Dncaster businesses gather to discuss being ‘armed forces friendly’
A group of Doncaster businesses including major employers to enterprising SMEs have discussed what it means to be Armed Forces Friendly at an event organised by the local Chamber of Commerce.
Delegates explored what kind of career guidance is currently offered to veterans in the region, what more businesses could be doing to support them as they make a transition into civilian life, and the skills that reservists and cadets often bring to the workforce as well. To help those who were in attendance navigate the various nuances and complexities of these issues, the event also featured representation from the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “This is a very pertinent topic as the labour market remains extremely tight and businesses are exploring new ways of accessing the talent that they need to grow and thrive.
“The extensive research that was conducted for our Local Skills Improvement Plan revealed that we have a very progressive and open-minded business community here in South Yorkshire. Employers are receptive to talent coming from anywhere, whether that be in the form of apprentices, ex-offenders or, of course, our Armed Forces community.
“One of the practical recommendations from that LSIP is about how we can reach the latter group by improving the pathways available to veterans and reservists, many of whom we know are well positioned to meet the needs of local businesses. The Armed Forces community certainly has a lot to offer with their transferable skills, strong sense of discipline and incredible work ethic, and we must ensure that these are being properly harnessed. Given the amount of money that many organisations in our region spend on skills each year, I believe a disproportionately low amount goes towards connecting veterans with employers and maximising their talents.
“With that said, we are keen to really get under the bonnet of this and help drive forward progress wherever we can. As a Chamber, we are ourselves signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, and recently attained Silver Status under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
“Most importantly of all, we are keen to ensure that our members can access the untapped talent of the Armed Forces community, which is why today’s roundtable was so useful. We covered a lot of ground at the event, including: how employers can identify relevant experiences that veterans might be able to translate into the world of work; the ways in which recruitment processes can be streamlined; and what steps need to be taken in the future.”
Echoing these sentiments, Pauline King, Regional Employer Engagement Director for the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Thank you to Doncaster Chamber for organising an insightful and thought-provoking roundtable discussion with a selection of local forces-friendly employers. The positive ideas brought to the table will hopefully enable a more creative and practical approach to recruiting from the pool of talent that is the Armed Forces community.”
Ørsted turns to albatross-sized drones to carry cargo in Hornsea windfarm
Ørsted is now trialling drones with an albatross-sized 2.6 metre wingspan to carry cargo of up to 68kg within the Hornsea 1 windfarm.
The use of these drones will reduce costs and time as well as improving operational safety and efficiency. Drones mean less work disturbance as turbines don’t have to be shut down when cargo is delivered. They avoid risk, making it safer for those working on the wind farm and minimise the need for multiple journeys by ship, reducing carbon emissions and climate change impacts. Instead, the drones will be operated from existing crew transfer vessels and Service Operating Vessels already on site.
Ørsted has used smaller drones for some time with much lighter loads and is now leading the industry in deployment on a larger scale. The company is actively seeking partnerships with the best drone cargo operators and services providers to help grow the supply chain in the UK.
Mikkel Haugaard Windolf, who is heading the project for Ørsted’s offshore logistics team said: “At Ørsted we want to use our industry leading position to help push forward innovations that reduce costs and maximise efficiency and safety in the offshore wind sector. Drone cargo delivery is an important step in that direction.
“We believe the UK can be the first country to commercialise this system in offshore wind farms, acting as global leaders.”
Joint bid to be submitted to promote York and North Yorkshire visitor economy
A joint bid is being submitted for York and North Yorkshire to promote the multi-billion pound visitor economy which is already recognised across the globe and provide support for tens of thousands of tourism workers.
Plans have been announced for the over-arching bid for a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) to cover both York and North Yorkshire to maximise the potential of the tourism sector.
The move is the latest indication of an increasingly close working relationship between City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council with the prospect of a devolution deal and a mayoral combined authority.
It is hoped that the joint bid, which has been submitted to the Visit England tourism organisation, will ensure that the greatest benefits are achieved for both York and North Yorkshire’s tourism industry.
Tourism is worth more than £3.2 billion each year to York and North Yorkshire’s economy, and in excess of 60,000 workers are employed in the sector.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “The visitor economy is key to the vitality for both York and North Yorkshire, bringing in billions of pounds every year and providing a career and livelihood for tens of thousands of people.
“The decision to submit a joint bid for York and North Yorkshire will allow us to pursue a co-ordinated approach to promoting the visitor economy and maximise the support that we can provide to the industry.
“It shows how a close working relationship is developing between the councils, which is due to increase further with the proposed devolution deal.
“We want as many people to experience the wonderful places where we live and work, as well as ensuring the communities of York and North Yorkshire are given the support they need to benefit from the visitor economy.”
The joint bid between North Yorkshire Council and Make it York, the city’s destination management organisation which is linked to City of York Council, has been submitted to Visit England.
A decision is then expected from a panel involving tourism officials and representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport by the end of October.
City of York Council’s leader, Cllr Claire Douglas, said: “York and North Yorkshire are wonderful places to visit – we’re extremely proud of our world-class attractions and the warm welcome our region extends to visitors from across the globe.
“Tourism forms an important part of York’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs in our city. We want to ensure that our visitor economy continues to thrive in a sustainable way that benefits everyone – visitors, residents and businesses.
“We’re delighted to be working closely with North Yorkshire Council to promote our tourism offer. As we move towards a mayoral combined authority, it’s great to see this partnership flourishing.”
Local Visitor Economy Partnerships involve both the private and public sectors and will need to follow a new national process to be eligible for support and potential funding from the Government.
Established destinations in York and North Yorkshire, such as the coast, the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors, Harrogate and market towns, are due to be supported through the proposed Local Visitor Economy Partnership.
A draft destination management plan for North Yorkshire and a proposed tourism strategy overseen by Make it York are forming the foundations for the bid. Both documents will be considered by the relevant council executives by the start of next year.
North Yorkshire Council are continuing to engage with tourism businesses in the county as part of the draft destination management plan, which will provide the first countywide vision for promoting the visitor economy after the authority launched in April.
There is a significant crossover in the priorities of the draft strategies for both York and North Yorkshire, adding even greater weight to pursue the joint bid.
Both of the proposed plans are looking to promote a year-round visitor economy, while ensuring that it is heavily themed on sustainability and that the industry can thrive alongside communities living in York and North Yorkshire.
It is hoped the promotional drive will ensure visitors stay for longer and explore more of what York and North Yorkshire have to offer, while attracting more people to travel from overseas.
Key aspects to drive forward tourism in North Yorkshire are highlighting the outdoor pursuits in the county, promoting key destinations such as market towns and the coast and the wealth of locally produced food and drink on offer.
York is looking to capitalise specifically on its culture and heritage, with world-famous landmarks such as York Minster and Clifford’s Tower drawing in visitors from across the globe each year.
The joint approach to promoting the visitor economy is another facet to the close working relationship between York and North Yorkshire with the prospect of greater spending powers and decision-making on a regional level through the proposed 30-year devolution deal.
The proposed deal was announced on August 1 last year and is set to see benefits ranging from new and better-paid jobs and improved skills and training to more affordable housing.
Devolved funds would exceed £750 million, with access to further funding in years to come. The proposed deal includes devolved funding for transport, education and business support, alongside a Mayoral Investment Fund.
A mayor is set to be elected in May next year once the Government has approved plans to establish the combined authority to cover York and North Yorkshire.
Construction partners come together to help fulfill Lincolnshire charity’s new HQ project
Landscape architecture practice, Influence Landscape Planning & Design, is bringing together volunteer construction and professional services partners to deliver fit-out works for Lincolnshire charity Naomi’s Garden.
Louth-based Naomi’s Garden, which provides conductive education and special education needs consultancy, has been raising funds to find a new HQ having outgrown its current centre in Manby.
The current site limits the amount of adults and children it can support resulting in its therapists having to travel the length and breadth of Lincolnshire to provide its specialist services, reducing the sessions it can deliver.
The charity raised enough funds to secure a new property on Manby Park, but is continuing to fundraise to turn the new building – previously a motorcycle shop – into a fit-for-purpose facility, where it can deliver its lifechanging services to more people.
Construction partners who have committed to providing their services, with materials needed for the project being provided at cost price, are Influence, contractor G F Tomlinson, project manager and quantity surveyor Gleeds,GBM Demolition, A + G Architects and professional services firm Knights.
The construction partners will be working together to completely transform the premises into Naomi’s Garden’s forever home. Works include raising floors, installing ramps, new windows and doors, and complete interior decoration.
When complete, the new centre will enable the charity to extend its working hours, provide group sessions and create a dynamic learning environment for all no matter what their disability, resulting in supporting 50% more adults and children each year. The building will also give them the option to run group sessions and be used for wider community use.
Sarah-Jayne Walker, lead conductor at Naomi’s Garden, said: “We currently have a waiting list of families across Lincolnshire who are waiting to benefit from the unique therapy we provide. Therefore, we desperately need our new more accessible hub to be functional, so we can continue our work and expand to help those families who are relying on us as the only service provider of our kind in our area.
“The team and I are overwhelmed by Sara’s offer to help and the professional team she has brought together are incredibly kind and we would not be able to progress with the adaptation of our new building without their knowledge and skilled services. A huge thank you to all our wonderful partners. We feel incredibly excited by what comes next.
“However, we do still need to raise enough funds to help us reach our next goal of adapting it to create our new centre. Please consider making a donation. Thank you.”
Newark-based Influence Landscape Planning & Design are chartered landscape architects, urban designers, environmental planners and arborists and offer knowledge and consultancy across a wide range of disciplines.
Managing Director Sara, who lives in Louth, contacted Naomi’s Garden during the pandemic having read about their plight and initially offered to help by providing landscaping services. That conversation continued to Sara offering to bring together a team of willing partners to deliver the works to the new building.
Sara said: “At a time when no one was feeling the impact of the pandemic quite like charitable organisations, and with Naomi’s Garden delivering such life impacting work and in my local area, the team and I wanted to help.
“The charity has worked so hard to get to this position; to have secured its new home through fundraising is a real achievement. While more money is needed to buy materials for the fit-out, the construction industry here in the East Midlands has some incredible companies and individuals who want to make a real difference to good causes. I simply picked up the phone to some of my contacts and was humbled by those wanting to support.
“Thank you to those partners and I’m looking forward to working with you all when the works start.”
Naomi’s Garden raised £160,000, which enabled them to secure the new building. Fundraising activities included hiking the National Three Peaks, a skydive, a Christmas concert, a charity ball and social enterprise company Key Fund provided the charity with a loan of £30,800 and a grant of £9,200.
The construction works to be undertaken to the new premises will cost approximately £350,000 and further fundraising and grant applications are underway to achieve this.
Chris Flint, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “As a Midlands-based contractor, we deliver projects throughout Lincolnshire that deliver life changing facilities and provide opportunities for the local communities to flourish. When Sara invited G F Tomlinson to be involved in this project, we jumped at the chance to give our support to such a worthy cause.
“Naomi’s Garden makes a real impact on the lives of many Lincolnshire families, and we are proud to be helping them, alongside other like-minded construction partners, to reach and support more people with their specialist services.”
Naomi’s Garden provides conductive education in Lincolnshire to families who have loved ones with movement disorders such as Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, Dyspraxia and Motor Delay. The charity also has a SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities) specialist who works with the needs of children with autism, ADHD and sensory processing issues.
With the help of Lincolnshire County Council, Naomi’s Garden also provides free school holiday provision services including free healthy meals and enriching activities for children.
Works are due to start on the new premises in the Autumn, when the charity hopes to have the final confirmation of a funding application.
To make a donation towards Naomi’s Garden’s new premises please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/naomis-gardens-big-move?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Construction progresses on new 33,000 sq ft unit at Sheffield Business Park
Construction work is well underway at a new 33,600 sq ft industrial unit at Sheffield Business Park.The steelwork frame and roof have now been completed on the Unit T1 Sheffield Business Park development by Gregory Properties, with work on track for completion by contractors BDB Design Build, The Harris Partnership and RPP Group for January 2024.Detached Unit T1, on Europa Link, features 30,500 sq ft of industrial/warehouse space with a 3,100 sq ft fitted office mezzanine and sits on the well-established 200-acre Sheffield Business Park development near Junctions 33 and 34 of the M1, North of Sheffield. Sheffield Business Park falls into the newly announced South Yorkshire UK Investment Zone and Unit T1 is one of the first new builds in the zone, since the incentive was announced by the Government earlier this year.Current occupiers on the park include SIG Group, South Yorkshire Police, Gleesons, TNS, Primetals and Hart Shaw.Harry Orwin-Allen, senior surveyor at Knight Frank in Sheffield which is marketing Unit T1 Sheffield Business Park for sale or to let, said: “Construction is progressing well on site ahead of completion early next year. “Unit T1 is located on an established business park, home to a mixture of office and industrial and manufacturing occupiers including Siemens, SIG Group, Gleeson, and the University of Sheffield.“It also sits within the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation District (AMID) that has seen substantial investment from occupiers including Boeing, Rolls-Royce and McLaren. “As well as prestigious neighbours, the unit is in a prime location with a profile position fronting Europa Link, J33 M1 with easy access nationwide.”Unit T1 will have strong environmental credentials with a EPC rating A, minimum BREEAM Very Good rating, offer 9m to eaves with three ground level loading doors, LED office lighting, enhanced landscaping and car parking for 34 vehicles, secure covered cycle shelter, and gated service yard with security lighting, EV charging and rooftop solar PV. Gregory Properties acquired the two-acre vacant site on Europa Link, the main road running through the popular estate, from Sheffield Business Park Ltd in May 2022.Nick Gillott, Development Director at Gregory Properties, added: “High specification, good yard provision, location, strong environmental credentials all make this a desirable unit for industrial, logistics and distribution use and we look forward to welcoming a new occupier ahead of completion in the early part of 2024.”
New Chair of Governors takes the reins at agricultural college
Alan Menzies has stepped down as Chair of Governors at Bishop Burton College to be replaced by fellow governor Ian Sackree.
Alan said: “It has been a privilege to have been involved with this important educational institution for the East Yorkshire, Humber, and Lincolnshire regions and to see it continue to grow and develop.
“I have been particularly pleased to see the growing emphasis on sustainable technology and practices as this is so key in the education of young people – especially those working in the agriculture sectors which are so important to the future of this region and the nation. I will be sad not to be as involved in the future direction of the organisation but I will continue to watch as it grows the potential of each and every student it serves.” Taking over the reins of the college, which also encompasses Riseholme College in Lincolnshire and University Centre Bishop Burton, will be Ian Sackree who has served as a governor since 2018. Based in Lincoln, Ian’s career started as an accountant in the NHS which led on to leadership roles in the Education sector and then in recruitment. As a senior postholder at another large college Ian held responsibility for Finance, HR, IT, Learning Resources, Marketing, Partnerships and Estates and was part of the leadership team who took it to Outstanding – a feat he is looking forward to repeating at Bishop Burton and Riseholme College. Ian said: “Bishop Burton is already a standard bearer for all that is innovative in education, for example now entering our fourth year offering T Levels after being in the first wave to introduce them alongside our supportive employers. The college is advancing its sustainability agenda aiming to make key parts of our estate such as our College Farm carbon neutral well ahead of the curve.” The college also welcomes Angela Moran as its new Vice Chair. Angela draws upon her experience working in the Agricultural sector as a nutritionist as well as roles including marketing, purchasing, supply chain management, transport, account management, quality assurance, food safety and business development. Bill Meredith, College Principal, said: “My warmest thanks to Alan for his years of service to the college. Alan’s unwavering commitment and invaluable insights have been a great support to the institution, and he will be sorely missed. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Ian as he takes on the role of Chair”.Private investor acquires Hull roofing specialist
Dave Jessop Ltd, a roofing specialist based in Hull, has been acquired by a private investor.
Operating for over 30 years as a family-run business, Dave Jessop has vast experience in the industrial, domestic and agricultural markets.
Manufacturing and supplying an extensive range of roofing solutions, key products include bespoke sheeting, guttering and flashings.
Luke Rae, the KBS Corporate deal executive who managed the sale, said: “Dave Jessop has continued to grow since its inception, benefitting from decades of experience and great customer feedback.
“The founders, Dave and Davena Jessop, felt that now was the right time to explore a business sale as they looked towards their retirement.”
The successful offer came from Pierce and Geddes Investments, led by David Pierce. The acquisition of Dave Jessop will allow the new owner to diversify an existing investment portfolio.
Luke added: “I am confident that David Pierce will maintain the success of the business moving forward, working alongside the existing workforce to expand further.”
During the sale, Dave Jessop was supported by Qachina McKeefery, KBS Corporate Document Writer, and Guvvy Sandhu of Mackrell Solicitors.
Business confidence rises in Yorkshire
Business confidence in Yorkshire rose eight points during September to 40%, the second highest reading in the country, 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 15 points at 47%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up 5 points to 37%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 40%.
Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (39%), investing in their teams (33%) and introducing new technology (29%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 39% of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 18 points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence fell five points in September from 41% to 36%. Firms’ outlook on their own trading prospects remained strong at 41% despite a five-point drop on last month, and their optimism in the UK economy also remained robust at 30%, down by seven points on August’s reading.
Businesses hiring intentions remained upbeat with 26% of firms reporting plans to increase their staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month.
Companies in London reported the highest levels of business confidence for the second consecutive month at 44% (down eight points month-on-month). Firms in Yorkshire reported the second highest reading at 40% (up eight points month-on-month), followed by those in the North West at 38% (up four points month on month).
The fall in business confidence this month centred around the retail and services sectors, following strong sentiment in August. Retail confidence fell to 32% (down 12 points) dragged down in particular by trading prospects, while services confidence declined to 36% (down eight points). Construction confidence also fell to 36% (down eight points). However, manufacturing was stronger, with confidence rising to a three month high of 36% (up six points).
Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence in Yorkshire is the second highest in the UK, beaten only by the capital, which is a testament to the businesses’ hard work over the busy summer season.
“As we head into the final quarter of the year, it’s reassuring to see that firms are feeling positive about their own business prospects and eyeing up further opportunities for growth. Companies should keep a close eye on working capital to ensure they have the means to seize opportunities as they arise.
“We’ll remain by the side of the region’s firms to provide them with the tools and advice they need to continue to succeed.”
Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “While the gains in business confidence we saw in August have not been maintained, it’s important to see the wider trend clearly reflected in the data which paints a very different picture to this time 12 months ago, when the economy was in significant difficulties.
“Despite some month-to-month movements, if you look at the year in quarterly time periods, confidence has steadily risen from 20% in the first quarter, 26% in the second and now an average of 27% in the third.
“Although the economic environment remains uncertain with inflation and interest rate pressures playing their part, the recent decision by the Bank of England to leave interest rates unchanged is likely to help businesses feel more upbeat about the future, which may underpin confidence in the last three months of the year.”
BCC calls for streamlined planning process to boost business investment
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for urgent improvements to unlock the planning system across the UK to create a more effective and efficient system that boosts business investment.
The organisation’s immediate priorities are:
- Improved resources for council planning teams and more use of digitisation for applications.
- Political stability on planning reform so the system can operate unhindered for a lengthy period.
- More priority for business’ needs in the development management and plan-making process.
- Co-ordination between local and national infrastructure must be a key part of long-term planning.
- Planning system to make grid connectivity easier for infrastructure projects and new building developments.
Record financial performance for Hull family business
Continued demand for staycations has fuelled a record year for Hull family company J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd.
Victory Leisure Homes, the Group’s holiday home and lodge maker, saw an 83% growth in turnover for the 12 months to the end of 2022, rising from £52.6m in 2021 to £96.2m last year.
Pre-tax profits at the manufacturer also took a large leap forward thanks to buoyant demand in the UK holiday market, up from £0.8m in 2021 to £4.7m in 2022.
The performance, alongside a 38.7% increase in sales for Rix Petroleum, saw Group turnover reach £756.1m – the highest in the company’s history.
However, Rory Clarke, Group Managing Director said that Rix Petroleum’s performance – which saw sales reach £535.1m – resulted principally from the recovery of crude oil prices which underpin the retail cost of petroleum products.
Crude oil saw an 88% increase in price during 2022 as the global supply chain realigned in response to the sanctions on Russia, Mr Clarke said.
Group profit before tax reached £23.8m in 2022, representing significant progress on the previous year’s result of £11.5m.
Mr Clarke said: “2022 has been a record year for J.R. & Sons Ltd, with all companies within the Group contributing to an increase in profitability.
“Victory Leisure Homes, in particular, experienced significant revenue growth thanks to an extremely buoyant UK holiday market, ongoing product innovation, and a strong management team.
“This saw the business almost double sales figures for the second year in succession, as well as achieve record profits.
“Rix Petroleum was helped by an increase in the price of crude oil, which stabilised during 2022 as market turmoil created by the war in Ukraine began to subside.
“Together, these results played a significant role in helping the Group achieve its best financial performance to date.”
Elsewhere, businesses in the Group also performed ahead of expectations.
Maritime Bunkering, which supplies marine fuels to shipping vessels, saw a 73% increase in revenue, up from £55.6m in 2021 to £96.1m last year, but as with Rix Petroleum, this is largely attributable to the higher oil price.
Rix Renewables, which provides managed services for the offshore and onshore wind farm industry, made significant progression across the year, growing revenue 80% to £1.9m.
But Jordan Cars, which operates an FCA dealership selling new Fiat, Jeep, and Alfa Romeo cars, as well as used cars, saw a dip in turnover, down from £18.8m in 2021 to £15.3m last year, as well as reporting a small loss.
Performance was hampered by reduced customer demand due to inflation and concerns about interest rates, and challenges in the supply chain of new vehicle and parts.
Mr Clarke added that the Group’s strategy going forward continues to be one of reinvesting profit into opportunities it identifies through new business development, along with targeted acquisitions.
“As a board, we have always taken decisions for the long term,” he said.
