Yacht manufacturer fined £230k after employee seriously injured
A luxury motor yacht manufacturer has been fined after a worker suffered serious crushing injuries to his right hand during a lifting operation.
Leicester Magistrates’ Court heard how on 3 December 2018, an employee suffered serious crushing injuries to his right hand during the lifting of a storage cage at Fairline Yachts manufacturing facility at Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle.
As there was no goods lift in the manufacturing unit an overhead crane was used. As the cage was lifted it began to tip and fall in the direction of the employee. The cage trapped his hand against a boat trolley causing serious crushing injuries to the employee’s dominant right hand.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that the lifting operation was not properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised or carried out in a safe manner.
Fairline Yachts Limited of Nene Valley Business Park, Oundle pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £230,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,410.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Aaron Butel said: “When undertaking lifting operations involving lifting equipment companies should ensure that they are always properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out in a safe manner.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Senior tax associate joins WestBridge Group in Leicester
The WestBridge Group has strengthened its tax team following the appointment of Akshay Vaghela as a senior tax associate.
Akshay has an accounting and finance degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and joins from London based accountancy firm Wilson Wright. In his new role he will be working closely with the directors and the senior management team on a wide range of specialist tax advisory projects.
Commenting on his appointment, Tom Moore, tax specialist and director of WestBridge Group, said: “Although our HQ is based in Leicester and we have a flexible working policy, our client base is nationwide so it is important that we expand our team to cover other key strategic locations. We are delighted that Akshay has joined us as he will bring more expertise and dynamism to our specialist tax team.”
Akshay added: “It’s a really exciting time to join this growing business. Despite only joining recently, I have already had fantastic exposure to high-level projects and witnessed the wealth of experience and specialist knowledge the team here possesses. I look forward to being supported through training by the company and furthering my personal and professional development in this collaborative, nurturing and constructive environment.”
Space Centre sees launch of a different kind on a mission to tackle climate change
This week Leicester’s National Space Centre saw the official launch of a unique approach to reducing the carbon emissions produced by businesses in Leicestershire.
Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership and The Business Gateway have funded 100 places for local businesses to monitor and reduce their energy usage using a digital platform developed by software company, Zellar, the world’s first sustainability platform for business. This project is the first of its kind in the Midlands and second only to Manchester in the UK.
Around 100 people gathered in the Planetarium to listen to a range of speakers as they explained what Zellar is going to achieve and why it is needed now more than ever. Chris Brindley MBE, Chairman of Zellar, oversaw the event which he described as “Leicester making the world sit up and take notice.”
His colleague Peter Charlesworth, Chief Operating Officer of Zellar, said: “The key message from COP26 and people like the Queen, David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg is that we shouldn’t just be pledging to do things, we should all actually be taking action now.”
Mr Charlesworth stressed the benefits to business of letting customers know that they are involved in the Zellar programme and pointed out that focusing on sustainability will soon become the norm: “If you’re not doing sustainability now, in five years’ time you may not have a business.”
The LLEP’s Sue Tilley explained that this initiative is part of the Business Gateway’s role of supporting Leicestershire’s businesses with every challenge and opportunity they face. She remembered the city’s track record as one of the first environmental cities in the UK in the 1980s and saw Zellar as a continuation of this history.
“I know how hard it’s been for SMEs since the pandemic, but I believe that being part of Zellar can be a key differentiator for businesses and will help their bottom line. We’re very happy to be investing in our local businesses in this way,” she said.
One of the local businesses which has joined the Zellar programme is The Willoughby Book Club founded by Marianne Chala who said: “It’s vital to me that the business reflects my own personal ideals. I’m really looking forward to getting Zellar’s insight into the changes we can make.”
Other participating companies in attendance were Fisher German, Boards4Agents, Notts Sports and Mattioli Woods. Chief Operating Officer, Nigel Reynolds, said: “Ultimately, it’s a hard-nosed business decision; investment funding in green technologies is set to rise from 15% to 50% in the next few years so we need to be part of it. The government and regulators are going to insist on sustainability very soon, so we see this as an opportunity.”
There are fewer than 20 places still available on the Zellar programme so any interested business should apply using the online form on the Business Gateway website here: https://bit.ly/3bH54oj
Wellingborough manufacturer acquires Castleoak assets
Wellingborough-based Robinson Manufacturing (RML) has acquired the fixtures and assets of Castleoak Timber Frame, after the business appointed administrators last week.
The new facilities, in Ebbw Vale, provide RML with substantial additional Timber Frame manufacturing capacity, and it plans to start production almost immediately.
The business also welcomes a few new colleagues to the team who were made redundant in the Castleoak liquidation. They will join RML based out of its Abercarn branch and work between the two.
RML’s CEO, Simon Kidney, explained the rationale behind the expansion: “The location and infrastructure in the Ebbw Vale plant is well suited to help us meet the increased demand we have been experiencing across our existing network of seven factories.
“Timber frame is featuring heavily in the plans of most major national and regional housebuilders moving forward, and the acquisition of additional capacity further strengthens our business for the future.”
Huge new solar farm proposed for Lincolnshire
Plans have been unveiled for a huge new solar and energy storage project, involving 2,800 acres of land, on the border of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Cottam Solar Project Limited is developing the proposals following the decommissioning of the Cottam coal fired power station.
The scheme could generate enough clean energy to power 180,000 homes, replace around 30% of the former generation capacity of the coal powered Cottam Power Station, and improve energy resilience by diversifying energy production and storing energy for when it is needed most.
It is said the project could also deliver more affordable energy, as the electricity generated from solar is cheaper than electricity generated from fossil fuels and the project would be subsidy free without taxpayer funding.
The proposals involve three areas of land which would host ground-mounted solar panels and be connected by underground cable. The project would generate around 600 MW of renewable energy.
A phase one community consultation has begun on early-stage proposals, which will run until Wednesday 15 December 2021.
Feedback is sought from the local community to help identify and understand any impacts.
Island Green Power, an international developer of renewable energy projects, is behind the development. It has delivered 26 solar projects worldwide totalling more than 1GW of capacity. This includes 14 solar projects in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Subject to approval, it is anticipated that construction would start in 2024.
Financial management group surpasses £600m mark
Nottingham-headquartered wealth management and financial advice firm, The RU Group, has announced a record total in assets under management. As of the end of September 2021, the Group now manages over £600m of investments and private wealth on behalf of its clients.
The growth is due to a combination of factors. New client acquisition has played a significant part, while existing clients have increased their investments. In addition, the Group has made some key strategic partnerships to expand the range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment it can offer.
Ian Browne, head of advice at The RU Group, said: “This is record level of assets under management and a huge milestone for our business. We strive to ensure we are giving the very best advice to our clients and we continually seek feedback on what they are looking for from their investments.
“We understand clients are increasingly looking for socially conscious or sustainable investing options within wealth management and financial advice. These investment strategies aim to combine financial return with positive social value, that’s why we have this year partnered with EBI Portfolios and Invesco to expand the ESG options we can offer to meet client demand.”
In June, the RU Group partnered with EBI Portfolios to offer Earth Portfolios, where every £1 million invested translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to charging 12.7 million smartphones.
Further expanding its ESG offer, in September this year the RU Group also entered a partnership with Invesco, one of the largest and trusted global investment managers. The range of ESG solutions include active and passive, equities, fixed income, real estate, multi-asset, thematic and custom strategies.
Ian Browne adds: “Over the last 18 months, we have undergone a restructure to bring all our existing divisions into a single brand identity, sharing values across one unified business. These results are a testament to our team and the ongoing investment in continued professional development as part of our culture of learning and development. We look forward to building on recent success for many years to come.”
Award-winning PKF Smith Cooper continue to expand team with a number of new appointments
Midlands-based tax, accountancy, and business advisory firm, PKF Smith Cooper, have been enjoying a successful year, building up many of their service lines – with their tax team notably bolstered by 6 appointments in recent months.
This success is reflected in the firm’s September announcement, where they revealed that they had joined the global family of PKF International, placing them firmly at the forefront of the compliance and regulatory world, whilst enhancing their appeal as an employer to potential candidates.
The new team members are spread across the firm’s four core offices – situated in Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Ashbourne – and include a mix of talented graduates brimming with enthusiasm, as well as skilled specialists who have accumulated a wealth of experience to benefit a more senior position.
At the firm’s Nottingham office, Megan Whiley and Adam Fox have joined the tax team in the positions of Tax Assistant and Assistant Indirect Tax Advisor, respectively.
Megan – a passionate Panthers fan – has stated that she’s “most looking forward to learning about different businesses and their unique tax queries” during her tenure at PKF Smith Cooper. Adam, meanwhile, a recent Accounting and Finance graduate from the University of Chester and a competitive swimmer, is excited “to meet new colleagues and embark on a professional career”.
The Birmingham office welcomed violin and Lego aficionado, Matthew Taylor – who is excited to “meet new colleagues and help to positively impact clients” – as a Tax Assistant, while Ashbourne has done the same for running-enthusiast, Rachel Leigh, who can’t wait to “learn and gain experience in a completely new field”.
PKF Smith Cooper’s tax team have frequently been the subject of praise in the past due to their personable, client-centred approach, volume of knowledge, and ability to tailor advice and solutions to benefit individual clients. These new recruits – possessing a range of skills, talents, and pursuits – demonstrate the potential needed to further expand the reach and capability of the tax team across all offices.
Badminton-lover, Simran Chohan, who has joined the firm’s Derby office as a Tax Assistant, states that she’s “looking forward to putting the tax theory learned at University into practice”.
Vanessa Johnson, the Derby tax team’s new Tax Senior, echoes the sentiments outlined above: “I’m looking forward to getting back into the world of tax, getting to know my new colleagues and clients across the firm, and working together to provide an efficient, professional corporate tax service.”
With such keen, skilled recruits across the company’s core offices, PKF Smith Cooper are poised on the cusp of further success and notability, whilst nurturing the careers of talented individuals within their teams.
Festive donation from Derby IT business to support local community
IT company Neuways is teaming up with the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance to provide the charity with a range of supplies for the local community ahead of the festive season.
The food bank charity, based in the heart of Derby City Centre, at the Morledge, will ensure that the donation from Neuways is dispersed throughout the community to those that need it the most over the winter months.
The contributions given by Neuways staff and directors, range from essential hygiene products to children’s toys, as well as warm winter clothing and advent calendars. Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance’s Coordinator, Paul Brookhouse, said: “Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance was established during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together food banks and other key food-based projects to offer unified support to ensure no one went hungry.
“Most importantly, this put the focus on supporting people holistically while addressing the root cause of their needs that have led to deprivation and food insecurity – no matter where they live in the city of Derby and no matter what their circumstances.
“As well as food, we recognise the need for other household items including cleaning and hygiene products, warm clothing in winter and, as we approach Christmas, toys, advent calendars – and of course chocolate!
“Without the generous and vital contributions of the general public and businesses like Neuways, it would be impossible to meet the needs of those in the city and we massively appreciate the support offered.”
Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance supports people in Derby experiencing food poverty. They provide food provision and signposting, as well as education and advice to those in need, with the pandemic affecting many throughout the city of Derby.
Head of Business Support and Accounts at Neuways, Julia Carty, said: “Many of us are feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and at Neuways we wanted to make the hardest time of the year for some, a little easier, so we have chosen to support a local charity that do so much within Derby for those who really need it.
“The work that the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance do in supporting domestic abuse victims and children at a time when they need it the most is something we want to wholeheartedly support as much as we possibly can.
“The hard work and efforts of the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance in putting a smile back on the face of the those in need is incredible – as well as ensuring that people have access to basic hygiene essentials and food in their hour of need.
“We are very proud of all of the staff at Neuways for digging deep and helping to deliver our donation to the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance, which will ultimately help a lot of people.
“It is hoped this donation can help improve the current situations of people experiencing hardships across Derby.”
Green entrepreneurs bid success for carbon cutting projects
Two new carbon-cutting projects have become the first to get funding from Derbyshire County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Fund as part of a countywide drive to help tackle climate change.
The council launched the £2 million fund in partnership with the University of Derby in March to support green economic recovery across Derbyshire by offering financial assistance to businesses and organisations interested in developing and investing in green energy and carbon reduction schemes.
Now grants of £20,000 have been awarded to the following initiatives to help get them off the ground:
- Longcliffe Quarries – to install new inverter equipment at their Brassington site which will significantly reduce their energy consumption and is expected to cut their carbon emissions – by 40,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions and equivalent gases each year
- Hayfield Sustainable Transport – to develop software to help businesses in the area organise themselves into transport groups and operate Micro Car Clubs, on-demand shuttles, and shared e-cargo bikes
Planning consent approved for £10m industrial and warehousing development in Brackley
Industrial developer Chancerygate has secured planning permission to build 55,000 sq ft of Grade A industrial and warehousing space at Boundary Road Industrial Estate in Brackley, South Northants.
Called Boundary43, the development will comprise 14 Grade A units ranging from 2,050 sq ft to 19,125 sq ft. The scheme has a projected gross development value of £10m.
Chancerygate purchased the vacant two-and-a-half-acre site in February 2021, and construction on the development is set to commence in early 2022. Practical completion at Boundary43 is expected in late 2022.
George Dickens, development director at Chancerygate, said: “We’re very pleased to have secured planning consent to develop this vacant site in part of one of the town’s most prominent industrial estates.
“Boundary43 will see us provide the region with much-needed Grade A industrial and warehousing space and are already in discussions with a number of occupiers.”
Joint agents for the development are Brown & Co and White Commercial.
