Demolition starts for the UKs largest open-die forging line
Demolition has started at an iconic Yorkshire plant to facilitate construction of the UKs largest open-die forging line.
Parts of Sheffield Forgemasters’ site at the north of Brightside Lane, are undergoing controlled demolition to create space for a 13,000 tonne Heavy Forge, which will be housed in a new 12,700 sq m structure adjacent to the Sheffield to Meadowhall train line.
Sections of disused Forge and Foundry buildings, dating from the Victorian era, will make way for the new facility, creating one of the most efficient open-die forging operations in Europe and the largest of its kind within the UK.
Steve Marshall, Manufacturing Transformation Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “It has taken two years of planning and enabling works to bring us to this milestone, where we start to expose the footprint for our new forging line.
“Much of the structure earmarked for demolition has been out of use for some time. We have created a secure partitioning wall which fully isolates working parts of the site from the controlled, piecemeal demolition process.”
Remediation works for the site, have included dismantling internal steel structures, stabilisation of the ground, pile-driving to create a base for the segregation wall and meticulous identification and removal of any contaminants.
Steve added: “We have employed large numbers of specialist contractors to reach the point at which the proposed site is environmentally sound and meets all health and safety requirements for demolition, including creation of a new access road onto Brightside Lane.
“From this point, the work becomes much more measurable, as we begin to open up the space that the new Forge will fill.”
The recapitalisation team at Sheffield Forgemasters, responsible for the Forge project, estimates that more than 25,000m3 of spoil will need to be excavated for foundations to support the vast press, with 4,500m3 of existing concrete to be crushed.
Steve continued: “The whole project is working to the best environmental standards, so all spoil from the site will be graded and recycled as far as is possible.”
It is estimated that the multi-million GBP project will see completion of the foundations by 2025. The new facility will service defence and commercial work in sectors such as civil nuclear power.
Online tool giant appoints Modo25 on six-figure contract to accelerate growth
Leeds-based full-service digital marketing agency, Modo25, has been appointed by the leading UK online tool retailer, SGS Engineering, to provide multiple channels of digital marketing support and consultancy services.
Continuing to cement its expertise in the retail sector, Modo25 has partnered with SGS Engineering to enable them to scale their online revenue and ROI from their investment in digital marketing. Modo25 will be providing them with expert SEO, affiliate marketing, paid social, paid search and digital PR services.
The 12-month six-figure contract will see the digital marketing experts develop and implement a full-funnel digital marketing strategy that will ensure that the investment in digital marketing gives create sales growth and significant ROI for the online retailer’s website.
SGS Engineering was founded in 2003, they spotted a gap in the market for UK-manufactured gas struts that could be built to an exacting standard and distributed quickly over the internet. Since launching, the company has gone from strength to strength and is now spanning five sites in Derby and employs 55 people.
Neil Sansom recently joined SGS Engineering as the new CEO, using his wealth of online retailing experience to drive the business through its next phase of growth.
Aside from delivering digital marketing support to SGS Engineering, they will also benefit from utilising the awarding winning marketing AI platform ASK BOSCO®.
ASK BOSCO® has been developed over four years by the Modo25 data scientists and in-house development team. ASK BOSCO® is an AI-powered marketing analytics platform that enables brands and agencies to reduce their online ad spend and increase sales.
The platform connects all a client’s marketing channel data and combines the reporting into a central dashboard, enabling seamless reporting, and benchmarking. ASK BOSCO®, then using this data will AI forecast exactly where to invest media spend for maximum return.
Discussing the appointment Neil Sansom, chief executive officer, at SGS Engineering said: “As SGS Engineering continues to grow and expand, we wanted to change up our marketing strategy and partner with an agency that has expert knowledge, understanding of the online retail space backup by market-leading AI tech.
“After detailed conversations and pitches with the team at Modo25, we felt confident in their ability to deliver this with their expert knowledge, insight, and access to relevant industry tools and ASK BOSCO®. It’s been great onboarding the team at Modo25 to support our marketing vision and business growth ambitions.”
Businesses across Yorkshire warned of the impact of upcoming online safety bill
Online businesses across Yorkshire, that are selling age restricted products or services, are exploiting a current lack of regulation and face being unprepared for the online safety bill due this Autumn.
The warning to firms comes as a study conducted by digital identity platform, Luciditi reveals that weapons, alcohol and vapes are just some of the items that children as young as seven years old can purchase online from businesses across the region without having to securely verify their age.
Although the forthcoming government Online Safety Bill anticipated later this year will tighten regulations, there is currently no robust law enforcement in place to prevent companies selling to under-age people online.
Iain Corby, executive director for the Age Verification Providers Association, a politically neutral trade body representing all areas of the age-assurance ecosystem, commented: “For too long, regulators have neglected enforcement of age restrictions online. We are now seeing their attention shift towards the internet, and those firms which offer goods and services where a minimum age applies, should urgently implement a robust age verification solution to avoid very heavy fines.”
Ian Moody, co-founder and CEO for Luciditi, commented: “The law is very clear in that it is an offence to sell items such as weapons, alcohol and vapes to under-age children online and yet our study reveals that many online businesses across Yorkshire still don’t have either the technological capabilities or the appetite to adhere to it.”
The research conducted coincides with the launch today of Luciditi’s new online age check solution called Luciditi Age Assurance. It can be deployed across an online retailer’s website or mobile app and simply requires shoppers to take a selfie prior to accessing the site Within seconds it will confirm if they are over a certain age, does not reveal their identity and is the digital equivalent of being age estimated at the check-out in a supermarket or off-license by a member of staff.
Ian added: “Under-age online purchases are going largely unchallenged and so we feel we’ve developed a solution that enables online companies to protect young people, whilst simplifying the transaction process.
“We will naturally welcome the Online Safety Bill when it is unveiled but it will take at least 18 months for the new regulations to be enforced. We’d urge companies across Yorkshire to take steps now to safeguard young people online rather than wait until the eleventh hour to take decisive action.”
Krone’s variable height trailers suit Euro work for A&A McNeill
A & A McNeill Transport has become a convert to Euroliner trailers after taking delivery of two Profi Liner curtainsiders from Leeds-based Krone Trailer UK.
Based in Airdrie, Scotland, the firm specialises in general haulage and operates five articulated trucks and 17 trailers, including the two from Krone.
Director Alan McNeill ordered the pair because a requirement to send loads to Europe necessitated four-metre-high trailers, as opposed to the UK-standard 4.4-metre units it has traditionally used.
Alan admitted that he was sceptical about the trailers before engaging with Krone: “I used to be against using Euroliners, because they are lower than UK trailers and our trailers are dropped on site for the customer to load. The build quality I’d seen from other manufacturers in the past wasn’t great regarding the strength of the structure, and the tarpaulin roofs collected rainwater, which could get in and damage the cargo.
“The goods we take south are all single deck, so four metres is fine. But our customer in England requires a higher internal height to double stack pallets. That’s when you need more internal height. We need about 2.7 metres for side loading, which is not possible with a standard four-metre trailer.”
Alan began investigating Krone’s trailers after a friend and fellow haulier bought a pair and was impressed with their strength and structure. The Profi Liner majors on flexibility, and its adjustable roof and ice protect system immediately addressed two of Alan’s chief concerns.
“They offered me the sliding and lifting roof option for both UK and European operation, which means we can get 2.7 metres in through the side and load through the top when needed. That gives us the best of both worlds – lower running height, greater loading flexibility and a maximum internal height of 2.850 metres.”
The Profi Liners also come with a lifting front axle to reduce rolling resistance and potential fuel use when running with lighter or reduced loads.
“They also have an anti-ice system, which is an airbag that runs down the centre of the trailer. You put the sidelights on, press the button to activate it, the bag inflates in three minutes and puts a pitch in the centre of the roof so that, when it rains, the water just runs off the sides. To deflate the airbag, you can either press the button again or the foot brake, and both will deflate the bag back to running height.
A & A McNeill’s Profi Liners are among the first in the UK to be fitted with Krone’s Ice-Protect Air system – one of many features that have drawn praise from Alan. He is also a fan of the multi-strap load securing system, which comprises multiple bungee cords that attach to ratchet straps inside the trailer. Plus, the seven-tonne load bearing hardwood floor, which he describes as, “much stronger than equivalents, and ideal for us, because there are heavy forklifts going in and out all the time.”
He also commends Krone’s customer service and willingness to tackle the issues he faces as an operator: “In response to every reason I gave Krone against a Euroliner, they gave me a positive solution. I wondered if they were just telling me that to get the sale, but they weren’t. Everything they said was going to happen, happened.”
The high-specification Profi Liners are finished in AA McNeill’s distinctive red and white livery with customised alloy rims. All steel parts are shot-blasted, powder coated and come with Krone’s standard 10-year warranty against rust-through.
New corporate strategy for housing association ‘at the top of its game’
Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has published a new streamlined corporate strategy and action plan with the theme of ‘Investing and Developing in Diverse Neighbourhoods where People Want to Live and Thrive.’
The three-year strategy centres on four overarching objectives: Providing More Affordable Homes, Looking After Our Existing Homes and Tenants, Community Investment and Partnership, and Tackling Inequalities in the BAME Community.
It also includes a restatement of MHA Values – Customer First, Passionate About Our Work, Accountability and Embrace Diversity – which have enabled the association to establish a strong reputation in the sector regionally and nationally, including winning several recent awards.
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, explained that the new document is focussed on delivery with defined policy outcomes and clear methods for achieving them to the fore.
He said: “It was important to have a strategy that was meaningful and easy to read and understand, whilst being ambitious in its aims.
“It is important that our customers, project partners and communities we serve can see what we are striving to do in our everyday activities and how we intend to meet our objectives.
“As well as providing more affordable homes by expanding stock numbers, we will maintain services for current tenants at the highest possible levels.
“Delivering our prized Community Investment and Partnership Strategy will remain a top priority as we seek to create new life opportunities for people of all ages in Bradford district.
“And we will continue to speak up for those whose voices are often unheard or ignored by those in authority, particularly when resources are allocated.”
Barrington Billings, MHA Chair, said: “As a Board, we were pleased to sign off the corporate strategy which will chart the association’s course until 2026.
“I have been involved in the production of numerous strategies over many years, and the simplicity of this document is what makes it stand out.
“One of MHA’s greatest strengths is that everyone knows their role in enabling the association to succeed.
“The new strategy and accompanying action plan – which is an effective roadmap for delivery – will further enhance our standing as a community-based BAME organisation at the top of its game.”
Founded in 1986, MHA manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley.
It is the first housing association in the country to be officially accredited for its work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Yorkshire lawyer appointed as national Civil Justice Committee chair
Switalskis director John McQuater has been appointed by The Law Society as chair of the Civil Justice Committee.
Doncaster-based John McQuater has been a Committee member since 2021 and brings over 40 years’ experience of working as a litigation lawyer to the chair role. The Civil Justice Committee reviews and promotes improvements in civil litigation policy which relates to legal disputes between individuals or between individuals and organisations.
At Switalskis, which has offices in Yorkshire and London, John is joint head of Personal Injury. He qualified in 1983 and two years later became a partner at Doncaster-based Atherton Godfrey, now Switalskis. John McQuater says of his new role: “There are many important issues, affecting national and international civil litigation, which face the Law Society. My role, as chair, is to ensure the views and experience of committee members help both shape and implement Law Society policy.”
About his appointment, John says: “On a personal level this will be a welcome challenge. Welcome as it is always good to be working with talented and knowledgeable colleagues. A challenge as there are many current issues to tackle including the extension of fixed costs and the debate around Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
“I hope my years of experience will help bring context and insights to many of the current issues the committee will be dealing with. I am grateful for the support of Switalskis, in taking on this role, where a number of colleagues also work at a national level.”
Law Society of England and Wales president Lubna Shuja says: “The Law Society welcomes and congratulates John McQuater on his recent appointment as Chair of our Civil Justice Committee. Having already served for several years on the Committee, John is well placed to lead its work over the next four years. It will be advising on issues affecting civil litigators and access to justice, areas in which he has much experience.”
John is also a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, with accredited status as a senior fellow – the only solicitor in Yorkshire to hold this status. He is the author of ‘Model Letters for Personal Injury Lawyers’ and the ‘APIL Guide to Personal Injury Claims Procedure’. He is a past president of the Doncaster and District Law Society and of the Yorkshire Union of Law Societies.
Motor Source Group and Aurora EV forge dynamic new business partnership
Motor Source Group, a provider of innovative salary sacrifice car programmes for businesses, and Aurora EV, an EV charge point installation business, have announced a strategic business relationship aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and fostering sustainable transportation solutions for business and employees.
Motor Source Group offers a comprehensive salary sacrifice car programme designed to assist businesses with a full motoring solution and providing a range of hybrid and electric vehicles to support the journey to achieve Net Zero goals. The company’s commitment to simplicity, along with a customer-focused approach, ensures that both businesses and employees experience seamless car procurement and management processes.
Aurora EV, with over five decades of combined experience in the motor and electrical industry, stands as a specialist installation business dedicated to providing top-tier EV charge point solutions. Their team of seasoned engineers possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise, guaranteeing efficient and reliable installation and maintenance of EV charge points. Aurora EV’s reputation for quality and excellence in the EV infrastructure arena has made them a trusted partner for numerous businesses and individuals seeking reliable charging solutions.
The collaboration between Motor Source Group and Aurora EV marks a significant stride toward a sustainable and electrified future. By combining Motor Source Group’s salary sacrifice car programme with Aurora EV’s expertise in EV charge point installation, the partnership aims to create a holistic offering that empowers businesses to transition to electric mobility seamlessly and effectively.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Aurora EV,” said Steve Thornton, founder & CEO at Motor Source Group. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing businesses with comprehensive solutions that are convenient and easy to implement. With Aurora EV’s unmatched experience in EV charging installations, we can offer our clients a seamless transition to electric vehicles, fostering environmental responsibility and sustainability.”
Ben Morris, Managing Director at Aurora EV, said: “Our partnership with Motor Source Group is a natural fit, as both our organizations share a passion for innovation and sustainable solutions. By combining our expertise with Motor Source Group’s forward-thinking approach, we can provide businesses with a complete package that supports their transition to electric mobility.”
The collaboration between Motor Source Group and Aurora EV is expected to drive significant positive change in the corporate sector’s approach to sustainable transportation solutions. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to a greener future and marks the beginning of a journey toward impactful change in the automotive landscape.
Publisher expands in Sheffield
As part of its ongoing commitment to accelerate the diversification of its workforce and publishing, Hachette UK is expanding their national office in Sheffield. The 23-strong team have moved to a workspace previously used by Twinkl, a leading education business founded in Sheffield.
Hachette UK now has 120 staff based across the cities of Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Sheffield. Of the 120 staff over 40% have been recruited locally and in Sheffield that number rises to over 50%.
The Sheffield team includes colleagues from 8 different publishing divisions and a similar number of job functions, with particular strengths in editorial, marketing, sales, rights and IT.
This move to a standalone space with two suites, meeting rooms with high-spec technology, a bespoke audio studio, and break-out and quiet spaces will enable Hachette UK to hire creative talent beyond London and better reach consumers.
Nick Davies, MD of John Murray Press and national office lead at Hachette UK, said: “We are committed to growing our creative hubs across the UK. In just over two years, the national offices have more than doubled in size. The growth in Sheffield – from five staff to twenty-three – has been particularly exciting to see. And this impressive new space gives us the potential to grow that office to 75 colleagues or more.
“We have already begun reaping the rewards of having a workforce that better reflects the UK’s population. Of course, better is not enough and we have ambitious plans to deepen our vital connections with readers, writers and booksellers in communities beyond London. The move to bigger premises in Sheffield plays a significant part in that.”
David Shelley, CEO of Hachette UK, said: “I’m so proud of our national offices, and excited about the major expansion in Sheffield. Since 2021 the national offices have provided a gateway into creative talent – authors, illustrators, translators, publishing professionals – around the UK.
“We’re 100% committed to the growth and development of these hubs over the coming years, and we really look forward to continuing and developing our work with bookshops, libraries, arts organisations, and charities in all five cities.
“Opening offices around the country has been a crucial and transformative venture for us in our mission to publish for as wide a readership as possible, and we’re ambitious to increase our footprint outside London further in the years to come.”
Manufacturing output falls at fastest pace since September 2020
Manufacturers reported the sharpest fall in output volumes since September 2020, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey.
Motor vehicles & transport equipment, mechanical engineering, paper, printing & media, and chemicals sub-sectors drove the decline in output over the three months to August. Looking ahead, output volumes are expected to stabilise in the next three months.
Firms anticipate that price pressures will continue to ease going forward, with expectations for selling price inflation over the next three months at their softest since February 2021.
The survey, based on the responses of 277 manufacturing firms, found:
- Output volumes fell in the three months to August (weighted balance of -19%, from +3% in the three months to July), marking the sharpest decline since September 2020. Output is expected to be broadly stable in the three months to November (-3%).
- Output fell in 15 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to August, driven by the motor vehicles & transport equipment, mechanical engineering, paper, printing & media, and chemicals sub-sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in August and to a greater extent than in July (-15% from -9%). However, this outturn was broadly in line with the long-run average (-13%). Export order books were seen as below “normal,” having deteriorated from last month (-18% from -11%). This was also on a par with the long-run average (-18%).
- Expectations for average selling price inflation were at their softest since February 2021 (+8%, from +18% in July; long-run average of +7%). Expectations for selling price inflation have eased for eight consecutive months, having fallen sharply from the multi-decade high seen in 2022 (+80% in March 2022).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as more than “adequate” in August (+7% from 0% in July; long-run average of +12%).
Martin Sartorius, CBI principal economist, said: “With output volumes contracting at their fastest pace since the COVID-19 pandemic and order books deteriorating, this survey makes for gloomy reading for manufacturers. However, easing price pressures will bring some relief to many manufacturing firms and the broader economy.
“The weak outlook for manufacturing activity underlines the need to double-down on delivering sustainable growth. With fierce levels of international competition, the race is on for the UK Government to offer targeted incentives to attract green investment and support firms’ decarbonisation efforts.”
Pace appoints new head of social
Creative communications agency Pace is strengthening its leadership team with the appointment of a new head of social media.
Conor Glavin is the latest new team member to join the Hull-based company.
Conor previously worked at global social media agency Social Chain where his clients included audio brand Beats by Dre, video game company Logitech G and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
He said: “I’m excited to be part of the team. Pace has a great reputation and I’m looking forward to building on Pace’s social strengths and developing further creative opportunities to share clients’ stories.”
He also has extensive communications and social media experience – both in-house and agency-based – from previous roles.
Anita Pace, MD, said: “It’s great to welcome Conor to Pace as we continue to go from strength to strength. His insight and experience of social media, together with his genuine enthusiasm for amplifying clients’ stories, will be invaluable for our clients and the Pace team as a whole.”
Conor’s appointment follows further growth of Pace’s senior team with the arrival of Calvin Innes as creative director earlier this year and the merger with fellow Hull-based agency Blab in September.
Pace’s clients include sustainable cleaning brand Bio-D, Yorkshire housing developer Beal Homes, luxury holiday home manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes, international waste plastic road company MacRebur, global health, hygiene and nutrition manufacturer Reckitt and global skincare brand 7th Heaven.
