Corby-based company See Limited has invested £700,000 into its distribution arm, Performance Panels, to drastically improve its environmental footprint while also revolutionising the day-to-day working operations at its distribution facility in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
The company, named after its ethical and sustainability ambitions – Supporting Ethical Enterprise – operates as a holding company for three businesses in the built environment sector, Performance Panels, Inspired Surfaces, and Bousfields.
With a focus on taking sustainable steps forward to reduce their carbon emissions year-on-year, this significant investment through the integration of HOMAG’s STORETEQ P-500 storage system and SAWTEQ S-300 panel dividing saw means that they will now be able to store a higher volume of 5,000 high-performance decorative panels on-site. In addition it will improve efficiencies and reduce energy consumption.
The automated storage system will now organise, stock, and select different sheet sizes and materials in its facility, in what is seen as a huge boost to its distribution arm’s operational capacity.
The new system will also help Performance Panels save 280 bottles of liquid petroleum gas on forklift use alone, equating to an estimated 17,495 kgCO2e avoided per year, based on calculations from the UK Government’s website.
This equates to the same amount of carbon emissions as if you were to drive a petrol-powered car around the world’s equator – twice!
Alongside the investment into the machinery, the Performance Panels facility has also had a complete transformation to get the most out of the storage system. The original floor was dug up and relayed with a new one, new lighting was fitted together with a new CCTV system. The extraction system was also enhanced.
“As Performance Panels continued to grow, it became clear that a full evaluation of our operations was necessary to meet our environmental and sustainable ambitions,” said Robert Thompson, Group CEO at See Limited.
“The implementation of the storage system and panel dividing saw is part of our continuous investment into See Limited’s operating businesses as we continue to grow and evolve.
“In a fast-moving industry, it is crucial we stay ahead of the curve and on top of the latest technological advancements.
“While the implementation of this significant investment has transformed the working operations onsite, it has also enhanced the health and safety measures too. Automation has replaced much of the manual handling and has drastically reduced the time spent locating and retrieving stock.”
A student who has spent the past year on work placement with Nottingham Venues has been named as a finalist in a prestigious national industry awards.
Alba Betancourt, an Events Management Student from the University of Derby, has been shortlisted in the ‘Student of the Year’ category at the ABPCO Excellence Awards.
The 21-year-old has spent the past twelve months balancing her studies with a placement at Nottingham Venues and has excelled at both.
Alba hit the ground running during her placement and progressed quickly, showing a strong drive to integrate her academic learning into practical applications in the workplace, supporting the Nottingham Venues team during one of its most successful trading periods.
Alba successfully applied academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. She used project management techniques learned at university to help reduce setup and process time in supporting the catering function.
She dealt with all queries and issues which developed her customer service skills and helped navigate CRM systems for event support. Alba also met numerous clients through supporting the sales team with their site visits. She also successfully built relationships with the wider University teams and helped with market research.
At University, Alba has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, particularly in courses such as Sustainable Events Operations and Facilities and Venues Design, achieving First Class marks in both.
Alba’s University Professors have praised her analytical skills and ability to grasp complex concepts quickly, and she is currently in negotiations to start and run Derby University’s first ever Event Society.
Melissa Sobo, Director of Sales at Nottingham Venues, said: “Alba is an exceptional student and her passion for our industry and commitment to get the job done was clear from day one. A reliable member of the team, she was very conscientious about her work and was not afraid to challenge as to why it was done in a certain way.
“Alba demonstrated strong initiative, an eagerness to keep growing, and a willingness to take on additional tasks to expand her knowledge. Her eagerness to participate in work-related events whilst with us only contributed to her continued learnings and creativity.
“We are all delighted that she has made the finals and will be keeping our fingers crossed that she can take the award home on the day.”
Alba Betancort said: “I was thrilled when I was told I was being put forward for the award, so to actually make the finals is amazing! I loved working at Nottingham Venues, and I am grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to get stuck in and apply what I have learnt at university into a thriving, real world environment. I can’t wait for the awards!”
MPs called on the government to back warm words with an increased agriculture budget after an opposition debate day in the House of Commons raised the importance of farming to Britain’s food security, environment, and economic growth.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said there had been cross party consensus throughout the debate that food security is national security.
He said: “The agriculture budget is essential to investing in the farming and growing businesses that underpin the future of food and deliver for the environment. As we saw in the debate, food is not partisan. It should not be kicked around like a rotten pumpkin.
“The farming and growing businesses that produce food need long-term certainty so they can plan and invest for the future. The number one way to do this is to ensure we have a strategy to boost Britain’s food security, and this must be invested in, and supported by, an increased agriculture budget.
“The Chancellor recently held an ‘I’m backing British farming’ sign at our Labour Party conference stand. The Defra Secretary, Steve Reed, said at our Back British Farming Day parliamentary reception he was ‘making the case to Treasury to maximise support for farmers’. And the Food Security Minister Daniel Zeichner has been on farm six times in the past 100 days.
“There are countless examples of the government showing they value British farming, but these gestures and warm words must now be backed up by policy action,” he added.
Nottingham-based marketing and PR agency, V Formation, has bolstered its digital marketing offering with the appointment of Rory Chambers, a specialist in website development and digital marketing.
Joining the agency’s digital team as Senior Digital Marketing Executive, Rory brings strong expertise in graphic design, branding, SEO, and video production, honed through his previous role as Marketing Manager at health tech start-up GripAble. Prior to this, Rory graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Marketing.
His addition to V Formation’s growing digital team further enhances the agency’s ability to deliver innovative, high-quality digital solutions for its expanding client portfolio.
Hilary Campton, Director at V Formation, said: “Rory’s passion for website development and graphic design will be an invaluable asset to both our team and our clients. His appointment comes at an exciting time as we approach the end of the year with new projects on the horizon and continued growth across the board.
“Rory’s skillset aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier marketing and PR expertise and support that empowers our clients to thrive.”
Rory said: “From the outset, it was clear that V Formation isn’t just an agency focused on results – it’s a place where people are genuinely valued and supported. The opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team, whilst continuing to develop as a digital marketer, was a key motivator for me. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into client projects, working across a range of B2B sectors.”
Development of lorry parks at multiple locations throughout our region feature in a raft of grants being introduced in a £14m nationwide scheme to enhance efficiency and working conditions in the haulage industry.
Funds are being given to enhance parking and driver welfare facilities throughout Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire including at Immingham, Stallinborough, Ulceby, Colsterworth on the A1, Newark, Sutterton, Bardon in Leicestershire, and numerous Moto locations amongst other.
it’s also intended that more green e-cargo bikes will deliver parcels to doorsteps and that better truckstops will help relieve local congestion, thanks to efforts from both government and industry to drive innovation in freight and improve working conditions.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood revealed the 23 successful applicants of up to £4.5 million from the government to improve truckstops and working conditions for lorry drivers.
The investment will also help build better dining, changing and rest facilities, as well as new CCTV and secure fencing to boost welfare and security for lorry drivers.
The funding is from the third year of the HGV parking and driver welfare grant scheme, which will come in addition to £8 million from industry, for a total funding boost of £12.5 million to improve truckstops. This investment comes on top of £1.8 million from the government for 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to trial new groundbreaking technology for decarbonising freight and driving innovation in the sector.
Ideas that will become reality include TUAL working with Wincanton to trial high-performance powerbanks for electric lorries, and Innervated Vehicle Engineering working in partnership with Asda to retrofit hydrogen power to small delivery vans.
This funding is the third tranche of the department’s Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator Programme, a £7 million government investment across 3 years to support the freight sector in deploying AI and automation to improve the way trains, lorries, vans, and ships carry parcels and goods.
Lilian Greenwood said: “Freight is a crucial engine of our economy and it is only right we do all we can to improve working conditions, pioneer innovation and drive sustainability across the industry.
“Our funding, combined with investment from the industry, will ensure lorry drivers can enjoy safer parking, a proper rest and a warm meal, while supporting UK businesses to harvest the best of technology to move freight faster, decarbonise our supply chain, and grow the economy for all.”
Government is introducing a new Employment Rights Bill which brings forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.
Its also intended to strengthen statutory sick pay, remove the lower earnings limit for all workers, cut out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in, and scrap the existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal.
Flexible working will be made the default where practical, and large employers will be required to create action plans to address gender pay gaps and support employees through the menopause, as well as strengthened protection against dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.
The Government says getting the labour market moving again is essential to economic growth, with one in five UK businesses with more than 10 employees reporting staff shortages. It says flexibility, for workers and businesses alike, is key to answering this challenge and is at the heart of the legislation to upgrade the law to ensure it is fit for modern life and a modern economy.
It’s also intended to consult on a new statutory probation period for new hires, allowing for a proper assessment of an employee’s suitability to a role as well as reassuring employees that they have rights from day one, enabling businesses to take chances on hires while giving more people confidence to re-enter the job market or change careers, improving their living standards.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “This is the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation, boosting pay and productivity with employment laws fit for a modern economy.
“The UK’s out-of-date employment laws are holding our country back and failing business and workers alike. Our plans to make work pay will deliver security in work as the foundation for boosting productivity and growing our economy to make working people better off and realise our potential.”
Two heritage and culturally significant attractions are set to expand their offer and attract even more visitors to the Lincolnshire Wolds following the approval of planning consent.
On 3rd October, on determining two separate applications with unanimous decisions, East Lindsey District Council’s planning committee granted planning permission and listed building consent for Alford Manor House and the grounds of Alford Windmill.
The consent marks a huge milestone for both projects which, once complete, will see new uses for each attraction, generating greater footfall into the town all year round, supporting the local economy, and safeguarding these heritage assets for future generations.
Both sites, along with Spilsby Sessions House, are part of the Lincolnshire Wolds: Culture and Heritage Programme. The ambitious regeneration scheme is benefitting from £8 million funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to regenerate the assets to secure their future.
The permission for Alford Manor House will realise a new permanent, flexible event space which will see the temporary marquee removed that has been in place since 2006. The new function room will allow the Manor House to provide event space for up to 100 people. The consent also includes minor works to the car park and construction of a canopy to store large pieces of machinery for the Rural Life Museum and workshop.
The consent for the Alford Windmill site includes a new visitor centre incorporating a café and shop, refurbishment of the Miller’s Cottage into a two-bed holiday accommodation, refurbishment of the Sail Store as an educational space, the pigsty to be converted into a children’s play area, refurbishment of the former shop to display Millwright tools, and landscaping throughout the site.
The approvals follow a period of public consultation, including local residents, Alford Town Council, Historic England, Natural England and Heritage Lincolnshire. The Council will continue to work alongside Lincolnshire County Council at Alford Windmill as the project develops.
Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted the Council’s planning committee has supported these ambitious plans which will help secure the future for these attractions.
“The Council is working collaboratively with Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill Trust as well as other partners to bring new uses and extend the visitor offer which is important for the local economy and to grow tourism opportunities in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
“These attractions hold so much historic value for local people as well as wider East Lindsey. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to the milestone of planning approval today and I look forward to seeing these projects being delivered further over the coming months.”
Cllr Adam Grist, Portfolio Holder for Market Towns at East Lindsey District Council, said: “Both Alford Manor House and Alford windmill are part of the fabric that makes Alford the historic market town that it is. I am therefore, delighted that these schemes have been given the go ahead to bring these plans to life.
“The plans offer great potential to really impact the tourism economy of the Lincolnshire Wolds and bring visitors and holidaymakers to Alford and the surrounding Wolds.
“These plans are hugely exciting and the benefits they bring will be far reaching for businesses and organisations in Alford and surrounding areas.”
William Silby from STEM Architects said: “We are pleased to see the planning officers and local councillors support the projects with a unanimous decision to approve both applications.
“It has been a pleasure working with the rest of the design team, ELDC and the trustees at both Alford Manor House and Windmill. We are looking forward to continuing with the next stages of both projects. In particular, it is fantastic that these schemes will support the ongoing viability of the Windmill and Manor House and protect these beautiful heritage assets for generations to come.”
A range of pre-construction work will now continue on both sites ready for work to start next year. A planning application for Spilsby Sessions House is due to be submitted later this year.
The latest in a line of mergers for the fast-growing practice Streets Chartered Accountants sees a coming together of two highly successful, pioneering tech powered firms, which focus on innovation in delivering assurance and financial management, especially for Fin Tech start-ups and scale-ups.
Streets, a top 40 UK professional service firm, has revealed that the boutique practice of Mitch Consulting Limited, which provides outsourced accounting and finance solutions centred around the use of cloud-based programmes and digital platforms, has merged with the firm’s Bristol practice Streets Steele, which has developed an industry leading virtual finance office service for clients running a fast moving, dynamic and rapidly growing business.
When asked about the merger, Mark Mitchell, co-founder of Mitch Consulting Limited, said: “With a background and career in the financial management of technology related businesses including some very large and well known companies, we founded Mitch Consulting in 2014, based on a clear understanding of the need to support start-up and scale-up enterprises. In particular we recognised that many such businesses could benefit from a CFO and finance team but couldn’t afford them.
“Through the use of a technology stack using the latest in accountancy and financial management software and more contemporary ways of working, we found we were able to provide an affordable and highly effective solution. An experienced team of highly qualified accountants with relevant industry experience has also ensured that we have been able to offer high end and specialist advice and support.
“For our practice to grow and as part of our own succession planning, we needed to consider the next steps for the business. We spent some time considering the options as well as potential firms to join up with. The decision was very much focused around a shared vision and appreciation of our business model, especially around the need to embrace technology and realise its benefits in terms of looking after and working with clients.
“With its established virtual finance office service and appetite and enthusiasm for innovation, we were delighted to enter into discussions and ultimately come together with Streets.
“We particularly like the opportunities that the merger offers for the continued growth of the business and the opportunities it offers existing and future team members. We also see the merger benefiting clients through their ability to access additional services, including specialist personal and business tax planning, specialist R&D tax reliefs, banking & finance and corporate law.”
Looking at what the merger means to Streets, the firm’s Managing Partner, Paul Tutin, said: “The merger of Mitch Consulting with Streets is one of five mergers we have completed in less than 6 months. This, the latest one, was particularly exciting as it has enabled us to build on our focus to drive innovation in the delivery and provision of service for our clients both now and in the future.
“We fully recognise the importance of embracing technology and the role it can play in meeting the need for effective and meaningful financial reporting and management for all businesses, especially those operating in the fast-moving Fin Tech sector.
“Having Mitch Consulting join us, along with our dedicated VFO team in Bristol, provides a real boost to our service offering and helps to set us apart from our competition. We are truly excited about the opportunities this merger provides and developing an industry leading service.
“This latest merger with Streets means that the practice now has 27 offices, over 60 Partners and directors, more than 350 members of staff and annualised fee income of more than £39 million.
“We are also currently in discussions with a number of firms around potential mergers, with hopefully a number of further announcements over the next few months.”
Streets Law, the firms dedicated corporate and commercial law offering led by Managing Director and Solicitor Adam Aisthorpe, undertook the legal work on behalf of Streets for the merger, including drafting the sale and purchase agreement and dealing with the due diligence process in collaboration with internal colleagues in the tax and audit teams at Streets.
The firm’s in house law team has now completed 10 mergers for Streets in the last 3 years, whilst at the same time advising the Streets client base on M&A transactions worth in excess of £250 million in that time. Streets Law also advises clients on business restructuring and refinancing transactions, MBOs, shareholders agreements and a variety of commercial contracts.
Ashton Legal, Norwich and Corporate and Commercial Solicitor Jasmine Allen acted on behalf of the sellers, Mark Mitchell and Jane Mitchell, on the sale of the practice to Streets.
Woodall Homes, the BGF-backed Derbyshire house builder, is gearing up for significant growth after securing full planning approval on its latest site – the ninth development now in progress in the region.
The house builder, which received a £4.25 million investment from BGF three years ago, has received approval for 87 dwellings in Ashbourne. This follows a recent full planning approval for 161 dwellings on their Boleappleton View site in Bolsover.
In addition, development has commenced on 75 dwellings in Calow, 18 in Darley Dale, and 15 in Stocksbridge. It is also due to commence construction on a high profile and exclusive 65-dwelling part conversion / part new build scheme near Lowdham, Nottinghamshire early in the New Year.
In total, Woodall Homes is on target to deliver over 400 homes in the next three to four years, taking full advantage of its recent planning successes, which have provided the house builder with immediate delivery opportunities in line with its ambitious growth strategy.
Chris Dwan, Land and Planning Director at Woodall Homes, said: “The foundations that we’ve put down by bringing these key strategic sites forward will position us perfectly in the coming years, aligning with our strong growth aspirations.
“That said, we are always looking for further opportunities, whether that’s sites with or without residential planning status or allocation. The current pipeline of developments demonstrates our in-house planning capabilities and strengthens our position as a key strategic development partner, working with landowners to enhance their land values through the planning system.”
Aaron Baker is an investor at BGF and sits on the Woodall Group board. He said: “The success that Woodall Homes has achieved in the last few years is testament to their ability to bring to market exciting developments, while remaining committed to building a strong land bank.
“As the team continues to seize opportunities and accelerate development activity, we expect them to deliver against their ambitious growth plans and realise the potential that exists in the regional residential property market.”
There has been a 38% increase in the serious penalties issued for what HMRC says are ‘deliberate’ VAT errors in the last year, according to chartered accountants and business advisors Lubbock Fine.
These errors refer to cases where HMRC believes the business made an active decision to illegally underpay VAT, perhaps by not declaring the correct VAT on sales, or overclaiming VAT on costs. In those cases businesses can be fined up to 100% of the VAT owed.
The number of these serious fines has increased to 2,781 in the past year from 2,011 in the previous year. In total, HMRC handed out £153 million in fines across 46,376 penalties in the past year as it cracks down on errors that are deemed ‘deliberate’.
Jas Dhillon, VAT Partner at Lubbock Fine, says: “HMRC is getting tougher with its VAT fines and issuing a growing number of its most serious penalties. It’s difficult not to conclude that it’s a concerted effort to bring in more cash.
“HMRC appears to be taking a tougher approach to VAT penalties, aiming to categorise more inaccuracies as ‘deliberate’. Classifying errors as ‘innocent’ would result in lower penalties, or even no penalty at all – which of course means a smaller take for the taxman.”
For the most serious cases – those HMRC terms ‘deliberate and concealed’ – penalties can range between 30% and 100% of the tax due. These are cases where HMRC believes the taxpayer has deliberately or intentionally tried to avoid paying their taxes, often through false or amended documents. The number of these penalties rose 4% in the past year, from 1,924 to 1,994.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
