Business Lincolnshire announces return of Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference
Business Lincolnshire are proud to announce the Greater Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference 2022: De-risking for a Sustainable Future.
The fully funded conference, which is being organised in partnership with NatWest, exclusively serves the manufacturing sector within Greater Lincolnshire. The conference takes place at Kenwick Park Hotel, Louth, on Friday 20th May 2022. The annual event celebrates its fifth conference, in a welcome return following a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
Greater Lincolnshire Engineering and Manufacturing (GLEAM) network are sponsoring the networking breakfast, which coincides with registration and an industry exhibition. This year’s theme focuses on ‘de-risking for a sustainable future’.
A programme of presentations and discussions will explore sustainable business opportunities, the practicalities of carbon capture and storage, insights into how to take the first steps towards net-zero, and more. Peer-to-peer problem-solving and knowledge-sharing workshops will take place throughout the day, providing time to discuss and unpick topics covered by the speakers.
The day’s events will close with the opportunity for delegates to attend site tours of local manufacturers Bottomley Distillers, Micronclean, and Wolds Manufacturing Services.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This conference plays a vital role in supporting the county’s manufacturing community. It provides opportunities to network, share ideas and seek out solutions to common challenges, and of course to hear about new developments from industry leaders. This is always an event to look forward to as we help this important sector thrive.”
To attend the event, delegates must represent manufacturing-based businesses, partnerships, sole traders, and registered charities, with a trading address located within Greater Lincolnshire. Due to anticipated high demand places are limited to one person per organisation. To find out more and book your ticket visit: https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/events/event-details/?id=3934&navigatedFromSearch=true
Independent retailers continue to provide new jobs and fuel economic growth, says report
The Shopify Economic Impact Report conducted by Deloitte has revealed how British independent retailers are continuing to fuel job creation and local economic growth, with exports helping UK merchants thrive despite macroeconomic headwinds.
Record numbers of UK independent retailers broke international borders in 2021, with exports from UK Shopify merchants reached £2.7 billion in 2021, up 43% increase from the £1.9 billion made through exports in 2020, as retailers turned their attentions to international growth.
Dave Linton, founder of Madlug, which donates a bag to a child in care for every bag sold to a customer, is continuing to expand overseas and credits the ability for small independent brands to forge a close connection to their customers. He said: “Once customers are connected to a brand’s mission and purpose, they are willing to continue spending with that brand, even in the face of inflation, rising living costs and international shipping charges. In the past year, we’ve seen strong sales to Europe, Canada and America and some sales also to Australia and Dubai. We have also been able to hire two more young people who have been through the care system themselves and add great value to our business as a result.”
Shimona Mehta, EMEA Managing Director at Shopify, said: “Innovative British businesses are creating jobs at a rapid clip despite the odds and continue to flex their entrepreneurial muscle: something that will be increasingly important as we navigate the cost of living crisis ahead. Not only does it underline the UK’s potential as a powerhouse for entrepreneurship, but the role that commerce is playing in driving economic growth and job creation.”
FSB welcomes plan to delay full EU import checks
Responding to the Government’s decision to delay the imposition of full EU import checks, which were set to take effect this summer, Federation of Small Businesses National Chair Martin McTague said: “Imposition of full import controls this summer would have meant yet another burden for small firms which are already wrestling with new trade rules and spiralling operating costs.
“This move will give them more time to prepare for future changes and reassess supply chains.
“Over the long term, the Government should do its utmost to minimise trade friction with regions all over the globe – increasing the threshold at which import tariffs kick in, and putting small business chapters at the heart of all new free trade agreements.”
Packaging business expands in Mansfield
AM Packaging (Mansfield) Limited has expanded with the letting of Unit 5 Anglia Way, Mansfield.
FHP Property Consultants secured the deal on behalf of Ash Bow Estates Limited.
The business was looking for larger warehouse premises in the local area.
Chris Proctor of FHP Property Consultants said: “It has been a pleasure dealing with AM Packaging with this deal requiring a real team effort in respect of the vacating occupier moving out and AM Packaging moving into the unit, which was all done within 24 hours of one another! I wish AM Packaging all the best with their new unit.”
Lee Childerley of AM Packaging said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to personally say a massive thank you to Chris Procter from FHP Property Consultants, for helping our team find our perfect premises to help continue our growth as a company.”
Firm fined £44,000 after poultry shed malfunction kills 27,000 chickens
A company that manages poultry farms has been fined £44,000 after a computer malfunction in a broiler shed ventilation system caused the death of more than 27,000 chickens.
Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service prosecuted Hudson & Sanders Limited after the birds died at a farm near Melton Mowbray.
The firm pleaded guilty to four charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in a hearing at Leicester Magistrates Court on Wednesday (27).
Some 50,000 chickens were being kept in a large shed at Hose Lodge Farm in Colston Bassett when, on May 26, 2020, the systems that regulated air flow, vital for the welfare of the chickens, failed.
The court heard that inlets on the side of the building closed during a rest period for the birds in the afternoon, but another tunnel ventilation system failed to open creating a sealed unit.
On what was a warm day, the temperature within the shed rose rapidly.
The birds could not cool down because of the ventilation failure, causing them heat stress, suffering and death.
An alarm sounded when the temperature rose to 37 degrees and staff were alerted but council investigators said that should have been set to go off at 27 degrees.
At the time of the incident, the farm manager was on leave but still attended as he lived on the site.
A relief manager provided by Hudson & Sanders Limited, had left the site to take a break when the incident occurred.
By the time staff were able to get into the shed 27,249 of the chickens had died.
The council prosecuted the company for being negligent in its care of the birds, which were being farmed for their meat.
Trading standards also said the company had failed to ensure there were enough staff to look after the chickens and that they were not trained to the level they needed to be, which led to a situation where they didn’t know what to do in time.
The county council argued the offence was aggravated because an Animal and Plant Health Agency vet had visited the farm in November 2019 and raised concerns about there not being sufficient staff or a ventilation plan.
District Judge Nick Watson described the May 26 incident as a disaster and said those birds that survived would also have suffered.
He fined the company £44,000 and ordered it to pay the county council’s costs of £12,634.83.
In mitigation, solicitors for the defendant said the company, which managed poultry operation on behalf of the farm’s owner, regretted the incident.
The court heard Hudson & Sanders Limited had no previous conviction for animal welfare offences and had an otherwise excellent reputation in the industry.
After the hearing, the county council’s head of regulatory services, Gary Connors, said: “This was an awful but thankfully rare incident in terms of the scale of unnecessary suffering. However, we hope the level of fine prompts businesses operating in this sector to review their operations to ensure they have adequate staffing and procedures in place to avoid such a distressing incident happening again.”
City firms urged to take advantage of free 30-day electric van trial
Businesses are being invited to test-drive a new electric van before taking a fully-funded one-month trial.
An event is being held next month in Nottingham where a range of vehicles will be on show for firms of any size, from the public or private sector, to consider for their fleet.
Organised by the City Council as part of the Electric Van Experience (EVE) project, this will take place outside the Arc Building on the NG2 Business Park, Enterprise Way, between 11am and 3pm on Thursday 5 May.
Staff from the Transport team will be on hand to explain the benefits of an electric van, answer any questions and take interested businesses out for a 15-minute drive to help them decide if they’d like to sign up for a 30-day vehicle loan.
Use of the van is free with a nominal administration fee dependant on the size of the company. Voluntary sector and charitable organisations are exempt from this.
Funded by National Highways and delivered as part of the authority’s Workplace Travel Service, EVE was launched a year ago and enables companies to see how making the switch to electric vans could be the right move financially and environmentally.
Councillor Sally Longford, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Energy and the Environment at Nottingham City Council, said: “With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles brought forward to 2030, we want to support businesses to plan ahead. Electric vehicles are the future but we understand that making the switch is still a big decision.
“Since launching in 2021, the scheme has proved popular and we’ve loaned vehicles to more than 70 businesses. We now want to ensure that more companies have the opportunity to try it out and see if this is for them.
“The idea is for firms to experience the benefits of an electric van for themselves before making any commitment. This isn’t available through dealerships or manufacturers, so it’s a unique opportunity and key to addressing the barriers that businesses face with electrifying fleets.
“Not only will they be able to experience first-hand the cost savings in maintenance and operation, but also the improved driving experience, giving them confidence to go ahead and make their fleets cleaner.
“As a council we’ve long been committed to improving air quality in the city, and this scheme will further help to reduce harmful emissions from the city’s and region’s roads.”
Providing the premises are suitable, businesses who take up the offer will be able to have a charge point fitted at no cost and will be invited to take advantage of the services offered by Nottingham Electric Vehicle Services (NEVS).
Andy Jinks, Midlands regional director for National Highways and funders of the Electric Van Experience, said: “We’re working with councils across the country to encourage businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles and we expect many more to start using electric vehicles when they experience the savings possible.
“We’ve invested £2.69 million in this initiative with Nottingham City Council – a key example of how we are using our air quality fund to benefit the environment and communities around our roads, as well as the people travelling and working on them.”
Businesses interested in the 5 May event should contact the Transport team at transport@nottinghamcity.gov.uk so an accompanied test drive can be scheduled in advance.
Blythin & Brown joins sponsor line up for East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022
Blythin & Brown Insurance Brokers has joined the sponsor line up for the East Midlands Bricks Awards 2022, supporting the Deal of the Year award.
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Speaking with Business Link, Richard Picton, Managing Director at Blythin & Brown, said: “It was an easy decision to sponsor Deal of the Year at this year’s Bricks Awards. Not only is this an opportunity to highlight the Blythin and Brown name but it’s also a great platform where we can showcase the insurance solutions we offer to the Construction and Property sector to a room full of high profile senior decision makers.”
The awards, which will take place on Thursday 15 September at the Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, celebrate the outstanding work of those shaping the landscape of our region, recognising development projects and people in commercial and public building across the East Midlands – from offices, industrial and residential, through to community projects such as leisure schemes and schools.
Nominations are now OPEN for East Midlands Business Link’s annual Bricks Awards.
To submit a business or development, please click on a category link below or visit this page.
Award categories include:
- Most active estate agent
- Commercial development of the year
- Responsible business of the year
- Residential development of the year
- Developer of the year
- Deal of the year
- Architects of the year
- Excellence in design
- Sustainable development of the year
- Contractor of the year
- Overall winner
Find out who last year’s winners were here.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Book your tickets now
Tickets can now be booked for the awards event – click here to secure yours. The special awards evening and networking event will be held on 15 September 2022 in the Derek Randall Suite at the Trent Bridge County Cricket Club from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. Connect with local decision makers over canapés and complimentary drinks while applauding the outstanding companies and projects in our region. The event will also welcome John Forkin MBE DL, Managing Director at award-winning investment promotion agency Marketing Derby, as keynote speaker. Dress code is standard business attire.
To be held at:
New Executive set to lead Nottingham City Council in 2022
Nottingham City Council will elect its new Executive team of councillors on Monday 9 May at the Annual General Meeting of City Council.
From then, the following councillors will take up their responsibility:
- Councillor David Mellen (Leader)
- Councillor Adele Williams (Deputy Leader)
- Councillor Sally Longford
- Councillor Rebecca Langton
- Councillor Linda Woodings
- Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis
- Councillor Toby Neal
- Councillor Audra Wynter
- Councillor Neghat Khan
- Councillor Cheryl Barnard
New £25m taskforce to crack down on those who took advantage of vital Covid support schemes
The Chancellor has announced that a new fraud squad, recruited from data analytics experts and leading economic crime investigators, will crack down on criminal gangs who rip off the taxpayer.
Operational in July and based in the Cabinet Office, the new £25 million “Public Sector Fraud Authority” will double funding for the Government’s central counter fraud capacity.
Rishi Sunak will unveil the new Public Sector Fraud Authority, which will be up and running by July, doubling the Government’s central counter fraud capacity.
The new body will be made up of leading data analytics experts and economic crime investigators to recover money stolen from Covid support schemes and spot suspicious companies and people seeking Government contracts. Counter fraud experts will also mount mandatory inspections on Whitehall programmes to uncover vulnerabilities.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “We will chase down fraudsters who rip off the taxpayer. This elite fraud squad, backed by £25 million, will ensure the latest counter fraud techniques are being used to track down these criminals.
People are rightly furious that fraudsters took advantage of our vital Covid support schemes, and we are acting to make sure they pay the price”.
Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency, Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “Hardworking taxpayers must and will be protected. Anyone who tries to defraud the public purse will know that we as a government are coming for them and we are going to put them behind bars”.
Recruitment for the Chief Executive of the Public Sector Fraud Authority will start in the coming weeks, with candidates picked from leading counter fraud experts. The new CEO will answer directly to the Chancellor and the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency. Mr Sunak will unveil details of the new counter fraud squad when he chairs the first meeting of the government’s new Efficiencies and Value for Money Committee later today, set up at the request of the Prime Minister. At the committee the Chancellor will also launch the Government’s Plan for Protecting the Taxpayer to cut waste by slashing the Government’s property bill, doubling the NHS efficiencies target, reducing non-front line civil service head count, as well as “quango” budgets and cracking down on fraud and error. The committee is chaired by the Chancellor and deputy co-chaired by Simon Clarke, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Jacob Rees-Mogg, Minister for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency. The full membership of the committee, confirmed today, is Steve Barclay, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, Minister without Portfolio and Michael Ellis, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office.Ideal Heating and DCG team up to address installation skills gaps
Boiler and heat pump manufacturers Ideal Heating have teamed up with Derby College Group (DCG) to launch its first multi-faceted training facility that will support and upskill current and future installers.
Ideal Heating, part of Groupe Atlantic, has been providing central heating boilers to the domestic as well as heating solutions to commercial markets since 1906 and the DCG training suite is their first partnership with a UK college to include their full range of equipment including high-efficiency boilers and air source heat pumps.
The training suite has been developed at DCG’s Roundhouse technical and professional skills college in Derby’s Pride Park where Ideal Heating’s team will deliver expert training themselves and also share their knowledge with the College’s teaching staff as part of their professional development.
Ideal Heating training director Andrew Johnson explained: “As one of the UK’s leading boiler manufacturers, we have long recognised the importance of training across the industry to ensure that our products are installed correctly for maximum efficiency.
“We are also committed to playing our part in training the installers of the future and raising awareness amongst young people of the career opportunities available to them.
“We chose to open this new training facility for the East Midlands at DCG because of their amazing facilities and easy access by road and rail.
“We look forward to developing the relationship over the coming months – welcoming installers into the facility and sharing our expertise with the DCG teaching staff to ensure students and apprentices are work ready for the exciting developments underway in this industry as part of the UK’s decarbonisation agenda and the drive towards Net Zero by 2050.”
DCG’s assistant principal – technology Brian Malyan continued: “Having the latest training equipment installed here at College is beneficial not only to the local and regional companies who are installing Ideal Heating’s equipment in homes and commercial premises but also to our students and apprentices who are the installers of the future.
“As a College, we are committed to working with companies across a wide range of sectors to co-design and co-deliver our curriculum and ensure that our students and apprentices have the skills, behaviours and attitudes they need to successfully enter the world of work.
“Our relationship with Ideal Heating is therefore a win/win for the company, local installers and the College alike.”
