100% exam success for Verner Wheelock Ethical Team
Verner Wheelock are delighted to reveal that every member of their Ethical Team has recently passed their IRCA Social Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor examination. This qualification is seen as the industry standard for social auditors and is recognised worldwide.
MD Alison Wheelock explains, “Our Ethical Team, including myself, is responsible for organising and co-ordinating all our audits. We liaise with both customers and our team of experienced APSCA social auditors, providing pre and post-audit support, to ensure that the whole process runs smoothly.
We decided to take the training, which is based on the international SA8000 Standard, so that we all had a really good, detailed understanding of all elements of carrying out an ethical audit from an auditor’s point of view. For example, the pressures facing companies and auditors; the legal context under which they are operating; standards, codes of conduct, specifications, social issues, the benefits of a social management system etc.”
The intensive 5-day course was delivered by SGS at Verner Wheelock’s training centre in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Verner Wheelock’s Ethical Team have now proved themselves capable of planning, conducting, reporting and following up an audit of a social system against SA8000, or the ETI Base Code on a SMETA audit.
“We aren’t planning to carry out any ethical audits ourselves, we’ll leave that to our team of professional ethical auditors,” adds Alison. “However, we do review Audit Reports and Corrective Action Plans within the team before they are published on the Sedex platform. This training will help us to answer even more customer and auditor queries and has given us a sound understanding of what our auditors do and the challenges they can face on a typical audit.”
Perhaps better-known for outstanding results in HACCP, Food Safety, Auditing and specialist training for the food industry, Verner Wheelock has been delivering ethical audits for almost 20 years. Last year the company undertook 270 SMETA ethical audits for growers and manufacturing sites in the UK and Ireland. Verner Wheelock is an Affiliate Audit Company (AAC) with Sedex and a member firm of APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors).
“We are extremely busy and always looking for more social auditors to join our nationwide team,” says Alison. “If there is anyone out there who has experience in this field and is interested in working with us, or becoming an auditor, please get in touch.”
Contact details can be found on Verner Wheelock’s website: www.vwa.co.uk
Humber Business Weeks gears up for 20th anniversary celebration
Humber Business Week intends to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of its programme for the year at an event next month.
The annual ‘festival’ of business events returns in the first week of June, and new chair Pat Coyle says time will be taken to reflect on how businesses across the Humber region have made the week a success, and envied from afar.
The week is not backed by any public funding or private sponsorship, and has been driven by businesses themselves over the years, with the vast majority of events staged at no cost to attendees.
Mrs Coyle said: “We know our Business Week model is envied in other areas of the country as we’ve managed to support and grow what has become a successful event in the local business calendar each year with no access to major funding or major pots of money.
“Humber Business Week was established in 2004 with five events and has been built on the willingness of our business community to come together for the good of the region, and to support one another.
“We’ve had fantastic support from so many businesses and organisations who specifically plan and earmark an event for Business Week. They want it to be part of the week and that has ensured, over the years, that we’ve had some landmark moments.
“We’ve had major announcements of new investment in the region and the week has also often coincided with extensive national media coverage about emerging industries such as the digital and renewables sectors.
“I am thrilled that as part of the week this year Future Humber will be detailing the new Humber Place Narrative, a collective new branding and messaging for our region to collectively send out the right messages, drive strategic investment and foster a unified voice of the Humber.
“It is about the collective strength of the Humber region, and that is what Business Week has always been about.”
I&G wins contract to build UK’s first centre for motor neurone disease
Yorkshire-based Sewell Group construction firm I&G has been appointed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to build the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds; the first of its kind in the UK.
The new facility, on the Seacroft Hospital site, will bring a much-needed resource to the region and see all MND services housed under one roof for the first time. Named after rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who campaigns for MND after being diagnosed with the condition in 2019, the new centre will be funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity who have been fundraising to bring Rob’s vision to life. The building has been made possible through fundraising efforts across the UK and will be constructed using modern methods of construction, with structurally insulated panels (SIPs) being manufactured offsite and erected in position, allowing a quicker, more efficient and more environmentally friendly process than a traditional build. The design of the building is intended to create a sense of community and an environment that meets the needs of patients, families and staff. As well as clinical areas and treatment rooms, the building will include a central space where people can come together, along with reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity, dining and outdoor areas. I&G have a track record of delivering high quality schemes in live hospital environments and the project is the next in a series that the company are delivering in conjunction with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, which includes the new Seacroft Community Diagnostic Centre. I&G MD Christopher Carline said: “We’re extremely proud to have been entrusted to build this new centre for motor neurone disease; it’s a life-limiting condition that has a profound effect on people diagnosed, as well as their friends and family, so we’re delighted to be able to deliver a centre that puts their needs at the heart of the local community it will serve, alongside the dedicated charity who have worked tirelessly to get to this stage.” Richard Noble, Associate Director Estate Strategy and Development at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’ve worked with I&G on several projects over recent years and we know they have a track record of delivering high quality schemes at pace, so we can’t wait for them to get started and see this much-needed facility come to life.”Karl joins Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee
Yorkshireman Karl Oxford has been appointed to the Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee.
Karl’s experience in strategic community regeneration, policy design and business development has been instrumental in uplifting Black businesses and communities in the region. His extensive career includes current roles such as Director of African and Caribbean Business Ventures, an Executive Director at Palm Cove Society CIC, Vice Chair of the BAME Committee at the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Co-founder of Voice 4 Change England and Co-founder of the former African Caribbean Westminster Initiative.
Karl said: “This role enables me to support Black entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on addressing the unique challenges they face across the North. I look forward to working with the committee to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced in the region and ensure our support is as impactful and inclusive as possible.”
Claudine Reid added: “Karl’s unique blend of expertise and dedication to community development makes him a valuable addition to the committee through his strong connections with businesses and community leaders in Yorkshire. His perspective will be instrumental in our continued efforts to build equity for Black business owners nationwide.”
Abandoning second class post is too much for small firms to bear, says FSB
Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “Taking the axe to daily deliveries for second class would be a drastic cut which would hit the many small businesses which rely on it, and will in all probability leave some with no choice but to fork out for first class.
“However, Royal Mail’s concession to retain a six-day-a-week service for first class letters is a good step in the right direction, compared to its original dire proposal – voiced via Ofcom – to torpedo daily deliveries altogether. The Government rightfully said it was committed to keeping the six-day service as it is, and that is something that would have required legislation to change.
“We do recognise that savings need to be made, therefore the idea that bulk business mail, like bills and statements, will arrive within three working days instead of two is a difficult but sensible way to make savings without causing an enormous amount of disruption.
“It’s good that Royal Mail has listened to us on some parts of its consultation response. We hope that Ofcom will reflect on the detrimental impact of diminishing six-day-a-week deliveries, and remind itself that its role is to protect consumers rather than be a cheerleader for service cuts by an organisation it’s supposed to regulate.”
Government plans to get tough with failing social housing providers
Failing social housing providers are being told the must raise standards to ensure all tenants live in decent homes and are treated with fairness and respect by their landlords under the threat of unlimited fines.
In the most significant change to the regulation of social housing in a decade, landlords will now be routinely inspected and held to account to make sure they provide their residents with quality homes and services. Those who do not abide by these new rules face a range of potential sanctions, including appointing new management or unlimited fines.
New powers mean the Regulator can drive up standards and take action where providers fall short. The rules now require landlords to:
- Have an accurate record on the condition of every home, based on checks of properties so landlords can understand any problems and take action.
- Set clear timelines for the completion of repairs, maintenance and planned improvements, communicating them clearly to tenants.
- Give tenants opportunities to influence and scrutinise their landlord’s services such as through meetings with tenant organisations.
- Provide tenants with information about their rights and how to make complaints.
- Publish the new tenant satisfaction measures to make it clear how tenants feel their landlord is performing and hold them to account.
British Steel waits for North Lincolnshire to follow Teesside’s lead with electric arc furnace permission
With Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council having just granted permission for British Steel to build an Electric Arc Furnace at its Teesside plant the company is now eagerly awaiting a similar approval for the Scunthorpe site from North Lincolnshire Council.
The manufacturer’s £1.25 proposed transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at our Teesside site, and thank everyone who has supported our proposals to bring steelmaking back to the region.
“The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government.
“Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel.
“We started talks with the UK Government in 2022 about the timely support we require on our journey to net zero, including the need for the British government to adopt the correct policies and frameworks now to back our drive to become a clean, green, and successful company. We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun said: “We are confident our proposals will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.”
Brothers to share Chairman’s role at Lindum Group
Construction company Lindum Group says it’s ‘business as usual’ after this week’s appointment of brothers Freddie and Edward Chambers as Co-Chairmen to lead the Board.
They have taken over from their father David, who had been at the helm since 1991 and will remain as non-executive director of Lindum, which has offices in Lincoln, York and Peterborough.
Freddie and Edward will be supported by an experienced Executive Board as well as a strong team of divisional directors and employees.
Both brothers were keen to stress they would continue to lead with the same principles which have been at Lindum’s core for decades. This includes valuing practical work, common sense and teamwork while fostering a culture of tackling problems together and sharing successes with all employees.
Freddie said: “While this marks the next step in the Lindum future, it really will be, we hope, a case of ‘business as usual’ for our people, partners, and clients, whilst we focus on continuing to try to improve what we do and keeping competitive for clients, with a geography east of the M1 in the main.
“We run a family business, but the Lindum Family is a broad cross section of energetic people who have been with us, some for a short time and others longer, often with several generations of the same families, and we have always encouraged full involvement by every employee, as it makes such a difference to our service, the teamwork and the manner in which we deliver our work.
“What’s more, 500 of our 600 employees own shares in Lindum, which means that everyone has a direct share and interest in the future of the business. The difference really is our people! In a sometimes-difficult industry, we try and look after our employees well, who then look after our clients.”
The brothers will share the duties of the Chairman role, as Co-Chairs, which include presiding over board meetings, representing Lindum in the community and leading the company’s strategy, as well as being jointly responsible for more operational CEO-type duties, such as business plans, troubleshooting and communications.
Edward added: “This announcement is part of the company’s ongoing succession planning process and will help, we believe, secure the future of Lindum as a good quality and local employer for another generation.
“Freddie and I are very lucky to have the support of a fantastic team of 600 people who want to do a good job for our customers and want Lindum to do well as a business. I’ve no doubt there will be plenty of advice coming our way!
Hotel overlooking North Yorkshire coast sold
On behalf of Coast & Country Hotels, specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold The Royal Hotel Whitby in North Yorkshire.
Located in the seaside town of Whitby, the 115-room hotel boasts ocean views and is just a 5-minute walk from the town’s harbour and Whitby Abbey, which is famously mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The hotel is an ideal destination stay for tourists looking to explore the area, and enjoy the charm of the historic building which features a grand reception hall, a large ballroom for functions and events, a substantial restaurant and dining rooms.
Mark Worley, Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, says: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of The Royal hotel in Whitby, which will continue as a hotel for ongoing hospitality use under its new ownership.
“The hotel is one of the 33-assets put to market as part of the Coast & Country Portfolio. The hotels have received very strong interest to date, and a very limited number of these assets remain available, so we invite any interested parties to get in touch.”
Private equity-backed housebuilder secures £12.2m for Yorkshire schemes
OakNorth, the neobank for entrepreneurs, has provided a further £12.2m loan to SME housebuilder, honey, to part fund the acquisition and development of two of its latest major residential schemes.
Founded in October 2022 by former Avant Homes CEO, Mark Mitchell, the business is also backed by private equity provider, Alchemy Partners.
The new housing schemes located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire and Maltby, South Yorkshire, will provide a combined total of 252 new homes for the region.
The Maltby site, consisting of 185 detached and semi-detached homes, will also include 46 affordable units and is situated close to Maltby’s town centre.
honey’s new Huddersfield site will consist of 67 detached and semi-detached homes, including 13 affordable units and is situated in Fenay Bridge.
Mark Mitchell, founder & CEO of honey, said: “With the launch of honey just under 18 months ago, I’m delighted my vision of building new homes that deliver a combination of style, substance and sustainability continues to be realised.
“We’ve seen a constant high demand on all our sites to date and given the high quality of the units and the close proximity to major commercial towns and cities, we expect demand for our new schemes in Maltby and Huddersfield to be no different.
“Having now worked closely with OakNorth on six separate occasions, they’ve really cemented themselves as a funder of choice that continues to provide all the solutions to the pain points we normally face when working with the larger lenders.”
Damien Hughes, Senior Director of Property Finance at OakNorth, added: “Despite only launching in October 2022, Honey has quickly built-up an impressive reputation for offering a unique way to build homes that successfully combines style, substance and sustainability for the benefit of all its customers.
“We continue to believe in the vital role that SME housebuilders play in benefitting local communities and economies, and are thrilled that we were able to provide honey with six individual bespoke debt facilities.
“We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Mark and his team moving forward and also look forward to supporting honey on more residential projects in the future.”
