Rule-breaking by poultry farmer results in costs of £28,000
A poultry farmer in East Yorkshire must pay £28,000 after bring found guilty of breaches of rules about bird flu and operating a slaughterhouse without approval by the Food Standards Agency.
Daniel Mathison, a partner in Mathison (Farmers) Leven at Southfield Farm in the village, supplies the meat under the brand Yorkshire Ducks and Geese. At Beverley Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty to four offences relating to the Avian Influenza outbreak on the premises, and to operating a slaughterhouse without Food Standards Agency (FSA) approval.
Mathison was fined £4,000 per offence, and ordered to pay an additional £6,000 towards costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge, totalling £28,000 to be paid within 12 months.
The court heard how, despite nationwide preventative compulsory housing, biosecurity and record keeping measures, officers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency found the end of the duck rearing shed was fully open, and no records of bird deaths had been kept when they visited the farm last April to investigate a possible bird flu outbreak, which was confirmed within 24 hours.
Follow-up investigations by officers from Public Protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council found slaughtering and meat production activities had expanded such that they were greatly in excess of the permitted limit above which approval and on-site supervision by the Food Standards Agency is required.
During sentencing, the magistrates said the farmers’ actions could have had wide-reaching and serious consequences for other farmers, health and the local community. They considered this to be in the high culpability bracket, as Mathison carried on despite warnings and should have known what was required.
Angela Dearing, director of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It is highly likely this Avian Influenza outbreak would not have happened if compulsory housing measures to ensure separation from wild birds had been complied with. It is fortunate the outbreak did not spread further when the disease control restrictions were breached.
“In addition to the catastrophic consequences for this business, the measures required to control the outbreak and prevent it spreading further significantly impacted on other local livestock keepers and the community. The outbreak also resulted in substantial financial and resource costs for DEFRA, APHA, the council and other partner agencies involved.
She added: “It is therefore vitally important that all livestock keepers play their part and adhere to animal disease control regulations, which are in place to protect against potentially devastating effects on their own livestock and businesses, animal and public health, and the economy.”
Daphne Steele Building celebrates key milestone at National Health Innovation Campus development
Construction of the University of Huddersfield’s new National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) has celebrated a key milestone with a topping out ceremony held at the Daphne Steele Building.
This first building on the Southgate site, close to the main university campus, is named after the UK’s first black matron. Daphne Steele emigrated to the UK from Guyana in the 1940s and the ceremony was attended by her son, Robert Steele, who unveiled a plaque watched by members of the Steele family and friends.
The building named in Daphne’s honour is the first of the exciting project that will help to improve health outcomes and lead innovation in healthcare for the North of England.
It will bring together public-facing facilities including award-winning student-led clinics, and be a focus for entrepreneurial academic activity, serving the regional and wider health economy in strong public-private partnerships. Specialist clinical teaching facilities will provide unparalleled support for workforce development.
The ceremony was attended by University of Huddersfield Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE and guests included James Wimpenny, Executive Director of construction partners BAM Construction, Anthony Langen, Managing Director of architects AHR and Russell Green, Project Manager of construction consultants Gleeds.
Completion of the Daphne Steele Building, which also received a grant of £5.8m in capital funding from the Office For Students, is expected in September 2024.
James Wimpenny, Executive Director – Construction, at BAM, said: “This milestone marks not only the highest point of the build but also the culmination of the collaborative efforts of the client, design, and construction teams.
“At BAM we are passionate about building inspiring spaces that empower learning and enrich the University experience, and that is exactly what we are delivering here at the University’s new National Health Innovation Campus.”
Plans for more construction on the site adjacent to the Daphne Steele Building are well under way, with a reserved planning application for the second NHIC building having been submitted late in 2023.
Skills Bootcamps get £3m Government funding
The Department for Education has given South Yorkshire £3m to continue and expand Skills Bootcamps provision across the region.
Fliss Miller, Director of Skills at the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “This next set of funding we are announcing today is a huge achievement in helping to address the skills requirements of South Yorkshire.
“This £3m in funding will help to deliver skills development for people across the region who have a keen interest in specific career areas.
“It is essential that we continue to be able to offer full-time, part-time, and short courses that develop the skills and knowledge of all learners, no matter where they are at in their career.
“This is just another step for us to help meet skills gaps in the region and help with industry demand in the future.”
Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Skills for Life strategy, designed to help those aged 19+ onto the career ladder, get back into work or progress in work while also helping employers meet skills needs across the region.
The courses are flexible and can last up to 16 weeks, whilst providing individuals with the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of a guaranteed interview with a local employer upon completion of the course.
Skills Bootcamps are a great opportunity for South Yorkshire residents to upskill and explore new careers opportunities in a variety of sectors.
Designed with employers, Skills Bootcamps courses are aligned to industry needs, bridging the gap between the regional skills demand and its supply.
This funding allows the SYMCA to offer accessible, life-changing opportunities that will enable individuals to:
• Learn new skills, setting them on a path to a rewarding career
• Kickstart their careers or transition back into the workforce
• Progress further in their career
From April 2024 those eligible for the Skills Bootcamps will be able to apply directly to the providers who will be delivering across the following areas:
• Digital
• Green Skills
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Business and Administration services
• Creative
Airport funding is available, Transport Secretary tells Mayor
Government Transport Secretary Mark Harper has told South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard that millions of pounds in funding is available for Doncaster Sheffield Airport if that’s what he chooses to spend it on.
In a letter to the Mayor, Mr Harper said: “The Government is supporting South Yorkshire through Gainshare funding, making £900m available through £30m funding per year over 30 years. This is exactly the funding which the Mayor of Teesside used to support Teesside Airport and is consequently very likely to be suitable for your needs.
“I am sure we can both agree that it is excellent news that there is clear Government grant available that you can choose to use to support Doncaster Sheffield Airport.”
But Mr Harper says he’s frustrated that a letter sent to him in December by the Mayor had found its way into the press before he had been given a chance to reply. He wrote: “It is frustrating to see your letter has found its way to the press and was used as the basis for inaccurate political adverts before I have had an opportunity to reply.
“This will cause some to question whether your priority here is doing what’s best for your area, or scoring political points. Given the significant effort of Members of Parliament in particular in raising the importance of this issue, I am, nonetheless, responding as positively as possible.”
HulBID reveals awards entry shortlist
HullBID has announced the shortlists for its awards, which are now in their tenth year.
Exec Director Kathryn Shillito said member businesses have again submitted high-calibre submissions for the 10 categories, with independent judges also facing the task of selecting a special recognition winner from a competitive field.
Kathryn said: “We’ve had another fantastic response which shows the value business place on the HullBID Awards. We’ve seen more entries this year particularly from professional services firms and we still have the usual mix of retail, leisure, hospitality and culture which reflects the great variety in the city centre business community. The contenders range from recent start-ups making their mark in new industries to traditional firms dating back nearly 200 years.
“The vast majority of finalists are local independent businesses, and it’s encouraging to see how they have survived and are now thriving. Some have nominated themselves and others have been put forward by staff and customers. We’re looking forward to seeing them all at the celebration dinner.”
The awards night will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ferensway, Hull, on Friday February 23.
Adam Barnes, director of sponsors Prestige Recruitment, said: “Prestige Recruitment chose to enter the BID Awards in 2022 primarily to support the event. We felt the Contribution to the Community Award was the most relevant to the business especially as it marked our thirtieth year of trading.
“We are over the moon to be this year’s main sponsor, as the HullBID Awards have a great place in the business community and allow us to share in the success of every nomination.”
The shortlist
Innovation Award sponsored by Bridge McFarland
- Kicks Bar & Grill
- Princes Quay
- Rubicon Bridge LimitedWelcoming Premises Award sponsored by Hull City Council
- 19.4
- Artisan Flowers
- Lili + Mila’s Empawrium
Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by AaGlobal
- Mike Glover (St Stephen’s)
- Hannah Hartley (Smart Temporary Solutions)
- Superbowl UK
Longevity Award sponsored by Allenby Commercial
- Bob Carvers
- B Cooke & Son Ltd
- Rollits LLP
Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Clearanswer
- Blacks Outdoor
- Hull Museums and Gallery
- Pepperells Solicitors
Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
- Central Library Big Malarkey Festival
- Good Things Market
- Hull Freedom Quarter
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Bryce Mennell
- 360 Chartered Accountants
- Rollits LLP
- Sadofskys Chartered Accountants
The Best in Food and Drink Award sponsored by Hull Trains
- Koffee Lab
- Milchig
- Stretch Pizza
Best Place to Work Award sponsored by St Stephen’s
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Hinks
- Spencer Group
Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Prestige Recruitment
- The Deep
- Ferens Art Gallery
- Hull College
Judges’ Special Recognition Award sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses
To be presented to a HullBID member business or organisation selected by the panel, irrespective of whether they have entered the awards, for their work to enhance the status of Hull city centre.Major childcare recruitment campaign begins today
A new national recruitment campaign under the banner of ‘Do something Big’ is being launched today by the Department for Education alongside a trial of £1,000 cash sign-on bonuses, to give nurseries and early years providers the workers they need and offer more childcare places for parents.
The recruitment drive comes as the latest data shows that more than 102,000 children have been registered on the system, reflecting the strength of demand across the country before the first phase of the largest ever expansion in free childcare kicks in from April.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between a career and a family and our expanded childcare offer is going to make sure of that.
“From April, hundreds of thousands of parents of two-year-olds will get 15 funded hours. This is good for families and good for the wider economy – ultimately putting more money in parents’ pockets at the end of the month.
“The fantastic nurseries, childminders and professionals across the childcare sector are central to the success of this rollout and our new recruitment campaign will support them in continuing to deliver the flexible and high-quality childcare parents need.”
The “Do Something Big” recruitment campaign is to encourage people to start a career working with small children – one part of this government’s ongoing sector support to ensure providers are in the best position to deliver the places parents need from April and September this year and next. A £1,000 sign-on bonus for childcare workers is also being launched today to increase capacity, tackle unemployment, and offer more childcare places. The trial – which will cover 20 local authorities across the UK – will give new-starters and returners a tax-free cash payment shortly after they take up post.Sheffield Hallam given almost £500k to boost degree apprenticeships
Sheffield Hallam University – the home of the National Centre for Excellence in Degree Apprenticeships – has been awarded £459,000 in the first wave of the Office for Students’ Degree Apprenticeship Funding Competition.
The competition has been launched to boost the capacity and equality of opportunity within degree apprenticeship provision in higher education. It will see the OfS distribute a total of £40 million to universities in the next 18 months.
Sheffield Hallam will use the grant to provide additional capacity to support four existing apprenticeship courses, aiming to boost recruitment by enhancing engagement with local and national employers. It will also support one new discipline – an accounting finance management apprenticeship – specifically selected to respond to regional economic demands.
The investment will also be used to support local SME employers to improve equality and inclusion, and to recruit a diverse group of degree apprentices which is representative of South Yorkshire communities. More than 80.9% of Sheffield Hallam degree apprentices are from one or underrepresented student groups, something which it will help employers across the region to reflect.
Sam Moorwood, Head of Work Based Learning at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Sheffield Hallam is proudly a standard-bearer for degree apprenticeships in the UK, and this funding will help us to improve and expand our award-winning provision.
“This award will help us to expand recruitment, offer a new apprenticeship standard in accounting finance – a key sector for the regional economy – and to support local businesses to take on more people from a range of backgrounds. Degree apprentices provide a vibrant and skilled workforce for South Yorkshire – something that will be crucial to the region’s future and its growth.”
British Steel seeks planning permission for Scunthorpe’s electric arc furnace
British Steel has submitted a planning application to North Lincolnshire Council for its proposed Electric Arc Furnace in Scunthorpe.
The company says the proposed furnace, like the one at Teesside, is central to ambitions to transform British Steel in to a clean and sustainable business by adopting electric arc furnace steelmaking at both sites.
The company says Electric Arc Furnace technology is the only solution to significantly reducing its carbon emissions in a relatively short period of time. A spokesman said: “It is prudent to evaluate different operational scenarios to help us achieve our goals and we are continuing to assess our options. However, we firmly believe electrification will provide a rapid and sustainable solution to our decarbonisation challenge.
“Our proposals remain subject to the appropriate support from the UK Government with whom we remain in talks.”
Lindum Group starts work on £6.5m project in Loughborough
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has started work has started on £6.5m Institute of Technology building at Loughborough College, advancing the East Midlands as a major tech learning hub.
It’s to be a three storey building, which will include nine new classrooms, four science labs, two open plan working spaces, and three offices. The company’s Construction Manager Mark Robertson said: “It is fantastic to be starting work on what will be a significant addition to the offering at Loughborough College, helping to boost the East Midland’s standing as a leader in digital skills and critical engineering.
“This project will eventually help to train the next generation of forward thinkers who will advance our understanding and practical appliance of greener technologies and artificial intelligence.”
The IOT is a joint partnership between Loughborough College and Loughborough University, and will be the latest addition to the East Midlands growing tech and skills learning portfolio and forms part of the East Midlands Institute of Technology partnership.
The completed building will focus on levelling up the critical engineering, manufacturing and digital skills required by local and national employers to address the ambitious engineering challenges of clean growth. The IoT will also embrace the advanced skills required for an Artificial Intelligence and data-driven economy.
Initial ground works and site set up has already begun, with plans to finish the project in March next year.
Golf day secures hole in one for air ambulance
Lincoln-based Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 accountancy practice, hosted their tenth annual Charity Golf Day raising a record amount of more than £8,000 for the Air Ambulance.
The total amount fundraised will be divided between three regional charities; East Anglian Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The winning team on the day was Varley Orthopaedics with Civil Recovery Solutions coming in second and The One Group in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Adam Aisthorpe and Paul Ward respectively.
Streets would like to say a huge thank you to all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible.
The event received fantastic support with 23 teams taking part and more than 30 local businesses sponsoring the day. There were Stableford team prizes as well as competitions such as Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro, All four hit the Green and Hole in One.
Commenting on the day, Streets Partner Mark Bradshaw said: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £8,063 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”
Streets’ 11th Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday 5th July 2024 at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey. Once again this will be in aid of the three Air Ambulances for which Streets have raised nearly £70,000 for over the last ten years.
