NFU Horticulture & Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett said the government’s response had “missed the opportunity to grow the British horticulture sector”.
There was no reference to growing UK horticulture within the response, but instead a ‘commitment’ to broadly maintain the UK’s food self-sufficiency at the current level of 60%.
Martin warned that the industry was facing its third year of unprecedented and highly volatile costs of production, with growers having seen profits ‘all but wiped out for the last two years’, with profit margins unlikely to stabilise soon. “The risk and lack of reward is simply too high,” Martin added.
Fruit and vegetable shortages combined with ongoing global instability has left the supply chain “fragile” Martin said.
“We shouldn’t rely on imports to feed the nation. Instead we need government to match its own ambitions for the sector, alongside supporting our ornamental plant and flower businesses to achieve their environmental and biosecurity objectives.
“As a start, we need to give our British growers certainty by having a consistent plan for seasonal labour, including a five-year rolling Seasonal Workers Scheme, as well as sustainable returns and longer-term contracts with their key customers, the retailers and processors.”
Government leaves food producers in the cold, says NFU
Hull Trains renews sponsorship deal with both city’s two Rugby League clubs
Hull Trains has extended its partnership with the city’s two Rugby League clubs for a third consecutive year ahead of the new season kicking off today with the city derby.
Sponsorship of two major Hull teams is a key part of the rail operator’s local investment plan and is an excellent opportunity to help drive further interest in the city and its major sports teams.
Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “Rugby league is part of the fabric of Hull and means a lot to everyone in the region. We are proud to once again support both sides in their respective Super League campaigns and wish them both well for the season ahead.”
Paul Lakin, Hull KR Chief Executive said: “We’ve had two fantastic years working with the team at Hull Trains and I’m delighted this will continue for a third season in 2024. A particular highlight was Hull Trains carrying more than 3,000 of our fans down to London for the Challenge Cup final.”
Hull FC Chief Executive James Clark added: We have had a long and fruitful relationship with Hull Trains over the years. They are hugely recognisable as a brand within the area and this partnership is mutually beneficial in terms of brand exposure. Not only that, but perhaps most importantly we love working with them as they have a genuine commitment to the local community and really care about making a difference.”
UK falls into technical recession
Newly released figures show the UK economy entered a technical recession as 2023 ended – defined by two consecutive periods in which the economy contracts.
UK GDP (gross domestic product) figures, a key measure of economy growth, show the economy contracted by 0.3% in the final three months of 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is a slightly bigger fall than predicted by economists and follows a 0.1% shrink in the period from July to September.
The fall mirrors weakness seen across all three major sectors of the economy, with services output falling 0.2% quarter-on-quarter, construction output falling 1.3%, and production falling 1% quarter-on-quarter.
The technical recession is, however, expected to be shallow and short lived.
Anna Leach, deputy chief economist, CBI, said: “December’s GDP number suggests that the UK narrowly fell into a technical recession in the second half of the year. This brings to a close a pretty stagnant year for UK economic growth.
“The CBI’s most recent surveys suggest this year has started better than last year ended, with expectations for services and manufacturing in positive territory and the drag from higher interest rates expected to diminish.
“Better-than-expected real earnings growth will support consumers against the headwind of higher interest rates. But firms remain under pressure from higher borrowing costs, higher prices, weak demand and ongoing challenges recruiting the workers they need to grow and invest.
“There are multiple growth opportunities across the UK economy this year. As we head towards the Budget in March, we’re looking for action to support labour market participation and investment so that opportunities in high-growth industries like net zero can be fully realised.”
Business confidence has been low for almost two years, FSB survey reveals
Responding to Office for National Statistics stats showing that GDP fell by 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023, following a fall of 0.1% in the third quarter, FSB Chair Martin McTague said the news that we’re in a recession would just confirm what many small firms have been saying for some time now – it’s very tough out there.
He said: “There are big differences between sectors, with the hospitality sector recording by far the gloomiest confidence score, underlining that economic pain and strain are far from equally spread out.
“Small firms are grappling with high interest rates, energy costs much greater than they were a couple of years ago, and weak consumer demand. Two in five small firms said their revenues decreased over the final quarter of last year, with only a third saying they increased, showing that the shine has definitely come off the so-called ‘golden quarter’, to small firms’ detriment.
“The Government needs to foster an environment where small firms can grow, to the overall benefit of the economy, and to put this period of stagnation and shrinkage behind us once and for all. We have set out an ambitious but achievable programme for small business growth at the forthcoming Budget.
“Uprating the Employment Allowance to keep it in line with recent raises in the National Living Wage, raising the VAT threshold from £85,000 to at least £100,000, bringing back tax-free shopping for overseas visitors, ensuring the future of the Recovery Loan Scheme to get funds to start-up and scale-up businesses, and bringing in a national Business Energy Advice Service to help small firms with eye-watering energy costs would all provide a launchpad for growth.
“Small firms have the drive and the potential to get the economy back up and running, and to put this period of economic decline firmly behind us.”
Tammy appointed to lead UK Fresh Produce Network
Tammy Dawson-Doughty has been appointed as head of the UK Fresh Produce Network, which seeks to connect and support professionals in the fresh produce industry throughout Lincolnshire by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting growth.
After spending much of her life working in Lincolnshire, specialising in business innovation, partnerships and income maximisation, Tammy looks forward to using her contacts and experience to support local organisations and bring success to the local businesses.
She said: “Whether you are a large-scale producer, an importer, a distributor, or an industry professional, I look forward to supporting your business and fostering a thriving community where collaboration, knowledge sharing, and growth opportunities are at the forefront!
“Please feel free to connect with me, share your thoughts, or reach out for any collaborations or opportunities!”
As Head of UK FPN Lincolnshire, Tammy will be working closely with farmers, suppliers, retailers, and policymakers to promote and support the local fresh produce industry and create opportunities for collaboration and innovation. In addition to her current role at the Chamber, Tammy is also passionate about martial arts and is the current chair of trustees at Boston Grammar School.
Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Tammy,said: “We are thrilled to have Tammy join the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce team. Her expertise, dedication and skills have already proven invaluable, enhancing our capabilities and offerings for UK Fresh Produce businesses across the county through implementing effective policies and strategies that benefit both the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and our network.”
Be on your guard against fake tax rebate scams, warns HMRC
HM Revenue and Customs is warning people not to be taken in by bogus tax refund offers which might come via email, phone call, or text message, saying they’re just attempts to gather personal details for selling on to criminals, or to access people’s bank accounts.
HMRC responded to more tan 200,000 referrals from the public of suspicious contact in the year to January – up 14% from the previous 12 months. More than 79,000 of those referrals offered bogus tax rebates.
Kelly Paterson, HMRC’s Chief Security Officer, said: “With the deadline for tax returns behind us, criminals will now try to trick people with fake offers of tax rebates.
“Scammers will attempt to dupe people by email, phone or texts that mimic government messages to make them appear authentic. Don’t rush into anything, take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.”
She added that HMRC would not email, text or phone a customer to tell them they are due a refund or ask them to request a refund. Customers receive repayments into their chosen bank account, and can see any transactions in their online HMRC account and in the HMRC app.
Customers are asked to help fight phishing scams by reporting any suspicious communications to HMRC:
- forward emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- report tax scam phone calls to HMRC on GOV.UK
- forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599
Hull veterans’ charity gets £85,000 from BAE Systems
Veteran support charity Hull 4 Heroes is to launch a new emergency housing project for homeless military veterans in Hull following a donation of more than £85,000 from BAE Systems.
The Company’s donation will allow the charity to buy and renovate a property in the city to provide emergency accommodation and support for local veterans.
The new property will enable Hull 4 Heroes to provide veterans with immediate access to short-term support in comfortable, safe surroundings, 24-hour face-to-face and telephone advice and tailored assistance packages designed to meet each individual’s needs.
Paul Matson, above, founder of Hull4Heroes, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this donation from BAE Systems to help the armed forces community in Hull and the East Riding area. Over the last year or so, we have experienced a huge rise in the number of veterans and their families who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, approaching us for help. With the demand for immediate temporary accommodation in the area being unable to be satisfied, we wanted to establish a facility of our own, dedicated to supporting veterans in this situation.
“Our dedicated house for veterans will not only ease the burden on the council but also ensure that veterans are housed in suitable accommodation with other veterans, managed by veterans, which will make them feel safe and help them to engage in a recovery process.”
Once a property is secured the Hull 4 Heroes team will call on volunteers, beneficiaries and local businesses to help with the transformation and renovation of the house.
Simon Barnes, Group MD of BAE Systems’ Air Sector, said: “It’s no secret that military veterans can face huge challenges on leaving the armed forces, or perhaps even many years later. It’s vital that people are there for them to provide the support they deserve – and that’s what Hull 4 Heroes do.
“This dedicated accommodation will allow those who have fallen on hard times to regain their independence with dignity and rebuild their lives with the support of those who have had similar experiences.”
Refined plans submitted for first phase of Our Cultural Heart, Huddersfield
Kirklees Council has submitted refined plans for Phase One of Our Cultural Heart, which includes a new food hall and library, as the project moves into delivery mode.
The submissions propose some refinements to the plans approved last year including the retention of more of the original features of the Grade II Listed Queensgate Market Hall.
The entire Our Cultural Heart masterplan, which is a key part of Kirklees Council’s strategy to unlock economic growth in Kirklees, was approved in early 2023.
The project is being delivered in phases to enable more financial flexibility, and work to refine the phase one plans has now been completed and plans submitted in this ‘Section 73’ planning application, alongside a new Listed Building Consent.
This first phase of the masterplan will concentrate on the major refurbishment of the historic former Queensgate Market building, which will be transformed into a vibrant new food hall with space for around ten independent food stalls. A brand-new, community library will be incorporated within the existing east wing of the same building.
Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to a new public square, with the connecting space perfectly suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings.
The main change from the approved 2023 plans is the removal of the top-floor event space from the new library development. With other event space opportunities available within the library, food hall, public square and future museum space, the masterplan will still deliver multiple new community and business event locations.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration, said: “It’s exciting to see the final plans for Phase One of Our Cultural Heart now in place.
“Our decision to phase the masterplan means that we retain the original ambition and vision whilst being prudent with our finances. The recent adjustments have ultimately allowed us to save more character and heritage on an important listed building, still deliver a high quality, modern new library, and move into the delivery phase during these challenging economic times.
“We are confident that Our Cultural Heart will play a pivotal role in kick starting a new era for Huddersfield town centre. It will increase the number of visitors to our town centre, safeguard key heritage assets, create new job opportunities, enhance our green credentials and act a catalyst for further economic growth and investment.”
The construction programme for phase one was approved by Kirklees Council’s Cabinet last month. Led by BAM Construction, enabling works on site are expected to get underway in March, with the main construction work to follow in the summer.
Businesses in Leeds encouraged to sign up for free employee health resources
Leeds City Council’s Public Health Resource Centre is calling on all businesses in the city to sign up to access free resources and signposting to encourage good health and wellbeing within the workplace.
The PHRC, based at Technorth in Chapel Allerton, offers advice and access to a range of physical resources and training on key health and wellbeing topics including mental health, physical activity, cancer prevention and support, healthy eating, debt worries, gambling, drugs and alcohol, and stopping smoking.
Leeds City Councillor Salma Arif said: “We are very proud of our work as a Mindful Employer and our commitment to encouraging good health and wellbeing across Leeds remains a key priority. The Public Health Resource Centre is a fantastic asset offering a range of important information and guidance as approved by leading health professionals in the city. We would encourage all relevant professionals and businesses to sign up and make the most of this wonderful free resource.”
Positive health and wellbeing has been proven as being crucial for improving employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Businesses which prioritise workforce wellbeing see considerable benefits to their organisation. Good quality resources and signposting are an essential factor for being equipped to support employee wellbeing.
Membership to the PHRC is free via https://www.leeds.gov.uk/phrc, and is open to anyone in Leeds with a responsibility or professional interest in public health or promoting health and wellbeing, including businesses supporting their staff. This can be in a variety of roles and responsibilities, from managers, human resources officers, mental health first aiders and wellbeing champions to help equip businesses with what they need to implement their own health and wellbeing strategies.
After signing up, members will have access to browse the catalogue of resources online or can visit the hub at Technorth on Harrogate Road, which is open Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Friday 9am-4pm. They will have the option to be subscribed to a monthly newsletter giving updates on new resources, upcoming training opportunities, and key public health community campaigns. All of the information and advice signposted by the PHRC is carefully curated and approved by public health specialists in the city.
The service is managed by Leeds City Council, one of the few local authorities in the country to offer such resources in this way.
Membership numbers at PHRC reached over 2,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, and they are now rising again across all sectors in Leeds, including GPs, midwives, nurses, teachers, youth workers, support workers, volunteers and community workers.
Leeds City Council has a commitment as a Mindful Employer supporting health and wellbeing in its own workforce, including having 850 trained mental health first aiders, as well as supporting and encouraging the same approach in its partners, stakeholders and the wider city. The aim now is to get as many businesses signed up to the PHRC as possible.
Lincolnshire broadens catchment pool for apprenticeship awards scheme
The county’s Apprenticeship Champion Awards are back for 2024 and for the first time, will accept applications from the North and North East Lincolnshire areas .
Nominations can now be made for this year’s awards, that recognise the successes of apprentices working across the county, as well as employers and training providers.
Cllr Patricia Bradwellof Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’ve run these awards for two years, and I’ve been so impressed with the impact that apprenticeships have had on both the individuals undertaking them, and the organisations they’ve worked in. I’m delighted that this year the awards will cover even more learners and organisations as we cover the whole Greater Lincolnshire area.
“Applications can be made for apprentices of any age who have made significant progress, overcome challenges or have made a real difference during their apprenticeship.”
Training providers and employers who want to showcase how their apprenticeship programme have been supportive, innovative or flexible in helping apprentices, can also apply.
The Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Champion Awards are run in partnership between the Public Service Compact group, local councils and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
The three categories for entries are:
- Greater Lincolnshire Apprentice Champion 2024
- Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Employer Champion 2024
- Greater Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Training Provider Champion 2024
