Mansfield Pollard promotes Ewelina to Operations Director role

Stuart Pearcey
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Mansfield Pollard promotes Ewelina to Operations Director role
Bradford-based Mansfield Pollard has promoted Ewelina Kaftanska from Head of Data Centre Operations to the pivotal role of Operations Director. Reporting directly to COO Bryan Bentley, she will ultimately take full responsibility for the overall strategic planning and leadership of production and manufacturing across the business, including air handling, acoustic control, and data centre operations. With a keen focus on performance streamlining, technological integration and sustainable manufacturing practices, Ewelina brings a wealth of experience of delivering time-critical, complex engineering projects in the UK and around the world. Ewelina’s joins the Board at a time of significant growth and the appointment ensures a seamless operational transition whilst the business continues to deliver on its ambitious 5-year development plan. Bryan said: “The Mansfield Pollard brand has grown into a symbol of British manufacturing excellence and our reputation for quality in the marketplace has been hard earned over the previous decades. “It’s a very exciting time to be at Mansfield Pollard and for UK manufacturing in general as we continue to push the boundaries in R&D, invest in new technologies and deliver real value for our customers and stakeholders. “Ewelina’s unyielding drive, passion, and dedication will raise the operational bar even higher and fundamentally advance our goal of being recognised as the UK’s leading air management specialist.”

Yorkshire Building Society raises more than £1m to support Age UK

Stuart Pearcey
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Yorkshire Building Society raises more than £1m to support Age UK

Yorkshire Building Society and its charity partner Age UK have said thanks a million to the Society’s colleagues and customers for helping to raise over £1 million to help Age UK be there for older people who are struggling most right now.

The two-and-a-half-year partnership generated £1,013,577 towards Age UK’s Building Better Lives programme, helping older people to become more financially resilient. Colleagues walked, cycled and ran over 18,000 miles to help Age UK during incredibly challenging times, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.

Donations from customers and members of the public, combined with the launch of an innovative savings account and contributions from the mutual, also helped the partnership reach the milestone.

Age UK’s Building Better Lives programme supports older people through life events such as a health diagnosis, the death of a partner or a change in needs, with the funds raised enabling one-to-one support sessions with trained advisors. Over 4,600 older people were supported during the partnership and with more than 3,600 benefit claims made, Age UK unlocked £8.1 million worth of benefits for older people who were unaware they were entitled to claim.

Yorkshire Building Society also donated over £210,000 to Age UK’s national Advice Line, which is a free and confidential phone service that provides expert advice and impartial information for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. The funds raised could allow Age UK to answer more than 43,000 calls from older people during their time of need, and many who had no one else to turn to for help.

Susan Allen, chief exec at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “With more than two million older people in the UK living in poverty[i], our partnership with Age UK raised funds to help some of the most vulnerable in our communities. I can’t thank enough, anyone who supported the partnership to help us reach the million-pound milestone.

“The projects our support funded made a meaningful difference where it was needed most. Whether it was helping older people access unclaimed benefits, answering thousands of calls from people who wouldn’t otherwise know where to turn or using Digital Buddies to ensure older people don’t fall through the digital gap, our colleagues and customers supported the partnership with enthusiasm to improve the lives of older people in our communities.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive at Age UK, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to every Yorkshire Building Society colleague and customer for helping to raise over £1 million to allow Age UK to be there for older people. The cost-of-living crisis is impacting everyone, but it is unbelievably challenging for older people who have to make it week to week on such a fixed income. This is why partnerships like this are so vital for Age UK.

“The funds raised during this partnership have enabled Age UK to be there for older people during the pandemic and running through the current cost-of-living crisis, times when many older people didn’t know where to turn to for support. Thanks to Yorkshire Building Society’s support, Age UK has been able to provide vital support, advice and friendship to older people in communities across the UK. Thank you to every Yorkshire Building Society employee and customer who has helped us to raise a fantastic amount to help older people in their communities.”

Cycle retailer raises funds following triathlon store takeover

Tess Egginton
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Cycle retailer raises funds following triathlon store takeover
A Yorkshire firm which is the North’s fastest growing independent cycle retailer has secured a £200,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, following its takeover of a store in Leeds. J’s Cycle Shack, which had three existing outlets across Yorkshire, stepped in to save the popular triathlon shop Triangle following the death of its owner Adam Nevins in April this year. Situated in the Leeds suburb of Guiseley, Triangle was established over 25 years ago and has served Team GB and professional athletes. The funding will allow the new owner to expand the business and create two new jobs. J’s Cycle Shack is led by 30-year-old cycling enthusiast James Wagner. He founded the company in Knottingley in 2014 at the age of 21, with the support of John Tanner, a retired professional cyclist who had competed in the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games and who continues to work in the business. The company now also has a store in Epworth, near Doncaster, and a warehouse and showroom in Wakefield and employs 11 staff across the four sites. J’s Cycle Shack is one of the top three UK retailers of Scotts Cycles, and stocks other leading brands including Cannondale and Pinarello and also sells to customers worldwide via its website. The company’s turnover has trebled in the past three years, driven by the growing popularity of cycling. James Wagner, founder of J’s Cycle Shack, said: “Cycling is a sport with so many benefits. It is enjoyable, environmentally friendly, good for your health and wellbeing, and it helps foster a sense of community. It is an honour to have taken on the Triangle store and we are keen to build on the business that Adam created. The funding will provide additional working capital to enable us to expand the range, increase stock levels and employ new team members.” Andy Clough of Mercia added: “James and the team are passionate about cycling and offer an expert service catering for cyclists of all abilities. The company has become the fastest growing independent in the North of England. It is good to be able to support them as they continue their expansion and help more people discover the joys of cycling.”

New facility boosts drug manufacturing capability in Hull

Stuart Pearcey
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New facility boosts drug manufacturing capability in Hull
Global pharmaceutical manufacturer Indivior has extended its partnership with Siemens with a new agreement to help create an automated Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient manufacturing facility at its UK base in Hull. The 1,731 sq ft facility will house three new reactors, filter driers and a powder transfer system to enable Indivior to optimise production of its API Buprenorphine Hydrochloride. The work is part of a long-standing partnership between the businesses that has helped Indivior transform processes while also supporting its ongoing efforts to enhance team health and safety. The project will see Siemens implement its most advanced process control system, SIMATIC PCS neo – the first web-based process control system that allows engineers and operators to work on a secure and highly intuitive user interface. Security measures will also be preconfigured by Siemens at the point of construction to ensure plant and network security as well as system integrity. The system will also support enhanced safety controls using the latest technology. The Hull project builds on the existing relationship between the two businesses, which began in 2021 when Indivior selected Siemens to help increase automation and process safety at its existing UK manufacturing facility, which is now home to 10 reactors. The project followed a study to identify potential safety improvements across the site and led to the installation of Siemens’ SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system to improve safety controls for site operatives. Alex Caldas, Account Development Manager at Siemens UK and Ireland said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Indivior, supporting the business with the latest technology to help it transform. Crucially, this has meant helping Indivior maintain a safe environment across its facilities, while also enhancing its production to meet ongoing growth ambitions. The SIMATIC PCS 7 and PSC neo technology helps the team make processes even more efficient, safe, and resilient.” Tom Greatorex, electrical, control and instrumentation engineer at Indivior, who led the project, said: “Siemens’ process control platforms, both PCS7 and PCS neo, have allowed us to modernise our facilities through digitalisation and automation, giving us greater insight and control. “Creating the new facility allows us to improve our manufacturing process and reduce bottlenecking. The implementation of technology helps us to do this in a future-proofed and optimal way.”

Stirlin plans new enterprise park in Lincoln

Stuart Pearcey
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Stirlin plans new enterprise park in Lincoln
Contractor Stirling has announced details of a new commercial property scheme called Witham Enterprise Park to be created in Lincoln. The scheme will offer nine brand-new industrial units, designed by Johnathan Roberts Architects and constructed by Stirlin on a 1.22-acre site, off Newark Road, adjacent to the Esso fuel station and the River Witham. Split across three phases, Witham Enterprise Park will provide over 16,000 sqft of versatile employment space, adaptable for a variety of business uses and suitable for owner occupiers and property investors alike. The units will be available To Buy or To Let, with sizes starting from circa 956 sq ft, and will each benefit from an electric sectional door, open-plan warehouse space, personnel door, toilet facility and allocated parking. Tony Lawton, MD of Stirlin, said: “The site will greatly benefit from a complete regeneration and there is a notable lack of sufficient contemporary industrial space within the city centre.” Site preparation works are underway, with construction due to start soon.

Councils urged to get pubs open earlier for Lionesses World Cup Final

Stuart Pearcey
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Councils urged to get pubs open earlier for Lionesses World Cup Final
The Government is encouraging councils in England to get pubs open earlier on Sunday ahead of the Lionesses historic World Cup final. The Secretary of State for Levelling Up has written to leaders of all councils in England asking them to continue doing everything they can to help every pub that wants to host this historic occasion and support the Lionesses. While many venues will be able to show the game within their usual opening hours, there may be a few who require additional permission where they would like to be able to serve alcohol as well. In cases where an application is being rapidly considered to allow a short extension to licensing hours, the government is encouraging local authorities to continue to do everything they can to complete the process in time, working closely with local police forces. Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, said: “The nation will be cheering on the Lionesses on Sunday and the next best thing to being in Australia is enjoying the match in the pub or hospitality venue. Many are taking advantage of the fact that they can open to encourage people to come out for breakfast or brunch to get ready for this historic match. “Demand from fans has been exceptional, with bookings filling rapidly, and there’s no doubt the day will be a huge boost for the sector, potentially delivering an additional £41 million in sales.

“It’s been really positive to work with the Government to ensure everyone can get a chance to join in the celebrations. I’d echo the Government’s support for local authorities taking a pragmatic view to venues opening early to allow people to make the most of this momentous occasion.”

Businesses assured they’ll be no more than three miles from a source of cash

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses assured they’ll be no more than three miles from a source of cash
The vast majority of businesses and individuals are set to be no further than three miles away from withdrawing cash under a new framework set out by the Treasury. A government statement published today sets the minimum expectations on banks to protect services for people and businesses wanting to withdraw or deposit cash. They can expect to withdraw cash without any fees – something that has been set out in law. As part of this move, the Financial Conduct Authority has been provided new powers by the government to protect the provision of cash access services. This includes protecting cash access without any fees for those who hold personal current accounts. Building on laws granted through the government’s Financial Services and Markets Act 2023, the FCA will use these newfound powers to make sure banks and building societies are keeping up to these standards – and have the power to fine them if they do not. While the country is moving further away from using coins and notes with the number of online payments rising from 45% to 85% in the past ten years, cash can still be an integral part of many businesses and people’s lives. Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith, said: “Whilst the growing choice and convenience of digital payments is great, cash has an important and continuing role to play. That’s why we are taking action to protect access to cash in law and laying out that this means fee-free withdrawals and the availability of cash facilities within a reasonable distance. “People shouldn’t have to trek for hours to withdraw a tenner to put in someone’s birthday card – nor should businesses have to travel large distances to deposit cash takings. These are measures which benefit everyone who uses cash but particularly those living in rural areas, the elderly and those with disabilities.” As it stands, the vast majority of people living in urban areas can access cash deposit and withdrawal services within a mile; with rural-dwellers around three miles away. Today’s policy statement makes clear that the FCA should use its powers to maintain this level of coverage, while recognising that needs may differ by location and change over time. It also makes clear that – if a service is withdrawn and a replacement service is needed – this should be put in place before the closure takes place. The FCA is also required to ‘have regard’ to local deficiencies in cash access. The policy statement sets out that the regulator should consider factors such as the opening hours and distance to cash access services, as well as the need for in-person assistance. Laws introduced in the Financial Services Act 2021 have delivered cashback in over 2,500 shops across the UK – without any need to buy something in store – through the LINK network.

One in ten dairy farmers ‘likely’ to stop milk production within two years

Stuart Pearcey
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One in ten dairy farmers ‘likely’ to stop milk production within two years
Almost 10% of dairy producers say they are likely to stop producing milk by 2025, with smaller producers being the most impacted by the ongoing market situation – in spite of the arrival of new regulations later this year.
The NFU’s Dairy Intentions Survey of almost 600 UK dairy farmers has found that insufficient returns, volatile markets and the scale of on-farm investment required are all reasons why many of Britain’s dairy farmers are thinking hard about their future in the sector. In addition to those who are looking to stop production all together, a further 23% have said they are ‘unsure’ if they are going to continue production beyond the next two years. Smaller enterprises producing less than a million litres of milk per year are also more likely to stop production before March 2025, compared to those producing higher volumes. Based on figures from the ADHB, there are currently an estimated 7,500 dairy producers in Great Britain, a figure down 4.8% since last year.
The survey also revealed:
  • Increases in input prices such as feed (84%), energy (83%), and fertiliser (74%) are all particular areas of worry.
  • Over one third (36%) of those ceasing production are doing so due to retirement, with almost a fifth (18%) handing over their farm to the next generation.
  • Over half (52%) of producers stopping production are unable to keep up with the scale of investment required for their enterprise to stay compliant, such as slurry storage, a factor that is highlighted as a main concern for the majority (91%) when considering whether to increase production in the future.
  • NFU Dairy Board chair Michael Oakes said it is obvious these factors are putting the long-term resilience of dairy farming “under threat”, leading to a “crisis of confidence” amongst British dairy farmers. The survey results identified that supply chain fairness was a key factor with almost 90% of dairy producers saying this was important to support future milk production. New industry-wide contract regulation expected to come in later this year must support fairer, more transparent and accountable supply chains, said Michael. “But regulation isn’t a silver bullet,” he added. “With increasing global demand for British dairy, we know that the long-term future is bright for our sector,” said Michael. “To ensure we maximise this potential, it’s imperative that government continues to work with us to ensure we have the right environmental, regulatory and trade framework in place to support the production of high quality, nutritious and sustainable food.”

Yorkshire logistics company expands operations in the Southeast with acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire logistics company expands operations in the Southeast with acquisition

Yorkshire-based logistics company Expect Distribution has acquired Pallet Plus, an established transport company based in the Essex area. It comes as Expect seeks to enhance its national presence.

Expect Distribution purchased the £10m turnover business, based in Colchester, to strengthen the group’s offering, expanding operations in the Southeast and solidifying its capabilities as a UK-wide logistics and warehousing company.

Established since 2005, Pallet Plus is a family-run business providing national final mile distribution of palletised freight to and from the Essex region. Primarily a pallet network operator and a member of TPN, UPN and Palletways, Pallet Plus has a strong customer base in their immediate area which provides Expect with the opportunity to grow volume over the medium term and exploit existing synergies with current volume.

The acquisition of Pallet Plus will see Expect Distribution’s turnover exceed £60m.

Managing Director, Matthew Kilner said: “The fantastic reputation, dedication of the senior management team and drivers, operational capabilities and longstanding membership with three national pallet networks [The Pallet Network, UPN & Palletways], were more than enough for us to consider this acquisition. But beyond this, the cultural fit of the business was key. Pallet Plus are clearly a company punching above its weight and we are certain the two businesses will integrate seamlessly.”

Operations director and co-owner Andy Taylor added: “With the purchase of Pallet Plus, we can not only significantly increase our presence in Southeast with an owned operation but also bolster the proposition, by expanding the transport side of the business and introducing, in the medium term, a new warehousing offering which has been an important growth area for us in Bradford over recent years. I’d personally like to thank the team at Pallet Plus, and we look forward to working with them, to take both businesses forward.”

Gary Rowe, Managing Director at Pallet Plus, said: “The acquisition by Expect Distribution is a significant milestone and marks an exciting new chapter for both companies. Together, we will combine our collective resources, cutting-edge technology, and industry knowledge to provide even greater value to our clients. As we embark on this journey, I want to express my gratitude to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and valued partners.”

Hepworth’s Arcade project progresses thanks to grant

Tess Egginton
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Hepworth’s Arcade project progresses thanks to grant
Detailed surveying as part of Hepworth’s Arcade repair and renovation project will soon take place thanks to Hull City Council being awarded a Project Development Grant worth £96,000 from Historic England. The surveys will help the council to understand the most suitable repair methods to preserve the heritage of the Grade II listed arcade. The grant will allow greater focus on areas that need specialist repair works such as the stonework. The funding will also cover developing designs for the wider repair and renovation of Hepworth’s Arcade and will ultimately lead to a planning application and tendering the construction works. Current and prospective tenants of the arcade will be consulted on plans as design works get underway in the coming months. The scheme aims to repair and reinvigorate all the units to achieve full occupancy, as well as bringing unused upper floor space back into use. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “The council welcomes this investment from Historic England. “Hepworth’s Arcade is a much-loved retail destination in Hull’s Old Town and this support from Historic England will help the council to ensure its regeneration project is a success.” Craig Broadwith, Historic Places Advisor at Historic England, added: “This beautiful Victorian arcade has been a favourite shopping destination for the residents of Hull for more than a century. “This grant from Historic England will fund the first step towards repairing and reinvigorating this stunning building for generations of shoppers to come.”
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