- Government to match industry-led funding of £3m for planning qualifications to help plug the lack of local resource
- Ministers should commit to fund business led Local Skills Improvement Plans beyond the current 2025 cut off point to at least 2028
- The VAT registration review should be restarted with a view to removing the existing cliff edge
- Government should reform business rates to make it a tax that incentivises growth
- The Chancellor should introduce a new internationally competitive tax-free shopping scheme
Chancellor urged to use budget to create climate in which businesses can grow
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor to use next month’s Budget to work in partnership with business to develop a sustainable growth plan.
The organisation is calling for:
Rasen repairs restore frontage of flagship building
Specialist contractors have carried out repairs to the exterior 9-10 Market Place in Market Rasen town centre, the second major building to benefit from funding from the town’s Historic Building Grant Scheme.
West Lindsey District Council is funding a partnership with a local steering group made up of businesses, councils, and conservationists on the pilot project, which aims to unlock the potential of the town’s heritage assets by supporting the regeneration of significant buildings in the centre of Market Rasen.
The former bank at 9- 10 Market Place, has had a number of repairs made to it including repairing and decoration to the windows, installation of new doors and fan lights and repairs and redecoration of the render. Now completed, the building makes a significant contribution to the historic diversity of the marketplace.
Cllr Stephen Bunney, ward member for Market Rasen, has welcomed the completion of the work. He said: “We have been eagerly watching the work take place on the building and I am delighted to see the scaffolding has now been removed to highlight this historic building, refurbished and back to its former glory.
“These works not only give a visual boost to the area in terms of visual appeal, they also help conserve part of the town’s rich heritage and ensure they are an attractive proposition to be used in our wonderful town centre.”
The grant helps to fund work to improve and conserve historic buildings, using traditional materials and techniques in keeping with the heritage of the area. This includes work such as the repairing timber windows and shopfronts, removing unsightly paintwork, or repairing or renewing damaged render. It also can include new, traditional hand painted signage, which is more in-keeping with the properties.
Local heritage representative Neil Taylor said it was great to see the completion of the second building being developed as part of this scheme.
He said: “Local people will be happy to see this, and other buildings being transformed, vastly improving the visual appearance and improving the heritage of our much-loved town.”
The project will now turn its attention the former bank at 7 Market Place in the spring, followed by 5-6 Market Place.
Elsham firm gets £13,000 cash injection to boost productivity
Elsham-based speciality chemicals and gas supplier Blended Products is the latest North Lincolnshire business to benefit from Government cash to accelerate growth.
The company – which has a Europe-wide customer base – received a £13,000 cash injection to supercharge productivity.
The team at Blended used the cash to invest in a new Enterprise Resource Planning, revolutionising internal operations, increasing efficiency, and slashing costs.
Jayne Blenkin, the company’s financial director, said: “This grant has been a real game-changer for our business, enabling us to fast-track the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning software that is crucial to our continued growth.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in the delivery of this UKSPF funding for their commitment to developing skills and empowering organisations and driving growth within communities and businesses.”
The business is one of several dozen which have collectively invested more than £2.2m after being backed with £300,000 Government cash – creating and protecting more than 250 jobs locally.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Blended Products is a North Lincolnshire success story – a family-run business which has grown year-on-year to become experts in the chemical gas industry, serving brands across the globe from their base at Elsham Industrial Park.
“With the hard work of businesses like Blended, and millions of pounds of Government investment, we are powering North Lincolnshire’s economy, creating well-paid, sustainable jobs and building a prosperous future.”
Other North Lincolnshire businesses which have benefitted from UKSPF funding include Trent Refractories, Sentex Hydraulix and Harlequin Office Furniture.
They are just some of dozens which have invested the £2.2m after being backed with £300,000 Government cash from the £2.6bn UK Shared Prosperity Fund – which is part of the levelling up agenda and is designed to boost productivity and tackle inequality.
More than 250 jobs were created and protected thanks to the scheme run by North Lincolnshire Council.
The businesses invested in new machinery, IT equipment, software, marketing support to attract new clients and a raft of green technologies including solar panels, LED lights and new efficient heating systems.
County Council builds six new industrial units in Skegness
Six new industrial units have been built at Skegness Business Park, as part of the county council’s continued commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes.
In the last few years, Skegness Business Park has undergone a £2.4m revamp and expansion, funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Lincolnshire County Council. As part of this, local company Manorcrest have developed six new industrial units at the site.
Up to nine acres of serviced land at the Holly Road site, is also now available for start-ups, growing businesses and business re-location to Skegness, supporting the year-round economy in the area.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy and place, said: “The county council plays a really important role in providing the right environment for business success and growth. We’ve been forward-thinking in developing sites ready to attract new enterprises and allow our local companies to grow. The purchase of land, its development and then onward sales takes time, but particularly where there will be new housing, we need to ensure there are jobs and business infrastructure to go alongside it.”
Ruth Carver, Chief Executive of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP stated, “These new industrial units will provide much needed business space for the area enabling new jobs and business expansion opportunities, but also supporting local ambitions for development of housing and community uses in the area.”
British Steel trials hybrid loco on Scunthorpe site
An ‘environmentally friendly’ 90-tonne, hybrid locomotive is currently shunting around the rail tracks at British Sterl’s Scunthorpe site as part of a new trial.
The Class 18 CBD90 loco, hired by British Steel from rolling stock lease hire suppliers Beacon Rail Leasing Limited, has been brought to North Lincolnshire from the West Midlands.
The loco, according to its manufacturers Clayton Equipment Limited, has ‘zero emissions, low noise, low maintenance and ease of operation’, running primarily on a lead acid battery which is charged up using a diesel engine battery charging system or on-site electrical supply.
With a maximum speed of 20kmph and a fuel tank capacity of 800 litres, the loco’s axles each weigh 22.5 tonnes with the capability to pull 2,500 tonnes.
Testing the Class 18 loco’s performance is part of the company’s Decarbonisation Strategy, and the team analysing its operations will look at its efficiency, reliability, availability of spare parts and the potential reduction in maintenance costs.
Site Operations Manager – Internal Logistics, Trev Charlton, said: “This is one of a number of options we are considering to reduce our carbon footprint, and we are currently searching worldwide for a suitable powered shunting locomotive alternative. This is the first time British Steel has trialled a hybrid loco on site as an alternative form of loco power.
“We are particularly interested in the duty cycle of the hybrid battery. From the specifications, the loco has sufficient power for our operations, and we are keen to establish how long it can be operated without being plugged in. This will help us establish how many we will potentially need to purchase – if they are the correct solution for the business. We are also extremely interested in how it performs in colder weather.”
Beacon Director – Commercial, Viren Walia, said: “This is a battery-powered 90-tonne shunting locomotive capable of hauling loads of up to 2,500 tonnes. The loco can be charged through a three-phase supply and has remote control capability.”
Land sale paves way for new pet hospital in Hull
Plans have been submitted to create a new state-of-the-art pet hospital in Hull following the sale of council land.
Pets Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) entered the proposals for land adjacent to Brunswick Avenue and Waterloo Street in Central ward after a Decision Record was published authorising the sale.
PDSA, a charity which offers free and low-cost veterinary care to poorly pets in need, as well as pet help and advice, services, and support, already operates an existing animal hospital on Brunswick Avenue which is old and considered out of date.
The current facility can no longer meet the increased demand for veterinary services and so PDSA declared interest in the council-owned open space nearby.
The site is that of the former Waterloo Street shop which was demolished some years ago due to persistent vandalism and arson attacks and is now overgrown and continues to be affected by anti-social behaviour.
Under the current Local Plan, the site is designated as Open Space and, if sale terms are agreed, would bring significant capital investment into the city.
It would also provide greater capacity to care for sick animals, as well as generate additional employment whilst helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “The PDSA already does a very good job at its current location on Brunswick Avenue, but this proposed purchase of council land will allow it to further support animal owners in Hull access affordable veterinary care.
“The sale would also help address concerns about anti-social behaviour that have occurred on that land, something which residents and ward councillors have raised with the council.”
In 2022, PDSA supported around 7,000 households in Hull and carried out 14,700 consultation and 2,000 surgical procedures.
A spokesperson for PDSA said: “Our current site is now 38-year-old and is no longer compatible with the advances of veterinary medicine, causing operational difficulties and inefficiencies.
“We are proposing to acquire a site of 0.83 acres from Hull City Council immediately to the north of the existing site.
“This, combined with our existing site, will allow us to construct a new, much larger, purpose-built single storey veterinary hospital of 670sqm.
“The site will be landscaped to provide an attractive open environment which will help enhance the local area.”
Leeds to become “leading legal hub”
Court and tribunal capacity in Leeds is set to be boosted by the opening of new state-of-the art courts and tribunals in the city centre.
It comes as the Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk visited the new West Gate court and tribunal building in Leeds, funded through the government’s increased investment in the court and tribunal estate across England and Wales.
In a boost for the city’s legal infrastructure, a total of £6.2 million has been invested in West Gate to create capacity for 12 hearing rooms over 3 floors. This investment in the centre of Leeds expands the estate in the city to 53 court or hearing rooms within a 250-yards radius.
The building at West Gate includes the space for eight new, fit-for-purpose employment tribunal rooms.
In addition, construction work is underway to create four new Business & Property Court rooms. They will provide a dedicated space for cases to be heard from business disputes to evictions.
The Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk said: “These new state-of-the-art hearing rooms will be a hugely positive addition to Leeds city centre, positioning the city as a leading legal hub. By increasing capacity in the nearby Crown Court, we are also able to tackle more outstanding criminal cases, put victims first and bring more criminals to justice.
“This government is committed to delivering a modern court and tribunal estate that is truly fit for the future.”
The court will also support increased Crown Court capacity in the city, by moving the Business & Property Court work away from Leeds Crown Court, where it is currently situated, to help deliver justice swiftly for victims and defendants. The newly refurbished site in the city’s West Gate district is one of a number of sites in Yorkshire to benefit from part of £220 million funding. The two-year funding package is enabling improvement and maintenance works to courts and tribunals across the country, improving the resilience and accessibility of the court system.CPP Group disposes of minority interest in cyber risk firm
Leeds-based CPP Group, which provides assistance and insurance products, has disposed of its minority interest in KYND Limited to V Acquisition Limited, part of the Verisk Analytics, Inc. group, in a £2.6 million deal.
CPP said the investment in KYND is non-core to the Group following the announcement of its revised strategy and Change Management Programme (CMP) to transform the Group to
an InsurTech business, led by Blink Parametric and supported by CPP India and CPP Turkey.
In 2018 CPP acquired a 20% shareholding in KYND, a business which provides cyber risk management solutions, for £1.2 million. The Group’s shareholding in 2021 reduced to 13.3%, on a fully diluted basis, when the Group decided not to participate in a capital raise by KYND.
At 30 June 2023, the fair value of the Group’s balance sheet investment in KYND was £2 million. No profit or loss in respect of KYND was recognised in the Group’s income statement for the year ended 31 December 2022.
Simon Pyper, Group CEO, said: “The agreement we have reached with Verisk is consistent with our stated strategy and is another positive step as we simplify the Group and transform to an InsurTech business.”
Green light granted for Castleford Tigers stadium redevelopment and employment site proposals
Planning applications for a major upgrade to the Wheldon Road stadium and a significant new employment development on the Axiom site, at Junction 32 on the M62, have both been approved by Wakefield Council’s Planning & Highways Committee.
Mark Grattan, Castleford Tigers RLFC Managing Director, said: “Our historic Wheldon Road home has long been in need of significant modernisation. Today’s decision by the planning committee members marks another major hurdle cleared. We are grateful to Wakefield Council’s planning committee members for backing their officer’s recommendation today.
“We are also grateful to Wakefield Council for the £2 million of funding through their Rugby League Resilience Fund, which will be invested in Wheldon Road. In addition, the multimillion pound private sector investment provided by the Axiom proposals will deliver a stepchange for the club, enabling us to secure the long-term future of the club and place us on a more equal footing with other professional rugby league clubs.
“Castleford Tigers supporters have been hugely patient and we sincerely hope that patience will soon be rewarded, when we have high quality facilities to match our rivals.”
A spokesperson for Axiom Yorkshire, owners of the Junction 32 site, said: “Wakefield Council has been rigorous in their approach to these two planning applications, and we are grateful to both the planning committee members and the officers for the decision to approve both proposals.
“As the site is within the Green Belt, the Axiom application will be referred to the National Planning Casework Unit who will advise on whether the decision by Wakefield Council requires further scrutiny before formal planning approval is given.
“We would like to offer our sincere thanks to the thousands of people who supported the Wheldon Road and Axiom proposals. We will provide a further update in due course.”
The circa £200 million Axiom Yorkshire proposals will deliver around 141,000 sq metres of new employment, logistics and manufacturing floorspace, providing around 1,830 permanent full-time jobs in Castleford, with a further 365 ‘spin-off’ jobs created within the Wakefield Council area. During construction approximately 1,500 on and off-site construction jobs per year are likely to be generated at both Wheldon Road and the Axiom employment site.
Once fully operational, this significant job creation at the Axiom site is calculated to generate around £142 million of local economic activity per year. The Axiom site will also provide approximately £3.2 million per year of additional Business Rates when fully occupied.
The Axiom proposals will provide £12.2 million of funding towards major upgrades at Castleford Tigers’ Wheldon Road. A further £2 million is being provided by Wakefield Council’s Rugby League Resilience Fund.
Axiom will also deliver £17 million of highways improvements to the Junction 32 roundabout.
Wheldon Road will benefit from a new all-seater main stand. As well as much improved ‘back of house’ sporting facilities for players and officials, a banqueting suite and corporate hospitality function rooms will provide new opportunities for income generation.
Upgraded facilities at Wheldon Road will deliver major improvements to be enjoyed by all fans, including new catering facilities and toilets. Importantly, improved accessibility and much enhanced viewing areas will transform the matchday experience for fans with disabilities.
New accreditation means Greater Lincolnshire’s tourism sector can step up a gear
Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland have achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership LVEP accreditation which is a major milestone in the evolution of Destination Lincolnshire after a four-year transformation to make sure it was perfectly positioned to support businesses, operators and councils after covid.
Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive at Destination Lincolnshire, said: “The accreditation is testament to the amazing performance of our team, the vision of our Board of Directors and the unwavering support of our partners.
“We’re just at the beginning, but already we can see where the step-change will be. With LVEP status secured, we’ll be invited to take part in national development and marketing activities with VisitEngland, which could unlock funding for marketing campaigns, destination development, data and insights, and business support with training.
“There will also be a regional strategy which will encourage East Midland LVEPs to collaborate with each other.”
Andrew Stokes, Director at VisitEngland, said: “The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England.
“LVEPs are supporting sector growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. Working together, LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors. As Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland his established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support including a dedicated regional lead.”
