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[ "Jonathon Manning", "Image", "Unknown" ]
2021-01-04T16:28:13
null
2021-01-04T15:26:54
Northgate Public Services has bought a tech firm that provides software for undercover police
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2Fnps-covert-operations-acquisition-charter-19560785.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…afety-at-NPS.jpg
en
null
Hartlepool's NPS snaps up covert operations company
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Hartlepool’s Northgate Public Services (NPS) has bought a specialist firm that develops software used by undercover police forces in the UK and Canada. NPS is a leader in policing IT solutions and more than 50% of UK police forces use its CONNECT crime, custody and intelligent management system, to manage information about victims and crimes. The new deal will see it expand its offering by acquiring Charter Systems from Equiniti’s digital division. Charter Systems provides mission critical software to more than 60% of the police forces around the country and major customers in Canada. Its software is specifically designed for covert operations, such as undercover police work. By acquiring Charter Systems, NPS believes it can bring the two sets of technologies together to provide an even better service to the police. Ian Blackhurst, executive director of public safety at NPS, said: “It’s essential for undercover officers to have access to the most up to date and accurate information to be able to predict and prevent crime. Putting reliable intelligence into the hands of police forces means they are in a good position to be able to assess risk to their officers, the public and the police operation.” (Image: unknown) He added: “This acquisition is a great opportunity for us to expand our offer and will bring substantial value to customers of both Charter and NPS. Our working practices are already very similar so we will be able to start adding value to our solutions straight away.” The deal forms part of NPS’ plans to grow its footprint across the UK through its police force clients. The value of the acquisition has not been revealed. Aaron Hughes, CEO of the digital division of Equiniti, previous owners of Charter Systems Ltd, said: “We are pleased to sell Charter Systems, a market leading software business in its field, to a complementary acquirer, and wish our colleagues and former clients well for the future. This disposal allows EQ to continue to focus on its core businesses.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/nps-covert-operations-acquisition-charter-19560785
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/7fff4a5f6190fc4a05519e895490c77ff4543b7654ebff8b42bd9bfaac911105.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nHartlepool’s Northgate Public Services (NPS) has bought a specialist firm that develops software used by undercover police forces in the UK and Canada.\nNPS is a leader in policing IT solutions and more than 50% of UK police forces use its CONNECT crime, custody and intelligent management system, to manage information about victims and crimes.\nThe new deal will see it expand its offering by acquiring Charter Systems from Equiniti’s digital division.\nCharter Systems provides mission critical software to more than 60% of the police forces around the country and major customers in Canada.\nIts software is specifically designed for covert operations, such as undercover police work.\nBy acquiring Charter Systems, NPS believes it can bring the two sets of technologies together to provide an even better service to the police.\nIan Blackhurst, executive director of public safety at NPS, said: “It’s essential for undercover officers to have access to the most up to date and accurate information to be able to predict and prevent crime. Putting reliable intelligence into the hands of police forces means they are in a good position to be able to assess risk to their officers, the public and the police operation.”\n(Image: unknown)\nHe added: “This acquisition is a great opportunity for us to expand our offer and will bring substantial value to customers of both Charter and NPS. Our working practices are already very similar so we will be able to start adding value to our solutions straight away.”\nThe deal forms part of NPS’ plans to grow its footprint across the UK through its police force clients.\nThe value of the acquisition has not been revealed.\nAaron Hughes, CEO of the digital division of Equiniti, previous owners of Charter Systems Ltd, said: “We are pleased to sell Charter Systems, a market leading software business in its field, to a complementary acquirer, and wish our colleagues and former clients well for the future. This disposal allows EQ to continue to focus on its core businesses.”", "Hartlepool's NPS snaps up covert operations company", "Northgate Public Services has bought a tech firm that provides software for undercover police" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Picture Mandy Jones" ]
2021-01-13T06:28:56
null
2021-01-13T06:01:00
The farmer-owned creamery has announced a three year expansion plan
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fsouth-caernarfon-creameries-create-30-19612712.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…-Mandy-Jones.jpg
en
null
South Caernarfon Creameries to create 30 jobs in Gwynedd as part of £14m investment
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A farmer-owned creamery has announced a three-year £14.4 million expansion to increase cheese production by 50 per cent and create 30 new jobs by 2024. The investment by South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) is being backed by the Welsh Government with a £5 million grant from their Food Business Investment Scheme. The dairy co-operative plans to increase production from its current level of 15,000 tons of cheese a year to 23,000 tons with an increase in staff from 130 to 160 over the next three years. This growth is projected to increase its demand for welsh milk for their plant at Chwilog, near Pwllheli, from its current level of 130 million to more than 200 million litres a year as turnover ramps up from its current level of £60 million a year to over £85 million. Managing director Alan Wyn-Jones said: “Following our first phase of investment back in 2016, we’re pleased to announce the next phase of our business growth strategy which will make us even more resilient, efficient and sustainable in what is a ferociously competitive industry. “We have grown strongly in recent years with our sales doubling in the last five years from £30m to £60m and have reached the current production capacity of the plant after major investment in our core cheese production and packing facilities back in 2016. “We are not interested in growing for growing’s sake. Our plan is all about making us even more competitive and profitable and so more resilient and sustainable for the future. “As a dairy farmer cooperative that directly leads to more competitive and stable returns for our farmer members from across North and Mid Wales, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the Welsh dairy sector and farm viability.” SCC, set up over 80 years ago, has remained on the same site near Pwllheli, and is Wales’s only farmer-owned dairy co-operative with 134 members. The latest investment follows on from £11.5 million spent in 2016 on a new state-of-the-art production and packing plant where their range of cheeses is matured, cut and packaged for the UK and the international market as well as village and corner shops across Wales. The £14.4 million project will include new facilities for milk reception, additional cheese production and packing lines and a new whey processing facility. Investment is also planned for effluent treatment and improving its environmental and energy performance. The works are scheduled over a three-year period to be completed by 2024. To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/south-caernarfon-creameries-create-30-19612712
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/e0606f47a4906e17b0eef86e812b0f09ff1ade0a4f50e19852a629865fe749e0.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA farmer-owned creamery has announced a three-year £14.4 million expansion to increase cheese production by 50 per cent and create 30 new jobs by 2024.\nThe investment by South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) is being backed by the Welsh Government with a £5 million grant from their Food Business Investment Scheme.\nThe dairy co-operative plans to increase production from its current level of 15,000 tons of cheese a year to 23,000 tons with an increase in staff from 130 to 160 over the next three years.\nThis growth is projected to increase its demand for welsh milk for their plant at Chwilog, near Pwllheli, from its current level of 130 million to more than 200 million litres a year as turnover ramps up from its current level of £60 million a year to over £85 million.\nManaging director Alan Wyn-Jones said: “Following our first phase of investment back in 2016, we’re pleased to announce the next phase of our business growth strategy which will make us even more resilient, efficient and sustainable in what is a ferociously competitive industry.\n“We have grown strongly in recent years with our sales doubling in the last five years from £30m to £60m and have reached the current production capacity of the plant after major investment in our core cheese production and packing facilities back in 2016.\n“We are not interested in growing for growing’s sake. Our plan is all about making us even more competitive and profitable and so more resilient and sustainable for the future.\n“As a dairy farmer cooperative that directly leads to more competitive and stable returns for our farmer members from across North and Mid Wales, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the Welsh dairy sector and farm viability.”\nSCC, set up over 80 years ago, has remained on the same site near Pwllheli, and is Wales’s only farmer-owned dairy co-operative with 134 members.\nThe latest investment follows on from £11.5 million spent in 2016 on a new state-of-the-art production and packing plant where their range of cheeses is matured, cut and packaged for the UK and the international market as well as village and corner shops across Wales.\nThe £14.4 million project will include new facilities for milk reception, additional cheese production and packing lines and a new whey processing facility. Investment is also planned for effluent treatment and improving its environmental and energy performance.\nThe works are scheduled over a three-year period to be completed by 2024.\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "South Caernarfon Creameries to create 30 jobs in Gwynedd as part of £14m investment", "The farmer-owned creamery has announced a three year expansion plan" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Ncj Media" ]
2021-01-27T16:53:41
null
2021-01-27T15:44:32
The firm's director Alan Ferguson says trading was badly interrupted last year, but he has high hopes for the future
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fnorthumberlands-fergusons-transport-confident-can-19712194.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…rguson_01JPG.jpg
en
null
Northumberland's Fergusons Transport confident it can steer through Covid challenges
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email North East haulage and warehousing firm Fergusons Transport says it is confident it can ride out the challenges of the pandemic, despite seeing turnover fall last year. Launched by the family in 1926 and based at Northumberland Business Park West, in Cramlington, the company is the largest privately owned haulier in the North East. As well as transport it also work in warehousing, logistics, removals and self-storage. It operates from several locations around the UK, with depots at Washington and Plymouth and eight warehouses around the country. The Cramlington based business, one of several in the region owned and operated by the Ferguson family, has now published accounts for the year ended September 30 2020, showing a 10% drop in turnover from £22.2m to £19.9m. Operating profit also dropped, from £350,325 to £294,136, which directors said was very satisfactory, given it was such a “badly interrupted” trading year. In a report accompanying the accounts, director Alan Ferguson said the financial year’s trading was heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, affecting the two sides of the business to differing degrees. Despite the impacts, he said in the accounts: “Whilst the efficient management of the business’s working capital remains a priority, the board is confident that the company can manage its way through these challenging events.” The company, which has around 271 staff, furloughed most of its operational staff for 13 weeks at the staff of the outbreak, which also required office staff to work from home. Mr Ferguson said in the report: “By the end of June however, we were able to start to progress towards normality as our customers also started to resume the previously suspended activities. “The haulage was particularly affected as this resulted in a number of our major customers closing down their operations and not requiring transport . “Turnover from this area of the business dropped to £15.46m from 2019’s £17.88m, a fall of 14%. Business has gradually built back up since operations resumed at the end of the initial phase of lockdown.” He said the cost-cutting and control measures took at that time enabled the firm to operate profitably, with the haulage division achieving a gross margin broadly in line with the previous year of 12.1%. Meanwhile its warehousing activity was not affected in the same way, as there was increased demand for storage capacity which it could satisfy. Reduced revenue from handling of goods during lockdown was more than compensated by additional storage charges and turnover increased by 1% 1.9% to £4.42m from £4.34m in 2019. It added that the Cramlington workshop had a quieter period as third-party work ceased almost entirely, with many not active for three months. Following publication of the accounts, Mr Ferguson heralded a raft of recent news in the North East as positive signs for the firm’s future, including Nissan’s chief operating officer's declaration last week that Brexit had given the region’s plant - on the doorstep of a Fergusons depot – a competitive advantage, Britishvolt selecting Blyth as its site for a giga-factory and a £34m government boost to reintroduce trains to parts of Northumberland. He added: “Trading has been continuing strongly in this lockdown - better than it was in the first one – so things are keeping on and we are hopeful for the future.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/northumberlands-fergusons-transport-confident-can-19712194
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/3cb86603e44db33480a17fd077b7e51b0b76f68ce2b8d3d6b0805924e31fc062.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nNorth East haulage and warehousing firm Fergusons Transport says it is confident it can ride out the challenges of the pandemic, despite seeing turnover fall last year.\nLaunched by the family in 1926 and based at Northumberland Business Park West, in Cramlington, the company is the largest privately owned haulier in the North East. As well as transport it also work in warehousing, logistics, removals and self-storage.\nIt operates from several locations around the UK, with depots at Washington and Plymouth and eight warehouses around the country.\nThe Cramlington based business, one of several in the region owned and operated by the Ferguson family, has now published accounts for the year ended September 30 2020, showing a 10% drop in turnover from £22.2m to £19.9m.\nOperating profit also dropped, from £350,325 to £294,136, which directors said was very satisfactory, given it was such a “badly interrupted” trading year.\nIn a report accompanying the accounts, director Alan Ferguson said the financial year’s trading was heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, affecting the two sides of the business to differing degrees.\nDespite the impacts, he said in the accounts: “Whilst the efficient management of the business’s working capital remains a priority, the board is confident that the company can manage its way through these challenging events.”\nThe company, which has around 271 staff, furloughed most of its operational staff for 13 weeks at the staff of the outbreak, which also required office staff to work from home.\nMr Ferguson said in the report: “By the end of June however, we were able to start to progress towards normality as our customers also started to resume the previously suspended activities.\n“The haulage was particularly affected as this resulted in a number of our major customers closing down their operations and not requiring transport .\n“Turnover from this area of the business dropped to £15.46m from 2019’s £17.88m, a fall of 14%. Business has gradually built back up since operations resumed at the end of the initial phase of lockdown.”\nHe said the cost-cutting and control measures took at that time enabled the firm to operate profitably, with the haulage division achieving a gross margin broadly in line with the previous year of 12.1%.\nMeanwhile its warehousing activity was not affected in the same way, as there was increased demand for storage capacity which it could satisfy.\nReduced revenue from handling of goods during lockdown was more than compensated by additional storage charges and turnover increased by 1% 1.9% to £4.42m from £4.34m in 2019.\nIt added that the Cramlington workshop had a quieter period as third-party work ceased almost entirely, with many not active for three months.\nFollowing publication of the accounts, Mr Ferguson heralded a raft of recent news in the North East as positive signs for the firm’s future, including Nissan’s chief operating officer's declaration last week that Brexit had given the region’s plant - on the doorstep of a Fergusons depot – a competitive advantage, Britishvolt selecting Blyth as its site for a giga-factory and a £34m government boost to reintroduce trains to parts of Northumberland.\nHe added: “Trading has been continuing strongly in this lockdown - better than it was in the first one – so things are keeping on and we are hopeful for the future.”", "Northumberland's Fergusons Transport confident it can steer through Covid challenges", "The firm's director Alan Ferguson says trading was badly interrupted last year, but he has high hopes for the future" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Newcastle Chronicle", "Cullercoats Bike", "Kayak" ]
2021-01-18T17:11:26
null
2021-01-18T15:33:06
Cullercoats based CBK Adventures is hoping to double in size over the next four years
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Ftyneside-paddlesports-firm-gears-up-19649510.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…al-Behaviour.jpg
en
null
Tyneside paddlesports firm gears up for growth after investment
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A North Tyneside watersports firm is set to double in size after investing for the future on the back of soaring popularity of sports during the pandemic. Cullercoats Bike and Kayak has been renamed CBK Adventures as part of a series of changes at the firm, which was first launched in 2014 by Simon Laing, growing to become a leading provider of paddlesport activities in the region. The firm offers kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for hire in Cullercoats Bay, as well as tours that enable both local residents and visitors to explore the region’s coastline and inland waterways. Now it has invested a five-figure sum in preparation for growth, which has included investment in equipment as well as a complete rebrand, carried out by The Pulse Rooms, to become CBK Adventures. Mr Laing said the impact of Covid-19 has seen a rapid rise in the number of people taking up paddlesports as a form of exercise. One of CBK Adventures’ suppliers – Red Paddle Co – reported a 300% increase in sales and enquiries for stand-up paddleboards. Mr Laing said: “Our business was founded in 2014 as Cullercoats Bike and Kayak. Our name was simple, it told everyone what we did, and where to find us. (Image: Cullercoats Bike & Kayak) “As we look ahead to 2021, our diary increasingly sees us working the length and breadth of North East England, exploring the beaches, coves and inland waterways of this spectacular corner of the world. “Our plans for 2021 are ambitious. We have listened to customer feedback and made a five-figure investment in new equipment, improved facilities and professional training. “But this is just the beginning, our aim is to double the size of our business by 2025, whilst remaining true to our core values of creating socially sustainable adventure experiences.” The firm’s guided kayak tours along the River Tyne have proven to be a big hit, with participants getting to enjoy the NewcastleGateshead Quayside from a new angle. During the winter months CBK Adventures also runs a series of Glow Tours on the river in which each kayak is illuminated using environmentally friendly LED lights. Sign up for your daily BusinessLive North East newsletter You can get all the day's business news from the North East sent to your email inbox each morning. By signing up here, we will deliver the headlines from companies in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside straight to your email inbox every morning. Our specialist team of business writers will bring you stories from a range of sectors, reporting on companies large and small. The business was recognised for its river tours in April last year, scooping gold in the Experience of the Year category at the North East Tourism Awards. Mr Laing said: “Of course, Cullercoats remains our birthplace, HQ and home, and long may that continue. However, we feel it is time for a change, a new name and a brand that can evolve with us wherever we go, whatever we do. “Working with The Pulse Rooms has given us a great new brand, but also a newfound confidence in shouting about what we stand for.” Andrew Young, co-founder and director of The Pulse Rooms, said: “It has been a privilege working with CBK Adventures to help them take the next step in their journey. As someone who grew up in Cullercoats, I’m extremely proud to be involved in continuing to put this area of the region on the map.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/tyneside-paddlesports-firm-gears-up-19649510
en
2021-01-18T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/40cbcaffcab3bed23e94577aa00ca60124d001ed628aafe4504151348a01a4ad.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA North Tyneside watersports firm is set to double in size after investing for the future on the back of soaring popularity of sports during the pandemic.\nCullercoats Bike and Kayak has been renamed CBK Adventures as part of a series of changes at the firm, which was first launched in 2014 by Simon Laing, growing to become a leading provider of paddlesport activities in the region.\nThe firm offers kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for hire in Cullercoats Bay, as well as tours that enable both local residents and visitors to explore the region’s coastline and inland waterways.\nNow it has invested a five-figure sum in preparation for growth, which has included investment in equipment as well as a complete rebrand, carried out by The Pulse Rooms, to become CBK Adventures.\nMr Laing said the impact of Covid-19 has seen a rapid rise in the number of people taking up paddlesports as a form of exercise. One of CBK Adventures’ suppliers – Red Paddle Co – reported a 300% increase in sales and enquiries for stand-up paddleboards.\nMr Laing said: “Our business was founded in 2014 as Cullercoats Bike and Kayak. Our name was simple, it told everyone what we did, and where to find us.\n(Image: Cullercoats Bike & Kayak)\n“As we look ahead to 2021, our diary increasingly sees us working the length and breadth of North East England, exploring the beaches, coves and inland waterways of this spectacular corner of the world.\n“Our plans for 2021 are ambitious. We have listened to customer feedback and made a five-figure investment in new equipment, improved facilities and professional training.\n“But this is just the beginning, our aim is to double the size of our business by 2025, whilst remaining true to our core values of creating socially sustainable adventure experiences.”\nThe firm’s guided kayak tours along the River Tyne have proven to be a big hit, with participants getting to enjoy the NewcastleGateshead Quayside from a new angle.\nDuring the winter months CBK Adventures also runs a series of Glow Tours on the river in which each kayak is illuminated using environmentally friendly LED lights.\nSign up for your daily BusinessLive North East newsletter You can get all the day's business news from the North East sent to your email inbox each morning. By signing up here, we will deliver the headlines from companies in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside straight to your email inbox every morning. Our specialist team of business writers will bring you stories from a range of sectors, reporting on companies large and small.\nThe business was recognised for its river tours in April last year, scooping gold in the Experience of the Year category at the North East Tourism Awards.\nMr Laing said: “Of course, Cullercoats remains our birthplace, HQ and home, and long may that continue. However, we feel it is time for a change, a new name and a brand that can evolve with us wherever we go, whatever we do.\n“Working with The Pulse Rooms has given us a great new brand, but also a newfound confidence in shouting about what we stand for.”\nAndrew Young, co-founder and director of The Pulse Rooms, said: “It has been a privilege working with CBK Adventures to help them take the next step in their journey. As someone who grew up in Cullercoats, I’m extremely proud to be involved in continuing to put this area of the region on the map.”", "Tyneside paddlesports firm gears up for growth after investment", "Cullercoats based CBK Adventures is hoping to double in size over the next four years" ]
[ "Sion Barry" ]
2021-01-13T14:13:37
null
2021-01-13T13:39:47
It will support the Welsh Government to reach a goal of a Welsh diaspora  community of 500,000
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fglobalwelsh-wins-welsh-government-diaspora-19617462.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…_GlobalWelsh.jpg
en
null
GlobalWelsh wins Welsh Government diaspora contract
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Diaspora engagement organisation GlobalWelsh will play a key role in Welsh Government efforts to promote Wales to the world. It comes are winning a competitively tendered contract to support the Welsh Government's commitment to make 500,000 diaspora connections by 2025. The new partnership will be focused on extending support to Welsh entrepreneurs and businesses with international trade ambitions and developing new diaspora-led inward investment opportunities for Wales. Over the past three years, GlobalWelsh has built a global community of 11,000 and launched engagement platforms and programmes across its key focus areas including investment, mentoring, networking and thought leadership. It founder and chief executive of GlobalWelsh, Walter May, said: “If there ever was a time for Wales to reach out to the diaspora, it’s now. We have upwards of three million friends, scattered all over the world, and it’s never been easier to engage and mobilise their goodwill. "GlobalWelsh is one of the first diaspora organisations in the world to build the technological facility, together with supporting programmes, that enable the diaspora and the home nation to proactively connect, collaborate, support and invest in each others’ careers and business ambitions. ” A report, conducted by GlobalWelsh in 2015, found that more than 100 governments worldwide were developing strategies to engage their diaspora, recognising the role key members of the diaspora can play in improving the economies of their country of birth, ancestry or affinity, without having to return home permanently. Mr May said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government recognises the role of the Welsh diaspora as an untapped resource of knowledge, connections and soft power that can actively contribute to Wales’ economic well-being and global presence. "We are looking forward to supporting the government and unearthing new opportunities for Wales and Welsh businesses, together with the diaspora.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/globalwelsh-wins-welsh-government-diaspora-19617462
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/c47949e5a522b4abbffe5a961da2d802cd7e26cdff0925ea36f0df055c05dbd3.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nDiaspora engagement organisation GlobalWelsh will play a key role in Welsh Government efforts to promote Wales to the world.\nIt comes are winning a competitively tendered contract to support the Welsh Government's commitment to make 500,000 diaspora connections by 2025.\nThe new partnership will be focused on extending support to Welsh entrepreneurs and businesses with international trade ambitions and developing new diaspora-led inward investment opportunities for Wales.\nOver the past three years, GlobalWelsh has built a global community of 11,000 and launched engagement platforms and programmes across its key focus areas including investment, mentoring, networking and thought leadership.\nIt founder and chief executive of GlobalWelsh, Walter May, said: “If there ever was a time for Wales to reach out to the diaspora, it’s now. We have upwards of three million friends, scattered all over the world, and it’s never been easier to engage and mobilise their goodwill.\n\"GlobalWelsh is one of the first diaspora organisations in the world to build the technological facility, together with supporting programmes, that enable the diaspora and the home nation to proactively connect, collaborate, support and invest in each others’ careers and business ambitions. ”\nA report, conducted by GlobalWelsh in 2015, found that more than 100 governments worldwide were developing strategies to engage their diaspora, recognising the role key members of the diaspora can play in improving the economies of their country of birth, ancestry or affinity, without having to return home permanently.\nMr May said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government recognises the role of the Welsh diaspora as an untapped resource of knowledge, connections and soft power that can actively contribute to Wales’ economic well-being and global presence.\n\"We are looking forward to supporting the government and unearthing new opportunities for Wales and Welsh businesses, together with the diaspora.”", "GlobalWelsh wins Welsh Government diaspora contract", "It will support the Welsh Government to reach a goal of a Welsh diaspora  community of 500,000" ]
[ "Niall Griffiths", "Tom Houghton", "Image", "Am Alpha" ]
2021-01-22T11:08:06
null
2021-01-22T09:58:27
Plans include up to 258,000 sq ft of new office space - plus shops, restaurants and leisure outlets
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2F68m-shops-offices-plan-transform-19678306.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…_JS179544388.jpg
en
null
£68m shops and offices plan to transform Manchester Debenhams building approved by council
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Plans worth £68.5m to transform Manchester's famous Debenhams building have been approved by councillors. The proposals by AM Alpha to turn the Rylands building into a new shopping arcade with several floors of offices were given the green light at Thursday's Manchester City Council planning committee meeting. That's despite concerns being raised at the meeting over a rooftop extension, described by one councillor as "ugly", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. It would also involve the Grade II-listed landmark on Market Street getting a much-needed makeover aimed at restoring its Art Deco glory. Debenhams, which has occupied the Rylands building since 1973, is closing its flagship store after going into administration last year, putting 12,000 jobs at risk across the UK. There are no plans for another department store to take its place, and instead new shopping, dining and leisure outlets will open in the ground floor and basement. AM Alpha had also considered converting the building into apartments, a cinema or a gallery but office space was seen as the most sustainable long-term use of the building. Up to 258,000 sq ft of new offices will occupy most of the vacant upper floors, as well as a 40,000 sq ft four-storey rooftop extension. (Image: AM Alpha) An atrium providing natural light between the second and seventh floors is also planned, along with a winter garden on the sixth floor. But Piccadilly councillor Sam Wheeler told Manchester's planning committee that the extension would have a detrimental effect on 15 families living in neighbouring buildings. Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Coun Wheeler said on Thursday: "I think we can all admit that the box on top of the Grade II listed building is incredibly ugly. "It has been a policy of the council for some 30 years or so now to promote city centre living, not just city centre existing. "Each time there is a loss of habitability caused by loss of light in several apartments that does lower the livability of the city centre." The meeting heard that a loss of light would have a negative impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of those who would be affected by the rooftop extension. Committee member Councillor Jon-Connor Lyons, also a Piccadilly ward member, said the extension would 'box in' hundreds of residents living between Market Street and Church Street. But Katie Wray, assistant director at Deloitte acting on behalf of AM Alpha, said the proposals would 'restore and rejuvenate' the Rylands building and secure its long-term future. The vote to approve the application was passed by eight councillors, with two voting against and one abstaining.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/68m-shops-offices-plan-transform-19678306
en
2021-01-22T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/57ea373cdb99c069a2ae0cc4ebbb5bc59726c94c220c38342e38eac757273a3a.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPlans worth £68.5m to transform Manchester's famous Debenhams building have been approved by councillors.\nThe proposals by AM Alpha to turn the Rylands building into a new shopping arcade with several floors of offices were given the green light at Thursday's Manchester City Council planning committee meeting.\nThat's despite concerns being raised at the meeting over a rooftop extension, described by one councillor as \"ugly\", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.\nIt would also involve the Grade II-listed landmark on Market Street getting a much-needed makeover aimed at restoring its Art Deco glory.\nDebenhams, which has occupied the Rylands building since 1973, is closing its flagship store after going into administration last year, putting 12,000 jobs at risk across the UK.\nThere are no plans for another department store to take its place, and instead new shopping, dining and leisure outlets will open in the ground floor and basement.\nAM Alpha had also considered converting the building into apartments, a cinema or a gallery but office space was seen as the most sustainable long-term use of the building.\nUp to 258,000 sq ft of new offices will occupy most of the vacant upper floors, as well as a 40,000 sq ft four-storey rooftop extension.\n(Image: AM Alpha)\nAn atrium providing natural light between the second and seventh floors is also planned, along with a winter garden on the sixth floor.\nBut Piccadilly councillor Sam Wheeler told Manchester's planning committee that the extension would have a detrimental effect on 15 families living in neighbouring buildings.\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nCoun Wheeler said on Thursday: \"I think we can all admit that the box on top of the Grade II listed building is incredibly ugly.\n\"It has been a policy of the council for some 30 years or so now to promote city centre living, not just city centre existing.\n\"Each time there is a loss of habitability caused by loss of light in several apartments that does lower the livability of the city centre.\"\nThe meeting heard that a loss of light would have a negative impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of those who would be affected by the rooftop extension.\nCommittee member Councillor Jon-Connor Lyons, also a Piccadilly ward member, said the extension would 'box in' hundreds of residents living between Market Street and Church Street.\nBut Katie Wray, assistant director at Deloitte acting on behalf of AM Alpha, said the proposals would 'restore and rejuvenate' the Rylands building and secure its long-term future.\nThe vote to approve the application was passed by eight councillors, with two voting against and one abstaining.", "£68m shops and offices plan to transform Manchester Debenhams building approved by council", "Plans include up to 258,000 sq ft of new office space - plus shops, restaurants and leisure outlets" ]
[ "Sion Barry", "Image", "Getty Images" ]
2021-01-15T09:04:23
null
1956-03-16T00:00:00
The new rule will come into effect from Monday
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Ftravellers-wales-overseas-need-take-19629805.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…liday-Exodus.jpg
en
null
Travellers into Wales from overseas will need to take a Covid test before departure
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Passengers arriving into Wales from international destinations will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test before departing. Welsh Government Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the move would help protect against new strains of coronavirus circulating internationally. The test requirement will applies to those arriving in Wales from any UK port or airport and would, for example, include say someone residing in Swansea returning from abroad via Heathrow Airport. The new regime will take effect from 4am next Monday, covering inbound passengers arriving by boat, plane or train from countries outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands). They will have to take a test up to 72 hours before departing the country they are in, to help protect against the new strains of coronavirus such as those seen in Brazil, Denmark and South Africa. The introduction of the measures is in response to the changes seen in the transmission of the virus both in in the UK and across the globe. Pre-departure testing will provide an additional layer of safety from imported cases of coronavirus on top of the mandatory 10 day quarantine for arrivals, helping identify people who may currently be infectious and preventing them from travelling to Wales. Passengers arriving from countries not on the Welsh Government’s travel corridor list must continue to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their pre-departure test result, to provide further robust protection from those travelling from high-risk countries. Prior to departure, passengers will need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to carriers, as well as their passenger locator form. Alert Level 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into force last month in Wales remain in place meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work. Travelling for a holiday is not permitted under alert level 4, whether that is in Wales, elsewhere in the UK or overseas. Mr Vaughan Gething said: “We are doing everything we can to slow down the spread of the virus. “These new measures will help ensure we prevent new strains of the virus developing internationally from being imported into Wales. “We are already asking passengers returning from high-risk countries to self-isolate for 10 days and these requirements remain in place. “Added to the requirement to self-isolate, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence - helping us control the virus as we continue to roll-out the vaccine at pace.” To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/travellers-wales-overseas-need-take-19629805
en
1956-03-16T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/56950c567b1e2fc7cccdc417a72ce7bd1d8ba6fdadee30d47bb7b985918eaf8f.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPassengers arriving into Wales from international destinations will be required to present a negative Covid-19 test before departing.\nWelsh Government Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the move would help protect against new strains of coronavirus circulating internationally.\nThe test requirement will applies to those arriving in Wales from any UK port or airport and would, for example, include say someone residing in Swansea returning from abroad via Heathrow Airport.\nThe new regime will take effect from 4am next Monday, covering inbound passengers arriving by boat, plane or train from countries outside the Common Travel Area (UK, Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands).\nThey will have to take a test up to 72 hours before departing the country they are in, to help protect against the new strains of coronavirus such as those seen in Brazil, Denmark and South Africa.\nThe introduction of the measures is in response to the changes seen in the transmission of the virus both in in the UK and across the globe.\nPre-departure testing will provide an additional layer of safety from imported cases of coronavirus on top of the mandatory 10 day quarantine for arrivals, helping identify people who may currently be infectious and preventing them from travelling to Wales.\nPassengers arriving from countries not on the Welsh Government’s travel corridor list must continue to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their pre-departure test result, to provide further robust protection from those travelling from high-risk countries.\nPrior to departure, passengers will need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to carriers, as well as their passenger locator form.\nAlert Level 4 lockdown restrictions, which came into force last month in Wales remain in place meaning everyone must stay at home unless travelling for a very limited set of reasons, including for work.\nTravelling for a holiday is not permitted under alert level 4, whether that is in Wales, elsewhere in the UK or overseas.\nMr Vaughan Gething said: “We are doing everything we can to slow down the spread of the virus.\n“These new measures will help ensure we prevent new strains of the virus developing internationally from being imported into Wales.\n“We are already asking passengers returning from high-risk countries to self-isolate for 10 days and these requirements remain in place.\n“Added to the requirement to self-isolate, pre-departure tests will provide a further line of defence - helping us control the virus as we continue to roll-out the vaccine at pace.”\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Travellers into Wales from overseas will need to take a Covid test before departure", "The new rule will come into effect from Monday" ]
[ "Andrew Arthur", "Image", "Richard Townshend" ]
2021-01-29T11:38:10
null
2021-01-29T10:10:18
Practical solutions to issues such as access to finance will be discussed at the free virtual conference
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fsmall-and-medium-enterprises%2Fbristols-black-business-owners-invited-19721488.json
https://i2-prod.business…m-Debbonaire.jpg
en
null
Bristol's black business owners invited to event with MP Thangham Debbonaire on city’s inequality issues
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Bristol’s black entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to forge new connections and highlight the challenges they face at an event featuring one of the city’s four MPs, Thangham Debbonaire. The free online event on February 5, organised by Lloyds Banking Group, is seeking to create better understanding of the inequalities in the city’s business landscape. The idea is to provide opportunities for black business owners in the Bristol region to network with other organisations that can support them to grow. Jeremy Hayward, Lloyds Banking Group's ambassador for the South West, will host the session alongside Ms Debbonaire, the MP for Bristol West. They will be joined by an expert panel to discuss issues including access to finance, digitisation, support and advice, and to identify solutions to barriers black-owned businesses in particular have to overcome. Sign up to our #IAmBOB newsletter We're celebrating the success of the UK's black-owned businesses - and we want to tell you all about them in our #IAmBOB newsletter! Following the success of the #IAmBOB campaign, BusinessLive is launching a newsletter all about UK black-owned businesses. Once a month, we will share news, features and comment from companies led by black business leaders - from start-ups and SMEs to blue-chip corporations and household names. To find out about black-owned businesses across the country, please enter your email and select ‘black-owned businesses’ over on our Business Live email centre. Speakers on the panel include Diana Chrouch, chair of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Business Policy at the Federation of Small Businesses and Indie Gordon of social enterprise Foundervine. Ms Debbonaire said although Bristol was a diverse city she was aware, from speaking to black business owners, of "real inequality" too. “Black business owners and networks tell me about difficulty raising finance to develop their businesses, so I have been asking banks to consider what they can do to change this situation," she said. “This year is likely to be very challenging for many businesses, but Bristol's resilient community can get through it by working together." The event follows the launch of Lloyds Banking Group’s Black Business Advisory Committee in December. The committee, which is being headed up by business psychologist and social entrepreneur Claudine Reid, was established to investigate the specific challenges for the black business community and develop solutions, according to the bank. Last year, research by the Black South West Network found the virus and social-distancing rules had exacerbated pre-existing socio-economic inequality in the region. “Bristol is a vibrant city with a diverse and exciting business community, but recent global events have exposed inequalities in the business landscape," added Mr Hayward. “Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement have highlighted the need to address the very stark challenges faced by black-owned businesses. “With this event, we want to hear about their experiences and explore what is needed to ensure that all businesses have the equal opportunity to start up, grow, adapt and thrive." In October, BusinessLive spoke to 12 inspiring black owned businesses across the UK as part of its #IAMBOB campaign to highlight the importance of black-owned companies to the UK’s economic recovery. In February, it is launching a monthly newsletter to support black-owned businesses across the UK. Those wishing to attend the Lloyds Banking Group event, which will run from 9.15am on Friday, February 5, are encouraged to book their place online via Eventbrite.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/small-and-medium-enterprises/bristols-black-business-owners-invited-19721488
en
2021-01-29T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/a8f48449cbc62e18a12f1be9ebaf24df4abe33917cc81e2035d6ed01353a7393.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBristol’s black entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to forge new connections and highlight the challenges they face at an event featuring one of the city’s four MPs, Thangham Debbonaire.\nThe free online event on February 5, organised by Lloyds Banking Group, is seeking to create better understanding of the inequalities in the city’s business landscape.\nThe idea is to provide opportunities for black business owners in the Bristol region to network with other organisations that can support them to grow.\nJeremy Hayward, Lloyds Banking Group's ambassador for the South West, will host the session alongside Ms Debbonaire, the MP for Bristol West.\nThey will be joined by an expert panel to discuss issues including access to finance, digitisation, support and advice, and to identify solutions to barriers black-owned businesses in particular have to overcome.\nSign up to our #IAmBOB newsletter We're celebrating the success of the UK's black-owned businesses - and we want to tell you all about them in our #IAmBOB newsletter! Following the success of the #IAmBOB campaign, BusinessLive is launching a newsletter all about UK black-owned businesses. Once a month, we will share news, features and comment from companies led by black business leaders - from start-ups and SMEs to blue-chip corporations and household names. To find out about black-owned businesses across the country, please enter your email and select ‘black-owned businesses’ over on our Business Live email centre.\nSpeakers on the panel include Diana Chrouch, chair of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Business Policy at the Federation of Small Businesses and Indie Gordon of social enterprise Foundervine.\nMs Debbonaire said although Bristol was a diverse city she was aware, from speaking to black business owners, of \"real inequality\" too.\n“Black business owners and networks tell me about difficulty raising finance to develop their businesses, so I have been asking banks to consider what they can do to change this situation,\" she said.\n“This year is likely to be very challenging for many businesses, but Bristol's resilient community can get through it by working together.\"\nThe event follows the launch of Lloyds Banking Group’s Black Business Advisory Committee in December.\nThe committee, which is being headed up by business psychologist and social entrepreneur Claudine Reid, was established to investigate the specific challenges for the black business community and develop solutions, according to the bank.\nLast year, research by the Black South West Network found the virus and social-distancing rules had exacerbated pre-existing socio-economic inequality in the region.\n“Bristol is a vibrant city with a diverse and exciting business community, but recent global events have exposed inequalities in the business landscape,\" added Mr Hayward.\n“Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement have highlighted the need to address the very stark challenges faced by black-owned businesses.\n“With this event, we want to hear about their experiences and explore what is needed to ensure that all businesses have the equal opportunity to start up, grow, adapt and thrive.\"\nIn October, BusinessLive spoke to 12 inspiring black owned businesses across the UK as part of its #IAMBOB campaign to highlight the importance of black-owned companies to the UK’s economic recovery. In February, it is launching a monthly newsletter to support black-owned businesses across the UK.\nThose wishing to attend the Lloyds Banking Group event, which will run from 9.15am on Friday, February 5, are encouraged to book their place online via Eventbrite.", "Bristol's black business owners invited to event with MP Thangham Debbonaire on city’s inequality issues", "Practical solutions to issues such as access to finance will be discussed at the free virtual conference" ]
[ "Richard Whitehouse", "William Telford" ]
2021-01-26T11:10:27
null
1970-07-21T00:00:00
Head of horizontal launch site says all systems are go after Virgin Orbit's successful test flight in the States
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fspaceport-cornwall-prepares-first-launch-19700710.json
https://i2-prod.business…aceport-1PNG.png
en
null
Spaceport Cornwall prepares for first launch in spring of 2022
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The first launch from Cornwall’s Spaceport could take place in the spring of 2022 after Virgin Orbit’s successful recent test flight. Spaceport Cornwall, at Newquay’s airport, will be a horizontal launch site where modified aeroplanes will be used to launch small satellites into orbit above the Earth. It is overseen by Melissa Thorpe, the new head of Spaceport Cornwall, although she has been working at the site since its inception in 2014. Like many other things the progress on Spaceport Cornwall has been impacted by the global pandemic. But Ms Thorpe, who grew up in Canada, explained that while there had not been much physically happening at Cornwall Airport Newquay, where the spaceport will be based, there had been a lot of work behind the scenes. She said: “It is the transition time now from planning over the last few years to delivery mode. The pandemic has had an impact, the real big impact has been on the delay on the regulations and legislation from the Government that we need to operate the spaceport. “We knew from the outset that was going to be an issue - there has also been an impact on the launch by Virgin Orbit. But while it has been quiet on the surface we have been busy behind the scenes preparing for the work needed for the infrastructure for the spaceport. We have also been working a lot on outreach - we have had online sessions with schools.” The first launch from Spaceport Cornwall had originally been earmarked for October 2021 but various delays and the Covid pandemic mean it is now set for spring 2022. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SPACEPORT CORNWALL PROJECT? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW The regulatory components and legislation are expected to go through Parliament in the summer which will enable Spaceport Cornwall to apply for the licences required to operate as a spaceport while Virgin Orbit will be able to apply for the licences needed to launch from the site. It is hoped that will be possible in early 2022 which will enable the first launch to take place in the spring. Ms Thorpe said: “We are coming out of the pandemic looking to recruit and create jobs - the programme hasn’t changed.” One of the biggest milestones for Spaceport Cornwall occurred recently when Virgin Orbit successfully deployed its LauncherOne system from the US. The system - which uses a modified 747 aeroplane - successfully launched small satellites into orbit. Ms Thorpe said: “This milestone of launching, we have been waiting for months and for it to happen is special. We are excited as it is a significant push for us with the tech being proven now.” And with the close links that have been formed between Virgin Orbit in California with Spaceport Cornwall the launch was a shared experience. Ms Thorpe said: “From the top down we have had messages straight away and calls from them saying how excited they are to come to Cornwall.” She said there are now four main strands to the project in the near future. The first is to install the infrastructure needed at the airport so it can operate as a spaceport - this is being funded by Cornwall Council, which owns the airport, through funding previously agreed. Second is the continuing work on the previously mentioned regulatory side of the project. Thirdly, Spaceport Cornwall is focusing on the impact the project may have on the environment and climate change. An updated carbon assessment is set to be published in the next few weeks and Ms Thorpe said she wants Spaceport Cornwall to be the most sustainable spaceport in the world and be used as an example for others. “We want to look at the environment and do it in a more sustainable way,” she said. “We want to be the most sustainable launch site in the entire world - we want to go out and challenge the rest of the world.” Finally, the spaceport outreach programme will continue with an aim to engage with every school in Cornwall in the next 18 months. One of the major benefits which have been highlighted by supporters of the spaceport is the opportunity it provides for businesses in Cornwall and the opportunity to attract new businesses and investment into the Duchy. Ms Thorpe said this was a key part of the project and said work was being done to ensure Cornish businesses can play a part in the supply chain. She stressed Spaceport Cornwall is not just about Virgin Orbit saying there was work being done to attract more operators to Cornwall with announcements set to be made later this year. She said: “To me the launch is exciting but it is also the spaceport as a catalyst, as a platform to attract business, investment, jobs and funding into the area. Want more South West news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive South West is your home for business news in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from the region and we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. “We have incredible businesses here already doing wonderful things and working on world class projects and we want them involved with this.” Spaceport Cornwall is also working with the University of Exeter and with Truro and Penwith College and Cornwall College to put training and courses in place for those who might want to follow a career in the space industry. And with the G7 summit set to come to Cornwall in summer 2021 there is an opportunity to further highlight Spaceport Cornwall on the global map. Ms Thorpe said: “The G7 is an opportunity to showcase how Cornwall is moving forward. Cornwall is very beautiful but we can show the other side of it, the progressive and pioneering side of it.” She added: “This is hope for something exciting in the future. For us there is a level of optimism and positivity. But we are not naive in any way, we know the challenges that we face to bring space launch to Cornwall. “We are so close to it happening now that we can only look forward. This is a moment for Cornwall to be incredibly proud. This is the beginning of something really special for Cornwall and the UK, but particularly for Cornwall.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/spaceport-cornwall-prepares-first-launch-19700710
en
1970-07-21T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/dfaa0e69e922ceccfacad3669b61749ef7bb793c93c76546b78446c16ef84bb0.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe first launch from Cornwall’s Spaceport could take place in the spring of 2022 after Virgin Orbit’s successful recent test flight.\nSpaceport Cornwall, at Newquay’s airport, will be a horizontal launch site where modified aeroplanes will be used to launch small satellites into orbit above the Earth.\nIt is overseen by Melissa Thorpe, the new head of Spaceport Cornwall, although she has been working at the site since its inception in 2014.\nLike many other things the progress on Spaceport Cornwall has been impacted by the global pandemic. But Ms Thorpe, who grew up in Canada, explained that while there had not been much physically happening at Cornwall Airport Newquay, where the spaceport will be based, there had been a lot of work behind the scenes.\nShe said: “It is the transition time now from planning over the last few years to delivery mode. The pandemic has had an impact, the real big impact has been on the delay on the regulations and legislation from the Government that we need to operate the spaceport.\n“We knew from the outset that was going to be an issue - there has also been an impact on the launch by Virgin Orbit. But while it has been quiet on the surface we have been busy behind the scenes preparing for the work needed for the infrastructure for the spaceport. We have also been working a lot on outreach - we have had online sessions with schools.”\nThe first launch from Spaceport Cornwall had originally been earmarked for October 2021 but various delays and the Covid pandemic mean it is now set for spring 2022.\nWHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SPACEPORT CORNWALL PROJECT? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW\nThe regulatory components and legislation are expected to go through Parliament in the summer which will enable Spaceport Cornwall to apply for the licences required to operate as a spaceport while Virgin Orbit will be able to apply for the licences needed to launch from the site.\nIt is hoped that will be possible in early 2022 which will enable the first launch to take place in the spring. Ms Thorpe said: “We are coming out of the pandemic looking to recruit and create jobs - the programme hasn’t changed.”\nOne of the biggest milestones for Spaceport Cornwall occurred recently when Virgin Orbit successfully deployed its LauncherOne system from the US. The system - which uses a modified 747 aeroplane - successfully launched small satellites into orbit.\nMs Thorpe said: “This milestone of launching, we have been waiting for months and for it to happen is special. We are excited as it is a significant push for us with the tech being proven now.”\nAnd with the close links that have been formed between Virgin Orbit in California with Spaceport Cornwall the launch was a shared experience.\nMs Thorpe said: “From the top down we have had messages straight away and calls from them saying how excited they are to come to Cornwall.”\nShe said there are now four main strands to the project in the near future. The first is to install the infrastructure needed at the airport so it can operate as a spaceport - this is being funded by Cornwall Council, which owns the airport, through funding previously agreed.\nSecond is the continuing work on the previously mentioned regulatory side of the project. Thirdly, Spaceport Cornwall is focusing on the impact the project may have on the environment and climate change.\nAn updated carbon assessment is set to be published in the next few weeks and Ms Thorpe said she wants Spaceport Cornwall to be the most sustainable spaceport in the world and be used as an example for others.\n“We want to look at the environment and do it in a more sustainable way,” she said. “We want to be the most sustainable launch site in the entire world - we want to go out and challenge the rest of the world.”\nFinally, the spaceport outreach programme will continue with an aim to engage with every school in Cornwall in the next 18 months.\nOne of the major benefits which have been highlighted by supporters of the spaceport is the opportunity it provides for businesses in Cornwall and the opportunity to attract new businesses and investment into the Duchy.\nMs Thorpe said this was a key part of the project and said work was being done to ensure Cornish businesses can play a part in the supply chain.\nShe stressed Spaceport Cornwall is not just about Virgin Orbit saying there was work being done to attract more operators to Cornwall with announcements set to be made later this year.\nShe said: “To me the launch is exciting but it is also the spaceport as a catalyst, as a platform to attract business, investment, jobs and funding into the area.\nWant more South West news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive South West is your home for business news in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from the region and we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\n“We have incredible businesses here already doing wonderful things and working on world class projects and we want them involved with this.”\nSpaceport Cornwall is also working with the University of Exeter and with Truro and Penwith College and Cornwall College to put training and courses in place for those who might want to follow a career in the space industry.\nAnd with the G7 summit set to come to Cornwall in summer 2021 there is an opportunity to further highlight Spaceport Cornwall on the global map.\nMs Thorpe said: “The G7 is an opportunity to showcase how Cornwall is moving forward. Cornwall is very beautiful but we can show the other side of it, the progressive and pioneering side of it.”\nShe added: “This is hope for something exciting in the future. For us there is a level of optimism and positivity. But we are not naive in any way, we know the challenges that we face to bring space launch to Cornwall.\n“We are so close to it happening now that we can only look forward. This is a moment for Cornwall to be incredibly proud. This is the beginning of something really special for Cornwall and the UK, but particularly for Cornwall.”", "Spaceport Cornwall prepares for first launch in spring of 2022", "Head of horizontal launch site says all systems are go after Virgin Orbit's successful test flight in the States" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-13T03:28:22
null
2021-01-13T03:00:00
Kate Walker has designed a 3D printed prosthetic which costs just £50 for children in the developing world
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fsmall-and-medium-enterprises%2Fthree-female-entrepreneurs-east-midlands-19610440.json
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Three female entrepreneurs from the East Midlands named among the best in the business
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Three young East Midlands entrepreneurs have been named among the best in the business. Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust have just picked the trio as regional winners of this year’s Young Innovator Award for their new business projects. They are: - Kate Walker, 24, who used her dissertation project at Loughborough University to design and manufacture a 3D printed prosthetic – called ExpHand – which costs just £50 and is aimed at children in the developing world, where most prosthetics are ill-fitted second-hand devices. Her design – a past winner at the Leicestershire Live Innovation Awards – can be extended as children grow, to give them their independence back. - Madelaine Dowd, 25, who designed the Embark® pilot ladder for the Grand Safety Challenge at the Royal College of Art which asked entrants to address general safety down the Thames. The ladder reduces the potential risk in a ship to ship transfer at sea by 80 per cent. - Michelle Best, 28, from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, the founder of Blossom & Best. Michelle’s daughter’s struggle with incontinence inspired her to design and produce innovative handmade disability clothing for children and teenagers with disabilities or medical conditions, including Magic Pants, which help remove some of the stigma of incontinence. The awards recognise young people from across the UK who have great business ideas and the potential to become successful entrepreneurs and future leaders in innovation. The East Midlands winners were three of 64 inspiring young people who will receive Young Innovators awards this year, with each getting a £5,000 grant, one-on-one business coaching and an allowance to cover living costs. The programme will award young people from diverse backgrounds until at least 2023. This year, 49 per cent of the winners were female; nearly a third are black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background, and 17 per cent have a disability. Michelle said: “My daughter Yasmin suffers from urinary and faecal incontinence. "I understand the challenges and pain faced by parents of children with disabilities. They struggle to find suitable clothes in mainstream markets. “I applied for the programme to help take my business to the next level and start manufacturing my products.” Madelaine Dowd said: “I am excited to gain support to commercialise my life-saving product and to shake up the maritime industry with our innovation as a global solution to one of the most in demand and dangerous jobs.” Emily Nott, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Innovate UK says: “With 2020 proving to be an incredibly difficult year, maintaining our focus on Young Innovators was a priority for Innovate UK since finding the great entrepreneurial minds of the future is more important than ever. “Working alongside this year’s winners, Innovate UK will help them grow and develop their business idea to make the world a better, and more innovative place. We can’t wait to see what they achieve this year.” Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: “While the past year has brought significant challenges for us all, it has also shone a light on the best of British ingenuity, with young people across the country harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit to help the UK respond to these challenges. “From mobile apps supporting our brilliant NHS staff to online mentoring tools helping graduates find employment, the inspiring business ideas we are backing today will help to unleash our next generation of innovators as we build back better from the pandemic.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/small-and-medium-enterprises/three-female-entrepreneurs-east-midlands-19610440
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/94752dfbb0257637421cb7c99d592fb6c6fd06f1c8d4c79895863073d0f13209.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThree young East Midlands entrepreneurs have been named among the best in the business.\nInnovate UK and The Prince’s Trust have just picked the trio as regional winners of this year’s Young Innovator Award for their new business projects.\nThey are:\n- Kate Walker, 24, who used her dissertation project at Loughborough University to design and manufacture a 3D printed prosthetic – called ExpHand – which costs just £50 and is aimed at children in the developing world, where most prosthetics are ill-fitted second-hand devices. Her design – a past winner at the Leicestershire Live Innovation Awards – can be extended as children grow, to give them their independence back.\n- Madelaine Dowd, 25, who designed the Embark® pilot ladder for the Grand Safety Challenge at the Royal College of Art which asked entrants to address general safety down the Thames. The ladder reduces the potential risk in a ship to ship transfer at sea by 80 per cent.\n- Michelle Best, 28, from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, the founder of Blossom & Best. Michelle’s daughter’s struggle with incontinence inspired her to design and produce innovative handmade disability clothing for children and teenagers with disabilities or medical conditions, including Magic Pants, which help remove some of the stigma of incontinence.\nThe awards recognise young people from across the UK who have great business ideas and the potential to become successful entrepreneurs and future leaders in innovation.\nThe East Midlands winners were three of 64 inspiring young people who will receive Young Innovators awards this year, with each getting a £5,000 grant, one-on-one business coaching and an allowance to cover living costs.\nThe programme will award young people from diverse backgrounds until at least 2023.\nThis year, 49 per cent of the winners were female; nearly a third are black, Asian or from an ethnic minority background, and 17 per cent have a disability.\nMichelle said: “My daughter Yasmin suffers from urinary and faecal incontinence.\n\"I understand the challenges and pain faced by parents of children with disabilities. They struggle to find suitable clothes in mainstream markets.\n“I applied for the programme to help take my business to the next level and start manufacturing my products.”\nMadelaine Dowd said: “I am excited to gain support to commercialise my life-saving product and to shake up the maritime industry with our innovation as a global solution to one of the most in demand and dangerous jobs.”\nEmily Nott, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Innovate UK says: “With 2020 proving to be an incredibly difficult year, maintaining our focus on Young Innovators was a priority for Innovate UK since finding the great entrepreneurial minds of the future is more important than ever.\n“Working alongside this year’s winners, Innovate UK will help them grow and develop their business idea to make the world a better, and more innovative place. We can’t wait to see what they achieve this year.”\nScience Minister Amanda Solloway said: “While the past year has brought significant challenges for us all, it has also shone a light on the best of British ingenuity, with young people across the country harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit to help the UK respond to these challenges.\n“From mobile apps supporting our brilliant NHS staff to online mentoring tools helping graduates find employment, the inspiring business ideas we are backing today will help to unleash our next generation of innovators as we build back better from the pandemic.”", "Three female entrepreneurs from the East Midlands named among the best in the business", "Kate Walker has designed a 3D printed prosthetic which costs just £50 for children in the developing world" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Arwyn Roberts" ]
2021-01-06T18:03:07
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2021-01-06T16:44:59
The holiday giant employs thousands of staff across holiday parks in England, Scotland and Wales
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fhaven-holiday-parks-reopening-dates-19575069.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…-Hafan-y-Mor.jpg
en
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Reopening dates for Haven holiday parks after a pandemic hit 2020
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Haven is launching a new holiday package selection for this year with plans to reopen sites this March. The holiday giant employs thousands of staff across holiday parks in England, Scotland and Wales. Last year was hit by lockdowns but it is hoped that restrictions will start to be eased by this spring as the weather improves and the percentage of the population vaccinated increases. Sites are currently due to open on Friday March 12 - with bookings being taken from this date. They are set to offer two types of holiday once they reopen. “Through the pandemic in 2020 we launched our Haven Hideaway breaks as we wanted to ensure that we could offer some kind of holiday to guests but were unsure what facilities would be available,” said Gerard Tempest, chief marketing officer. (Image: Arwyn Roberts) “Whilst during the season we were able to offer guests the chance to upgrade, to be able to access our pools and entertainment, our research showed that some guests, particularly those holidaying without children, were happy to not use our full facilities and were using the park to explore the local area, or relax by the coast.” Guests can now choose the holiday option that suits their needs, rather than paying for facilities they may not wish to use. For guests selecting a Haven Stay break, they will receive their own self contained accommodation and access to Haven’s range of onsite restaurants and takeaways and supermarkets. On a Haven Stay+Play guests also have the opportunity to use indoor and outdoor pools, experience daytime and evening entertainment and get access to book over 100 different activities from aerial adventures to karting. To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/haven-holiday-parks-reopening-dates-19575069
en
2021-01-06T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/8bfeff9e9fa5a958e119a5146221a33e666eacb949d94ca16b535293624a1d90.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nHaven is launching a new holiday package selection for this year with plans to reopen sites this March.\nThe holiday giant employs thousands of staff across holiday parks in England, Scotland and Wales.\nLast year was hit by lockdowns but it is hoped that restrictions will start to be eased by this spring as the weather improves and the percentage of the population vaccinated increases.\nSites are currently due to open on Friday March 12 - with bookings being taken from this date.\nThey are set to offer two types of holiday once they reopen.\n“Through the pandemic in 2020 we launched our Haven Hideaway breaks as we wanted to ensure that we could offer some kind of holiday to guests but were unsure what facilities would be available,” said Gerard Tempest, chief marketing officer.\n(Image: Arwyn Roberts)\n“Whilst during the season we were able to offer guests the chance to upgrade, to be able to access our pools and entertainment, our research showed that some guests, particularly those holidaying without children, were happy to not use our full facilities and were using the park to explore the local area, or relax by the coast.”\nGuests can now choose the holiday option that suits their needs, rather than paying for facilities they may not wish to use. For guests selecting a Haven Stay break, they will receive their own self contained accommodation and access to Haven’s range of onsite restaurants and takeaways and supermarkets.\nOn a Haven Stay+Play guests also have the opportunity to use indoor and outdoor pools, experience daytime and evening entertainment and get access to book over 100 different activities from aerial adventures to karting.\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Reopening dates for Haven holiday parks after a pandemic hit 2020", "The holiday giant employs thousands of staff across holiday parks in England, Scotland and Wales" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Matthew Horwood Getty Images", "Welsh Government" ]
2021-01-29T07:03:51
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2021-01-29T06:00:00
This will mean further weeks of closure for hospitality, leisure, tourism and non-essential retail
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fwales-lockdown-continue-three-more-19723920.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…-19-Lockdown.jpg
en
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Wales lockdown to continue for three more weeks - with funding package set to be announced
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The First Minister will today confirm alert level four lockdown restrictions will remain in place in Wales for the next three weeks. While the situation in Wales is improving, he will say lockdown restrictions must continue for another three weeks to allow the NHS to recover. Overall infection rate levels have now dropped below 200 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since early November but remain high in counties like Wrexham and Flintshire. It will mean hospitality, leisure, tourism and non-essential retail will have to stay shut for at least another three weeks until the next review. Welsh Government will later reveal how a new £200m pot of funding will be spent to support businesses in the coming weeks. On schools, the Welsh Government will work with schools and education partners on a phased and flexible return to school after 22 February, if the public health situation continues to improve. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. On funding, Economy minister Ken Skates told Business Live: "The aim is to maintain a consistency of approach during the Level 4 Alert period so businesses can have that surety of being able to get through to the next financial year with Government support to the same degree they've had to date, should it be required. (Image: Welsh Government) "We are on a three weekly basis reviewing where we are in terms of transmission rates, infection rates and test positivity. "We'll be announcing full details in the coming days to make sure there is a seamless transition through to the next period of financial support. He praised local authorities for getting money out to businesses rapidly and said the new funds will be allocated in a similar way to the business resilience fund. To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/wales-lockdown-continue-three-more-19723920
en
2021-01-29T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/35ccd862c853b04631b89804229f6a74ae4e2842d7209682440f338710fb1c02.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe First Minister will today confirm alert level four lockdown restrictions will remain in place in Wales for the next three weeks.\nWhile the situation in Wales is improving, he will say lockdown restrictions must continue for another three weeks to allow the NHS to recover.\nOverall infection rate levels have now dropped below 200 cases per 100,000 people for the first time since early November but remain high in counties like Wrexham and Flintshire.\nIt will mean hospitality, leisure, tourism and non-essential retail will have to stay shut for at least another three weeks until the next review.\nWelsh Government will later reveal how a new £200m pot of funding will be spent to support businesses in the coming weeks.\nOn schools, the Welsh Government will work with schools and education partners on a phased and flexible return to school after 22 February, if the public health situation continues to improve.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nOn funding, Economy minister Ken Skates told Business Live: \"The aim is to maintain a consistency of approach during the Level 4 Alert period so businesses can have that surety of being able to get through to the next financial year with Government support to the same degree they've had to date, should it be required.\n(Image: Welsh Government)\n\"We are on a three weekly basis reviewing where we are in terms of transmission rates, infection rates and test positivity.\n\"We'll be announcing full details in the coming days to make sure there is a seamless transition through to the next period of financial support.\nHe praised local authorities for getting money out to businesses rapidly and said the new funds will be allocated in a similar way to the business resilience fund.\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Wales lockdown to continue for three more weeks - with funding package set to be announced", "This will mean further weeks of closure for hospitality, leisure, tourism and non-essential retail" ]
[ "Laura Watson" ]
2021-01-04T05:27:08
null
2021-01-04T04:00:00
After a challenging year, business leaders in Staffordshire have nominated firms they say will do great things in 2021
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2F10-staffordshire-businesses-watch-2021-19510573.json
https://i2-prod.business…0_escenic-10.jpg
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The 10 Staffordshire businesses to watch in 2021
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email 2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years in history for UK businesses. A global pandemic meant many firms had to juggle strict government restrictions with an attempt to navigate uncharted waters and keep their businesses afloat. While some were forced to make difficult decisions to safeguard their future, others used 2020 as an opportunity to diversify and adapt. Now, as we look forward to 2021, we asked leaders from the region which businesses we should look out for over the next 12 months. In no particular order, their nominations are: Addmaster - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC) For the last 20 years, Addmaster has been championing hygiene through the use of its Biomaster antimicrobial technology which protects products from bacteria and viruses. But - for obvious reasons - 2020 has been the Stafford company's 'best ever' year. Over the last 12 months, Addmaster's performance-enhancing additives have been adopted by an increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities as part of the nation's fight against coronavirus. Its products are also being used by big-name clients including Dulux, Dyson, M&S and Asda, on shopping trolleys and by the aviation sector to prevent bacteria and viruses growing on airport trays and aircraft interiors. Now, after enjoying a sales increase of more than 60 per cent this year, Addmaster founder and CEO Paul Morris - who was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list - has promised that 2021 will be a 'big year' for the company. Bloom - Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) Ian Orton and Jack Hardy opened the Bloom cocktail bar in Hanley's Cultural Quarter in 2019 with a vision to bring the 'Manchester vibe' to Stoke-on-Trent. The pair spent £60,000 refurbishing the former Size? unit into a botanical themed-venue before officially opening in time for Christmas. Since then, the bar has become extremely popular with visitors to the city centre and has become known for its extravagant cocktails, sumptuous food and 'bottomless brunch.' Earlier this year, the business announced that it is planning to open another venue in neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme, but further details of the venture are being kept under wraps. So watch this space! C2C - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce C2C are a professional consultancy providing structural and civil engineering design services to a variety of clients in multiple sectors such as residential, education, healthcare, commercial and leisure. The Shelton company is made up of a small team of chartered engineers and technicians which have over 25 years of experience in this specialist field. Their primary clients include architects, developers, contractors, steel fabricators and domestic homeowners. The company first launched in 2018, however the pandemic saw them re-valuate their priorities and they decided to expand their services to enable the completion of larger multidisciplinary consultancies on large scale projects. Following an investment in new technology and software, their ultimate aim is to have multiple offices in 'key locations' to allow them to tap into markets in some of the UK's biggest cities including Manchester, Birmingham and London. Mondrem - nominated by Keele University Not-for-profit public service transformation company Mondrem have moved from strength-to-strength in a year that has been difficult for all - and the community interest company is set for a bright future in 2021. Located in Keele University’s Innovation Centre 6, the company has been taking full advantage of its surroundings in 2020, collaborating with other businesses in the building as well as accessing Keele’s talented students and graduates. Over the course of the year, Mondrem hired a total of eight Keele interns and employed six of the interns to full-time work. Mondrem's growth and collaboration has also led to the creation of Wayfinder which focuses on community mental health services, as well as a new project called Nurture that is designed to help communities benefit from the connection between nature and wellbeing. Cabbunk - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC) Cabbunk was born out of Richard Olphin's desire to fit more people into his motorhome following the birth of his second grandchild in 2012. He spent two years developing Cabbunk Twin – a unique, temporary child bed system that fits into the cab of campervans and motorhomes – so he could take his grandaughters on holiday with him. Today more than 80 per cent of patented Cabbunk systems are being exported across the globe to places including the USA, Germany and France. And in 2020 - with restrictions on travelling abroad and more people looking for ways to take family holidays safely - the 11-strong company has seen turnover increase by 55 per cent and profit rise by 69 per cent. In 2021, the Blythe Bridge firm is planning trips to the USA - as early as Covid allows - in order to take on three trade distributors. It is also developing another product for caravans and campervans which it will be patenting in 2021. It's biggest ambition for the next 12 months, however, is to double the size of the business for the third consecutive year and gain a Queen's Award for Export 'as soon as possible.' Goodwins Jewellers - Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID) Goodwins Jewellers is the longest established shop in Hanley. It was founded in 1874 by Charles Edwin Henry Goodwin and 146 years later, the business is still going strong and is still in the hands of a Goodwin - Susan Goodwin. The business has grown significantly over the years, expanding from its original small shop in Hope Street to its current premises, still in Hope Street, which consists of two additional properties which were knocked through. It boasts the largest range of wedding rings in the area and has grown from just a retail shop to also being a jewellery manufacturing and repair business. This year, Goodwins Jewellers is entering its 147th year in business and has recently signed up to a new loyalty scheme which is being introduced by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID which will see shoppers rack up points when spending in the city centre. Round Peg Outdoor Buildings - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Garden building manufacturer Round Peg Outdoor Buildings was established in January 2020 by former colleagues Sallyann Smith and Adam Timmis. They secured a start-up loan to fund the raw materials, rent a unit and purchase machinery and received their first delivery of timber on March 24 - the day of national lockdown. After taking a two-week break, they decided to go back to work and were soon contacted by potential customers wanting to transform their garden during lockdown. The Burton company faced a number of challenges during the pandemic, including a severe timber shortage in the UK which is still continuing to this day. Despite this, Round Peg has continued to work and fulfil orders without cancellations by continually keeping in touch with existing customers through regular newsletters, emails and phone calls. The firm is also winning new orders and their reputation is growing. Over the next 12 months, the company is looking to expand and relocate to bigger premises where they can develop a show site to display the buildings. Moneyshake - nominated by Keele University Car lease price comparison site Moneyshake began their journey in 2019 and have since seen fast growth which shows no signs of slowing down as they head into 2021. In its first 12 months, the company delivered more than £5 million of written vehicle contracts. It also formed key commercial partnerships with MoneySuperMarket and Clearscore, running their car leasing channels. More recently, Moneyshake secured a seven-figure investment from the former managing director of a fortune 500-listed motor group. The business, which is based on the Keele Science and Innovation Park, has also been working closely with Keele University, teaming up with students and academics for business data research projects and internship support. Over the next 12 months, the company - which has expanded its office space three times - hopes to more than double its 10-strong workforce with the addition of 12 new positions in 2021. The Slamwich Club - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce The Slamwich Club opened its Hanley-based restaurant in 2018. It specialises in grilled stacked sandwiches full of different flavours that you won't find anywhere else. Since the beginning, the business has focused on staff development and leadership skills and has also implemented a robust environmental performance policy - only using recyclable take-out products and using an electric bike for eco-deliveries. The company has seen positive growth over the last few years and has visions to expand to different cities. The owners are already on the hunt for new premises and, with keen interest from investors, they hope to franchise within the next three years. The Staffordshire Gin Company - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce The Staffordshire Gin Company opened in 2018 to manufacture and produce a range of premium specialist spirits. During the pandemic, the Newcastle company turned its hand to making hand sanitiser when supplies were at an all-time low and the country needed it most. The firm collaborated with small distilleries across the UK and gave a huge amount to local emergency services as part of the relief effort. It has also recently expanded with the opening of the Castletown Distillery Bar and Shop in Newcastle town centre. Moving forward, the company plans to explore further export destinations - having already secured custom in Singapore - to take its products to customers worldwide.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/10-staffordshire-businesses-watch-2021-19510573
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/b9e2ff6986e489423583d425b3b90246e02d4d765cf0ffb875491374c0ccfc91.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\n2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging years in history for UK businesses.\nA global pandemic meant many firms had to juggle strict government restrictions with an attempt to navigate uncharted waters and keep their businesses afloat.\nWhile some were forced to make difficult decisions to safeguard their future, others used 2020 as an opportunity to diversify and adapt.\nNow, as we look forward to 2021, we asked leaders from the region which businesses we should look out for over the next 12 months.\nIn no particular order, their nominations are:\nAddmaster - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC)\nFor the last 20 years, Addmaster has been championing hygiene through the use of its Biomaster antimicrobial technology which protects products from bacteria and viruses.\nBut - for obvious reasons - 2020 has been the Stafford company's 'best ever' year.\nOver the last 12 months, Addmaster's performance-enhancing additives have been adopted by an increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities as part of the nation's fight against coronavirus.\nIts products are also being used by big-name clients including Dulux, Dyson, M&S and Asda, on shopping trolleys and by the aviation sector to prevent bacteria and viruses growing on airport trays and aircraft interiors.\nNow, after enjoying a sales increase of more than 60 per cent this year, Addmaster founder and CEO Paul Morris - who was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list - has promised that 2021 will be a 'big year' for the company.\nBloom - Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID)\nIan Orton and Jack Hardy opened the Bloom cocktail bar in Hanley's Cultural Quarter in 2019 with a vision to bring the 'Manchester vibe' to Stoke-on-Trent.\nThe pair spent £60,000 refurbishing the former Size? unit into a botanical themed-venue before officially opening in time for Christmas.\nSince then, the bar has become extremely popular with visitors to the city centre and has become known for its extravagant cocktails, sumptuous food and 'bottomless brunch.'\nEarlier this year, the business announced that it is planning to open another venue in neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme, but further details of the venture are being kept under wraps. So watch this space!\nC2C - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce\nC2C are a professional consultancy providing structural and civil engineering design services to a variety of clients in multiple sectors such as residential, education, healthcare, commercial and leisure.\nThe Shelton company is made up of a small team of chartered engineers and technicians which have over 25 years of experience in this specialist field. Their primary clients include architects, developers, contractors, steel fabricators and domestic homeowners.\nThe company first launched in 2018, however the pandemic saw them re-valuate their priorities and they decided to expand their services to enable the completion of larger multidisciplinary consultancies on large scale projects.\nFollowing an investment in new technology and software, their ultimate aim is to have multiple offices in 'key locations' to allow them to tap into markets in some of the UK's biggest cities including Manchester, Birmingham and London.\nMondrem - nominated by Keele University\nNot-for-profit public service transformation company Mondrem have moved from strength-to-strength in a year that has been difficult for all - and the community interest company is set for a bright future in 2021.\nLocated in Keele University’s Innovation Centre 6, the company has been taking full advantage of its surroundings in 2020, collaborating with other businesses in the building as well as accessing Keele’s talented students and graduates.\nOver the course of the year, Mondrem hired a total of eight Keele interns and employed six of the interns to full-time work.\nMondrem's growth and collaboration has also led to the creation of Wayfinder which focuses on community mental health services, as well as a new project called Nurture that is designed to help communities benefit from the connection between nature and wellbeing.\nCabbunk - nominated by the Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre (BIC)\nCabbunk was born out of Richard Olphin's desire to fit more people into his motorhome following the birth of his second grandchild in 2012.\nHe spent two years developing Cabbunk Twin – a unique, temporary child bed system that fits into the cab of campervans and motorhomes – so he could take his grandaughters on holiday with him.\nToday more than 80 per cent of patented Cabbunk systems are being exported across the globe to places including the USA, Germany and France.\nAnd in 2020 - with restrictions on travelling abroad and more people looking for ways to take family holidays safely - the 11-strong company has seen turnover increase by 55 per cent and profit rise by 69 per cent.\nIn 2021, the Blythe Bridge firm is planning trips to the USA - as early as Covid allows - in order to take on three trade distributors.\nIt is also developing another product for caravans and campervans which it will be patenting in 2021.\nIt's biggest ambition for the next 12 months, however, is to double the size of the business for the third consecutive year and gain a Queen's Award for Export 'as soon as possible.'\nGoodwins Jewellers - Stoke-on-Trent Business Improvement District (BID)\nGoodwins Jewellers is the longest established shop in Hanley.\nIt was founded in 1874 by Charles Edwin Henry Goodwin and 146 years later, the business is still going strong and is still in the hands of a Goodwin - Susan Goodwin.\nThe business has grown significantly over the years, expanding from its original small shop in Hope Street to its current premises, still in Hope Street, which consists of two additional properties which were knocked through.\nIt boasts the largest range of wedding rings in the area and has grown from just a retail shop to also being a jewellery manufacturing and repair business.\nThis year, Goodwins Jewellers is entering its 147th year in business and has recently signed up to a new loyalty scheme which is being introduced by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID which will see shoppers rack up points when spending in the city centre.\nRound Peg Outdoor Buildings - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce\nGarden building manufacturer Round Peg Outdoor Buildings was established in January 2020 by former colleagues Sallyann Smith and Adam Timmis.\nThey secured a start-up loan to fund the raw materials, rent a unit and purchase machinery and received their first delivery of timber on March 24 - the day of national lockdown.\nAfter taking a two-week break, they decided to go back to work and were soon contacted by potential customers wanting to transform their garden during lockdown.\nThe Burton company faced a number of challenges during the pandemic, including a severe timber shortage in the UK which is still continuing to this day.\nDespite this, Round Peg has continued to work and fulfil orders without cancellations by continually keeping in touch with existing customers through regular newsletters, emails and phone calls. The firm is also winning new orders and their reputation is growing.\nOver the next 12 months, the company is looking to expand and relocate to bigger premises where they can develop a show site to display the buildings.\nMoneyshake - nominated by Keele University\nCar lease price comparison site Moneyshake began their journey in 2019 and have since seen fast growth which shows no signs of slowing down as they head into 2021.\nIn its first 12 months, the company delivered more than £5 million of written vehicle contracts. It also formed key commercial partnerships with MoneySuperMarket and Clearscore, running their car leasing channels.\nMore recently, Moneyshake secured a seven-figure investment from the former managing director of a fortune 500-listed motor group.\nThe business, which is based on the Keele Science and Innovation Park, has also been working closely with Keele University, teaming up with students and academics for business data research projects and internship support.\nOver the next 12 months, the company - which has expanded its office space three times - hopes to more than double its 10-strong workforce with the addition of 12 new positions in 2021.\nThe Slamwich Club - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce\nThe Slamwich Club opened its Hanley-based restaurant in 2018.\nIt specialises in grilled stacked sandwiches full of different flavours that you won't find anywhere else.\nSince the beginning, the business has focused on staff development and leadership skills and has also implemented a robust environmental performance policy - only using recyclable take-out products and using an electric bike for eco-deliveries.\nThe company has seen positive growth over the last few years and has visions to expand to different cities.\nThe owners are already on the hunt for new premises and, with keen interest from investors, they hope to franchise within the next three years.\nThe Staffordshire Gin Company - nominated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce\nThe Staffordshire Gin Company opened in 2018 to manufacture and produce a range of premium specialist spirits.\nDuring the pandemic, the Newcastle company turned its hand to making hand sanitiser when supplies were at an all-time low and the country needed it most.\nThe firm collaborated with small distilleries across the UK and gave a huge amount to local emergency services as part of the relief effort.\nIt has also recently expanded with the opening of the Castletown Distillery Bar and Shop in Newcastle town centre.\nMoving forward, the company plans to explore further export destinations - having already secured custom in Singapore - to take its products to customers worldwide.", "The 10 Staffordshire businesses to watch in 2021", "After a challenging year, business leaders in Staffordshire have nominated firms they say will do great things in 2021" ]
[ "Tom Houghton" ]
2021-01-22T09:35:02
null
2021-01-22T09:24:27
The team behind the app also used by runners, skaters and motorcyclists is all set for a big 2021
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2Fcycling-safety-app-busby-sees-19678070.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…sbyTeamPhoto.jpg
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Cycling safety app Busby sees 870% increase in downloads since start of January lockdown
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A sports safety app for cycling, running, motorcycling and skating has seen an almost 900% increase in global downloads in a matter of weeks. The Liverpool-based team behind smartphone app Busby says the 870% rise has come since the start of the third national UK lockdown. The innovative app, developed by friends Barry Green, James Duffy and Kirk Ryan, started out to make bike rides safer for solo cyclists with sensor technology that senses a potential crash or other unusual movement. It has since grown in international popularity with enthusiasts for other sports including running, motorcycling and skating. It was founded after cyclist Barry was involved in an accident in Liverpool in which he was almost killed. Speaking about the success, Kirk said: "It is clear that people are taking up more outdoor activities such as cycling and running since the beginning of the year. "The lockdown has resulted in people looking for new outdoor hobbies and we're also benefiting from people who've taken up sports as part of New Year resolutions. We're up about 870% compared to this time last year. "The popularity of the app is growing all over the world and we've also started to partner with a number of businesses who provide sports equipment such as bikes. "It is a vital piece of kit for anyone who wants to stay safe while out enjoying their favourite sports. It is free to download. It helps people stay safe especially in winter conditions." Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Busby senses unusual movement and starts a countdown after which it will send a text to emergency contacts if it is not deactivated. If a user has an incident ‘Busby’ will send their precise location to their emergency contacts anywhere in the world. Kirk said Busby is now planning to announce further partnerships with a number of new sports brands later this year.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/cycling-safety-app-busby-sees-19678070
en
2021-01-22T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/a4df34b9c83c2ff243191e39771f3441a3971aba1b030a45c5a556b75c657ea9.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA sports safety app for cycling, running, motorcycling and skating has seen an almost 900% increase in global downloads in a matter of weeks.\nThe Liverpool-based team behind smartphone app Busby says the 870% rise has come since the start of the third national UK lockdown.\nThe innovative app, developed by friends Barry Green, James Duffy and Kirk Ryan, started out to make bike rides safer for solo cyclists with sensor technology that senses a potential crash or other unusual movement.\nIt has since grown in international popularity with enthusiasts for other sports including running, motorcycling and skating.\nIt was founded after cyclist Barry was involved in an accident in Liverpool in which he was almost killed.\nSpeaking about the success, Kirk said: \"It is clear that people are taking up more outdoor activities such as cycling and running since the beginning of the year.\n\"The lockdown has resulted in people looking for new outdoor hobbies and we're also benefiting from people who've taken up sports as part of New Year resolutions. We're up about 870% compared to this time last year.\n\"The popularity of the app is growing all over the world and we've also started to partner with a number of businesses who provide sports equipment such as bikes.\n\"It is a vital piece of kit for anyone who wants to stay safe while out enjoying their favourite sports. It is free to download. It helps people stay safe especially in winter conditions.\"\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nBusby senses unusual movement and starts a countdown after which it will send a text to emergency contacts if it is not deactivated.\nIf a user has an incident ‘Busby’ will send their precise location to their emergency contacts anywhere in the world.\nKirk said Busby is now planning to announce further partnerships with a number of new sports brands later this year.", "Cycling safety app Busby sees 870% increase in downloads since start of January lockdown", "The team behind the app also used by runners, skaters and motorcyclists is all set for a big 2021" ]
[ "Chris Pyke", "Image", "Western Mail", "Echo Ltd." ]
2021-01-20T14:51:46
null
2021-01-20T14:20:49
The Wales Policy Unit is FSB’s committee of business owners who come together to identify priorities and policy positions for the business organisation
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Ffsb-wales-makes-new-appointments-19661940.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…y-unit-chair.jpg
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FSB Wales makes new appointments to its policy unit
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email FSB Wales has appointed four new business owners to its Wales Policy Unit. The business group hopes the move will bolster the voice of small businesses in Wales. The Wales Policy Unit is FSB’s committee of business owners who come together to identify priorities and policy positions for the business organisation. The new appointees to the Wales Policy Unit are: Graham Morgan: Business Doctor Cardiff Graham Morgan: Business Doctor Cardiff Frankie Hobro: director and owner, Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre Frankie Hobro: director and owner, Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre Hayley Pells: director, Avia Sports Cars Alun Williams: director, Arfon Consulting Alan Cooper, director of BlueFox Technology, has been reappointed and rejoins the Wales Policy Unit alongside the new members and brings the full members of the committee to 13 businesses who represent the various industries, sectors and regions of Wales. The Wales Policy Unit continues to be chaired by Ben Francis, director of housebuilding firm Hygrove Homes. Mr Francis said: "I’m really pleased to be welcoming Frankie, Hayley, Graham and Alun to the Wales Policy Unit as well as welcoming back Alan Cooper and the other returning members of the committee. "FSB Wales is the most influential business organisation in the country, and the talent and experience brought to the table by the Wales Policy Unit is a huge part of that. "Our policy unit represents the depth and diversity of talent and expertise in Wales, and I’m thrilled that we can bring these people together in our efforts to support businesses through these incredibly difficult times. "Businesses have spent the best part of the last year working under intensely difficult conditions – there has never been a more worrying time to run a business. "These are the same businesses that sustain local jobs, invest in communities and are central to our towns and high streets. FSB Wales has done everything that we can to support these businesses over the last year – including successfully lobbying Welsh Government for support for start-up businesses and freelancers, as well as extra support for those sectors particularly impacted by coronavirus restrictions – and I’m sure that the Wales Policy Unit and our new members will play a significant role in continuing to do so as we move forwards.” Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Ben Cottam, Head of Wales, said: “The strength of an organisation like FSB depends on drawing the expertise of its members in the SME community. "In the coming months, the people of Wales will elect a new Parliament and a new Government will be formed. Having the expertise of small businesses at the forefront of informing that new Government’s agenda and supporting Parliament in its decision making will be essential. "We’re pleased to welcome these new members who will be so crucial to that task.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/fsb-wales-makes-new-appointments-19661940
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/585f1779dc78b009a828fd87c00f9ed7c3597f5b4b1e7a1ae9f7aac48d06e518.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nFSB Wales has appointed four new business owners to its Wales Policy Unit.\nThe business group hopes the move will bolster the voice of small businesses in Wales.\nThe Wales Policy Unit is FSB’s committee of business owners who come together to identify priorities and policy positions for the business organisation.\nThe new appointees to the Wales Policy Unit are:\nGraham Morgan: Business Doctor Cardiff\nGraham Morgan: Business Doctor Cardiff Frankie Hobro: director and owner, Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre\nFrankie Hobro: director and owner, Anglesey Sea Zoo and Marine Resource Centre Hayley Pells: director, Avia Sports Cars\nAlun Williams: director, Arfon Consulting\nAlan Cooper, director of BlueFox Technology, has been reappointed and rejoins the Wales Policy Unit alongside the new members and brings the full members of the committee to 13 businesses who represent the various industries, sectors and regions of Wales.\nThe Wales Policy Unit continues to be chaired by Ben Francis, director of housebuilding firm Hygrove Homes.\nMr Francis said: \"I’m really pleased to be welcoming Frankie, Hayley, Graham and Alun to the Wales Policy Unit as well as welcoming back Alan Cooper and the other returning members of the committee.\n\"FSB Wales is the most influential business organisation in the country, and the talent and experience brought to the table by the Wales Policy Unit is a huge part of that.\n\"Our policy unit represents the depth and diversity of talent and expertise in Wales, and I’m thrilled that we can bring these people together in our efforts to support businesses through these incredibly difficult times.\n\"Businesses have spent the best part of the last year working under intensely difficult conditions – there has never been a more worrying time to run a business.\n\"These are the same businesses that sustain local jobs, invest in communities and are central to our towns and high streets. FSB Wales has done everything that we can to support these businesses over the last year – including successfully lobbying Welsh Government for support for start-up businesses and freelancers, as well as extra support for those sectors particularly impacted by coronavirus restrictions – and I’m sure that the Wales Policy Unit and our new members will play a significant role in continuing to do so as we move forwards.”\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nBen Cottam, Head of Wales, said: “The strength of an organisation like FSB depends on drawing the expertise of its members in the SME community.\n\"In the coming months, the people of Wales will elect a new Parliament and a new Government will be formed. Having the expertise of small businesses at the forefront of informing that new Government’s agenda and supporting Parliament in its decision making will be essential.\n\"We’re pleased to welcome these new members who will be so crucial to that task.”", "FSB Wales makes new appointments to its policy unit", "The Wales Policy Unit is FSB’s committee of business owners who come together to identify priorities and policy positions for the business organisation" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones" ]
2021-01-11T15:29:05
null
2021-01-11T15:17:16
Sports car manufacturer says it has second sales growth for the second quarter in a row
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fgreen-shoots-recovery-jaguar-land-19603897.json
https://i2-prod.birmingh…0/1_jlr-sign.jpg
en
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Green shoots of recovery at Jaguar Land Rover
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Manufacturing Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Sports car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover said it had enjoyed a positive end to 2020 with a second successive quarterly recovery in sales. Retail sales for the three months to December 31 were 128,469 vehicles, 13.1 per cent higher than the 113,569 vehicles sold in the third quarter of 2020. Perhaps unsurprisingly though, the figure was down on the fourth quarter of 2019 by nine per cent. Fourth quarter sales in China were "particularly encouraging", the West Midlands manufacturer said, up by 20.2 per cent on the previous quarter and 19.1 per cent higher year-on-year. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Retail sales in most other regions also continued to recover and were up on the third quarter in North America (+31.7 per cent), overseas (+26.6 per cent) and Europe (+20.5 per cent). But JLR said revenues in these regions were yet to recover to pre-covid levels with sales for the quarter lower than a year ago in North America (-17.2 per cent), overseas (-20 per cent), Europe (-16.3 per cent) and the UK (-8.9 per cent). Chief commercial officer Felix Brautigam said: "2020 was a year of two halves and, although covid-19 continues to significantly impact the global auto industry, we are delighted to end the year with a second consecutive quarter of sales recovery. "Our performance in China, the region least impacted by covid-19 in the most recent quarter, has been particularly encouraging with our sales there growing on both a year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter basis. How do you think the automotive industry will fare in 2021? Join the debate in the comments section below "Other markets are also showing strong signs of recovery, despite second covid waves across the globe. "We are well-placed in keeping our retailers open for business with online sales solutions, even when their doors are closed through lockdowns."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/green-shoots-recovery-jaguar-land-19603897
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/8a236c96a608650213be0108a64deab1c8a084437140609273ec4d8c9dffcc35.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Manufacturing Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nSports car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover said it had enjoyed a positive end to 2020 with a second successive quarterly recovery in sales.\nRetail sales for the three months to December 31 were 128,469 vehicles, 13.1 per cent higher than the 113,569 vehicles sold in the third quarter of 2020.\nPerhaps unsurprisingly though, the figure was down on the fourth quarter of 2019 by nine per cent.\nFourth quarter sales in China were \"particularly encouraging\", the West Midlands manufacturer said, up by 20.2 per cent on the previous quarter and 19.1 per cent higher year-on-year.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nRetail sales in most other regions also continued to recover and were up on the third quarter in North America (+31.7 per cent), overseas (+26.6 per cent) and Europe (+20.5 per cent).\nBut JLR said revenues in these regions were yet to recover to pre-covid levels with sales for the quarter lower than a year ago in North America (-17.2 per cent), overseas (-20 per cent), Europe (-16.3 per cent) and the UK (-8.9 per cent).\nChief commercial officer Felix Brautigam said: \"2020 was a year of two halves and, although covid-19 continues to significantly impact the global auto industry, we are delighted to end the year with a second consecutive quarter of sales recovery.\n\"Our performance in China, the region least impacted by covid-19 in the most recent quarter, has been particularly encouraging with our sales there growing on both a year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter basis.\nHow do you think the automotive industry will fare in 2021? Join the debate in the comments section below\n\"Other markets are also showing strong signs of recovery, despite second covid waves across the globe.\n\"We are well-placed in keeping our retailers open for business with online sales solutions, even when their doors are closed through lockdowns.\"", "Green shoots of recovery at Jaguar Land Rover", "Sports car manufacturer says it has second sales growth for the second quarter in a row" ]
[ "Tom Houghton" ]
2021-01-27T09:40:59
null
2021-01-27T09:24:06
If approved by shareholders, it will complete in the second quarter of this year
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fleads-deals%2Fschweitzer-mauduit-international-agrees-400m-19708005.json
https://i2-prod.business…nbro-5721552.jpg
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Schweitzer-Mauduit International agrees £400m deal for Manchester healthcare firm Scapa Group
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A global engineering and manufacturing firm has agreed a deal to buy Greater Manchester-based healthcare and industrial business Scapa Group in a deal worth over £400m. The agreement was announced on Wednesday, and will see AMS Holdco 2, a subsidiary of US-based Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc (SWM) complete the deal in the second quarter of this year. The offer at 210 p in cash per share has been recommended to Scapa shareholders, valuing the firm at £402.9m Ashton-under-Lyne-based Scapa is listed on AIM and specialises in wound care, with sales operations around North America, Europe and Asia. Revenues for the financial year to March 2020 were £320.6m. SWM is a leading global performance materials company, engineering films, nets and papers - serving markets from medical to tobacco to home decor. Jeffrey Kramer, CEO of SWM, said: "We are very excited to announce our proposed acquisition of Scapa, which significantly enhances our position as a leading provider of performance materials for attractive specialty applications. Scapa advances our successful valued-added solutions strategy and enhances our ability to solve our customers' toughest innovation challenges by adding a fully integrated model with complementary capabilities. "We are enthusiastic about adding Scapa's best-in-class global healthcare solutions platform to our already substantial presence, giving SWM immediate critical mass in the growing medical materials space. Together with Scapa, we will offer a comprehensive suite of products focused on skin-friendly specialty applications like advanced woundcare, wellness, and medical device fixation, in addition to our existing portfolio of medical products. "We look forward to closing the transaction, capitalising on the growth opportunities ahead, and creating value for our customers, employees, and shareholders." Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Heejae Chae, CEO of Scapa, added: "The Scapa team has worked tirelessly to build our brand to be globally recognised as an innovative, solutions-driven partner for outsourced product development and manufacture. "As another multinational producer for outsourced performance materials, SWM has been on a similar journey to us, also extending into healthcare markets having initially been focused on customers in the industrials sector. "We believe the combination of our complementary businesses will bring benefits to all stakeholders. We see these not only resulting from increased scale, but also from an increased ability to cross-sell products across our respective client bases, as well as an increased potential to enhance inorganic growth from within a larger group. "We believe the enlarged business will also provide greater career development opportunities for employees"
https://www.business-live.co.uk/leads-deals/schweitzer-mauduit-international-agrees-400m-19708005
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/482e3ce631193d2372b033be19769551f9147d1587a6578366dbcf39eb3a50b8.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA global engineering and manufacturing firm has agreed a deal to buy Greater Manchester-based healthcare and industrial business Scapa Group in a deal worth over £400m.\nThe agreement was announced on Wednesday, and will see AMS Holdco 2, a subsidiary of US-based Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc (SWM) complete the deal in the second quarter of this year. The offer at 210 p in cash per share has been recommended to Scapa shareholders, valuing the firm at £402.9m\nAshton-under-Lyne-based Scapa is listed on AIM and specialises in wound care, with sales operations around North America, Europe and Asia. Revenues for the financial year to March 2020 were £320.6m.\nSWM is a leading global performance materials company, engineering films, nets and papers - serving markets from medical to tobacco to home decor.\nJeffrey Kramer, CEO of SWM, said: \"We are very excited to announce our proposed acquisition of Scapa, which significantly enhances our position as a leading provider of performance materials for attractive specialty applications. Scapa advances our successful valued-added solutions strategy and enhances our ability to solve our customers' toughest innovation challenges by adding a fully integrated model with complementary capabilities.\n\"We are enthusiastic about adding Scapa's best-in-class global healthcare solutions platform to our already substantial presence, giving SWM immediate critical mass in the growing medical materials space. Together with Scapa, we will offer a comprehensive suite of products focused on skin-friendly specialty applications like advanced woundcare, wellness, and medical device fixation, in addition to our existing portfolio of medical products.\n\"We look forward to closing the transaction, capitalising on the growth opportunities ahead, and creating value for our customers, employees, and shareholders.\"\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nHeejae Chae, CEO of Scapa, added: \"The Scapa team has worked tirelessly to build our brand to be globally recognised as an innovative, solutions-driven partner for outsourced product development and manufacture.\n\"As another multinational producer for outsourced performance materials, SWM has been on a similar journey to us, also extending into healthcare markets having initially been focused on customers in the industrials sector.\n\"We believe the combination of our complementary businesses will bring benefits to all stakeholders. We see these not only resulting from increased scale, but also from an increased ability to cross-sell products across our respective client bases, as well as an increased potential to enhance inorganic growth from within a larger group.\n\"We believe the enlarged business will also provide greater career development opportunities for employees\"", "Schweitzer-Mauduit International agrees £400m deal for Manchester healthcare firm Scapa Group", "If approved by shareholders, it will complete in the second quarter of this year" ]
[ "Dave Higgens", "David Laister" ]
2021-01-07T13:11:06
null
2021-01-07T12:02:52
Tesco has called Fletchers' new product an 'historic move'
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fsouth-yorkshire-baker-behind-tescos-19579174.json
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South Yorkshire baker behind Tesco's first vegan doughnut says plant-based baking is key new trend
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The demand for plant-based baked products is now a significant trend in supermarkets, according to a Sheffield bakery which has developed the first certified vegan jam doughnut for Tesco. Fletchers, which was established in the city in 1895, has come up with a new treat that is not only free of animal products but is produced in an environment swabbed and tested to make sure it is suitable for vegans. Tesco has called it an “historic move”, saying the Jazzy Jam Doughnut is the first if its kind to go on sale. Fletchers head baker Andy Bingham said that developing the product has not just involved eliminating the eggs and butter usually included in the ingredient list. He said the difficult part had been auditing all suppliers to make sure there’s no contamination at any stage, while ensuring the production line wasn’t contaminated. He said: “These delicious doughnuts are sugar-dusted with an apple and raspberry jam filling but, unlike the traditional variety, have not been made using any animal products.” Mr Bingham said: “It’s all about making a product that hasn’t got eggs or butter but, also, we trace it back through the supply chain to make sure that there is no cross contamination. “We also make doughnuts with butter and eggs here already so that means we’ve got to ensure a full clean down and the line is swabbed and tested before we make the products.” He said the 18-hour batch run for the vegan version follows a weekend-long clean down of the line. “It’s like gluten-free, it’s like anything. It’s all about the cross contamination. If we can overcome these problems, we can make them.” Mr Bingham said there was a growing market for vegetarian and vegan products but he thought it was the notion of “plant-based” food that was catching consumers’ imaginations. He said: “This is, for sure, a food trend across the whole of the country. I honestly think the key point to these products is about being ‘plant-based’. People understand it and it’s not intimidating.” Mr Bingham said demand has kept high throughout the pandemic. He said: “We’ve been flat out right through lockdown. “Obviously, food service fell off a cliff and we were all a little concerned but what happened was that retailers were selling more bread and rolls purely because people were staying at home and there was panic-buying as well.” Veganuary will see Fletchers supply around 120,000 of the five doughnut packs to Tesco this month. Tesco said the Jazzy Jam Doughnut is being launched under Tesco’s Wicked Kitchen brand this week across the UK. A spokesman said the demand for chilled plant-based foods at Tesco has grown by more than 50 per cent in the last year. In autumn it set a sales target for plant-based foods, pledging to increase sales of meat alternatives by 300 per cent in five years and launched Christmas brands including what is said was the UK’s first ever plant-based turkey crown. Tesco food developer Kaysha Keane said: “Plant-based food is the biggest culinary revolution of the 21st century and there have been some fantastic products coming out – but until now there has not been a dedicated vegan jam doughnut. “Jam doughnuts have been the single most popular sweet item in our in-store bakeries for ages so with the incredible growth of the vegan movement it was an obvious choice to create a plant-based version.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/south-yorkshire-baker-behind-tescos-19579174
en
2021-01-07T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/720931b0f88e2c94b671babf6c5ee9178d9e65cdfb0f2bb59e7dde3efcee0f7b.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe demand for plant-based baked products is now a significant trend in supermarkets, according to a Sheffield bakery which has developed the first certified vegan jam doughnut for Tesco.\nFletchers, which was established in the city in 1895, has come up with a new treat that is not only free of animal products but is produced in an environment swabbed and tested to make sure it is suitable for vegans.\nTesco has called it an “historic move”, saying the Jazzy Jam Doughnut is the first if its kind to go on sale.\nFletchers head baker Andy Bingham said that developing the product has not just involved eliminating the eggs and butter usually included in the ingredient list.\nHe said the difficult part had been auditing all suppliers to make sure there’s no contamination at any stage, while ensuring the production line wasn’t contaminated.\nHe said: “These delicious doughnuts are sugar-dusted with an apple and raspberry jam filling but, unlike the traditional variety, have not been made using any animal products.”\nMr Bingham said: “It’s all about making a product that hasn’t got eggs or butter but, also, we trace it back through the supply chain to make sure that there is no cross contamination.\n“We also make doughnuts with butter and eggs here already so that means we’ve got to ensure a full clean down and the line is swabbed and tested before we make the products.”\nHe said the 18-hour batch run for the vegan version follows a weekend-long clean down of the line.\n“It’s like gluten-free, it’s like anything. It’s all about the cross contamination. If we can overcome these problems, we can make them.”\nMr Bingham said there was a growing market for vegetarian and vegan products but he thought it was the notion of “plant-based” food that was catching consumers’ imaginations.\nHe said: “This is, for sure, a food trend across the whole of the country. I honestly think the key point to these products is about being ‘plant-based’. People understand it and it’s not intimidating.”\nMr Bingham said demand has kept high throughout the pandemic.\nHe said: “We’ve been flat out right through lockdown.\n“Obviously, food service fell off a cliff and we were all a little concerned but what happened was that retailers were selling more bread and rolls purely because people were staying at home and there was panic-buying as well.”\nVeganuary will see Fletchers supply around 120,000 of the five doughnut packs to Tesco this month.\nTesco said the Jazzy Jam Doughnut is being launched under Tesco’s Wicked Kitchen brand this week across the UK.\nA spokesman said the demand for chilled plant-based foods at Tesco has grown by more than 50 per cent in the last year.\nIn autumn it set a sales target for plant-based foods, pledging to increase sales of meat alternatives by 300 per cent in five years and launched Christmas brands including what is said was the UK’s first ever plant-based turkey crown.\nTesco food developer Kaysha Keane said: “Plant-based food is the biggest culinary revolution of the 21st century and there have been some fantastic products coming out – but until now there has not been a dedicated vegan jam doughnut.\n“Jam doughnuts have been the single most popular sweet item in our in-store bakeries for ages so with the incredible growth of the vegan movement it was an obvious choice to create a plant-based version.”", "South Yorkshire baker behind Tesco's first vegan doughnut says plant-based baking is key new trend", "Tesco has called Fletchers' new product an 'historic move'" ]
[ "Jonathon Manning" ]
2021-01-11T13:54:54
null
2021-01-11T13:43:23
The company sold four development sites and is on track to sell another four
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fgleeson-homes-strong-results-sales-19602994.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…donian-Court.jpg
en
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Housebuilder MJ Gleeson hints at strong year after increased sales
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Sheffield housebuilder MJ Gleeson has reported a strong start to the year after boosting its half your sales by more than 17%. MJ Gleeson, which specialises in low-cost homes, sold 951 homes during the six months ending December 31, up from 811 during the same period in 2019. In an investor update, the company also added that its Gleeson Homes division is on track to hit its full-year unit completion target. In total the business is aiming to deliver 2,000 units per year by June 2022. In a statement the company said: "We continue to see strong demand for our low-cost homes. The division opened 17 new sites during the first half-year and expects to open at least another 10 sites during the second half. By the end of the financial year the division expects to be actively building on approximately 80 sites and actively selling on at least 65 sites. "All sites are Covid-secure, remain open for construction and sales, and are operating in line with the most recent government lockdown requirements." During the six-month period, MJ Gleeson sold four sites, with the company adding that demand for high quality consented land had meant it was also in the process of selling a further four. The company also said that strong demand meant that its group results for the full year ending June 20 will be at least in line with expectations. MJ Gleeson will report results for the half-year ended December 31 on February 11.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/gleeson-homes-strong-results-sales-19602994
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/490e7fc6b6806107e9f29afca5fe5a3c2cd10e1ad27e6f9da67f2a2dbb8de7ac.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nSheffield housebuilder MJ Gleeson has reported a strong start to the year after boosting its half your sales by more than 17%.\nMJ Gleeson, which specialises in low-cost homes, sold 951 homes during the six months ending December 31, up from 811 during the same period in 2019.\nIn an investor update, the company also added that its Gleeson Homes division is on track to hit its full-year unit completion target. In total the business is aiming to deliver 2,000 units per year by June 2022.\nIn a statement the company said: \"We continue to see strong demand for our low-cost homes. The division opened 17 new sites during the first half-year and expects to open at least another 10 sites during the second half. By the end of the financial year the division expects to be actively building on approximately 80 sites and actively selling on at least 65 sites.\n\"All sites are Covid-secure, remain open for construction and sales, and are operating in line with the most recent government lockdown requirements.\"\nDuring the six-month period, MJ Gleeson sold four sites, with the company adding that demand for high quality consented land had meant it was also in the process of selling a further four.\nThe company also said that strong demand meant that its group results for the full year ending June 20 will be at least in line with expectations.\nMJ Gleeson will report results for the half-year ended December 31 on February 11.", "Housebuilder MJ Gleeson hints at strong year after increased sales", "The company sold four development sites and is on track to sell another four" ]
[ "David Laister", "Image", "Garness Jones", "Arrival Pr" ]
2021-01-12T09:14:18
null
2021-01-12T09:00:00
West Hill II was granted planning consent last spring - now the lan has been secured
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fprofessional-services%2Ffive-party-deal-completes-deliver-19603905.json
https://i2-prod.business…West-Hill-II.jpg
en
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Five-party deal completes to deliver Beal Homes development land in East Yorkshire
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Four separate landowners and developers have agreed a deal that paves the way for a near-five hectare residential development in East Yorkshire. The 12-acre plot will welcome Beal Homes’ West Hill II development at Kirk Ella. Planning approval was granted last spring. It will include more than 100 properties, including three, four and five bedroomed homes, as well as 31 affordable housing developments. Prices range from £225,995 to £569,995. It follows on from Beal’s first phase of the West Hill development in Willerby, which saw 130 new homes built. Paul White, director of Hull-based chartered surveyors Garness Jones, said it resulted in ‘excellent business all round’, having acted on behalf of three of the four landowners. “This has been a very complicated matter to resolve given the number of parties involved, including four separate land owners of the total 12.16 acres.” he said. “We are delighted to see a deal now concluded which has proved excellent business all round, firstly for the vendors who we were instructed by, but also of course for Beal Homes who can now push on with another exciting housing development.” Assessing and agreeing value of land in light of ‘fluctuating market’ was key, Mr White said. Three of the four landowners turned to Garness Jones for their expertise in handling the sale of their land, given the firm’s experience of seeing through similar deals in which sizeable plots have been sold. In recent years these have included the sale of 13.47 acres at Boothferry Road/ Swanland Road, Hessle, 6.43 acres at the former East Riding College site in Gallows Lane, Beverley, a four-acre site at Swanland Nurseries Garden Centre and a 2.6 acres site in Park Lane, Cottingham. Turning back to the 12.16 acres off Great Gutter Lane (West), Willerby, Mr White said: “Beal Homes already had an option agreement in place with the landowners and had been working on this deal for several years, but it was a complicated situation and the landowners came to us for advice. “Our role was to determine the value of the land and negotiate between a number of parties, including providing advice relating to a strip of land which provides direct access to the new site. “These deals are typically complicated given the number of parties involved and also the many variables to consider, such as a fluctuating housing market and of course the uncertain economic picture at present. “Without doubt this is an excellent site for Beal Homes to have acquired to add to their portfolio of residential developments and I am sure it will be a much sought-after site for homeowners and another big success, as was the first phase.” It comes with Beal itself on the move, with eyes on a new build £4.5 million head office development on land across the road from the current base, at Bridgehead Business Park.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/professional-services/five-party-deal-completes-deliver-19603905
en
2021-01-12T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/c985547e38d6ed942fb938b0142e69be29082e5d98b1d2aea90daa680196a8ba.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nFour separate landowners and developers have agreed a deal that paves the way for a near-five hectare residential development in East Yorkshire.\nThe 12-acre plot will welcome Beal Homes’ West Hill II development at Kirk Ella.\nPlanning approval was granted last spring.\nIt will include more than 100 properties, including three, four and five bedroomed homes, as well as 31 affordable housing developments. Prices range from £225,995 to £569,995.\nIt follows on from Beal’s first phase of the West Hill development in Willerby, which saw 130 new homes built.\nPaul White, director of Hull-based chartered surveyors Garness Jones, said it resulted in ‘excellent business all round’, having acted on behalf of three of the four landowners.\n“This has been a very complicated matter to resolve given the number of parties involved, including four separate land owners of the total 12.16 acres.” he said.\n“We are delighted to see a deal now concluded which has proved excellent business all round, firstly for the vendors who we were instructed by, but also of course for Beal Homes who can now push on with another exciting housing development.”\nAssessing and agreeing value of land in light of ‘fluctuating market’ was key, Mr White said.\nThree of the four landowners turned to Garness Jones for their expertise in handling the sale of their land, given the firm’s experience of seeing through similar deals in which sizeable plots have been sold.\nIn recent years these have included the sale of 13.47 acres at Boothferry Road/ Swanland Road, Hessle, 6.43 acres at the former East Riding College site in Gallows Lane, Beverley, a four-acre site at Swanland Nurseries Garden Centre and a 2.6 acres site in Park Lane, Cottingham.\nTurning back to the 12.16 acres off Great Gutter Lane (West), Willerby, Mr White said: “Beal Homes already had an option agreement in place with the landowners and had been working on this deal for several years, but it was a complicated situation and the landowners came to us for advice.\n“Our role was to determine the value of the land and negotiate between a number of parties, including providing advice relating to a strip of land which provides direct access to the new site.\n“These deals are typically complicated given the number of parties involved and also the many variables to consider, such as a fluctuating housing market and of course the uncertain economic picture at present.\n“Without doubt this is an excellent site for Beal Homes to have acquired to add to their portfolio of residential developments and I am sure it will be a much sought-after site for homeowners and another big success, as was the first phase.”\nIt comes with Beal itself on the move, with eyes on a new build £4.5 million head office development on land across the road from the current base, at Bridgehead Business Park.", "Five-party deal completes to deliver Beal Homes development land in East Yorkshire", "West Hill II was granted planning consent last spring - now the lan has been secured" ]
[ "Graeme Whitfield", "Image", "Perthshire Advertiser" ]
2021-01-13T07:59:58
null
2021-01-13T07:55:27
A 7% rise in average house sales mitigated some of the reduction in revenue from a year earlier for the York company
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fpersimmon-hails-robust-year-despite-19614476.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…opment-Perth.jpg
en
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Persimmon hails 'robust' year despite big drop in house sales
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Housebuilder Persimmon said it had produced a 'robust' performance during the challenges of 2020, despite a major drop in the number of homes it sold. The York company's number of new home completions fell from 15,855 in 2019 to 13,575 last year. But with the average selling price rising by almost £15,000 to £230,500, Persimmon's revenues stayed relatively unscathed at £3.33bn (down from £3.65bn a year earlier). The company ended the year with an increase in its cash position as well as a rise in its forward sales position. Chief executive Dean Finch said: "Against the backdrop of the unprecedented challenges of 2020, Persimmon produced a robust performance for the year, as we continued to deliver the new homes the country needs. “The group's strong second half completions were supported by its advanced build coming into the year, an agile and effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic and resilient customer demand. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues and our suppliers and subcontractors for their continued hard work and commitment throughout this challenging period. "The health, safety and wellbeing of our customers, our workforce and our communities has been paramount throughout and all of the Group's businesses continue to operate in line with our Covid-secure policies and procedures. "We continue to improve our customer service and build quality and I am pleased at the level of commitment I have seen from within the business to achieving these aims, as recognised in our current customer satisfaction scores which have been trending ahead of the 5 star HBF rating since January 2020. “Looking ahead, we are focused on delivering further improvement and consistency in the way we serve our customers and build our homes, whilst reducing our impact on the environment. "Recent events have served to further demonstrate the continuing near term uncertainties arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we believe that the longer term fundamentals of the UK housing market remain resilient and I am confident Persimmon will continue to deliver superior long term value for all of its stakeholders."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/persimmon-hails-robust-year-despite-19614476
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/bdc854248300320bea3cd6cc943e99a05f788c0efaff681637064d95ac3232e7.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nHousebuilder Persimmon said it had produced a 'robust' performance during the challenges of 2020, despite a major drop in the number of homes it sold.\nThe York company's number of new home completions fell from 15,855 in 2019 to 13,575 last year.\nBut with the average selling price rising by almost £15,000 to £230,500, Persimmon's revenues stayed relatively unscathed at £3.33bn (down from £3.65bn a year earlier).\nThe company ended the year with an increase in its cash position as well as a rise in its forward sales position.\nChief executive Dean Finch said: \"Against the backdrop of the unprecedented challenges of 2020, Persimmon produced a robust performance for the year, as we continued to deliver the new homes the country needs.\n“The group's strong second half completions were supported by its advanced build coming into the year, an agile and effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic and resilient customer demand. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues and our suppliers and subcontractors for their continued hard work and commitment throughout this challenging period.\n\"The health, safety and wellbeing of our customers, our workforce and our communities has been paramount throughout and all of the Group's businesses continue to operate in line with our Covid-secure policies and procedures.\n\"We continue to improve our customer service and build quality and I am pleased at the level of commitment I have seen from within the business to achieving these aims, as recognised in our current customer satisfaction scores which have been trending ahead of the 5 star HBF rating since January 2020.\n“Looking ahead, we are focused on delivering further improvement and consistency in the way we serve our customers and build our homes, whilst reducing our impact on the environment.\n\"Recent events have served to further demonstrate the continuing near term uncertainties arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we believe that the longer term fundamentals of the UK housing market remain resilient and I am confident Persimmon will continue to deliver superior long term value for all of its stakeholders.\"", "Persimmon hails 'robust' year despite big drop in house sales", "A 7% rise in average house sales mitigated some of the reduction in revenue from a year earlier for the York company" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Orthios" ]
2021-01-25T17:02:59
null
2021-01-25T16:22:45
Orthios Eco Park, at Holyhead, said the Government backed funding will pay for new recycling equipment
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fanglesey-eco-park-creating-over-19697269.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…construction.jpg
en
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Anglesey eco-park creating over 50 jobs after securing £1.4m CBILS loan
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Orthios Eco Park is to create more than 50 jobs after securing funding for new recycling equipment. The Anglesey company has obtained £1.4m from Close Brothers under the UK Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). The support enables the purchase of equipment which will be used to process plastics previously judged non-recyclable for reclamation of its most useful ingredients in Orthios’s ground-breaking Plastics-2-Oil facility. Once the equipment is installed, it will create 52 new full-time jobs on top of the 56 already employed at the former Anglesey Aluminium site. The company has now applied for a second CBILS loan for equipment to process biomass from the recycling centre into a clean biogas. A decision on the new application is expected by Spring 2021 and, if approved, will create 18 more jobs. Plastics to oil (P-2-O) production is due to start soon - transforming plastics traditionally sent to landfill into a synthetic oil and useful by-products, so reducing the need to burn climate change -accelerating fossil fuels. Orthios CEO Sean McCormick said: “Establishing our new plastics recycling centre is a key part of our overall plan to treat waste as a valuable resource with a huge part to play in tackling climate change and building a sustainable, prosperous, carbon-neutral economy. "Via the centre, Orthios will tease out first those plastics which can be readily repurpose and send the remainder to our P-2-0 facility to extract fuel and other ingredients valuable to industry, including ours.” He added: “The CBILS money is the first we have sought, or received, from the public purse and we are delighted that instead of merely supporting existing jobs, as such loans are doing elsewhere, we will be using ours to create new employment opportunities and a greener future.” Orthios’s application for CBILS funding has been supported by Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Ms Crosbie said: “I am delighted to hear the news that Orthios will be receiving CBILS funding and that it will be put to such good use. "This project will not only contribute to the UK Government’s net-zero carbon targets but, by bringing new jobs to Anglesey, it also supports its levelling up agenda. I am looking forward to visiting the new plant when it goes live.” To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/anglesey-eco-park-creating-over-19697269
en
2021-01-25T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/115f49d13f894e96d89e4fed2230080d8631b957faf710110249bcab1b8f4717.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nOrthios Eco Park is to create more than 50 jobs after securing funding for new recycling equipment.\nThe Anglesey company has obtained £1.4m from Close Brothers under the UK Government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).\nThe support enables the purchase of equipment which will be used to process plastics previously judged non-recyclable for reclamation of its most useful ingredients in Orthios’s ground-breaking Plastics-2-Oil facility.\nOnce the equipment is installed, it will create 52 new full-time jobs on top of the 56 already employed at the former Anglesey Aluminium site.\nThe company has now applied for a second CBILS loan for equipment to process biomass from the recycling centre into a clean biogas.\nA decision on the new application is expected by Spring 2021 and, if approved, will create 18 more jobs.\nPlastics to oil (P-2-O) production is due to start soon - transforming plastics traditionally sent to landfill into a synthetic oil and useful by-products, so reducing the need to burn climate change -accelerating fossil fuels.\nOrthios CEO Sean McCormick said: “Establishing our new plastics recycling centre is a key part of our overall plan to treat waste as a valuable resource with a huge part to play in tackling climate change and building a sustainable, prosperous, carbon-neutral economy.\n\"Via the centre, Orthios will tease out first those plastics which can be readily repurpose and send the remainder to our P-2-0 facility to extract fuel and other ingredients valuable to industry, including ours.”\nHe added: “The CBILS money is the first we have sought, or received, from the public purse and we are delighted that instead of merely supporting existing jobs, as such loans are doing elsewhere, we will be using ours to create new employment opportunities and a greener future.”\nOrthios’s application for CBILS funding has been supported by Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nMs Crosbie said: “I am delighted to hear the news that Orthios will be receiving CBILS funding and that it will be put to such good use.\n\"This project will not only contribute to the UK Government’s net-zero carbon targets but, by bringing new jobs to Anglesey, it also supports its levelling up agenda. I am looking forward to visiting the new plant when it goes live.”\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Anglesey eco-park creating over 50 jobs after securing £1.4m CBILS loan", "Orthios Eco Park, at Holyhead, said the Government backed funding will pay for new recycling equipment" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Pa", "Welsh Government" ]
2021-01-08T00:50:26
null
2021-01-08T00:01:00
Welsh Government said it would review store measures and also close all showrooms
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fsupermarket-covid-rules-could-strengthened-19584265.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…ket-spending.jpg
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Supermarket Covid rules could be strengthened as Wales to remain in lockdown for three more weeks
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email First Minister Mark Drakeford says everyone must stay at home to save lives as he confirmed the alert level four coronavirus restrictions in Wales will continue. The lockdown restrictions will be strengthened in some key areas to prevent the new, highly-infectious strain of the virus spreading from person to person in those shops and workplaces which remain open. And unless there is a significant reduction in cases of coronavirus before 29 January – the date of the next three-week review of the regulations – school and college students will continue to learn online until the February half term. Following a formal review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions, which were introduced at midnight on 19 December, all the measures will remain in place. This means non-essential retail, hospitality venues, licensed premises and leisure facilities will remain closed. The measures will be strengthened to close all showrooms. They will still be able to operate click and collect arrangements. The Welsh Government is also reviewing whether major supermarkets and retailers need to put additional measures in place to protect people in store and what else employers need to do to protect people in the workplace and support people to work from home. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The coronavirus pandemic has reached a significant point. Cases in Wales remain very high and our NHS is under real and sustained pressure. (Image: Welsh Government) “The alert level four restrictions we introduced before Christmas must remain in place to keep us all safe. To slow the spread of the virus, we all must stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. “These feel like dark times but the new Covid-19 vaccines are being rolled out across Wales, giving us a path out of this pandemic. “It will take a huge effort to vaccinate everyone and, despite the end of this pandemic being in sight, it is more important than ever that we follow the rules and stay at home. We have made so many sacrifices together and we mustn’t stop now.” The First Minister is reminding people that in the current lockdown people must: Stay at home. Work from home if you can. Keep a 2m distance from others. Wear a face covering in all indoor public places. Not meet anyone outside your immediate household or support bubble. The First Minister added: “This new strain adds a new and unwelcome dimension to the pandemic. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. “Wherever there’s mixing; wherever people come together, the new strain is spreading – it is highly transmissible and spreads very quickly from person to person. “We all must stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives. Together, we will keep Wales safe.” To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/supermarket-covid-rules-could-strengthened-19584265
en
2021-01-08T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/24dd3fd076786c954cba2705553b8dec282bfe5ac5e3ed31b3115d3020d589fb.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nFirst Minister Mark Drakeford says everyone must stay at home to save lives as he confirmed the alert level four coronavirus restrictions in Wales will continue.\nThe lockdown restrictions will be strengthened in some key areas to prevent the new, highly-infectious strain of the virus spreading from person to person in those shops and workplaces which remain open.\nAnd unless there is a significant reduction in cases of coronavirus before 29 January – the date of the next three-week review of the regulations – school and college students will continue to learn online until the February half term.\nFollowing a formal review of the alert level four lockdown restrictions, which were introduced at midnight on 19 December, all the measures will remain in place.\nThis means non-essential retail, hospitality venues, licensed premises and leisure facilities will remain closed.\nThe measures will be strengthened to close all showrooms. They will still be able to operate click and collect arrangements.\nThe Welsh Government is also reviewing whether major supermarkets and retailers need to put additional measures in place to protect people in store and what else employers need to do to protect people in the workplace and support people to work from home.\nFirst Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The coronavirus pandemic has reached a significant point. Cases in Wales remain very high and our NHS is under real and sustained pressure.\n(Image: Welsh Government)\n“The alert level four restrictions we introduced before Christmas must remain in place to keep us all safe. To slow the spread of the virus, we all must stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.\n“These feel like dark times but the new Covid-19 vaccines are being rolled out across Wales, giving us a path out of this pandemic.\n“It will take a huge effort to vaccinate everyone and, despite the end of this pandemic being in sight, it is more important than ever that we follow the rules and stay at home. We have made so many sacrifices together and we mustn’t stop now.”\nThe First Minister is reminding people that in the current lockdown people must:\nStay at home.\nWork from home if you can.\nKeep a 2m distance from others.\nWear a face covering in all indoor public places.\nNot meet anyone outside your immediate household or support bubble.\nThe First Minister added: “This new strain adds a new and unwelcome dimension to the pandemic.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\n“Wherever there’s mixing; wherever people come together, the new strain is spreading – it is highly transmissible and spreads very quickly from person to person.\n“We all must stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives. Together, we will keep Wales safe.”\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Supermarket Covid rules could be strengthened as Wales to remain in lockdown for three more weeks", "Welsh Government said it would review store measures and also close all showrooms" ]
[ "Chris Pyke", "Image", "Andrew Jeffery" ]
2021-01-28T15:41:57
null
2021-01-28T14:20:27
The project is aiming to help shape the future of Welsh workplace with the Welsh Government’s long-term ambition to see around 30% of the workforce working from home or working remotely
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fwelsh-government-asking-suggestions-locations-19720019.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…0_Lee-Waters.jpg
en
null
Welsh Government asking for suggestions for locations of co-working hubs
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email People in Wales will soon be able to suggest places in their community they’d like to work. This is part of the Welsh Government’s long-term ambition to see around 30% of the workforce working from home or working remotely. Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said the initiative is “an opportunity for people to shape the future of the Welsh workplace”. An interactive map will ask people if they would like to work remotely, and will allow people to drop a pin in a spot on the map where they would like to see a co-working hub. The interactive map - hosted by Commonplace - is part of research and evidence gathering to gauge demand for local work hubs, indicating where they need to be and if they’re available already. From today people can sign up for news about the project, ahead of the map’s launch on Thursday, February 11, 2021. As part of its response to coronavirus the Welsh Government is working towards an increase in the number of people working away from a traditional office environment. It will be achieved by driving changes to Wales’ working culture that give people more choice. Developing a network of local work hubs has been identified as a priority area to help deliver this. Pilot projects are being identified to test uptake and effectiveness, and the types of delivery models that can be used. These will add the evidence base and inform any further roll out. The Welsh Government is working with partners in the public and private sectors with further details also being released in January. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Mr Waters said: “This is an opportunity for people to shape the future of the Welsh workplace and I hope as many people as possible will have their say. “The pandemic has created the need to work from home to protect public health, but there are a wider ranging set of benefits to working away from the office that we need to make the most of. For some people home working is not viable and local hubs will help them work without facing a lengthy commute. “We want to give people more choice about where and how they work. Remote working is one of the options we want to give people, and when the map launches people will have the chance to develop the evidence base we will use in taking these plans forward.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/welsh-government-asking-suggestions-locations-19720019
en
2021-01-28T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/b17474a1281ed46d46c24f3ada7c1b89db07127c3dea6c44295ee36d982f562f.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPeople in Wales will soon be able to suggest places in their community they’d like to work.\nThis is part of the Welsh Government’s long-term ambition to see around 30% of the workforce working from home or working remotely.\nLee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said the initiative is “an opportunity for people to shape the future of the Welsh workplace”.\nAn interactive map will ask people if they would like to work remotely, and will allow people to drop a pin in a spot on the map where they would like to see a co-working hub.\nThe interactive map - hosted by Commonplace - is part of research and evidence gathering to gauge demand for local work hubs, indicating where they need to be and if they’re available already. From today people can sign up for news about the project, ahead of the map’s launch on Thursday, February 11, 2021.\nAs part of its response to coronavirus the Welsh Government is working towards an increase in the number of people working away from a traditional office environment. It will be achieved by driving changes to Wales’ working culture that give people more choice. Developing a network of local work hubs has been identified as a priority area to help deliver this.\nPilot projects are being identified to test uptake and effectiveness, and the types of delivery models that can be used. These will add the evidence base and inform any further roll out. The Welsh Government is working with partners in the public and private sectors with further details also being released in January.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nMr Waters said: “This is an opportunity for people to shape the future of the Welsh workplace and I hope as many people as possible will have their say.\n“The pandemic has created the need to work from home to protect public health, but there are a wider ranging set of benefits to working away from the office that we need to make the most of. For some people home working is not viable and local hubs will help them work without facing a lengthy commute.\n“We want to give people more choice about where and how they work. Remote working is one of the options we want to give people, and when the map launches people will have the chance to develop the evidence base we will use in taking these plans forward.”", "Welsh Government asking for suggestions for locations of co-working hubs", "The project is aiming to help shape the future of Welsh workplace with the Welsh Government’s long-term ambition to see around 30% of the workforce working from home or working remotely" ]
[ "Henry Saker-Clark", "Pa City Reporter", "Hannah Finch", "Image", "Henry Nicholls Pa Wire" ]
2021-01-15T16:34:25
null
2021-01-15T15:41:28
Wetherspoon will post its latest trading update on Wednesday, January 20
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fwetherspoon-due-report-sales-plunge-19634650.json
https://i2-prod.business…_Coronavirus.jpg
en
null
Wetherspoon due to report sales plunge after third lockdown
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Pub giant JD Wetherspoon is expected to announce a dramatic drop in sales over the key Christmas period. Investors in the pub group will hear the extent of the impact of November’s lockdown in England as well as tighter tiered restrictions in December when it posts its latest trading update on Wednesday January 20. Sign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here All of the budget pub group’s UK sites are currently shut as a result of the nationwide lockdown. At the end of last year, chairman and founder Tim Martin lashed out at the Government for its “baffling and confusing” coronavirus restrictions as Wetherspoon reported a 27.6% plunge in first-quarter sales for the 15 weeks to November 8. In November, the group said it would burn through £14 million for each month its pubs remain shut to customers across the country. Sales are set to tumble further as a result of the November lockdown and tiered measures, with the company keeping 366 of its 872 pubs shut at the start of December after pubs were stopped from serving dine-in customers in Tier 3. By the end of the month, all of the pub firm’s sites were within Tier 3 and Tier 4 areas and therefore forced to close. Emma Lou Montgomery, associate director for personal investing at Fidelity International, said shareholders will have questions around when Wetherspoon can return to profit even after sites reopen due to the impact of restrictions. “The hospitality sector, in general, works on such tiny margins that even being down 10% can be enough to force many publicans to call time on their pubs,” she said. “For Wetherspoon pubs that all need to be packed out to thrive, following a variation of the pile ’em high, sell ’em cheap business model, how they can function profitably long-term with social distancing in place is the big question.” However, Liberum’s analyst Anna Barnfather said pub groups should have reason for optimism after there was evidence of pent-up demand following previous lockdowns, alongside vaccine progress. “We are cautiously optimistic of the easing of restrictions across England and the rest of the UK as of March/April 2021, in line with a successful roll-out of a vaccine to those most at risk,” she said. “This provides some optimism for the sector after a difficult winter and almost non-existent festive period. “Encouragingly, the sector saw high levels of pent-up demand for leisure activities and socialising following Lockdown 1.0, and we are optimistic that this will be the case when the sector reopens, with an even swifter recovery once health and safety concerns have minimised.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/wetherspoon-due-report-sales-plunge-19634650
en
2021-01-15T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/06e0a67757d67232c3a298bcdd5c320c77d0da67998e0723c04f9db52cb8a9bd.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPub giant JD Wetherspoon is expected to announce a dramatic drop in sales over the key Christmas period.\nInvestors in the pub group will hear the extent of the impact of November’s lockdown in England as well as tighter tiered restrictions in December when it posts its latest trading update on Wednesday January 20.\nSign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here\nAll of the budget pub group’s UK sites are currently shut as a result of the nationwide lockdown.\nAt the end of last year, chairman and founder Tim Martin lashed out at the Government for its “baffling and confusing” coronavirus restrictions as Wetherspoon reported a 27.6% plunge in first-quarter sales for the 15 weeks to November 8.\nIn November, the group said it would burn through £14 million for each month its pubs remain shut to customers across the country.\nSales are set to tumble further as a result of the November lockdown and tiered measures, with the company keeping 366 of its 872 pubs shut at the start of December after pubs were stopped from serving dine-in customers in Tier 3.\nBy the end of the month, all of the pub firm’s sites were within Tier 3 and Tier 4 areas and therefore forced to close.\nEmma Lou Montgomery, associate director for personal investing at Fidelity International, said shareholders will have questions around when Wetherspoon can return to profit even after sites reopen due to the impact of restrictions.\n“The hospitality sector, in general, works on such tiny margins that even being down 10% can be enough to force many publicans to call time on their pubs,” she said.\n“For Wetherspoon pubs that all need to be packed out to thrive, following a variation of the pile ’em high, sell ’em cheap business model, how they can function profitably long-term with social distancing in place is the big question.”\nHowever, Liberum’s analyst Anna Barnfather said pub groups should have reason for optimism after there was evidence of pent-up demand following previous lockdowns, alongside vaccine progress.\n“We are cautiously optimistic of the easing of restrictions across England and the rest of the UK as of March/April 2021, in line with a successful roll-out of a vaccine to those most at risk,” she said.\n“This provides some optimism for the sector after a difficult winter and almost non-existent festive period.\n“Encouragingly, the sector saw high levels of pent-up demand for leisure activities and socialising following Lockdown 1.0, and we are optimistic that this will be the case when the sector reopens, with an even swifter recovery once health and safety concerns have minimised.”", "Wetherspoon due to report sales plunge after third lockdown", "Wetherspoon will post its latest trading update on Wednesday, January 20" ]
[ "Sion Barry" ]
2021-01-19T17:23:44
null
2021-01-19T16:18:29
Pembrokeshire-based Ascona plan to add a further 70 forecourts this year
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fwest-wales-petrol-station-firm-19658182.json
https://i2-prod.business…ES/s1200/0_2.png
en
null
The West Wales petrol station firm driving impressive UK-wide growth
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A West Wales petrol station venture plans to step on the expansion accelerator by more than doubling it UK network of forecourts to reach 120 this year. It comes as Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, has reached 50 sites with an acquisition in Nuneaton of the Anker Service Station . It has secured backing from Crestline Europe and Nash Business Capital, the value of which hasn’t been disclosed, to add a further 70 sites over the next 12 months. Ascona was founded in 2011 its chief executive Darren Briggs, a former strategy executive with Total Oil Ltd, in Pembrokeshire. Since then it has gone from two to 50 sites across the UK and now serves almost 120,000 customers a week. There are 5,450 independently -owned forecourts in the UK, with Ascona benefiting from significant ongoing consolidation in the sector. Its business model sees it directly managing acquired sites, as it sees leasing out to other operators as “sub-optimal." It said that through introducing Ascona’s working practices, weekly shop sales revenues have almost doubled at some acquired sites. It has strategic partnerships with Costa and NISA, operating alongside a range of in-house brands. Commenting on its latest acquisition and ongoing growth strategy, Mr Briggs said: “Our 50th site is a real landmark for us and a testament to the successful formula we have built at Ascona. "The forecourt sector has been rapidly evolving in the UK, with customers wanting more from their visits, and our range of retail services, including shopping, coffee, food to go and launderettes, is proving increasingly popular. “2020 was a pivotal year for us and we see a huge future opportunity for both organic and acquisitive growth in the market. We believe we have the team, the formula and the backing to go after it.” Its current network of 50 forecourts of which 11 are in Wales, employs 523 staff. Around 10% of its current sites have electric charging points.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/west-wales-petrol-station-firm-19658182
en
2021-01-19T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/2399310ac67ede6755db6a36509ec4cfddf4f4ad1c5d99f4302ff5e856872dd3.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA West Wales petrol station venture plans to step on the expansion accelerator by more than doubling it UK network of forecourts to reach 120 this year.\nIt comes as Ascona Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing forecourt operators, has reached 50 sites with an acquisition in Nuneaton of the Anker Service Station .\nIt has secured backing from Crestline Europe and Nash Business Capital, the value of which hasn’t been disclosed, to add a further 70 sites over the next 12 months.\nAscona was founded in 2011 its chief executive Darren Briggs, a former strategy executive with Total Oil Ltd, in Pembrokeshire.\nSince then it has gone from two to 50 sites across the UK and now serves almost 120,000 customers a week.\nThere are 5,450 independently -owned forecourts in the UK, with Ascona benefiting from significant ongoing consolidation in the sector.\nIts business model sees it directly managing acquired sites, as it sees leasing out to other operators as “sub-optimal.\" It said that through introducing Ascona’s working practices, weekly shop sales revenues have almost doubled at some acquired sites.\nIt has strategic partnerships with Costa and NISA, operating alongside a range of in-house brands.\nCommenting on its latest acquisition and ongoing growth strategy, Mr Briggs said: “Our 50th site is a real landmark for us and a testament to the successful formula we have built at Ascona.\n\"The forecourt sector has been rapidly evolving in the UK, with customers wanting more from their visits, and our range of retail services, including shopping, coffee, food to go and launderettes, is proving increasingly popular.\n“2020 was a pivotal year for us and we see a huge future opportunity for both organic and acquisitive growth in the market. We believe we have the team, the formula and the backing to go after it.”\nIts current network of 50 forecourts of which 11 are in Wales, employs 523 staff. Around 10% of its current sites have electric charging points.", "The West Wales petrol station firm driving impressive UK-wide growth", "Pembrokeshire-based Ascona plan to add a further 70 forecourts this year" ]
[ "Tom Pegden", "Image", "Dertelegraph" ]
2021-01-27T03:10:44
null
2021-01-27T03:01:00
Derby was the first of 17 Intu shopping centres to change hands after the previous owners failed to agree terms with creditors
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fnew-name-revealed-former-intu-19704806.json
https://i2-prod.business…enhams_01JPG.jpg
en
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New name revealed for former Intu Derby shopping centre
null
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The new owners of Derby’s former Intu shopping centre have announced its new name – Derbion. They said the name is a combination of the word derby with the concept of motion – reflecting the area’s history of innovation and its ambitions to move forward and evolve. It is part of a complete rebrand of the site by Cale Street Investments, with new signs going up from March 1. The big signs on the outside of the building will be replaced in May. Cale Street Investments owned half of the shopping centre prior to property giant Intu going into administration last year, buying the other half from the administrators KPMG in the autumn. Derby’s was the first of 17 Intu shopping centres to change hands after the previous owners failed to agree terms with creditors last June. There are 145 shops inside the complex and five in the outside area, including M&S, Next, Sainsbury’s and Boots, along with 17 kiosks and leisure providers such as Showcase Cinema De Lux, Hollywood Bowl, Paradise Island Adventure Golf and the 640 seat Derby Theatre. Recent additions to the centre – which was built by Westfield 13 years ago before being acquired by Intu in 2014 – include Disney, Hugo Boss, Whistles and Hobbs. Debenhams will not be reopening after the brand and its online business was bought out, and the future of Top Shop remains unclear. Normally the shopping centre would welcome more than 21 million visitors each year. Right now about 15 stores are open providing essential services, while around two-thirds of the 160 staff employed directly by the shopping centre are on furlough or flexi-furlough. Centre manager Adam Tamsett said the rebrand reflected the new owner’s commitment to the centre and its future place in the city. He said: “I can’t personally wait to be back fully open again, but who knows when that’s going to be. “Cale Street Investments have only invested in Derby, not any of the other Intu assets. “Our owners are looking at what we can do bring new operators into the city because clearly it’s been a very difficult year for retail. “I would not say it’s all doom and gloom though. Even in the pandemic we have had some stores that have opened up, even though they haven’t had a fair shot at full centre trading yet. “It’s not been as drastic as it could have been in the centre and the retail has been under a period of change for quite some time now and is constantly evolving and changing.” Mr Tamsett said when lockdown was lifted the new look centre would offer a new look shopping, food and leisure experience, and fit in with the city’s ongoing transformation, including multi-million pound regeneration schemes underway in Derby. He said: “We’re really excited to be unveiling our new name after months of customer engagement, research and collaboration with key regional stakeholders. “We wanted a brand that was compelling and distinctive to Derby, reflecting the pride that we have in a city that has so much to offer. “This milestone is more than just a name, it signifies an array of changes that our visitors will see over the coming months, with further significant projects announced soon. “We want to take this opportunity to build on our existing offer, creating new and exciting experiences for visitors to enjoy, with Derbion offering people everything they need for a vibrant day out in the heart of the city. “With several major projects set to transform the region over the next few years, such as the Nightingale Quarter and Becketwell developments, there’s never been a more exciting time to invest in Derby. “We have recently worked alongside Derby City Council on the Future High Street Fund, helping to secure more than £15 million of investment which aims to drive growth, ensure future sustainability, and improve the overall visitor experience in the region. “Derbion sits in the heart of the city and the significant investment planned for the centre is a reflection of the confidence that we have in Derby and its future.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/new-name-revealed-former-intu-19704806
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/d2175246d32eb5daa810fe38e6927b789dd675b6a091640e1f0f4e78cf55f7e6.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe new owners of Derby’s former Intu shopping centre have announced its new name – Derbion.\nThey said the name is a combination of the word derby with the concept of motion – reflecting the area’s history of innovation and its ambitions to move forward and evolve.\nIt is part of a complete rebrand of the site by Cale Street Investments, with new signs going up from March 1.\nThe big signs on the outside of the building will be replaced in May.\nCale Street Investments owned half of the shopping centre prior to property giant Intu going into administration last year, buying the other half from the administrators KPMG in the autumn.\nDerby’s was the first of 17 Intu shopping centres to change hands after the previous owners failed to agree terms with creditors last June.\nThere are 145 shops inside the complex and five in the outside area, including M&S, Next, Sainsbury’s and Boots, along with 17 kiosks and leisure providers such as Showcase Cinema De Lux, Hollywood Bowl, Paradise Island Adventure Golf and the 640 seat Derby Theatre.\nRecent additions to the centre – which was built by Westfield 13 years ago before being acquired by Intu in 2014 – include Disney, Hugo Boss, Whistles and Hobbs.\nDebenhams will not be reopening after the brand and its online business was bought out, and the future of Top Shop remains unclear.\nNormally the shopping centre would welcome more than 21 million visitors each year.\nRight now about 15 stores are open providing essential services, while around two-thirds of the 160 staff employed directly by the shopping centre are on furlough or flexi-furlough.\nCentre manager Adam Tamsett said the rebrand reflected the new owner’s commitment to the centre and its future place in the city.\nHe said: “I can’t personally wait to be back fully open again, but who knows when that’s going to be.\n“Cale Street Investments have only invested in Derby, not any of the other Intu assets.\n“Our owners are looking at what we can do bring new operators into the city because clearly it’s been a very difficult year for retail.\n“I would not say it’s all doom and gloom though. Even in the pandemic we have had some stores that have opened up, even though they haven’t had a fair shot at full centre trading yet.\n“It’s not been as drastic as it could have been in the centre and the retail has been under a period of change for quite some time now and is constantly evolving and changing.”\nMr Tamsett said when lockdown was lifted the new look centre would offer a new look shopping, food and leisure experience, and fit in with the city’s ongoing transformation, including multi-million pound regeneration schemes underway in Derby.\nHe said: “We’re really excited to be unveiling our new name after months of customer engagement, research and collaboration with key regional stakeholders.\n“We wanted a brand that was compelling and distinctive to Derby, reflecting the pride that we have in a city that has so much to offer.\n“This milestone is more than just a name, it signifies an array of changes that our visitors will see over the coming months, with further significant projects announced soon.\n“We want to take this opportunity to build on our existing offer, creating new and exciting experiences for visitors to enjoy, with Derbion offering people everything they need for a vibrant day out in the heart of the city.\n“With several major projects set to transform the region over the next few years, such as the Nightingale Quarter and Becketwell developments, there’s never been a more exciting time to invest in Derby.\n“We have recently worked alongside Derby City Council on the Future High Street Fund, helping to secure more than £15 million of investment which aims to drive growth, ensure future sustainability, and improve the overall visitor experience in the region.\n“Derbion sits in the heart of the city and the significant investment planned for the centre is a reflection of the confidence that we have in Derby and its future.”", "New name revealed for former Intu Derby shopping centre", "Derby was the first of 17 Intu shopping centres to change hands after the previous owners failed to agree terms with creditors" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones" ]
2021-01-27T15:24:28
null
2021-01-27T15:15:00
Membership body for the manufacturing sector has relocated across the city to the Jewellery Quarter
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fmade-midlands-finds-new-birmingham-19712012.json
https://i2-prod.business…adein_01jpeg.jpg
en
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Made in the Midlands finds new Birmingham home
null
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A business membership body for the manufacturing sector has moved its Birmingham base to a new home. Made in the Midlands has relocated from Innovation Birmingham Campus to a new office in George Street, Jewellery Quarter, from where it will also launch a fresh recruitment drive. The move will double the firm's office floor space to 1,400 sq ft. Made in the Midlands works with manufacturers and tier-one suppliers and has sister organisations covering Yorkshire and London. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Chief executive Jason Pitt said: "Throughout the pandemic, we have invested heavily in our tech platform, developing new products and we wanted to complete this investment with a new facility. "While the pandemic has created uncertainty, our approach has been to look beyond this timeframe. "Our heavy investment at a time when similar firms have battened down the hatch has given us a unique head start as we emerge from the current crisis. "This is an ideal base as we continue on our next phase of growth and building on our reputation in the Midlands." Property agency Maguire Jackson brokered the letting.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/made-midlands-finds-new-birmingham-19712012
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/51aae15db2f7ce59915f2d91654a64878ccfbb772a294118271ce55c6058ab65.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA business membership body for the manufacturing sector has moved its Birmingham base to a new home.\nMade in the Midlands has relocated from Innovation Birmingham Campus to a new office in George Street, Jewellery Quarter, from where it will also launch a fresh recruitment drive.\nThe move will double the firm's office floor space to 1,400 sq ft.\nMade in the Midlands works with manufacturers and tier-one suppliers and has sister organisations covering Yorkshire and London.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nChief executive Jason Pitt said: \"Throughout the pandemic, we have invested heavily in our tech platform, developing new products and we wanted to complete this investment with a new facility.\n\"While the pandemic has created uncertainty, our approach has been to look beyond this timeframe.\n\"Our heavy investment at a time when similar firms have battened down the hatch has given us a unique head start as we emerge from the current crisis.\n\"This is an ideal base as we continue on our next phase of growth and building on our reputation in the Midlands.\"\nProperty agency Maguire Jackson brokered the letting.", "Made in the Midlands finds new Birmingham home", "Membership body for the manufacturing sector has relocated across the city to the Jewellery Quarter" ]
[ "Hannah Finch" ]
2021-01-05T14:28:22
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2021-01-05T13:50:05
Here is a rundown of the main Government grants, loans and schemes to support businesses through the lockdown that began on January 5
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fhelp-available-english-businesses-during-19566433.json
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The help available for English businesses during the new lockdown 3
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email This third lockdown is once again putting massive pressure on huge parts of High Street alongside the hospitality and leisure industry and comes on top of a crippling 10 months for business. On January 5, the Chancellor announced additional measures to support businesses forced to close because of the pandemic. These one-off top-ups for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will be granted to closed businesses as follows. This is in addition to the money available to businesses under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) and Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) schemes. £4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under £6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 £9,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000 We don't yet have details on how businesses can access this additional funding. He also announced a further £594 million for Local Authorities and the Devolved Administrations to support other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions. Businesses should apply to their Local Authorities. This new announcement is on top of the support measures outlined below The support already in place covers businesses forced to close and those that have seen custom fall away because of the pandemic. There are separate measures for the self-employed and for places like nightclubs that have not been able to open fully since March. There are also a number of grants and loans already available depending on each local authority. Here is a run down of the main areas of support for businesses. Furlough The Coronovirus Job Retention Scheme, better known as the Furlough Scheme has been extended to April 2021. Eligible employees will receive 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. Employers will have flexibility to use the scheme for employees for any amount of time and shift pattern, including furloughing them full-time. Find out how to claim furlough support for staff here There will be no employer contribution to wages expected as part of the scheme for hours not worked but firms can top up if they want to. Employers will only be asked to cover National Insurance and Employer pension contributions for hours not worked. Employees that have since been made redundant but were employed and on the payroll on 23 September 2020 (the day before the Job Support Scheme announcement) can be re-employed and claimed for. Help for self-employed people The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been increased to meet 80% of trading profits covering November to January for all parts of the UK. This provides equivalent support to the self-employed as we are providing to employees through the government contribution in the CJRS Furlough Scheme. It is calculated based on 80% of 3 months’ average trading profits, paid out in a single installment and capped at £7,500. A further grant is expected to follow covering February to April, the Government has announced. More information on how to claim the Self Employed Income Support Scheme Grants for businesses forced to close Businesses which are forced to close due will receive up to £3,000 per month, depending on their rateable value, under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG Closed). They can apply for up to £1,500 for every 14 day period of closure. Grants for businesses that have stayed open The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG Open) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions. Eligible businesses can apply for a cash grant of up to £2,100 for each 28 day period. For nightclubs, live music venues and adult entertainment businesses The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LSRG Sector) supports businesses that have been closed since March. Eligible businesses including nightclubs, dance halls, discos, adult entertainment venues and hostess bars are entitled to a cash grant of up to £1,500 for each 14-period of closure. It is available from local authorities. Grants for other businesses The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. It is down to individual local authorities to determine eligibility but is designed to support businesses which supply the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors businesses in the events sector business required to close but which do not pay business rates Applicants can visit their own local authority website. Business loans The application deadline for loan schemes has been extended to the end of March 2021. These are the BounceBack Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Future Fund, and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Lockdown Business Loans explained Bounce Back Loan The scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum loan available is £50,000. The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there won’t be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. After 12 months the interest rate will be 2.5% a year. More on how to apply The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) The scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5 million. The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender and pays interest and any fees for the first 12 months. More on how to apply The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) The scheme helps medium and large sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £200 million. The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender. More on how to apply The Future Fund Provides government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors. These convertible loans may be an option for businesses that rely on equity investment and are unable to access other government business support programmes because they are either pre-revenue or pre-profit. More on how to apply Those businesses that have already accessed the Bounce Back Loan Scheme but have not borrowed their maximum amount can now apply to top-up their existing loan. Find out and apply for a bounce back loan, more on how to apply for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for larger businesses there's information on applying for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Future Fund gives loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies. Other help Reduced VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attractions until the end of March 2021. There is business rates relief for hospitality, retail, leisure and nurseries until the end of March 2021 in England.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/help-available-english-businesses-during-19566433
en
2021-01-05T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/26551bed4865eecec46d0e53bf0d15b888ac3d655f3eab678b9cc51a2c2033a0.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThis third lockdown is once again putting massive pressure on huge parts of High Street alongside the hospitality and leisure industry and comes on top of a crippling 10 months for business.\nOn January 5, the Chancellor announced additional measures to support businesses forced to close because of the pandemic. These one-off top-ups for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will be granted to closed businesses as follows.\nThis is in addition to the money available to businesses under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) and Local Restrictions Support Grant (Open) schemes.\n£4,000 for businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or under\n£6,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000\n£9,000 for businesses with a rateable value of over £51,000\nWe don't yet have details on how businesses can access this additional funding.\nHe also announced a further £594 million for Local Authorities and the Devolved Administrations to support other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions.\nBusinesses should apply to their Local Authorities.\nThis new announcement is on top of the support measures outlined below\nThe support already in place covers businesses forced to close and those that have seen custom fall away because of the pandemic.\nThere are separate measures for the self-employed and for places like nightclubs that have not been able to open fully since March.\nThere are also a number of grants and loans already available depending on each local authority.\nHere is a run down of the main areas of support for businesses.\nFurlough\nThe Coronovirus Job Retention Scheme, better known as the Furlough Scheme has been extended to April 2021.\nEligible employees will receive 80% of their usual salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.\nEmployers will have flexibility to use the scheme for employees for any amount of time and shift pattern, including furloughing them full-time.\nFind out how to claim furlough support for staff here\nThere will be no employer contribution to wages expected as part of the scheme for hours not worked but firms can top up if they want to. Employers will only be asked to cover National Insurance and Employer pension contributions for hours not worked.\nEmployees that have since been made redundant but were employed and on the payroll on 23 September 2020 (the day before the Job Support Scheme announcement) can be re-employed and claimed for.\nHelp for self-employed people\nThe Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) has been increased to meet 80% of trading profits covering November to January for all parts of the UK.\nThis provides equivalent support to the self-employed as we are providing to employees through the government contribution in the CJRS Furlough Scheme.\nIt is calculated based on 80% of 3 months’ average trading profits, paid out in a single installment and capped at £7,500.\nA further grant is expected to follow covering February to April, the Government has announced.\nMore information on how to claim the Self Employed Income Support Scheme\nGrants for businesses forced to close\nBusinesses which are forced to close due will receive up to £3,000 per month, depending on their rateable value, under the Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG Closed).\nThey can apply for up to £1,500 for every 14 day period of closure.\nGrants for businesses that have stayed open\nThe Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG Open) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.\nEligible businesses can apply for a cash grant of up to £2,100 for each 28 day period.\nFor nightclubs, live music venues and adult entertainment businesses\nThe Local Restrictions Support Grant (LSRG Sector) supports businesses that have been closed since March.\nEligible businesses including nightclubs, dance halls, discos, adult entertainment venues and hostess bars are entitled to a cash grant of up to £1,500 for each 14-period of closure. It is available from local authorities.\nGrants for other businesses\nThe Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.\nIt is down to individual local authorities to determine eligibility but is designed to support\nbusinesses which supply the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors\nbusinesses in the events sector\nbusiness required to close but which do not pay business rates\nApplicants can visit their own local authority website.\nBusiness loans\nThe application deadline for loan schemes has been extended to the end of March 2021. These are the BounceBack Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Future Fund, and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.\nLockdown Business Loans explained Bounce Back Loan The scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum loan available is £50,000. The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there won’t be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. After 12 months the interest rate will be 2.5% a year. More on how to apply The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) The scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5 million. The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender and pays interest and any fees for the first 12 months. More on how to apply The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) The scheme helps medium and large sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £200 million. The government guarantees 80% of the finance to the lender. More on how to apply The Future Fund Provides government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors. These convertible loans may be an option for businesses that rely on equity investment and are unable to access other government business support programmes because they are either pre-revenue or pre-profit. More on how to apply\nThose businesses that have already accessed the Bounce Back Loan Scheme but have not borrowed their maximum amount can now apply to top-up their existing loan.\nFind out and apply for a bounce back loan, more on how to apply for a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, for larger businesses there's information on applying for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Future Fund gives loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies.\nOther help\nReduced VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attractions until the end of March 2021.\nThere is business rates relief for hospitality, retail, leisure and nurseries until the end of March 2021 in England.", "The help available for English businesses during the new lockdown 3", "Here is a rundown of the main Government grants, loans and schemes to support businesses through the lockdown that began on January 5" ]
[ "Owen Hughes" ]
2021-01-27T09:15:45
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2021-01-27T08:24:39
O2, Three and Vodafone will partner to build and share 33 mobile phone masts in Wales
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2Fmobile-giants-build-shared-4g-19707763.json
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Mobile giants to build shared 4G masts in Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia, Powys and the Brecon Beacons
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email O2, Three and Vodafone will partner to build and share 33 mobile phone masts in Wales to improve coverage in rural areas. The new masts will be areas likes Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia National Park, the Brecon Beacons and Powys. When completed under the the Shared Rural Network (SRN) 4G coverage will increase across Wales to at least 80% of landmass from 58%. This programme of investment is part of the first stage of the SRN - a £1bn programme to improve rural mobile coverage across the UK that was agreed by the mobile network operators, Government and Ofcom in March 2020. The construction of the new masts will commence in 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by 2024 in line with the agreement reached with the UK Government and Ofcom. The three mobile operators will now engage with local stakeholders and other key parties to ensure a timely and efficient roll out that unlocks the benefits of 4G for these rural communities. The exact number and location of masts will be subject to finding suitable sites, obtaining power supply and backhaul and securing the necessary permissions through the planning system. Across the UK, the SRN will increase the proportion of landmass where all mobile networks provide 4G services from 67% to 84% and virtually eliminate Partial Not Spots (PNSs) – areas where at least one, but not all four of the UK’s mobile networks provide 4G coverage. When the SRN is completed, every mobile operator will reach at least 90% of UK landmass, with a combined coverage of 95%. Lee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to see this partnership by the industry to improve mobile coverage in rural areas. "Now more than ever we appreciate the importance of reliable mobile and internet connections. "Although telecommunications is not devolved, we have worked closely with mobile operators to help ensure that all parts of Wales can access mobile services. The Shared Rural Network will make a difference in those communities with poor mobile coverage.” Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said: “The Shared Rural Network presents a new and more collaborative way of delivering greater investment in infrastructure to improve mobile digital connectivity - a high impact enabler of economic growth. "I am delighted that O2 is working in partnership with other mobile operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network, which will support individuals, businesses and communities across rural Wales.” Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three UK, said: “Mobile connectivity is absolutely critical for communities around the UK helping to support local economies and keeping people connected with their friends and family. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. "The Shared Rural Network will have a transformative effect on coverage in Wales and it is great to be working with the rest of the industry to achieve this.” Nick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: “We know connectivity is vital and the only way to fill the holes in the UK’s mobile coverage is to work together. "Our unique collaboration with O2 and Three will deliver new sites in parts of Wales that need better connectivity. Delivering the Shared Rural Network will make a huge difference to communities across the UK.” To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/mobile-giants-build-shared-4g-19707763
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/58329009cbfeecb193c13a44413ce61edf80605ba805e9d2380a013a4206881c.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nO2, Three and Vodafone will partner to build and share 33 mobile phone masts in Wales to improve coverage in rural areas.\nThe new masts will be areas likes Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia National Park, the Brecon Beacons and Powys.\nWhen completed under the the Shared Rural Network (SRN) 4G coverage will increase across Wales to at least 80% of landmass from 58%.\nThis programme of investment is part of the first stage of the SRN - a £1bn programme to improve rural mobile coverage across the UK that was agreed by the mobile network operators, Government and Ofcom in March 2020.\nThe construction of the new masts will commence in 2021 and is scheduled to be completed by 2024 in line with the agreement reached with the UK Government and Ofcom.\nThe three mobile operators will now engage with local stakeholders and other key parties to ensure a timely and efficient roll out that unlocks the benefits of 4G for these rural communities.\nThe exact number and location of masts will be subject to finding suitable sites, obtaining power supply and backhaul and securing the necessary permissions through the planning system.\nAcross the UK, the SRN will increase the proportion of landmass where all mobile networks provide 4G services from 67% to 84% and virtually eliminate Partial Not Spots (PNSs) – areas where at least one, but not all four of the UK’s mobile networks provide 4G coverage.\nWhen the SRN is completed, every mobile operator will reach at least 90% of UK landmass, with a combined coverage of 95%.\nLee Waters MS, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “I’m pleased to see this partnership by the industry to improve mobile coverage in rural areas.\n\"Now more than ever we appreciate the importance of reliable mobile and internet connections.\n\"Although telecommunications is not devolved, we have worked closely with mobile operators to help ensure that all parts of Wales can access mobile services. The Shared Rural Network will make a difference in those communities with poor mobile coverage.”\nMark Evans, CEO of O2, said: “The Shared Rural Network presents a new and more collaborative way of delivering greater investment in infrastructure to improve mobile digital connectivity - a high impact enabler of economic growth.\n\"I am delighted that O2 is working in partnership with other mobile operators to deliver the Shared Rural Network, which will support individuals, businesses and communities across rural Wales.”\nRobert Finnegan, CEO of Three UK, said: “Mobile connectivity is absolutely critical for communities around the UK helping to support local economies and keeping people connected with their friends and family.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\n\"The Shared Rural Network will have a transformative effect on coverage in Wales and it is great to be working with the rest of the industry to achieve this.”\nNick Jeffery, CEO of Vodafone UK, said: “We know connectivity is vital and the only way to fill the holes in the UK’s mobile coverage is to work together.\n\"Our unique collaboration with O2 and Three will deliver new sites in parts of Wales that need better connectivity. Delivering the Shared Rural Network will make a huge difference to communities across the UK.”\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Mobile giants to build shared 4G masts in Pembrokeshire, Snowdonia, Powys and the Brecon Beacons", "O2, Three and Vodafone will partner to build and share 33 mobile phone masts in Wales" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-18T06:22:34
null
2021-01-18T03:00:00
The acquired companies are based in Lincolnshire and will add a total of £2.5 million to PAM Group’s annual revenues
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fhealthcare-specialist-pam-group-completes-19627290.json
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Healthcare specialist PAM Group completes double acquisition as part of ongoing “buy-and-build” strategy
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A healthcare specialist has completed a double acquisition as part of its ongoing “buy-and-build” strategy. Occupational Health, rehabilitation, wellbeing and absence management company PAM Group has bought 66fit and Physio Supplies for an undisclosed sum. The Warrington business bought them from Whiteley Healthcare, a provider of physiotherapy and healthcare products based in Australia and New Zealand. The acquired companies are based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and will add a total of £2.5 million to PAM Group’s annual revenues. They will continue to trade under their own brands and will be integrated into the group’s specialist muscular skeletal retail business PAM Health. Their distribution centre and offices will remain in Spalding. The transactions take the number of acquisitions by PAM Group to six. Founded in 2004 by chief executive James Murphy, PAM Group aims to double in size over the next few years through organic expansion, bolt-on acquisitions and by buying businesses which add new services or new territories to its operations. The group provides occupational health and wellness services to the private and public sectors, including psychological services, physiotherapy, advice and counselling, absence management and drug and alcohol screening. It has 32 clinics across England, Scotland and Wales and employs around 600 staff. Revenues in 2019 were £30.1 million and the group expects to post a 10 per cent rise for 2020 despite the impact of Covid-19. 66fit is a consumer-focused retailer of exercise, fitness and rehabilitation equipment such as mats, weights, balls, aerobic steps, swimming aids, massage therapy and balance training products, supports and braces. Physio Supplies is a specialist provider of sports, physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment. It supplies professionals such as physiotherapists and healthcare providers as well as sports clubs with products including orthotics, tapes, bandages, supports, grips, cushions, rolls, pillows and practice essentials such as couches and furniture. The deal with Whiteley Healthcare sees PAM Group acquire the sales rights for 66fit in the UK and Europe. Whiteley retains access to markets in Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the world. The two companies have also agreed a global purchasing alliance to support their trading businesses. James Murphy said: “These exciting acquisitions support our strategy of providing services that limit the impact of health conditions or prevent health impacting on people’s lifestyles, happiness, health and wellbeing. “Both companies serve an established client base, have strong growth potential and fit in well with our expansion strategy. They bring a welcome new range of products to the group. “Physio Supplies enables us to provide clients with physiotherapy services and a complete range of rehabilitation products at competitive prices through a single supply chain. “66fit is a rapidly-expanding consumer brand with an established market presence throughout Europe and the UK. We will look to invest and expand its offering, also enabling PAM Group to identify wider European opportunities within our preventative healthcare markets. “I am also excited that we have agreed a global purchasing alliance with Whiteley Healthcare. “This will secure supply and product development opportunities, allowing both companies to reduce their costs and focus on their trading activities in their core markets. PAM Group will focus on the UK and Europe, and Whiteley will focus on the rest of the world.” Ian Gillis, a corporate partner at law firm Hill Dickinson, advised PAM Group on the acquisitions. Ashley Williams, chief executive of Whiteley Healthcare, said: “We are very pleased with the sale of the Physio Supplies and 66fit companies to PAM. “We have been impressed with PAM’s management team and we are extremely confident that they will be able to continue the excellent growth of Physio Supplies and 66fit. “Additionally, we are excited by our global purchasing alliance. By working together, our companies can offer the world’s leading brands and producers a single gateway to key markets.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/healthcare-specialist-pam-group-completes-19627290
en
2021-01-18T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/18ce2958854c5ef1598092d6dcc6772807a7d495a8348c9a74c806651786df8a.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA healthcare specialist has completed a double acquisition as part of its ongoing “buy-and-build” strategy.\nOccupational Health, rehabilitation, wellbeing and absence management company PAM Group has bought 66fit and Physio Supplies for an undisclosed sum.\nThe Warrington business bought them from Whiteley Healthcare, a provider of physiotherapy and healthcare products based in Australia and New Zealand.\nThe acquired companies are based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, and will add a total of £2.5 million to PAM Group’s annual revenues.\nThey will continue to trade under their own brands and will be integrated into the group’s specialist muscular skeletal retail business PAM Health. Their distribution centre and offices will remain in Spalding.\nThe transactions take the number of acquisitions by PAM Group to six.\nFounded in 2004 by chief executive James Murphy, PAM Group aims to double in size over the next few years through organic expansion, bolt-on acquisitions and by buying businesses which add new services or new territories to its operations.\nThe group provides occupational health and wellness services to the private and public sectors, including psychological services, physiotherapy, advice and counselling, absence management and drug and alcohol screening.\nIt has 32 clinics across England, Scotland and Wales and employs around 600 staff.\nRevenues in 2019 were £30.1 million and the group expects to post a 10 per cent rise for 2020 despite the impact of Covid-19.\n66fit is a consumer-focused retailer of exercise, fitness and rehabilitation equipment such as mats, weights, balls, aerobic steps, swimming aids, massage therapy and balance training products, supports and braces.\nPhysio Supplies is a specialist provider of sports, physiotherapy and rehabilitation equipment.\nIt supplies professionals such as physiotherapists and healthcare providers as well as sports clubs with products including orthotics, tapes, bandages, supports, grips, cushions, rolls, pillows and practice essentials such as couches and furniture.\nThe deal with Whiteley Healthcare sees PAM Group acquire the sales rights for 66fit in the UK and Europe.\nWhiteley retains access to markets in Australia, New Zealand and the rest of the world.\nThe two companies have also agreed a global purchasing alliance to support their trading businesses.\nJames Murphy said: “These exciting acquisitions support our strategy of providing services that limit the impact of health conditions or prevent health impacting on people’s lifestyles, happiness, health and wellbeing.\n“Both companies serve an established client base, have strong growth potential and fit in well with our expansion strategy. They bring a welcome new range of products to the group.\n“Physio Supplies enables us to provide clients with physiotherapy services and a complete range of rehabilitation products at competitive prices through a single supply chain.\n“66fit is a rapidly-expanding consumer brand with an established market presence throughout Europe and the UK. We will look to invest and expand its offering, also enabling PAM Group to identify wider European opportunities within our preventative healthcare markets.\n“I am also excited that we have agreed a global purchasing alliance with Whiteley Healthcare.\n“This will secure supply and product development opportunities, allowing both companies to reduce their costs and focus on their trading activities in their core markets. PAM Group will focus on the UK and Europe, and Whiteley will focus on the rest of the world.”\nIan Gillis, a corporate partner at law firm Hill Dickinson, advised PAM Group on the acquisitions.\nAshley Williams, chief executive of Whiteley Healthcare, said: “We are very pleased with the sale of the Physio Supplies and 66fit companies to PAM.\n“We have been impressed with PAM’s management team and we are extremely confident that they will be able to continue the excellent growth of Physio Supplies and 66fit.\n“Additionally, we are excited by our global purchasing alliance. By working together, our companies can offer the world’s leading brands and producers a single gateway to key markets.”", "Healthcare specialist PAM Group completes double acquisition as part of ongoing “buy-and-build” strategy", "The acquired companies are based in Lincolnshire and will add a total of £2.5 million to PAM Group’s annual revenues" ]
[ "William Telford" ]
2021-01-04T11:26:55
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2021-01-04T10:59:11
SMEs urged to increase foreign sales or start exporting if they have not done so before
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fexport-academy-scheme-set-up-19558397.json
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Export Academy scheme set up to help South West firms sell overseas
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The Government has launched an Export Academy scheme to help South West companies sell into overseas markets post-Brexit. The free programme from the Department for International Trade (DIT) will see international trade experts host a series of online workshops and events offering advice and support directly to business owners. The DIT’s new Export Academy aims to support small businesses in the South West by providing them with the know-how and confidence to sell to customers around the world. The programme has been designed for business owners who already have international customers, or those who are considering exporting in future. The course, which will be offered to businesses free of charge, will provide companies with the opportunity to learn directly from experts in international trade and fellow exporters through webinars, round-table discussions, and mentoring sessions. Business owners will leave the course with a customised export action plan to help grow their business in international markets. The programme has been designed for both goods and services businesses, with sessions covering everything from selling online to managing international payments. Paul Shand, DIT’s head of trade in the South West, said: “The Export Academy is perfect for smaller businesses wanting to take their first steps into exporting and for those looking to further grow their export sales. “By supporting SMEs in the region we hope they will be able to look ahead with confidence and reach their full potential in overseas markets.” Phil Winton, operations director at Yeovil-based medical instruments manufacturer Griff lvd Limited, is among the first to take part in the Export Academy, and said: “The broad range of topics covered were really useful as we have never worked in export before and we were led through each part of the process, which gave us an in-depth knowledge of each of the stages involved. “We were also signposted during the sessions to a variety of different information sources which have been tremendously useful. As was the fact the courses were in bitesize hour chunks, so it was easy for me to fit into my schedule.” In October 2020, the DIT revealed that more than 700 South West businesses were to benefit from a £3.6million Government fund to help them grow their overseas sales. How to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here The Export Growth Plan also saw 12 International Trade Advisors (ITAs) tasked with giving direct support to small businesses in the region. They were part of a package of measures to help South West businesses recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. These included the pilot Export Academy scheme which is also helping businesses in the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine areas, in addition to the South West. Added to this, “sector specialists” will champion the Western Gateway to overseas markets and help drive investment into the region. And a refreshed cohort of more than 100 additional Export Champions across different industries in England will help promote and support exports. Businesses can find out more about the Export Academy by clicking here.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/export-academy-scheme-set-up-19558397
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/11e52ae593196f6c0428c33a6fb2a24a4b204bfb468405299fa5ba3ce052d519.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe Government has launched an Export Academy scheme to help South West companies sell into overseas markets post-Brexit.\nThe free programme from the Department for International Trade (DIT) will see international trade experts host a series of online workshops and events offering advice and support directly to business owners.\nThe DIT’s new Export Academy aims to support small businesses in the South West by providing them with the know-how and confidence to sell to customers around the world.\nThe programme has been designed for business owners who already have international customers, or those who are considering exporting in future.\nThe course, which will be offered to businesses free of charge, will provide companies with the opportunity to learn directly from experts in international trade and fellow exporters through webinars, round-table discussions, and mentoring sessions.\nBusiness owners will leave the course with a customised export action plan to help grow their business in international markets.\nThe programme has been designed for both goods and services businesses, with sessions covering everything from selling online to managing international payments.\nPaul Shand, DIT’s head of trade in the South West, said: “The Export Academy is perfect for smaller businesses wanting to take their first steps into exporting and for those looking to further grow their export sales.\n“By supporting SMEs in the region we hope they will be able to look ahead with confidence and reach their full potential in overseas markets.”\nPhil Winton, operations director at Yeovil-based medical instruments manufacturer Griff lvd Limited, is among the first to take part in the Export Academy, and said: “The broad range of topics covered were really useful as we have never worked in export before and we were led through each part of the process, which gave us an in-depth knowledge of each of the stages involved.\n“We were also signposted during the sessions to a variety of different information sources which have been tremendously useful. As was the fact the courses were in bitesize hour chunks, so it was easy for me to fit into my schedule.”\nIn October 2020, the DIT revealed that more than 700 South West businesses were to benefit from a £3.6million Government fund to help them grow their overseas sales.\nHow to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here\nThe Export Growth Plan also saw 12 International Trade Advisors (ITAs) tasked with giving direct support to small businesses in the region.\nThey were part of a package of measures to help South West businesses recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.\nThese included the pilot Export Academy scheme which is also helping businesses in the Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine areas, in addition to the South West.\nAdded to this, “sector specialists” will champion the Western Gateway to overseas markets and help drive investment into the region.\nAnd a refreshed cohort of more than 100 additional Export Champions across different industries in England will help promote and support exports.\nBusinesses can find out more about the Export Academy by clicking here.", "Export Academy scheme set up to help South West firms sell overseas", "SMEs urged to increase foreign sales or start exporting if they have not done so before" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Quantumdx", "Bradley Hall", "Ellingham Hall", "Onyx Health", "Stuart Hall", "Co", "Evolved Search" ]
2021-01-25T12:32:22
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2021-01-25T11:37:52
This week's round-up of the region's top promotions and new arrivals at firms including QuantunMDx, Bradley Hall, Ellingham Hall, Onyx Health, Evolved Search and Stuart Hall & Co
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fprofessional-services%2Fpeople-on-move-north-east-19693867.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…andrew_01JPG.jpg
en
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People on the Move: North East key appointments of the week
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Life sciences company QuantuMDx Group Limited has appointed Diran Guiliguian as chief commercial officer at a pivotal time for the Newcastle company. Mr Guiliguian has over a decade of experience working within diagnostic and medical device companies and was most recently head of central lab solutions for EMEA at Siemens Healthineers, where he led the introduction of the company’s Covid-19 testing solutions. He said: “I’m pleased to be joining QuantuMDx at a pivotal stage of its growth. I am impressed with the calibre and energy of the QuantuMDx team, as well as the power that Q-POCTM can bring to diagnostics, not only of Covid-19 but also across infectious diseases. I look forward to making these technologies available across the globe.” Jonathan O’Halloran, chief executive officer, added: “Diran’s appointment comes at a critical time for QuantuMDx as we scale up to meet the expected demand for Q-POCTM, our rapid, portable PCR device and its SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A & B assay. Diran’s extensive commercial experience will be invaluable to us both in the UK and internationally.” (Image: Bradley Hall) Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents has appointed Brian Ham as director of public sector consultancy, to support the firm’s expansion of its services to local authorities, housing associations and Homes England. His career in the industry also includes senior roles at Home Group, Sage Housing and Newcastle City Council. He will remain a director and co-founder of Swallowfield Homes. Mr Ham said: “It is no great secret that only approximately 200,000 of the 300,000 required new homes are being built per year. There are many challenges and hurdles, especially given the current economic climate, and our aim is to create innovative and effective solutions for Housing Associations, Local Authorities and public bodies including Homes England. My role will include supporting clients in accelerating development capabilities to meet this overwhelming need for new housing, while providing guidance which also help to add value to such projects.” Bradley Hall group managing director Neil Hart said: “Brian brings an unrivalled experience to the team and we look forward to him driving forward this area of the business, providing our public sector clients with specialist support.” (Image: Ellingham Hall) A Northumberland venue hit by a year of lockdowns is looking to the future after appointing David Fordham-Scott as new general manager. David Fordham-Scott will use his 23 years of experience, including roles serving royalty, to look after guests at Ellingham Hall as its owners plan for growth. In previous roles, he worked closely with the Duchess of Northumberland and has also served Princes Charles, William and Harry. He takes over the role from Anthony Hunter who has been promoted to a director’s role in the company that owns the hall. He said: “Ellingham Hall is well known in the industry as an unforgettable wedding experience – a one I’ve always greatly admired I have a real passion for delivering first-class customer service and providing couples with the most magical day of their lives. It’s so encouraging to know I’m joining a team that shares my vision. (Image: Onyx Health) Healthcare marketing communications specialists Onyx Health has strengthened its growing team with five new appointments, following growth across all parts of the business in the past year. The Newcastle agency has boosted its design team with the appointments of Henryk Kitt and Rachel Alexander as art worker and designer. Its content and accounts teams has also been expanded with Hannah Riley as account executive and Maxine Knight as a consultant healthcare storyteller and content writer. Managing director Karen Winterhalter said: “When the Covid-19 crisis broke in March of last year, I was determined we were going to thrive and not just survive, and we’ve done exactly that. Our new appointments will be crucial to driving forward the agency’s continued growth and expansion in 2021 and strengthening our integrated multi-service offer to clients. “Our whole ethos as a business is about growing in line with our clients. The sky’s the limit as far as our future growth is concerned and we’re going to make 2021 a year to remember.” (Image: Stuart Hall & Co) North East accountancy firm Stuart Hall & Co has promoted Matthew Gilmore to the role of director Mr Gilmore, who has worked for the company for more than five years, will split his time between the two North East offices, with a focus on Teesside, in a role created to support the firm in its continued growth plans. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been promoted to director. When I joined the company, we discussed what the future would look like for me but I never expected this to happen - especially not in five years. “I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to be part of what Stuart has so successfully built, and I’m incredibly excited to play a part in its future - despite the current financial problems we have continued to grow the business in a sustainable way.” (Image: Evolved Search) Newcastle-based search marketing specialist agency Evolved Search has added Andrew Dipper to its senior team as head of digital PR. The newly-created role at the firm, which works with the likes of tombola, Mattress Online and Vertu Motors, will add further strategic focus to its digital PR offering and help the agency as it strives to grow. Mr Dipper has more than 10 years of experience in agencies, in-house and as a freelancer, with firms including Tenth Revolution Group, overseeing the 11 brands within the group, including Frank Recruitment, and managing a team of 15. He said: “After meeting the directors of the business I was blown away by the growth plans they have in place for the agency. Speaking to Tom, Ian and David, it was clear that we have a shared ambition, which is for Evolved Search to become the leading SEO and Digital PR agency in the UK. It’s great to be joining them on their mission.” Two other new recruits have joined the team - digital PR consultant Hayley Reynolds and Ellie Morgan as a digital PR executive.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/professional-services/people-on-move-north-east-19693867
en
2021-01-25T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/ef69283367a10a55678367a0b57106339a13d1275a335c7843f1e1a350a07a82.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nLife sciences company QuantuMDx Group Limited has appointed Diran Guiliguian as chief commercial officer at a pivotal time for the Newcastle company.\nMr Guiliguian has over a decade of experience working within diagnostic and medical device companies and was most recently head of central lab solutions for EMEA at Siemens Healthineers, where he led the introduction of the company’s Covid-19 testing solutions.\nHe said: “I’m pleased to be joining QuantuMDx at a pivotal stage of its growth. I am impressed with the calibre and energy of the QuantuMDx team, as well as the power that Q-POCTM can bring to diagnostics, not only of Covid-19 but also across infectious diseases. I look forward to making these technologies available across the globe.”\nJonathan O’Halloran, chief executive officer, added: “Diran’s appointment comes at a critical time for QuantuMDx as we scale up to meet the expected demand for Q-POCTM, our rapid, portable PCR device and its SARS-CoV-2 and Flu A & B assay. Diran’s extensive commercial experience will be invaluable to us both in the UK and internationally.”\n(Image: Bradley Hall)\nBradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents has appointed Brian Ham as director of public sector consultancy, to support the firm’s expansion of its services to local authorities, housing associations and Homes England.\nHis career in the industry also includes senior roles at Home Group, Sage Housing and Newcastle City Council. He will remain a director and co-founder of Swallowfield Homes.\nMr Ham said: “It is no great secret that only approximately 200,000 of the 300,000 required new homes are being built per year. There are many challenges and hurdles, especially given the current economic climate, and our aim is to create innovative and effective solutions for Housing Associations, Local Authorities and public bodies including Homes England. My role will include supporting clients in accelerating development capabilities to meet this overwhelming need for new housing, while providing guidance which also help to add value to such projects.”\nBradley Hall group managing director Neil Hart said: “Brian brings an unrivalled experience to the team and we look forward to him driving forward this area of the business, providing our public sector clients with specialist support.”\n(Image: Ellingham Hall)\nA Northumberland venue hit by a year of lockdowns is looking to the future after appointing David Fordham-Scott as new general manager.\nDavid Fordham-Scott will use his 23 years of experience, including roles serving royalty, to look after guests at Ellingham Hall as its owners plan for growth.\nIn previous roles, he worked closely with the Duchess of Northumberland and has also served Princes Charles, William and Harry. He takes over the role from Anthony Hunter who has been promoted to a director’s role in the company that owns the hall.\nHe said: “Ellingham Hall is well known in the industry as an unforgettable wedding experience – a one I’ve always greatly admired I have a real passion for delivering first-class customer service and providing couples with the most magical day of their lives. It’s so encouraging to know I’m joining a team that shares my vision.\n(Image: Onyx Health)\nHealthcare marketing communications specialists Onyx Health has strengthened its growing team with five new appointments, following growth across all parts of the business in the past year.\nThe Newcastle agency has boosted its design team with the appointments of Henryk Kitt and Rachel Alexander as art worker and designer. Its content and accounts teams has also been expanded with Hannah Riley as account executive and Maxine Knight as a consultant healthcare storyteller and content writer.\nManaging director Karen Winterhalter said: “When the Covid-19 crisis broke in March of last year, I was determined we were going to thrive and not just survive, and we’ve done exactly that. Our new appointments will be crucial to driving forward the agency’s continued growth and expansion in 2021 and strengthening our integrated multi-service offer to clients.\n“Our whole ethos as a business is about growing in line with our clients. The sky’s the limit as far as our future growth is concerned and we’re going to make 2021 a year to remember.”\n(Image: Stuart Hall & Co)\nNorth East accountancy firm Stuart Hall & Co has promoted Matthew Gilmore to the role of director\nMr Gilmore, who has worked for the company for more than five years, will split his time between the two North East offices, with a focus on Teesside, in a role created to support the firm in its continued growth plans.\nHe said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been promoted to director. When I joined the company, we discussed what the future would look like for me but I never expected this to happen - especially not in five years.\n“I am extremely grateful that I have the opportunity to be part of what Stuart has so successfully built, and I’m incredibly excited to play a part in its future - despite the current financial problems we have continued to grow the business in a sustainable way.”\n(Image: Evolved Search)\nNewcastle-based search marketing specialist agency Evolved Search has added Andrew Dipper to its senior team as head of digital PR.\nThe newly-created role at the firm, which works with the likes of tombola, Mattress Online and Vertu Motors, will add further strategic focus to its digital PR offering and help the agency as it strives to grow.\nMr Dipper has more than 10 years of experience in agencies, in-house and as a freelancer, with firms including Tenth Revolution Group, overseeing the 11 brands within the group, including Frank Recruitment, and managing a team of 15.\nHe said: “After meeting the directors of the business I was blown away by the growth plans they have in place for the agency. Speaking to Tom, Ian and David, it was clear that we have a shared ambition, which is for Evolved Search to become the leading SEO and Digital PR agency in the UK. It’s great to be joining them on their mission.”\nTwo other new recruits have joined the team - digital PR consultant Hayley Reynolds and Ellie Morgan as a digital PR executive.", "People on the Move: North East key appointments of the week", "This week's round-up of the region's top promotions and new arrivals at firms including QuantunMDx, Bradley Hall, Ellingham Hall, Onyx Health, Evolved Search and Stuart Hall & Co" ]
[ "Jonathon Manning", "Image", "Newcastle Chronicle" ]
2021-01-20T11:47:59
null
2021-01-20T10:48:04
The scheme will see the A1 widened to four lanes near the Angel of the North
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fa1-widening-national-significant-project-19661636.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…e-North-East.jpg
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Widening of A1 given go-ahead as 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A North East section of the A1 is to be widened after the scheme was selected as the Government’s 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. The infrastructure development will see a 6.5km section of the A1 widened between Birtley and Coal House, including the road passing the Angel of the North. Once completed the southbound carriageway between junctions 65 and 67 will be widened to four lanes, while the northbound carriageway will have three lanes with lane gain to provide extra capacity. The work will also involve the replacement of the Allerdene Railway Bridge, which carries the A1 over the East Coast Mainline. Construction and engineering company Costain and consultancy firm Jacobs have been earmarked to carry out the work. The Planning Inspectorate’s chief executive Sarah Richards said: “This marks the 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 36th transport application to have been examined and decided within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008. "The Planning Inspectorate is committed to giving local communities the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. "Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in the examination where the examining authority listened and gave full consideration to local views before making their recommendation. “This is a tremendous achievement for our Inspectors and casework staff. The Planning Act 2008 has streamlined and greatly improved the decision-making process for major infrastructure that the country needs, whilst ensuring proposals are properly and robustly examined and ensuring local people can have their say. “We have had to change how we work over the past few months, have done so with great success, and are aware that we have to keep evolving and challenging ourselves as an organisation in order to keep improving.” (Image: Newcastle Chronicle) Due to its close proximity to the Angel of the North, extra considerations were made during the project’s planning stage, including consulting with the work’s sculptor Antony Gormley. The application was originally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in August 2019 and was accepted in September the same year. Following a consultation period a recommendation to approve the scheme was made to the Secretary of State in October 2020. The widening of the A1 is the 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and the 36th transport application of its kind. Other Nationally Significant projects that have been approved include the A38 Derby Junctions and the Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm, which is set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, providing a major boost to the North East economy.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/a1-widening-national-significant-project-19661636
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/1faae02d1b939e21cc1069946d8e23a9ccd64b5747b857e57d679fe2f9492f40.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA North East section of the A1 is to be widened after the scheme was selected as the Government’s 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.\nThe infrastructure development will see a 6.5km section of the A1 widened between Birtley and Coal House, including the road passing the Angel of the North.\nOnce completed the southbound carriageway between junctions 65 and 67 will be widened to four lanes, while the northbound carriageway will have three lanes with lane gain to provide extra capacity.\nThe work will also involve the replacement of the Allerdene Railway Bridge, which carries the A1 over the East Coast Mainline.\nConstruction and engineering company Costain and consultancy firm Jacobs have been earmarked to carry out the work.\nThe Planning Inspectorate’s chief executive Sarah Richards said: “This marks the 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 36th transport application to have been examined and decided within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.\n\"The Planning Inspectorate is committed to giving local communities the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.\n\"Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in the examination where the examining authority listened and gave full consideration to local views before making their recommendation.\n“This is a tremendous achievement for our Inspectors and casework staff. The Planning Act 2008 has streamlined and greatly improved the decision-making process for major infrastructure that the country needs, whilst ensuring proposals are properly and robustly examined and ensuring local people can have their say.\n“We have had to change how we work over the past few months, have done so with great success, and are aware that we have to keep evolving and challenging ourselves as an organisation in order to keep improving.”\n(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)\nDue to its close proximity to the Angel of the North, extra considerations were made during the project’s planning stage, including consulting with the work’s sculptor Antony Gormley.\nThe application was originally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in August 2019 and was accepted in September the same year.\nFollowing a consultation period a recommendation to approve the scheme was made to the Secretary of State in October 2020.\nThe widening of the A1 is the 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and the 36th transport application of its kind.\nOther Nationally Significant projects that have been approved include the A38 Derby Junctions and the Dogger Bank Offshore Wind Farm, which is set to be the world’s largest offshore wind farm, providing a major boost to the North East economy.", "Widening of A1 given go-ahead as 100th Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project", "The scheme will see the A1 widened to four lanes near the Angel of the North" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Daily Post Wales" ]
2021-01-07T10:37:06
null
2021-01-07T09:17:35
The closed Braga Hotel site would be turned into new apartments
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Frhyl-hotel-dubbed-not-fit-19577593.json
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Rhyl hotel dubbed 'not fit for purpose' set for redevelopment
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A rundown hotel - dubbed "not for purpose" - looks set to be redeveloped into new apartments. The Braga Hotel on East Parade in Rhyl is currently closed and "rapidly deteriorating". Now developer Skeffingtion Properties wants to renovate the site to create 10 apartments. Agent Hannah James, from Hannah James Associates, said: "The site is currently an unused hotel in a poorly maintained condition and is rapidly deteriorating and in need of renovation and repairs imminently. "The development will contribute to an improvement in the aesthetic effects on the site and surrounding area." They added that feedback stated that the "existing property is not fit for purpose". Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. The property will be run and maintained by Skeffington properties who will provide the apartments for rent. Plans have been submitted to Denbighshire council. To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/rhyl-hotel-dubbed-not-fit-19577593
en
2021-01-07T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/88e43175a0603bec0227e776474f573f6b4703fb7d562e5f531361b94b896b3a.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA rundown hotel - dubbed \"not for purpose\" - looks set to be redeveloped into new apartments.\nThe Braga Hotel on East Parade in Rhyl is currently closed and \"rapidly deteriorating\".\nNow developer Skeffingtion Properties wants to renovate the site to create 10 apartments.\nAgent Hannah James, from Hannah James Associates, said: \"The site is currently an unused hotel in a poorly maintained condition and is rapidly deteriorating and in need of renovation and repairs imminently.\n\"The development will contribute to an improvement in the aesthetic effects on the site and surrounding area.\"\nThey added that feedback stated that the \"existing property is not fit for purpose\".\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nThe property will be run and maintained by Skeffington properties who will provide the apartments for rent.\nPlans have been submitted to Denbighshire council.\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Rhyl hotel dubbed 'not fit for purpose' set for redevelopment", "The closed Braga Hotel site would be turned into new apartments" ]
[ "David Laister" ]
2021-01-11T17:58:55
null
2021-01-11T16:33:46
Orsted, ITM Power, Siemens Gamesa and Element Energy united in European Commission backed three-year project
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2Fgreen-hydrogen-production-heads-offshore-19604978.json
https://i2-prod.business…led-Design-1.jpg
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Green hydrogen production heads offshore as turbine trial pulls in £4.5m of European funding
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A green hydrogen consortium with huge Humber interests has been awarded £4.5 million to demonstrate the integration of electrolysers with offshore wind turbines. Orsted, ITM Power, Siemens Gamesa and Element Energy have secured the investment from the European Commission to investigate the potential of piping back the zero carbon fuel from the farms alongside clean electricity. Orsted, ITM and Element were already partners on Gigastack - a land-based development involving offshore wind power being harnessed by the onshore connection to power electrolysis - while Siemens Gamesa provides the huge turbines. Named Oyster, this project will develop a megawatt-scale fully marinised electrolyser in a shoreside pilot trial. Site selection is anticipated in the coming months. Anders Christian Nordstrøm, vice president and head of Ørsted's hydrogen activities, said: “To create a world that runs entirely on green energy, we need to electrify as much as we can. However, some sectors cannot decarbonise through electrification and that's where renewable hydrogen could play a significant role. Offshore hydrogen production could be a future, supplemental way of getting large amounts of energy generated from offshore wind power to shore. “As the largest offshore wind company in the world, we're of course keen to better understand what it will take to produce renewable hydrogen offshore as a potential future supplement to production of renewable electricity. Having pioneered the offshore wind industry, we know that thorough analysis and testing are required before deploying new technologies at sea." The consortium plans to overcome the challenges of producing a compact electrolysis system that can withstand harsh offshore environments and have minimal maintenance requirements, while still meeting cost and performance targets that will allow production of low-cost hydrogen. The electrolyser system will be designed for integration within a single offshore wind turbine, following the established production profile. It will also integrate desalination and water treatment processes, making it possible to use seawater as a feedstock. Sheffield-based ITM Power’s chief executive, Dr Graham Cooley, said: "ITM Power is delighted to be part of this exciting project, working alongside industry leaders to explore the potential to harness wind for offshore green hydrogen production." The project will run until 2024. ITM is responsible for the development of the electrolyser system and the electrolyser trials, while Ørsted will lead the offshore deployment analysis, the feasibility study of future physical offshore electrolyser deployments, and support ITM in the design. Siemens Gamesa and Element Energy are providing technical and project expertise. Michael Dolman, associate director at Element Energy, said: “Offshore wind is now one of the lowest cost forms of electricity generation in Europe and will have an important role in Europe's decarbonisation plans. There is growing interest in transporting renewable energy in the form of hydrogen, particularly for sites far from shore. Realising such a vision will require further development and innovations of the type to be demonstrated in the Oyster project, which Element Energy is pleased to coordinate.” Together the partners are aiming for cost competition with natural gas, unlocking bulk markets for green hydrogen to make a meaningful impact on CO2 emissions, accelerating the transition to a fully renewable energy system in Europe and beyond. Bart Biebuyck, executive director of FCH JU, said: "The Oyster project is a very exciting addition to the FCH JU pallet of electrolysis projects that will allow the development of an offshore-spec electrolyser for green hydrogen to be generated in the harsh offshore environment. The aim is the optimal integration of electrolysers with offshore wind turbines to store the energy generated in the form of hydrogen. We are absolutely delighted to support this innovative project which reduces the environmental impact in further industrial applications."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/green-hydrogen-production-heads-offshore-19604978
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/8002b5a5647de6069f4635c0631e8805ea07c6fb9cb5b47a5cae897ba9eedb82.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA green hydrogen consortium with huge Humber interests has been awarded £4.5 million to demonstrate the integration of electrolysers with offshore wind turbines.\nOrsted, ITM Power, Siemens Gamesa and Element Energy have secured the investment from the European Commission to investigate the potential of piping back the zero carbon fuel from the farms alongside clean electricity.\nOrsted, ITM and Element were already partners on Gigastack - a land-based development involving offshore wind power being harnessed by the onshore connection to power electrolysis - while Siemens Gamesa provides the huge turbines.\nNamed Oyster, this project will develop a megawatt-scale fully marinised electrolyser in a shoreside pilot trial. Site selection is anticipated in the coming months.\nAnders Christian Nordstrøm, vice president and head of Ørsted's hydrogen activities, said: “To create a world that runs entirely on green energy, we need to electrify as much as we can. However, some sectors cannot decarbonise through electrification and that's where renewable hydrogen could play a significant role. Offshore hydrogen production could be a future, supplemental way of getting large amounts of energy generated from offshore wind power to shore.\n“As the largest offshore wind company in the world, we're of course keen to better understand what it will take to produce renewable hydrogen offshore as a potential future supplement to production of renewable electricity. Having pioneered the offshore wind industry, we know that thorough analysis and testing are required before deploying new technologies at sea.\"\nThe consortium plans to overcome the challenges of producing a compact electrolysis system that can withstand harsh offshore environments and have minimal maintenance requirements, while still meeting cost and performance targets that will allow production of low-cost hydrogen.\nThe electrolyser system will be designed for integration within a single offshore wind turbine, following the established production profile. It will also integrate desalination and water treatment processes, making it possible to use seawater as a feedstock.\nSheffield-based ITM Power’s chief executive, Dr Graham Cooley, said: \"ITM Power is delighted to be part of this exciting project, working alongside industry leaders to explore the potential to harness wind for offshore green hydrogen production.\"\nThe project will run until 2024. ITM is responsible for the development of the electrolyser system and the electrolyser trials, while Ørsted will lead the offshore deployment analysis, the feasibility study of future physical offshore electrolyser deployments, and support ITM in the design. Siemens Gamesa and Element Energy are providing technical and project expertise.\nMichael Dolman, associate director at Element Energy, said: “Offshore wind is now one of the lowest cost forms of electricity generation in Europe and will have an important role in Europe's decarbonisation plans. There is growing interest in transporting renewable energy in the form of hydrogen, particularly for sites far from shore. Realising such a vision will require further development and innovations of the type to be demonstrated in the Oyster project, which Element Energy is pleased to coordinate.”\nTogether the partners are aiming for cost competition with natural gas, unlocking bulk markets for green hydrogen to make a meaningful impact on CO2 emissions, accelerating the transition to a fully renewable energy system in Europe and beyond.\nBart Biebuyck, executive director of FCH JU, said: \"The Oyster project is a very exciting addition to the FCH JU pallet of electrolysis projects that will allow the development of an offshore-spec electrolyser for green hydrogen to be generated in the harsh offshore environment. The aim is the optimal integration of electrolysers with offshore wind turbines to store the energy generated in the form of hydrogen. We are absolutely delighted to support this innovative project which reduces the environmental impact in further industrial applications.\"", "Green hydrogen production heads offshore as turbine trial pulls in £4.5m of European funding", "Orsted, ITM Power, Siemens Gamesa and Element Energy united in European Commission backed three-year project" ]
[ "Tom Houghton", "Image", "Manchester Evening News" ]
2021-01-15T12:07:58
null
2021-01-15T11:00:06
A consultation has been launched giving Manchester's rail users three options
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2F3-big-choices-facing-manchester-19630479.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…_JS169062520.jpg
en
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The 3 big choices facing Manchester rail users as efforts begin to stop regular delays
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Manchester's rail users are being given three options as to how the city's train services should be improved, with the aim of bettering performance and punctuality for passengers. The Government has launched a major consultation, with the three options featuring increasing levels of change from the pre-Covid service levels. They each effect different routes, including which ones will have direct services to Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations, and Manchester Airport. Following the consultation, the agreed option will be introduced in May 2022, and is hoped to "significantly improve" reliability while maintaining the pre-Covid travel connections for passengers. The three options on offer to Manchester's rail commuters: The Manchester Recovery Taskforce was launched by the Transport Secretary and tasked with recommending three different packages of changes to the rail timetable into and out of Manchester. Option A Most existing origins and destinations are retained, particularly for Newcastle to Piccadilly and Sheffield to Airport journeys. Option B Option B is a variant that maintains Airport connectivity for Liverpool and North Wales. The Cleethorpes/Nottingham service via Sheffield to Liverpool is increased to a standard 2 trains per hour. This means there is no longer a through service from Sheffield to Manchester Airport; a movement which is very operationally challenging at Manchester Piccadilly. Passengers from Warrington Central would also need to change at Piccadilly to access the Airport. Option C Option C makes the most interventions and moves closest to 30-minute frequencies on most of the corridors into Manchester, including services on the Blackburn, Calder Valley, Chorley, Wigan, Buxton, Chester via Warrington Bank Quay, Airport (stopping) and Crewe lines. In Timetable Option C a number of stations gain an improvement in frequency, helping contribute to overall benefits. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I welcome this consultation and the Government’s focus on this issue. The bottleneck in central Manchester is a problem for the whole of the North – and solving these congestion issues will improve the reliability of rail services for passengers right across the North. “As we look to build back better from the pandemic, we want to work with the Government to deliver a reliable and dependable timetable, alongside the much-needed upgrades to our Victorian infrastructure.” Congestion in the region before the pandemic created regular delays to services around Manchester, with knock-on impacts to reliability across the North. While the public are being asked to stay at home, the rail industry is planning improvements around Manchester ready for when passengers return in greater numbers. (Image: Manchester Evening News) The work brings together the Department for Transport, Transport for the North, Network Rail and the train operators, Northern and TransPennine Express. Chris Heaton-Harris, Rail Minister, said: “We are putting the power to improve Manchester’s rail network in the hands of those that use it daily. “I urge passengers to use this opportunity to comment on the future of your railway. “Improving punctuality and reliability is one of my key priorities. As we continue to build back better from the pandemic, these proposals will ensure that the rail network is more dependable for those who use it every day.” It comes after mayors and political leaders from across the North lined up to denounce plans for the UK rail network, saying they make a mockery of the Government’s plans for ‘levelling up’. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham joined Liverpool city region colleague Steve Rotheram and South Yorkshire’s Dan Jarvis to criticise plans from the National Infrastructure Commission, which could see rail schemes in the North downgraded. Responding to the Manchester consultation, Liam Robinson, Transport for The North’s Rail North Committee Chair, said: “Passengers need a better deal when it comes to reliability. When they return to the North’s trains, they need to step onto services with confidence. Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. “Manchester’s congested rail network has long been the source of delays and frustration for passengers, with knock-on effects for the North’s communities. We urge everyone to take a look and give their view on these proposals. “Whilst the goal of these short term changes is to reduce delays and increase reliability, it is clear that the work we are doing with Government and the industry on longer-term investment in rail infrastructure is also critically important, alongside changes to services.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/3-big-choices-facing-manchester-19630479
en
2021-01-15T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/2f6c0e805e0a85497f82865b69f4c27e000a051d13f0d698f0d2821eeb7da1c1.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nManchester's rail users are being given three options as to how the city's train services should be improved, with the aim of bettering performance and punctuality for passengers.\nThe Government has launched a major consultation, with the three options featuring increasing levels of change from the pre-Covid service levels.\nThey each effect different routes, including which ones will have direct services to Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly stations, and Manchester Airport.\nFollowing the consultation, the agreed option will be introduced in May 2022, and is hoped to \"significantly improve\" reliability while maintaining the pre-Covid travel connections for passengers.\nThe three options on offer to Manchester's rail commuters: The Manchester Recovery Taskforce was launched by the Transport Secretary and tasked with recommending three different packages of changes to the rail timetable into and out of Manchester. Option A Most existing origins and destinations are retained, particularly for Newcastle to Piccadilly and Sheffield to Airport journeys. Option B Option B is a variant that maintains Airport connectivity for Liverpool and North Wales. The Cleethorpes/Nottingham service via Sheffield to Liverpool is increased to a standard 2 trains per hour. This means there is no longer a through service from Sheffield to Manchester Airport; a movement which is very operationally challenging at Manchester Piccadilly. Passengers from Warrington Central would also need to change at Piccadilly to access the Airport. Option C Option C makes the most interventions and moves closest to 30-minute frequencies on most of the corridors into Manchester, including services on the Blackburn, Calder Valley, Chorley, Wigan, Buxton, Chester via Warrington Bank Quay, Airport (stopping) and Crewe lines. In Timetable Option C a number of stations gain an improvement in frequency, helping contribute to overall benefits.\nAndy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I welcome this consultation and the Government’s focus on this issue. The bottleneck in central Manchester is a problem for the whole of the North – and solving these congestion issues will improve the reliability of rail services for passengers right across the North.\n“As we look to build back better from the pandemic, we want to work with the Government to deliver a reliable and dependable timetable, alongside the much-needed upgrades to our Victorian infrastructure.”\nCongestion in the region before the pandemic created regular delays to services around Manchester, with knock-on impacts to reliability across the North.\nWhile the public are being asked to stay at home, the rail industry is planning improvements around Manchester ready for when passengers return in greater numbers.\n(Image: Manchester Evening News)\nThe work brings together the Department for Transport, Transport for the North, Network Rail and the train operators, Northern and TransPennine Express.\nChris Heaton-Harris, Rail Minister, said: “We are putting the power to improve Manchester’s rail network in the hands of those that use it daily.\n“I urge passengers to use this opportunity to comment on the future of your railway.\n“Improving punctuality and reliability is one of my key priorities. As we continue to build back better from the pandemic, these proposals will ensure that the rail network is more dependable for those who use it every day.”\nIt comes after mayors and political leaders from across the North lined up to denounce plans for the UK rail network, saying they make a mockery of the Government’s plans for ‘levelling up’.\nGreater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham joined Liverpool city region colleague Steve Rotheram and South Yorkshire’s Dan Jarvis to criticise plans from the National Infrastructure Commission, which could see rail schemes in the North downgraded.\nResponding to the Manchester consultation, Liam Robinson, Transport for The North’s Rail North Committee Chair, said: “Passengers need a better deal when it comes to reliability. When they return to the North’s trains, they need to step onto services with confidence.\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\n“Manchester’s congested rail network has long been the source of delays and frustration for passengers, with knock-on effects for the North’s communities. We urge everyone to take a look and give their view on these proposals.\n“Whilst the goal of these short term changes is to reduce delays and increase reliability, it is clear that the work we are doing with Government and the industry on longer-term investment in rail infrastructure is also critically important, alongside changes to services.”", "The 3 big choices facing Manchester rail users as efforts begin to stop regular delays", "A consultation has been launched giving Manchester's rail users three options" ]
[ "Jonathon Manning", "Image", "Pa" ]
2021-01-28T15:41:47
null
2021-01-28T14:52:06
Ofgem is in the process of selecting a new energy supplier for affected customers
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2F400000-customers-affected-after-two-19720438.json
https://i2-prod.gazettel…egister-poll.jpg
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400,000 customers affected after two energy companies go bust
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Two UK energy suppliers that provided power to hundreds of thousands of UK customers have ceased trading. Green Network Energy and Simplicity Energy have both revealed they will no longer be trading. Between them the two companies supplied gas and electricity to around 410,000 customers, who will now be forced to find a new supplier. Green Network Energy supplied power to 360,000 domestic customers as well as a smaller number of non-domestic customers. Simplicity Energy had around 50,000 domestic customers on its books. The collapse of the two firms means that energy regulator Ofgem has been forced to step in to protect customers. Under Ofgem's safety net customers of the two firms will continue to receive an energy supply and any outstanding credit balances will be protected. Ofgem is now in the process of selecting a new supplier for those affected. Once picked, the new supplier will begin contacting customers directly. While this process is going on, Ofgem is advising customers not to switch to another energy supplier, and to take a meter reading, ready for when the new supplier contacts them. Philippa Pickford, director of retail at Ofgem, said: “Green Network Energy and Simplicity Energy customers do not need to worry, as under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies are secure and domestic customers’ credit balances are protected. “Ofgem will now choose a new supplier for you and whilst we are doing this our advice is to wait until we appoint a new supplier and do not switch in the meantime. You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/400000-customers-affected-after-two-19720438
en
2021-01-28T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/700f72cdbe22a959aa4cc9dcf2c9922a32b0938c7a0c406d6f0cf3e2587732c0.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nTwo UK energy suppliers that provided power to hundreds of thousands of UK customers have ceased trading.\nGreen Network Energy and Simplicity Energy have both revealed they will no longer be trading.\nBetween them the two companies supplied gas and electricity to around 410,000 customers, who will now be forced to find a new supplier.\nGreen Network Energy supplied power to 360,000 domestic customers as well as a smaller number of non-domestic customers. Simplicity Energy had around 50,000 domestic customers on its books.\nThe collapse of the two firms means that energy regulator Ofgem has been forced to step in to protect customers.\nUnder Ofgem's safety net customers of the two firms will continue to receive an energy supply and any outstanding credit balances will be protected.\nOfgem is now in the process of selecting a new supplier for those affected. Once picked, the new supplier will begin contacting customers directly.\nWhile this process is going on, Ofgem is advising customers not to switch to another energy supplier, and to take a meter reading, ready for when the new supplier contacts them.\nPhilippa Pickford, director of retail at Ofgem, said: “Green Network Energy and Simplicity Energy customers do not need to worry, as under our safety net we’ll make sure your energy supplies are secure and domestic customers’ credit balances are protected.\n“Ofgem will now choose a new supplier for you and whilst we are doing this our advice is to wait until we appoint a new supplier and do not switch in the meantime. You can rely on your energy supply as normal. We will update you when we have chosen a new supplier, who will then get in touch about your new tariff.”", "400,000 customers affected after two energy companies go bust", "Ofgem is in the process of selecting a new energy supplier for affected customers" ]
[ "Graeme Whitfield", "Image", "Google Maps" ]
2021-01-14T16:12:09
null
2021-01-14T14:35:30
The Newcastle firm warned that the pandemic had reduced turnover in the fourth quarter of the year
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fcundall-johnston-sees-turnover-jump-19625860.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…in-Newcastle.jpg
en
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Cundall Johnston sees turnover jump despite coronavirus pandemic
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Engineering firm Cundall Johnston and Partners has posted a strong set of financial results after adapting to the pandemic. The international firm, which is headquartered in Newcastle, saw its turnover grow from £64m to £69.2m for the year ending June 30 2020. Despite its administrative expenses increasing by nearly £3m, Cundall also managed to add £500,000 to its operating profit, which came in at £7.9m. Cundall admitted that its group turnover had been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic during the last quarter of the financial year, but added that its businesses in the Far East, Asia PAC and Middle East were less impacted than its UK and European arms. Managing partner Tomás Neeson said: “Our group results up to the end of June 2020 remain very strong despite the impact of coronavirus across the global business in the last four months of our financial year. “We are incredibly proud that in a year that presented many challenges, the business remained profitable. This was achieved through the commitment and hard work of all our global staff, coupled with careful management, a quick and decisive response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and minimising our discretionary spending. “Covid-19 has had an ongoing impact upon our lives and the economy as a whole. No part of our business has gone unaffected and it has changed the way we operate, with some changes, like the flexibility to allow staff to work from home when they need, likely to endure long after the pandemic has subsided. We have benefited greatly from our global presence, and ability to workshare across the regions to maintain strong businesses in all locations.” The majority of Cundall’s turnover was generated in the UK. But this year its operations in the rest of Europe overtook its revenue in Australia and the Far East, at £31.4m and £13m respectively. While the firm already has a strong international footing, it did warn that it would be acting cautiously over the UK’s exit from the European Union.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/cundall-johnston-sees-turnover-jump-19625860
en
2021-01-14T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/7feb63053ef7e5649e2b09fd84e319e911580a0f289ce769b875ae4a20e48b3d.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nEngineering firm Cundall Johnston and Partners has posted a strong set of financial results after adapting to the pandemic.\nThe international firm, which is headquartered in Newcastle, saw its turnover grow from £64m to £69.2m for the year ending June 30 2020.\nDespite its administrative expenses increasing by nearly £3m, Cundall also managed to add £500,000 to its operating profit, which came in at £7.9m.\nCundall admitted that its group turnover had been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic during the last quarter of the financial year, but added that its businesses in the Far East, Asia PAC and Middle East were less impacted than its UK and European arms.\nManaging partner Tomás Neeson said: “Our group results up to the end of June 2020 remain very strong despite the impact of coronavirus across the global business in the last four months of our financial year.\n“We are incredibly proud that in a year that presented many challenges, the business remained profitable. This was achieved through the commitment and hard work of all our global staff, coupled with careful management, a quick and decisive response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, and minimising our discretionary spending.\n“Covid-19 has had an ongoing impact upon our lives and the economy as a whole. No part of our business has gone unaffected and it has changed the way we operate, with some changes, like the flexibility to allow staff to work from home when they need, likely to endure long after the pandemic has subsided. We have benefited greatly from our global presence, and ability to workshare across the regions to maintain strong businesses in all locations.”\nThe majority of Cundall’s turnover was generated in the UK. But this year its operations in the rest of Europe overtook its revenue in Australia and the Far East, at £31.4m and £13m respectively.\nWhile the firm already has a strong international footing, it did warn that it would be acting cautiously over the UK’s exit from the European Union.", "Cundall Johnston sees turnover jump despite coronavirus pandemic", "The Newcastle firm warned that the pandemic had reduced turnover in the fourth quarter of the year" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-12T04:31:29
null
2021-01-12T03:00:00
But Brexit and Covid-19 concerns still holding back growth says NatWest survey
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Feast-midlands-business-activity-picked-19602727.json
https://i2-prod.business…5032555_1920.jpg
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East Midlands business activity picked up in December
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Business activity started growing again in December and the rate of job losses slowed, according to new figures. The modest boost, however, was tempered by the new strict lockdown which came into force at the start of the year and which is set to push the country into a double-dip recession. The latest seasonally adjusted NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index suggested business output was up month-on-month in December – linked to stronger client demand and stockpiling by foreign clients in the lead up to Brexit. Although only marginal, the rate of output growth was sharper than the UK average. The December data signalled the sharpest increase in new orders received by firms operating in the East Midlands for three months. In fact, the region bucked the national trend which indicated broadly unchanged new business dealings. However bosses at East Midlands firms had slightly less upbeat expectations regarding the outlook for output over the coming year. Although relatively strong, the degree of confidence was down on November’s recent high, and was lower than the UK average. Optimism was driven by hopes of a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions over the coming year – which obviously have not materialised – while Brexit concerns also weighed on sentiment. Private sector firms in the East Midlands signalled an eleventh successive monthly fall in employment during December. That said, the rate of contraction in staffing levels was the slowest for some time and softer than the UK average. The level of outstanding business at East Midlands firms increased for a second consecutive month at the end of 2020 – the quickest rate of growth since December 2018. Some companies noted that the rise was linked to greater new order inflows but reduced capacity due to the pandemic. The region contrasted with the UK average which signalled a solid decline in backlogs of work during December. The December data also indicated a marked rise in input prices for companies in the East Midlands – the fastest growing in inflation for over a year and more than the UK average. Companies surveyed commonly stated that higher input prices stemmed from increases in raw material and freight costs, as shipping issues pushed supplier prices up. Output charges went up marginally. John Maude, who sits on the NatWest Midlands & East regional board, said: “The East Midlands private sector ended 2020 on a better note, following a lockdown-related contraction in activity during November. “Despite reports of stronger client demand and customer stockpiling, the output expansion was only marginal overall as the pandemic continued to weigh on client spending. “Encouragingly, the reduction in employment slowed to only a fractional pace as firms required greater capacity. “Any moves towards stabilisation in workforce numbers will likely be constrained by further Covid-19 restrictions, however, as business confidence took a hit following tighter social-distancing measures. “Difficulties sourcing raw materials and greater freight costs pushed input prices higher, as the rate of cost inflation soared. “Although firms brought to an end a three-month sequence of decline in selling prices, the rate of charge inflation was far outpaced by the rise in cost burdens.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/east-midlands-business-activity-picked-19602727
en
2021-01-12T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/aa998e76ab28997eed41108612ed9ada479fb34b296fd4cd64be750b3a10b60f.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBusiness activity started growing again in December and the rate of job losses slowed, according to new figures.\nThe modest boost, however, was tempered by the new strict lockdown which came into force at the start of the year and which is set to push the country into a double-dip recession.\nThe latest seasonally adjusted NatWest East Midlands Business Activity Index suggested business output was up month-on-month in December – linked to stronger client demand and stockpiling by foreign clients in the lead up to Brexit.\nAlthough only marginal, the rate of output growth was sharper than the UK average.\nThe December data signalled the sharpest increase in new orders received by firms operating in the East Midlands for three months.\nIn fact, the region bucked the national trend which indicated broadly unchanged new business dealings.\nHowever bosses at East Midlands firms had slightly less upbeat expectations regarding the outlook for output over the coming year.\nAlthough relatively strong, the degree of confidence was down on November’s recent high, and was lower than the UK average.\nOptimism was driven by hopes of a relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions over the coming year – which obviously have not materialised – while Brexit concerns also weighed on sentiment.\nPrivate sector firms in the East Midlands signalled an eleventh successive monthly fall in employment during December.\nThat said, the rate of contraction in staffing levels was the slowest for some time and softer than the UK average.\nThe level of outstanding business at East Midlands firms increased for a second consecutive month at the end of 2020 – the quickest rate of growth since December 2018.\nSome companies noted that the rise was linked to greater new order inflows but reduced capacity due to the pandemic.\nThe region contrasted with the UK average which signalled a solid decline in backlogs of work during December.\nThe December data also indicated a marked rise in input prices for companies in the East Midlands – the fastest growing in inflation for over a year and more than the UK average.\nCompanies surveyed commonly stated that higher input prices stemmed from increases in raw material and freight costs, as shipping issues pushed supplier prices up.\nOutput charges went up marginally.\nJohn Maude, who sits on the NatWest Midlands & East regional board, said: “The East Midlands private sector ended 2020 on a better note, following a lockdown-related contraction in activity during November.\n“Despite reports of stronger client demand and customer stockpiling, the output expansion was only marginal overall as the pandemic continued to weigh on client spending.\n“Encouragingly, the reduction in employment slowed to only a fractional pace as firms required greater capacity.\n“Any moves towards stabilisation in workforce numbers will likely be constrained by further Covid-19 restrictions, however, as business confidence took a hit following tighter social-distancing measures.\n“Difficulties sourcing raw materials and greater freight costs pushed input prices higher, as the rate of cost inflation soared.\n“Although firms brought to an end a three-month sequence of decline in selling prices, the rate of charge inflation was far outpaced by the rise in cost burdens.”", "East Midlands business activity picked up in December", "But Brexit and Covid-19 concerns still holding back growth says NatWest survey" ]
[ "Chris Pyke" ]
2021-01-27T13:51:46
null
2021-01-27T13:29:23
Welsh company Do-IT Profiler announces new global partnership set to pioneer diverse recruitment practices
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fwelsh-businesses-falling-short-diversity-19710789.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…Amanda-Kirby.jpg
en
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'Welsh businesses falling short on diversity' according to tech firm founder and neurodiversity expert
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Businesses in Wales are being told they need to do more to reap the benefits of truly diverse and inclusive teams and boards. Professor Kirby, a founder of the Cardiff-based tech-for-good firm Do-IT Profiler, believes that despite increasing awareness of the business benefits of diversity, there remains a "reticence and a naivety" around recruiting, retaining and progressing a diverse workforce. Prof Kirby says there is often a "tokenistic" approach, which means many companies miss out on the benefits that come with true inclusivity, including increased innovation, performance and productivity. Prof Kirby made the comments as her company, Do-IT Profiler, announced a strategic partnership with global recruitment consultancy Precedent Group. The joint venture will see Do-IT Profiler's proprietary web-based tools and apps help firms improve how they identify and support talent they may otherwise miss. Do-IT Profiler is a computer-based accessible screening system designed by Professor Kirby. She has worked in the field of neurodiversity – defined as variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood and other cognitive functions - for more than 25 years. The Do-IT Profiler system takes a bio-psycho-social approach to identification and support and is used in thousands of businesses, educational establishments and public sector organisations. The firm's partnership with Precedent Group will see the global recruitment firm rolling out Do-IT Profiler's tools as part of a holistic approach to improving diversity at senior and board level. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Prof Kirby explained: " We are excited by the opportunity this new partnership presents to help organisations identify and support people with the right skills and talent to serve in senior and board positions, but who may face barriers for several reasons. "Increasingly, companies are waking up to the opportunities presented by building diverse and inclusive places to work. But without the data, tools and expertise to make a meaningful change, many take tokenistic approaches which don't result in long-lasting, sustainable change. This is where we help make a real difference." Do-IT Profiler has been assisted by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) that provides targeted support for ambitious growing firms. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. This support has been "instrumental" in growing the business, according to Professor Kirby.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/welsh-businesses-falling-short-diversity-19710789
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/2803411de9529569b2ef26824c64ab76f771c711fd89db48c1aec0095c9dd8a1.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBusinesses in Wales are being told they need to do more to reap the benefits of truly diverse and inclusive teams and boards.\nProfessor Kirby, a founder of the Cardiff-based tech-for-good firm Do-IT Profiler, believes that despite increasing awareness of the business benefits of diversity, there remains a \"reticence and a naivety\" around recruiting, retaining and progressing a diverse workforce.\nProf Kirby says there is often a \"tokenistic\" approach, which means many companies miss out on the benefits that come with true inclusivity, including increased innovation, performance and productivity.\nProf Kirby made the comments as her company, Do-IT Profiler, announced a strategic partnership with global recruitment consultancy Precedent Group. The joint venture will see Do-IT Profiler's proprietary web-based tools and apps help firms improve how they identify and support talent they may otherwise miss.\nDo-IT Profiler is a computer-based accessible screening system designed by Professor Kirby. She has worked in the field of neurodiversity – defined as variation in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood and other cognitive functions - for more than 25 years. The Do-IT Profiler system takes a bio-psycho-social approach to identification and support and is used in thousands of businesses, educational establishments and public sector organisations.\nThe firm's partnership with Precedent Group will see the global recruitment firm rolling out Do-IT Profiler's tools as part of a holistic approach to improving diversity at senior and board level.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nProf Kirby explained: \" We are excited by the opportunity this new partnership presents to help organisations identify and support people with the right skills and talent to serve in senior and board positions, but who may face barriers for several reasons.\n\"Increasingly, companies are waking up to the opportunities presented by building diverse and inclusive places to work. But without the data, tools and expertise to make a meaningful change, many take tokenistic approaches which don't result in long-lasting, sustainable change. This is where we help make a real difference.\"\nDo-IT Profiler has been assisted by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) that provides targeted support for ambitious growing firms. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. This support has been \"instrumental\" in growing the business, according to Professor Kirby.", "'Welsh businesses falling short on diversity' according to tech firm founder and neurodiversity expert", "Welsh company Do-IT Profiler announces new global partnership set to pioneer diverse recruitment practices" ]
[ "William Telford" ]
2021-01-22T08:01:08
null
2021-01-22T07:30:00
Historic England wants developers behind ambitious £10m scheme to look for another plot including over the road
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fconcerns-raised-geothermal-rum-biome-19675574.json
https://i2-prod.business…23_Aerial_02.jpg
en
null
Concerns raised that geothermal rum biome plan could harm World Heritage Site
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The Government’s advisory body on heritage has raised serious concerns about a plan to build a £10million rum distillery biome heated by geothermal energy saying it will damage the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site. Historic England said it has “strong concerns” about the ambitious plan to create a rum cask maturation biome, with a visitor centre and bar, at United Downs in Cornwall’s historic mining area. In a letter submitted to planners at Cornwall Council the organisation said it believes the proposed development would damage the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (CMWHS) “given the change to the appearance and character of the site, and the physical impacts that would be made”. It wants developers to look for an alternative site – including one just across the road. The letter said: “In our opinion, the harm generated is not clearly and convincingly justified given the likelihood that alternative locations for the facility are available that would create a lesser degree of (or no) harm.” Historic England wants other sites to be explored as a potential location for the development and said that while United Downs appears to be “a barren and rather nelgected landscape” its value is associated with the long history and dramatic decline of mining in the area. It said open areas of spoil heaps, and structures such as engine houses, whilst not “aesthetically pretty”, are historically important. The CMWHS was created in 2006 covering 10 areas featuring a distinctive patterns of buildings, monuments and sites which together form the “coherent series of distinctive cultural landscapes created by the industrialisation of hard rock mining” between 1700 and 1914. It said the site in question was mined from at least the mid-1700s, and contains mine shafts and remnant copper dressing floors as well as spoil heaps and cobbled surfaces. “It is still clearly a mining landscape that makes a positive contribution to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for which the CMWHS was inscribed.” How to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here The Cornish Geothermal Distillery Company (CGDC) has applied for outline planning permission for a sustainable scheme, called the Celsius project, to mature and distil rum using heat generated by the UK’s first geothermal power plant. The application includes an associated shop, cafe, parking, landscaping, and ancillary functions, powered using geothermal heat from the nearby Geothermal Power project. The project recently received £75,000 from the Government’s Green Distillery Competition grant scheme for projects which can cut carbon emissions and support new jobs. Historic England said that without a full application and associated details, the full scale of the proposed development can’t be assessed but it is nevertheless clear “the proposed development would radically change the visual appearance and character of the site”. It said contemporary buildings will “damage, overlay, and obscure the industrial and mining heritage” and calls on the council to consider if the public benefits of the scheme outweigh any harm to the CMWHS. It suggests: “We consider that the simplest way of removing this harm is to relocate the facility to an alternative site. Given that the land on either side of the highway is in the same ownership, only one side of which is within the CMWHS, we recommend that a site closer to the geothermal source is considered.” A outcome of the planning application is yet to be decided.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/concerns-raised-geothermal-rum-biome-19675574
en
2021-01-22T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/0d47ed28014c75a0410b7ad60f9358a5a3da531a2ef5cd046195ca0e3d4bd55b.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe Government’s advisory body on heritage has raised serious concerns about a plan to build a £10million rum distillery biome heated by geothermal energy saying it will damage the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site.\nHistoric England said it has “strong concerns” about the ambitious plan to create a rum cask maturation biome, with a visitor centre and bar, at United Downs in Cornwall’s historic mining area.\nIn a letter submitted to planners at Cornwall Council the organisation said it believes the proposed development would damage the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (CMWHS) “given the change to the appearance and character of the site, and the physical impacts that would be made”.\nIt wants developers to look for an alternative site – including one just across the road.\nThe letter said: “In our opinion, the harm generated is not clearly and convincingly justified given the likelihood that alternative locations for the facility are available that would create a lesser degree of (or no) harm.”\nHistoric England wants other sites to be explored as a potential location for the development and said that while United Downs appears to be “a barren and rather nelgected landscape” its value is associated with the long history and dramatic decline of mining in the area.\nIt said open areas of spoil heaps, and structures such as engine houses, whilst not “aesthetically pretty”, are historically important.\nThe CMWHS was created in 2006 covering 10 areas featuring a distinctive patterns of buildings, monuments and sites which together form the “coherent series of distinctive cultural landscapes created by the industrialisation of hard rock mining” between 1700 and 1914.\nIt said the site in question was mined from at least the mid-1700s, and contains mine shafts and remnant copper dressing floors as well as spoil heaps and cobbled surfaces.\n“It is still clearly a mining landscape that makes a positive contribution to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) for which the CMWHS was inscribed.”\nHow to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here\nThe Cornish Geothermal Distillery Company (CGDC) has applied for outline planning permission for a sustainable scheme, called the Celsius project, to mature and distil rum using heat generated by the UK’s first geothermal power plant.\nThe application includes an associated shop, cafe, parking, landscaping, and ancillary functions, powered using geothermal heat from the nearby Geothermal Power project.\nThe project recently received £75,000 from the Government’s Green Distillery Competition grant scheme for projects which can cut carbon emissions and support new jobs.\nHistoric England said that without a full application and associated details, the full scale of the proposed development can’t be assessed but it is nevertheless clear “the proposed development would radically change the visual appearance and character of the site”.\nIt said contemporary buildings will “damage, overlay, and obscure the industrial and mining heritage” and calls on the council to consider if the public benefits of the scheme outweigh any harm to the CMWHS.\nIt suggests: “We consider that the simplest way of removing this harm is to relocate the facility to an alternative site. Given that the land on either side of the highway is in the same ownership, only one side of which is within the CMWHS, we recommend that a site closer to the geothermal source is considered.”\nA outcome of the planning application is yet to be decided.", "Concerns raised that geothermal rum biome plan could harm World Heritage Site", "Historic England wants developers behind ambitious £10m scheme to look for another plot including over the road" ]
[ "Chris Pyke" ]
2021-01-11T11:35:18
null
2021-01-11T09:12:19
The hotel comprises of 39 ensuite bedrooms, and the grounds feature extensive spa and leisure facilities situated in a modern purpose-built building developed
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fwest-wales-georgian-mansion-hotel-19600508.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…tel-Exterior.jpg
en
null
West Wales Georgian mansion hotel and spa placed on the market
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Commercial Property Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A hotel and spa in west Wales has been placed on the market for just under £3m. Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa, a Best Western branded country hotel, is a restored Georgian mansion set amongst the Pembrokeshire countryside. The hotel is located in Lamphey, a rural village on the edge of Pembrokeshire National Park, Britain’s only coastal national park, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Lamphey, which is 90 miles from the Welsh capital of Cardiff, is close to beaches, harbours, castles, and range of activities, such as walking, cycling, fishing, sailing, and golf. The hotel comprises 39 ensuite bedrooms, that nod to the building’s Georgian heritage, with 27 of the rooms located in the main house and the remaining 12 in the adjacent stables known as The Coach House. Also located within the Coach House is a spacious managers apartment comprising a lounge, kitchenette, double bedroom and bathroom. Additionally, the expansive grounds feature extensive spa and leisure facilities situated in a modern purpose-built building developed by the current owners, which overlook the countryside. Amenities include a 14-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room, fitness suite, hairdressing salon, sun terrace and spa which offers a range of signature Elemis treatments. The hotel is currently managed by Bespoke Hotels and trades under the Best Western branding however there is an opportunity for the new owner to rebrand. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Richard Thomas, business agent in Christie & Co’s Hotels team is handling the sale, and said: "Lamphey Court Hotel is not only a quintessentially beautiful hotel, but an established, profitable and highly successful business. "Set a moment from the famous Pembrokeshire coast, and providing one of the finest spa facilities in West Wales, it makes the ideal venue for business and leisure travel alike. "The hotel is currently fully managed, providing an ideal investment, alternatively a new owner could assume management duties and imprint their own style and business acumen into the hotel. "Post lockdown demand for high quality country house hotels has been strong and we expect high levels of interest for what is undoubtably one of the finest assets to come to market in the area for some time.” Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa is currently on the market with a guide price of £ £2,950,000 for the freehold.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/west-wales-georgian-mansion-hotel-19600508
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/d6bd3d8d0f08c19a9a5f17935538c7d5bcc123e4dd021b55c88266012e473dc3.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Commercial Property Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA hotel and spa in west Wales has been placed on the market for just under £3m.\nLamphey Court Hotel & Spa, a Best Western branded country hotel, is a restored Georgian mansion set amongst the Pembrokeshire countryside.\nThe hotel is located in Lamphey, a rural village on the edge of Pembrokeshire National Park, Britain’s only coastal national park, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.\nLamphey, which is 90 miles from the Welsh capital of Cardiff, is close to beaches, harbours, castles, and range of activities, such as walking, cycling, fishing, sailing, and golf.\nThe hotel comprises 39 ensuite bedrooms, that nod to the building’s Georgian heritage, with 27 of the rooms located in the main house and the remaining 12 in the adjacent stables known as The Coach House. Also located within the Coach House is a spacious managers apartment comprising a lounge, kitchenette, double bedroom and bathroom.\nAdditionally, the expansive grounds feature extensive spa and leisure facilities situated in a modern purpose-built building developed by the current owners, which overlook the countryside. Amenities include a 14-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room, fitness suite, hairdressing salon, sun terrace and spa which offers a range of signature Elemis treatments.\nThe hotel is currently managed by Bespoke Hotels and trades under the Best Western branding however there is an opportunity for the new owner to rebrand.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nRichard Thomas, business agent in Christie & Co’s Hotels team is handling the sale, and said: \"Lamphey Court Hotel is not only a quintessentially beautiful hotel, but an established, profitable and highly successful business.\n\"Set a moment from the famous Pembrokeshire coast, and providing one of the finest spa facilities in West Wales, it makes the ideal venue for business and leisure travel alike.\n\"The hotel is currently fully managed, providing an ideal investment, alternatively a new owner could assume management duties and imprint their own style and business acumen into the hotel.\n\"Post lockdown demand for high quality country house hotels has been strong and we expect high levels of interest for what is undoubtably one of the finest assets to come to market in the area for some time.”\nLamphey Court Hotel & Spa is currently on the market with a guide price of £ £2,950,000 for the freehold.", "West Wales Georgian mansion hotel and spa placed on the market", "The hotel comprises of 39 ensuite bedrooms, and the grounds feature extensive spa and leisure facilities situated in a modern purpose-built building developed" ]
[ "Chris Pyke" ]
2021-01-20T14:52:16
null
2021-01-20T14:16:35
The company was hired by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to build an extensive digital tour of its three main campuses
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fstartups%2Fvr-start-up-firm-found-19663563.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…-help-of-Big.jpg
en
null
VR start-up firm found their skills in demand during the pandemic
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A virtual reality firm found its business in demand as a result of the restrictions during the pandemic. Virtus Tech, started by two Cardiff University graduates, is a VR company for the education, property and retail sector. It has used its skills to help tackle some of the challenges facing businesses in the wake of Covid-19, and also entered a number of new markets as a result. George Bellwood, 25, along with his co-founder Robin David, 24, created the B2B company which uses virtual and augmented reality to tour universities, retailers, and view homes on the market, blending real and digital experiences for customers and homebuyers. Since its launch in 2018, Virtus Tech has gone from strength to strength, expanding into new markets and adding clients to its portfolio such as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Cardiff University, and co-working venue Tramshed Tech. When the first lockdown took place, Mr Bellwood and Mr David were unable to visit client’s sites to capture the images they needed to create the VR tours, which inspired them to design their own tour customisation platform enabling clients to create their own tours. However, after the initial impact, the company’s services have proved timely and relevant, allowing universities and businesses that have had to close during the pandemic to step into the digital realm, reaching new customers online. During the pandemic, Virtus Tech was approached by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to build an extensive digital tour of its three main campuses in Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea, each with buildings of around 100 rooms or more. Mr Bellwood said: "Since open days were cancelled, a virtual tour was the most effective way to not only show the campuses and facilities that the university offers but also to demonstrate to current and prospective students what the university is doing to ensure a safe environment and follow government guidelines. “Working closely with the University’s project managers, it took over a week to film the entire university, but now we can say that, to date, the UK’s largest bespoke virtual tour for an education institution was built by Virtus Tech”. He continued: "In the property industry, Virtus Tech allows you to tour prospective houses before visiting, not only saving time for both the estate agent and buyers but also minimising face to face contact. In the hospitality sector, VR is used to advertise hotels, event centres or experiences for our client’s customers.” Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Mr Bellwood and Mr David developed their business idea with the help of Big Ideas Wales, part of Business Wales and funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The service is aimed at anyone between the age of 5 and 25 who wants to develop a business idea, including students and graduates. “I learnt about Big Ideas Wales through Cardiff University’s Enterprise Champion Claire Parry-Witchell who referred me to a business advisor at Big Ideas Wales," said Mr Bellwood. "During university and since I graduated, the service has offered me invaluable support every step of the way. It’s reassuring to know that I can pick up the phone and ask for advice whenever I might need it.” Virtus Tech has already rolled out a new service, which uses machine learning and image recognition allowing clients to gain greater insights with their tours. The new platform has proven to be a worthwhile addition to their services, as it monitors how effective the tours are with customers. Mr Bellwood explained: “By giving clients access to our real time Digi Data dashboard this enables them to increase user engagement with the tours. Through machine learning we are able to help clients make more informed decisions using state transition models and time series forecasting.” Ms Parry-Witchell added: “In just two years, George has made huge strides in developing his business. As a savvy businessperson, George has been able to turn this challenging year for so many businesses into a success for his company, entering new markets as a result. Consistent client wins and the employment of a new member of the team is testament to the hard work George has put into Virtus Tech.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/startups/vr-start-up-firm-found-19663563
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/62adcdee4d5f2b90d4d3c0ebc227afa4bff0b56bcfb3d79edf23ebce6306ae2d.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA virtual reality firm found its business in demand as a result of the restrictions during the pandemic.\nVirtus Tech, started by two Cardiff University graduates, is a VR company for the education, property and retail sector. It has used its skills to help tackle some of the challenges facing businesses in the wake of Covid-19, and also entered a number of new markets as a result.\nGeorge Bellwood, 25, along with his co-founder Robin David, 24, created the B2B company which uses virtual and augmented reality to tour universities, retailers, and view homes on the market, blending real and digital experiences for customers and homebuyers.\nSince its launch in 2018, Virtus Tech has gone from strength to strength, expanding into new markets and adding clients to its portfolio such as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Cardiff University, and co-working venue Tramshed Tech.\nWhen the first lockdown took place, Mr Bellwood and Mr David were unable to visit client’s sites to capture the images they needed to create the VR tours, which inspired them to design their own tour customisation platform enabling clients to create their own tours.\nHowever, after the initial impact, the company’s services have proved timely and relevant, allowing universities and businesses that have had to close during the pandemic to step into the digital realm, reaching new customers online.\nDuring the pandemic, Virtus Tech was approached by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to build an extensive digital tour of its three main campuses in Carmarthen, Lampeter and Swansea, each with buildings of around 100 rooms or more.\nMr Bellwood said: \"Since open days were cancelled, a virtual tour was the most effective way to not only show the campuses and facilities that the university offers but also to demonstrate to current and prospective students what the university is doing to ensure a safe environment and follow government guidelines.\n“Working closely with the University’s project managers, it took over a week to film the entire university, but now we can say that, to date, the UK’s largest bespoke virtual tour for an education institution was built by Virtus Tech”.\nHe continued: \"In the property industry, Virtus Tech allows you to tour prospective houses before visiting, not only saving time for both the estate agent and buyers but also minimising face to face contact. In the hospitality sector, VR is used to advertise hotels, event centres or experiences for our client’s customers.”\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nMr Bellwood and Mr David developed their business idea with the help of Big Ideas Wales, part of Business Wales and funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The service is aimed at anyone between the age of 5 and 25 who wants to develop a business idea, including students and graduates.\n“I learnt about Big Ideas Wales through Cardiff University’s Enterprise Champion Claire Parry-Witchell who referred me to a business advisor at Big Ideas Wales,\" said Mr Bellwood.\n\"During university and since I graduated, the service has offered me invaluable support every step of the way. It’s reassuring to know that I can pick up the phone and ask for advice whenever I might need it.”\nVirtus Tech has already rolled out a new service, which uses machine learning and image recognition allowing clients to gain greater insights with their tours. The new platform has proven to be a worthwhile addition to their services, as it monitors how effective the tours are with customers.\nMr Bellwood explained: “By giving clients access to our real time Digi Data dashboard this enables them to increase user engagement with the tours. Through machine learning we are able to help clients make more informed decisions using state transition models and time series forecasting.”\nMs Parry-Witchell added: “In just two years, George has made huge strides in developing his business. As a savvy businessperson, George has been able to turn this challenging year for so many businesses into a success for his company, entering new markets as a result. Consistent client wins and the employment of a new member of the team is testament to the hard work George has put into Virtus Tech.”", "VR start-up firm found their skills in demand during the pandemic", "The company was hired by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to build an extensive digital tour of its three main campuses" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Bpm" ]
2021-01-12T12:16:13
null
2021-01-12T11:50:20
The Keighley company assured customers it would be ready to meet demand when pubs reopen
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Ftimothy-taylors-brewery-halts-cask-19608917.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…200/0_rtgwtg.jpg
en
null
Timothy Taylor's brewery halts cask beer production until further notice
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A West Yorkshire brewery has halted production of cask beer until further nortice due to the Covid-19 crisis. Launched in 1858, Timothy Taylor’s operates 19 pubs across Yorkshire while also supplying its nine beers - notably its flagship pale ale Landlord - to a host of retailers around the UK. But due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, which have resulted in all pubs in the UK being forced to close, the Keighley company has announced it has ceased producing cask beer until further notice. In a statement the firm said: “We will continue to brew beer to support our bottled business – both for retail sales and our own online shop timothytaylorshop.co.uk. “During this period, the majority of our workforce will be furloughed, with only key members of our team working part-time to keep the business active.” Paul Matthews, sales director for Timothy Taylor’s, added: “Once the reopening of our industry is confirmed, we can assure you that we will be ready to meet demand and support our trade customers once again (as we were last summer). The news comes as the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) warns that far more financial support from Government will be needed if pubs are not to open until May. The trade association, which represents brewers and pubs, says pubs across the UK will be lost for good if they cannot reopen until May and do not get extended financial support from Government, saying a proper roadmap for reopening must be issued. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “We really hope that the speculation about pubs being forced to stay closed until May is not true. We strongly believe that pubs are safe places to socialise and can play an important role in our social and economic recovery. “If pubs are forced to stay close until May, it would mean they have faced 14 months of lockdowns and restrictions. How on earth could the Government expect them to survive? “UK pubs will be screaming ‘mayday’ long before a May reopening without significantly more financial support from Government.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/timothy-taylors-brewery-halts-cask-19608917
en
2021-01-12T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/9010c58fb06e4d73b2baff0ef0dc4c68d2ecad9f309682d4200a2d166da67459.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA West Yorkshire brewery has halted production of cask beer until further nortice due to the Covid-19 crisis.\nLaunched in 1858, Timothy Taylor’s operates 19 pubs across Yorkshire while also supplying its nine beers - notably its flagship pale ale Landlord - to a host of retailers around the UK.\nBut due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, which have resulted in all pubs in the UK being forced to close, the Keighley company has announced it has ceased producing cask beer until further notice.\nIn a statement the firm said: “We will continue to brew beer to support our bottled business – both for retail sales and our own online shop timothytaylorshop.co.uk.\n“During this period, the majority of our workforce will be furloughed, with only key members of our team working part-time to keep the business active.”\nPaul Matthews, sales director for Timothy Taylor’s, added: “Once the reopening of our industry is confirmed, we can assure you that we will be ready to meet demand and support our trade customers once again (as we were last summer).\nThe news comes as the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) warns that far more financial support from Government will be needed if pubs are not to open until May.\nThe trade association, which represents brewers and pubs, says pubs across the UK will be lost for good if they cannot reopen until May and do not get extended financial support from Government, saying a proper roadmap for reopening must be issued.\nEmma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “We really hope that the speculation about pubs being forced to stay closed until May is not true. We strongly believe that pubs are safe places to socialise and can play an important role in our social and economic recovery.\n“If pubs are forced to stay close until May, it would mean they have faced 14 months of lockdowns and restrictions. How on earth could the Government expect them to survive?\n“UK pubs will be screaming ‘mayday’ long before a May reopening without significantly more financial support from Government.”", "Timothy Taylor's brewery halts cask beer production until further notice", "The Keighley company assured customers it would be ready to meet demand when pubs reopen" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Avison Young" ]
2021-01-22T13:20:35
null
2021-01-20T12:40:23
Hadrian Yard has been sold less than a year after going on the market with a £15m asking price
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fkey-tyneside-shipyard-sold-vote-19662902.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…adrian_01JPG.jpg
en
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Key Tyneside shipyard sold in vote of confidence for bouyant industrial sector
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A key North East industrial yard has been sold to new owners less than a year after going up for sale with a £15m price tag. Hadrian Yard in Wallsend has been sold to Belgian-Dutch steel firm Smulders Projects UK – the tenants of the site – in a deal believed to be close to the asking price, after the company saw off competition from two other interested parties. The deal represents a further vote of confidence in the North East’s thriving offshore sector, coming less than two weeks after nearby Swan Hunter yard was also sold to new owners seeking growth, on the back of a huge global increase in renewable energy projects. Property agents Avison Young secured the sale for owners Hadrian Industrial Holdings (HHIL) Ltd, which had been leasing the site to Smulders for use as a manufacturing and assembly yard for jacket foundations for use in offshore wind turbines. The Hadrian Yard extends to 30 hectares (75 acres) on the North Bank of the River Tyne. It has 461,128 sq ft of industrial, warehouse and office accommodation, plus 1km of waterfront, a 25-acre reinforced concrete assembly pad and a yard power capacity of 5,000 KVA through 10 substations. The deal was secured by Simon Beanland and Danny Cramman at Avison Young’s Newcastle office. Mr Beanland said: “I am pleased to say after an initial lengthy marketing campaign this unique site attracted a good level of interest from 3 parties focusing on the growing off-shore and alternative energy sector. “The Government’s recent announcement on the UK’s Green energy plan and talk of a potential free port status in the region is thought to have focused buyer interest from both end user and investors.” Mr Cramman added: “The site is exceptionally well-placed to benefit from developments in the North Sea and within easy reach of key offshore energy locations such as Dogger Bank and Hornsea.” Hadrian Yard has a long and distinguished history in the industrial heritage of the North East. It was the site of the construction of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, home to leading oil and gas firm OGN and, decades before HHIL Ltd took possession, the yard was home to the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company, best known for building the engines of the Mauretania in the early years of the 20th Century. The significant sale comes less than two weeks after North Tyneside Council agreed a deal to sell the 1.4m square feet of land at Swan Hunter shipyard to Shepherd Offshore. The Walker based business plans to transform the site into an energy park, hoping its move to the site will act as a catalyst for other companies wanting to launch operations in the North East.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/key-tyneside-shipyard-sold-vote-19662902
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/692e3ebeeecab95d00d868dfb4fac4eb11ddef9d42548efa56dd3b32a27d3e4b.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA key North East industrial yard has been sold to new owners less than a year after going up for sale with a £15m price tag.\nHadrian Yard in Wallsend has been sold to Belgian-Dutch steel firm Smulders Projects UK – the tenants of the site – in a deal believed to be close to the asking price, after the company saw off competition from two other interested parties.\nThe deal represents a further vote of confidence in the North East’s thriving offshore sector, coming less than two weeks after nearby Swan Hunter yard was also sold to new owners seeking growth, on the back of a huge global increase in renewable energy projects.\nProperty agents Avison Young secured the sale for owners Hadrian Industrial Holdings (HHIL) Ltd, which had been leasing the site to Smulders for use as a manufacturing and assembly yard for jacket foundations for use in offshore wind turbines.\nThe Hadrian Yard extends to 30 hectares (75 acres) on the North Bank of the River Tyne. It has 461,128 sq ft of industrial, warehouse and office accommodation, plus 1km of waterfront, a 25-acre reinforced concrete assembly pad and a yard power capacity of 5,000 KVA through 10 substations.\nThe deal was secured by Simon Beanland and Danny Cramman at Avison Young’s Newcastle office.\nMr Beanland said: “I am pleased to say after an initial lengthy marketing campaign this unique site attracted a good level of interest from 3 parties focusing on the growing off-shore and alternative energy sector.\n“The Government’s recent announcement on the UK’s Green energy plan and talk of a potential free port status in the region is thought to have focused buyer interest from both end user and investors.”\nMr Cramman added: “The site is exceptionally well-placed to benefit from developments in the North Sea and within easy reach of key offshore energy locations such as Dogger Bank and Hornsea.”\nHadrian Yard has a long and distinguished history in the industrial heritage of the North East.\nIt was the site of the construction of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, home to leading oil and gas firm OGN and, decades before HHIL Ltd took possession, the yard was home to the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company, best known for building the engines of the Mauretania in the early years of the 20th Century.\nThe significant sale comes less than two weeks after North Tyneside Council agreed a deal to sell the 1.4m square feet of land at Swan Hunter shipyard to Shepherd Offshore.\nThe Walker based business plans to transform the site into an energy park, hoping its move to the site will act as a catalyst for other companies wanting to launch operations in the North East.", "Key Tyneside shipyard sold in vote of confidence for bouyant industrial sector", "Hadrian Yard has been sold less than a year after going on the market with a £15m asking price" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Huddersfield Examiner" ]
2021-01-27T10:46:39
null
2021-01-27T09:39:00
The furniture and flooring group said it is cautiously optimistic as it continues to benefit from pent-up demand
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fsunderland-furniture-firm-scs-hails-19708057.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…ail-Park-SCS.jpg
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Sunderland furniture firm ScS hails positive start to 2021 as order book jumps 22%
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Furniture firm ScS group has hailed a positive start to the year with growing sales, despite the challenges of lockdown. The Sunderland based soft furnishings and flooring retailer has issued a half year trading update, saying gross sales in the 26 weeks to January 23 2021 jumped 13.9% to £182.3m. As of January 23 the company’s order book stood at £90.5m, a £16.8m increase compared to the same period last year. The firm said the growth came from significant order intake last June and July – when shops reopened following the first lockdown – together with the strong trading in the first quarter of the current financial year. It said that, unlike the first national lockdown and in line with Government guidelines, distribution centres have remained operational throughout the period and continued to deliver goods to customers. But it warned that, while there were many people investing in their homes during lockdown, customers tended to come into stores to try out products before buying. In an update to shareholders the firm said: “The group had a positive start to the year, seeing order intake growth over the first 21 weeks despite the impact of further temporary regional and national store closures across the UK, as a result of Covid-19. “Due to increased restrictions across the UK, we commenced our winter sale with 57 of our 100 stores trading on Boxing Day. Following further restrictions, 37 stores then closed on 30 December, with the remaining 20 closing on 4 January. Performance in these stores was strong whilst they remained open. “The group’s online sales channel continues to make good progress, with the half year seeing an increase in order intake of 98% when compared to the same period in the prior year. “Whilst it is too early to provide clarity on the outlook for the weeks and months ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic given the strong trading experienced by the Group following the first and second lockdowns. “Given the tactile nature of our products, the majority of customers chose to wait until stores re-opened to try our products in person before making their purchasing decision. This resulted in the business benefiting from pent-up demand, coupled with an increased level of investment by UK consumers in their homes.” On January 6 the firm announced that Steve Carson had joined the group and will lead ScS as CEO when David Knight retires in July 2021. The group added that the handover process has started and is progressing well.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/sunderland-furniture-firm-scs-hails-19708057
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/f9338a8f0b8159c683ae011c3eb7c873f6c6cc294a8f98caf059615637bdf667.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nFurniture firm ScS group has hailed a positive start to the year with growing sales, despite the challenges of lockdown.\nThe Sunderland based soft furnishings and flooring retailer has issued a half year trading update, saying gross sales in the 26 weeks to January 23 2021 jumped 13.9% to £182.3m.\nAs of January 23 the company’s order book stood at £90.5m, a £16.8m increase compared to the same period last year.\nThe firm said the growth came from significant order intake last June and July – when shops reopened following the first lockdown – together with the strong trading in the first quarter of the current financial year.\nIt said that, unlike the first national lockdown and in line with Government guidelines, distribution centres have remained operational throughout the period and continued to deliver goods to customers.\nBut it warned that, while there were many people investing in their homes during lockdown, customers tended to come into stores to try out products before buying.\nIn an update to shareholders the firm said: “The group had a positive start to the year, seeing order intake growth over the first 21 weeks despite the impact of further temporary regional and national store closures across the UK, as a result of Covid-19.\n“Due to increased restrictions across the UK, we commenced our winter sale with 57 of our 100 stores trading on Boxing Day. Following further restrictions, 37 stores then closed on 30 December, with the remaining 20 closing on 4 January. Performance in these stores was strong whilst they remained open.\n“The group’s online sales channel continues to make good progress, with the half year seeing an increase in order intake of 98% when compared to the same period in the prior year.\n“Whilst it is too early to provide clarity on the outlook for the weeks and months ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic given the strong trading experienced by the Group following the first and second lockdowns.\n“Given the tactile nature of our products, the majority of customers chose to wait until stores re-opened to try our products in person before making their purchasing decision. This resulted in the business benefiting from pent-up demand, coupled with an increased level of investment by UK consumers in their homes.”\nOn January 6 the firm announced that Steve Carson had joined the group and will lead ScS as CEO when David Knight retires in July 2021. The group added that the handover process has started and is progressing well.", "Sunderland furniture firm ScS hails positive start to 2021 as order book jumps 22%", "The furniture and flooring group said it is cautiously optimistic as it continues to benefit from pent-up demand" ]
[ "Tom Houghton", "Image", "Jacob King Pa Wire" ]
2021-01-21T14:57:35
null
2021-01-21T13:57:32
Mayor said regional tiers system only creates confusion - and does not help contain the spread of Covid
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Ftiers-not-answer-burnham-calls-19670038.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS225750814.jpg
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Tiers not the answer: Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham calls for post-lockdown 'national approach'
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Mayor Andy Burnham has called for a "national approach" once the third English lockdown comes to an end, raising fears that the tiers system only causes confusion. The Greater Manchester mayor said the rules in place before Christmas caused "real problems" as people travelled to neighbouring areas to take advantage of lighter restrictions. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Burnham also said with no end in sight to the national lockdown, he feared more of Greater Manchester's businesses could collapse. But he said with infection rates dropping and the vaccine roll-out accelerating, the city is in a "strong position" when the country eventually emerges from lockdown. Reacting to this week's news that the tiers system could be introduced again in March, he said: "I just have my doubts about the tier system and the extent to which it works. "The confusion that different arrangements creates within a region is a real problem." Back in December the Liverpool City Region was placed into Tier 2, meaning restaurants and some hospitality venues could open, while Manchester was Tier 3. He said: "When you have shops or hospitality open in one area and you don't have that in another, of course that creates incentives for people to move around, and that doesn't necessarily create the conditions by which you contain the spread of the virus. "So I think there needs to be a new discussion about what is the right exit from national lockdown. And that hasn't begun in earnest yet. "I don't personally feel that the balance was got right in those earlier tiers [and] I would hope we might be able to have another discussion about that coming out of this situation. Some honesty is needed about the extent to which it worked, because I think there are real doubts." He said he would prefer a whole-nation approach, like those introduced in summer. "I would prefer national arrangements, if they could be justified in a way that we had national arrangements coming out of the first national lock down and they persisted for a time before the first regional restrictions came in. "So it all needs very careful consideration. Erring on the side of caution in February will probably be wise, given the situation with new strains." Earlier in the year, Greater Manchester was forced into Tier 3 by the Government when talks broke down after days of negotiations. Mayor Burnham said the authority has concerns that more Greater Manchester businesses could close given the third national lockdown currently having no definite end date. Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. He said: "It's a really challenging picture for businesses and we're monitoring the situation really closely. "We're working with councils at the moment to ensure that whatever funds we have got to make available, we are getting out of the door. "It's a tricky balance that the council's are managing at the moment - the need to provide support, but at the same time recognising that we don't know that this will end in March and April. It's a difficult picture to predict." He said the authority is "monitoring the situation closely with regards to the numbers of businesses making redundancies". He said whether the furlough scheme is extended beyond March will be "the key issue" moving into spring. He added: "We do fear the damage that has been done to the GM and the northern economy, we've said that before, it was at the heart of the concerns I expressed about the original tier three debate last year. "We think the poorest parts of the country have been hit hardest by this virus, both from a people point of view, but also from an economic point of view. "There is going to be a lot of heavy lifting needed to level up this country coming out of this pandemic." He added that despite national issues with the test, trace and isolate system, there is hope for Manchester. "We do have a lower overall case rate at the moment than the England average, and we are seeing reductions in all 10 of our boroughs, which is encouraging. We're making good progress on vaccinations. "I think that does suggest we are in a strong position in Greater Manchester."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/tiers-not-answer-burnham-calls-19670038
en
2021-01-21T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/628e048a0141c1ed1f9f3eeb29974ed8777cd3c0cb72d771a99dbd50b0cdb008.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nMayor Andy Burnham has called for a \"national approach\" once the third English lockdown comes to an end, raising fears that the tiers system only causes confusion.\nThe Greater Manchester mayor said the rules in place before Christmas caused \"real problems\" as people travelled to neighbouring areas to take advantage of lighter restrictions.\nSpeaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Burnham also said with no end in sight to the national lockdown, he feared more of Greater Manchester's businesses could collapse.\nBut he said with infection rates dropping and the vaccine roll-out accelerating, the city is in a \"strong position\" when the country eventually emerges from lockdown.\nReacting to this week's news that the tiers system could be introduced again in March, he said: \"I just have my doubts about the tier system and the extent to which it works.\n\"The confusion that different arrangements creates within a region is a real problem.\"\nBack in December the Liverpool City Region was placed into Tier 2, meaning restaurants and some hospitality venues could open, while Manchester was Tier 3.\nHe said: \"When you have shops or hospitality open in one area and you don't have that in another, of course that creates incentives for people to move around, and that doesn't necessarily create the conditions by which you contain the spread of the virus.\n\"So I think there needs to be a new discussion about what is the right exit from national lockdown. And that hasn't begun in earnest yet.\n\"I don't personally feel that the balance was got right in those earlier tiers [and] I would hope we might be able to have another discussion about that coming out of this situation. Some honesty is needed about the extent to which it worked, because I think there are real doubts.\"\nHe said he would prefer a whole-nation approach, like those introduced in summer.\n\"I would prefer national arrangements, if they could be justified in a way that we had national arrangements coming out of the first national lock down and they persisted for a time before the first regional restrictions came in.\n\"So it all needs very careful consideration. Erring on the side of caution in February will probably be wise, given the situation with new strains.\"\nEarlier in the year, Greater Manchester was forced into Tier 3 by the Government when talks broke down after days of negotiations.\nMayor Burnham said the authority has concerns that more Greater Manchester businesses could close given the third national lockdown currently having no definite end date.\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nHe said: \"It's a really challenging picture for businesses and we're monitoring the situation really closely.\n\"We're working with councils at the moment to ensure that whatever funds we have got to make available, we are getting out of the door.\n\"It's a tricky balance that the council's are managing at the moment - the need to provide support, but at the same time recognising that we don't know that this will end in March and April. It's a difficult picture to predict.\"\nHe said the authority is \"monitoring the situation closely with regards to the numbers of businesses making redundancies\".\nHe said whether the furlough scheme is extended beyond March will be \"the key issue\" moving into spring.\nHe added: \"We do fear the damage that has been done to the GM and the northern economy, we've said that before, it was at the heart of the concerns I expressed about the original tier three debate last year.\n\"We think the poorest parts of the country have been hit hardest by this virus, both from a people point of view, but also from an economic point of view.\n\"There is going to be a lot of heavy lifting needed to level up this country coming out of this pandemic.\"\nHe added that despite national issues with the test, trace and isolate system, there is hope for Manchester.\n\"We do have a lower overall case rate at the moment than the England average, and we are seeing reductions in all 10 of our boroughs, which is encouraging. We're making good progress on vaccinations.\n\"I think that does suggest we are in a strong position in Greater Manchester.\"", "Tiers not the answer: Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham calls for post-lockdown 'national approach'", "Mayor said regional tiers system only creates confusion - and does not help contain the spread of Covid" ]
[ "Chris Pyke" ]
2021-01-04T15:00:59
null
2021-01-04T13:33:35
The non-invasive, real-time continuous glucose monitor is being developed by the Wales-based company Afon Technology
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fdiabetes-watch-set-radicalise-lives-19559835.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…on_Iso_Hero2.png
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Diabetes watch set to 'radicalise the lives' of people with the condition
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A small Welsh company is being tipped to make a huge impact on the global diabetes community with a non-invasive, real-time continuous glucose monitor. With more than 463 million people worldwide believed to have diabetes, the Afon Technology device, a portable, non-invasive, real-time continuous glucose monitor, is seen a potential breakthrough. It is hoped the product from the Chepstow-based Afon Technology "will completely radicalise the lives of those who have diabetes". The company says its device will go one step further than the FreeStyle Libre. Unlike the Libre, it will measure blood glucose levels without the need to penetrate the skin at all, making it easier to manage the condition and therefore reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations. Preliminary clinical research has given developers hope that such a device could become a reality in the near future. Professor de Vries, medical director at Profil, the diabetes research organisation in Germany who specialises in internal medicine and endocrinology, and is a principal investigator at the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Medicine (AMC-UvA), said: “We evaluated the Afon device under both hyper-and hypoglycaemic conditions during the clinical trials and we were surprised and excited by the possibilities of this technology.” The product will be designed to alert the user when they have high and low glucose levels and will also help to monitor personalised health trends. The smart technology has been designed to fit inside a wristwatch strap to communicate with the user’s choice of smartwatch or smart device. With no replaceable parts it will be cheaper than other current diabetes technologies available on the market which rely on replacement patches and needles. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Afon Technology’s CEO Sabih Chaudhry said: “Our taskforce of experts are world-class and together we’re proud to be developing a global first. Our recent clinical trials have gone really well and we’re excited to be bringing this device, which is the next big thing in diabetes technology, to people very soon. “Diabetes can be incredibly limiting to someone’s life, but we believe we’ve created a device which will provide the wonderful feeling of freedom all wrapped up in a watch on the wrist.” It is hoped the device, which is set to undergo another round of clinical trials, will be available to purchase from mid-2022. Afon Technolofy says research has found that £5.5bn of the NHS hospitals budget is spent on diabetes, and poor diabetes control was responsible for £3bn in potentially avoidable hospital treatment in England in the year 2017-2018.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/diabetes-watch-set-radicalise-lives-19559835
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/61158ba70e243df7acf27c20a489079b9ce7f4c5677e4648ea14a5da90d3fa72.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA small Welsh company is being tipped to make a huge impact on the global diabetes community with a non-invasive, real-time continuous glucose monitor.\nWith more than 463 million people worldwide believed to have diabetes, the Afon Technology device, a portable, non-invasive, real-time continuous glucose monitor, is seen a potential breakthrough.\nIt is hoped the product from the Chepstow-based Afon Technology \"will completely radicalise the lives of those who have diabetes\".\nThe company says its device will go one step further than the FreeStyle Libre. Unlike the Libre, it will measure blood glucose levels without the need to penetrate the skin at all, making it easier to manage the condition and therefore reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations.\nPreliminary clinical research has given developers hope that such a device could become a reality in the near future.\nProfessor de Vries, medical director at Profil, the diabetes research organisation in Germany who specialises in internal medicine and endocrinology, and is a principal investigator at the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Medicine (AMC-UvA), said: “We evaluated the Afon device under both hyper-and hypoglycaemic conditions during the clinical trials and we were surprised and excited by the possibilities of this technology.”\nThe product will be designed to alert the user when they have high and low glucose levels and will also help to monitor personalised health trends.\nThe smart technology has been designed to fit inside a wristwatch strap to communicate with the user’s choice of smartwatch or smart device. With no replaceable parts it will be cheaper than other current diabetes technologies available on the market which rely on replacement patches and needles.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nAfon Technology’s CEO Sabih Chaudhry said: “Our taskforce of experts are world-class and together we’re proud to be developing a global first. Our recent clinical trials have gone really well and we’re excited to be bringing this device, which is the next big thing in diabetes technology, to people very soon.\n“Diabetes can be incredibly limiting to someone’s life, but we believe we’ve created a device which will provide the wonderful feeling of freedom all wrapped up in a watch on the wrist.”\nIt is hoped the device, which is set to undergo another round of clinical trials, will be available to purchase from mid-2022.\nAfon Technolofy says research has found that £5.5bn of the NHS hospitals budget is spent on diabetes, and poor diabetes control was responsible for £3bn in potentially avoidable hospital treatment in England in the year 2017-2018.", "Diabetes watch set to 'radicalise the lives' of people with the condition", "The non-invasive, real-time continuous glucose monitor is being developed by the Wales-based company Afon Technology" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-08T03:55:31
null
2021-01-08T03:00:00
Audley Centre, on the corner of St Peter’s Street and East Street, for a figure close to the £2.5 million asking price
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fderby-shopping-centre-sold-19571186.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS153738132.jpg
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Derby shopping centre sold
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A Derby shopping centre has been sold. FHP Property Consultants has sold the former Audley Centre, on the corner of St Peter’s Street and East Street, for a figure close to the £2.5 million asking price. According to Marketing Derby, tenants of the 42,000 sq ft of property include Lloyds, Poundland, Three and Betfred. FHP acted on behalf of Catalyst Capital. FHP associate director Darran Severn said: “The purchaser owns a portfolio of similar assets across the Midlands. “Their approach is to attract local retailers by reducing rents and providing ‘white box’ units immediately available for occupation.” According to FHP, the parade, which generates a passing rent of almost £500,000 a year, provides opportunities to asset manage and reduce voids, while increasing rental income. There are also angles for development and breakup. Mr Severn said: “I believe there is a significant asset management angle to increase the rental income and reduce voids. “This is a substantial block of property in a key area of the city centre. “There are currently a number of serious buyers in the market who are looking to pick up these management intensive assets. “It is great to see activity within this sector at a time where retail is facing changes and High Streets are adapting. “I am delighted to confirm that FHP Property Consultants have been retained to now launch the vacant units.” GCW acted as joint agents alongside FHP Property Consultants on the sale.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/derby-shopping-centre-sold-19571186
en
2021-01-08T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/783515c423f5745a58494563853dfa7fd69bd369044618b683666f7742c8dca6.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA Derby shopping centre has been sold.\nFHP Property Consultants has sold the former Audley Centre, on the corner of St Peter’s Street and East Street, for a figure close to the £2.5 million asking price.\nAccording to Marketing Derby, tenants of the 42,000 sq ft of property include Lloyds, Poundland, Three and Betfred.\nFHP acted on behalf of Catalyst Capital. FHP associate director Darran Severn said: “The purchaser owns a portfolio of similar assets across the Midlands.\n“Their approach is to attract local retailers by reducing rents and providing ‘white box’ units immediately available for occupation.”\nAccording to FHP, the parade, which generates a passing rent of almost £500,000 a year, provides opportunities to asset manage and reduce voids, while increasing rental income.\nThere are also angles for development and breakup. Mr Severn said: “I believe there is a significant asset management angle to increase the rental income and reduce voids.\n“This is a substantial block of property in a key area of the city centre.\n“There are currently a number of serious buyers in the market who are looking to pick up these management intensive assets.\n“It is great to see activity within this sector at a time where retail is facing changes and High Streets are adapting.\n“I am delighted to confirm that FHP Property Consultants have been retained to now launch the vacant units.”\nGCW acted as joint agents alongside FHP Property Consultants on the sale.", "Derby shopping centre sold", "Audley Centre, on the corner of St Peter’s Street and East Street, for a figure close to the £2.5 million asking price" ]
[ "David Laister", "Image", "Hull Daily Mail" ]
2021-01-08T11:36:28
null
2021-01-08T10:59:37
East Riding resident James Newman OBE has spearheaded Sheffield City Region emergence
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fchairman-appointed-lead-new-hull-19585991.json
https://i2-prod.business…ed-design-16.jpg
en
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Chairman appointed to lead new Hull and East Yorkshire LEP
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Hull and East Riding has turned to South Yorkshire for a new chairman of the emerging Local Enterprise Partnership. James Newman OBE, founding chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP has been appointed ahead of the April 1 launch. He oversaw it from new entity in 2010, under David Cameron’s Conservative-Lib Dem coalition abolition of regional development agencies, to the signing of one of the first city devolution deals in October 2015. An East Riding resident, he is currently chair of Finance Yorkshire and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation and has a number of other business and charitable roles, nationally and in Yorkshire. Mr Newman said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to take this role. The creation of this LEP marks the beginning of a new era for the region and I look forward to working with both the leaders, their councils, the business community and voluntary sector to create a successful partnership, which will bring more funding to the region, allowing our strategically important industries and all our businesses to drive economic growth, which will benefit the region and all its employees and communities. “It will also be important to make sure we continue the excellent work of the current Humber LEP and work closely with our colleagues across the Humber Estuary, where our combined assets and expertise are of national importance.” “Our first task will be to recruit a new board for the LEP, alongside other advisory boards and committees, so as to ensure the new LEP is ready to start its important role as soon as possible.” It has come to being after the government ruled local authorities could not sit in two LEP areas. Previously North and North East Lincolnshire councils, alongside Hull and East Yorkshire, had been in the Humber LEP and had also been part of Greater Lincolnshire LEP, with whom their allegiance was pledged when the Westminster directive emerged. (Image: Hull Daily Mail) Thomas Martin, chair of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board and chair of the recruitment panel, said: “I am delighted that such a thorough recruitment process has secured our region the expertise, and an external perspective, that we will draw on heavily as we continue our devolution journey. A devolution deal for the region is vital to our future success together.’ “The leaders of both councils, supported by the business community, are clearly aligned on this journey, and I very much hope that James, as the new chair, will draw extensively on the knowledge that has made the existing Humber LEP so productive. “There are new boundaries, new rules and new relationships to be forged and these must drive additional opportunities throughout our combined coastal, rural, urban and estuary communities. The leaders have shown the way and we all now need to align around James to ensure the region continues to punch above its weight throughout the national ‘Levelling Up’ debate.” Much of Mr Newman’s full-time career was spent as group finance director of several FTSE-listed companies, across manufacturing and service industries, including Kelda Group Plc - the holding company for Yorkshire Water, where he was also deputy chief executive - print giant Watmoughs and cable engineer Bridon. Outside of the corporate boardroom he was governor and deputy chairman of Sheffield Hallam University and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2012 for services to business, enterprise and education in Yorkshire. He is on the Court at the University of York. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants and of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and completed a year as Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in 2009/10 and is a Freeman of the City of London and of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. His OBE was awarded in 2017 for services to business, the economy and charity in Yorkshire. Councillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said, “I am delighted that James has been appointed as the chair of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. James has a fantastic and very successful track record in business and also has extensive experience of working with both local and national government to bring them together and really focus on driving forward local economies and make a positive difference to businesses and residents alike. “The Hull and East Yorkshire LEP is business led and will bring together partners from the private, public and third sectors, along with collaborating with a wide-range of local partners, to act as a powerful, informed and independent voice for Hull and East Yorkshire, and James will play a vital role in shaping, developing and leading this partnership. I am very much looking forward to working with him in his new role in what, I am sure, will be a very successful partnership.” Lord Haskins of Skidby led the Humber LEP for the best part of its decade of being, with Stephen Parnaby, former leader of East Riding, controversially taking the interim role following his decision to step down in April 2020, despite a selection process having begun. Councillor Richard Burton, current leader of East Riding Council, said: “I very much welcome the appointment of James Newman, who is a well-respected businessman and a resident of the East Riding. James has an excellent track record of running major businesses across Yorkshire and led the formation of the Sheffield City Region LEP as its first chair. I am delighted that he will be able to bring his vast experience to this new role as Chair of our new LEP. On behalf of the Council, I look forward very much to working with James and to the role that the new organisation will play in the future of Hull and East Yorkshire.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/chairman-appointed-lead-new-hull-19585991
en
2021-01-08T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/0f39581bb77beb990cd0efd61551fd0727efa519b8b94cdc2af6174bb3874fef.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nHull and East Riding has turned to South Yorkshire for a new chairman of the emerging Local Enterprise Partnership.\nJames Newman OBE, founding chair of the Sheffield City Region LEP has been appointed ahead of the April 1 launch.\nHe oversaw it from new entity in 2010, under David Cameron’s Conservative-Lib Dem coalition abolition of regional development agencies, to the signing of one of the first city devolution deals in October 2015.\nAn East Riding resident, he is currently chair of Finance Yorkshire and the South Yorkshire Community Foundation and has a number of other business and charitable roles, nationally and in Yorkshire.\nMr Newman said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to take this role. The creation of this LEP marks the beginning of a new era for the region and I look forward to working with both the leaders, their councils, the business community and voluntary sector to create a successful partnership, which will bring more funding to the region, allowing our strategically important industries and all our businesses to drive economic growth, which will benefit the region and all its employees and communities.\n“It will also be important to make sure we continue the excellent work of the current Humber LEP and work closely with our colleagues across the Humber Estuary, where our combined assets and expertise are of national importance.”\n“Our first task will be to recruit a new board for the LEP, alongside other advisory boards and committees, so as to ensure the new LEP is ready to start its important role as soon as possible.”\nIt has come to being after the government ruled local authorities could not sit in two LEP areas. Previously North and North East Lincolnshire councils, alongside Hull and East Yorkshire, had been in the Humber LEP and had also been part of Greater Lincolnshire LEP, with whom their allegiance was pledged when the Westminster directive emerged.\n(Image: Hull Daily Mail)\nThomas Martin, chair of the Hull and East Riding Business Engagement Board and chair of the recruitment panel, said: “I am delighted that such a thorough recruitment process has secured our region the expertise, and an external perspective, that we will draw on heavily as we continue our devolution journey. A devolution deal for the region is vital to our future success together.’\n“The leaders of both councils, supported by the business community, are clearly aligned on this journey, and I very much hope that James, as the new chair, will draw extensively on the knowledge that has made the existing Humber LEP so productive.\n“There are new boundaries, new rules and new relationships to be forged and these must drive additional opportunities throughout our combined coastal, rural, urban and estuary communities. The leaders have shown the way and we all now need to align around James to ensure the region continues to punch above its weight throughout the national ‘Levelling Up’ debate.”\nMuch of Mr Newman’s full-time career was spent as group finance director of several FTSE-listed companies, across manufacturing and service industries, including Kelda Group Plc - the holding company for Yorkshire Water, where he was also deputy chief executive - print giant Watmoughs and cable engineer Bridon.\nOutside of the corporate boardroom he was governor and deputy chairman of Sheffield Hallam University and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2012 for services to business, enterprise and education in Yorkshire.\nHe is on the Court at the University of York. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants and of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and completed a year as Master Cutler of the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire in 2009/10 and is a Freeman of the City of London and of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers.\nHis OBE was awarded in 2017 for services to business, the economy and charity in Yorkshire.\nCouncillor Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said, “I am delighted that James has been appointed as the chair of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. James has a fantastic and very successful track record in business and also has extensive experience of working with both local and national government to bring them together and really focus on driving forward local economies and make a positive difference to businesses and residents alike.\n“The Hull and East Yorkshire LEP is business led and will bring together partners from the private, public and third sectors, along with collaborating with a wide-range of local partners, to act as a powerful, informed and independent voice for Hull and East Yorkshire, and James will play a vital role in shaping, developing and leading this partnership. I am very much looking forward to working with him in his new role in what, I am sure, will be a very successful partnership.”\nLord Haskins of Skidby led the Humber LEP for the best part of its decade of being, with Stephen Parnaby, former leader of East Riding, controversially taking the interim role following his decision to step down in April 2020, despite a selection process having begun.\nCouncillor Richard Burton, current leader of East Riding Council, said: “I very much welcome the appointment of James Newman, who is a well-respected businessman and a resident of the East Riding. James has an excellent track record of running major businesses across Yorkshire and led the formation of the Sheffield City Region LEP as its first chair. I am delighted that he will be able to bring his vast experience to this new role as Chair of our new LEP. On behalf of the Council, I look forward very much to working with James and to the role that the new organisation will play in the future of Hull and East Yorkshire.”", "Chairman appointed to lead new Hull and East Yorkshire LEP", "East Riding resident James Newman OBE has spearheaded Sheffield City Region emergence" ]
[ "William Telford" ]
2021-01-27T07:39:22
null
2021-01-27T07:00:00
New figures show nearly 55k people are claiming benefits while seeking a job in the two counties as Covid cause mass redundancies
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Funemployment-more-doubles-devon-cornwall-19703878.json
https://i2-prod.business…n-unemployed.jpg
en
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Unemployment more than doubles in Devon and Cornwall during pandemic
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Devon and Cornwall has more than doubled since the coronavirus pandemic began, new figures show. In Devon, the most recent statistics reveal that 36,532 people who are claiming Universal Credit (UC) or Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) are actively seeking work. That is a 138% increase on 12 months earlier. In Cornwall, the total is 18,491, which is an 118% increase in a year. The stats were compiled in November 2020 and compared to pre-Covid November 2021. In Plymouth 10,283 unemployed people are claiming benefit while seeking a job. That figure is included in the Devon total, but is still an 86% increase. The Plymouth number also includes 2,043 young people, aged between 18 and 94, which is a 94% rise in a year. The regional figures were released as the nation’s jobless rate soared to its highest level for more than four years. Official figures showed nearly 830,000 workers have been dropped from UK payrolls since the start of the pandemic. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the unemployment rate reached 5% in the three months to November for the first time since early 2016 after another 202,000 people lost their jobs. Figures for December also showed there were 828,000 fewer Britons on company payrolls since before the crisis struck last February as the pandemic has hammered the jobs market. Experts warned that there would be further pain to come after the latest lockdown rips through the labour market. And in Plymouth, Nicky Keast, partnership manager for Plymouth DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), said it is not known how the situation will look when the Government’s furlough scheme ends in April. She said many of the people pitched into unemployment in Devon and Cornwall were likely to have lost their jobs due to the economic effect the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and restrictions have wrought on the economy. But she stressed that there are still many unfilled vacancies in sectors that are less affected, including care, security, construction and even retail and hospitality, with some businesses operating online or providing takeaway services, and supermarkets remaining busy. On the job site Indeed, there were 1,605 vacancies in Plymouth alone, Mrs Keast said, and added: “They are in various sectors including sales and retail, call centres, and Plymouth City Council has quite a few jobs.” She said the Government’s own Find A Job site showed 422 vacancies in Plymouth, and said: “There are lots in the NHS jobs, and in education, including at City College Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University, for support roles, and in manufacturing and care. “The Range is advertising for quite a few jobs, and Iceland, Tesco, Morrisons, and even Foot Locker. The supermarkets are obviously doing well.” And the pandemic has even created some jobs, including a need for people to work on the test-and-trace initiative - and for Jobcentre Plus. “We will be doubling our work coaches in the Jobcentres,” Mrs Keast said. “We had a massive recruitment drive to get those new work coaches. We have another 80 just in Plymouth. That is new recruits. “In Plymouth we also have two work coaches just focusing on 18- to 24-year-olds. We are doing lots to support people that are out of work.” As for the national picture, ONS head of economic statistics Sam Beckett said: “In the three months to November, on our survey data, the employment rate fell sharply again, while the unemployment rate rose to hit 5% for the first time in over four years. “The number of people saying they had been made redundant in the previous three months remains at a record high. Meanwhile, vacancies, which were rising in summer and early autumn, have been falling in the last couple of months.” The gloomy unemployment figures come despite signs that the Government’s move to extend the furlough scheme to April has helped cushion the blow. The number of payroll employees nudged up by 0.2% between November and December, with employment also falling at its slowest pace since March, down 88,000 at 32.5 million. But there was little cheer in the data as the overall claimant count, which includes people working with low income and hours as well as people who are not working, edged up by 0.3% in December to 2.6 million. How to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here The redundancy rate hit another record high, up 168,000 between September and November to 395,000, though it dropped slightly from a peak in September. The early recovery in vacancies seen in the summer also slowed, with about 81,000 between October and December at 578,000 – half the level of growth in the previous three months. Business leaders reiterated calls to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend support measures further to help sectors on life support during the lockdown, such as the hospitality industry and high street. Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “It is now crucial that the Job Retention Scheme and other Covid-19 economic support is extended beyond the spring to support employment as restrictions continue. “The latest lockdown will have only added further pressure on firms with troubled balance sheets, which means more jobs are likely to be lost in the coming months.” Matthew Percival, director of people and skills at the CBI business group, said the Chancellor must “act now”. “The Job Retention Scheme needs to run to at least the end of June to avoid a cliff-edge,” he said.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/unemployment-more-doubles-devon-cornwall-19703878
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/8529ac6ced65c43c0417c63365900dd3e0ce2d2255fb3d2d21a59d9711cdc8d4.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThe number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Devon and Cornwall has more than doubled since the coronavirus pandemic began, new figures show.\nIn Devon, the most recent statistics reveal that 36,532 people who are claiming Universal Credit (UC) or Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) are actively seeking work. That is a 138% increase on 12 months earlier.\nIn Cornwall, the total is 18,491, which is an 118% increase in a year. The stats were compiled in November 2020 and compared to pre-Covid November 2021.\nIn Plymouth 10,283 unemployed people are claiming benefit while seeking a job. That figure is included in the Devon total, but is still an 86% increase. The Plymouth number also includes 2,043 young people, aged between 18 and 94, which is a 94% rise in a year.\nThe regional figures were released as the nation’s jobless rate soared to its highest level for more than four years. Official figures showed nearly 830,000 workers have been dropped from UK payrolls since the start of the pandemic.\nThe Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the unemployment rate reached 5% in the three months to November for the first time since early 2016 after another 202,000 people lost their jobs.\nFigures for December also showed there were 828,000 fewer Britons on company payrolls since before the crisis struck last February as the pandemic has hammered the jobs market. Experts warned that there would be further pain to come after the latest lockdown rips through the labour market.\nAnd in Plymouth, Nicky Keast, partnership manager for Plymouth DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), said it is not known how the situation will look when the Government’s furlough scheme ends in April.\nShe said many of the people pitched into unemployment in Devon and Cornwall were likely to have lost their jobs due to the economic effect the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and restrictions have wrought on the economy.\nBut she stressed that there are still many unfilled vacancies in sectors that are less affected, including care, security, construction and even retail and hospitality, with some businesses operating online or providing takeaway services, and supermarkets remaining busy.\nOn the job site Indeed, there were 1,605 vacancies in Plymouth alone, Mrs Keast said, and added: “They are in various sectors including sales and retail, call centres, and Plymouth City Council has quite a few jobs.”\nShe said the Government’s own Find A Job site showed 422 vacancies in Plymouth, and said: “There are lots in the NHS jobs, and in education, including at City College Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University, for support roles, and in manufacturing and care.\n“The Range is advertising for quite a few jobs, and Iceland, Tesco, Morrisons, and even Foot Locker. The supermarkets are obviously doing well.”\nAnd the pandemic has even created some jobs, including a need for people to work on the test-and-trace initiative - and for Jobcentre Plus.\n“We will be doubling our work coaches in the Jobcentres,” Mrs Keast said. “We had a massive recruitment drive to get those new work coaches. We have another 80 just in Plymouth. That is new recruits.\n“In Plymouth we also have two work coaches just focusing on 18- to 24-year-olds. We are doing lots to support people that are out of work.”\nAs for the national picture, ONS head of economic statistics Sam Beckett said: “In the three months to November, on our survey data, the employment rate fell sharply again, while the unemployment rate rose to hit 5% for the first time in over four years.\n“The number of people saying they had been made redundant in the previous three months remains at a record high. Meanwhile, vacancies, which were rising in summer and early autumn, have been falling in the last couple of months.”\nThe gloomy unemployment figures come despite signs that the Government’s move to extend the furlough scheme to April has helped cushion the blow.\nThe number of payroll employees nudged up by 0.2% between November and December, with employment also falling at its slowest pace since March, down 88,000 at 32.5 million.\nBut there was little cheer in the data as the overall claimant count, which includes people working with low income and hours as well as people who are not working, edged up by 0.3% in December to 2.6 million.\nHow to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here\nThe redundancy rate hit another record high, up 168,000 between September and November to 395,000, though it dropped slightly from a peak in September.\nThe early recovery in vacancies seen in the summer also slowed, with about 81,000 between October and December at 578,000 – half the level of growth in the previous three months.\nBusiness leaders reiterated calls to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend support measures further to help sectors on life support during the lockdown, such as the hospitality industry and high street.\nTej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said: “It is now crucial that the Job Retention Scheme and other Covid-19 economic support is extended beyond the spring to support employment as restrictions continue.\n“The latest lockdown will have only added further pressure on firms with troubled balance sheets, which means more jobs are likely to be lost in the coming months.”\nMatthew Percival, director of people and skills at the CBI business group, said the Chancellor must “act now”.\n“The Job Retention Scheme needs to run to at least the end of June to avoid a cliff-edge,” he said.", "Unemployment more than doubles in Devon and Cornwall during pandemic", "New figures show nearly 55k people are claiming benefits while seeking a job in the two counties as Covid cause mass redundancies" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones", "Image", "Pic", "Anna Gowthorpe Pa Wire" ]
2021-01-04T09:33:17
null
2021-01-04T09:08:37
Builders' merchants comes under new ownership after parent company Ferguson strike deal
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fwolseley-sold-private-equity-firm-19557874.json
https://i2-prod.business…0/1_Wolseley.jpg
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Wolseley sold to US private equity firm in £308m deal
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Builders' merchants Wolseley has been sold in a £308 million deal. Parent company Ferguson has agreed the deal for the Warwick-based heating and plumbing business with US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. The transaction is expected to complete by the end of January with proceeds to be used for a shareholder special dividend. Woseley operates around 540 branches UK, four distribution centres including one in Worcester and employs in the region of 5,000 staff. Ferguson's chief executive Kevin Murphy said: "Wolseley is a leading heating and plumbing distribution business in the UK and we are confident the business will benefit from working with its new owners. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. "Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will develop the business further by focusing on continued opportunities in the industry. "We'd like to thank all our associates for their tireless hard work while they have been part of the group, especially recently through the covid-19 pandemic. We wish them all the very best for the future. "The transaction further simplifies the group and allows us to focus entirely on investing in and developing our business across North America where we have the greatest opportunities for profitable growth."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/wolseley-sold-private-equity-firm-19557874
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/688b45e93fd6f86112392540269fd7ec3056f721202350eaf1edf0dbb685dcfa.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBuilders' merchants Wolseley has been sold in a £308 million deal.\nParent company Ferguson has agreed the deal for the Warwick-based heating and plumbing business with US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.\nThe transaction is expected to complete by the end of January with proceeds to be used for a shareholder special dividend.\nWoseley operates around 540 branches UK, four distribution centres including one in Worcester and employs in the region of 5,000 staff.\nFerguson's chief executive Kevin Murphy said: \"Wolseley is a leading heating and plumbing distribution business in the UK and we are confident the business will benefit from working with its new owners.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\n\"Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will develop the business further by focusing on continued opportunities in the industry.\n\"We'd like to thank all our associates for their tireless hard work while they have been part of the group, especially recently through the covid-19 pandemic. We wish them all the very best for the future.\n\"The transaction further simplifies the group and allows us to focus entirely on investing in and developing our business across North America where we have the greatest opportunities for profitable growth.\"", "Wolseley sold to US private equity firm in £308m deal", "Builders' merchants comes under new ownership after parent company Ferguson strike deal" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-28T11:16:58
null
2021-01-28T10:08:49
Historic bike builder pulls out of Leicestershire after being bought out of administration by India’s TVS Motor Company
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fnorton-motorcycles-moves-new-west-19716650.json
https://i2-prod.business…Production-6.jpg
en
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Norton Motorcycles reveals new UK base
null
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Manufacturing Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Norton Motorcycles has pulled out of its Leicestershire home and is opening a new factory in the West Midlands. The historic bike builder had been based in Castle Donington for more than a decade before going into administration last year. It was subsequently bought by India’s TVS Motor Company who are moving it to a new base in Solar Park, Solihull. Following a multi-million pound investment, all its design, engineering, manufacturing and testing will take place at the new site. Norton said the new factory is now close to completion and will open this spring. It said more than 50 “high quality” jobs had been created and more are expected to follow as manufacturing grows. The business was previously working out of the former British Midland International airline offices in the grounds of Donington Hall, near East Midlands Airport. TVS, which bought Norton out of administration last spring, is the sixth biggest bike manufacturer in the world and part of the £6.2 billion-plus TVS Group. Sudarshan Venu, joint managing director of TVS Motors, said: “The opening of the new headquarters represents a significant step forward for Norton Motorcycles. “The opening of this state-of-the-art facility will create the foundations for a sustainable long-term future of Norton. The new bikes will meet the world class standards our customers expect. “2020 has been a tough year for the world but we are excited to be moving into our new home and we are delighted this has been created by the Norton and TVS teams in just nine months. “This new facility underpinned by strong quality processes will produce bikes truly worthy of the illustrious Norton brand and take it into the future. “We are setting out to create a future for the company, our employees, our customers and our partners that lives up to the highest expectations and enable Norton to once again become the real force its history deserves.” Norton was founded in Birmingham in 1898 and was bought in 2008 by businessman Stuart Garner, who moved the brand to Leicestershire, building up a strong following for the hand-built bikes. However a year ago it became apparent the business was in financial difficulties and administrators from BDO were called in. At the time there were around 100 staff. The Solihull site will be the central hub for all Norton operations when manufacturing resumes, and specialist tooling and equipment previously used by Norton has been carried over to the new site. It is also benefiting from substantial new investment. The business said: “Skilled technicians will deploy bespoke bike building techniques and state-of-the-art new manufacturing equipment to ensure all bikes are built with great precision and quality, a hallmark of both Norton and TVS Motor Company. “Norton will resume production of the Commando Classic model at the Solihull site, building a limited quality to honour customers that had ordered and paid for a deposit on these bikes.” Production of the V4SS will also commence soon. Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the move was a “real vote of confidence” in the region. He said: “It speaks volumes to the strides the West Midlands has taken forward in recent years that Norton has chosen to come home after more than a decade based outside the region. “This investment not only re-establishes our historic partnership with Norton, but will set a world-class benchmark for exceptional motorcycle manufacturing at the heart of our region, creating hundreds of jobs in the process at what is an incredibly challenging time economically. “This investment also represents the start of an important partnership between the West Midlands and TVS Motors. “With Tata-owned JLR also based in the region, the West Midlands has a good relationship with India that we are constantly looking to improve through the West Midlands India Partnership. “This investment by Norton exemplifies what exactly we are trying to achieve with the partnership, and I am delighted to welcome the company back home.” Norton bikes include the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and the brand name is synonymous with Isle of Man TT racing.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/norton-motorcycles-moves-new-west-19716650
en
2021-01-28T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/747482f86d72658865f5fa53faf85ee6c1d9ac9b9e72a77451c39e2222a736c5.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Manufacturing Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nNorton Motorcycles has pulled out of its Leicestershire home and is opening a new factory in the West Midlands.\nThe historic bike builder had been based in Castle Donington for more than a decade before going into administration last year.\nIt was subsequently bought by India’s TVS Motor Company who are moving it to a new base in Solar Park, Solihull.\nFollowing a multi-million pound investment, all its design, engineering, manufacturing and testing will take place at the new site.\nNorton said the new factory is now close to completion and will open this spring.\nIt said more than 50 “high quality” jobs had been created and more are expected to follow as manufacturing grows.\nThe business was previously working out of the former British Midland International airline offices in the grounds of Donington Hall, near East Midlands Airport.\nTVS, which bought Norton out of administration last spring, is the sixth biggest bike manufacturer in the world and part of the £6.2 billion-plus TVS Group.\nSudarshan Venu, joint managing director of TVS Motors, said: “The opening of the new headquarters represents a significant step forward for Norton Motorcycles.\n“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility will create the foundations for a sustainable long-term future of Norton. The new bikes will meet the world class standards our customers expect.\n“2020 has been a tough year for the world but we are excited to be moving into our new home and we are delighted this has been created by the Norton and TVS teams in just nine months.\n“This new facility underpinned by strong quality processes will produce bikes truly worthy of the illustrious Norton brand and take it into the future.\n“We are setting out to create a future for the company, our employees, our customers and our partners that lives up to the highest expectations and enable Norton to once again become the real force its history deserves.”\nNorton was founded in Birmingham in 1898 and was bought in 2008 by businessman Stuart Garner, who moved the brand to Leicestershire, building up a strong following for the hand-built bikes.\nHowever a year ago it became apparent the business was in financial difficulties and administrators from BDO were called in. At the time there were around 100 staff.\nThe Solihull site will be the central hub for all Norton operations when manufacturing resumes, and specialist tooling and equipment previously used by Norton has been carried over to the new site. It is also benefiting from substantial new investment.\nThe business said: “Skilled technicians will deploy bespoke bike building techniques and state-of-the-art new manufacturing equipment to ensure all bikes are built with great precision and quality, a hallmark of both Norton and TVS Motor Company.\n“Norton will resume production of the Commando Classic model at the Solihull site, building a limited quality to honour customers that had ordered and paid for a deposit on these bikes.”\nProduction of the V4SS will also commence soon.\nMidlands Mayor Andy Street said the move was a “real vote of confidence” in the region.\nHe said: “It speaks volumes to the strides the West Midlands has taken forward in recent years that Norton has chosen to come home after more than a decade based outside the region.\n“This investment not only re-establishes our historic partnership with Norton, but will set a world-class benchmark for exceptional motorcycle manufacturing at the heart of our region, creating hundreds of jobs in the process at what is an incredibly challenging time economically.\n“This investment also represents the start of an important partnership between the West Midlands and TVS Motors.\n“With Tata-owned JLR also based in the region, the West Midlands has a good relationship with India that we are constantly looking to improve through the West Midlands India Partnership.\n“This investment by Norton exemplifies what exactly we are trying to achieve with the partnership, and I am delighted to welcome the company back home.”\nNorton bikes include the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and the brand name is synonymous with Isle of Man TT racing.", "Norton Motorcycles reveals new UK base", "Historic bike builder pulls out of Leicestershire after being bought out of administration by India’s TVS Motor Company" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones" ]
2021-01-18T14:12:01
null
2021-01-18T12:55:19
City retains its spot as top destination outside of London for new companies
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fbirmingham-startups-rise-despite-covid-19647659.json
https://i2-prod.business…0snowhill_04.jpg
en
null
Birmingham startups on the rise despite covid
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Birmingham has been crowned the top destination outside of London for start-up companies for the seventh year running. Newly released data says 18,394 new enterprises were started last year despite the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, a rise of 26.7 per cent on 2019. London ranked in first place in the table with 269,734 startups, ahead of Manchester in third (11,073), Leeds in fourth (9,357) and Leicester in fifth place (7,292). Other areas of the West Midlands also featured in the rankings with Sandwell in 12th spot (4,745), Coventry in 15th (4,195) and Wolverhampton 35th (2,915). The new data has been released in an annual study by think-tank Centre for Entrepreneurs. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Neil Rami, chief executive of inward investment body the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "Amid the testing economic uncertainties of the last year, these latest figures demonstrate the robustness of the West Midlands's creative and innovative entrepreneurial landscape. "It is encouraging to see Birmingham uphold its leading reputation as a thriving and vibrant hub of invention for a seventh year in a row. "Despite the prevailing challenges faced by businesses, we hope this year's Coventry City of Culture programme and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games will inspire more ambitious entrepreneurs to explore how the West Midlands can elevate their ideas to the next level." Among those startups to launch in Birmingham last year were food services company Sibo which aims to develop tech solutions to challenges facing the food industry and Australian-owned energy management tech firm Carbon Track. Katharine Fuller, head of innovation at Bruntwood's Innovation Birmingham tech campus, added: "Birmingham's young and diverse population has always made it a hotbed for innovation and, despite the challenges posed by 2020, last year was no different. "We saw a marked increase in the number of startups created throughout the year (and) encouragingly, investor interest also remained high. "Over 50 investors from the UK and overseas engaged with our most recent online showcase, proving that Birmingham's reputation for talent and innovation is still a big draw."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/birmingham-startups-rise-despite-covid-19647659
en
2021-01-18T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/387242e0f0d5db0bad76c338266f0fde83dae3ef8add494fb60c5103856149b4.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBirmingham has been crowned the top destination outside of London for start-up companies for the seventh year running.\nNewly released data says 18,394 new enterprises were started last year despite the effects of the covid-19 pandemic, a rise of 26.7 per cent on 2019.\nLondon ranked in first place in the table with 269,734 startups, ahead of Manchester in third (11,073), Leeds in fourth (9,357) and Leicester in fifth place (7,292).\nOther areas of the West Midlands also featured in the rankings with Sandwell in 12th spot (4,745), Coventry in 15th (4,195) and Wolverhampton 35th (2,915).\nThe new data has been released in an annual study by think-tank Centre for Entrepreneurs.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nNeil Rami, chief executive of inward investment body the West Midlands Growth Company, said: \"Amid the testing economic uncertainties of the last year, these latest figures demonstrate the robustness of the West Midlands's creative and innovative entrepreneurial landscape.\n\"It is encouraging to see Birmingham uphold its leading reputation as a thriving and vibrant hub of invention for a seventh year in a row.\n\"Despite the prevailing challenges faced by businesses, we hope this year's Coventry City of Culture programme and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games will inspire more ambitious entrepreneurs to explore how the West Midlands can elevate their ideas to the next level.\"\nAmong those startups to launch in Birmingham last year were food services company Sibo which aims to develop tech solutions to challenges facing the food industry and Australian-owned energy management tech firm Carbon Track.\nKatharine Fuller, head of innovation at Bruntwood's Innovation Birmingham tech campus, added: \"Birmingham's young and diverse population has always made it a hotbed for innovation and, despite the challenges posed by 2020, last year was no different.\n\"We saw a marked increase in the number of startups created throughout the year (and) encouragingly, investor interest also remained high.\n\"Over 50 investors from the UK and overseas engaged with our most recent online showcase, proving that Birmingham's reputation for talent and innovation is still a big draw.\"", "Birmingham startups on the rise despite covid", "City retains its spot as top destination outside of London for new companies" ]
[ "Henry Saker-Clark", "Tom Houghton", "Image", "Surrey Advertiser", "Pa" ]
2021-01-04T00:54:28
null
2021-01-04T00:01:00
Firms have been battered by two national lockdowns, local lockdown restrictions, curfews, changes to service rules and recently strengthened tiered measures
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Falmost-30000-restaurant-dining-jobs-19554897.json
https://i2-prod.business…180098_03JPG.jpg
en
null
Almost 30,000 restaurant and dining jobs cut during 2020 as pandemic sees figures soar by 163%
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Restaurants and casual dining firms recorded almost 30,000 job losses during 2020 - a 163% rise on the year before, new data has revealed. New figures from the Centre for Retail Research have shown 29,684 jobs were cut by fine dining, independent businesses and large chains during last year - a sharp increase on the 11,280 recorded in 2019. The large increase in job losses comes after firms were hit by two national lockdowns, local lockdown restrictions, curfews, changes to service rules and recently strengthened tiered measures, PA reports. Hundreds of restaurants and venues have shut their doors for good as firms have tumbled into administration and launched dramatic restructuring deals to keep them trading. Among the various big chains to have experienced significant difficulties during the year were Carluccio's, Byron Burger, Casual Dining Group and Chiquito. (Image: PA) The CRR also said that branch closures by hospitality firms increased by 75.8% to 1,621, compared with 922 in 2019. It highlighted major closure proposals and redundancy plans at companies such as Pizza Express, SSP Group, Casual Dining Group, The Restaurant Group and Mitchells & Butlers during the year. According to the real estate adviser Altus Group, in England, given the Tier adjustments which came into effect on New Year's Eve, 4,946 restaurants are in Tier 3 and 22,082 are in Tier 4 and are all closed except for takeaway. Just five restaurants in the Isles of Scilly remain open for diners, according to Altus' latest analysis. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR, said the pandemic accelerated a major shake-up of the sector which was already taking place. Sign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here He said: "The sector experienced rapid growth in outlets during 2014 to 2017 as successful chains added additional branches. "But they frequently paid too much whilst maintaining quality standards proved difficult. "The need to cut costs caused by over-expansion, increased competition and weak consumer demand produced a crisis in the industry before the pandemic."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/almost-30000-restaurant-dining-jobs-19554897
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/b77f1c59b83f5afb3be9d6777e20aeedad47730199b973b6d9e0b755873490d4.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nRestaurants and casual dining firms recorded almost 30,000 job losses during 2020 - a 163% rise on the year before, new data has revealed.\nNew figures from the Centre for Retail Research have shown 29,684 jobs were cut by fine dining, independent businesses and large chains during last year - a sharp increase on the 11,280 recorded in 2019.\nThe large increase in job losses comes after firms were hit by two national lockdowns, local lockdown restrictions, curfews, changes to service rules and recently strengthened tiered measures, PA reports.\nHundreds of restaurants and venues have shut their doors for good as firms have tumbled into administration and launched dramatic restructuring deals to keep them trading.\nAmong the various big chains to have experienced significant difficulties during the year were Carluccio's, Byron Burger, Casual Dining Group and Chiquito.\n(Image: PA)\nThe CRR also said that branch closures by hospitality firms increased by 75.8% to 1,621, compared with 922 in 2019.\nIt highlighted major closure proposals and redundancy plans at companies such as Pizza Express, SSP Group, Casual Dining Group, The Restaurant Group and Mitchells & Butlers during the year.\nAccording to the real estate adviser Altus Group, in England, given the Tier adjustments which came into effect on New Year's Eve, 4,946 restaurants are in Tier 3 and 22,082 are in Tier 4 and are all closed except for takeaway.\nJust five restaurants in the Isles of Scilly remain open for diners, according to Altus' latest analysis.\nProfessor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR, said the pandemic accelerated a major shake-up of the sector which was already taking place.\nSign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here\nHe said: \"The sector experienced rapid growth in outlets during 2014 to 2017 as successful chains added additional branches.\n\"But they frequently paid too much whilst maintaining quality standards proved difficult.\n\"The need to cut costs caused by over-expansion, increased competition and weak consumer demand produced a crisis in the industry before the pandemic.\"", "Almost 30,000 restaurant and dining jobs cut during 2020 as pandemic sees figures soar by 163%", "Firms have been battered by two national lockdowns, local lockdown restrictions, curfews, changes to service rules and recently strengthened tiered measures" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Hadyn Iball North Wales Live", "Rowan Griffiths" ]
2021-01-15T13:39:00
null
2021-01-15T13:07:07
The First Minister said they would need to be certain the improvement was 'reliable and sustainable'
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Ffirst-minister-mark-drakeford-potential-19632387.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…on-Wednesday.jpg
en
null
First Minister Mark Drakeford on potential for lockdown easing at next Welsh Government review
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email First Minister Mark Drakeford said Welsh Government will consider whether lockdown can be relaxed at the next review but spelt out what needed to happen. The First Minister today announced that weekly rolling cases per 100,000 had now fallen to under 400 - from a high of over 700 in December. But the national average remains in the range for Alert Level 4 - with a figure under 300 part of the criteria to move to Alert Level 3. Level 3 would allow all shops to reopen and hospitality to trade under strict rules, like a ban on alcohol. Other criteria include the level of pressure on the NHS and there are currently 2,806 patients with Covid in Welsh hospitals - compared to around 2,000 a month ago. The next review takes place on January 29 and it is hoped that by then case numbers and hospitalisation levels will continue to fall over the next two weeks - potentially to a level where an easing in the rules is possible. Mr Drakeford said they would consider this "if things head in the right direction". (Image: Rowan Griffiths) He said: "Things are improving but we would have to be certain that that improvement was reliable and sustainable in order for us to begin journey of listing restrictions. "We want to do that as soon as it is safe to do so but it will have to be safe." Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Business leaders have called for additional support for locked down companies as closures drag on. Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “It seems clear that businesses will require funding support for longer than was originally anticipated if they are to survive this troubling period. "Welsh Government should urgently give clarity on what additional funding will be made available to support businesses beyond this next three week period to allow them to plan." To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/first-minister-mark-drakeford-potential-19632387
en
2021-01-15T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/673182ccf5929d45c9c390ad557cdcb565c1f15b247e6b5f564f15dce587a753.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nFirst Minister Mark Drakeford said Welsh Government will consider whether lockdown can be relaxed at the next review but spelt out what needed to happen.\nThe First Minister today announced that weekly rolling cases per 100,000 had now fallen to under 400 - from a high of over 700 in December.\nBut the national average remains in the range for Alert Level 4 - with a figure under 300 part of the criteria to move to Alert Level 3.\nLevel 3 would allow all shops to reopen and hospitality to trade under strict rules, like a ban on alcohol.\nOther criteria include the level of pressure on the NHS and there are currently 2,806 patients with Covid in Welsh hospitals - compared to around 2,000 a month ago.\nThe next review takes place on January 29 and it is hoped that by then case numbers and hospitalisation levels will continue to fall over the next two weeks - potentially to a level where an easing in the rules is possible.\nMr Drakeford said they would consider this \"if things head in the right direction\".\n(Image: Rowan Griffiths)\nHe said: \"Things are improving but we would have to be certain that that improvement was reliable and sustainable in order for us to begin journey of listing restrictions.\n\"We want to do that as soon as it is safe to do so but it will have to be safe.\"\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nBusiness leaders have called for additional support for locked down companies as closures drag on.\nBen Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: “It seems clear that businesses will require funding support for longer than was originally anticipated if they are to survive this troubling period.\n\"Welsh Government should urgently give clarity on what additional funding will be made available to support businesses beyond this next three week period to allow them to plan.\"\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "First Minister Mark Drakeford on potential for lockdown easing at next Welsh Government review", "The First Minister said they would need to be certain the improvement was 'reliable and sustainable'" ]
[ "William Telford", "Image", "Wai", "Natural History Museum", "Cornish Lithium Website" ]
2021-01-21T09:08:53
null
2021-01-21T08:00:00
Study involving famous Natural History Museum reveals UK has valuable lithium deposits in Cornwall and Scotland
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fhigh-purity-lithium-discovery-set-19662220.json
https://i2-prod.business…dit-WAI-2020.jpg
en
null
High-purity lithium discovery set to boost Cornish economy
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email High-purity lithium carbonate which can be used in electric car batteries has been successfully produced from mines in Cornwall and Scotland for the first time – a major step forward for the UK’s burgeoning lithium industry and a potential boost for the Cornish economy. The Faraday Battery Challenge Project Li4UK produced the first lithium carbonate in the UK from Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour project site in Cornwall and from another site in Scotland. High-purity lithium carbonate is a raw material for lithium-ion battery cells, such as those used in electric vehicles. The breakthrough was achieved following an 18-month project which involved a scoping study covering sites hosting potentially suitable lithium mineralisation in hard rock and geothermal waters. The project, under the patronage of UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), was by a consortium comprising mining consultancy Wardell Armstrong International Limited (WAI), the world-famous Natural History Museum and Cornish Lithium Ltd. (Image: Li4UK 2019) Field samples were collection by the museum and Cornish Lithium, assisted by Camborne School of Mines, and analysed at the famous London museum. There was then evaluation and mineral processing of the hard rock samples and production of two separate lithium carbonate concentrates at the WAI Mineral Processing Laboratory near Truro, Cornwall. Assay by the Core Research Laboratories at the Natural History Museum of the two lithium carbonate products confirmed their purity as near battery grade. Reimar Seltmann, research leader at the Natural History Museum, said: “These two samples represent the first known production of lithium carbonate from UK hard rock sources and hence are of great importance for the UK economy. “The consortium believes that the positive results from this project will accelerate the development of a domestic supply of battery quality lithium chemicals for the UK automotive and battery industries, and the consequent economic value that such industries would generate.” (Image: Natural History Museum) Ben Simpson, technical director for mineral processing at WAI, said: “The development of lithium processing technologies at the WAI labs as part of the Li4UK project has been a huge stepping-stone for the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries in the UK. “It was crucial for the UK to start looking at domestic sources of battery materials and production of lithium-ion batteries, from mine to market; what has been achieved here puts the UK at the forefront of developments in the European battery industry.” Want more South West news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive South West is your home for business news in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from the region and we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. (Image: Cornish Lithium website) Cornish Lithium’s chief executive Jeremy Wrathall, said: “Given the potential that has been established by this project to exploit lithium resources in Cornwall, it is possible that the UK could produce a significant percentage of its lithium demand domestically; thus creating a vertically-integrated supply chain and generating additional value for the UK economy. “Cornwall also provides access to renewable energy from solar and wind, and offers established infrastructure such as rail, road and port facilities – which represent a considerable advantage over other European lithium projects.” Lithium is essential for all existing and near-term commercial electric vehicle battery technologies and is considered the “gateway element” to a zero-carbon future. It is seen as vital that the UK supply chain focuses on sourcing lithium in a secure, sustainable manner to support its battery manufacturing and zero-carbon ambitions. A conclusion of the study was that Cornwall was identified as the most promising area for a future lithium extraction and production industry. Cornwall currently ranks as one of the most economically-deprived regions in Europe and it is therefore expected that the development of lithium resources in Cornwall will represent a significant boost to economic activity and regional productivity.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/high-purity-lithium-discovery-set-19662220
en
2021-01-21T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/07149c9361407d3f2c866344a3b6a293d4fa8d688e02b92094d177c427b23f2d.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nHigh-purity lithium carbonate which can be used in electric car batteries has been successfully produced from mines in Cornwall and Scotland for the first time – a major step forward for the UK’s burgeoning lithium industry and a potential boost for the Cornish economy.\nThe Faraday Battery Challenge Project Li4UK produced the first lithium carbonate in the UK from Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour project site in Cornwall and from another site in Scotland. High-purity lithium carbonate is a raw material for lithium-ion battery cells, such as those used in electric vehicles.\nThe breakthrough was achieved following an 18-month project which involved a scoping study covering sites hosting potentially suitable lithium mineralisation in hard rock and geothermal waters.\nThe project, under the patronage of UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), was by a consortium comprising mining consultancy Wardell Armstrong International Limited (WAI), the world-famous Natural History Museum and Cornish Lithium Ltd.\n(Image: Li4UK 2019)\nField samples were collection by the museum and Cornish Lithium, assisted by Camborne School of Mines, and analysed at the famous London museum.\nThere was then evaluation and mineral processing of the hard rock samples and production of two separate lithium carbonate concentrates at the WAI Mineral Processing Laboratory near Truro, Cornwall.\nAssay by the Core Research Laboratories at the Natural History Museum of the two lithium carbonate products confirmed their purity as near battery grade.\nReimar Seltmann, research leader at the Natural History Museum, said: “These two samples represent the first known production of lithium carbonate from UK hard rock sources and hence are of great importance for the UK economy.\n“The consortium believes that the positive results from this project will accelerate the development of a domestic supply of battery quality lithium chemicals for the UK automotive and battery industries, and the consequent economic value that such industries would generate.”\n(Image: Natural History Museum)\nBen Simpson, technical director for mineral processing at WAI, said: “The development of lithium processing technologies at the WAI labs as part of the Li4UK project has been a huge stepping-stone for the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries in the UK.\n“It was crucial for the UK to start looking at domestic sources of battery materials and production of lithium-ion batteries, from mine to market; what has been achieved here puts the UK at the forefront of developments in the European battery industry.”\nWant more South West news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive South West is your home for business news in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from the region and we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\n(Image: Cornish Lithium website)\nCornish Lithium’s chief executive Jeremy Wrathall, said: “Given the potential that has been established by this project to exploit lithium resources in Cornwall, it is possible that the UK could produce a significant percentage of its lithium demand domestically; thus creating a vertically-integrated supply chain and generating additional value for the UK economy.\n“Cornwall also provides access to renewable energy from solar and wind, and offers established infrastructure such as rail, road and port facilities – which represent a considerable advantage over other European lithium projects.”\nLithium is essential for all existing and near-term commercial electric vehicle battery technologies and is considered the “gateway element” to a zero-carbon future.\nIt is seen as vital that the UK supply chain focuses on sourcing lithium in a secure, sustainable manner to support its battery manufacturing and zero-carbon ambitions.\nA conclusion of the study was that Cornwall was identified as the most promising area for a future lithium extraction and production industry.\nCornwall currently ranks as one of the most economically-deprived regions in Europe and it is therefore expected that the development of lithium resources in Cornwall will represent a significant boost to economic activity and regional productivity.", "High-purity lithium discovery set to boost Cornish economy", "Study involving famous Natural History Museum reveals UK has valuable lithium deposits in Cornwall and Scotland" ]
[ "Jonathon Manning", "Image", "Njl", "Unknown" ]
2021-01-25T12:32:12
null
2021-01-25T12:14:32
DuPont Teijin Films quickly made clear plastics for face shields at the start of the pandemic
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fdupont-face-shields-50m-teesside-19693864.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…DuPontTeijin.jpg
en
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Teesside firm makes 50 million face shields to protect front line workers
null
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A polyester manufacturer has helped make more than 50 million face shields in an effort to protect front line workers during the pandemic. DuPont Teijin Films (DTF) produces polyester films and coatings from its factory on Teesside and during the coronavirus pandemic it has been providing supplies to community groups and those making face shields to protect hospital and care home staff across Tees Valley. During the pandemic DTF's 80 workers - based at the Global Innovation Centre at The Wilton Centre near Redcar - expanded the company's range of optically clear films that can be used in visors and masks. Within a week the new products were put into production at its manufacturing sites in Scotland and Luxembourg. The quick turnaround of the new plastics allowed manufacturers to meet the unprecedented demand for face shields. So far DTF has provided companies with more than 50 million protective items. Dave Wall, the global technology director at DTF, said: “We have been proud to play our part in responding rapidly to the challenges of the pandemic which is a credit to the dedication and commitment of our teams in Wilton, Dumfries and Luxembourg.” (Image: unknown) As well as continuing to produce its clear films the company is also involved in a research project at the University of Birmingham to develop products that will help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Part of this research involves studying why Covid-19 survives for longer on smooth surfaces than on items such as newspaper. The research will look at how these surface properties can be used in new PPE products. The Wilton Centre forms part of a national network of science parks, known as ghe Knowledge Factory. More than 60 companies employing more than 750 people are based at the centre. DTF is one of a number of businesses that has engaged in Covid-related work. Absolute Antibody has been working with some of the world's leading pharmaceutical firms developing treatments, while vaccine developers have shown an interest in the large-scale production capability provided by Micropore Technologies. Claire Morton, the accommodation manager at The Wilton Centre, said: “We are so proud of the work of all of these businesses. The pandemic has highlighted how important scientists are to society. They are the people who will make sure we get out of this. I hope they get the recognition they deserve.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/dupont-face-shields-50m-teesside-19693864
en
2021-01-25T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/381d09d84b551bda7834a6833c37a5b011d56c2d253262e803393cce4ee85587.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA polyester manufacturer has helped make more than 50 million face shields in an effort to protect front line workers during the pandemic.\nDuPont Teijin Films (DTF) produces polyester films and coatings from its factory on Teesside and during the coronavirus pandemic it has been providing supplies to community groups and those making face shields to protect hospital and care home staff across Tees Valley.\nDuring the pandemic DTF's 80 workers - based at the Global Innovation Centre at The Wilton Centre near Redcar - expanded the company's range of optically clear films that can be used in visors and masks. Within a week the new products were put into production at its manufacturing sites in Scotland and Luxembourg.\nThe quick turnaround of the new plastics allowed manufacturers to meet the unprecedented demand for face shields. So far DTF has provided companies with more than 50 million protective items.\nDave Wall, the global technology director at DTF, said: “We have been proud to play our part in responding rapidly to the challenges of the pandemic which is a credit to the dedication and commitment of our teams in Wilton, Dumfries and Luxembourg.”\n(Image: unknown)\nAs well as continuing to produce its clear films the company is also involved in a research project at the University of Birmingham to develop products that will help prevent the spread of coronavirus.\nPart of this research involves studying why Covid-19 survives for longer on smooth surfaces than on items such as newspaper. The research will look at how these surface properties can be used in new PPE products.\nThe Wilton Centre forms part of a national network of science parks, known as ghe Knowledge Factory. More than 60 companies employing more than 750 people are based at the centre.\nDTF is one of a number of businesses that has engaged in Covid-related work.\nAbsolute Antibody has been working with some of the world's leading pharmaceutical firms developing treatments, while vaccine developers have shown an interest in the large-scale production capability provided by Micropore Technologies.\nClaire Morton, the accommodation manager at The Wilton Centre, said: “We are so proud of the work of all of these businesses. The pandemic has highlighted how important scientists are to society. They are the people who will make sure we get out of this. I hope they get the recognition they deserve.”", "Teesside firm makes 50 million face shields to protect front line workers", "DuPont Teijin Films quickly made clear plastics for face shields at the start of the pandemic" ]
[ "William Telford", "Image", "Graham Bell", "Alamy Stock Photo" ]
2021-01-14T07:51:29
null
2021-01-14T07:00:00
Survey of tourism sector says Chancellor's Covid VAT cut has saved businesses from folding and protected employees
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fhospitality-sector-warns-310000-job-19616696.json
https://i2-prod.business…668962127103.jpg
en
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Hospitality sector warns of 310,000 job losses if 5% VAT rate is ditched
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Hospitality and tourism businesses are calling for the Government to extend the reduction of VAT to 5% or risk thousands of redundancies across the sector. A survey of more than a thousand hospitality and tourism businesses, carried out by four industry organisations, said Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s decision to reduce VAT from the standard rate of 20% has protected jobs and the survival of businesses in hospitality, hotel and holiday accommodation and tourist attractions. The survey showed the vast majority of the savings were used to retain staff, pay suppliers or passed on to customers, and now the hospitality and tourism sector says it is vital the reduction is extended well beyond March 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to damage the economy. The Cut Tourism VAT (CTV) Campaign, UKHospitality, the Tourism Alliance and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, whose members include the Eden Project and Tate St Ives, said that a third of hospitality businesses could have gone out of business had the Chancellor not already extended the end date of the reduced rate from December 2020 to the end of March 2021. The survey shows that if the VAT rate reverts back to 20% in April 2021, there will be further cut-backs and job losses. The CTV Campaign, which has dozens of West Country supporters including MPs and businesses such as Newquay’s Headland Hotel, estimates this could mean the loss of 310,000 jobs in hospitality and tourism across the UK. Also, if the Chancellor does not extend the VAT cut in his March 3 Budget it would likely lead to an increase in prices to consumers just before Easter with Good Friday this year falling on April 2, campaigners said. If the VAT cut were to continue beyond March most operators would use it to rebuild through investment and price reductions for consumers as well as continue to meet the costs of Covid compliance, the campaigners argue. The survey results suggest turnover in the tourism and hospitality sector would be £9billion greater with VAT at 5% compared to 20%. DO YOU THINK EXTENDING THE 5% VAT RATE FOR HOSPITALITY IS A GOOD IDEA? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW Since the CTV Campaign survey was conducted in a narrow window in December, things have become even worse for the sector with takings in restaurants, pubs and bars slumping by almost 80% between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. With an effective lockdown now in place across the country for the foreseeable future, the hospitality and tourism sector is united in its demand for continued financial support. The four organisations stress a further extension of the reduced rate of VAT must be given by the Treasury to ensure the sector’s survival into and beyond Easter. Graham Wason, chairman of the CTV Campaign, said: “The results of this survey show not only that reduced VAT has been crucial to the survival of hundreds of tourism and hospitality businesses, but also that what is vitally needed now is the announcement of a continued reduction to boost investment, jobs and the wider UK economy.” Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality has been devastated by the Covid crisis that has impacted so many of our lives and livelihoods. “The decision of the Chancellor to cut VAT to 5% last July was one of the few bright spots of the year and stimulated economic growth before the second wave began to hit. “If the Government wants to see a turbo-charged recovery in communities right across the UK then an extension of the VAT cut is the surest way to do it – creating jobs, investment in our high streets and helping customers get a cheaper hospitality experience.” Kurt Janson, director of the Tourism Alliance, said: “The temporary reduction in VAT for the tourism and hospitality industry has been vital in protecting businesses, suppliers and employment so returning to a 20% rate would undo all that good work and result in 310,000 job losses. How to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here “We believe that there is also a huge benefit in combining a reduction in VAT for the tourism and hospitality industry with a reduction in the VAT threshold for businesses.” A total of 1,144 businesses in tourism and hospitality responded to the survey and 90% said that the VAT cut in July 2020 was important, very important or crucial to their businesses with more than 75% saying they might not have been able to continue trading without it. Most businesses used some of the VAT reduction to meet the additional costs of Covid compliance and the next most important use was to pay wages and suppliers. The reduction has therefore flowed through to the supply chain. Respondents were asked to comment on how their attitude to investment might change if VAT were to be 5% indefinitely and more than 80% did so, with nearly all comments indicating a very strong positive impact on confidence and investment and 72% of businesses said they would use some of the reduction to fund investment. Previous research by the CTV Campaign said longer term reductions in VAT provide a much greater incentive to invest. A permanent reduction in the VAT rate to 5% would be used by hospitality businesses to retain staff and maintain investment and give an incentive to non-VAT registered businesses to expand.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/hospitality-sector-warns-310000-job-19616696
en
2021-01-14T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/13891f9c3d99e0a79eeae23205dac1a82eb3a7eea9e04f3d8914a4a89a968722.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nHospitality and tourism businesses are calling for the Government to extend the reduction of VAT to 5% or risk thousands of redundancies across the sector.\nA survey of more than a thousand hospitality and tourism businesses, carried out by four industry organisations, said Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s decision to reduce VAT from the standard rate of 20% has protected jobs and the survival of businesses in hospitality, hotel and holiday accommodation and tourist attractions.\nThe survey showed the vast majority of the savings were used to retain staff, pay suppliers or passed on to customers, and now the hospitality and tourism sector says it is vital the reduction is extended well beyond March 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic continues to damage the economy.\nThe Cut Tourism VAT (CTV) Campaign, UKHospitality, the Tourism Alliance and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, whose members include the Eden Project and Tate St Ives, said that a third of hospitality businesses could have gone out of business had the Chancellor not already extended the end date of the reduced rate from December 2020 to the end of March 2021.\nThe survey shows that if the VAT rate reverts back to 20% in April 2021, there will be further cut-backs and job losses. The CTV Campaign, which has dozens of West Country supporters including MPs and businesses such as Newquay’s Headland Hotel, estimates this could mean the loss of 310,000 jobs in hospitality and tourism across the UK.\nAlso, if the Chancellor does not extend the VAT cut in his March 3 Budget it would likely lead to an increase in prices to consumers just before Easter with Good Friday this year falling on April 2, campaigners said.\nIf the VAT cut were to continue beyond March most operators would use it to rebuild through investment and price reductions for consumers as well as continue to meet the costs of Covid compliance, the campaigners argue. The survey results suggest turnover in the tourism and hospitality sector would be £9billion greater with VAT at 5% compared to 20%.\nDO YOU THINK EXTENDING THE 5% VAT RATE FOR HOSPITALITY IS A GOOD IDEA? PLEASE COMMENT BELOW\nSince the CTV Campaign survey was conducted in a narrow window in December, things have become even worse for the sector with takings in restaurants, pubs and bars slumping by almost 80% between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.\nWith an effective lockdown now in place across the country for the foreseeable future, the hospitality and tourism sector is united in its demand for continued financial support.\nThe four organisations stress a further extension of the reduced rate of VAT must be given by the Treasury to ensure the sector’s survival into and beyond Easter.\nGraham Wason, chairman of the CTV Campaign, said: “The results of this survey show not only that reduced VAT has been crucial to the survival of hundreds of tourism and hospitality businesses, but also that what is vitally needed now is the announcement of a continued reduction to boost investment, jobs and the wider UK economy.”\nKate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Hospitality has been devastated by the Covid crisis that has impacted so many of our lives and livelihoods.\n“The decision of the Chancellor to cut VAT to 5% last July was one of the few bright spots of the year and stimulated economic growth before the second wave began to hit.\n“If the Government wants to see a turbo-charged recovery in communities right across the UK then an extension of the VAT cut is the surest way to do it – creating jobs, investment in our high streets and helping customers get a cheaper hospitality experience.”\nKurt Janson, director of the Tourism Alliance, said: “The temporary reduction in VAT for the tourism and hospitality industry has been vital in protecting businesses, suppliers and employment so returning to a 20% rate would undo all that good work and result in 310,000 job losses.\nHow to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here\n“We believe that there is also a huge benefit in combining a reduction in VAT for the tourism and hospitality industry with a reduction in the VAT threshold for businesses.”\nA total of 1,144 businesses in tourism and hospitality responded to the survey and 90% said that the VAT cut in July 2020 was important, very important or crucial to their businesses with more than 75% saying they might not have been able to continue trading without it.\nMost businesses used some of the VAT reduction to meet the additional costs of Covid compliance and the next most important use was to pay wages and suppliers. The reduction has therefore flowed through to the supply chain.\nRespondents were asked to comment on how their attitude to investment might change if VAT were to be 5% indefinitely and more than 80% did so, with nearly all comments indicating a very strong positive impact on confidence and investment and 72% of businesses said they would use some of the reduction to fund investment.\nPrevious research by the CTV Campaign said longer term reductions in VAT provide a much greater incentive to invest. A permanent reduction in the VAT rate to 5% would be used by hospitality businesses to retain staff and maintain investment and give an incentive to non-VAT registered businesses to expand.", "Hospitality sector warns of 310,000 job losses if 5% VAT rate is ditched", "Survey of tourism sector says Chancellor's Covid VAT cut has saved businesses from folding and protected employees" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones", "Image", "Niall Carson Pa Wire" ]
2021-01-06T13:29:02
null
2021-01-06T13:22:06
Deal will see industrial units built on site in Redditch by EDR Developments
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fland-deal-signals-way-new-19572833.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS146358914.jpg
en
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Land deal signals way for new development
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A new development of industrial units is set to be built in Redditch following a land deal. EDR Developments has purchased a site at Enfield Industrial Estate from Hanson UK to build more industrial units from 3,500 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft on a speculative basis. A planning application for the half-acre site, which was once a concrete batching plant, has been lodged for consideration by Redditch Borough Council Ian Parker, joint managing director of commercial property agency John Truslove, acted for Hanson UK on the sale. He said: "With industrial space in north-east Worcestershire at a premium and very much in demand by investors and occupiers alike, this is a very good deal for EDR Developments. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. "Despite the issues caused by the pandemic, EDR and John Truslove have continued to create deals and do business in a marketplace where there are still many opportunities." The sale of 35 Enfield Industrial Estate to EDR Developments follows the company's disposal last year of Royal Enfield Industrial Estate, which was also a speculative development, to Redditch Borough Council for £2.75 million. Last year, EDR also acquired a 1.8-acre development site at Parker Place in Kidderminster for £455,000 which it has since sold on to a freight services group. Andrew Jones of law firm Wright Hassall advised EDR Developments Ltd on the company's latest acquisition. Hanson UK was advised by Lee Hayes at Knights plc.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/land-deal-signals-way-new-19572833
en
2021-01-06T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/2fd35f428c6974a104b8ae05b9ed314ad2e6bc68fb714e077db7b28a416a44d1.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA new development of industrial units is set to be built in Redditch following a land deal.\nEDR Developments has purchased a site at Enfield Industrial Estate from Hanson UK to build more industrial units from 3,500 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft on a speculative basis.\nA planning application for the half-acre site, which was once a concrete batching plant, has been lodged for consideration by Redditch Borough Council\nIan Parker, joint managing director of commercial property agency John Truslove, acted for Hanson UK on the sale.\nHe said: \"With industrial space in north-east Worcestershire at a premium and very much in demand by investors and occupiers alike, this is a very good deal for EDR Developments.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\n\"Despite the issues caused by the pandemic, EDR and John Truslove have continued to create deals and do business in a marketplace where there are still many opportunities.\"\nThe sale of 35 Enfield Industrial Estate to EDR Developments follows the company's disposal last year of Royal Enfield Industrial Estate, which was also a speculative development, to Redditch Borough Council for £2.75 million.\nLast year, EDR also acquired a 1.8-acre development site at Parker Place in Kidderminster for £455,000 which it has since sold on to a freight services group.\nAndrew Jones of law firm Wright Hassall advised EDR Developments Ltd on the company's latest acquisition. Hanson UK was advised by Lee Hayes at Knights plc.", "Land deal signals way for new development", "Deal will see industrial units built on site in Redditch by EDR Developments" ]
[ "Tom Houghton", "Image", "Reach Plc" ]
2021-01-19T14:25:51
null
2021-01-19T13:09:53
Three stores will close per week, starting in April
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Ffull-list-82-hsbc-branches-19655547.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…_JS168054906.jpg
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Full list of 82 HSBC branches to close as Covid accelerates shift to online banking
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Banking giant HSBC has said it will close 82 branches across the UK after the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the shift to online banking. HSBC said the closures, starting with Edinburgh's Princes Street branch, are not entirely related to lockdowns and restrictions introduced, but also also part of plans to become a market-leading digital bank. Approximately three stores will closing each week from April until the end of September, as PA reports. Staff in branches facing closure are also expected to be redeployed to other branches and sites within 15 miles of their homes, the bank said. HSBC said the closures are part of plans to become a market-leading digital bank and an overhaul of how remaining branches will operate. Of the 82 sites closing, 81 are within a mile of a Post Office, two thirds are within five miles of another HSBC branch and nine in 10 are within 10 miles, the bank added. HSBC has announced the closure of 82 branches, which will shut their doors between April and September. Sign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here These are the affected sites and their expected closure dates: April Edinburgh, Princes Street May Brighton, Ditchling Road Hull, Merit House Wednesbury Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks Hull, Holderness Road Pontyclun, Talbot Green London, Fleet Street London, Fenchurch Street London, Old Broad Street London, Charing Cross Sheffield, Darnall Oxford, Summertown Leeds, Chapel Allerton Cardiff, Rumney Torquay, Strand Staines June Plymouth, Forder House Belper, King Street Colchester London, Whitechapel London, Marylebone London, Streatham Hill Falkirk High Street Fleet, Fleet Road Reading, Woodley Oxford, Headington Swansea, Gorseinon Wigston, Leicester Road Tavistock, Bedford Square Bristol, Nailsea Leeds, Cross Gates Yate, North Walk July London, Kingsbury Road Cleckheaton, Bradford Road Bexleyheath, Broadway London, South Woodford Birmingham, Erdington Goole, Wesley Square Congleton, High Street Formby, Chapel Lane Gillingham, Kent Dunstable, West Street Chorley, Market Street Pontypridd, Taff Street Felixstowe, Hamilton Road Godalming, High Street Prestatyn, High Street London, Southgate Tewkesbury, High Street Maldon, High Street Hatfield Huntingdon, High Street August Stockport, Bramhall London, Russell Square Richmond, Market Place Loughton, High Road Rustington, The Street Exmouth, Chapel Street Bournemouth, Winton Liverpool, University Cleveleys, Victoria Square Clevedon, Triangle Northallerton, High Street Walton-on-Thames, High Street London, High Holborn September Barry, Holton Road Aldershot, Wellington Street Eastcote, Field End Road London, Edgware Road Ramsgate, High Street Manchester, Chorlton-cum-Hardy Letchworth, Station Place London, Hackney Barnet, High Street Deal, High Street Cheshunt, Turners Hill Swadlincote, High Street Dorking, West Street Welshpool, Broad Street London, Surrey Quays Worksop, Bridge Street
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/full-list-82-hsbc-branches-19655547
en
2021-01-19T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/e6b0b5cc8ec7066d029058c0f73814ce9ce1ecd0013e8c4722092554f968fec1.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBanking giant HSBC has said it will close 82 branches across the UK after the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the shift to online banking.\nHSBC said the closures, starting with Edinburgh's Princes Street branch, are not entirely related to lockdowns and restrictions introduced, but also also part of plans to become a market-leading digital bank.\nApproximately three stores will closing each week from April until the end of September, as PA reports.\nStaff in branches facing closure are also expected to be redeployed to other branches and sites within 15 miles of their homes, the bank said.\nHSBC said the closures are part of plans to become a market-leading digital bank and an overhaul of how remaining branches will operate.\nOf the 82 sites closing, 81 are within a mile of a Post Office, two thirds are within five miles of another HSBC branch and nine in 10 are within 10 miles, the bank added.\nHSBC has announced the closure of 82 branches, which will shut their doors between April and September.\nSign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here\nThese are the affected sites and their expected closure dates:\nApril\nEdinburgh, Princes Street\nMay\nBrighton, Ditchling Road\nHull, Merit House\nWednesbury\nSutton Coldfield, Four Oaks\nHull, Holderness Road\nPontyclun, Talbot Green\nLondon, Fleet Street\nLondon, Fenchurch Street\nLondon, Old Broad Street\nLondon, Charing Cross\nSheffield, Darnall\nOxford, Summertown\nLeeds, Chapel Allerton\nCardiff, Rumney\nTorquay, Strand\nStaines\nJune\nPlymouth, Forder House\nBelper, King Street\nColchester\nLondon, Whitechapel\nLondon, Marylebone\nLondon, Streatham Hill\nFalkirk High Street\nFleet, Fleet Road\nReading, Woodley\nOxford, Headington\nSwansea, Gorseinon\nWigston, Leicester Road\nTavistock, Bedford Square\nBristol, Nailsea\nLeeds, Cross Gates\nYate, North Walk\nJuly\nLondon, Kingsbury Road\nCleckheaton, Bradford Road\nBexleyheath, Broadway\nLondon, South Woodford\nBirmingham, Erdington\nGoole, Wesley Square\nCongleton, High Street\nFormby, Chapel Lane\nGillingham, Kent\nDunstable, West Street\nChorley, Market Street\nPontypridd, Taff Street\nFelixstowe, Hamilton Road\nGodalming, High Street\nPrestatyn, High Street\nLondon, Southgate\nTewkesbury, High Street\nMaldon, High Street\nHatfield\nHuntingdon, High Street\nAugust\nStockport, Bramhall\nLondon, Russell Square\nRichmond, Market Place\nLoughton, High Road\nRustington, The Street\nExmouth, Chapel Street\nBournemouth, Winton\nLiverpool, University\nCleveleys, Victoria Square\nClevedon, Triangle\nNorthallerton, High Street\nWalton-on-Thames, High Street\nLondon, High Holborn\nSeptember\nBarry, Holton Road\nAldershot, Wellington Street\nEastcote, Field End Road\nLondon, Edgware Road\nRamsgate, High Street\nManchester, Chorlton-cum-Hardy\nLetchworth, Station Place\nLondon, Hackney\nBarnet, High Street\nDeal, High Street\nCheshunt, Turners Hill\nSwadlincote, High Street\nDorking, West Street\nWelshpool, Broad Street\nLondon, Surrey Quays\nWorksop, Bridge Street", "Full list of 82 HSBC branches to close as Covid accelerates shift to online banking", "Three stores will close per week, starting in April" ]
[ "Olivier Vergnault", "William Telford", "Image", "Highways England" ]
2021-01-15T12:08:08
null
2021-01-15T11:00:00
Highways England puts out call for companies and individuals who can work on the ambitious dualling project
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Ffirms-urged-take-part-cornwalls-19627006.json
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Firms urged to take part in Cornwall's £330m A30 dual carriageway scheme
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Companies in Cornwall are being urged to come forward to see if they can be part of the £330million A30 dualling scheme between Chiverton and Carland Cross. The improvement scheme will not only dual an 8.7-mile section of single carriageway, alleviating the impact on local communities and helping to improve journey times and increase safety by unlocking one of Cornwall’s last major bottlenecks, but will also help to unlock economic growth in the county. Costain, Highways England’s contractors, have been busy with the diversion of utilities, vegetation clearance and ground investigation work, and with the main construction phase of the scheme due to start this year, local businesses are being urged to get involved. Highways England said that as construction activities increase in the area, so will job opportunities, both directly with the contractors and through the supply chain. The types of services and people required will include plant, fencing, track matting, catering, cleaning, accommodation and hospitality. (Image: Highways England) Josh Hodder, Highways England’s senior project manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, said: “2021 is going to be a big year for the A30 project and we’re urging people and businesses within the local community to get involved. We are keen to offer job opportunities to local people, ensuring that we are fully inclusive of the diverse communities of Cornwall. “Improving the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross is incredibly important for Cornwall’s future - it’s the only remaining stretch of single carriageway on the A30 between Camborne and the M5 at Exeter, journeys are regularly delayed, congestion often brings traffic to a standstill, and as a result the Cornish economy is being held back. “Employing local people will also bring economic benefits during the construction phase of the project, and we will also be engaging with local schools and colleges to inspire, offer support and advice and to promote careers within the industry.” The project will mean motorists can travel from Glasgow to Truro at 70mph along dual carriageway. As part of the work, a two-level junction at Chiverton Cross and a new roundabout will be created to ensure the free flow of traffic on the A30 while a new partial junction at Chybucca will be built on two levels with west-facing slip roads to provide access onto the dual carriageway from local routes. Want more South West news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive South West is your home for business news in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from the region and we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. There will be new bridges at Tolgroggan Farm, Pennycomequick Lane and over the Allet to Tresawsen road to provide local access along with a two-level junction at Carland Cross with a new roundabout north of the dual carriageway and re-using the existing roundabout to the south. The existing A30 will be kept as a local route with new sections where necessary to provide continuity and connectivity for local communities. Local MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “I am really pleased to join with Highways England in putting out the call for local businesses to come forward as the construction phase of this vital piece of transport infrastructure upgrade draws nearer. “We have some excellent contractors in Cornwall who will be well-placed to take advantage of the short term economic benefit from this construction work, to go along with the long term economic benefits for our county once the scheme is finished. “I encourage those who are interested to get in touch with Costain via the details provided to find out more.” To register an interest on working on the project as a contractor, visit https://www.costain.com/careers/ and any companies interested in working on the A30 project are asked to register their details at [email protected] is also a helpline at 0845 600 2664 or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/firms-urged-take-part-cornwalls-19627006
en
2021-01-15T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/8c8646d2873c318aa7d100db8786f1c379dc65e5b31a498e4904f46cdcef901e.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nCompanies in Cornwall are being urged to come forward to see if they can be part of the £330million A30 dualling scheme between Chiverton and Carland Cross.\nThe improvement scheme will not only dual an 8.7-mile section of single carriageway, alleviating the impact on local communities and helping to improve journey times and increase safety by unlocking one of Cornwall’s last major bottlenecks, but will also help to unlock economic growth in the county.\nCostain, Highways England’s contractors, have been busy with the diversion of utilities, vegetation clearance and ground investigation work, and with the main construction phase of the scheme due to start this year, local businesses are being urged to get involved.\nHighways England said that as construction activities increase in the area, so will job opportunities, both directly with the contractors and through the supply chain. The types of services and people required will include plant, fencing, track matting, catering, cleaning, accommodation and hospitality.\n(Image: Highways England)\nJosh Hodder, Highways England’s senior project manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, said: “2021 is going to be a big year for the A30 project and we’re urging people and businesses within the local community to get involved. We are keen to offer job opportunities to local people, ensuring that we are fully inclusive of the diverse communities of Cornwall.\n“Improving the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross is incredibly important for Cornwall’s future - it’s the only remaining stretch of single carriageway on the A30 between Camborne and the M5 at Exeter, journeys are regularly delayed, congestion often brings traffic to a standstill, and as a result the Cornish economy is being held back.\n“Employing local people will also bring economic benefits during the construction phase of the project, and we will also be engaging with local schools and colleges to inspire, offer support and advice and to promote careers within the industry.”\nThe project will mean motorists can travel from Glasgow to Truro at 70mph along dual carriageway. As part of the work, a two-level junction at Chiverton Cross and a new roundabout will be created to ensure the free flow of traffic on the A30 while a new partial junction at Chybucca will be built on two levels with west-facing slip roads to provide access onto the dual carriageway from local routes.\nWant more South West news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive South West is your home for business news in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from the region and we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nThere will be new bridges at Tolgroggan Farm, Pennycomequick Lane and over the Allet to Tresawsen road to provide local access along with a two-level junction at Carland Cross with a new roundabout north of the dual carriageway and re-using the existing roundabout to the south.\nThe existing A30 will be kept as a local route with new sections where necessary to provide continuity and connectivity for local communities.\nLocal MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “I am really pleased to join with Highways England in putting out the call for local businesses to come forward as the construction phase of this vital piece of transport infrastructure upgrade draws nearer.\n“We have some excellent contractors in Cornwall who will be well-placed to take advantage of the short term economic benefit from this construction work, to go along with the long term economic benefits for our county once the scheme is finished.\n“I encourage those who are interested to get in touch with Costain via the details provided to find out more.” To register an interest on working on the project as a contractor, visit https://www.costain.com/careers/ and any companies interested in working on the A30 project are asked to register their details at [email protected] is also a helpline at 0845 600 2664 or Highways England on 0300 123 5000.", "Firms urged to take part in Cornwall's £330m A30 dual carriageway scheme", "Highways England puts out call for companies and individuals who can work on the ambitious dualling project" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-20T04:10:23
null
2021-01-20T03:00:00
The deals were arranged through chartered surveyors and property consultants Wells McFarlane
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fdeacons-martial-arts-fitness-play-19639521.json
https://i2-prod.business…-Lutterworth.jpg
en
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Deacons Martial Arts and Fitness and All Play Solutions move on to Cosford Business Park, Lutterworth
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Two new tenants have expanded onto a south Leicestershire business park. Deacons Martial Arts and Fitness and playground product manufacturer All Play Solutions have taken units on the Cosford Business Park, on the northern edge of Lutterworth. Both companies have taken units of just over 1,300 sq ft and the deals were arranged through chartered surveyors and property consultants Wells McFarlane. Mark Deacon is the owner and chief instructor at Deacons Martial Arts and Fitness, which teaches children martial arts, karate and kickboxing to help improve confidence and wellbeing. He said: “Our existing premises is in Oadby but the business is growing and we wanted to find a secondary location nearby. “We were familiar with Lutterworth and as soon as we found Cosford Business Park, it seemed the obvious choice – close enough to our Oadby club but not so much as to have an adverse effect. “It might seem a bold decision to expand our business during a pandemic but we’re confident it will work and look forward to teaching the children of Lutterworth and surrounding villages. “As part of the expansion, we’re hoping to create job opportunities including a receptionist, part-time coaches and potential apprenticeships. “We’re also exploring options such as collaborating with personal trainers and sports therapists, offering corporate memberships and potentially franchising, so plenty of excitement for 2021 and beyond.” All Play Solutions followed a similar pattern, reaching a point where it had outgrown an existing home studio set-up and needed new premises. Andrew McFarlane Holt, director at Wells McFarlane, said: “It’s really encouraging to hear business success stories like these, especially in sectors where confidence levels have previously been quite low; hopefully an indication that some sort of normality is returning. “Light industrial units, like these at Cosford Business Park, are in high demand as they offer real versatility and can be configured to accommodate showrooms, trade counters, storage, offices and workshops. I encourage Landlords with similar properties to get in touch.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/deacons-martial-arts-fitness-play-19639521
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/26b869b060410de7524b8d1c08f271f788cd231e752d056259f7d1a946e1c9e4.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nTwo new tenants have expanded onto a south Leicestershire business park.\nDeacons Martial Arts and Fitness and playground product manufacturer All Play Solutions have taken units on the Cosford Business Park, on the northern edge of Lutterworth.\nBoth companies have taken units of just over 1,300 sq ft and the deals were arranged through chartered surveyors and property consultants Wells McFarlane.\nMark Deacon is the owner and chief instructor at Deacons Martial Arts and Fitness, which teaches children martial arts, karate and kickboxing to help improve confidence and wellbeing.\nHe said: “Our existing premises is in Oadby but the business is growing and we wanted to find a secondary location nearby.\n“We were familiar with Lutterworth and as soon as we found Cosford Business Park, it seemed the obvious choice – close enough to our Oadby club but not so much as to have an adverse effect.\n“It might seem a bold decision to expand our business during a pandemic but we’re confident it will work and look forward to teaching the children of Lutterworth and surrounding villages.\n“As part of the expansion, we’re hoping to create job opportunities including a receptionist, part-time coaches and potential apprenticeships.\n“We’re also exploring options such as collaborating with personal trainers and sports therapists, offering corporate memberships and potentially franchising, so plenty of excitement for 2021 and beyond.”\nAll Play Solutions followed a similar pattern, reaching a point where it had outgrown an existing home studio set-up and needed new premises.\nAndrew McFarlane Holt, director at Wells McFarlane, said: “It’s really encouraging to hear business success stories like these, especially in sectors where confidence levels have previously been quite low; hopefully an indication that some sort of normality is returning.\n“Light industrial units, like these at Cosford Business Park, are in high demand as they offer real versatility and can be configured to accommodate showrooms, trade counters, storage, offices and workshops. I encourage Landlords with similar properties to get in touch.”", "Deacons Martial Arts and Fitness and All Play Solutions move on to Cosford Business Park, Lutterworth", "The deals were arranged through chartered surveyors and property consultants Wells McFarlane" ]
[ "Jonathon Manning", "Image", "Pa" ]
2021-01-13T15:21:16
null
2021-01-13T15:01:00
Six stores have now been closed resulting in hundreds of job losses
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Flondon-closes-oxford-street-administration-19618291.json
https://i2-prod.business…-Apr-16-2020.jpg
en
null
Debenhams permanently closes Oxford Street store along with five others
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - London Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Struggling department store chain Debenhams it is permanently closing its flagship Oxford Street store in London after failing to agree a new lease agreement. Debenhams began winding down its business on December 1 after entering administration, but had hoped to keep many of its stores open in order to sell of its stock. The company's administrators have now revealed that following the renewed national lockdown it has been unable to agree lease extensions at six of its stores, including the Oxford Street branch. Staff working at the five stores outside of London were told the sites were closing last week. In total 320 members of staff have been made redundant following the announcements. The sites that have now permanently closed are: Oxford Street, London Portsmouth Staines Harrogate Weymouth Worcester Geoff Rowley, joint administrator to Debenhams and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We continue to engage with interested parties over alternative proposals for the future of Debenhams, but inevitably the latest lockdown has had an effect on our plans for the wind-down of the business. "We regret the impact on those colleagues affected by today’s announcement and would like to thank all those who continue to keep the business trading in very difficult circumstances." The closure of the Oxford Street store will also impact staff working at Debenhams' London support centre, which sits above the store. For the time being staff from the support centre will continue to work from home, as per government coronavirus guidelines. The company's second support centre in Taunton remains operational. Debenhams stores that remain open are continuing to run closing down sales in attempt to liquidate its stock. The sale is also being carried out online.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/london-closes-oxford-street-administration-19618291
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/5f7a18b45cf6ee8fc326054da2b604dc80d1a1b06ea22460a5b0033daa12583d.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - London Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nStruggling department store chain Debenhams it is permanently closing its flagship Oxford Street store in London after failing to agree a new lease agreement.\nDebenhams began winding down its business on December 1 after entering administration, but had hoped to keep many of its stores open in order to sell of its stock.\nThe company's administrators have now revealed that following the renewed national lockdown it has been unable to agree lease extensions at six of its stores, including the Oxford Street branch.\nStaff working at the five stores outside of London were told the sites were closing last week. In total 320 members of staff have been made redundant following the announcements.\nThe sites that have now permanently closed are:\nOxford Street, London\nPortsmouth\nStaines\nHarrogate\nWeymouth\nWorcester\nGeoff Rowley, joint administrator to Debenhams and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We continue to engage with interested parties over alternative proposals for the future of Debenhams, but inevitably the latest lockdown has had an effect on our plans for the wind-down of the business.\n\"We regret the impact on those colleagues affected by today’s announcement and would like to thank all those who continue to keep the business trading in very difficult circumstances.\"\nThe closure of the Oxford Street store will also impact staff working at Debenhams' London support centre, which sits above the store. For the time being staff from the support centre will continue to work from home, as per government coronavirus guidelines. The company's second support centre in Taunton remains operational.\nDebenhams stores that remain open are continuing to run closing down sales in attempt to liquidate its stock. The sale is also being carried out online.", "Debenhams permanently closes Oxford Street store along with five others", "Six stores have now been closed resulting in hundreds of job losses" ]
[ "Coreena Ford" ]
2021-01-26T15:00:58
null
2021-01-26T14:52:06
The Walker business recently snapped up the historic Swan Hunter shipyard
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fshepherd-offshore-hails-strong-pipeline-19703214.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…0/JS53421956.jpg
en
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Shepherd Offshore hails strong pipeline of developments, following fall in sales and profits
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Shepherd Offshore says it has a strong pipeline of property developments, having seen both turnover and profits fall in last year’s accounts. The Walker based business specialises in property development and providing warehousing facilities for the offshore sector, mainly from its site in Walker, Newcastle. Owned and run by the Shepherd family, the firm said its profitability has held up during the pandemic, thanks to being able to continue to trade through the lockdowns. It comes after the firm posted accounts for the year ended April 30 2020, showing group turnover dropped by 20% from £31.49m to £25.10m mainly due to reduced levels of property development sales. Operating profit also dropped, from £11.99m to £9.04m, while pre-tax profits fell from £12m to £9.1m. It said income from rendering of services had fallen by 8.8% to £21.1m, while rental income remained consistent at £4m, the same figure reported for 2019. Shareholder funds, however, grew from £14.3m to £18.2m, and staff numbers also grew during the year from 101 to 114 employees. The accounts period ends a month after the UK went into its first lockdown, yet chairman Bruce Shepherd used the accounts report to detail work that has been continuing following the year end, despite the constraints imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. During the year, he said the group had continued its property development activity and that it will fund further acquisitions using income from development disposals. That has since been borne out through the firm’s acquisition of the historic former Swan Hunter shipyard following a deal with North Tyneside Council. The landmark deal will, it is hoped, lead to the creation of a new energy park on the banks of the River Tyne, creating hundreds of jobs and attracting a wealth of firms operating in the burgeoning offshore sector. In his report accompanying the accounts, Mr Shepherd said: “Due to the strong pipeline of property developments, the contracts in place for the key management services and the terms and duration of the lease agreements, the directors are confident that the results of the group and company will continue to be satisfactory. “As all our major customers have continued their activities the company has operated throughout the pandemic and both lockdowns without furloughing any employees and has not applied for government loans or funding. “Trading activity has remained at a satisfactory level producing margins and profitability in line with the projections. “The post year end performance remains in line with forecasts with strong margins and satisfactory profits.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/shepherd-offshore-hails-strong-pipeline-19703214
en
2021-01-26T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/e14906ca3ae53ea81eb8800fa174dc8ab9f6bb55577ef987ccc1174b881076ff.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nShepherd Offshore says it has a strong pipeline of property developments, having seen both turnover and profits fall in last year’s accounts.\nThe Walker based business specialises in property development and providing warehousing facilities for the offshore sector, mainly from its site in Walker, Newcastle.\nOwned and run by the Shepherd family, the firm said its profitability has held up during the pandemic, thanks to being able to continue to trade through the lockdowns.\nIt comes after the firm posted accounts for the year ended April 30 2020, showing group turnover dropped by 20% from £31.49m to £25.10m mainly due to reduced levels of property development sales.\nOperating profit also dropped, from £11.99m to £9.04m, while pre-tax profits fell from £12m to £9.1m.\nIt said income from rendering of services had fallen by 8.8% to £21.1m, while rental income remained consistent at £4m, the same figure reported for 2019.\nShareholder funds, however, grew from £14.3m to £18.2m, and staff numbers also grew during the year from 101 to 114 employees.\nThe accounts period ends a month after the UK went into its first lockdown, yet chairman Bruce Shepherd used the accounts report to detail work that has been continuing following the year end, despite the constraints imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.\nDuring the year, he said the group had continued its property development activity and that it will fund further acquisitions using income from development disposals.\nThat has since been borne out through the firm’s acquisition of the historic former Swan Hunter shipyard following a deal with North Tyneside Council.\nThe landmark deal will, it is hoped, lead to the creation of a new energy park on the banks of the River Tyne, creating hundreds of jobs and attracting a wealth of firms operating in the burgeoning offshore sector.\nIn his report accompanying the accounts, Mr Shepherd said: “Due to the strong pipeline of property developments, the contracts in place for the key management services and the terms and duration of the lease agreements, the directors are confident that the results of the group and company will continue to be satisfactory.\n“As all our major customers have continued their activities the company has operated throughout the pandemic and both lockdowns without furloughing any employees and has not applied for government loans or funding.\n“Trading activity has remained at a satisfactory level producing margins and profitability in line with the projections.\n“The post year end performance remains in line with forecasts with strong margins and satisfactory profits.”", "Shepherd Offshore hails strong pipeline of developments, following fall in sales and profits", "The Walker business recently snapped up the historic Swan Hunter shipyard" ]
[ "Tom Houghton" ]
2021-01-13T07:59:48
null
2021-01-13T07:00:00
It's let to a mechanical engineering firm
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Feric-wright-group-acquires-25m-19610273.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…Shield-Drive.jpg
en
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Eric Wright Group acquires £2.5m industrial unit in Salford as property firm's growth continues
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A Lancashire-based property and construction firm has acquired a large industrial unit in Salford for over £2.5m. Eric Wright Group has completed the £2.535m acquisition of a 37,311sq ft unit at Wardley Industrial Estate in Worsley, from Guernsey-based Jolivet Investments. The Bamber Bridge-based group said 29 Shield Drive is the latest purchase within its property portfolio - and is let until 2023 to Proline Engineering on a 10-year lease with a rental income of £130,000 per annum. Patrick Naylor, group portfolio manager for Eric Wright, said: “Located at the heart of the region’s motorway network, Wardley Industrial Estate represents a sound investment opportunity. "This unit is extremely well specified and there is robust demand for good quality, mid-box industrial facilities in the North West region. "We will continue to look for prominent and well-located industrial assets to add to our commercial property portfolio which is in excess of £70m.” The property is located on Wardley Industrial Estate, close to junction 14. Other occupiers across the estate include Amazon, Royal Mail, Howden Joinery, Wincanton, BOC, Ready Steady Store, Stax Trade Centre and Clipper Logistics. B8 Real Estate and Lamb & Swift acted for the vendor while Neil Higson at Wildbrook CRE acted for Eric Wright.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/eric-wright-group-acquires-25m-19610273
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/bd9d50599fadb1bcc8867b4cd197ea38caf6b9f7d3f538126940ee5c0f190402.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA Lancashire-based property and construction firm has acquired a large industrial unit in Salford for over £2.5m.\nEric Wright Group has completed the £2.535m acquisition of a 37,311sq ft unit at Wardley Industrial Estate in Worsley, from Guernsey-based Jolivet Investments.\nThe Bamber Bridge-based group said 29 Shield Drive is the latest purchase within its property portfolio - and is let until 2023 to Proline Engineering on a 10-year lease with a rental income of £130,000 per annum.\nPatrick Naylor, group portfolio manager for Eric Wright, said: “Located at the heart of the region’s motorway network, Wardley Industrial Estate represents a sound investment opportunity.\n\"This unit is extremely well specified and there is robust demand for good quality, mid-box industrial facilities in the North West region.\n\"We will continue to look for prominent and well-located industrial assets to add to our commercial property portfolio which is in excess of £70m.”\nThe property is located on Wardley Industrial Estate, close to junction 14. Other occupiers across the estate include Amazon, Royal Mail, Howden Joinery, Wincanton, BOC, Ready Steady Store, Stax Trade Centre and Clipper Logistics.\nB8 Real Estate and Lamb & Swift acted for the vendor while Neil Higson at Wildbrook CRE acted for Eric Wright.", "Eric Wright Group acquires £2.5m industrial unit in Salford as property firm's growth continues", "It's let to a mechanical engineering firm" ]
[ "Graeme Whitfield", "Image", "Getty Images" ]
2021-01-15T10:35:56
null
2021-01-15T10:22:28
The Supreme Court has “substantially allowed” the appeal brought by the FCA over coronavirus-related business interruption insurance
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fboost-businesses-coronavirus-insurance-court-19630576.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…s-1225219966.jpg
en
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Boost for businesses in coronavirus insurance court action win
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Thousands of businesses should be able to claim for some of the losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic after the Supreme Court “substantially allowed” an appeal brought by the Financial Conduct Authority in a landmark £1.2bn legal battle. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) last year brought a test case, which could affect around 370,000 businesses, over the wording of business interruption insurance policies, which some insurers argued did not cover the Covid-19 pandemic. The City watchdog previously said it was bringing the legal action following “widespread concern” over “the lack of clarity and certainty” for businesses seeking to cover substantial losses incurred by the pandemic and subsequent national lockdown. In September, the High Court ruled on several “lead” insurance policies issued by eight separate insurers largely in favour of the FCA, which welcomed the judgment as “a significant step in resolving the uncertainty being faced by policyholders”. The regulator, however, argued the judgment “paved the way for many insurance policies to pay indemnities on Covid-19 business interruption claims”, but also “took something away with one hand after giving more substantially and in detail with the other”. Six of the insurers – Arch, Argenta, Hiscox, MS Amlin, QBE and RSA – also appealed against aspects of the High Court’s ruling, as did the Hiscox Action Group, which represents around 400 businesses insured by Hiscox. In November, the UK’s highest court heard “leapfrog” appeals – which have bypassed the Court of Appeal – in a case which could have implications for hundreds of thousands of businesses affected by coronavirus. Announcing the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, Lord Hamblen said: “The appeals of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Hiscox Action Group are substantially allowed and the insurers’ appeals are dismissed.” Explaining the background to the landmark case, Lord Hamblen said: “The appeal concerns the proper construction of 21 sample insurance policy wordings. “It is estimated that, in addition to the particular policies chosen for the test case, some 700 types of policies across over 60 different insurers and 370,000 policyholders could potentially be affected by the outcome of this litigation.” Summarising the Supreme Court’s decision in relation to “prevention of access clauses” – which are triggered by “public authority intervention preventing access to, or use of, the business premises” – Lord Hamblen said the High Court’s interpretation was “too narrow”. The judge said: “An instruction given by a public authority may amount to a ‘restriction imposed’ if it carries the imminent threat of legal compulsion or is in mandatory and clear terms and indicates that compliance is required without recourse to legal powers.” Sheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, said in a statement after the ruling: “Coronavirus is causing substantial loss and distress to businesses and many are under immense financial strain to stay afloat. “This test case involved complex legal issues. Our aim throughout this test case has been to get clarity for as wide a range of parties as possible, as quickly as possible, and today’s judgment decisively removes many of the roadblocks to claims by policyholders. “We will be working with insurers to ensure that they now move quickly to pay claims that the judgment says should be paid, making interim payments wherever possible. “Insurers should also communicate directly and quickly with policyholders who have made claims affected by the judgment to explain next steps. “As we have recognised from the start of this case, tens of thousands of small firms and potentially hundreds of thousands of jobs are relying on this. “We are grateful to the Supreme Court for delivering the judgment quickly. The speed with which it was reached reflects well on all parties.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/boost-businesses-coronavirus-insurance-court-19630576
en
2021-01-15T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/47c241a281c973a54a2feb8e0a3a71cea73d528dac24e27a6aa62f483a30ec81.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThousands of businesses should be able to claim for some of the losses caused by the coronavirus pandemic after the Supreme Court “substantially allowed” an appeal brought by the Financial Conduct Authority in a landmark £1.2bn legal battle.\nThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) last year brought a test case, which could affect around 370,000 businesses, over the wording of business interruption insurance policies, which some insurers argued did not cover the Covid-19 pandemic.\nThe City watchdog previously said it was bringing the legal action following “widespread concern” over “the lack of clarity and certainty” for businesses seeking to cover substantial losses incurred by the pandemic and subsequent national lockdown.\nIn September, the High Court ruled on several “lead” insurance policies issued by eight separate insurers largely in favour of the FCA, which welcomed the judgment as “a significant step in resolving the uncertainty being faced by policyholders”.\nThe regulator, however, argued the judgment “paved the way for many insurance policies to pay indemnities on Covid-19 business interruption claims”, but also “took something away with one hand after giving more substantially and in detail with the other”.\nSix of the insurers – Arch, Argenta, Hiscox, MS Amlin, QBE and RSA – also appealed against aspects of the High Court’s ruling, as did the Hiscox Action Group, which represents around 400 businesses insured by Hiscox.\nIn November, the UK’s highest court heard “leapfrog” appeals – which have bypassed the Court of Appeal – in a case which could have implications for hundreds of thousands of businesses affected by coronavirus.\nAnnouncing the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, Lord Hamblen said: “The appeals of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Hiscox Action Group are substantially allowed and the insurers’ appeals are dismissed.”\nExplaining the background to the landmark case, Lord Hamblen said: “The appeal concerns the proper construction of 21 sample insurance policy wordings.\n“It is estimated that, in addition to the particular policies chosen for the test case, some 700 types of policies across over 60 different insurers and 370,000 policyholders could potentially be affected by the outcome of this litigation.”\nSummarising the Supreme Court’s decision in relation to “prevention of access clauses” – which are triggered by “public authority intervention preventing access to, or use of, the business premises” – Lord Hamblen said the High Court’s interpretation was “too narrow”.\nThe judge said: “An instruction given by a public authority may amount to a ‘restriction imposed’ if it carries the imminent threat of legal compulsion or is in mandatory and clear terms and indicates that compliance is required without recourse to legal powers.”\nSheldon Mills, executive director of consumers and competition at the FCA, said in a statement after the ruling: “Coronavirus is causing substantial loss and distress to businesses and many are under immense financial strain to stay afloat.\n“This test case involved complex legal issues. Our aim throughout this test case has been to get clarity for as wide a range of parties as possible, as quickly as possible, and today’s judgment decisively removes many of the roadblocks to claims by policyholders.\n“We will be working with insurers to ensure that they now move quickly to pay claims that the judgment says should be paid, making interim payments wherever possible.\n“Insurers should also communicate directly and quickly with policyholders who have made claims affected by the judgment to explain next steps.\n“As we have recognised from the start of this case, tens of thousands of small firms and potentially hundreds of thousands of jobs are relying on this.\n“We are grateful to the Supreme Court for delivering the judgment quickly. The speed with which it was reached reflects well on all parties.”", "Boost for businesses in coronavirus insurance court action win", "The Supreme Court has “substantially allowed” the appeal brought by the FCA over coronavirus-related business interruption insurance" ]
[ "Chris Pyke" ]
2021-01-19T22:08:13
null
2021-01-19T20:45:18
However, policies are likely to amend new and renewing customers since the issue first arose, and it's also likely insurers will pass the cost of the claims on to policyholders
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fprofessional-services%2Flandmark-legal-judgement-covid-19-19660277.json
https://i2-prod.walesonl…_JS161057137.jpg
en
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Landmark legal judgement on Covid-19 insurance gives hope to businesses
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Professional Services Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email For businesses suffering as a result of the ongoing pandemic there was a glimmer of light last week following a landmark legal judgement. Coronavirus has already wreaked untold economic damage on businesses across Wales and the world, and with no end in sight to social restrictions and lockdowns, further hardship is likely. However, last Friday the Supreme Court ruled businesses have the right to claim on their insurance policies for losses related to Covid-19. The case, brought by regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and a group of small businesses, could potentially affect up to 370,000 policy holders and lead to more than £1.2bn in claims. “When the Covid-19 pandemic first hit, thousands of businesses made claims on their business interruption insurance, but many leading insurers refused to pay out on the basis that their policies did not provide cover,” explains Paul Hopkins, a partner with the Cardiff-based law firm Geldards. “So the FCA brought a test case to provide clarity to both policyholders and insurers as to whether a variety of policies covered business interruption losses resulting from the pandemic. “A High Court judgement in September provided a mixed result for policyholders, which meant that those businesses that closed when lockdown started could claim on their policy, but that losses from a general reduction in consumer demand and the government’s lockdown measures were not covered. “Friday’s judgement provides guidance for a further 700 types of policy, meaning that more policyholders will have valid claims and some pay-outs will be higher. “For some small business owners this could provide the money they need to see them through the pandemic and to come out the other side with a viable business.” Mr Hopkins said each policy will need to be considered against the detailed judgment to work out what exactly it means for that policy. Therefore, he says, business owners in Wales who have had claims under Disease Cover refused should in the first instance contact their insurers to check if they are reconsidering their claims in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. Mr Hopkins added that it might be worth obtaining legal advice as to whether the specific wording of the policy allows claims for Covid-19 losses. Richard Evans, from Capital Law’s disputes team, said: “Since the start of the first lockdown in March 2020, we’ve been reviewing hundreds of business interruption insurance policies for businesses whose insurers refused to pay out. “We’ve repeatedly called out insurers on their behaviour, and 10 months on, the pressure has borne fruit in a very positive judgment for businesses. “To get what they’re owed, businesses now need to ensure that the specific policy wording of their individual claim is considered against the ruling, by getting their policy reviewed by a legal professional. If it’s established that there is indeed cover, the businesses can seek to recover losses flowing from the closure of their businesses. If the insurer still refuses to pay out then the businesses can refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service or, in the alternative, issue legal proceedings.” Mr Hopkins added that many insurance policies will have been amended for new and renewing customers since this issue first arose, so whether any losses from subsequent lockdowns or restrictions are covered will be clearly stated. “It is also highly likely that insurers will pass the cost of the claims on to policyholders, so even though some businesses will receive a pay out, many more could see their premiums going up,” Mr Hopkins said.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/professional-services/landmark-legal-judgement-covid-19-19660277
en
2021-01-19T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/d8e77abd724207271f2bc06be789dc5f188ead497b5351fb70e480b9426f295f.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Professional Services Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nFor businesses suffering as a result of the ongoing pandemic there was a glimmer of light last week following a landmark legal judgement.\nCoronavirus has already wreaked untold economic damage on businesses across Wales and the world, and with no end in sight to social restrictions and lockdowns, further hardship is likely.\nHowever, last Friday the Supreme Court ruled businesses have the right to claim on their insurance policies for losses related to Covid-19. The case, brought by regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and a group of small businesses, could potentially affect up to 370,000 policy holders and lead to more than £1.2bn in claims.\n“When the Covid-19 pandemic first hit, thousands of businesses made claims on their business interruption insurance, but many leading insurers refused to pay out on the basis that their policies did not provide cover,” explains Paul Hopkins, a partner with the Cardiff-based law firm Geldards.\n“So the FCA brought a test case to provide clarity to both policyholders and insurers as to whether a variety of policies covered business interruption losses resulting from the pandemic.\n“A High Court judgement in September provided a mixed result for policyholders, which meant that those businesses that closed when lockdown started could claim on their policy, but that losses from a general reduction in consumer demand and the government’s lockdown measures were not covered.\n“Friday’s judgement provides guidance for a further 700 types of policy, meaning that more policyholders will have valid claims and some pay-outs will be higher.\n“For some small business owners this could provide the money they need to see them through the pandemic and to come out the other side with a viable business.”\nMr Hopkins said each policy will need to be considered against the detailed judgment to work out what exactly it means for that policy.\nTherefore, he says, business owners in Wales who have had claims under Disease Cover refused should in the first instance contact their insurers to check if they are reconsidering their claims in the light of the Supreme Court’s decision.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nMr Hopkins added that it might be worth obtaining legal advice as to whether the specific wording of the policy allows claims for Covid-19 losses.\nRichard Evans, from Capital Law’s disputes team, said: “Since the start of the first lockdown in March 2020, we’ve been reviewing hundreds of business interruption insurance policies for businesses whose insurers refused to pay out.\n“We’ve repeatedly called out insurers on their behaviour, and 10 months on, the pressure has borne fruit in a very positive judgment for businesses.\n“To get what they’re owed, businesses now need to ensure that the specific policy wording of their individual claim is considered against the ruling, by getting their policy reviewed by a legal professional. If it’s established that there is indeed cover, the businesses can seek to recover losses flowing from the closure of their businesses. If the insurer still refuses to pay out then the businesses can refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service or, in the alternative, issue legal proceedings.”\nMr Hopkins added that many insurance policies will have been amended for new and renewing customers since this issue first arose, so whether any losses from subsequent lockdowns or restrictions are covered will be clearly stated.\n“It is also highly likely that insurers will pass the cost of the claims on to policyholders, so even though some businesses will receive a pay out, many more could see their premiums going up,” Mr Hopkins said.", "Landmark legal judgement on Covid-19 insurance gives hope to businesses", "However, policies are likely to amend new and renewing customers since the issue first arose, and it's also likely insurers will pass the cost of the claims on to policyholders" ]
[ "Tom Houghton" ]
2021-01-13T09:36:00
null
2021-01-13T08:36:13
The new offices for the professional services giant will include a panoramic roof terrace overlooking St Peter's Square
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fgrant-thornton-move-350-staff-19614679.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…OTO-Landmark.jpg
en
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Grant Thornton to move 350 staff into new Landmark office development in Manchester city centre
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A professional services giant has signed a deal to move hundreds of its staff into the new Landmark office development at St Peter's Square in Manchester city centre. Grant Thornton has agreed a 15-year lease with Barings Real Estate for a 13,219sq ft space on the 11th floor of Landmark, with the firm set to occupy the space later this year once it has been fitted out. The company's 350-strong Manchester team will move from its Spinningfields hub to the Landmark building, where its office will include a panoramic roof terrace overlooking St Peter’s Square. The announcement follows the recent news that Barings has signed a management agreement with flexible workspace group, Hana, for 32,000 sq ft at Landmark. Hana will design, build and operate the flexible space, called Hana at St Peter’s Square, which is expected to open in mid-2021. Carl Williams, North West managing partner at Grant Thornton, said: “We are thrilled to be making this long-term commitment to Manchester and to this brilliant new workspace right at the heart of the city centre, on St Peter’s Square. “At Grant Thornton we recognise that post the Covid-19 pandemic the way people work will change, so the design of our new flagship office at Landmark will reflect our need for a best-in-class space to inspire collaboration, innovative thinking and knowledge sharing among our people, while also ensuring we deliver a great experience to our clients and intermediaries.” Grant Thornton UK LLP is part of the Grant Thornton network of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms with a global network of some 50,000 people in over 135 countries. Grant Thornton and Hana will join global property consultancy JLL who moved its Manchester team into the 14,004 sq ft 10th floor last year, representing JLL’s largest commercial office outside of London. The 180,000 sq ft Landmark development completed in 2020. Ian Mayhew, managing director at Barings, said: “We are delighted to welcome Grant Thornton to Landmark. To have concluded two significant transactions with global businesses in quick succession during the pandemic is an excellent result. "It is testament to Landmark’s appeal to companies seeking the highest quality offices, with keen attention to its exceptional environmental and well-being credentials along with the building’s excellent service levels and customer experience. "We move into 2021 with strong interest in the remainder of the available space which demonstrates both the success of the building and the resilience of the Manchester office market.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/grant-thornton-move-350-staff-19614679
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/10874cae4eac2d8a69919cf4d9cc88c15eed1743c4e279399b8cd301306e9ac9.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA professional services giant has signed a deal to move hundreds of its staff into the new Landmark office development at St Peter's Square in Manchester city centre.\nGrant Thornton has agreed a 15-year lease with Barings Real Estate for a 13,219sq ft space on the 11th floor of Landmark, with the firm set to occupy the space later this year once it has been fitted out.\nThe company's 350-strong Manchester team will move from its Spinningfields hub to the Landmark building, where its office will include a panoramic roof terrace overlooking St Peter’s Square.\nThe announcement follows the recent news that Barings has signed a management agreement with flexible workspace group, Hana, for 32,000 sq ft at Landmark. Hana will design, build and operate the flexible space, called Hana at St Peter’s Square, which is expected to open in mid-2021.\nCarl Williams, North West managing partner at Grant Thornton, said: “We are thrilled to be making this long-term commitment to Manchester and to this brilliant new workspace right at the heart of the city centre, on St Peter’s Square.\n“At Grant Thornton we recognise that post the Covid-19 pandemic the way people work will change, so the design of our new flagship office at Landmark will reflect our need for a best-in-class space to inspire collaboration, innovative thinking and knowledge sharing among our people, while also ensuring we deliver a great experience to our clients and intermediaries.”\nGrant Thornton UK LLP is part of the Grant Thornton network of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms with a global network of some 50,000 people in over 135 countries.\nGrant Thornton and Hana will join global property consultancy JLL who moved its Manchester team into the 14,004 sq ft 10th floor last year, representing JLL’s largest commercial office outside of London.\nThe 180,000 sq ft Landmark development completed in 2020.\nIan Mayhew, managing director at Barings, said: “We are delighted to welcome Grant Thornton to Landmark. To have concluded two significant transactions with global businesses in quick succession during the pandemic is an excellent result.\n\"It is testament to Landmark’s appeal to companies seeking the highest quality offices, with keen attention to its exceptional environmental and well-being credentials along with the building’s excellent service levels and customer experience.\n\"We move into 2021 with strong interest in the remainder of the available space which demonstrates both the success of the building and the resilience of the Manchester office market.”", "Grant Thornton to move 350 staff into new Landmark office development in Manchester city centre", "The new offices for the professional services giant will include a panoramic roof terrace overlooking St Peter's Square" ]
[ "David Laister", "Image", "Orsted" ]
2021-01-01T07:25:12
null
2021-01-01T06:54:21
The largest element of the world-leading Humber cluster gets the go-ahead as 2020 closes
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fports-logistics%2Fhappy-new-year-orsted-hornsea-19547590.json
https://i2-prod.business…re-wind-farm.jpg
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Happy New Year for Orsted as Hornsea Three gets planning consent after 15 month delay
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A last act of 2020 from government has seen Orsted’s biggest wind farm yet gain planning consent. Hornsea Three has been given the go ahead by Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma. It has been the hardest yet to achieve, with strong objections from environmental bodies over the impact the construction and operation could have on protected areas and bird species. As part of the process, the company will create artificial nesting towers onshore to boost the kittiwake population. Mr Sharma, the third in office to have it in his in tray, had announced he was ‘minded for approval’ in July. It is now confirmed, having initially been anticipated in September 2019. The multi-billion pound 231-turbine 2.4GW development is double the size of the reigning world leader, Hornsea One, and while it forms part of the cluster off the Humber approaches, served from Grimsby, power will hit land at Norfolk, connecting to the grid near Norwich. (Image: Orsted) Cable laying will involve cutting through a protected Natura 2000 site and it led to special assessments of North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef Special Area of Conservation, The Wash and North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation, with Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds and Markham’s Triangle Marine Conservation Zone all flagged up. Hornsea Three is a key part in the Danish energy giant’s plans to create 400 jobs in the Humber region, with a £14 million East Coast Hub set up to serve the North Sea interests. It is also a vital building block in the acceleration of offshore wind deployment, with installation targets raised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Expressing his delight, Duncan Clark, head of UK region at Orsted, said: “This determination is the culmination of a thorough and rigorous process which ensures that the project can deliver much needed clean energy at scale for the UK, whilst ensuring the potential environmental impacts of the project are minimised. “We’ve worked closely with key stakeholders to develop a robust compensation plan focused on the implementation of onshore artificial nesting structures specifically designed for kittiwake. The unique compensation plan for Hornsea Three demonstrates that the industry can continue to deliver on the Government’s offshore wind ambition of 40GW by 2030 in a sensitive and environmentally responsible way and we would like to thank Shoney Wind for providing specialist knowledge on kittiwake artificial nesting towers. "We’d like to thank everyone involved in the project to date and for the productive discussions, feedback and comments that have helped shape and refine our proposals. “Climate change remains a very serious threat to our environment and habitats and there is an ever pressing need to act. Once complete, Hornsea Three could provide clean power to over two million UK homes and offset over 128.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. It will make a significant contribution towards meeting the UK’s net zero commitments and in the crucial fight against climate change. “We will now be reviewing the full Development Consent Order and will continue to work closely with stakeholders and local communities as we take the project forward.” It will be the company’s fifth farm in the zone, and should also mean a huge order for Siemens Gamesa, with blades built in Hull. While decisions have yet to be made, all other turbines in the cluster are scaled up models, making it easier for the large operations and maintenance cohort in the port town. Hornsea One, following Westermost Rough and Race Bank, was fully commissioned early last year, with Hornsea Two now in early construction. It is being co-ordinated from a new base at Humberside Airport, while in Immingham a new era of safety preparation and training has been ushered in. Both will play a role in Hornsea Three.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/ports-logistics/happy-new-year-orsted-hornsea-19547590
en
2021-01-01T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/5165daf53892315fe2375d9ed0431ad8d3260345953760e89629b1529f0c90a9.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA last act of 2020 from government has seen Orsted’s biggest wind farm yet gain planning consent.\nHornsea Three has been given the go ahead by Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma.\nIt has been the hardest yet to achieve, with strong objections from environmental bodies over the impact the construction and operation could have on protected areas and bird species.\nAs part of the process, the company will create artificial nesting towers onshore to boost the kittiwake population.\nMr Sharma, the third in office to have it in his in tray, had announced he was ‘minded for approval’ in July. It is now confirmed, having initially been anticipated in September 2019.\nThe multi-billion pound 231-turbine 2.4GW development is double the size of the reigning world leader, Hornsea One, and while it forms part of the cluster off the Humber approaches, served from Grimsby, power will hit land at Norfolk, connecting to the grid near Norwich.\n(Image: Orsted)\nCable laying will involve cutting through a protected Natura 2000 site and it led to special assessments of North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef Special Area of Conservation, The Wash and North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation, with Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds and Markham’s Triangle Marine Conservation Zone all flagged up.\nHornsea Three is a key part in the Danish energy giant’s plans to create 400 jobs in the Humber region, with a £14 million East Coast Hub set up to serve the North Sea interests. It is also a vital building block in the acceleration of offshore wind deployment, with installation targets raised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.\nExpressing his delight, Duncan Clark, head of UK region at Orsted, said: “This determination is the culmination of a thorough and rigorous process which ensures that the project can deliver much needed clean energy at scale for the UK, whilst ensuring the potential environmental impacts of the project are minimised.\n“We’ve worked closely with key stakeholders to develop a robust compensation plan focused on the implementation of onshore artificial nesting structures specifically designed for kittiwake. The unique compensation plan for Hornsea Three demonstrates that the industry can continue to deliver on the Government’s offshore wind ambition of 40GW by 2030 in a sensitive and environmentally responsible way and we would like to thank Shoney Wind for providing specialist knowledge on kittiwake artificial nesting towers.\n\"We’d like to thank everyone involved in the project to date and for the productive discussions, feedback and comments that have helped shape and refine our proposals.\n“Climate change remains a very serious threat to our environment and habitats and there is an ever pressing need to act. Once complete, Hornsea Three could provide clean power to over two million UK homes and offset over 128.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. It will make a significant contribution towards meeting the UK’s net zero commitments and in the crucial fight against climate change.\n“We will now be reviewing the full Development Consent Order and will continue to work closely with stakeholders and local communities as we take the project forward.”\nIt will be the company’s fifth farm in the zone, and should also mean a huge order for Siemens Gamesa, with blades built in Hull. While decisions have yet to be made, all other turbines in the cluster are scaled up models, making it easier for the large operations and maintenance cohort in the port town.\nHornsea One, following Westermost Rough and Race Bank, was fully commissioned early last year, with Hornsea Two now in early construction.\nIt is being co-ordinated from a new base at Humberside Airport, while in Immingham a new era of safety preparation and training has been ushered in. Both will play a role in Hornsea Three.", "Happy New Year for Orsted as Hornsea Three gets planning consent after 15 month delay", "The largest element of the world-leading Humber cluster gets the go-ahead as 2020 closes" ]
[ "Tom Houghton" ]
2021-01-13T11:06:52
null
2021-01-13T10:47:36
The firm employs 2,700 people across Europe
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fmanchester-manufacturer-vita-group-expands-19615442.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…CEO-Ian-Robb.jpg
en
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Manchester manufacturer Vita Group expands into Italy with £6.1m acquisition
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A manufacturer of mattress foam employing thousands across Europe from its Manchester base has expanded into Italy with a £6.1m acquisition. Middleton-based The Vita Group, the UK's leading provider of polyurethane foam, has bought IMPE, a company owned by Naples-based furniture giant Nattuzi. Vita Group said it expects the deal to complete in the first quarter of 2021, enabling it to gain an "important foothold in Italy" - the second largest furniture producing country in Europe and one of its largest furniture exporters. The Naples site will be known as Vita Italy, and manufacture value added and differentiated polyurethane foam for the Italian furniture and bedding industry, as well as expanding the group’s trade links with the Americas and North Africa. The site, which has production capabilities of 20k tonnes per annum, will enable Vita to release current production in Hungary and Romania to concentrate on further expansion in Eastern Europe and the Balkans region. Vita Group CEO Ian Robb said: “This strategic acquisition establishes a further step in our ambition to broaden and strengthen our production footprint across Europe. "We believe this is a win-win transaction for all parties and allows Vita to gain an established foothold in this important market. Under The Vita Group umbrella, and with the assistance of IMPE’s experienced workforce, we look forward to further investing in new plant and equipment to allow us to increase choice, innovation and continued support to our existing and new customers, while further enhancing our presence in the Italian bedding & furniture market.” Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. He said the acquisition demonstrates The Vita Group’s "continued commitment" to growth and innovation, with major milestones in 2020 including capacity expansions in Lithuania, Poland and Romania, which will be online in 2021. The capacity increases enable further investments into thriving new sectors, such as bedding (Bed in a Box) technology and production equipment in United Kingdom, France, Romania, and Germany. In April, the Rochdale manufacturer, which employs 2,700 people across Europe, said it had helped make 25,000 mattresses for NHS Nightingale Hospitals.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/manchester-manufacturer-vita-group-expands-19615442
en
2021-01-13T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/48a8e076c0bfbc6971e3d5eadbc32f6440d8923916f3bdec1e9e3ea8ef8f4055.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA manufacturer of mattress foam employing thousands across Europe from its Manchester base has expanded into Italy with a £6.1m acquisition.\nMiddleton-based The Vita Group, the UK's leading provider of polyurethane foam, has bought IMPE, a company owned by Naples-based furniture giant Nattuzi.\nVita Group said it expects the deal to complete in the first quarter of 2021, enabling it to gain an \"important foothold in Italy\" - the second largest furniture producing country in Europe and one of its largest furniture exporters.\nThe Naples site will be known as Vita Italy, and manufacture value added and differentiated polyurethane foam for the Italian furniture and bedding industry, as well as expanding the group’s trade links with the Americas and North Africa.\nThe site, which has production capabilities of 20k tonnes per annum, will enable Vita to release current production in Hungary and Romania to concentrate on further expansion in Eastern Europe and the Balkans region.\nVita Group CEO Ian Robb said: “This strategic acquisition establishes a further step in our ambition to broaden and strengthen our production footprint across Europe.\n\"We believe this is a win-win transaction for all parties and allows Vita to gain an established foothold in this important market. Under The Vita Group umbrella, and with the assistance of IMPE’s experienced workforce, we look forward to further investing in new plant and equipment to allow us to increase choice, innovation and continued support to our existing and new customers, while further enhancing our presence in the Italian bedding & furniture market.”\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nHe said the acquisition demonstrates The Vita Group’s \"continued commitment\" to growth and innovation, with major milestones in 2020 including capacity expansions in Lithuania, Poland and Romania, which will be online in 2021.\nThe capacity increases enable further investments into thriving new sectors, such as bedding (Bed in a Box) technology and production equipment in United Kingdom, France, Romania, and Germany.\nIn April, the Rochdale manufacturer, which employs 2,700 people across Europe, said it had helped make 25,000 mattresses for NHS Nightingale Hospitals.", "Manchester manufacturer Vita Group expands into Italy with £6.1m acquisition", "The firm employs 2,700 people across Europe" ]
[ "David Laister", "Image", "Grimstelegraph", "Abp" ]
2021-01-11T11:37:05
null
2021-01-11T11:15:20
Isolated instances of IT backlogs, containers not making vessels and others being tied to the ports as clearances are awaited
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fports-logistics%2Fjanuary-trade-lull-gives-humber-19601479.json
https://i2-prod.business…9DLbrexcanva.jpg
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January trade lull gives Humber ports vital Brexit breathing space for customs changes
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email January’s lull in cargo is helping freight firms come to terms with the new post-Brexit administration. There has been no repeat of the port congestion that saw vessels held in the Humber ahead of Britain stepping out of the EU. DFDS - the largest roll-on roll-off operator at the country’s largest port - said the drop off in movements was helping those at the coalface get to grips with the new customs documentation at the Europe-facing Immingham operation. Andrew Byrne, managing director, said: “Volume-wise it has been quiet because of the amount of cargo we saw in December. We have seen a lot more units being exported, as the balance has levelled up, a lot of units now delivered going back empty or with new consignments. The congestion that we saw has gone. “We are seeing a few issues with customs systems, with customers and customers’ customers, be it getting used to new procedures or additional manual checks, but because volumes are lower it is not impacting on the traffic flow. “If we were as busy as December and having discrepancies it would, but we’re not, so we’re just ironing out the crease and helping customers. Every day is getting lighter and in a couple of weeks we will be in a position where it is routine.” (Image: ABP) There have been isolated cases of drivers arriving to collect cargo that has yet to be cleared, containers not hitting sailings due to the same, chiefly on hazardous goods, and early HMRC IT system backlogs. “We have seen a few truck drivers hanging around frustrated, as previously they could move as soon as they were on the quay. We have also had some units delivered to the quay and not get customs cleared and not get on the ship. “It is 29 years since we have had to do this. We’ve built an entire operation around being frictionless, so it adds another layer of complexity.” While document checks came in as the 11pm release came on New Year's Eve, physical checks won't be brought in untul July 1. Almost £50 million is being spent on new border control posts in the Humber to be up and running for then, with new facilities at Hull, Immingham and Killingholme. One freight forwarder based close to the South Bank ports said he was a little worried about how unprepared many clients were. “The biggest hurdle is getting people’s heads around the fact that for imports and exports to the EU there are now customs clearance,” he said. “Previously you could ship out and not worry about it. “If you manufacture in the UK and only send to Holland and Germany it is quite a big step, but if you deal with China or Australia is it more of the same. Now whether it is Dublin or Dubai the same applies. Shippers and manufacturers that were already globally active are more switched on and used to it.” What is your take on the changes? Let us know in the comments field below.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/ports-logistics/january-trade-lull-gives-humber-19601479
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/776c4e8e6d16e48194f2553e2722a3875e19b954ab316d910d5d1fc4fb569cdb.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nJanuary’s lull in cargo is helping freight firms come to terms with the new post-Brexit administration.\nThere has been no repeat of the port congestion that saw vessels held in the Humber ahead of Britain stepping out of the EU.\nDFDS - the largest roll-on roll-off operator at the country’s largest port - said the drop off in movements was helping those at the coalface get to grips with the new customs documentation at the Europe-facing Immingham operation.\nAndrew Byrne, managing director, said: “Volume-wise it has been quiet because of the amount of cargo we saw in December. We have seen a lot more units being exported, as the balance has levelled up, a lot of units now delivered going back empty or with new consignments. The congestion that we saw has gone.\n“We are seeing a few issues with customs systems, with customers and customers’ customers, be it getting used to new procedures or additional manual checks, but because volumes are lower it is not impacting on the traffic flow.\n“If we were as busy as December and having discrepancies it would, but we’re not, so we’re just ironing out the crease and helping customers. Every day is getting lighter and in a couple of weeks we will be in a position where it is routine.”\n(Image: ABP)\nThere have been isolated cases of drivers arriving to collect cargo that has yet to be cleared, containers not hitting sailings due to the same, chiefly on hazardous goods, and early HMRC IT system backlogs.\n“We have seen a few truck drivers hanging around frustrated, as previously they could move as soon as they were on the quay. We have also had some units delivered to the quay and not get customs cleared and not get on the ship.\n“It is 29 years since we have had to do this. We’ve built an entire operation around being frictionless, so it adds another layer of complexity.”\nWhile document checks came in as the 11pm release came on New Year's Eve, physical checks won't be brought in untul July 1.\nAlmost £50 million is being spent on new border control posts in the Humber to be up and running for then, with new facilities at Hull, Immingham and Killingholme.\nOne freight forwarder based close to the South Bank ports said he was a little worried about how unprepared many clients were.\n“The biggest hurdle is getting people’s heads around the fact that for imports and exports to the EU there are now customs clearance,” he said. “Previously you could ship out and not worry about it.\n“If you manufacture in the UK and only send to Holland and Germany it is quite a big step, but if you deal with China or Australia is it more of the same. Now whether it is Dublin or Dubai the same applies. Shippers and manufacturers that were already globally active are more switched on and used to it.”\nWhat is your take on the changes? Let us know in the comments field below.", "January trade lull gives Humber ports vital Brexit breathing space for customs changes", "Isolated instances of IT backlogs, containers not making vessels and others being tied to the ports as clearances are awaited" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "North Star Ventures" ]
2021-01-28T13:51:01
null
2021-01-28T13:10:37
The home care firm has expanded into the North East and will create new jobs on the back of the investment
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fbellvie-secures-850000-investment-drive-19718087.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…80121care_01.jpg
en
null
BellVie secures £850,000 investment to drive change in North East care sector
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A home care company which has expanded in the North East has tapped into six-figure investment to create more jobs in the region. Originally established in Oxfordshire, BelleVie now has a team based in the North East supporting people in County Durham, Tyneside and Wearside. The organisation has secured £850,000 investment in a round led by Northstar Ventures via the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, which will trigger a recruitment drive. Co-founder and CEO Dr Trudie Fell said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the crisis in the care industry, and BelleVie believes now more than ever there is a need for change. She said: “The care sector is in crisis and it’s widely accepted that the current ‘time-and-task’ model of delivering care is broken. “It leaves those being supported feeling like items on a tick list, not human beings; and employees are driven away from what can be a fulfilling, meaningful career. “Our model allows carers to focus on the person they’re supporting, rather than on the clock. “The model uses a network of self-managing teams, utilising technology, and is radically different. “There is a large and growing demand for quality care, so we are very excited about being able to expand this new way of working to more people in the North East following our successful fundraise.” Northstar director Alasdair Greig said: “Northstar is a keen supporter of BelleVie’s vision to shape a world where the people who give and receive care are valued, and we know that the funding will contribute to the creation of fairly paid jobs, in line with BelleVie’s Living Wage accreditation. “It will transform the lives of older people in the communities BelleVie support, by offering a person-centred, holistic approach to support.” BelleVie offers care packages tailored to customers’ needs, including everything from companionship and personal care to meal preparation, social life and help around the home. Teams are also trained to offer support to people who are just leaving hospital, and for those with specialist needs such as dementia, Parkinson's and cancer.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/bellvie-secures-850000-investment-drive-19718087
en
2021-01-28T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/39b4b3f94b9dbe57075cd105ed023d7fafe66d9408bc5b20ba6a25b7f64fcaae.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA home care company which has expanded in the North East has tapped into six-figure investment to create more jobs in the region.\nOriginally established in Oxfordshire, BelleVie now has a team based in the North East supporting people in County Durham, Tyneside and Wearside.\nThe organisation has secured £850,000 investment in a round led by Northstar Ventures via the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, which will trigger a recruitment drive.\nCo-founder and CEO Dr Trudie Fell said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the crisis in the care industry, and BelleVie believes now more than ever there is a need for change.\nShe said: “The care sector is in crisis and it’s widely accepted that the current ‘time-and-task’ model of delivering care is broken.\n“It leaves those being supported feeling like items on a tick list, not human beings; and employees are driven away from what can be a fulfilling, meaningful career.\n“Our model allows carers to focus on the person they’re supporting, rather than on the clock.\n“The model uses a network of self-managing teams, utilising technology, and is radically different.\n“There is a large and growing demand for quality care, so we are very excited about being able to expand this new way of working to more people in the North East following our successful fundraise.”\nNorthstar director Alasdair Greig said: “Northstar is a keen supporter of BelleVie’s vision to shape a world where the people who give and receive care are valued, and we know that the funding will contribute to the creation of fairly paid jobs, in line with BelleVie’s Living Wage accreditation.\n“It will transform the lives of older people in the communities BelleVie support, by offering a person-centred, holistic approach to support.”\nBelleVie offers care packages tailored to customers’ needs, including everything from companionship and personal care to meal preparation, social life and help around the home.\nTeams are also trained to offer support to people who are just leaving hospital, and for those with specialist needs such as dementia, Parkinson's and cancer.", "BellVie secures £850,000 investment to drive change in North East care sector", "The home care firm has expanded into the North East and will create new jobs on the back of the investment" ]
[ "Sion Barry" ]
2021-01-01T13:37:11
null
2021-01-01T12:35:54
Fusion Point One has undergone a multi-million-pound revamp
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fnew-grade-office-scheme-cardiff-19548412.json
https://i2-prod.business…Point-OneJPG.jpg
en
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New grade A office scheme for Cardiff attracting strong interest
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email New grade A office space has been brought to market in the centre of Cardiff. It comes following a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the 64,694 sq ft Fusion Point One building, for which there is already strong occupier interest. The transformation of the four storey building, owned by Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund, was carried out by Cardiff-based Paramount Interiors. The internal work included a new double height atrium and reception area, along with bespoke break out areas. Exterior work included a bespoke cladding system, landscaped rear courtyard, and updated car parks. Richard Jones, managing director at Paramount Interiors, said: “The key objectives for the project were sustainability and efficiency. New energy efficient mechanical and electric systems have been implemented throughout the building to ensure lower running costs, and the large floor plates provide complete flexibility to accommodate a range of different fit out layouts. "There is a high demand for sustainable office space in the Cardiff market, and we are extremely proud to deliver this project.” Ewan Montgomery, portfolio manager, UK Real Estate at Fidelity International, said: “This project is a great example of our approach to maximising the potential in the buildings we invest in, focusing on improvements in their environmental performance in parallel with creating a desirable space, with the wellness of the future occupants in mind.” The work at Fusion Point follows a £10m revamp by Legal & General of its Hodge House office scheme, also in the centre of Cardiff. Other grade A office being developed in the city include the first phase of John Street at Callaghan Square being speculatively developed by JR Smart. Work is also progressing on the 120,000 sq ft grade A office element of the Interchange scheme in the centre of Cardiff. The Interchange, which will also house a new bus station for the city and more than 300 for rent apartments, is being delivered by property development firm Rightacres Property in the latest phase of its one million sq ft office, residential and retail Central Square scheme, located in front of Cardiff Central Train Station. The office element of the Interchange will be occupied by L&G, which will bring its current two office operations in the city, which employ nearly 2,000 staff under one roof from 2023. Marketing agents for Fusion Point One are Fletcher Morgan and JLL Cardiff. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. John James of Fletcher Morgan, said: "Fusion Point One is the only large self contained grade A office building immediately available in Cardiff city centre. "Despite the current economic climate we have received a number of enquires we are following up and expect to see further interest as the vaccinations are rolled out and we get back to some sort of normality. Rhydian Morris of JLL said: "The focus from the outset of this office refurbishment and redevelopment has been on sustainability, as well as creating the working environment and extensive amenities, including internal and external collaboration areas for both clients and employees. "The impact of Covid-19 has resulted in many changes in the workplace, with safe collaboration areas being one of the key requirements”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/new-grade-office-scheme-cardiff-19548412
en
2021-01-01T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/33e0e2c20af51ea3cf50c7056c6376a0b879ec407e93d7de6df5163e4fafbe0d.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nNew grade A office space has been brought to market in the centre of Cardiff.\nIt comes following a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the 64,694 sq ft Fusion Point One building, for which there is already strong occupier interest.\nThe transformation of the four storey building, owned by Fidelity UK Real Estate Fund, was carried out by Cardiff-based Paramount Interiors.\nThe internal work included a new double height atrium and reception area, along with bespoke break out areas. Exterior work included a bespoke cladding system, landscaped rear courtyard, and updated car parks.\nRichard Jones, managing director at Paramount Interiors, said: “The key objectives for the project were sustainability and efficiency. New energy efficient mechanical and electric systems have been implemented throughout the building to ensure lower running costs, and the large floor plates provide complete flexibility to accommodate a range of different fit out layouts.\n\"There is a high demand for sustainable office space in the Cardiff market, and we are extremely proud to deliver this project.”\nEwan Montgomery, portfolio manager, UK Real Estate at Fidelity International, said: “This project is a great example of our approach to maximising the potential in the buildings we invest in, focusing on improvements in their environmental performance in parallel with creating a desirable space, with the wellness of the future occupants in mind.”\nThe work at Fusion Point follows a £10m revamp by Legal & General of its Hodge House office scheme, also in the centre of Cardiff.\nOther grade A office being developed in the city include the first phase of John Street at Callaghan Square being speculatively developed by JR Smart.\nWork is also progressing on the 120,000 sq ft grade A office element of the Interchange scheme in the centre of Cardiff.\nThe Interchange, which will also house a new bus station for the city and more than 300 for rent apartments, is being delivered by property development firm Rightacres Property in the latest phase of its one million sq ft office, residential and retail Central Square scheme, located in front of Cardiff Central Train Station.\nThe office element of the Interchange will be occupied by L&G, which will bring its current two office operations in the city, which employ nearly 2,000 staff under one roof from 2023.\nMarketing agents for Fusion Point One are Fletcher Morgan and JLL Cardiff.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nJohn James of Fletcher Morgan, said: \"Fusion Point One is the only large self contained grade A office building immediately available in Cardiff city centre.\n\"Despite the current economic climate we have received a number of enquires we are following up and expect to see further interest as the vaccinations are rolled out and we get back to some sort of normality.\nRhydian Morris of JLL said: \"The focus from the outset of this office refurbishment and redevelopment has been on sustainability, as well as creating the working environment and extensive amenities, including internal and external collaboration areas for both clients and employees.\n\"The impact of Covid-19 has resulted in many changes in the workplace, with safe collaboration areas being one of the key requirements”", "New grade A office scheme for Cardiff attracting strong interest", "Fusion Point One has undergone a multi-million-pound revamp" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-25T05:01:26
null
2021-01-25T03:00:00
£1.7bn UK Export Finance guarantee will help unlock trade to Egypt and support UK jobs
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fderbys-bombardier-secures-17bn-uk-19687659.json
https://i2-prod.business…0/2_monorail.jpg
en
null
Derby’s Bombardier secures £1.7bn UK Government backing to build two Egyptian monorails
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Derby’s Bombardier has won a £1.7 billion guarantee from the UK Government so that it can build two big monorail schemes in Egypt. UK Export Finance (UKEF) is backing the huge deal which will support UK exports and protect jobs in the East Midlands. The government body – which provides a safety net to ensure UK exports are not hindered by lack of finance or insurance – said it would be the first export of UK-built trains for over 12 years. It is also the biggest amount of financing UKEF has ever provided for an overseas infrastructure project. UKEF said the UK was by far the biggest foreign direct investor in Egypt. The monorails are part of Egypt’s plans for a sustainable transportation system that can cope with its growing population while reducing carbon emissions. The 34 miles of rail will transport millions of people each year in the Cairo metropolitan area, connecting the New Administrative City with East Cairo and 6th October City with Giza. Around 280 carriages will be built. Bombardier Transportation is leading a consortium – in partnership with Egyptian companies Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors – which was named preferred bidder. The train maker can now invest in its manufacturing centre in Derby where the monorail trains will be designed and built. It will be the UK’s only monorail car production line and support 100 UK jobs at the company and many more in its UK supply chain. Matt Byrne, president of Bombardier Transportation (UK and Ireland), said: “The Cairo Monorail export win, against international competition, shows that the UK rail sector can fight and win in key growth markets such as sustainable transport. “This is the first UK export since our Derby-built trains were exported to South Africa for the Gautrain project in 2008. “Thanks to UKEF’s support and those working in Embassies across North Africa, this new deal will bring sustainable benefits to Egypt and create job opportunities in the UK.” International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “Trade is an incredibly powerful way to propel growth and create jobs as we recover from the pandemic. “This deal shows why we are so determined to get businesses to grasp these opportunities and take advantage of the support available from Government. “One third of our economy is exports. “That’s why support from our export credit agency is vital. It can help the UK get a bigger slice of the global economic pie, secure jobs across the country and make the most of our newfound independence as a trading nation." Bombardier employs 4,000 people in the UK, with around 2,000 in Derby including more than 400 specialised engineers, who develop and build trains for UK rail operators.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/derbys-bombardier-secures-17bn-uk-19687659
en
2021-01-25T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/5e39b49863ca527dde5f6ba30d35ebe628142dbe7288a2db2bee8d96afeb832c.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nDerby’s Bombardier has won a £1.7 billion guarantee from the UK Government so that it can build two big monorail schemes in Egypt.\nUK Export Finance (UKEF) is backing the huge deal which will support UK exports and protect jobs in the East Midlands.\nThe government body – which provides a safety net to ensure UK exports are not hindered by lack of finance or insurance – said it would be the first export of UK-built trains for over 12 years.\nIt is also the biggest amount of financing UKEF has ever provided for an overseas infrastructure project.\nUKEF said the UK was by far the biggest foreign direct investor in Egypt.\nThe monorails are part of Egypt’s plans for a sustainable transportation system that can cope with its growing population while reducing carbon emissions.\nThe 34 miles of rail will transport millions of people each year in the Cairo metropolitan area, connecting the New Administrative City with East Cairo and 6th October City with Giza. Around 280 carriages will be built.\nBombardier Transportation is leading a consortium – in partnership with Egyptian companies Orascom Construction and Arab Contractors – which was named preferred bidder.\nThe train maker can now invest in its manufacturing centre in Derby where the monorail trains will be designed and built.\nIt will be the UK’s only monorail car production line and support 100 UK jobs at the company and many more in its UK supply chain.\nMatt Byrne, president of Bombardier Transportation (UK and Ireland), said: “The Cairo Monorail export win, against international competition, shows that the UK rail sector can fight and win in key growth markets such as sustainable transport.\n“This is the first UK export since our Derby-built trains were exported to South Africa for the Gautrain project in 2008.\n“Thanks to UKEF’s support and those working in Embassies across North Africa, this new deal will bring sustainable benefits to Egypt and create job opportunities in the UK.”\nInternational Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “Trade is an incredibly powerful way to propel growth and create jobs as we recover from the pandemic.\n“This deal shows why we are so determined to get businesses to grasp these opportunities and take advantage of the support available from Government.\n“One third of our economy is exports.\n“That’s why support from our export credit agency is vital. It can help the UK get a bigger slice of the global economic pie, secure jobs across the country and make the most of our newfound independence as a trading nation.\"\nBombardier employs 4,000 people in the UK, with around 2,000 in Derby including more than 400 specialised engineers, who develop and build trains for UK rail operators.", "Derby’s Bombardier secures £1.7bn UK Government backing to build two Egyptian monorails", "£1.7bn UK Export Finance guarantee will help unlock trade to Egypt and support UK jobs" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-04T13:17:23
null
2021-01-04T12:58:19
Ladbrokes owner Entain asks for more detail, saying bid “significantly undervalues” it
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fmgm-resorts-makes-81bn-bid-19559489.json
https://i2-prod.business…adbrokes-081.jpg
en
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MGM Resorts makes £8.1bn bid for Ladbrokes owners
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email US casino giant MGM Resorts has become the latest Stateside firm to try and tap into the UK market with an $11 billion (£8.1 billion) bid for the owner of Ladbrokes. The offer – which Entain said “significantly undervalues” it – is seen as a move by the casino company to help rapidly expand its sports betting business. Shares in Entain PLC, which is listed on the FTSE 100 and recently changed its name from GVC Holdings, were up around 29 per cent today at £14.63 on the back of the news. It comes after a period of rapid growth for the sports betting and online gambling industries in the US. MGM’s casino-owning rival Caesars made its own move into the area recently by buying UK betting giant William Hill. Shareholders approved Caesars’s £2.9 billion bid in November, in a move which is expected to complete by March. Entain is one of the world’s biggest sports betting and gaming groups, and owns brands including bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet, CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, partypoker and PartyCasino. In a response to press speculation about the offer, the Entain board confirmed it had been approached by MGM Resorts International (MGMRI), which is already its partner in the US market. Under the terms of the proposal, Entain’s shareholders would own 41.5 per cent of the enlarged MGM Resorts group – although a “limited partial cash alternative” would also be on the table. In a statement Entain said: “Entain has informed MGMRI that it believes that the proposal significantly undervalues the company and its prospects. Why are UK betting firms in high demand stateside? Why the sudden growth in the US betting industry? In the US, the casino-focused gambling sector had been stagnant for the best part of a decade after the 2008 financial crisis, which squeezed tightly on consumer spending. Since 1992, federal law had banned all but a few states, including Nevada, from promoting gambling on sporting events. But the US betting industry received a shot in the arm in 2018, when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of New Jersey, home to gambling hub Atlantic City, in its lengthy bid to introduce sports betting. The ruling placed the decision of whether to allow wagering on competitive games firmly in the hands of state legislatures, sparking a raft of other states to follow suit. As of November 2020, 20 US states had legalised sports betting with bills going through courts in a host of others. How did UK betting companies react to this? William Hill entered the US in 2011, acquiring three betting firms, to grow in the Nevada sports betting sector. It expanded its US business further following the 2018 ruling and secured a 20% investment from Caesars into its US operations, prior to the casino giant’s full takeover bid. Entain, then known as GVC Holdings, started 2018 with three state licences in the US, before the legislative change also allowed for its steady growth. The company also set up a number of partnership contracts with US casinos, racecourses and gaming venues, including a deal to supply technology to MGM casinos. Paddy Power owner Flutter Entertainment runs a raft of betting partnerships in the US, including its Fox Bet platform which it runs with the US media giant. Last month, Flutter agreed a £3.1 billion deal to take 95% control of US based fantasy sports and online betting firm FanDuel. What obstacles still exist? The largest obstacle for US betting firms disappeared with the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, but smaller obstacles still remain on a state-by-state basis. Some states, such as North Carolina, have rules requiring betting to take place in person at specific retail locations, hampering the growth of online betting. In other, such as Virginia, online betting is allowed, but is not permitted on college sports or youth sporting events. As of November, only three states remained where no sports betting is allowed. Idaho and Wisconsin have not had any publicly announced bills devoted to sports betting legislation. Meanwhile, Utah has its anti-gambling stance written into its state constitution, banning everything from gambling on horse-racing to lottery tickets. What makes UK firms particularly appealing? MGM is among the US gambling firms to focus their growth ambitions on the rapidly expanding online market, with it investing one billion dollars into its digital operations last year. The UK, which has typically had much more relaxed gambling laws, is one of the most mature online gambling markets. A decade of strong growth in the sector has put UK firms at the height of technological developments. US firms struck partnerships with UK firms in 2018 to quickly access their technology when the ruling allowed for expansion but the impact of the pandemic on UK stock prices has made it a ripe opportunity for takeover moves. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said MGM and Caesars’s bids for UK firms show they are “desperate to add to their online footprint at a time when the pandemic is undermining business in their resorts and casinos”. “The board has also asked MGMRI to provide additional information in respect of the strategic rationale for a combination of the two companies. “A further announcement will be made as appropriate. In the meantime, Entain shareholders are encouraged to take no action.” It added: “There can be no certainty that any offer will be made for the company, nor as to the terms on which any such offer might be made.” Entain said under City trading rules any updated offer must be made no later than 5pm on February 1.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/mgm-resorts-makes-81bn-bid-19559489
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/ed8bdd2e220d8000e79c8e0ce64fd738bd00b5450c5a7c6fbb4a73d7bdb38707.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nUS casino giant MGM Resorts has become the latest Stateside firm to try and tap into the UK market with an $11 billion (£8.1 billion) bid for the owner of Ladbrokes.\nThe offer – which Entain said “significantly undervalues” it – is seen as a move by the casino company to help rapidly expand its sports betting business.\nShares in Entain PLC, which is listed on the FTSE 100 and recently changed its name from GVC Holdings, were up around 29 per cent today at £14.63 on the back of the news.\nIt comes after a period of rapid growth for the sports betting and online gambling industries in the US.\nMGM’s casino-owning rival Caesars made its own move into the area recently by buying UK betting giant William Hill. Shareholders approved Caesars’s £2.9 billion bid in November, in a move which is expected to complete by March.\nEntain is one of the world’s biggest sports betting and gaming groups, and owns brands including bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds, Sportingbet, CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, partypoker and PartyCasino.\nIn a response to press speculation about the offer, the Entain board confirmed it had been approached by MGM Resorts International (MGMRI), which is already its partner in the US market.\nUnder the terms of the proposal, Entain’s shareholders would own 41.5 per cent of the enlarged MGM Resorts group – although a “limited partial cash alternative” would also be on the table.\nIn a statement Entain said: “Entain has informed MGMRI that it believes that the proposal significantly undervalues the company and its prospects.\nWhy are UK betting firms in high demand stateside? Why the sudden growth in the US betting industry? In the US, the casino-focused gambling sector had been stagnant for the best part of a decade after the 2008 financial crisis, which squeezed tightly on consumer spending. Since 1992, federal law had banned all but a few states, including Nevada, from promoting gambling on sporting events. But the US betting industry received a shot in the arm in 2018, when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of New Jersey, home to gambling hub Atlantic City, in its lengthy bid to introduce sports betting. The ruling placed the decision of whether to allow wagering on competitive games firmly in the hands of state legislatures, sparking a raft of other states to follow suit. As of November 2020, 20 US states had legalised sports betting with bills going through courts in a host of others. How did UK betting companies react to this? William Hill entered the US in 2011, acquiring three betting firms, to grow in the Nevada sports betting sector. It expanded its US business further following the 2018 ruling and secured a 20% investment from Caesars into its US operations, prior to the casino giant’s full takeover bid. Entain, then known as GVC Holdings, started 2018 with three state licences in the US, before the legislative change also allowed for its steady growth. The company also set up a number of partnership contracts with US casinos, racecourses and gaming venues, including a deal to supply technology to MGM casinos. Paddy Power owner Flutter Entertainment runs a raft of betting partnerships in the US, including its Fox Bet platform which it runs with the US media giant. Last month, Flutter agreed a £3.1 billion deal to take 95% control of US based fantasy sports and online betting firm FanDuel. What obstacles still exist? The largest obstacle for US betting firms disappeared with the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, but smaller obstacles still remain on a state-by-state basis. Some states, such as North Carolina, have rules requiring betting to take place in person at specific retail locations, hampering the growth of online betting. In other, such as Virginia, online betting is allowed, but is not permitted on college sports or youth sporting events. As of November, only three states remained where no sports betting is allowed. Idaho and Wisconsin have not had any publicly announced bills devoted to sports betting legislation. Meanwhile, Utah has its anti-gambling stance written into its state constitution, banning everything from gambling on horse-racing to lottery tickets. What makes UK firms particularly appealing? MGM is among the US gambling firms to focus their growth ambitions on the rapidly expanding online market, with it investing one billion dollars into its digital operations last year. The UK, which has typically had much more relaxed gambling laws, is one of the most mature online gambling markets. A decade of strong growth in the sector has put UK firms at the height of technological developments. US firms struck partnerships with UK firms in 2018 to quickly access their technology when the ruling allowed for expansion but the impact of the pandemic on UK stock prices has made it a ripe opportunity for takeover moves. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said MGM and Caesars’s bids for UK firms show they are “desperate to add to their online footprint at a time when the pandemic is undermining business in their resorts and casinos”.\n“The board has also asked MGMRI to provide additional information in respect of the strategic rationale for a combination of the two companies.\n“A further announcement will be made as appropriate. In the meantime, Entain shareholders are encouraged to take no action.”\nIt added: “There can be no certainty that any offer will be made for the company, nor as to the terms on which any such offer might be made.”\nEntain said under City trading rules any updated offer must be made no later than 5pm on February 1.", "MGM Resorts makes £8.1bn bid for Ladbrokes owners", "Ladbrokes owner Entain asks for more detail, saying bid “significantly undervalues” it" ]
[ "Coreena Ford", "Image", "Newcastle Journal" ]
2021-01-21T09:09:34
null
2021-01-21T08:52:41
The Newcastle tech firm said group revenue rose 1.4% to £447m in its first quarter, buoyed by recurring revenue increases
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2Fnorth-east-software-giant-sage-19669125.json
https://i2-prod.chronicl…4sage_010JPG.jpg
en
null
North East software giant Sage hails boost in software subscriptions
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email North East tech giant Sage says a boost in software subscriptions helped to boost group revenue to £447m in its first quarter. The Newcastle-based business – which is set to move to Cobalt Business Park this year – has posted a trading update for the last three months of 2020, saying it performed in line with expectations against strong comparators, driven by “successful strategic execution”. Recurring revenue increased by 4.7% to £408m, supported by software subscription growth of 11.3% from £272m to £303m, while overall group revenue grew 1.4% to £447m. It said its North America business totted up recurring revenue growth of 6.4% to £160m, driven by a good performance from Sage Intacct, while in Northern Europe recurring revenue increased by 3.3% to £96m, reflecting good performance in its cloud connected and cloud native solutions. Directors said performance in other regions was largely in line with expectations. Recurring sales within products in or being migrated to Sage Business Cloud grew by 6.2% to £366m. It said this was underpinned by strong growth in cloud native revenue of 26.7% to £63m, triggered by a boost in new customers. It said further investments will be ploughed into products this year, adding: “In line with our plans to drive further growth in recurring revenue, we are progressively increasing investment in product development and sales and marketing during FY21, with a particular focus on cloud native solutions. As previously indicated, we may flex the level of this investment during the course of the year, in response to trading conditions.” During the trading period, Sage announced it had agreed to sell two overseas business divisions, in line with its strategy to create “a simpler and more focused business”. It agreed to sell Sage Poland business to Mid Europa Partners for £66m and Sage’s business in Asia and Australia (excluding global products) to The Access Group for £95m. Jonathan Howell, chief financial officer, said: “We have continued to deliver against our strategy in the first quarter, growing recurring revenue in line with our plan for the year, supported by good demand for Sage Business Cloud solutions. Accordingly, we reiterate our guidance for the full year, as set out in our FY20 results announcement. While the pandemic increases uncertainty in the near term, we continue to expect that our investment in Sage Business Cloud will drive the growth and long-term success of Sage.” Shares rose by 5% in early trading following the update, currently sitting at 602p.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/north-east-software-giant-sage-19669125
en
2021-01-21T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/17b4a31823822e099cb779582ab896734c7372b8168acfb7edb1dc15617d154f.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nNorth East tech giant Sage says a boost in software subscriptions helped to boost group revenue to £447m in its first quarter.\nThe Newcastle-based business – which is set to move to Cobalt Business Park this year – has posted a trading update for the last three months of 2020, saying it performed in line with expectations against strong comparators, driven by “successful strategic execution”.\nRecurring revenue increased by 4.7% to £408m, supported by software subscription growth of 11.3% from £272m to £303m, while overall group revenue grew 1.4% to £447m.\nIt said its North America business totted up recurring revenue growth of 6.4% to £160m, driven by a good performance from Sage Intacct, while in Northern Europe recurring revenue increased by 3.3% to £96m, reflecting good performance in its cloud connected and cloud native solutions.\nDirectors said performance in other regions was largely in line with expectations.\nRecurring sales within products in or being migrated to Sage Business Cloud grew by 6.2% to £366m. It said this was underpinned by strong growth in cloud native revenue of 26.7% to £63m, triggered by a boost in new customers.\nIt said further investments will be ploughed into products this year, adding: “In line with our plans to drive further growth in recurring revenue, we are progressively increasing investment in product development and sales and marketing during FY21, with a particular focus on cloud native solutions. As previously indicated, we may flex the level of this investment during the course of the year, in response to trading conditions.”\nDuring the trading period, Sage announced it had agreed to sell two overseas business divisions, in line with its strategy to create “a simpler and more focused business”.\nIt agreed to sell Sage Poland business to Mid Europa Partners for £66m and Sage’s business in Asia and Australia (excluding global products) to The Access Group for £95m.\nJonathan Howell, chief financial officer, said: “We have continued to deliver against our strategy in the first quarter, growing recurring revenue in line with our plan for the year, supported by good demand for Sage Business Cloud solutions. Accordingly, we reiterate our guidance for the full year, as set out in our FY20 results announcement. While the pandemic increases uncertainty in the near term, we continue to expect that our investment in Sage Business Cloud will drive the growth and long-term success of Sage.”\nShares rose by 5% in early trading following the update, currently sitting at 602p.", "North East software giant Sage hails boost in software subscriptions", "The Newcastle tech firm said group revenue rose 1.4% to £447m in its first quarter, buoyed by recurring revenue increases" ]
[ "David Laister", "Image", "Daniel Lewis", "Drax Group", "Vismedia Daniel Jones" ]
2021-01-27T12:15:21
null
2021-01-27T10:45:37
A shared 2050 climate commitment can drive collaboration and economic growth, says Will Gardiner, a US citizen and head of a business with strong US interests
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fopinion-analysis%2Fstanding-together-against-climate-change-19708543.json
https://i2-prod.business…r-Drax-Group.jpg
en
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Drax CEO on what President Biden can bring to Net Zero
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Almost a week on from President Joe Biden’s inauguration, the newly sworn in president has already made bold commitments on how the US will tackle the climate emergency. Writing for Business Live, Drax chief executive Will Gardiner, a US citizen, outlines the need for thinking that transcends countries and borders, and looks at a 2050 climate commitment that drives collaboration and economic growth, not just in the UK and US, but around the world. Tackling climate change requires global collaboration. As a UK-US sustainable energy company, with communities on both sides of the Atlantic, we at Drax are keenly aware of the need for thinking that transcends countries and borders. Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of my native country at a crucial time to ensure there is global leadership and collaboration on climate change. Starting with re-joining the Paris Agreement, I am confident that the new administration can make a significant difference to this once-in-a-lifetime challenge. This is why Drax and our partners are mobilising a transatlantic coalition of negative emissions producers. This can foster collaboration and shared learning between the different technologies and techniques for carbon removal that are essential to decarbonise the global economy. Whilst political and technical challenges lie ahead, clear long-term policies that spur collaboration, drive innovation and enable technologies at scale are essential in achieving the UK and US’ aligned targets of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Collaboration between countries and industries What makes climate change so difficult to tackle is that it requires collaboration from many different parties on a scale like few other projects. This is why the Paris Agreement and this year’s COP26 conference in Glasgow are so vital. Our effort towards delivering negative emissions using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is another example of ambitious decarbonisation that is most impactful as part of an integrated, collaborative energy system. The technology depends upon sustainable forest management in regions, such as the US South where our American communities operate. Carbon capture using sustainable bioenergy will help Drax to be carbon negative by 2030 – an ambition I announced at COP25, just over a year ago in Madrid. (Image: Drax Group) Experts on both sides of the Atlantic consider BECCS essential for net zero. The UK’s Climate Change Committee says it will play a major role in tackling carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that will remain in the UK economy after 2050 , from industries such as aviation and agriculture that will be difficult to fully decarbonise. Meanwhile, a report published last year by New York’s Columbia University revealed that rapid development of BECCS is needed within the next 10 years in order to curb climate change. A variety of negative emissions technologies are required to capture between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the 35 billion metric tonnes of carbon produced annually that the International Energy Agency says is needed to prevent the worst effects of climate change. We believe that sharing our experience and expertise in areas such as forestry, bioenergy, and carbon capture will be crucial in helping more countries, industries and businesses deploy a range of technologies. A formal coalition of negative emissions producers that brings together approaches including land management, afforestation and reforestation, as well as technical solutions like direct air capture, as well as BECCS, would offer an avenue to ensure knowledge is shared globally. It would also offer flexibility in countries’ paths to net zero emissions. If one approach under-delivers, other technologies can work together to compensate and meet CO2 removal targets. As with renewable energy, working in partnership with governments is essential to develop these innovations into the cost-effective, large scale solutions needed to meet climate targets in the mid-century. A shared economic opportunity I agree wholeheartedly that a nation’s economy and environment are intrinsically linked – something many leaders are now saying, including President Biden. The recently approved US economic stimulus bill, supported by both Republicans and Democrats in Congress and which allocates $35 billion for new clean energy initiatives, is a positive step for climate technology and job creation. Globally as many as 65 million well-paid jobs could be created through investment in clean energy systems. In the UK, BECCS and negative emissions are not just essential in preventing the impact of climate change, but are also a vital economic force as the world begins to recover from the effects of COVID-19. Government and private investments in clean energy technologies can create thousands of well-paid jobs, new careers, education opportunities and upskill workforces. Developing BECCS at Drax Power Station, for example, would support around 17,000 jobs during the peak of construction in 2028, including roles in construction, local supply chains and the wider economy. Additional jobs would be supported and created throughout our international supply chain. This includes the rail, shipping and forestry industries that are integral to rural communities in the US South. (Image: Vismedia/Daniel Jones) We are also partnered with 11 other organisations in the UK’s Humber region to develop a carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen industrial cluster with the potential to spearhead creating and supporting more than 200,000 jobs around the UK in 2039. The expertise and equipment needed for such a project can be shared, traded and exported to other industrial clusters around the world, allowing us to help reach global climate goals and drive global standards for CCUS and biomass sustainability. Clear, long-term policies are essential here, not just to help develop technology but to mitigate risk and encourage investment. These are the next crucial steps needed to deploy negative emissions at the scale required to impact CO2 emissions and lives of people. At Drax we directly employ almost 3,000 people in the US and UK, and indirectly support thousands of families through our supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic. Drax Power Station is the most advanced BECCS project in the world and we stand ready to invest in this cutting-edge carbon capture and removal technology. We can then share our expertise with the United States and the rest of the world – a world where major economies are committing to a net zero future and benefiting from a green economic recovery.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/opinion-analysis/standing-together-against-climate-change-19708543
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/4e7a0213d8a91c82ae7eb1e8b847eb3fc686d39a85058b3cf9af952037877b19.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nAlmost a week on from President Joe Biden’s inauguration, the newly sworn in president has already made bold commitments on how the US will tackle the climate emergency.\nWriting for Business Live, Drax chief executive Will Gardiner, a US citizen, outlines the need for thinking that transcends countries and borders, and looks at a 2050 climate commitment that drives collaboration and economic growth, not just in the UK and US, but around the world.\nTackling climate change requires global collaboration. As a UK-US sustainable energy company, with communities on both sides of the Atlantic, we at Drax are keenly aware of the need for thinking that transcends countries and borders.\nJoe Biden becomes the 46th president of my native country at a crucial time to ensure there is global leadership and collaboration on climate change. Starting with re-joining the Paris Agreement, I am confident that the new administration can make a significant difference to this once-in-a-lifetime challenge.\nThis is why Drax and our partners are mobilising a transatlantic coalition of negative emissions producers. This can foster collaboration and shared learning between the different technologies and techniques for carbon removal that are essential to decarbonise the global economy.\nWhilst political and technical challenges lie ahead, clear long-term policies that spur collaboration, drive innovation and enable technologies at scale are essential in achieving the UK and US’ aligned targets of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.\nCollaboration between countries and industries\nWhat makes climate change so difficult to tackle is that it requires collaboration from many different parties on a scale like few other projects. This is why the Paris Agreement and this year’s COP26 conference in Glasgow are so vital.\nOur effort towards delivering negative emissions using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is another example of ambitious decarbonisation that is most impactful as part of an integrated, collaborative energy system. The technology depends upon sustainable forest management in regions, such as the US South where our American communities operate. Carbon capture using sustainable bioenergy will help Drax to be carbon negative by 2030 – an ambition I announced at COP25, just over a year ago in Madrid.\n(Image: Drax Group)\nExperts on both sides of the Atlantic consider BECCS essential for net zero. The UK’s Climate Change Committee says it will play a major role in tackling carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that will remain in the UK economy after 2050 , from industries such as aviation and agriculture that will be difficult to fully decarbonise. Meanwhile, a report published last year by New York’s Columbia University revealed that rapid development of BECCS is needed within the next 10 years in order to curb climate change.\nA variety of negative emissions technologies are required to capture between 10 per cent and 20 per cent of the 35 billion metric tonnes of carbon produced annually that the International Energy Agency says is needed to prevent the worst effects of climate change.\nWe believe that sharing our experience and expertise in areas such as forestry, bioenergy, and carbon capture will be crucial in helping more countries, industries and businesses deploy a range of technologies.\nA formal coalition of negative emissions producers that brings together approaches including land management, afforestation and reforestation, as well as technical solutions like direct air capture, as well as BECCS, would offer an avenue to ensure knowledge is shared globally.\nIt would also offer flexibility in countries’ paths to net zero emissions. If one approach under-delivers, other technologies can work together to compensate and meet CO2 removal targets.\nAs with renewable energy, working in partnership with governments is essential to develop these innovations into the cost-effective, large scale solutions needed to meet climate targets in the mid-century.\nA shared economic opportunity\nI agree wholeheartedly that a nation’s economy and environment are intrinsically linked – something many leaders are now saying, including President Biden. The recently approved US economic stimulus bill, supported by both Republicans and Democrats in Congress and which allocates $35 billion for new clean energy initiatives, is a positive step for climate technology and job creation.\nGlobally as many as 65 million well-paid jobs could be created through investment in clean energy systems. In the UK, BECCS and negative emissions are not just essential in preventing the impact of climate change, but are also a vital economic force as the world begins to recover from the effects of COVID-19.\nGovernment and private investments in clean energy technologies can create thousands of well-paid jobs, new careers, education opportunities and upskill workforces. Developing BECCS at Drax Power Station, for example, would support around 17,000 jobs during the peak of construction in 2028, including roles in construction, local supply chains and the wider economy.\nAdditional jobs would be supported and created throughout our international supply chain. This includes the rail, shipping and forestry industries that are integral to rural communities in the US South.\n(Image: Vismedia/Daniel Jones)\nWe are also partnered with 11 other organisations in the UK’s Humber region to develop a carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen industrial cluster with the potential to spearhead creating and supporting more than 200,000 jobs around the UK in 2039.\nThe expertise and equipment needed for such a project can be shared, traded and exported to other industrial clusters around the world, allowing us to help reach global climate goals and drive global standards for CCUS and biomass sustainability.\nClear, long-term policies are essential here, not just to help develop technology but to mitigate risk and encourage investment. These are the next crucial steps needed to deploy negative emissions at the scale required to impact CO2 emissions and lives of people.\nAt Drax we directly employ almost 3,000 people in the US and UK, and indirectly support thousands of families through our supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic. Drax Power Station is the most advanced BECCS project in the world and we stand ready to invest in this cutting-edge carbon capture and removal technology. We can then share our expertise with the United States and the rest of the world – a world where major economies are committing to a net zero future and benefiting from a green economic recovery.", "Drax CEO on what President Biden can bring to Net Zero", "A shared 2050 climate commitment can drive collaboration and economic growth, says Will Gardiner, a US citizen and head of a business with strong US interests" ]
[ "Laura Watson" ]
2021-01-07T11:16:31
null
2021-01-07T10:50:29
All of the company's 1,700 UK sites have been closed since December 30
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fpub-giant-mitchells--butlers-19578014.json
https://i2-prod.business…00/1_MB-HQ-3.jpg
en
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Pub giant Mitchells & Butlers looking to raise capital to help it survive national lockdown
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Pub giant Mitchells & Butlers has revealed that it is looking to raise equity capital to ensure it can survive the national lockdown which has forced the closure of all of its UK sites. In a recent trading update, the Birmingham-headquartered company revealed that first quarter sales dropped by 67.1 per cent on the previous year and, for the same period last year, trading was down 30.1 per cent when only taking into account when sites were open. In a statement to the stock exchange covering the 14 weeks to January 2, 2021 the company - which owns brands including Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One and Ember Inns - also revealed that all of its 1,700 plus sites have been closed since December 30. It added that, with no sites trading, it is losing between £35m and £40m a month before £50m of quarterly debt payment during lockdown. The statement said: "Since the announcement of our preliminary results on November 26 we have emerged from the second national shutdown, the new regional tier system was introduced and now we have entered a third national shutdown. "Over the period, progressively tighter restrictions were imposed through December both across the UK and in Germany resulting in an ever smaller number of sites open and significantly reduced sales activity being possible through the important festive trading season. "Since the UK government announcement reallocating regions in England between tiers, on December 30, we have had no sites open." It added: "We welcome recent positive news on vaccine approval and roll-out but the future facing the hospitality sector remains extremely uncertain. It is not possible to estimate with any confidence what restrictions on our ability to trade lie ahead of us and for how long." As a result, the group said it is 'prudent to explore an equity capital raise to give the group increased financial and operational flexibility.' It added that no decision has yet been made on the timing or size of the equity capital raise. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Chief executive Phil Urban said: "We are now in a third national lockdown. I am consistently impressed by the resilience and energy of our teams as we repeatedly open and close businesses that we have invested in to make Covid secure and urge the government to better understand the huge impact these restrictions are having on the hospitality sector. "The Job Retention Scheme is temporarily protecting some employment but there is a real and pressing need for support for businesses themselves if we are to return to being the vibrant sector and important employers that we were. "Mitchells & Butlers was a high performing business going into the pandemic and with the support of our main stakeholders I have every confidence that we can emerge in a strong competitive position once the current restrictions on us are lifted." The pub company has already made around 1,300 redundancies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic after recording an annual loss of £123m for the year to September 26, 2020. Revenues also dropped by 34 per cent year-on-year from £2.23 billon to £1.47 billion.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/pub-giant-mitchells--butlers-19578014
en
2021-01-07T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/96fa6f27fecc691bb3b61b74d62d3126b7ef9d4150c146563c6f5aba8539be14.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPub giant Mitchells & Butlers has revealed that it is looking to raise equity capital to ensure it can survive the national lockdown which has forced the closure of all of its UK sites.\nIn a recent trading update, the Birmingham-headquartered company revealed that first quarter sales dropped by 67.1 per cent on the previous year and, for the same period last year, trading was down 30.1 per cent when only taking into account when sites were open.\nIn a statement to the stock exchange covering the 14 weeks to January 2, 2021 the company - which owns brands including Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One and Ember Inns - also revealed that all of its 1,700 plus sites have been closed since December 30.\nIt added that, with no sites trading, it is losing between £35m and £40m a month before £50m of quarterly debt payment during lockdown.\nThe statement said: \"Since the announcement of our preliminary results on November 26 we have emerged from the second national shutdown, the new regional tier system was introduced and now we have entered a third national shutdown.\n\"Over the period, progressively tighter restrictions were imposed through December both across the UK and in Germany resulting in an ever smaller number of sites open and significantly reduced sales activity being possible through the important festive trading season.\n\"Since the UK government announcement reallocating regions in England between tiers, on December 30, we have had no sites open.\"\nIt added: \"We welcome recent positive news on vaccine approval and roll-out but the future facing the hospitality sector remains extremely uncertain. It is not possible to estimate with any confidence what restrictions on our ability to trade lie ahead of us and for how long.\"\nAs a result, the group said it is 'prudent to explore an equity capital raise to give the group increased financial and operational flexibility.'\nIt added that no decision has yet been made on the timing or size of the equity capital raise.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nChief executive Phil Urban said: \"We are now in a third national lockdown. I am consistently impressed by the resilience and energy of our teams as we repeatedly open and close businesses that we have invested in to make Covid secure and urge the government to better understand the huge impact these restrictions are having on the hospitality sector.\n\"The Job Retention Scheme is temporarily protecting some employment but there is a real and pressing need for support for businesses themselves if we are to return to being the vibrant sector and important employers that we were.\n\"Mitchells & Butlers was a high performing business going into the pandemic and with the support of our main stakeholders I have every confidence that we can emerge in a strong competitive position once the current restrictions on us are lifted.\"\nThe pub company has already made around 1,300 redundancies as a result of the coronavirus pandemic after recording an annual loss of £123m for the year to September 26, 2020.\nRevenues also dropped by 34 per cent year-on-year from £2.23 billon to £1.47 billion.", "Pub giant Mitchells & Butlers looking to raise capital to help it survive national lockdown", "All of the company's 1,700 UK sites have been closed since December 30" ]
[ "Hannah Baker", "Image", "Gkn" ]
2021-01-27T22:57:52
null
2021-01-27T22:30:00
It is one of three UK programmes to secure cash in a move that could create thousands of jobs in the next decade
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2Fbristols-gkn-hydrogen-powered-plane-19713587.json
https://i2-prod.business…-tech-centre.jpg
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Bristol's GKN hydrogen-powered plane project lands £54m as part of UK drive towards green aviation
null
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Tech Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A pioneering Bristol project that is developing a way to power planes using hydrogen has secured £54.4m as part of a Government drive to make the aviation sector greener. H2GEAR, which is being head up by aerospace giant GKN, is among three British programmes to be awarded cash in a move slated to create thousands of jobs over the next decade. Each project to win funding is developing technology to power zero-emissions flights using alternative energy sources. H2GEAR will receive a £27.2m grant, which will be matched by GKN and its industry partners, over the next five years. The money will be delivered through the Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme. The GKN-led project is developing a liquid hydrogen-propulsion system for aircraft that would eliminate harmful CO2 emissions and leave water as the only by-product of flight. If successful, the aerospace firm said it could help secure up to 3,120 high-value engineering and manufacturing jobs by 2032-2033 in Bristol, Coventry and Loughborough. GKN is planning to focus on improving regional aircraft first and later scale up to larger planes and longer journeys. It said the first hydrogen-powered aircraft could enter service as early as 2026. Russ Dunn, chief technology officer for GKN Aerospace, said: “Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer a clear route to keep the world connected, with dramatically cleaner skies. “The UK is at the forefront of this technology, and the H2GEAR project is an example of industry, academia and Government collaboration at its best.” GKN will collaborate with fuel cell engineering company Intelligent Energy; high-speed electric motor firm Aeristech; Newcastle University; the University of Manchester; and University of Birmingham. The programme will be delivered from GKN's Global Technology Centre, in Filton, near Bristol - a £32m brand-new collaborative space for research and development. The other projects to secure finance are both based in Bedfordshire. Hydrogen-electric aircraft developer ZeroAvia’s HyFlyer II will receive a £12.3m government grant to scale up its zero-emissions engines for demonstration on a 19-seater aircraft. InCEPTion, led by Blue Bear Systems Research, will receive £2.8m to develop a fully-electrified zero-emissions propulsion system for aircraft that could be used for smaller planes travelling short distances – even within the same city. Business minister Paul Scully said: “These trailblazing projects are broadening the horizons of future air travel, towards a greener future where we may be able to hail taxis from the sky rather than on our streets. “This multi-million-pound boost will help to secure up to 4,750 jobs in these projects spanning the UK, and could pave the way to technological advances that will allow the industry to build back better and greener following the Covid-19 pandemic – and help tackle climate change.” The investment comes ahead of the Government’s consultation on the Aviation Decarbonisation Strategy this year, set out as part of the Prime Minister’s 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution, and the UN climate change conference, COP26, which is taking place in Glasgow in 2021.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/bristols-gkn-hydrogen-powered-plane-19713587
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/bebe7faee1bf615e089f610db842fa41cbb52904cf12bcf5234ca2c2799cf5bc.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Tech Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA pioneering Bristol project that is developing a way to power planes using hydrogen has secured £54.4m as part of a Government drive to make the aviation sector greener.\nH2GEAR, which is being head up by aerospace giant GKN, is among three British programmes to be awarded cash in a move slated to create thousands of jobs over the next decade.\nEach project to win funding is developing technology to power zero-emissions flights using alternative energy sources.\nH2GEAR will receive a £27.2m grant, which will be matched by GKN and its industry partners, over the next five years. The money will be delivered through the Government’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme.\nThe GKN-led project is developing a liquid hydrogen-propulsion system for aircraft that would eliminate harmful CO2 emissions and leave water as the only by-product of flight.\nIf successful, the aerospace firm said it could help secure up to 3,120 high-value engineering and manufacturing jobs by 2032-2033 in Bristol, Coventry and Loughborough.\nGKN is planning to focus on improving regional aircraft first and later scale up to larger planes and longer journeys. It said the first hydrogen-powered aircraft could enter service as early as 2026.\nRuss Dunn, chief technology officer for GKN Aerospace, said: “Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer a clear route to keep the world connected, with dramatically cleaner skies.\n“The UK is at the forefront of this technology, and the H2GEAR project is an example of industry, academia and Government collaboration at its best.”\nGKN will collaborate with fuel cell engineering company Intelligent Energy; high-speed electric motor firm Aeristech; Newcastle University; the University of Manchester; and University of Birmingham.\nThe programme will be delivered from GKN's Global Technology Centre, in Filton, near Bristol - a £32m brand-new collaborative space for research and development.\nThe other projects to secure finance are both based in Bedfordshire. Hydrogen-electric aircraft developer ZeroAvia’s HyFlyer II will receive a £12.3m government grant to scale up its zero-emissions engines for demonstration on a 19-seater aircraft.\nInCEPTion, led by Blue Bear Systems Research, will receive £2.8m to develop a fully-electrified zero-emissions propulsion system for aircraft that could be used for smaller planes travelling short distances – even within the same city.\nBusiness minister Paul Scully said: “These trailblazing projects are broadening the horizons of future air travel, towards a greener future where we may be able to hail taxis from the sky rather than on our streets.\n“This multi-million-pound boost will help to secure up to 4,750 jobs in these projects spanning the UK, and could pave the way to technological advances that will allow the industry to build back better and greener following the Covid-19 pandemic – and help tackle climate change.”\nThe investment comes ahead of the Government’s consultation on the Aviation Decarbonisation Strategy this year, set out as part of the Prime Minister’s 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution, and the UN climate change conference, COP26, which is taking place in Glasgow in 2021.", "Bristol's GKN hydrogen-powered plane project lands £54m as part of UK drive towards green aviation", "It is one of three UK programmes to secure cash in a move that could create thousands of jobs in the next decade" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones", "Image", "Danny Lawson Pa Wire" ]
2021-01-20T05:40:15
null
2021-01-20T05:00:00
Sites are among 82 earmarked for closure as part of sweeping programme of reforms which will also see remaining branches categorised into different formats
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fprofessional-services%2Fbanking-finance%2Fhsbc-uk-close-trio-west-19658219.json
https://i2-prod.business…00/1_HSBC_02.jpg
en
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HSBC UK to close trio of West Midlands branches
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Three HSBC UK branches in Birmingham and the Black Country are set to close later this year as part of sweeping changes by the high street banking giant. The trio of sites is among 82 identified for the bank's closure programme which is set to commence on April 23 and be completed by the end of September. Those in Wednesbury and Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield will close in May and Erdington will shut in July. The branches remaining open will then be categorised into one of four formats which are related to customers' needs based on analysis of their behaviour. These are full-service branches, cash service branches for customers who need greater access to cash, counterless branches with self-service only and pop-up branches. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Birmingham will continue to be served by branches in the HSBC UK head office in Centenary Square, New Street, the Jewellery Quarter and Sutton Coldfield. The bank said the covid-19 pandemic had seen a greater shift to online usage but insisted the closures were not entirely related to the lockdowns and restrictions. Staff in those sites facing closure are expected to be redeployed to others within 15 miles of their homes. Jackie Uhi, head of network for HSBC UK, said: "The covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for the changes that we are making. "It hasn't pushed us in a different direction but reinforces the things we were focusing on before and has crystallised our thinking. "This is a strategic direction we need to take to have a branch network fit for the future. "Making sure we have a sustainable branch network is essential to us and decisions to close branches are not taken lightly. "By ensuring we have the most suitable branch format in each specific local market that we serve, we will ensure we are in good shape to meet the challenges ahead." She added that, putting aside the impact of the pandemic, the number of customers using branches had fallen by a third over the last five years. Ninety per cent of all customers contact the bank either over the phone, internet or smartphone and staff talk with more than 100,000 customers a week on social media. Of the 82 branches identified, 81 are within a mile of a Post Office, two thirds are within five miles of another HSBC UK branch and nine in ten are within ten miles, according to the bank.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/professional-services/banking-finance/hsbc-uk-close-trio-west-19658219
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/6ae863c2f44798bdcbb994e27e992de635fdf01a9cb30aadc2f6f8f02f3830d6.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nThree HSBC UK branches in Birmingham and the Black Country are set to close later this year as part of sweeping changes by the high street banking giant.\nThe trio of sites is among 82 identified for the bank's closure programme which is set to commence on April 23 and be completed by the end of September.\nThose in Wednesbury and Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield will close in May and Erdington will shut in July.\nThe branches remaining open will then be categorised into one of four formats which are related to customers' needs based on analysis of their behaviour.\nThese are full-service branches, cash service branches for customers who need greater access to cash, counterless branches with self-service only and pop-up branches.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nBirmingham will continue to be served by branches in the HSBC UK head office in Centenary Square, New Street, the Jewellery Quarter and Sutton Coldfield.\nThe bank said the covid-19 pandemic had seen a greater shift to online usage but insisted the closures were not entirely related to the lockdowns and restrictions.\nStaff in those sites facing closure are expected to be redeployed to others within 15 miles of their homes.\nJackie Uhi, head of network for HSBC UK, said: \"The covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for the changes that we are making.\n\"It hasn't pushed us in a different direction but reinforces the things we were focusing on before and has crystallised our thinking.\n\"This is a strategic direction we need to take to have a branch network fit for the future.\n\"Making sure we have a sustainable branch network is essential to us and decisions to close branches are not taken lightly.\n\"By ensuring we have the most suitable branch format in each specific local market that we serve, we will ensure we are in good shape to meet the challenges ahead.\"\nShe added that, putting aside the impact of the pandemic, the number of customers using branches had fallen by a third over the last five years.\nNinety per cent of all customers contact the bank either over the phone, internet or smartphone and staff talk with more than 100,000 customers a week on social media.\nOf the 82 branches identified, 81 are within a mile of a Post Office, two thirds are within five miles of another HSBC UK branch and nine in ten are within ten miles, according to the bank.", "HSBC UK to close trio of West Midlands branches", "Sites are among 82 earmarked for closure as part of sweeping programme of reforms which will also see remaining branches categorised into different formats" ]
[ "Owen Hughes", "Image", "Airbus", "Daily Post Wales" ]
2021-01-21T17:17:33
null
2021-01-21T16:54:38
The continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aviation has prompted the action
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fairbus-slows-down-planned-ramp-19675189.json
https://i2-prod.dailypos…acturer-seri.jpg
en
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Airbus slows down planned ramp-up of A320 production
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Airbus is updating its production rate planning for its A320 Family aircraft in response to the market environment. The new average production rates for the A320 Family will now lead to a gradual increase in production from the current rate of 40 per month to 43 in Q3 of 2021 and 45 in Q4. This latest production plan represents a slower ramp up than the previously anticipated 47 aircraft per month from July. It will mean a slower recovery for Airbus Broughton where wings for the A320 are assembled. (Image: Daily Post Wales) Unite is currently balloting members on a shorter working week at the plant to prevent more than 360 compulsory redundancies. Around 1,500 Airbus and agency staff have already left the Flintshire plant, which employed 6,000 before the crisis hit. The A220 monthly production rate will increase from four to five aircraft per month from the end of Q1 2021 as previously foreseen. Widebody production is expected to remain stable at current levels, with monthly production rates of around five and two for the A350 and A330, respectively. This decision postpones a potential rate increase for the A350 to a later stage. Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. A spokesman added: "Airbus continues to monitor the market closely. With these revised rates, Airbus preserves its ability to meet customer demand while protecting its ability to further adapt as the global market evolves. "Airbus expects the commercial aircraft market to return to pre-Covid levels by 2023 to 2025." To have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/airbus-slows-down-planned-ramp-19675189
en
2021-01-21T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/ba7300df0a422eae9af8aa00fd5b4245a35984fc63fdc580e6d8bbdbccc7c25c.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Wales Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nAirbus is updating its production rate planning for its A320 Family aircraft in response to the market environment.\nThe new average production rates for the A320 Family will now lead to a gradual increase in production from the current rate of 40 per month to 43 in Q3 of 2021 and 45 in Q4.\nThis latest production plan represents a slower ramp up than the previously anticipated 47 aircraft per month from July.\nIt will mean a slower recovery for Airbus Broughton where wings for the A320 are assembled.\n(Image: Daily Post Wales)\nUnite is currently balloting members on a shorter working week at the plant to prevent more than 360 compulsory redundancies. Around 1,500 Airbus and agency staff have already left the Flintshire plant, which employed 6,000 before the crisis hit.\nThe A220 monthly production rate will increase from four to five aircraft per month from the end of Q1 2021 as previously foreseen.\nWidebody production is expected to remain stable at current levels, with monthly production rates of around five and two for the A350 and A330, respectively.\nThis decision postpones a potential rate increase for the A350 to a later stage.\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nA spokesman added: \"Airbus continues to monitor the market closely. With these revised rates, Airbus preserves its ability to meet customer demand while protecting its ability to further adapt as the global market evolves.\n\"Airbus expects the commercial aircraft market to return to pre-Covid levels by 2023 to 2025.\"\nTo have your say on this story please use our comments section at the top of this article", "Airbus slows down planned ramp-up of A320 production", "The continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aviation has prompted the action" ]
[ "Laura Watson" ]
2021-01-04T13:17:33
null
2021-01-04T12:06:58
The centre will have bingo machines and tablets rather than fixed odds betting terminals
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fplans-lodged-24-hour-gaming-19558946.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS180292086.jpg
en
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Plans lodged for 24-hour gaming centre at historic former book shop in Stoke-on-Trent
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A gambling business has lodged plans to open a new 24-hour gaming centre in Stoke-on-Trent. Merkur Cashino has applied for permission to open a site inside the former Webberley's book store which close five years ago. The Percy Street building, in Hanley, is one of the city's most historic buildings. A BoyleSports betting shop was recently opened inside the venue. According to StokeonTrentLive, Merkur Cashino has around 170 adult gaming centres nationwide. Plans for its Hanley site - which will lead to the creation of six new jobs - include bingo machines and tablets rather than betting terminals. A planning application to Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "It is apparent that the city has a number of existing empty units, meaning these proposals will breathe a new lease of life into the ground floor. "The evening economy is also a significant contributor to economic performance and this application encourages evening and night-time uses. The principle of evening opening is established in this area. "The proposed change-of-use will create a new commercial unit, adding to the vibrancy of the centre. Click here to sign up to the daily BusinessLive email "The customer base during the late evening and into the early hours is predominantly the local entertainment workforce and shift workers who like to relax after busy shifts. The machines generate low levels of noise and there are no tannoy systems. Cashino has never had a licence revoked or reviewed and incidents are extremely rare. "Cashino operates a large number of 24-hour sites and given the nature of the proposal and the commercial context of the site, 24-hour opening is considered acceptable in this location."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/plans-lodged-24-hour-gaming-19558946
en
2021-01-04T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/38d15f2f8bbd0996681f6428f44f8fbf7bee79b5510eaf1a3e337133409fb8dd.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA gambling business has lodged plans to open a new 24-hour gaming centre in Stoke-on-Trent.\nMerkur Cashino has applied for permission to open a site inside the former Webberley's book store which close five years ago.\nThe Percy Street building, in Hanley, is one of the city's most historic buildings.\nA BoyleSports betting shop was recently opened inside the venue.\nAccording to StokeonTrentLive, Merkur Cashino has around 170 adult gaming centres nationwide.\nPlans for its Hanley site - which will lead to the creation of six new jobs - include bingo machines and tablets rather than betting terminals.\nA planning application to Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: \"It is apparent that the city has a number of existing empty units, meaning these proposals will breathe a new lease of life into the ground floor.\n\"The evening economy is also a significant contributor to economic performance and this application encourages evening and night-time uses. The principle of evening opening is established in this area.\n\"The proposed change-of-use will create a new commercial unit, adding to the vibrancy of the centre.\nClick here to sign up to the daily BusinessLive email\n\"The customer base during the late evening and into the early hours is predominantly the local entertainment workforce and shift workers who like to relax after busy shifts. The machines generate low levels of noise and there are no tannoy systems. Cashino has never had a licence revoked or reviewed and incidents are extremely rare.\n\"Cashino operates a large number of 24-hour sites and given the nature of the proposal and the commercial context of the site, 24-hour opening is considered acceptable in this location.\"", "Plans lodged for 24-hour gaming centre at historic former book shop in Stoke-on-Trent", "The centre will have bingo machines and tablets rather than fixed odds betting terminals" ]
[ "Mark Cardwell" ]
2021-01-22T14:34:45
null
2021-01-22T14:15:00
Major regeneration project in Birmingham city centre wins the backing of planning chiefs despite legal challenge lodged by rival property group
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fthird-times-charm-275m-apartment-19680913.json
https://i2-prod.business…-House-CGI-3.jpg
en
null
Third time's a charm as £275m apartment complex gets green light again
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A major regeneration project which will see more than 1,000 new apartments built in Birmingham city centre has been approved for a third time. Manchester-based developer Orchidtame has won the green light again for its £275 million plans to redevelop the former home of Monaco House in Bristol Street. It initially won planning consent in summer 2018 before going to the council's planning committee again in July, pending the completion of a suitable legal agreement. Following that second consent last year, the development was the subject of a challenge from Benacre Properties which has interests in nearby properties. The firm issued a pre-action protocol letter prior to launching a judicial review bid on the grounds that the Monaco House project would impact neighbouring locally listed buildings. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. City council officers had advised councillors the authority did not consider the grounds from the objector had merit but that it should be put before the committee again to "firm up the council's position in terms of potential challenge". Officers continued to recommend the application for approval. Demolition work has long since been completed at the Monaco House site which had for many years been at the centre of a supermarket war. Tesco had been eyeing the land for a new store while Asda wanted to build on the Park Central estate opposite. Tesco abandoned this plan in 2015, paving the way for a residential-led development comprising 1,009 apartments and townhouses to rent alongside 16,285 sq ft of commercial space and a new public walkway. To be called ‘New Monaco', it will be built over a series of 13 blocks including two of 26 and 29 storeys, with underground parking for 335 cars, 35 motorbikes and 1,010 covered bicycle spaces. Speaking at the latest meeting of Birmingham City Council's planning committee, Cllr Gareth Moore said: "There's very much a sense of déjà vu with this application. "I did have concerns about the application at the time and I certainly think it's far from perfect. "But I haven't seen anything in the report or what the objector has circulated with us which would suggest (the previous decision to approve) was falsely made. "I agree that there's no real need to further defer this application. As far as I am concerned, it has been approved and I am committed to do so again." Cllr Martin Straker Welds added: "There are legal challenges. The report suggests the legal challenges are less than firm and that in some cases they are also irrelevant." Councillors voted unanimously to approve the plans.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/third-times-charm-275m-apartment-19680913
en
2021-01-22T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/0a4633bf483a26e0927db13aa75f5e571bbe66cbe8254767ab73681a7dceae0c.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA major regeneration project which will see more than 1,000 new apartments built in Birmingham city centre has been approved for a third time.\nManchester-based developer Orchidtame has won the green light again for its £275 million plans to redevelop the former home of Monaco House in Bristol Street.\nIt initially won planning consent in summer 2018 before going to the council's planning committee again in July, pending the completion of a suitable legal agreement.\nFollowing that second consent last year, the development was the subject of a challenge from Benacre Properties which has interests in nearby properties.\nThe firm issued a pre-action protocol letter prior to launching a judicial review bid on the grounds that the Monaco House project would impact neighbouring locally listed buildings.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nCity council officers had advised councillors the authority did not consider the grounds from the objector had merit but that it should be put before the committee again to \"firm up the council's position in terms of potential challenge\".\nOfficers continued to recommend the application for approval.\nDemolition work has long since been completed at the Monaco House site which had for many years been at the centre of a supermarket war.\nTesco had been eyeing the land for a new store while Asda wanted to build on the Park Central estate opposite.\nTesco abandoned this plan in 2015, paving the way for a residential-led development comprising 1,009 apartments and townhouses to rent alongside 16,285 sq ft of commercial space and a new public walkway.\nTo be called ‘New Monaco', it will be built over a series of 13 blocks including two of 26 and 29 storeys, with underground parking for 335 cars, 35 motorbikes and 1,010 covered bicycle spaces.\nSpeaking at the latest meeting of Birmingham City Council's planning committee, Cllr Gareth Moore said: \"There's very much a sense of déjà vu with this application.\n\"I did have concerns about the application at the time and I certainly think it's far from perfect.\n\"But I haven't seen anything in the report or what the objector has circulated with us which would suggest (the previous decision to approve) was falsely made.\n\"I agree that there's no real need to further defer this application. As far as I am concerned, it has been approved and I am committed to do so again.\"\nCllr Martin Straker Welds added: \"There are legal challenges. The report suggests the legal challenges are less than firm and that in some cases they are also irrelevant.\"\nCouncillors voted unanimously to approve the plans.", "Third time's a charm as £275m apartment complex gets green light again", "Major regeneration project in Birmingham city centre wins the backing of planning chiefs despite legal challenge lodged by rival property group" ]
[ "William Telford" ]
2021-01-29T08:33:24
null
2021-01-29T08:00:00
Construction firm wins contract to build new A&E, ambulance bays and ICU plant room
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fmorgan-sindall-chosen-19m-exeter-19717029.json
https://i2-prod.business…ter-Hospital.jpg
en
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Morgan Sindall chosen for £19m Exeter hospital extension project
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Plans are moving forward for a £19million extension and improvements to the emergency department at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Morgan Sindall Construction has been selected by Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust as the main contractor for the scheme. Plans were submitted to expand the hospital’s busy A&E department in 2020, due to significant service pressures. The new build will help to meet with projected demand, and provide a modern healthcare facility for the east Devon population. The new three-storey development will be located next to the current building on Barrack Road. At 3,500sq m, the building will enable the hospital to expand its clinical services with a state-of-the-art treatment environment. As a teaching hospital, it will also provide high-quality education and training space for future generations of medical students. The current fracture clinic will be relocated from the main building, and an operating theatre built in its place. There will also be a renewed specialist bereavement suite complete with tranquil garden, offering privacy and comfort for families and loved ones. Outside, there will be five additional ambulance bays to add extra emergency capacity. There are also plans for a new road configuration to help lower the response time for emergency vehicles. Separately to the emergency department works, Morgan Sindall Construction has also been selected to deliver a new four-storey building to house a new ICU plant room. How to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here Valued at £4million, the steel-framed building will be used to hold equipment including chillers and air handling units for heating and ventilation, which are vital to keeping the ICU running safely and efficiently. Inside will be eight new resuscitation bays, which will be served by a new plant room. There will also be a specialist children’s emergency department with paediatric bays, and a separate reception area, housing a larger waiting area with natural light. Morgan Sindall Construction was appointed through the Southern Construction Framework; a collaborative delivery vehicle which Morgan Sindall Construction has held a place on since 2006. The SCF is run by Hampshire and Devon County councils. A key requirement of the tender was for a construction company with the experience and logistical capacity to safely and efficiently deliver a phased programme of work alongside a busy live healthcare facility. All of the works will be phased to allow for the continued operation of the existing facilities, while both of the existing emergency department main entrances will be temporarily relocated to ensure they remain accessible for patients, visitors and staff. Morgan Sindall Construction will work closely with the trust to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital during the build process, which will be carried out in compliance with current coronavirus restrictions. Brian Rice, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are very proud to be delivering this key project for Royal Devon and Exeter Foundations NHS Trust. The expansion will add vital extra emergency capacity to a hospital which so many communities in the region depend on. “At a time when the importance of our NHS has been brought into sharp focus, everyone involved in this project feels the responsibility to deliver. “We’re well versed with the requirements of working around a live hospital site and will be collaborating with a skilled local supply chain to ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/morgan-sindall-chosen-19m-exeter-19717029
en
2021-01-29T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/0cddd7d061b601a8b5d01c8330b3756a58d56d2735641d3d86633f2406d86875.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPlans are moving forward for a £19million extension and improvements to the emergency department at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.\nMorgan Sindall Construction has been selected by Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust as the main contractor for the scheme.\nPlans were submitted to expand the hospital’s busy A&E department in 2020, due to significant service pressures. The new build will help to meet with projected demand, and provide a modern healthcare facility for the east Devon population.\nThe new three-storey development will be located next to the current building on Barrack Road. At 3,500sq m, the building will enable the hospital to expand its clinical services with a state-of-the-art treatment environment.\nAs a teaching hospital, it will also provide high-quality education and training space for future generations of medical students. The current fracture clinic will be relocated from the main building, and an operating theatre built in its place.\nThere will also be a renewed specialist bereavement suite complete with tranquil garden, offering privacy and comfort for families and loved ones.\nOutside, there will be five additional ambulance bays to add extra emergency capacity. There are also plans for a new road configuration to help lower the response time for emergency vehicles.\nSeparately to the emergency department works, Morgan Sindall Construction has also been selected to deliver a new four-storey building to house a new ICU plant room.\nHow to contact William Telford and Business Live Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region. To contact William: Email: [email protected] Phone: 01752 293116 Mob: 07584 594052 Twitter: @WTelfordHerald LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473 William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here\nValued at £4million, the steel-framed building will be used to hold equipment including chillers and air handling units for heating and ventilation, which are vital to keeping the ICU running safely and efficiently.\nInside will be eight new resuscitation bays, which will be served by a new plant room. There will also be a specialist children’s emergency department with paediatric bays, and a separate reception area, housing a larger waiting area with natural light.\nMorgan Sindall Construction was appointed through the Southern Construction Framework; a collaborative delivery vehicle which Morgan Sindall Construction has held a place on since 2006. The SCF is run by Hampshire and Devon County councils.\nA key requirement of the tender was for a construction company with the experience and logistical capacity to safely and efficiently deliver a phased programme of work alongside a busy live healthcare facility.\nAll of the works will be phased to allow for the continued operation of the existing facilities, while both of the existing emergency department main entrances will be temporarily relocated to ensure they remain accessible for patients, visitors and staff.\nMorgan Sindall Construction will work closely with the trust to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital during the build process, which will be carried out in compliance with current coronavirus restrictions.\nBrian Rice, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We are very proud to be delivering this key project for Royal Devon and Exeter Foundations NHS Trust. The expansion will add vital extra emergency capacity to a hospital which so many communities in the region depend on.\n“At a time when the importance of our NHS has been brought into sharp focus, everyone involved in this project feels the responsibility to deliver.\n“We’re well versed with the requirements of working around a live hospital site and will be collaborating with a skilled local supply chain to ensure the work is carried out safely and efficiently.”", "Morgan Sindall chosen for £19m Exeter hospital extension project", "Construction firm wins contract to build new A&E, ambulance bays and ICU plant room" ]
[ "David Laister", "Image", "Premier Modular" ]
2021-01-11T13:55:04
null
2021-01-11T13:24:27
Sales top £65m at Brandesburton firm playing a key Covid role while supporting business and communities
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Fpremier-results-east-yorkshire-modular-19602912.json
https://i2-prod.business…mier-Modular.jpg
en
null
Premier results for East Yorkshire modular construction giant as £100m aim remains
null
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Offsite construction specialist Premier Modular has seen turnover grow 23 per cent to £65.3 million as profits increased by 35 per cent to £10.6 million. The East Yorkshire specialist’s results have been described as sector-leading by the team, as it builds on permanent and hire solutions across the UK. Accounts about to be published for the year to June 30, will show how it invested a further £12 million in the hire fleet, while increasing cashflow by nearly 400 per cent to £5.5 million as it sets a platform for the stated growth aim of becoming a £100 million operation. David Harris, managing director, said: “This strong financial performance is down to clarity of strategy and a really exceptional team across the business. We have focused on our customers and how we can offer a fast response and unrivalled flexibility to meet the specific requirements for each project. This has definitely added value to our building solutions and has resulted in a high level of repeat business. “We have a healthy balance sheet, an outstanding supply chain and will continue to invest in our capital growth. We have diversified into a range of market sectors which further reduces risk in an uncertain economic climate. In the past year, we have achieved significant growth with our modular apartments and in particular in the development of rapid building solutions to provide housing for the homeless. We are also building on the success of our hire business in London to supply construction site accommodation to major national and regional contractors across the UK. “Despite the challenging economic conditions in 2020, we remain on target with our ambitious growth strategy. We will continue to reinvest and expand our hire fleet to ensure the fastest possible response for our customers. This includes growing our range of products to further increase market share. (Image: Premier Modular) “We continue to receive a healthy level of enquiries in every sector – from healthcare and education to commercial, infrastructure and construction. Our project pipeline for both bespoke offsite construction and temporary modular buildings is very positive with a number of major contracts already in place for delivery in 2021.” The Brandesburton base has welcomed 85 more people since March, with contracts also won to provide Covid testing facilities across the country. It has just completed on a £9 million offsite housing project in High Wycombe for Buckinghamshire Council to build apartments for homeless families and a £1.7m fast-track ward building at North Middlesex University Hospital. At the turn of the financial year Mr Harris took over as managing director from Eugenio de Sa, who has now stepped back from the executive chair role he took for the handover. Mr Harris has been with Premier since 2011.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/premier-results-east-yorkshire-modular-19602912
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/2839fa3404af647680e7c79feff77a27dcca77591a5f3d9fee935530ad4c57dc.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Yorkshire & Humber Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nOffsite construction specialist Premier Modular has seen turnover grow 23 per cent to £65.3 million as profits increased by 35 per cent to £10.6 million.\nThe East Yorkshire specialist’s results have been described as sector-leading by the team, as it builds on permanent and hire solutions across the UK.\nAccounts about to be published for the year to June 30, will show how it invested a further £12 million in the hire fleet, while increasing cashflow by nearly 400 per cent to £5.5 million as it sets a platform for the stated growth aim of becoming a £100 million operation.\nDavid Harris, managing director, said: “This strong financial performance is down to clarity of strategy and a really exceptional team across the business. We have focused on our customers and how we can offer a fast response and unrivalled flexibility to meet the specific requirements for each project. This has definitely added value to our building solutions and has resulted in a high level of repeat business.\n“We have a healthy balance sheet, an outstanding supply chain and will continue to invest in our capital growth. We have diversified into a range of market sectors which further reduces risk in an uncertain economic climate. In the past year, we have achieved significant growth with our modular apartments and in particular in the development of rapid building solutions to provide housing for the homeless. We are also building on the success of our hire business in London to supply construction site accommodation to major national and regional contractors across the UK.\n“Despite the challenging economic conditions in 2020, we remain on target with our ambitious growth strategy. We will continue to reinvest and expand our hire fleet to ensure the fastest possible response for our customers. This includes growing our range of products to further increase market share.\n(Image: Premier Modular)\n“We continue to receive a healthy level of enquiries in every sector – from healthcare and education to commercial, infrastructure and construction. Our project pipeline for both bespoke offsite construction and temporary modular buildings is very positive with a number of major contracts already in place for delivery in 2021.”\nThe Brandesburton base has welcomed 85 more people since March, with contracts also won to provide Covid testing facilities across the country.\nIt has just completed on a £9 million offsite housing project in High Wycombe for Buckinghamshire Council to build apartments for homeless families and a £1.7m fast-track ward building at North Middlesex University Hospital.\nAt the turn of the financial year Mr Harris took over as managing director from Eugenio de Sa, who has now stepped back from the executive chair role he took for the handover. Mr Harris has been with Premier since 2011.", "Premier results for East Yorkshire modular construction giant as £100m aim remains", "Sales top £65m at Brandesburton firm playing a key Covid role while supporting business and communities" ]
[ "Hannah Finch" ]
2021-01-15T13:39:21
null
2021-01-15T13:18:18
Sophie and Gracie Tyrell have launched The Squirrel Sisters sugar-free shop
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Fhow-bond-between-sisters-helped-19632669.json
https://i2-prod.business…_SquirrelJPG.jpg
en
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How a bond between sisters helped launched the UK's first sugar free online shop
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Sisters Gracie and Sophie Tyrell have set up the UK's first sugar free shop online after first hand experience of a life changing health scare. Sophie Tyrell discovered serious food intolerances while recovering from surgery for a life threatening heart condition, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome at the age of just 25. Nursed back to health by her younger sister Gracie, the duo vowed to pursue their sugar free journey, setting up Squirrel Sisters online shop selling their their own brand product lines alongside sugar free essentials. If you want more stories like this... You can sign up to our daily e-bulletin of business news in the South West or our weekly round-up of the best articles on enterprise and retail. Sign up here. The pair, who grew up in Bath, have left behind high-flying careers to pursue their dream. Gracie worked in film and TV in the UK and Sophie was a Business development Director for a design agency in Singapore. Their sugar-free journey has also been highlighted by fashion and lifestyle bible Vogue . Gracie said: "Trying to find tempting food for Sophie that had no added sugar was impossible. We as consumers simply do not understand the extent to which sugar is hidden in our food – savoury as well as sweet – so I started to create my own recipes for her that were healthy, tasty and naturally sweet. "This pandemic has changed how we shop and eat - as a nation we are taking comfort from high sugar snacks at an alarming rate – and we are going to pay a high price with ever increasing obesity and diabetes, not to mention rotting teeth. And while we may have a way out of Covid thanks to the vaccine, these after-effects are with us for good. "Our passion has led us to take action, as seven years on the situation has gotten worse. We launched our online shop; a hub where everyone will be able to buy great tasting, no added sugar snacks in one place and have them delivered to their door." Gracie said that the future of shopping is online and they have never considered opening a bricks-and-mortar store. Gracie said: "The risk of owning a bricks and mortar store in such an uncertain time is too high for us as a small business. "This pandemic has changed consumers shopping and eating habits. Consumers are going online to shop due to Covid safety reasons as well as shopping online for ease. Consumers are also shopping in bulk so we wanted to offer larger pack sizes - a box of 16 snack bars or a bag of 500g oats." The sisters worked with a website designer to help develop the website and commissioned a professional photographer to give their existing and new products a fresh look. Gracie explained: "We have a clear message and a unique point of difference, which is that we are the only UK online shop for No Added Sugar Snacks and Kitchen Essentials; having a clear message and mission is key. " We use our social media platforms to spread awareness and have a very loyal and engaged following so our followers have helped us spread the word. We launched at a very relevant time - now more than ever people are more aware of how important good health is and we have created a hub that they can trust." The site launched this week and the sisters say sales have been phenomenal. "Our customers are purchasing our branded range of snacks, which are available in major retailers like Holland & Barrett, and then adding on everyday essentials like our museli, porridge oats, seeds and dried fruit to their orders." Be part of the conversation - how have your shopping and eating habits changed during the pandemic. Let us know in the comments section below
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/how-bond-between-sisters-helped-19632669
en
2021-01-15T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/b7b9d6b55759e98551d04ee31d82b0c6c9730096cda79ebe50d1ae9a4f1da587.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Retail & Consumer Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nSisters Gracie and Sophie Tyrell have set up the UK's first sugar free shop online after first hand experience of a life changing health scare.\nSophie Tyrell discovered serious food intolerances while recovering from surgery for a life threatening heart condition, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome at the age of just 25.\nNursed back to health by her younger sister Gracie, the duo vowed to pursue their sugar free journey, setting up Squirrel Sisters online shop selling their their own brand product lines alongside sugar free essentials.\nIf you want more stories like this... You can sign up to our daily e-bulletin of business news in the South West or our weekly round-up of the best articles on enterprise and retail. Sign up here.\nThe pair, who grew up in Bath, have left behind high-flying careers to pursue their dream. Gracie worked in film and TV in the UK and Sophie was a Business development Director for a design agency in Singapore.\nTheir sugar-free journey has also been highlighted by fashion and lifestyle bible Vogue .\nGracie said: \"Trying to find tempting food for Sophie that had no added sugar was impossible. We as consumers simply do not understand the extent to which sugar is hidden in our food – savoury as well as sweet – so I started to create my own recipes for her that were healthy, tasty and naturally sweet.\n\"This pandemic has changed how we shop and eat - as a nation we are taking comfort from high sugar snacks at an alarming rate – and we are going to pay a high price with ever increasing obesity and diabetes, not to mention rotting teeth. And while we may have a way out of Covid thanks to the vaccine, these after-effects are with us for good.\n\"Our passion has led us to take action, as seven years on the situation has gotten worse. We launched our online shop; a hub where everyone will be able to buy great tasting, no added sugar snacks in one place and have them delivered to their door.\"\nGracie said that the future of shopping is online and they have never considered opening a bricks-and-mortar store.\nGracie said: \"The risk of owning a bricks and mortar store in such an uncertain time is too high for us as a small business. \"This pandemic has changed consumers shopping and eating habits. Consumers are going online to shop due to Covid safety reasons as well as shopping online for ease. Consumers are also shopping in bulk so we wanted to offer larger pack sizes - a box of 16 snack bars or a bag of 500g oats.\"\nThe sisters worked with a website designer to help develop the website and commissioned a professional photographer to give their existing and new products a fresh look.\nGracie explained: \"We have a clear message and a unique point of difference, which is that we are the only UK online shop for No Added Sugar Snacks and Kitchen Essentials; having a clear message and mission is key.\n\" We use our social media platforms to spread awareness and have a very loyal and engaged following so our followers have helped us spread the word. We launched at a very relevant time - now more than ever people are more aware of how important good health is and we have created a hub that they can trust.\"\nThe site launched this week and the sisters say sales have been phenomenal. \"Our customers are purchasing our branded range of snacks, which are available in major retailers like Holland & Barrett, and then adding on everyday essentials like our museli, porridge oats, seeds and dried fruit to their orders.\"\nBe part of the conversation - how have your shopping and eating habits changed during the pandemic. Let us know in the comments section below", "How a bond between sisters helped launched the UK's first sugar free online shop", "Sophie and Gracie Tyrell have launched The Squirrel Sisters sugar-free shop" ]
[ "Hannah Finch" ]
2021-01-05T12:53:17
null
2021-01-05T12:00:00
Our survey results are revealed while a new report says that most businesses in the UK could afford a switch to a four-day week
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Frevealed-you-tell-4-day-19483726.json
https://i2-prod.business…1200/2_TWJPG.jpg
en
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Revealed: You tell us a 4-day week boosts productivity, wellbeing and staff retention
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null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Businesses with a 4-day week have a more engaged workforce, hold on to staff and have a more diverse team, according to you. In December, our survey asked you if a four-day week was the way to go in a post-Covid-19 world. With vast numbers of employees working from home and re-assessing their work-life balance - we asked both employees and business owners whether the time is right for a shift in working patterns. Of the employers we asked - 29% said that they did have a four-day week or flexible working policy. Sign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here Of these, 63% said they have a more engaged workforce, 25% said they had better staff retention and 13% had a more diverse and inclusive team. But the working pattern is not without its problems. Asked what the downsides are, business owners responded that holiday cover and rotas for seven-day operations can be a challenge while not all staff are prepared to help out in emergencies or for overtime. For those businesses who said they did not have part-time or flexible working, 37% said they were most concerned about the effect it would have on productivity, 37% said they feared it would impact on customer service and 26% said it would mean hiring more staff to cover the shortfall. For employees, just 13% of respondents said they worked in a 4-day, flexible or part time role but 89% said they would prefer to. Of those who had flexible working in place, 82% said they were better able to manage their work and home responsibilities and 18% said they were able to continue in a job they were trained in, which they could not have done if the role was full-time only. And for employees, there are down sides too - with one respondent saying: "When looking for work, part-time hours and flexibility can sometime be perceived as 'low rank' or unqualified. As a female in a senior management position, the door was well and truly closed to part-time working." Another said: "It's a full time job squeezed into part time hours." Trevor Worth, Chief Executive at Devon law firm Portcullis Legals introduced the four-day week two years ago and hasn't looked back. He said: "We became the first company in the world to introduce the four-day week and raise salaries at the same time. After that we had 11million hits on our website with interest from across the world." Despite the challenges of the pandemic this year - which meant he had to reduce the team from 10 to 7 - Mr Worth said he hasn't looked back on the four-day policy. "I wanted to make sure that our employees had the best quallty of life they could while at home and at work. Having that extra day means they can take care of life admin, like going to the dentist or whatever they need to do. "I would like us to think of it as the four-day weekend rather than the four day week. I have no issue with our staff taking a Friday one week and a Monday the next." The team work a 34.5hour week and Mr Worth said he encourages everyone to work smarter 'not harder' while they are in working hours. He said: "The way we all live has changed and the traditional working pattern of 9-5, five days a week is broken. It has its roots in the 18th century. We are now supposed to be in the fourth industrial revolution and the way we work should reflect that. "I think if this pandemic has taught us anything, it is to be open minded and flexible. We have to be innovative, find what works for our own teams and give things a try. For us, the four day week is embedded in our culture and whatever happens, we're sticking with it." A report published in December by thinktank Autonomy concluded a four-day week would be affordable for most firms with more than 50 workers. Autonomy – which is campaigning for a shorter working week without loss of pay – said the majority of 50,000 firms studied would be able to cope with the change through higher productivity or by raising prices. And even under its “worst-case” scenario, a four-day week would be affordable for most firms once the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic had passed. The report comes after Unilever in New Zealand announced that it is to trial the 4-day working week without cutting pay - it says that it is going to measure output rather than time spent at work. The move follows a Government-backed study with Zurich Insurance that showed by offering flexible, part-time and job share roles - 20% more women were applying for senior roles. And it's not just a women in the workplace issue. While the research found that women are more likely to have caring responsibilities and may prefer flexible working options, it found many more men also applied for roles when they offered flexible working options, suggesting the issue was just as important for them. But it seems we are still traditionalists when it comes to 9-5. A study by Timewise, which campaigns for flexible working, said most jobs do not offer flexible working despite the huge change in the world of work caused by the coronavirus crisis. A study of more than six million job vacancies over the past year indicated that four out of five did not include an option to work flexibly. Timewise chief executive Emma Stewart said: “Women, carers, older workers and those with health concerns are currently at the greatest risk of becoming ‘flexcluded’ from work, as new ways of working fail to be reflected in employers’ recruitment advertising. “Whether offering remote working, or part-time hours, or staggered start and finish times. We have a real opportunity as we rebuild the economy to finally create a level playing field for the millions for whom flex is now both a necessity and an expectation.” Do you work a four-day week or would you like to? Does working less hours mean less profit? Tell us what you think in the comments section below
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/revealed-you-tell-4-day-19483726
en
2021-01-05T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/0cb9a03a36d227bbf0b0bf9938ca37e7769e1be9167e196cd6ef1218c21447a3.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - South West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBusinesses with a 4-day week have a more engaged workforce, hold on to staff and have a more diverse team, according to you.\nIn December, our survey asked you if a four-day week was the way to go in a post-Covid-19 world.\nWith vast numbers of employees working from home and re-assessing their work-life balance - we asked both employees and business owners whether the time is right for a shift in working patterns.\nOf the employers we asked - 29% said that they did have a four-day week or flexible working policy.\nSign up for more business news straight to your inbox Stay up to date with our daily newsletter, email breaking news alerts and weekly round-ups. To sign up, find out more and see all of our newsletters, follow the link here\nOf these, 63% said they have a more engaged workforce, 25% said they had better staff retention and 13% had a more diverse and inclusive team.\nBut the working pattern is not without its problems. Asked what the downsides are, business owners responded that holiday cover and rotas for seven-day operations can be a challenge while not all staff are prepared to help out in emergencies or for overtime.\nFor those businesses who said they did not have part-time or flexible working, 37% said they were most concerned about the effect it would have on productivity, 37% said they feared it would impact on customer service and 26% said it would mean hiring more staff to cover the shortfall.\nFor employees, just 13% of respondents said they worked in a 4-day, flexible or part time role but 89% said they would prefer to.\nOf those who had flexible working in place, 82% said they were better able to manage their work and home responsibilities and 18% said they were able to continue in a job they were trained in, which they could not have done if the role was full-time only.\nAnd for employees, there are down sides too - with one respondent saying: \"When looking for work, part-time hours and flexibility can sometime be perceived as 'low rank' or unqualified. As a female in a senior management position, the door was well and truly closed to part-time working.\"\nAnother said: \"It's a full time job squeezed into part time hours.\"\nTrevor Worth, Chief Executive at Devon law firm Portcullis Legals introduced the four-day week two years ago and hasn't looked back.\nHe said: \"We became the first company in the world to introduce the four-day week and raise salaries at the same time. After that we had 11million hits on our website with interest from across the world.\"\nDespite the challenges of the pandemic this year - which meant he had to reduce the team from 10 to 7 - Mr Worth said he hasn't looked back on the four-day policy.\n\"I wanted to make sure that our employees had the best quallty of life they could while at home and at work. Having that extra day means they can take care of life admin, like going to the dentist or whatever they need to do.\n\"I would like us to think of it as the four-day weekend rather than the four day week. I have no issue with our staff taking a Friday one week and a Monday the next.\"\nThe team work a 34.5hour week and Mr Worth said he encourages everyone to work smarter 'not harder' while they are in working hours.\nHe said: \"The way we all live has changed and the traditional working pattern of 9-5, five days a week is broken. It has its roots in the 18th century. We are now supposed to be in the fourth industrial revolution and the way we work should reflect that.\n\"I think if this pandemic has taught us anything, it is to be open minded and flexible. We have to be innovative, find what works for our own teams and give things a try. For us, the four day week is embedded in our culture and whatever happens, we're sticking with it.\"\nA report published in December by thinktank Autonomy concluded a four-day week would be affordable for most firms with more than 50 workers.\nAutonomy – which is campaigning for a shorter working week without loss of pay – said the majority of 50,000 firms studied would be able to cope with the change through higher productivity or by raising prices.\nAnd even under its “worst-case” scenario, a four-day week would be affordable for most firms once the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic had passed.\nThe report comes after Unilever in New Zealand announced that it is to trial the 4-day working week without cutting pay - it says that it is going to measure output rather than time spent at work.\nThe move follows a Government-backed study with Zurich Insurance that showed by offering flexible, part-time and job share roles - 20% more women were applying for senior roles.\nAnd it's not just a women in the workplace issue. While the research found that women are more likely to have caring responsibilities and may prefer flexible working options, it found many more men also applied for roles when they offered flexible working options, suggesting the issue was just as important for them.\nBut it seems we are still traditionalists when it comes to 9-5.\nA study by Timewise, which campaigns for flexible working, said most jobs do not offer flexible working despite the huge change in the world of work caused by the coronavirus crisis.\nA study of more than six million job vacancies over the past year indicated that four out of five did not include an option to work flexibly.\nTimewise chief executive Emma Stewart said: “Women, carers, older workers and those with health concerns are currently at the greatest risk of becoming ‘flexcluded’ from work, as new ways of working fail to be reflected in employers’ recruitment advertising.\n“Whether offering remote working, or part-time hours, or staggered start and finish times. We have a real opportunity as we rebuild the economy to finally create a level playing field for the millions for whom flex is now both a necessity and an expectation.”\nDo you work a four-day week or would you like to? Does working less hours mean less profit? Tell us what you think in the comments section below", "Revealed: You tell us a 4-day week boosts productivity, wellbeing and staff retention", "Our survey results are revealed while a new report says that most businesses in the UK could afford a switch to a four-day week" ]
[ "Laura Watson" ]
2021-01-26T03:38:50
null
2021-01-26T03:00:00
The company wants a total of 15 clinics by the end of the year
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fenterprise%2Fveincentres-portfolio-grows-again-new-19664836.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS178694293.jpg
en
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Veincentre's portfolio grows again with new Cardiff clinic
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Varicose vein treatment specialist Veincentre has created 10 new jobs with the opening a new clinic in Wales. Stoke-on-Trent-based Veincentre has established a new site in Cardiff as part of its ambitious growth plans. In 2019, the company secured £10 million from Manchester-based Palatine Private Equity to support its efforts to open a number of new sites across the UK. And the opening of the latest clinic in Windsor Place, Cardiff is the first step towards its target of developing a 15-strong portfolio of clinics by the end of 2021. Katherine West, operations director at Veincentre said: “As a proud Cardiff university alumnus, opening in the Welsh capital has been a personal goal of mine since joining Veincentre, and I am delighted it’s finally come to fruition. “Over the last few years, nearly 20 per cent of our Bristol patients have travelled across the border from Wales to access our specialist vein service. “The fact patients frequently travel over three hours to us clearly indicates a need for our service in Wales. “We also can’t ignore feedback such as ‘everything was great except open a clinic closer to me’. “One of our core values is efficiency and we want to ensure our services are easily accessible to as many patients as possible.” Katherine added: “Varicose veins affect 30 per cent of the population. They can be a debilitating condition yet sadly treatment is rarely offered on the NHS. “They cause both cosmetic and symptomatic distress to patients and if left untreated can result in venous ulcers and varicose eczema. “Our vision is to provide the best possible care at a reasonable price; the ultimate aim is for all patients to achieve vein free, pain free legs and restore their confidence and enjoyment of life. “Our clinic opening brings with it job opportunities for medical secretaries, staff nurses and specialist vascular consultants. “We have recruited and trained a fabulous team who are excited to welcome their first patients.” Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Veincentre was founded in 2003 by vascular specialist Dr David West and his wife Deborah. Originally operating from their family home in Ashley, Staffordshire, the business has grown into the UK’s leading specialist in varicose veins treatment. Today, Dr West and his team of specialists perform an average of 1,600 non-invasive varicose vein treatments each year and have performed more than 40,000 treatments since the company’s inception. Including the Cardiff clinic, Veincentre has 11 sites across the UK in Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, and Southampton as well as its flagship clinic in Stoke-on-Trent.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/veincentres-portfolio-grows-again-new-19664836
en
2021-01-26T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/5f687f84619a065c65e0aba3d341599c7b56633f7aaa12ff88a2c0eea508add6.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Enterprise Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nVaricose vein treatment specialist Veincentre has created 10 new jobs with the opening a new clinic in Wales.\nStoke-on-Trent-based Veincentre has established a new site in Cardiff as part of its ambitious growth plans.\nIn 2019, the company secured £10 million from Manchester-based Palatine Private Equity to support its efforts to open a number of new sites across the UK.\nAnd the opening of the latest clinic in Windsor Place, Cardiff is the first step towards its target of developing a 15-strong portfolio of clinics by the end of 2021.\nKatherine West, operations director at Veincentre said: “As a proud Cardiff university alumnus, opening in the Welsh capital has been a personal goal of mine since joining Veincentre, and I am delighted it’s finally come to fruition.\n“Over the last few years, nearly 20 per cent of our Bristol patients have travelled across the border from Wales to access our specialist vein service.\n“The fact patients frequently travel over three hours to us clearly indicates a need for our service in Wales.\n“We also can’t ignore feedback such as ‘everything was great except open a clinic closer to me’.\n“One of our core values is efficiency and we want to ensure our services are easily accessible to as many patients as possible.”\nKatherine added: “Varicose veins affect 30 per cent of the population. They can be a debilitating condition yet sadly treatment is rarely offered on the NHS.\n“They cause both cosmetic and symptomatic distress to patients and if left untreated can result in venous ulcers and varicose eczema.\n“Our vision is to provide the best possible care at a reasonable price; the ultimate aim is for all patients to achieve vein free, pain free legs and restore their confidence and enjoyment of life.\n“Our clinic opening brings with it job opportunities for medical secretaries, staff nurses and specialist vascular consultants.\n“We have recruited and trained a fabulous team who are excited to welcome their first patients.”\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nVeincentre was founded in 2003 by vascular specialist Dr David West and his wife Deborah.\nOriginally operating from their family home in Ashley, Staffordshire, the business has grown into the UK’s leading specialist in varicose veins treatment.\nToday, Dr West and his team of specialists perform an average of 1,600 non-invasive varicose vein treatments each year and have performed more than 40,000 treatments since the company’s inception.\nIncluding the Cardiff clinic, Veincentre has 11 sites across the UK in Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, and Southampton as well as its flagship clinic in Stoke-on-Trent.", "Veincentre's portfolio grows again with new Cardiff clinic", "The company wants a total of 15 clinics by the end of the year" ]
[ "Tamlyn Jones" ]
2021-01-22T11:07:55
null
2021-01-22T10:00:00
Global construction and property consultancy is moving to the revamped Grand Hotel building in Colmore Row
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fwt-partnership-signs-deal-birmingham-19674237.json
https://i2-prod.business…21barwick_01.jpg
en
null
WT Partnership signs deal for Birmingham office relocation
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A global construction and property consultancy has signed a deal to relocate its Birmingham office as it plans to double its team in the city over the next five years. WT Partnership is moving to the Barwick office suite in the Grand Hotel in Colmore Row from nearby Colmore Gate. It has signed a five-year deal for 1,900 sq ft of space in the building which has undergone a major renovation in recent years to create new retail and office space and a hotel. WT Partnership, which is currently working on the redesign of Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, said it was enjoying a period of growth after first establishing an office in the city in 2016. Want more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. The consultancy is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and has 150 UK-based staff and 1,300 worldwide. Landlord Hortons' Estate has invested more than £750,000 in renovating what were once meeting rooms and bedrooms, along with the bar which used to serve the Grosvenor ballroom, in the old Grand Hotel to create 5,250 sq ft of office space at The Barwick. Management surveyor Nina Meeks added: "We're very pleased that WT has chosen to expand its business at The Barwick and it's hugely positive to secure a letting of this kind in the current environment." Other occupiers to have taken space at the revamped Grade II* listed Grand Hotel complex include retailers Pure Electric and Up & Running and bars Alchemist and Gusto.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/wt-partnership-signs-deal-birmingham-19674237
en
2021-01-22T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/87f4fac76da28570cfaeccdae3adcb0195b2708ace9e3f47da0587f15656e4d6.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - West Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA global construction and property consultancy has signed a deal to relocate its Birmingham office as it plans to double its team in the city over the next five years.\nWT Partnership is moving to the Barwick office suite in the Grand Hotel in Colmore Row from nearby Colmore Gate.\nIt has signed a five-year deal for 1,900 sq ft of space in the building which has undergone a major renovation in recent years to create new retail and office space and a hotel.\nWT Partnership, which is currently working on the redesign of Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, said it was enjoying a period of growth after first establishing an office in the city in 2016.\nWant more business news straight to your inbox? BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nThe consultancy is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and has 150 UK-based staff and 1,300 worldwide.\nLandlord Hortons' Estate has invested more than £750,000 in renovating what were once meeting rooms and bedrooms, along with the bar which used to serve the Grosvenor ballroom, in the old Grand Hotel to create 5,250 sq ft of office space at The Barwick.\nManagement surveyor Nina Meeks added: \"We're very pleased that WT has chosen to expand its business at The Barwick and it's hugely positive to secure a letting of this kind in the current environment.\"\nOther occupiers to have taken space at the revamped Grade II* listed Grand Hotel complex include retailers Pure Electric and Up & Running and bars Alchemist and Gusto.", "WT Partnership signs deal for Birmingham office relocation", "Global construction and property consultancy is moving to the revamped Grand Hotel building in Colmore Row" ]
[ "David Laister" ]
2021-01-20T19:23:45
null
2021-01-20T18:40:21
East Sussex-based BD Foods was added to the Hull-headquartered UK operations in early 2019
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fmanufacturing%2Faak-acquisition-posts-strong-results-19667466.json
https://i2-prod.business…0/0_aak_blue.jpg
en
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AAK acquisition posts strong results ahead of crippling Covid impact as it 'trades its way through'
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Manufacturing Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Sales increased 30 per cent for food accompaniment producer AAK BD Foods as it reported pleasing results in a “difficult market dominated by Brexit uncertainties”. Profits more than doubled year on year in a “challenging” 2019, up from £549,262 to £1.3 million, as turnover smashed through the £10 million mark, coming in at £11.7 million. However, the East Sussex operation, acquired and integrated with the Hull-headquartered AAK International arm in the year it reported on, has been hit hard by the Covid-triggered lockdowns, as its mainstay, the hospitality sector, went into enforced hibernation. Clive Barker, director at the St Leonards on Sea unit, told how it had adapted quickly with its range of sauces, salsas, chutneys, vinaigrettes and dressings, to weather the storm, in the strategic report accompanying the just-published, results. Reviewing the calendar-aligned financial year, he said: “2019 was a challenging year in a difficult market dominated by Brexit uncertainty. The company concentrated heavily on innovation, was mindful of food trends and offered fair price strategies. The directors were pleased with the results which were in line with expectations." He told how the acquistion by Swedish stock exchange-listed AAK was "the most notable event", adding: "Since the year end Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the economic climate at home and abroad. The UK lockdown that became effective during March 2020 had a dramatic effect on the hospitality and leisure sector, where most of our customers are based, and the closure of their businesses for a substantial period of time naturally curtailed our ability to supply. "We did, however, react quickly to ensure a revised business model that was fit for purpose was in place and despite registering losses during this period we were able to trade our way through it and emerge thereafter in a healthy position. “We have responded to the most recent lockdown in a similar way and remain confident that we shall continue to fulfill our potential in line with our revised business projections.” BD Foods was established in 2001 and has approximately 100 employees. The company has a portfolio of more than 3,000 products that are sold to a wide range of customers, including restaurants, hotels, airlines, wholesalers, and food manufacturers. Soya International (Europe) Ltd, of Manchester and MaasRefinery of Rotterdam were also added to the AAK International stable later in the year.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/manufacturing/aak-acquisition-posts-strong-results-19667466
en
2021-01-20T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/0aa7fed13487ff62453f316e189e403816577217820cca85b0734a9709f844ae.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Manufacturing Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nSales increased 30 per cent for food accompaniment producer AAK BD Foods as it reported pleasing results in a “difficult market dominated by Brexit uncertainties”.\nProfits more than doubled year on year in a “challenging” 2019, up from £549,262 to £1.3 million, as turnover smashed through the £10 million mark, coming in at £11.7 million.\nHowever, the East Sussex operation, acquired and integrated with the Hull-headquartered AAK International arm in the year it reported on, has been hit hard by the Covid-triggered lockdowns, as its mainstay, the hospitality sector, went into enforced hibernation.\nClive Barker, director at the St Leonards on Sea unit, told how it had adapted quickly with its range of sauces, salsas, chutneys, vinaigrettes and dressings, to weather the storm, in the strategic report accompanying the just-published, results.\nReviewing the calendar-aligned financial year, he said: “2019 was a challenging year in a difficult market dominated by Brexit uncertainty. The company concentrated heavily on innovation, was mindful of food trends and offered fair price strategies. The directors were pleased with the results which were in line with expectations.\"\nHe told how the acquistion by Swedish stock exchange-listed AAK was \"the most notable event\", adding: \"Since the year end Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the economic climate at home and abroad. The UK lockdown that became effective during March 2020 had a dramatic effect on the hospitality and leisure sector, where most of our customers are based, and the closure of their businesses for a substantial period of time naturally curtailed our ability to supply.\n\"We did, however, react quickly to ensure a revised business model that was fit for purpose was in place and despite registering losses during this period we were able to trade our way through it and emerge thereafter in a healthy position.\n“We have responded to the most recent lockdown in a similar way and remain confident that we shall continue to fulfill our potential in line with our revised business projections.”\nBD Foods was established in 2001 and has approximately 100 employees. The company has a portfolio of more than 3,000 products that are sold to a wide range of customers, including restaurants, hotels, airlines, wholesalers, and food manufacturers.\nSoya International (Europe) Ltd, of Manchester and MaasRefinery of Rotterdam were also added to the AAK International stable later in the year.", "AAK acquisition posts strong results ahead of crippling Covid impact as it 'trades its way through'", "East Sussex-based BD Foods was added to the Hull-headquartered UK operations in early 2019" ]
[ "Graeme Whitfield", "Image", "Teesside Live Katie Lunn" ]
2021-01-27T13:51:15
null
2021-01-27T13:40:10
FSB survey finds falling confidence among small business owners in Yorkshire, Humber and the North East in the last three months of 2020
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fconfidence-falls-investment-stalls-among-19710902.json
https://i2-prod.gazettel…gaBars_15JPG.jpg
en
null
Confidence falls and investment stalls among Northern SMEs, survey finds
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Confidence among small businesses in the region has fallen again and companies are not investing for their future, a new survey has revealed. The Yorkshire, the Humber & North East Small Business Index carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has fallen in the final quarter of 2020, and now stands at -44. Investment intentions for the region’s businesses are the worst in the UK and local small businesses are less positive about business prospects for the next three months. Compared to other regions, small business owners in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber were the least affected in terms of overall net profit over the last three months. But they remain pessimistic about potential revenue for the upcoming quarter. Job numbers in the region’s small businesses reduced during the last three months of 2020, the survey found. Richard Askew, Yorkshire, Humber and the North East of England policy representative at the FSB, said: “As we move forward into 2021, Yorkshire, the Humber and North East Small Business Index, which measures confidence amongst businesses, has fallen once again in the final quarter of the year. “Such uncertainty is felt across the UK, but in Yorkshire, the Humber and North East the investment intentions for Yorkshire and North East businesses are the worst in the UK, sitting alongside uncertainty due to Covid-19. The general economic conditions in the UK, consumer demand and regulation are the greatest perceived barriers to growth over the coming twelve months. “As we start 2021 and deal with the end of the transition period with the EU to move businesses into positive territory the concerns outlined will need to be addressed. Concurrently, small businesses across the region want to see the Government deliver the levelling up agenda through increased investment in infrastructure, ensuring that businesses have the skills they need to grow and providing the long-term business support needed to address the challenges of Covid-19.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/confidence-falls-investment-stalls-among-19710902
en
2021-01-27T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/5717bac346331636669b41c64b282f5c40b265402ce2d9ebb4c80bb78ce2e8d8.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nConfidence among small businesses in the region has fallen again and companies are not investing for their future, a new survey has revealed.\nThe Yorkshire, the Humber & North East Small Business Index carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has fallen in the final quarter of 2020, and now stands at -44.\nInvestment intentions for the region’s businesses are the worst in the UK and local small businesses are less positive about business prospects for the next three months.\nCompared to other regions, small business owners in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber were the least affected in terms of overall net profit over the last three months. But they remain pessimistic about potential revenue for the upcoming quarter.\nJob numbers in the region’s small businesses reduced during the last three months of 2020, the survey found.\nRichard Askew, Yorkshire, Humber and the North East of England policy representative at the FSB, said: “As we move forward into 2021, Yorkshire, the Humber and North East Small Business Index, which measures confidence amongst businesses, has fallen once again in the final quarter of the year.\n“Such uncertainty is felt across the UK, but in Yorkshire, the Humber and North East the investment intentions for Yorkshire and North East businesses are the worst in the UK, sitting alongside uncertainty due to Covid-19. The general economic conditions in the UK, consumer demand and regulation are the greatest perceived barriers to growth over the coming twelve months.\n“As we start 2021 and deal with the end of the transition period with the EU to move businesses into positive territory the concerns outlined will need to be addressed. Concurrently, small businesses across the region want to see the Government deliver the levelling up agenda through increased investment in infrastructure, ensuring that businesses have the skills they need to grow and providing the long-term business support needed to address the challenges of Covid-19.”", "Confidence falls and investment stalls among Northern SMEs, survey finds", "FSB survey finds falling confidence among small business owners in Yorkshire, Humber and the North East in the last three months of 2020" ]
[ "Graeme Whitfield" ]
2021-01-19T09:40:00
null
2021-01-19T07:56:44
Online electrical retailer benefits from the growth in internet shopping, and from the rise in the number of people working from home
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fretail-consumer%2Frecord-trading-ao-after-10-19652639.json
https://i2-prod.business…gistics-vans.jpg
en
null
Record trading for AO after '10 years of change in 10 months'
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Online electrical retailer AO World said it had seen record trading in the run-up to Christmas, with revenues in the UK growing by 67%. The Bolton firm has released a trading update which outlined how UK revenue in the last three months of 2020 had risen to £457.3m. Growth was even higher in Germany, increasing 77.4% to €73.6m. AO said it had benefited from a shift to online shopping during the pandemic, while the rise in the number of people working from home had increased the need for electrical goods and customer awareness of how important its products are. But it warned that the coronavirus pandemic was also having an effect on the firm, both in increased costs to make its workplaces Covid-secure, and in some hard-pressed customers cancelling long-term mobile contracts and warranties. It also highlighted 'imbalances in supply and demand in some categories'. Founder and chief executive John Roberts said: “I believe we've seen 10 years of change in 10 months, and experienced our strongest ever peak trading period. "We backed ourselves by investing early in warehouses, vehicles, stock and people. This not only set us up to satisfy customer demand for electricals for the current crisis but also for the longer term, as the structural shift to online becomes a permanent feature of the market in the UK and Germany. “One of our biggest achievements this period is to have our German business profitable throughout Q3. Our confidence in those investments has been rewarded by these exceptional levels of sales. “We've seen how the short-term costs translate into a fantastic opportunity to drive lifetime value for millions more customers. We're delighted to have earned their trust after their first purchase and their first experience of the AO Way.” Mr Roberts said AO would now look to 'raise the bar' on its customer service levels, as well as focussing on the safety of its staff. Commenting on the trading update, analysts Shore Capital said: "This is an upbeat trading update, which shows the continued momentum given both the structural shift online and the benefit as other brands physical electrical stores remain closed, as they are not deemed essential retailers during lockdown 2.0 and now lockdown 3.0. "This is AO World’s moment to shine given that the online market has seen a structural shift thatcould be permanent by consumers. "We note the outlook statement but also highlight both the increased Covid operating costs and infrastructure developments to further increase capacity. AO World has had a great run and clearly is another Covid winner and whilst the sales momentum continues, we also note the increased operating costs. "The big challenge will be whether the revenue momentumcan continue during Q1 FY2022 given the tough comparatives that the business will start cycling."
https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/record-trading-ao-after-10-19652639
en
2021-01-19T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/6b5ee4d854d491f251ccb78f00e554d739b7f92762eaea5138160c564d9b7edd.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nOnline electrical retailer AO World said it had seen record trading in the run-up to Christmas, with revenues in the UK growing by 67%.\nThe Bolton firm has released a trading update which outlined how UK revenue in the last three months of 2020 had risen to £457.3m. Growth was even higher in Germany, increasing 77.4% to €73.6m.\nAO said it had benefited from a shift to online shopping during the pandemic, while the rise in the number of people working from home had increased the need for electrical goods and customer awareness of how important its products are.\nBut it warned that the coronavirus pandemic was also having an effect on the firm, both in increased costs to make its workplaces Covid-secure, and in some hard-pressed customers cancelling long-term mobile contracts and warranties.\nIt also highlighted 'imbalances in supply and demand in some categories'.\nFounder and chief executive John Roberts said: “I believe we've seen 10 years of change in 10 months, and experienced our strongest ever peak trading period.\n\"We backed ourselves by investing early in warehouses, vehicles, stock and people. This not only set us up to satisfy customer demand for electricals for the current crisis but also for the longer term, as the structural shift to online becomes a permanent feature of the market in the UK and Germany.\n“One of our biggest achievements this period is to have our German business profitable throughout Q3. Our confidence in those investments has been rewarded by these exceptional levels of sales.\n“We've seen how the short-term costs translate into a fantastic opportunity to drive lifetime value for millions more customers. We're delighted to have earned their trust after their first purchase and their first experience of the AO Way.”\nMr Roberts said AO would now look to 'raise the bar' on its customer service levels, as well as focussing on the safety of its staff.\nCommenting on the trading update, analysts Shore Capital said: \"This is an upbeat trading update, which shows the continued momentum given both the structural shift online and the benefit as other brands physical electrical stores remain closed, as they are not deemed essential retailers during lockdown 2.0 and now lockdown 3.0.\n\"This is AO World’s moment to shine given that the online market has seen a structural shift thatcould be permanent by consumers.\n\"We note the outlook statement but also highlight both the increased Covid operating costs and infrastructure developments to further increase capacity. AO World has had a great run and clearly is another Covid winner and whilst the sales momentum continues, we also note the increased operating costs.\n\"The big challenge will be whether the revenue momentumcan continue during Q1 FY2022 given the tough comparatives that the business will start cycling.\"", "Record trading for AO after '10 years of change in 10 months'", "Online electrical retailer benefits from the growth in internet shopping, and from the rise in the number of people working from home" ]
[ "Laura Watson" ]
2021-01-02T03:21:21
null
2021-01-02T02:00:00
Projects in the West Midlands, Tees Valley, North West, Humber, South Wales and Scotland will receive a share of the funding
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2F8m-funding-boost-uk-regions-19545489.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS200865199.jpg
en
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£8m funding boost for UK regions to cut industry carbon emissions
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Six projects across the UK are to receive a share of £8m Government funding as part of a drive to create the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040. Projects in the West Midlands, Tees Valley, North West, Humber, South Wales and Scotland have won the backing as part of efforts to develop ways to cut carbon emissions from major industrial areas. And one scheme alone - across the North West of England and North East Wales - will aim to create more than 33,000 new jobs and more than £4bn of investment as it bids to become the world's first net zero industrial zone. A net zero industrial zone will see all industries in a region collectively reducing their carbon dioxide emissions to as close to zero as possible using low-carbon energy sources and new technology like carbon capture. The funding is the latest phase of Government's £170 million Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge which has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs as UK builds back greener. It is part of the wider Industrial Clusters Mission to support the delivery of four low-carbon regional zones by 2030 and at least one net-zero green hotspot by 2040. All six areas receiving funding have high concentrations of industrial activity and will use the cash to develop detailed decarbonisation plans. Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: "The UK is leading the world's green industrial revolution, with ambitious targets to decarbonise our economy and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. "As we continue to level up the UK economy and build back greener, we must ensure every sector is reducing carbon emissions to help us achieve our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. "This funding will help key industrial areas meet the challenge of contributing to our cleaner future while maintaining their productive and competitive strengths." Decarbonising UK industry is a key part of the Government's ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution - which is laid out in its Ten Point Plan and Energy White Paper - and is set to create 220,000 jobs over the next decade. Bryony Livesey, UKRI challenge director, Industrial Decarbonisation, said: "Today's announcement shows that the industrial clusters campaign is proceeding at pace. This second phase of the competition asks companies and partners to plan for comprehensive changes to industries, products and supply lines. "This is a crucial step in the government's plans to develop cost-effective decarbonisation in industrial hubs that tackle the emissions challenge UK industry faces. The move to low carbon industry is a huge opportunity, with the chance for the UK to take the lead and seize a large share of a growing global market.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/8m-funding-boost-uk-regions-19545489
en
2021-01-02T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/c5b59cffa2af696b907b23eaae8550d2b724d513849fe48871bc35e82c1be0cf.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - National Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nSix projects across the UK are to receive a share of £8m Government funding as part of a drive to create the world's first net-zero emissions industrial zone by 2040.\nProjects in the West Midlands, Tees Valley, North West, Humber, South Wales and Scotland have won the backing as part of efforts to develop ways to cut carbon emissions from major industrial areas.\nAnd one scheme alone - across the North West of England and North East Wales - will aim to create more than 33,000 new jobs and more than £4bn of investment as it bids to become the world's first net zero industrial zone.\nA net zero industrial zone will see all industries in a region collectively reducing their carbon dioxide emissions to as close to zero as possible using low-carbon energy sources and new technology like carbon capture.\nThe funding is the latest phase of Government's £170 million Industrial Decarbonisation Challenge which has the potential to create tens of thousands of jobs as UK builds back greener.\nIt is part of the wider Industrial Clusters Mission to support the delivery of four low-carbon regional zones by 2030 and at least one net-zero green hotspot by 2040.\nAll six areas receiving funding have high concentrations of industrial activity and will use the cash to develop detailed decarbonisation plans.\nEnergy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said: \"The UK is leading the world's green industrial revolution, with ambitious targets to decarbonise our economy and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.\n\"As we continue to level up the UK economy and build back greener, we must ensure every sector is reducing carbon emissions to help us achieve our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.\n\"This funding will help key industrial areas meet the challenge of contributing to our cleaner future while maintaining their productive and competitive strengths.\"\nDecarbonising UK industry is a key part of the Government's ambitious plan for the green industrial revolution - which is laid out in its Ten Point Plan and Energy White Paper - and is set to create 220,000 jobs over the next decade.\nBryony Livesey, UKRI challenge director, Industrial Decarbonisation, said: \"Today's announcement shows that the industrial clusters campaign is proceeding at pace. This second phase of the competition asks companies and partners to plan for comprehensive changes to industries, products and supply lines.\n\"This is a crucial step in the government's plans to develop cost-effective decarbonisation in industrial hubs that tackle the emissions challenge UK industry faces. The move to low carbon industry is a huge opportunity, with the chance for the UK to take the lead and seize a large share of a growing global market.”", "£8m funding boost for UK regions to cut industry carbon emissions", "Projects in the West Midlands, Tees Valley, North West, Humber, South Wales and Scotland will receive a share of the funding" ]
[ "Tom Pegden" ]
2021-01-18T06:23:05
null
2021-01-18T03:00:00
Gazeley UK has got the go-ahead for the £30 million, 68-acre site development
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fports-logistics%2Fgreen-light-1000-job-warehouse-19638906.json
https://i2-prod.business…_JS226183166.jpg
en
null
Green light for 1,000 job warehouse in Ashby-de-la-Zouch
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Planning approval has been given for a £30 million warehouse complex in north west Leicestershire, which could eventually employ 1,000 people. Gazeley UK has got the go-ahead for the 68-acre site development on the former UK Coal Lounge Coal Preparation and Disposal Point, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, The land, which is now disused, falls within North West Leicestershire’s Local Plan which identifies it as “suitable for employment provision”. Planning for what will be called G Park, was approved by the district council last Wednesday. As well as warehousing, G Park will also include offices, service yards, HGV parking and security facilities as well as internal roads along with pedestrian and cycling paths. Developer Gazeley expects the site to create between 880 and 990 full-time jobs as well as up to 510 more positions indirectly. Gazeley, which owns Magna Park, near Lutterworth, will also contribute £750,000 to upgrade nearby roads as part of the planning terms. Objections to the plans included concerns about the size and scale of the building, traffic issues and the impact on air quality. Among the chief objectors was Ashby Civic Society, which said the scheme would “swallow up” more fields in open countryside, replacing them with visually intrusive six-storey-high warehouses. In a letter of objection, the society said: “There is no economic sense in this project. “The jobs provided by this facility would not go to employees in the local area. “And there are many large distribution centres within eight miles of Ashby offering over 10,000 jobs. “Why, then, proceed with this monstrous, ugly building if there is no chance of locals filling the vacancies?” Councillor Nigel Smith, chair of NWLDC’s Planning Committee, said: “This was a difficult decision for the committee but on balance the opportunity to bring new jobs to North West Leicestershire on land already earmarked for employment provision proved decisive. “The last nine months have been very difficult nationally, but this development offers a real economic boost for our district and new jobs for local people in the coming years of recovery from Covid-19.” Planning officers at the district council have recommended councillors on the development control committee approve the scheme. A Gazeley spokesman said: “The proposed development is in a location close to major road networks and therefore is easily accessed. “The proposal will facilitate a significant new commercial investment and the creation of new jobs which will have a major benefits for the local economy. “It reflects a commitment to bring forward new investment opportunities to a priority area and provide much needed jobs in the wider area and thus inject growth into the local economy.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/ports-logistics/green-light-1000-job-warehouse-19638906
en
2021-01-18T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/6b6d9b041b36c1492e8e522913ec039634a19421bc996ff759eb9c06d07d9447.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - East Midlands Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nPlanning approval has been given for a £30 million warehouse complex in north west Leicestershire, which could eventually employ 1,000 people.\nGazeley UK has got the go-ahead for the 68-acre site development on the former UK Coal Lounge Coal Preparation and Disposal Point, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch,\nThe land, which is now disused, falls within North West Leicestershire’s Local Plan which identifies it as “suitable for employment provision”.\nPlanning for what will be called G Park, was approved by the district council last Wednesday.\nAs well as warehousing, G Park will also include offices, service yards, HGV parking and security facilities as well as internal roads along with pedestrian and cycling paths.\nDeveloper Gazeley expects the site to create between 880 and 990 full-time jobs as well as up to 510 more positions indirectly.\nGazeley, which owns Magna Park, near Lutterworth, will also contribute £750,000 to upgrade nearby roads as part of the planning terms.\nObjections to the plans included concerns about the size and scale of the building, traffic issues and the impact on air quality.\nAmong the chief objectors was Ashby Civic Society, which said the scheme would “swallow up” more fields in open countryside, replacing them with visually intrusive six-storey-high warehouses.\nIn a letter of objection, the society said: “There is no economic sense in this project.\n“The jobs provided by this facility would not go to employees in the local area.\n“And there are many large distribution centres within eight miles of Ashby offering over 10,000 jobs.\n“Why, then, proceed with this monstrous, ugly building if there is no chance of locals filling the vacancies?”\nCouncillor Nigel Smith, chair of NWLDC’s Planning Committee, said: “This was a difficult decision for the committee but on balance the opportunity to bring new jobs to North West Leicestershire on land already earmarked for employment provision proved decisive.\n“The last nine months have been very difficult nationally, but this development offers a real economic boost for our district and new jobs for local people in the coming years of recovery from Covid-19.”\nPlanning officers at the district council have recommended councillors on the development control committee approve the scheme.\nA Gazeley spokesman said: “The proposed development is in a location close to major road networks and therefore is easily accessed.\n“The proposal will facilitate a significant new commercial investment and the creation of new jobs which will have a major benefits for the local economy.\n“It reflects a commitment to bring forward new investment opportunities to a priority area and provide much needed jobs in the wider area and thus inject growth into the local economy.”", "Green light for 1,000 job warehouse in Ashby-de-la-Zouch", "Gazeley UK has got the go-ahead for the £30 million, 68-acre site development" ]
[ "Tom Houghton" ]
2021-01-06T16:35:26
null
2021-01-06T16:19:15
The Lancashire firm is looking to fuel further growth this year both in the UK and internationally
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fleads-deals%2Flancashire-hotplate-maker-sugden-swoops-19574197.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…hris-Baldwin.jpg
en
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Lancashire hotplate maker Sugden swoops for waffle company Vanderpol with jobs to be created
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email A leading hotplate manufacturer has acquired a Dutch waffle system company and says it now plans to create jobs at its Lancashire HQ. Nelson firm Sugden Ltd said the move to buy Netherlands-based Vanderpol Waffle Systems for an undisclosed sum strengthens its position as the world's leading manufacturer of hotplates. Vanderpol Waffle Systems, previously owned by AMF Den Boer BV, is part of AMF Bakery Systems Europe BV, and according to Sugden, is renowned for being a market-leading manufacturer of waffle and funcake production lines with a worldwide clientele. Already designing custom hotplate plants used by producers globally to mass-produce pancakes, English muffins and crumpets, the deal means Sugden can now manufacture, supply and install a wide range of industry-leading waffle and funcake systems under the Sugden-Vanderpol range. As well as expanding the company’s offering, Sugden said the deal will also create further jobs at its 35,000sq ft, production facility in Nelson, where the waffle and funcake systems will be produced. The acquisition comes as Sugden looks to fuel further growth in 2021, both in the UK and internationally, building on "strong" momentum generated over the last five years, which has seen the company double in size, with turnover growing to £5.5m over 2019/20. Managing director of Sugden, Chris Baldwin, said: “It is a very proud moment to announce this acquisition and be in a position to carry on supporting and supplying market-leading waffle lines under the Sugden-Vanderpol range. “This strengthens our product range and market position and ensures growth and security throughout the business.” Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Vincent Langelaar, from AMF Bakery Systems Europe BV, said: “AMF and Sugden have forged a strong and successful history offering complete English Muffin systems to the global baking industry. "Through this relationship, we have recognised that Sugden can bring tremendous focus and innovation to the Vanderpol waffle griddle product line, and we look forward to fully supporting this transition and continuing to partner with them to serve common customer projects in the future.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/leads-deals/lancashire-hotplate-maker-sugden-swoops-19574197
en
2021-01-06T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/d8bcdca9ea2e0c7338fc7f4322e7292969d3b4a0eba0ed9833d62b57ff7e3de1.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nA leading hotplate manufacturer has acquired a Dutch waffle system company and says it now plans to create jobs at its Lancashire HQ.\nNelson firm Sugden Ltd said the move to buy Netherlands-based Vanderpol Waffle Systems for an undisclosed sum strengthens its position as the world's leading manufacturer of hotplates.\nVanderpol Waffle Systems, previously owned by AMF Den Boer BV, is part of AMF Bakery Systems Europe BV, and according to Sugden, is renowned for being a market-leading manufacturer of waffle and funcake production lines with a worldwide clientele.\nAlready designing custom hotplate plants used by producers globally to mass-produce pancakes, English muffins and crumpets, the deal means Sugden can now manufacture, supply and install a wide range of industry-leading waffle and funcake systems under the Sugden-Vanderpol range.\nAs well as expanding the company’s offering, Sugden said the deal will also create further jobs at its 35,000sq ft, production facility in Nelson, where the waffle and funcake systems will be produced.\nThe acquisition comes as Sugden looks to fuel further growth in 2021, both in the UK and internationally, building on \"strong\" momentum generated over the last five years, which has seen the company double in size, with turnover growing to £5.5m over 2019/20.\nManaging director of Sugden, Chris Baldwin, said: “It is a very proud moment to announce this acquisition and be in a position to carry on supporting and supplying market-leading waffle lines under the Sugden-Vanderpol range.\n“This strengthens our product range and market position and ensures growth and security throughout the business.”\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\nVincent Langelaar, from AMF Bakery Systems Europe BV, said: “AMF and Sugden have forged a strong and successful history offering complete English Muffin systems to the global baking industry.\n\"Through this relationship, we have recognised that Sugden can bring tremendous focus and innovation to the Vanderpol waffle griddle product line, and we look forward to fully supporting this transition and continuing to partner with them to serve common customer projects in the future.”", "Lancashire hotplate maker Sugden swoops for waffle company Vanderpol with jobs to be created", "The Lancashire firm is looking to fuel further growth this year both in the UK and internationally" ]
[ "Tom Houghton", "Image", "Gareth Jones", "Swns.Com" ]
2021-01-05T15:55:34
null
2021-01-05T15:34:11
It included one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth £9,000 - but region's top leaders say more measures are needed
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Feconomic-development%2Fnorth-west-business-leaders-fear-19567292.json
https://i2-prod.liverpoo…_JS225389742.jpg
en
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North West business leaders fear Rishi Sunak's new £4.6bn coronavirus lockdown support package 'just won't be enough'
null
null
www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email Business leaders from across the North West have raised fears that the new measures introduced by Rishi Sunak to help firms through the third English lockdown "just won't be enough". On Tuesday morning, the Chancellor announced the new package which included one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth £9,000 per property. That was in addition to further grants for local authorities worth up to £3,000 a month for firms, and a £594m discretionary fund. But while the move has been welcomed by some business leaders, others fear it won't go far enough - pointing out there are still gaps in support, and that firms need help to pivot and shift their business models too. Others say the furlough scheme should now be extended in the wake of the new national lockdown - with a National Insurance and Pension contribution holiday for those sectors hardest hit. Here's what they told BusinessLive: Yvette Hastings Yvette Hastings, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) area leader for Cheshire, said w hile the additional financial support will be a "lifeline" to 600,000 businesses and therefore is welcome, a plan is needed "that matches the scale of the economic damage we are seeing". She said: "For many businesses already under the cosh and on the brink, it just won't be enough. These funds come after a disappointing festive period and with the imposition of a last-minute lockdown - they do not go far enough to address the crisis that small firms are facing. "There remain too many groups who need more support to weather this storm such as the newly self-employed, those in supply chains and company directors. We continue to call on the government to create a Directors Income Support Scheme, mirroring the Self-Employed Support Scheme, in the form of a taxable grant for directors of limited companies calculated at 80% of three months average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment and capped at £7,500. "We also need to see the government make clear its plans for more finance capabilities made available to those who have used their allocations through Bounce Bank Loans as well as extending the period before repayments begin. Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now "This lockdown is expected to last for some time, even when restrictions ease, many small firms will be unable to function fully, if at all. The government should create a Spring Economy Plan to help firms get through to drive a vaccine-enabled recovery. "After clawing their way through 2020, the start of the new year looks set to be an even worse one for many small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. It is vital that we support them in every way possible until the crisis finally begins to ease.” Dr Gordon Fletcher Dr Gordon Fletcher, retail expert from the University of Salford Business School, says longer term support is required. Dr Fletcher said: “The maths is not great for this new offer of support from the Chancellor. "The majority of the £4.6bn in support goes to the retail, hospitality and leisure sector across the country as an offer of up to £9,000 for each property. With the restriction due to last for at least six weeks that works out at £1,500 per week. Enough to cover the most immediate basics. “After 10 months of restrictions there is a real need to not just keep the lights on but to actively support businesses in these sectors to thoroughly 'pivot' and shift their business models. "These sectors can become more robust to social-distancing and lockdowns restrictions but although the impetus to innovate may be present there is also a need for investment to support this change.” Paul Cherpeau (Image: Gareth Jones) Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce also raised concerns for those "falling through the funding gap". He said: “Whilst this is not the New Year start we all wanted, it is vital now to follow Government guidelines and for all businesses to advise staff to work from home where possible. “We are also pleased to see this morning’s announcement from the Chancellor for top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure as well as discretionary funds for other impacted businesses. “We still though continue to champion Liverpool business to local and national government and push for ongoing and sustained financial support for all businesses including those falling through the funding gap as well as supply chains and freelancers. “We continue to urge all businesses to make use of the mass testing programme in Liverpool and are here for all members and businesses to offer help and guidance over the next few months.” Frank McKenna Frank McKenna, chief executive of business lobby group Downtown in Business, said "all the evidence" shows that the Chancellor’s actions "are not helping prop up the UK economy - and that Government support for business is not working”. He said: “Unemployment is dramatically increasing and will rise even further as soon as furlough payments cease. As Begbies Traynor, the insolvency experts, have shown, there is a major increase in companies that are significantly distressed. "With people forced to work from home and schools now closed productivity is going to be on the floor. All indicators are that Rishi Sunak’s interventions are not enough to keep the economy on track.” Mr McKenna continued: “Today’s announcement does not go far enough. Whilst he has announced some money for those forced to close completely, there is little for all other businesses. "The self-employed and directors are still not receiving adequate support. For larger firms, furlough only pays 80% of wages, so the other 20% has to be found, one still has National Insurance and Pension contributions to find, there is rent to pay and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan (CBIL) repayments are coming down the line. "This is why we’re seeing mass redundancies and companies in significant distress.” Offering solutions, he added: “Rishi Sunak must now announce a National Insurance and Pension contribution holiday for those sectors hardest hit. "He also needs to instruct banks to introduce an ‘interest moratorium’ and he should initiate discussions with commercial landlords to explore the possibility of extending leases and adding any outstanding rent to repayments across the duration of the lease – again with the support of the banks where necessary. These unparalleled times call for unprecedented action from the Treasury.” The Metro Mayors (Image: SWNS.com) Following the announcement, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram both took to Twitter to express their dismay at the 3m 'ExcludedUK' group who were once again left out of the Chancellor's support package. They said: Rain Newton-Smith Rain Newton-Smith, CBI's chief economist, credited the Chancellor with "moving swiftly" to support businesses as circumstances change - and that it was "sorely needed". She said: "More direct grants will provide some relief to eligible companies’ cashflow. “Yet with businesses facing a third lockdown, there are other steps that can help provide a bridge to the all-important economic recovery, particularly those affected through supply chains. “For some, demand has once again evaporated overnight, and in northern England some firms have been labouring under stop-start orders for months already. Sign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. “Therefore extending the job retention scheme to end of the second quarter would provide firms with a clear line of sight, aiding planning and investment. “And removing the business rate relief cliff edge in April will provide much-needed breathing space, as will re-examining the case for VAT deferrals. “With the vaccine rollout now underway, and increasing mass rapid testing, there really is a brighter future within reach. Maintaining steadfast support for firms during this painful period will help ensure the recovery is delayed for as short a time as possible.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/north-west-business-leaders-fear-19567292
en
2021-01-05T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/22db895017e4802e706e38d66b7b82d145a97a1bce5d6916985d41f6924f29b1.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North West Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nBusiness leaders from across the North West have raised fears that the new measures introduced by Rishi Sunak to help firms through the third English lockdown \"just won't be enough\".\nOn Tuesday morning, the Chancellor announced the new package which included one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth £9,000 per property. That was in addition to further grants for local authorities worth up to £3,000 a month for firms, and a £594m discretionary fund.\nBut while the move has been welcomed by some business leaders, others fear it won't go far enough - pointing out there are still gaps in support, and that firms need help to pivot and shift their business models too.\nOthers say the furlough scheme should now be extended in the wake of the new national lockdown - with a National Insurance and Pension contribution holiday for those sectors hardest hit.\nHere's what they told BusinessLive:\nYvette Hastings\nYvette Hastings, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) area leader for Cheshire, said w hile the additional financial support will be a \"lifeline\" to 600,000 businesses and therefore is welcome, a plan is needed \"that matches the scale of the economic damage we are seeing\".\nShe said: \"For many businesses already under the cosh and on the brink, it just won't be enough. These funds come after a disappointing festive period and with the imposition of a last-minute lockdown - they do not go far enough to address the crisis that small firms are facing.\n\"There remain too many groups who need more support to weather this storm such as the newly self-employed, those in supply chains and company directors. We continue to call on the government to create a Directors Income Support Scheme, mirroring the Self-Employed Support Scheme, in the form of a taxable grant for directors of limited companies calculated at 80% of three months average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment and capped at £7,500.\n\"We also need to see the government make clear its plans for more finance capabilities made available to those who have used their allocations through Bounce Bank Loans as well as extending the period before repayments begin.\nVideo Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now\n\"This lockdown is expected to last for some time, even when restrictions ease, many small firms will be unable to function fully, if at all. The government should create a Spring Economy Plan to help firms get through to drive a vaccine-enabled recovery.\n\"After clawing their way through 2020, the start of the new year looks set to be an even worse one for many small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy. It is vital that we support them in every way possible until the crisis finally begins to ease.”\nDr Gordon Fletcher\nDr Gordon Fletcher, retail expert from the University of Salford Business School, says longer term support is required.\nDr Fletcher said: “The maths is not great for this new offer of support from the Chancellor.\n\"The majority of the £4.6bn in support goes to the retail, hospitality and leisure sector across the country as an offer of up to £9,000 for each property. With the restriction due to last for at least six weeks that works out at £1,500 per week. Enough to cover the most immediate basics.\n“After 10 months of restrictions there is a real need to not just keep the lights on but to actively support businesses in these sectors to thoroughly 'pivot' and shift their business models.\n\"These sectors can become more robust to social-distancing and lockdowns restrictions but although the impetus to innovate may be present there is also a need for investment to support this change.”\nPaul Cherpeau\n(Image: Gareth Jones)\nPaul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce also raised concerns for those \"falling through the funding gap\".\nHe said: “Whilst this is not the New Year start we all wanted, it is vital now to follow Government guidelines and for all businesses to advise staff to work from home where possible.\n“We are also pleased to see this morning’s announcement from the Chancellor for top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure as well as discretionary funds for other impacted businesses.\n“We still though continue to champion Liverpool business to local and national government and push for ongoing and sustained financial support for all businesses including those falling through the funding gap as well as supply chains and freelancers.\n“We continue to urge all businesses to make use of the mass testing programme in Liverpool and are here for all members and businesses to offer help and guidance over the next few months.”\nFrank McKenna\nFrank McKenna, chief executive of business lobby group Downtown in Business, said \"all the evidence\" shows that the Chancellor’s actions \"are not helping prop up the UK economy - and that Government support for business is not working”.\nHe said: “Unemployment is dramatically increasing and will rise even further as soon as furlough payments cease. As Begbies Traynor, the insolvency experts, have shown, there is a major increase in companies that are significantly distressed.\n\"With people forced to work from home and schools now closed productivity is going to be on the floor. All indicators are that Rishi Sunak’s interventions are not enough to keep the economy on track.”\nMr McKenna continued: “Today’s announcement does not go far enough. Whilst he has announced some money for those forced to close completely, there is little for all other businesses.\n\"The self-employed and directors are still not receiving adequate support. For larger firms, furlough only pays 80% of wages, so the other 20% has to be found, one still has National Insurance and Pension contributions to find, there is rent to pay and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan (CBIL) repayments are coming down the line.\n\"This is why we’re seeing mass redundancies and companies in significant distress.”\nOffering solutions, he added: “Rishi Sunak must now announce a National Insurance and Pension contribution holiday for those sectors hardest hit.\n\"He also needs to instruct banks to introduce an ‘interest moratorium’ and he should initiate discussions with commercial landlords to explore the possibility of extending leases and adding any outstanding rent to repayments across the duration of the lease – again with the support of the banks where necessary. These unparalleled times call for unprecedented action from the Treasury.”\nThe Metro Mayors\n(Image: SWNS.com)\nFollowing the announcement, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram both took to Twitter to express their dismay at the 3m 'ExcludedUK' group who were once again left out of the Chancellor's support package.\nThey said:\nRain Newton-Smith\nRain Newton-Smith, CBI's chief economist, credited the Chancellor with \"moving swiftly\" to support businesses as circumstances change - and that it was \"sorely needed\".\nShe said: \"More direct grants will provide some relief to eligible companies’ cashflow.\n“Yet with businesses facing a third lockdown, there are other steps that can help provide a bridge to the all-important economic recovery, particularly those affected through supply chains.\n“For some, demand has once again evaporated overnight, and in northern England some firms have been labouring under stop-start orders for months already.\nSign up for your free BusinessLive North West newsletter BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the North West- and you can stay in touch with all the latest news from Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive daily morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. By bringing together North West coverage with that from across Reach’s titles in England and Wales, BusinessLive will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, the stars of the future and the small firms that are the backbone of our economy. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.\n“Therefore extending the job retention scheme to end of the second quarter would provide firms with a clear line of sight, aiding planning and investment.\n“And removing the business rate relief cliff edge in April will provide much-needed breathing space, as will re-examining the case for VAT deferrals.\n“With the vaccine rollout now underway, and increasing mass rapid testing, there really is a brighter future within reach. Maintaining steadfast support for firms during this painful period will help ensure the recovery is delayed for as short a time as possible.”", "North West business leaders fear Rishi Sunak's new £4.6bn coronavirus lockdown support package 'just won't be enough'", "It included one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth £9,000 - but region's top leaders say more measures are needed" ]
[ "Graeme Whitfield", "Image", "Handout Mgl" ]
2021-01-18T14:51:56
null
2021-01-18T13:57:24
The Durham based group has put plans for a new HQ on hold after the pandemic led to new ways of working
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Fmgl-profit-turnover-headquarters-hold-19648454.json
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Profits rise at Durham construction group MGL despite dip in turnover
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email North East construction group MGL has seen profits rise despite a drop in turnover, in part thanks to a new subsidiary. In accounts for the year ending March 31 2020, the Durham-based business, which also has sites in Newcastle and North Yorkshire, saw turnover fall by £5m to £65.3m, but operating profits increased slightly to £3.4m. The company said that the principal reason for the fall in turnover was the completion of two unusually large contracts towards the end of the financial year. It said that a new subsidiary providing specialist cable support services to the offshore wind farm industry had helped improve profitability, though it added that profit levels were likely to fall in the current year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Chief executive Gary Smith said: “With respect to results in the current financial year, despite a difficult start to the period in April and May when losses were incurred, the company has recovered and has remained profitable in its first six months of this financial year. “Such an achievement would not have been possible without the commitment, loyalty and resolve of our dedicated employees across the whole group.” MGL said that it had used the Government’s furlough scheme in the early weeks of the pandemic when sites were closed down under Government guidelines. It added that plans to move to a new head office - planned because of a lack of space in the current premises - had been put on hold after new working practices in the pandemic had led the company to question the need for it. But the company has started work on a new workshop and garage facility, a £2m investment that which result in the creation of at least six new jobs and allowed the company to expand its fleet of plant and vehicles. It has also taken an option on a site on the outskirts of York to develop an asphalt site. Mr Smith added: “Looking ahead to 2021 the group feels it is well placed to have a successful year with a strong order book across all divisions and strong liquidity to make it resilient to any obstacles which may occur during these challenging times.”
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/mgl-profit-turnover-headquarters-hold-19648454
en
2021-01-18T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/7b1bd488b91d848aaea662706a9650f2b3f83a32910a6bf3e47f9132aa2740ef.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - North East Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nNorth East construction group MGL has seen profits rise despite a drop in turnover, in part thanks to a new subsidiary.\nIn accounts for the year ending March 31 2020, the Durham-based business, which also has sites in Newcastle and North Yorkshire, saw turnover fall by £5m to £65.3m, but operating profits increased slightly to £3.4m.\nThe company said that the principal reason for the fall in turnover was the completion of two unusually large contracts towards the end of the financial year.\nIt said that a new subsidiary providing specialist cable support services to the offshore wind farm industry had helped improve profitability, though it added that profit levels were likely to fall in the current year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.\nChief executive Gary Smith said: “With respect to results in the current financial year, despite a difficult start to the period in April and May when losses were incurred, the company has recovered and has remained profitable in its first six months of this financial year.\n“Such an achievement would not have been possible without the commitment, loyalty and resolve of our dedicated employees across the whole group.”\nMGL said that it had used the Government’s furlough scheme in the early weeks of the pandemic when sites were closed down under Government guidelines.\nIt added that plans to move to a new head office - planned because of a lack of space in the current premises - had been put on hold after new working practices in the pandemic had led the company to question the need for it.\nBut the company has started work on a new workshop and garage facility, a £2m investment that which result in the creation of at least six new jobs and allowed the company to expand its fleet of plant and vehicles. It has also taken an option on a site on the outskirts of York to develop an asphalt site.\nMr Smith added: “Looking ahead to 2021 the group feels it is well placed to have a successful year with a strong order book across all divisions and strong liquidity to make it resilient to any obstacles which may occur during these challenging times.”", "Profits rise at Durham construction group MGL despite dip in turnover", "The Durham based group has put plans for a new HQ on hold after the pandemic led to new ways of working" ]
[ "Chris Pyke" ]
2021-01-11T11:35:15
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2021-01-11T09:46:37
The value hotel chain has set an opening date for March 15 and the new venue will create 10 jobs
https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-live.co.uk%2Fcommercial-property%2Feasyhotel-open-120-bedroom-site-19600695.json
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EasyHotel to open 120-bedroom site in Cardiff City Centre
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www.business-live.co.uk
Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Commercial Property Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email EasyHotel is to open the doors of its new Cardiff City Centre hotel on March 15. The international value hotel chain is now taking bookings for its first ever Welsh location. The 120-bedroom hotel is also a five-minute walk from Cardiff Queen railway station. Room prices start from just £24.99 per night. Neil Fidler, digital marketing manager at easyHotel said: "It is absolutely thrilling to be opening our first ever hotel in Wales in this brilliant, vibrant, culture-rich city. "Wales is famous for some of the best things in life and has so much to offer, from nail biting rugby matches to world renowned singers, great food and the famous red dragon. We can’t wait to start welcoming guests.” Sign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE. As well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. With more than 21m visitors a year, Cardiff attracts people from all over the world whether it’s on business or pleasure. The new hotel will create 10 new jobs in the area and marks the latest hotel development in the easyHotel group’s ambitious expansion plan. It takes the total number of easyHotels to 41 across the UK and Europe.
https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/easyhotel-open-120-bedroom-site-19600695
en
2021-01-11T00:00:00
www.business-live.co.uk/5fbd7e77b4d00f57a92b62237d4e14423611f95dbe5780a8e4df3f2316912e8d.json
[ "Sign up to FREE email alerts from BusinessLive - Commercial Property Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email\nEasyHotel is to open the doors of its new Cardiff City Centre hotel on March 15.\nThe international value hotel chain is now taking bookings for its first ever Welsh location.\nThe 120-bedroom hotel is also a five-minute walk from Cardiff Queen railway station. Room prices start from just £24.99 per night.\nNeil Fidler, digital marketing manager at easyHotel said: \"It is absolutely thrilling to be opening our first ever hotel in Wales in this brilliant, vibrant, culture-rich city.\n\"Wales is famous for some of the best things in life and has so much to offer, from nail biting rugby matches to world renowned singers, great food and the famous red dragon. We can’t wait to start welcoming guests.”\nSign up to our BusinessLive Wales email service BusinessLive Wales is your new comprehensive home for business news from across Wales; from large corporates to exciting start-ups and sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing to financial and professional services. To sign up to our breaking news and daily newsletter service CLICK HERE.\nAs well as our in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts.\nWith more than 21m visitors a year, Cardiff attracts people from all over the world whether it’s on business or pleasure.\nThe new hotel will create 10 new jobs in the area and marks the latest hotel development in the easyHotel group’s ambitious expansion plan. It takes the total number of easyHotels to 41 across the UK and Europe.", "EasyHotel to open 120-bedroom site in Cardiff City Centre", "The value hotel chain has set an opening date for March 15 and the new venue will create 10 jobs" ]