a challenge to fill within farming and horticulture.
Despite respondents using a variety of platforms and techniques to advertise for new employees, such as recruitment agencies, social media, word of mouth, and taking varying measures to retain and recruit, 71% of respondents said they have had difficulty in retaining workers in the past two years.
“The horticulture and poultry sectors have been severely impacted by worker shortages in recent years, and we welcome the panel’s recommendation to secure the Seasonal Workers Scheme beyond 2024,” said Tom.
“We have been calling for a long-term 5-year rolling scheme to guarantee businesses have the certainty they need to continue producing food.”
Just under a quarter of respondents said that they were increasing automation on farm to minimise the impact of labour shortages on their business, but automation still has a long way to go before it can replace labour completely.
One grower who participated in the survey explained how despite having looked at automation to minimise the impact of the shortages “the technology is not there, so we are still heavily reliant on human labour, especially in the field”.
Centrica boss calls for reform of energy sector pricing
Centrica’s Group Chief Exec Chris O’Shea has called on the energy regulator Ofgem to implement reforms that could make the energy sector more transparent, simpler and more affordable for customers.
He’s urging abolition of the standing charge from the price cap and putting it into the unit cost, moving to a flat national tariff with no regional variations, and introducing a progressive social tariff to help those who need most help with bill payments.
He said: “Existing energy bills are way too complicated – we’ve got to change that. Any customer should be able to pick up their bill and easily understand how it is calculated, and how they can get help if they need it. It should be simple and straightforward. There are three things we want Ofgem and the Government to change to make the system more affordable, fairer and easier to understand.
He added: “The last few years have shown us that we need to make changes. This is a crucial issue for millions of households. We need other suppliers, distributors, regulators, and the Government to come together, work with us, and help us make these reforms a reality.”
August’s alcoholic drink tax reforms will slash duty payable by pubs
The biggest Alcohol Duty reforms in 140 years come into effect at the beginning of August, creating six standardised alcohol duty bands across all types of alcoholic products.
The rules will apply to all individuals and businesses involved in making, distributing, holding and selling alcoholic products across the UK.
To support the hospitality industry, and recognising the vital role played by pubs in our communities, there will also be a reduced rate for draught products – known as Draught Relief. This will reduce Alcohol Duty on qualifying beer and cider by 9.2%, and by 23% on qualifying wine-based, spirits-based and other fermented products, sold in on-trade premises such as pubs and restaurants.
The reforms will mean that every pint in every pub across the UK will pay less duty than their supermarket equivalent, in line with the government’s Brexit Pubs Guarantee.
These reforms will replace and extend the existing Small Brewers Relief with Small Producer Relief. This means that all small businesses that produce any alcoholic products with an ABV of less than 8.5% will be eligible for reduced rates on qualifying products, if they produce less than 4,500 hectolitres per year.
To support wine producers and importers in moving to the new method of calculating duty on their products, temporary arrangements will be in place for 18 months from 1 August 2023 until 1 February 2025.
From 1 August 2023 the Alcohol Duty system will tax all alcoholic drinks based on their alcohol by volume. This replaces the current Alcohol Duty system, which consists of four separate taxes covering beer, cider, spirits, wine and made-wine.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Gareth Davies said: “Because we left the EU we can make sure our alcohol duty system works for us. From next month the whole system will be simpler – the duty will reflect the strength of the drink.
“We will also protect pubs and brewers with our Brexit Pubs Guarantee keeping Draught Duty down, and a new Small Producer Relief.”
Jonathan Athow, Director General of Customer Strategy & Tax Design, HMRC, said: “After listening to feedback from industry, economists, public health groups and many business owners, the new Alcohol Duty system will be based on the founding principle of taxing alcoholic products by strength, ensuring consistency across the board for the first time.
“The new system will support the government’s public health objectives and provide extra support to small producers, pubs and the hospitality sector.”
To support innovation and responsible drinking, low strength drinks below 3.5% ABV will be charged at a new lower rate of duty. In making these changes, the government aims to encourage product innovation and ensure the Alcohol Duty system works for business and consumers.
University of Bradford signs as shirt sponsor with Bradford City
The University of Bradford is to be the back-of-shirt sponsor for Bradford City AFC for at least three seasons.
The University of Bradford became officially partnered with the club last summer, when a four-year deal saw the launch of the University of Bradford Stadium.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “To be announced as the new back of shirt sponsor for Bradford City is a proud moment for us. Working in partnership with Bradford City has been, and continues to be fruitful for the region as we come together to work with the community of Bradford and the young people of the city. Seeing the name of the city’s university on both the players and the fans who are so proud to support their club will be fantastic as our partnership grows and develops.”
This agreement signifies the latest development in a partnership which pledges to unlock community opportunities across the district, and will see the University’s branding take pride of place on the rear of the Bantams’ playing and replica jerseys for at least the next three seasons.
It follows last week’s news that fellow club partner, Mitton Group, would be ending a seven-year spell as the club’s back of shirt sponsor, and comes ahead of next week’s unveiling of City’s 2023/24 home kit.
City’s chief commercial officer Davide Longo said: “Working with Bradford-based businesses and other key pillars from across the district is hugely important for us, and this agreement signifies the start of another exciting period for the club, partnered with University of Bradford.
“The first year of our partnership has already proved highly beneficial, not only for the two parties but also for thousands of individuals across the district, as we continue to harness and nurture the young talent this city has.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon and the brilliant staff at the University for their hard work and fantastic support, and for sharing our vision and many of our core values, which has in turn allowed this partnership to flourish.
“We are looking forward to what the next three years hold – and, of course, seeing the University of Bradford’s name on the rear of our playing and replica shirts.”
East Yorkshire man gets suspended sentence for illegal waste site offences
An East Yorkshire man received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation and costs, after illegally storing hazardous waste including flooring materials with the appearance of containing asbestos and running an illegal waste site in Aldbrough.
Stephen Coates, (aged 58), of Souttergate, Hedon, appeared at Hull Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 29 June after earlier pleading guilty to two charges.
Coates received a custodial sentence of 17 weeks for each charge to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months, ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation and costs to the Environment Agency, which brought the case, and an order to clear a waste site within 12 months.
The court heard how Coates is the owner and operator of a site on Hull Road on the outskirts on the village on Aldbrough. An investigation by the Environment Agency found Coates was storing abandoned corroding chemical drums, intermediate bulk containers, shipping containers, old tyres and flooring materials with the appearance of containing asbestos on his land next to a residential house over a period of five years from March 2017 to March 2022.
He failed to remove the waste when ordered to do so after the Environment Agency served him with a notice.
The Environment Agency cleared some of the waste at its own cost (£120,000) but 60 tonnes of chemicals remains on the site.
Mr Coates was then charged with operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit and storing waste in a manner likely to cause harm to human health and pollution of the environment.
In sentencing, the District Judge said this case was reckless with a willful disregard for the environment. The defendant had been ordered to clear the site, failed to do so, which meant there were significant clean-up costs to be covered by taxpayers.
In mitigation, it was acknowledged that Coates had entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity.
Levelling up funding includes cash for Thirsk hospice
The Lambert Hospice in Thirsk will be restored and renovated to become the first hospice in the area, removing the need for people to travel long distances across the district for end-of-life care and support.
It’s one of 52 community assets which will be revived thanks to almost £13 million of government levelling up funding.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has today announced the latest allocations from the second round of the £150million Community Ownership Fund.
The funding will help community groups take ownership of local institutions that have fallen into disrepair or are under threat of closure and give them a new lease of life. This will ensure they continue to provide vital services, create opportunities and boost local economies, while restoring optimism, hope and pride in UK communities.
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “This cash will help to revive the vital community spaces which give people a sense of belonging and pride in their communities and allow them to thrive.
“We want people across the country to have great opportunities no matter where they live. Ensuring that they can continue to benefit from treasured local institutions is an important part of this.”
The Community Ownership Fund has now delivered £36.8m investment for a total of 150 projects across the UK, including £3m for Northern Ireland, £5.2m for Scotland, £3.2m for Wales and £25.5m for England.
Contractors invited to Freshney Place ‘meet the buyer’ event
Construction industry contractors are being invited to a ‘meet the buyer’ event for the next contracting phase for the multi-million redevelopment of Grimsby’s Freshney Place.
It is being organised by the centre’s owner North East Lincolnshire Council and Morgan Sindall Construction – the company delivering the major leisure scheme.
Contractors in the construction industry are invited to a drop-in session at Grimsby Town Hall on Friday 7th July any time between 9am and 3pm.
Whilst discussion will focus on the main Freshney Place Leisure and Market redevelopment, there will be an opportunity to hear about other construction projects and potential future work.
Encouraging the relevant contractors to go along, North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Philip Jackson said: “There is a real desire to involve as many people as possible to come along and see the opportunities that may be open to them as this really significant scheme moves forward.
“We have been highly successful in winning millions of pounds in Government funding to ensure the reinvention of our town centre is successful and we are on our way to achieving that. If you are a relevant contractor then please go along and find out how you may be able to be a part of the journey,” he added.
As reported, the transformation of the western end of Freshney Place will include a new Market Hall, a 5-screen cinema to be operated by Parkway Cinemas, and other leisure opportunities. This will complement the retail offer within the shopping centre, which is the largest covered centre in Lincolnshire with an average weekly footfall of 125,000 – supporting 1,700 full and part-time jobs.
Financial support for the work was granted following a successful £20m bid by North East Lincolnshire Council to round two of central Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Ben Hall, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Area Director, said he believes this scheme will be a ‘real game-changer’ for Grimsby. “We are looking forward to bringing employment opportunities to local people, and in working with local schools and colleges to introduce young people to the construction industry,” he said.
More information at https://www.localsupplychain.co.uk/– external site
Sheffield Forgemasters recognised by two manufacturing award schemes
Two UK Top 100 manufacturing awards have recognised Sheffield Forgemasters.
The company is named in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, a prestigious annual
employer rankings developed by the Department of Education to independently assess and rank the country’s highest achieving apprenticeship employers.
Its Chief Operating Officer (COO) and former apprentice, Gareth Barker, has also been listed as one of 20 exemplars in The Manufacturer Top 100, a renowned awards programme showcasing the UK’s highest performers within manufacturing.
David Bond, Chief Executive at Sheffield Forgemasters, said:“Apprentices make up roughly ten per cent of our workforce at any one time and are fundamental to our forward planning strategy. The award is testament to the diligence and efforts of all those who recruit, mentor and coach our young apprentices to help them achieve.
“This year we have undertaken one of our larger apprentice intakes, with 24 apprenticeship positions filled across numerous disciplines, as we continue to build our knowledge base for the future and create new skills to service the UK defence programme.”
Sheffield Forgemasters’ apprenticeship scheme boasts more than 30 years of continuous
annual recruitment, with more than 90 per cent of apprentices who complete their training remaining with the company to embrace its continuous learning and development culture.
The company scored 58 th in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, beating companies
including Tesco, Rolls-Royce and Babcock.
Former apprentice Gareth Barker was awarded for his standing as a role model to UK
manufacturing and for his transition from apprentice machinist at 19 years in the early
1990s, to COO in 2021, now responsible for the iconic company’s vast defence-driven
recapitalisation programme.
Mr Bond added: “The success story which saw Gareth appointed to the Board is well
deserved and is highly relevant to the apprenticeship programme at Sheffield Forgemasters.
“His achievements, the knowledge that he has accrued and his progress through virtually
every senior managerial position in the company, now position Gareth to oversee the
largest investment programme in the company’s 200 plus year history.
“As an exemplar to UK manufacturing, Gareth symbolises how far apprentices can go if they have the right attitude and the correct support, he is a role model that we can be very proud of.”
HMRC under fire for closing its self-assessment telephone helpline
The decision by HMRC to shut its self-assessment telephone helpline for three months, just weeks after strikes disrupted services for the self-employed, has been criticised by CIS payroll company Hudson Contract.
MD Ian Anfield said the department was piloting a “seasonal model” in which it will direct self-assessment queries from the helpline to its digital services, including online guidance, digital assistant and webchat. The helpline, closed on June 12, won’t be available until September 4.
Urging HMRC to reopen the helpline, Mr Anfield said a number of people had contacted Hudson Contract with concerns about the closure, which follows on from the disruption of last month’s industrial action at HMRC.
Mr Anfield said: “We know from experience the helpline is by far the easiest way for subbies to quickly resolve any issues with their self-assessment, especially if they are paying higher than necessary tax deductions under CIS. It is simply not practical for tradespeople to get online, register for digital services and then look out for HMRC messages when they are busy working on building sites.”
The chairwoman of the Treasury Committee, Harriett Baldwin MP, has questioned the impact the closure will have on taxpayers, whether an analysis and a consultation had taken place and if the helpline would be reopened should the detriment to taxpayers be greater than expected.
Mr Anfield added: “We would urge HMRC to reopen the helpline. Some self-employed people use refunds from their tax returns to fund holidays, newly registered people are faced with a registration deadline in early October and the last date for paper submissions falls at the end of October. The helpline being closed now will impact all of these groups and HMRC will struggle with the inevitable backlog when it reopens in September.
“We are already seeing private companies stepping in with alternative helplines, which means the self-employed will be paying for advice they should have received for free from HMRC.”
Meanwhile, it has emerged that 184,000 low earners were fined by HMRC last year for failing to complete a self-assessment tax form on time, even though they had no tax to pay in the first place, according to think thank Tax Policy Associates
“Get involved” call as Innovation Arc vision continues to take shape
People across Leeds are being encouraged to help shape the future of the city’s Innovation Arc and the vital part it has to play in boosting inclusive economic growth.
Covering an area on the western side of the city centre equivalent to 185 football pitches, the Innovation Arc is home to many renowned and long-established educational, health and cultural institutions as well as a variety of start-ups, scale-ups and major businesses.
Leeds City Council is working closely with partners on a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) that will help provide a 20-year vision for the further development of the Innovation Arc in a way that delivers jobs and opportunities for all.
A first round of public consultation on the SPD took place late last year, with the responses received being carefully analysed and used to fine-tune its draft contents.
Now a second round of SPD consultation is getting under way, giving local residents and stakeholders another chance to have their say on the vision for the area and its exciting blend of cutting-edge academic research and entrepreneurial business activity.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for sustainable development and infrastructure, said: “Our city has a well-deserved reputation for pioneering and progressive thinking, and that in no small part is down to the kind of expertise we see concentrated in the Innovation Arc.
“We’re determined to do everything we can to ensure that this dynamic area keeps developing, keeps creating economic opportunities and keeps attracting investment that benefits everyone in Leeds.
“The Supplementary Planning Document will have an important role to play in helping us achieve our aims, and I would encourage all interested parties to get involved and share their thoughts.”
Once completed, the SPD will guide future planning applications, underpin the delivery of improved infrastructure and support relevant funding bids.
The second round of consultation on the SPD is open now and runs until July 26. Click here. for further information on how to get involved.
The University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Arts University and Leeds Teaching Hospitals are among the prestigious institutions operating in the Innovation Arc, alongside some of the region’s largest public and private sector employers and mainstays of civic and cultural life like Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum and Leeds Central Library.
Bordered by Woodhouse, Hyde Park, Burley and New Wortley, the area already has the highest concentration of employment in the region – but, crucially, also offers huge potential for further sustainable investment in buildings, public spaces and connectivity.
Key elements of the Innovation Arc vision currently include:
- Unlocking a further one million square feet of innovation space to provide new research facilities and hubs for start-ups, co-working and other business activity;
- Delivering enhanced public transport routes together with new walking and cycling links that lessen the socially-restrictive impact of physical barriers such as the Inner Ring Road;
- Ensuring that these travel improvements include accessible and welcoming connections to surrounding neighbourhoods such as Little London, Woodhouse, Hyde Park, Burley and New Wortley;
- Creating two new city centre parks and other pockets of green space;
- Supporting major mixed-use regeneration opportunities, including new cultural spaces and the development of affordable housing.
Rollits welcomes top regional businesses to chip in for charities
A law firm which over the years has brought together clients and contacts from across the region to raise over £150,000 from its charity golf day is about to tee-off with the 36th round of the event.
Rollits LLP will again support Muscular Dystrophy UK and Dove House Hospice with nearly 20 teams signed up for the annual challenge at Brough Golf Club on Thursday 6 July.
The firm has recruited teams through its offices in Hull and York and assembled a line-up which includes locally based nationwide operators MKM and Rix Group, tech businesses Diony, The One Point and Springfield Solutions and Flanagan James and PPH Commercial from the property sector.
Pat Coyle, the firm’s Director of Marketing and Client Relations, said: “We can still fit in a couple more teams and there are also sponsorship opportunities still open, including some of the holes. We would love to hear from anyone who can help us support such deserving causes.”
Teams will meet from 11am for a shotgun start at 1pm. The round will be followed by a two course meal at the presentation event, with prizes to be awarded to the first four teams and for other notable achievements.
Ralph Gilbert, Managing Partner at Rollits, said: “As a firm we have always been very active in supporting the community and the golf day is one of our highlights. We are grateful to all the businesses and individuals which have supported it and to Brough Golf Club, which has hosted us every year.
“They have helped us raise well over £150,000 over the years and they will be thanked personally on the day by our friends from Muscular Dystrophy UK and Dove House Hospice.”
To book last minute slots as teams or sponsors please contact Pat Coyle at pat.coyle@rollits.com
Takeover of York City Football Club completes
York City Football Club have confirmed that following a transfer of shares from Glen Henderson, 394 Sports Ltd have acquired a 51% majority stake in the club.
The ownership group is led by The Uggla family, with mother and son duo Julie-Anne and Matthew assuming the roles of co-chair of York City Football Club pending FA approval.
“It’s amazing to get it done. It has been a pretty quick process and we need to hit the ground running because things are getting underway and we need to catch up with other teams who have had all summer to prepare,” Matthew said on completing the takeover.
“We can really take this club as far as we want to take it, I think the sky really is the limit, there’s not really a ceiling on this club. It’s just a case of putting the right structures and plans in place to really go for it.”
Matthew and Julie-Anne will be formally appointed club directors following completion of the required FA and National League processes. The two Trust-appointed directors Alastair Smith and Mike Brown will remain on the board.
Matthew said: “The new owners would like to put on record their thanks to the Supporters Trust for their extensive work in helping us to complete the takeover. We look forward to working with all supporters to deliver a brighter future for the club.”
Housebuilder sells portfolio of homes for £50m
MJ Gleeson plc is set to sell 288 homes across multiple developments to global investment firm Carlyle and Gatehouse Investment Management, a single-family housing investment manager.
Consideration for the sale totals £50.4m payable in cash upon completion of each home, save for a small retention. The proceeds will be reinvested into the business for working capital purposes.
The transaction strengthens Gleeson Homes’ forward order book and allows the business to expedite the opening of new sites.
Graham Prothero, Chief Executive Officer, said: “This transaction represents a compelling opportunity in the context of the current uncertain market environment and we are delighted to be working with partners of the calibre of Carlyle and Gatehouse, who value the quality of our product and the communities which we create.”
Yorkshire business confidence jumps as firms focus on growth
Business confidence in Yorkshire rose 26 points during the beginning of June to 45%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 28 points at 48%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 25 points to 42%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 45%.
Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as entering new markets (45%), evolving their offering (39%) and investing in their team (30%). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 27% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 24 points on last month.
Overall, UK business confidence increased by nine points to 37% in June, with all regions reporting a positive confidence reading. Eight out of 10 regions reported a higher confidence reading than in May.
The East Midlands reported the highest levels of business confidence at 52% (up 35 points on last month), the highest level of any UK region or nation this year. Scotland reported the second highest confidence reading at 50% (up 28 points month-on-month), followed by the North East at 47% (up 12 points month-on-month) and Yorkshire at 45% (up 26 points month-on-month). London and the South West were the only regions to report a decline in confidence. In London confidence fell by 10 points to 33%, while in the South West it fell by one point to 29%.
Business confidence for firms in the service sector rose to 37% (up 11 points), the highest seen since February 2022. With the recent spell of good weather and a reduction in food and energy prices, businesses in leisure and hospitality may be able reap the rewards in the months to come.
Manufacturing firms’ confidence also increased to its highest level since early 2022, rising to 50% (up 10 points) to outperform other sectors.
Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The spike in business confidence we’ve seen this month is positive. While there are persistent headwinds with sticky inflation and a tight labour market, there is some respite for firms with softening fuel and energy costs.
“It’s great to see so many firms are optimistic about their growth prospects. Of course, working capital management is important for those going after new prospects. Having facilities in place to cope with rising prices and ensuring there is the financial headroom to go after new opportunities are both key to success.
“Those evolving their offering should also consider the environmental impact of any decisions they’re making and act with sustainability front of mind. Similarly, those seeking out new markets, particularly new geographical locations should consider how to carefully manage any risk.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see business confidence rebounding following last month’s five-point dip to 28%. Trading prospects and optimism have seen a resurgence this month with overall confidence up in all but two of the twelve regions of the UK, which shows positive prospects across the wider economy.
“However, interest rate rises, and cost pressures are still felt by many and we await to see the impact of the latest 50 basis point rise in the base rate. Meanwhile, expectations for average pay growth, although down slightly this month, appear to have picked up compared with the start of the year and remain elevated relative to pre-pandemic levels.”
South Yorkshire plan aims to create at least 300 apprenticeships
It’s hoped an Apprenticeship Hub at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority offices in Sheffield could create 300 new apprenticeships by 2026.
Delivered through the South Yorkshire Colleges Partnership, the Hub will launch later this year as a two-year pilot. It will be a one-stop shop for businesses, apprentices and anyone hoping to start an apprenticeship by providing:
- Help for businesses (SMEs in particular) to access technical talent across the region to tackle skills shortages.
- Information, advice and guidance services to apprentices, parents and employers.
- Progression pathways and opportunities into and out of high-quality Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships
- Help supporting development of a public sector approach to apprenticeships, including flexi-job apprenticeships.
Delivery solutions provider swoops for 15 Tuffnells sites
DX, the provider of delivery solutions, including parcel freight, secure courier, and logistics services, has reached agreement over 15 UK sites that were previously operated by Tuffnells Parcels Express Limited, the Sheffield business placed into administration on 12 June.
DX has signed an agreement with Interpath Advisory, the administrator of Tuffnells, for an initial licence-to-occupy 13 former Tuffnells sites and agreed terms to purchase for £1 million cash the freehold of a further site. The initial licences are a precursor to entering into direct lease agreements. The company has also agreed terms directly with a landlord for a long lease over a fifteenth site.
DX has hired over 250 former employees of Tuffnells since the administrator was appointed.
The company has also engaged with former customers of Tuffnells to provide continuity in delivery solutions and, so far, has taken on over 550 customers on mutually agreeable commercial terms.
These developments provide a significant opportunity for both the group’s divisions, DX Freight and DX Express.
Paul Ibbetson, Chief Executive Officer of DX (Group) plc, said: “We are very pleased to have reached agreement over 15 former Tuffnells sites, including the outright purchase of a freehold site. This exciting development gives us significant additional capacity and will enable us to accelerate growth while also driving further operational efficiencies and maintaining our high service levels, which is critically important.
“We have already taken on a significant number of former Tuffnells employees and look forward to providing further employment opportunities.”
Insurance group makes tenth acquisition of 2023
Leeds-headquartered JMG Group is marking its tenth acquisition this year as it completes a deal with Cheshire-based Blackfriars Group.
Blackfriars Group employs 20 people at offices in Sandbach and Gibraltar and specialises in liability and business insurance for small to medium-sized businesses across the UK. Steven Lewis, director of the £7m premium business, says it will be ‘business as usual’ for the firm, the team and their clients as the business embarks on its next phase of growth as a JMG Group company.
“One of the many benefits of joining the JMG Group is that the majority of the administration, business management and compliance functions will be centralised, which will free up more of my time to focus on clients and supporting the team here to develop their roles and careers with us,” he says.
“For anyone dealing with us, it will be business as usual. The company will continue to trade as Blackfriars, clients will deal with the same people in our team, and we will continue to specialise in liability and business insurance for businesses UK-wide.
“We wanted to ensure the business would be in the best hands moving forward, and I can safely say that my experience of the JMG Group has left me in no doubt that we are doing exactly that. I’m looking forward to working more closely with the JMG team to continue growing our business.”
JMG Group CEO, Nick Houghton says: “I’m delighted to welcome Steven and his team to the group, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to build on the company’s success. Having them on board further strengthens our presence in the North West, and the team’s track record of generating online leads will add another dimension to business development within the group.”
Sheffield Hallam reveals Health Innovation Campus vision
Sheffield Hallam University has launched new plans for a Health Innovation Campus based at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, announced at the Northern Powerhouse Education, Employment and Skills Summit (NPEESS).
The Sheffield Hallam Health Innovation Campus builds on the University’s existing presence at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and will support the University’s ambitions to explore investment and partnerships for future development opportunities, including:
- An Advanced Health and Care Skills Centre: Meeting the challenge of creating a modern health and care workforce with cutting edge training facilities and expertise
- A Nursery of the Future: A national and global beacon for advanced ideas, technologies and best practice in early childhood education, family support and health, including a community-based research and teaching nursery
- Sheffield Hallam Health Acceleration Programme (SHAPe): A holistic business accelerator proposition which offers pre-revenue, start-up and SME accelerator activity and expertise to participating companies
