Leeds Bradford Airport is set to open new-look lounges
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is set to open newly refurbished lounges early next month (April 2023).
The Yorkshire Lounge and the 1432 Runway Club lounges have been reconfigured and expanded to include extra seating and will boast improved menus that showcase locally sourced food and drink, including beers and spirits. By popular demand, they will operate longer opening hours, with availability from 4:00am – 8:00pm daily and year round.
As part of the works, 1432 Runway Club has been relocated in order to feature the best possible views of the runway and has been redecorated with a Scandinavian style interior, with new furniture and a feature wall.
Both lounges remain open up to the final refurbished lounges launching in April 2023.
John Cunliffe, Commercial and Strategy Director, said: “We’re delighted to see work start on our new and improved lounges. A lot of thought and care has gone into their design, and details such as their food and drink offering, to make them enjoyable and relaxing for all our passengers, whether they’re flying for business or pleasure. Our new 4am opening times means that passengers on early morning flights can now enjoy a fuller lounge experience.”
Former York woman gets prison sentence doubled over tax fraud
One of the UK’s most wanted tax fugitives who was caught and jailed for eight years last year has had her sentence more than doubled for failing to repay the money she stole.
Sarah Panitzke, originally from York, played a leading role in a vast multi-million-pound VAT fraud and became one of the UK’s most wanted criminals after absconding during her trial in 2013.
The 48-year-old spent nine years on the run and was returned to the UK by HM Revenue and Customs last June and jailed for eight years a month later.
She hs now been sentenced to another nine years in prison for failing to repay a £2.4 million confiscation order. She now faces 17 years in prison, and will still owe the money plus interest which is accruing at £538 a day. Her debt stood at £3,782,779 as at February 2023
Sarah Panitzke played a pivotal role in a sophisticated multi-million-pound fraud and laundered extraordinary volumes of stolen money through offshore bank accounts.
The gang set up numerous businesses claiming to be legitimately importing and selling mobile phones, but the businesses were a front for an elaborate scheme to steal more than £20 million in VAT repayments.
Despite going to great lengths to hide the criminal profits, HMRC investigators uncovered a complex web of transactions they used to launder stolen money through bank accounts in the UK, Andorra, Dubai, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Portugal and the US.
Sarah Panitzke fled to Spain during her trial in 2013 and was convicted and sentenced in her absence to eight years in prison. She and her 17 co-conspirators were given sentences totalling 135 years for the multi-million-pound VAT fraud.
In 2016 and whilst still on the run, a court also ordered that she repay more than £2.4 million within three months or serve an extra nine years in jail.
HMRC believe that she had been hiding in Andorra and Spain for the last nine years and living under an assumed identity. She was captured after the Spanish Guardia Civil identified her in a village in the region of Tarragona.
In February 2022, the 48-year-old was arrested while walking her dogs in Spain in an operation led by the Spanish Guardia Civil, working alongside HM Revenue and Customs.
Nicol Sheppard, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Our work doesn’t stop at conviction – we always look to recover the proceeds of crime.
“Panitzke was part of a criminal gang that stole millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money and deprived our public services of vital funding. She failed to repay the money she stole and now faces even more time behind bars, and still owes the money.
“We encourage anyone who has information about a tax crime to report it to HMRC online. Search ‘Report Fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK and complete our online form.”
Lindum submits plans for new homes in Lincoln’s Hermit Street
Plans for 11 new affordable homes in the Hermit Street area of Lincoln have been submitted to City of Lincoln Council.
Lindum Construction, on behalf of the city council, has submitted the plans to build the properties on the site previously occupied by council-owned garages.
The application will be considered over the coming weeks and, if approved, the construction of these high-quality, sustainable homes will begin later in the year.
The proposed scheme would deliver a range of family properties, comprising two and three-bed homes.
Each property will be council rented accommodation, equipped with two parking spaces and an electric vehicle charging point.
All of these homes would be let at affordable rents to meet the needs of local residents, and all lettings for the housing would be made under the council’s allocations policy.
Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council said: “Continued housing growth is a key need in Lincoln to ensure there is a sufficient availability of homes in the city to support economic growth and job creation. These high-quality homes will help meet that demand.
“I am very much in support of this scheme and hope the required planning permission is achieved, so that work can begin at the earliest opportunity.
“A quality affordable home in which people can feel safe and thrive is a fundamental element in creating a positive community and enhancing our society as whole. We will continue building for the future and doing everything possible to meet the city’s growing housing demand.”
MPS come together to push for York to Hull rail link
A group of MPs representing York, the East Riding, and Hull have come together to campaign for a new rail link between York and Hull.
The proposed link, closed in the Beeching cuts in 1965, would connect York and Hull to create new opportunities for collaboration between the cities, and create a new corridor of opportunities in places like Beverley, Pocklington and Market Weighton.
Graham, Dame Diana Johnson (Lab, Hull North), Sir Greg Knight (Con, East Yorkshire), David Davis (Con, Haltemprice and Howden), Emma Hardy (Lab, Hull West and Hessle), Julian Sturdy (Con, York Outer) and Rachael Maskell (Lab, York Central) have announced that they will work together to get this project to the point where it can be considered as one of Britain’s new railways under the Restoring Your Railway Fund.
With partnerships only increasing between these two Northern Powerhouses, such as the Hull York Medical School, it is only right that the journey time between York and Hull is slashed from the current hour to traverse the 47 mile route by road, say the MPs.
The cross-party group of MPs has agreed a common course of action to work together to ensure this route is on the Department for Transport’s radar. The next phase for the new line will be an engineering study to investigate what the route would be, since much of the old Minsters’ Line has now been built over.
Graham Stuart said: “York and Hull are two of the North’s greatest cities and linking them is vital for our region and for Yorkshire. That’s why I’m working with MPs from across the region to make a new rail line between York and Hull a reality.
My Yorkshire colleagues, Labour and Conservative, and I are united in our shared goal to improve Yorkshire’s transport connectivity.”
Dame Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North, said: “Restoring the rail line between York and Hull via Beverley would boost the Humber economy. I’m working cross-party with MPs in our region to make this great idea a reality.”
Sheffield adds 15 fully-insured vehicles to electric van trial
Almost 200 Sheffield companies have taken part in the city’s electric van trial, with more vehicles to be made available.
It’s two years since the launch of the first electric van trial in Sheffield, with the Council now going a step further to support local businesses, charities, and organisations by introducing fully insured vehicles as part of the trial.
Since launching in June 2021 with 30 vans, the electric van trial has gone from strength to strength, with about 190 businesses taking up the opportunity to trial a van for up to two months at no charge.
The Council is now going even further by offering up 15 fully insured electric vans for the trials – which businesses can access with a one-off admin fee of £200, to give even more people an opportunity to take part in the trial.
In most cases, the one-off admin fee will be a more cost-effective and less time-consuming alternative to individuals sourcing van insurance independently. To take advantage of this offer, all drivers need to be aged 25 or over, full terms and conditions can be checked during the application process.
The Council is working with Churchill Expert, Direct Line Group’s flexible fleet insurance specialist, to provide fully comprehensive insurance for the trials.
Cllr Mazher Iqbal, Co-Chair of Transport, Regeneration & Climate Committee, said: “The electric van trial in Sheffield is a brilliant initiative and we want all local businesses, charities and organisations that use vans to have an opportunity to take advantage of this trial.
“That’s why we have taken 15 vans and fully insured them, opening up the opportunity to those who have previously been unable to get involved. Light good vehicles, such as vans are only 13% of the vehicles on the roads but contribute to over a quarter of the harmful emissions in Sheffield.
“I hope this will encourage people to come and give the electric vans a go. Ultimately, we want to give people the confidence to invest in cleaner, electric vehicles moving forward – with the Clean Air Zone now live in Sheffield, now is the perfect time.”
Nicola Richmond, Head of Churchill Expert Flexible Fleet Partnerships, said: “Transitioning to an electric van can seem daunting, so we are delighted to support this unique initiative which allows businesses to experience what it would genuinely be like to drive one for an extended period. Electric vans are becoming increasingly popular and the range and choice of vans coming to market is rapidly increasing. With the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles fast approaching, this initiative is a great way to support businesses by helping to give them the confidence to switch from traditionally fuelled vehicles to electric ones.
“We are excited to be arranging fleet insurance for Sheffield County Council and look forward to growing this partnership in the future.”
Companies interested in taking part in the trial can fill out the online application: https://forms.sheffield.gov.uk/form/auto/apply_electric_van_trial
New company offers firms solar energy benefits with no upfront costs
Global financial services group company Macquarie Energy Leasing Limited has launched a new rooftop solar business in Great Britain. OnStream Solar will fund, install and maintain onsite rooftop solar PV systems and offer Power Purchase Agreements to commercial and industrial customers.
OnStream Solar seeks to accelerate the uptake of solar by commercial and industrial energy consumers across Great Britain by offering to install onsite projects at no upfront cost in exchange for a PPA.
This offers medium-to-large businesses a capital efficient way to save on their energy costs whilst directly reducing their carbon emissions and contributing towards their ESG goals. Thanks to strong cost declines over the last decade, rooftop solar typically enables consumers to reduce and stabilise their energy costs, especially in the current environment of high and often changing grid electricity prices.
OnStream Solar is able to support installations of all sizes and will initially be working with businesses operating in sectors such as cold storage, warehousing, logistics, data centres, manufacturing, food and beverage and retail and tourism.
Neil Denley, MD of Macquarie Energy Leasing Limited said: “As more businesses focus on rising costs, the challenges around the energy transition are shifting. The launch of OnStream Solar marks an important milestone in our ambition to create a leading commercial and industrial rooftop solar development platform. An agile, flexible, development-focused business, backed by the global expertise, resources and reach of Macquarie, OnStream Solar is the perfect vehicle to help businesses retain competitiveness whilst delivering on their sustainability ambitions.”
OnStream Solar builds on Macquarie Energy Leasing Limited’s two decades of experience and expertise working in the UK on behind-the-meter energy solutions and aims to offer a broad range of financial, environmental and operational benefits to its customers. Macquarie Energy Leasing Limited continues to support energy suppliers with the roll-out of smart meters as one of the largest independent investors in meters in Great Britain.1
York offers free tech advice to city businesses
Businesspeople in York can boost their digital skills through at a business event set up in a collaboration between the city council and Google Digital Garage, provide three webinars and a free, in-person training and mentoring day.
Google Digital Garage provides online and live webinar digital skills training to businesses and to individuals in the UK to help people grow their skills, businesses or careers.
In addition to the training, each business that attends the workshops will be able to sign up to free 1-to-1 online mentoring with Google Digital Experts to ensure they can get guidance tailored to their specific digital needs – from building your brand on YouTube, Google Search and Maps to creating more ways to bring customers to your business.
The event will take place on Thursday 18 May at the Hospitium and is free to attend. Places are limited so people are advised to book ahead.
Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “We continue our work to empower and support our thriving local business community, enabling local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and access advice and support.
“I’m delighted that our first event of 2023 was such a success, with so many attendees taking the opportunity to develop their skills. With the ‘Courageous Females’ course now fully booked, we hope it will support and inspire more local women in business.
“This event is open to anyone working for a York business. I’d encourage anyone in York’s business sector, whether leading an established business or thinking of starting one, to attend the event and boost their digital skills.”
Debbie Weinstein, MD of Google UK & Ireland, said: “Digital technologies are truly transformative and can help businesses and individuals across the UK to increase their earnings, boost their productivity and unlock their full potential.
“As a former business owner myself, I understand how tough it is to know where to turn to for advice. That’s why we’re providing hands-on support as part of our nationwide digital skills drive to help equip more people with invaluable skills that help to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
New law protects seafarers’ wages and blocks legal loopholes
Thousands of seafarers regularly entering UK waters should now enjoy better pay protections thanks to a newly-passed law boosting their rights and protecting working conditions while preventing firms from using legal loopholes to pay low wages.
It’s the Seafarers’ Wages Act, which has been given Royal Assent and is designed to protect those working on vessels operating an international service from being paid less than the National Minimum Wage.
The law change will also require authorities to charge operators of vessels who do not provide evidence they’re paying their seafarers the equivalent to National Minimum Wage and to refuse harbour access to those who continue to fail to comply.
Last year, P&O Ferries shamelessly sacked nearly 800 staff without notice or consultation. The UK government has acted swiftly to progress its 9-point plan in response to this disgraceful behaviour and remains committed to seafarers as a priority, both domestically and internationally.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Our maritime sector is world-leading. That’s down to the thousands of hardworking seafarers working tirelessly to maintain supply chains and transport passengers safely across our waters.
“These workers deserve a fair wage and I’m therefore delighted to see our Seafarers’ Wages Act become law, helping improve pay and protect seafarers from exploitation.”
The government continues to engage with the UK’s near European neighbours to protect seafarers’ welfare and pay, and explore the creation of minimum wage equivalent corridors in our respective territorial waters. Earlier this month, during the UK-France summit in Paris, the Transport Secretary met his French counterpart Clément Beaune, with both nations pledging to continue working together to improve conditions for those working in the Channel and to protect them from exploitation.FET prepares for INDEX 23 Exhibition in Geneva
Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK will shortly be exhibiting at INDEX 23, the world’s leading nonwovens exhibition in Geneva, 18-21 April.
As well as featuring its latest meltblown and spunbond technology, FET will focus on its new Fibre Development Centre. Construction and fit-out of this new purpose-built building is now fully operational and welcoming visitors. This modern two-storey development provides state-of-the-art facilities, including enhanced laboratory for client testing and product development.
FET designs, develops and manufactures extrusion equipment for a wide range of high value textile material applications worldwide, with nonwovens playing an ever-increasing role. Central to FET’s success has always been its ability to provide customers with advanced facilities and equipment, together with unrivalled knowledge and expertise in research and production techniques. The new Fibre Development Centre will further improve this service. Clients frequently spend several days on site participating in development trials and technical sales meetings, so the new Centre is designed to make their stay even more efficient and comfortable.
Resident equipment in the Fibre Development Centre reflects the wide range of fibre extrusion systems offered by FET to clients across the globe and will enable continued growth of the company through innovation.
Complementing FET’s highly successful meltblown technology, the more recent spunbond range provides unprecedented opportunities for the scaled development of new nonwoven fabrics based on a wide range of fibres and polymers, including bicomponents.
“FET has long been a leading exponent of sustainability in fibre technology and the company’s commitment to extending its range of systems that enable sustainability is clearly illustrated in our message at INDEX 23” says FET Managing Director Richard Slack. “We are celebrating FET’s 25th anniversary since incorporation and look forward to meeting customers old and new at the exhibition in Geneva, where we can discuss your nonwoven technology requirements in detail.”
Bank of England announces interest rate increase to 4.25%
The Bank of England has voted 7-2 to raise interest rates from 4% to 4.25%.
This marks the 11th increase in a row as the BoE struggles to get to grips with the country’s spiraling rate of inflation.
