Commerce & Industry 29.07

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IRISNDT is a leading provider of Asset Integrity Engineering, NonDestructive Testing, Heat Treatment and Laboratory services. This is achieved through investment in training local personnel, continuous development of our facilities and refreshing our equipment to offer the latest in technology and innovations. This is supported by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the environment.

IRISNDT is a leading provider of Asset Integrity Engineering, NonDestructive Testing, Heat Treatment and Laboratory services. This is achieved through investment in training local personnel, continuous development of our facilities and refreshing our equipment to offer the latest in technology and innovations. This is supported by a strong commitment to safety, quality, and the environment.

IRISNDT are closely supported by our colleagues in Canada, the USA and Australia.

INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES

INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

• Rope Access

ADDITIONAL

• Heat Treatment

• Pressure Testing

• Rope Access

• Welding Inspection

• Heat Treatment

SERVICES

• Materials Laboratory (ISO 17025)

• Pressure Testing

• Welder Training

• Welding Inspection

• Failure Investigations

• Materials Laboratory (ISO 17025)

• Welder Training

• Failure Investigations

CONVENTIONAL NDT

• X-Radiography & Gamma Radiography

• Computed and Digital Radiography

CONVENTIONAL NDT

• Close Proximity Radiography

• X-Radiography & Gamma Radiography

• Ultrasonic Inspection

• Computed and Digital Radiography

• Magnetic Particle Inspection

• Close Proximity Radiography

• Dye Penetrant Inspection

• Ultrasonic Inspection

• Eddy Current & Eddy Current Array

• Magnetic Particle Inspection

• Positive Material Identification (PMI)

• Dye Penetrant Inspection

• Hardness Testing

• Eddy Current & Eddy Current Array

• Ferrite Testing

• Positive Material Identification (PMI)

• ACFM Inspection

• Hardness Testing

• Vacuum Box Testing

• Ferrite Testing

• ACFM Inspection

• Vacuum Box Testing

ASSET INTEGRITY ENGINEERING

IRISNDT are closely supported by our colleagues in Canada, the USA and Australia.

• Pressure System Inspections

ADVANCED NDT

ASSET INTEGRITY ENGINEERING

• Storage Tank Inspections

• Pipeline Inspections

• Remote Robotic Inspections – Visual & UT

ADVANCED NDT

• Drone Surveys – Internal and External

• Pressure System Inspections

• Storage Tank Inspections

• Out of Service and In-Service Inspections

• Pipeline Inspections

• Category 1, 2 & 3 Inspectors

• Out of Service and In-Service Inspections

• Written Schemes of Examination (WSE’s)

• Category 1, 2 & 3 Inspectors

• Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments

• Written Schemes of Examination (WSE’s)

• Engineering Calculations

• Fitness for Service (FFS) Assessments

• Maxi-Trak Field Services (Customized Software)

• Engineering Calculations

• Bund Surveys

• Maxi-Trak Field Services (Customized Software)

• Bund Surveys

• Remote Robotic Inspections – Visual & UT

• Laser Scanning

• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

• Drone Surveys – Internal and External

• Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)

• Laser Scanning

• AUT & PAUT Corrosion Mapping

• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

• Tube Inspection (IRIS, ECT, RFT, NFA)

• Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)

• Guided Wave Testing – Long Range UT

• AUT & PAUT Corrosion Mapping

• QSR1 – Corrosion Under Pipe Supports

• Tube Inspection (IRIS, ECT, RFT, NFA)

• MFL – Tank Floors and Pipelines

• Guided Wave Testing – Long Range UT

• QSR1 – Corrosion Under Pipe Supports

• HTHA Inspections (TOFD, TFM, PAUT & TULA)

• MFL – Tank Floors and Pipelines

• HTHA Inspections (TOFD, TFM, PAUT & TULA)

ISO/IEC 17020 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / OHSAS 18001

For all enquiries please TELEPHONE: 01469 575728 | Email: ukinfo@irisndt.com www.irisndt.co.uk

CHATHAM | DERBY | ELLESMERE PORT | HULL | IMMINGHAM PEMBROKE DOCK | STOCKTON-ON-TEES

COMPANY NEWS

A look at what’s going on within industry in and around the Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and the Humber regions.

07. Growing Places Fund Grant Programme

ACCOUNTANCY

Mastering Financial Control: Outsourcing Bookkeeping for Business Success

CHARITY DINNER & DANCE

Saturday 4th November 2023

Stallingborough Grange Hotel Dinner Dance in support of the O’Flynn Foundation supporting mental health and stroke patients in Northern Lincolnshire.

MOTORING

Purist, expressive, timeless. Three attributes that describe every Porsche – and especially the Taycan.

HUMBER MARINE & RENEWABLES

WATERLINE SUMMIT 2023

The Humber region’s largest decarbonisation event, unlocking opportunities to provide sustainable prosperity for all as we look to lead the UK’s green industrial revolution

TRAINING

26. CATCH Announces its vision for a new £60M National Net Zero Training Centre Expansion at Stallingborough Headquarters

27. New Skills Bootcamps Recruiting Learners

UNIVERSITY OF HULL NEWS

A

28. University of Hull celebrates top 20 result in UK, as National Student Survey results revealed

29. Research into the value of cultural understanding in UK responses to modern slavery receives funding

30. University partners with Wren Kitchens to pioneer and drive sustainability within the UK Kitchen sector

31. University of Hull project receives grant to protect declining species

On pawtrol: Sparky the Robodog enhances safety at UK’s largest renewable power station

Prominent Grimsby town centre buildings enjoying a spruce-up

18. New team at the helm of influential ‘offshore’ business group

new all-industry board is steering Humber Marine & Renewables to its next phase of growth.

Quickline rescues customers with new ‘free until you’re free’ broadband offer

Rural broadband specialist Quickline has launched a pioneering initiative to come to the rescue of customers locked into slow, unreliable services with other providers.

Many broadband providers charge hefty exit fees to customers who leave their contract early. It means people are often left to endure a poor quality service for months while they see out their contract.

But now East Yorkshire-based Quickline is giving customers the chance to join them for free until their existing contract runs out.

Quickline’s “free until you’re free” offer – the only one of its kind in the industry – will help give rural customers the digital life they deserve.

Quickline delivers full fibre and fixed

wireless broadband to rural communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and the new offer underlines the provider’s commitment to close the digital divide between urban and more remote areas.

Sean Royce, Quickline’s CEO, said: “We don’t believe any customer should suffer with a poor broadband service. Broadband is so important to daily life, from work to socialising, and choosing to live in a rural area shouldn’t be at the expense of having great internet access.

“That’s why we’ve launched this new initiative, which we believe is unique in the industry.

“For too long, many rural customers have been locked into lengthy contracts while receiving an unreliable, slow service. We think our new offer will change that and give customers a highquality alternative.”

Customers who are unhappy with their current broadband provider, but are locked into a contract, can sign up for a 24-month package with Quickline.

South Yorkshire businesses bid for glory

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber has revealed the names of 39 businesses and individuals who are in the running to receive some of South Yorkshire’s most prestigious business accolades.

The Chamber’s annual Celebration of Business event will take place at the Magna Science Adventure Centre on 3rd November, with the glittering event set to showcase the achievements of both businesses and individuals across South Yorkshire over the past 12 months.

Sponsored by the RNN Group, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber’s Celebration of Business is one of the key dates on South Yorkshire’s business calendar. This year’s awards saw a record number of entrants and will recognise businesses operating in all parts of the regional economy, from inspirational start-up companies to businesses that are playing their part in shaping local communities, developing staff and delivering excellent customer service.

The work of charities will also be recognised, and for the first time, the Chamber will also celebrate the innovative work being delivered by businesses across the region to reduce carbon emissions and support the environment with its newly launched sustainability award.

During the evening, businesses that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2023 will also gain recognition for their longstanding commitment to the region, and alongside the glittering awards ceremony, guests will be treated to a packed entertainment line-up and plenty of surprises along the way.

Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said:

“This year we saw a record number of entries to the Celebration of Business Awards, and every business and individual who has reached the shortlist should feel incredibly proud of their achievements. The level of excellence displayed in all applications received, across all categories, was truly exceptional, presenting our judges with a challenging task.

Our Celebration of Business is one of the highlights of our calendar year, and the evening will see members of South Yorkshire’s business community come together to honour excellence and achievement, as well as offering a chance

They’ll switch over to receive their broadband from Quickline immediately, but crucially, they’ll pay nothing to Quickline until their existing contract runs out.

The importance of connecting rural areas with quality broadband has been highlighted in new research commissioned by Virgin Media and economic consultancy Cebr.

It found that providing all rural areas with “excellent digital connectivity” could add £65.1bn to the UK economy and create over a quarter of a million jobs. Quickline’s network –which covers North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and Lincolnshire – focuses exclusively on rural areas.

To read more about Quickline’s “free until you’re free” offer, go to www.quickline.co.uk/ freedom

to reflect on the past 12 months, make new connections and enjoy one of the highlights of the Chamber’s calendar of events.”

Barnsley Chamber’s Celebration of Business will be hosted by BBC Look North presenter Amy Garcia and will feature entertainment delivered by accomplished Dodworth-based musician Catherine Rannus and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kyle Tomlinson. Kyle took the nation by storm with his incredible singing talent when he was the Golden Buzzer Act in 2017. His star has continued to shine even brighter, when earlier this year he became a Finalist in the Got Talent All-Stars.

Tickets for the evening are now available and can be booked via the Chamber’s website. For more information, visit http://www.brawards.co.uk/.

To read the full version of each of these press releases visit www.commerce-industry.co.uk

Gemma draws inspiration from debilitating illness to help individuals and their employers harness human brilliance

A woman who made her first big career move by joining the catering team at The Deep more than 20 years ago has now returned to launch her own business at the adjacent Business Centre.

Gemma Wardell spent about five years at the awardwinning aquarium and was in charge of catering by the time she left. But her new venture is a complete change of direction – inspired by Gemma’s years of battling the impact of debilitating illness.

Human Brilliance is a coaching and training company which works with individuals and organisations to help them overcome challenges and unleash their potential.

Gemma said: “My illness started with a virus which couldn’t be pinned down easily. It developed through chronic conditions, creating more stress and anxiety because of my inability to do anything about it.

“The first couple of years were horrendous and people were telling me I would not recover and would end up in a wheelchair. There were times when I thought that was it and things wouldn’t get any better. The whole journey to recovery was about eight to ten years.”

Gemma’s ordeal came out of the blue and began with pain, fatigue and other physical symptoms which she was determined to overcome to live a full, early 20-year-old’s life.

She said: “Eventually I just completely crashed. I was housebound for about 18 months, I spent time in hospital and in an isolation unit well before Covid. It was thought I had a tropical disease but it was a virus that started to affect my body. Because I’m stubborn and thought I was invincible, I kept pushing and pushing in an attempt to overcome my symptoms,

and was eventually diagnosed with ME.”

During her slow recovery Gemma started to study psychology and trained in neurolinguistic programming, therapeutic and health coaching, transactional analysis, counselling, and psychotherapy. Gemma is an accredited psychotherapist with a passion for organisational psychology.

During her time as a director of a community interest company, Gemma set up and led services which worked with the NHS, local authorities and charities to help people who had ME, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and unexplained medical conditions.

As a qualified trainer for counsellors and psychotherapists, Gemma wanted to use her experience to create change and positive impact, and came up with the idea of working more widely with individuals and organisations to create a happy and mentally healthy UK workforce.

She said: “I called it Human Brilliance because humans are truly brilliant – through my work, I have witnessed many people overcoming challenges and adversity in the most amazing ways, and good mental health has always played a part.

“I work with individuals and groups, coaching and training to resource and support them to understand how as human beings, we think, feel, and behave, to understand ourselves and each other, and to create lasting and positive change.”

Operation Phoenix commemorated with plaque.

The Cleethorpes Buck Beck Beach Bench has seen a new addition to it as local accountancy firm Forrester Boyd presented a commemorative plaque to the original founders of the bench, to recognise the community spirit and camaraderie shown during Operation Phoenix, which saw the rebuild commence following a fire in May.

Staff at Forrester Boyd were saddened when they heard the news of the fire. Since the launch of Operation Phoenix, so many people have helped to rebuild the bench and the accountancy firm wanted to do something to commemorate the collaboration of the community, their togetherness and determination to rebuild the bench.

Philip George, Business Development Partner at the Accountancy firm said, “After reading about the fire and then the launch of Operation Phoenix, we thought it would be a nice gesture to commission something to commemorate the work that everyone has done in rebuilding the beach landmark. I approached Zoe Baker, a local talented carpenter to ask if she could bring our ideas to life. She has more than delivered upon that with this 3D wooden shield.”

is adorned with a phoenix rising from the flames, along with a plaque to commemorate the rebuild of the bench.

Alison Mitchell, Marketing Manager from Forrester Boyd contacted the original founders of the bench to arrange to meet and present them with the shield so they could affix it to the bench for all to enjoy.

Nick Albion, one of the original founders said, “This is absolutely fantastic. I am humbled that Forrester Boyd would do this. When Alison first approached me and told me about what they had done, you could not wipe the huge smile off my face. So many people have been involved in Operation Phoenix, many whom have come along today to mark this occasion.”

The Deep Business Centre provides a high-profile base which is familiar to Gemma and to her client base.

She said: “The work I have had so far is from people coming to me – dynamic, forward-thinking companies that prioritise the wellbeing of their team. They want to retain their staff and want them to be happy and therefore perform well.

“How do we support our people to be the best version of themselves so they are impactful in the workplace? It’s a preventative thing and the work locations depend on where the clients are. I go where the demand is – I was in a forest the other day!”

Freya Cross, Head of Business and Corporate at The Deep, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Gemma when she was part of the team at The Deep and I am really excited to have the opportunity to support her now as she launches Human Brilliance.

“I was aware of her illness but had no idea of the scale of the impact and I think it’s remarkable to see how she has not only overcome it but also understood it, explored it and turned it into the inspiration for a new business which can help other people.”

Guy Bryant, one of the other original founders said that the support both locally and nationally has been amazing. He said, “it has been the community that have pulled together to make the bench what it is today and it’s amazing to see.”

The Buck Beck Beach Bench once again stands proudly on the Cleethorpes coast and is an ever evolving landmark as people continue to visit and leave their mark on it daily.

To read the full version of each of these press releases visit www.commerce-industry.co.uk

Pictures of Gemma Wardell, who has launched her new business Humaxn Brilliance at The Deep Business Centre in Hull.

The shield

Photo: L-R Front – Guy Bryant, Felix Taylor, Will Sampson, Mark Drant, Back – Philip George and his son, Zoe Baker, Nick Albion, Jamie Parker, Alison Mitchell Forrester Boyd – Philip George, Alison Mitchell and Jamie Parker. Original founders of the bench and members of Operation Phoenix, Guy Bryant, Felix Taylor, Will Sampson, Mark Drant, Nick Albion. Plaque creator – Zoe Baker.

Doncaster Telecoms specialist makes commitment to real Living Wage

As an accredited employer, the telecoms specialist has committed to ensuring everyone working within the organisation, along with contractors employed by the business, will receive a minimum hourly wage significantly higher that the government’s minimum wage for over 23s, which currently stands at £10.42 per hour.

In recent years, KAT Communications and its staff have helped to raise thousands of pounds to support charitable organisations such as the Club Doncaster Foundation within South Yorkshire. In recent years the company was also an active member of Doncaster Business for Community, which between 2017 and 2021 hosted a range of fundraising events for local charities each year.

According to data published by the National Living Wage Foundation, more than 368,000 employees across Yorkshire and the Humber are paid less than the real Living Wage, the highest proportion anywhere in the UK. The foundation believes that if everyone within the region received a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work more than £165 million would be added to the regional economy.

The real Living Wage is the only rate calculated according to the costs of living. It provides a voluntary benchmark for employers that wish to ensure their staff earn a wage they can live on, not just the government minimum. Since 2011, the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 450,000 people and put over £2 billion extra into the pockets of low paid workers.

The currently real living wage is £10.90. The figure is due to be reviewed on 24th October 2023 when the figure is expected to significantly increase.

Anthony Temperton, Managing Director, KAT Communications, said:

“We have always prided ourselves in doing our bit to support local charitable and community organisations, but we recognised that first and foremost we must do more to support our own employees and subcontractors

With more and more families finding themselves struggling to make ends meet, we felt compelled to act and we wanted to do something that not only supports those who work in the business, but also those businesses we work alongside. The real Living Foundation Wage recognises that every business has a responsibility to pay a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s pay, and by signing up, we hope to encourage more businesses across the region to pledge their support to this very important initiative. “

Katherine Chapman, Director, Living Wage Foundation, said:

“We’re delighted that KAT Communications has joined the

movement of nearly 14,000 responsible employers across the UK who voluntarily commit to go further than the government minimum to make sure all their staff earn enough to live on. Our research out last week showed that 60% of people earning below the real Living Wage had used a foodbank in the past year and nearly 40% were regularly skipping meals.

They join thousands of small businesses, as well as household names such as Burberry, Barclays, Everton Football Club and many more. These businesses recognise that paying the real Living Wage is the mark of a responsible employer and they, like KAT Communications, believe that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay.”

Launched in 2009 by telecoms expert Anthony Temperton, KAT Communications acts as a onestop shop that helps SME business owners to navigate their way through the complex telecoms market. The company provides a range of services including phone systems, lines and calls, mobile voice and data, cloud technology and IT support.

The family-run business operates from sites in Doncaster and Scunthorpe, and through its customer first, technology second ethos, KAT Communications supports more than 300 businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber and is responsible for delivering more than 750,000 call minutes per month.

Doncaster-based KAT Communications has made a commitment towards helping its staff to navigate their way through the cost of living crisis by becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer.

£20-million funding is major boost to Grimsby Town Centre and its Long-Term Plan

Grimsby is one of a number of town centres across the country that were successful in securing this new ‘Long-Term Plan’ money, which was announced over the weekend.

Delighted by the news, North East Lincolnshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Jackson said how just two weeks ago he had attended the launch of a new ‘Grimsby Town Centre 2025 Group’.

With a mantra to ‘Be Part of the Positive’, the group of people from retail and business, want to focus on creating opportunities to deliver lasting and positive change for the town centre – in line with what the ‘Long-Plan’ money should be invested in.

Cllr Jackson said:

“This is hugely welcome news and we will now be able to build on the good work that is already taking place to look at improving our urban heartlands in the decade ahead.

“We have been working extremely hard with partners across both the public and private sector to build relationships especially within Grimsby Town Centre so we can grow the area in the right way. This work has been running alongside our plans to regenerate and transform our place, as has been well reported.

“For our plans to succeed and be sustainable it is vital that we look at

ensuring people can feel and be safe and this announcement will allow us to accelerate schemes and actions to help us realise that ambition as the physical redevelopment takes place.”

The £20-million to be spread across 10 years, would now ensure the financial means were there to really make a difference, added Cllr Jackson. He explained that the authority was now awaiting further details on the administration of the funds before working with its partners to plan its most effective use, in line with the regeneration plans taking place.

Before the announcement of this £20-million, schemes to improve town centre safety and security were already being planned. At the Grimsby Town Centre 2025 Group it was explained how the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner is supporting the opening of a new Youth Hub on Osborne Street that will operate until the Horizon Youth Centre opens, as well

as improving business security, graffiti removal and supporting the evening economy and the violence against women and girls’ agenda.

There is also Projekt Renewable now almost ready to open at Fisherman’s Wharf, the new OnSide Horizon Youth Zone which is scheduled to complete in 2025, and the new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre in Freshney Place, all of which will attract more people and families into the town centre.

Meanwhile the new Freshney Place Leisure and Market Hall Scheme is progressing with major works due to start early next year. Supported by £20-million Government funding – this time from LUF (Levelling Up Funding) - this will see the western end of the council-owned shopping centre transformed with a new cinema, market hall, and leisure, community and family attractions and space.

Announcing the ‘Long-Term Plan’ awards over weekend, the Government’s Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove MP explained his vision to see community leaders, businesspeople and local bodies work together to forge their town centres’ futures.

Cllr Jackson added:

“It is clear that, as a council and working with partners we are going in the right direction – this funding award is a reflection of that. Our vision is to build a stronger economy and stronger communities and we can do that by talking, listening and then winning the necessary funding to make a change. This is now happening, and I look forward to seeing just what we can achieve together.”

THE transformation of Grimsby Town Centre into a central hub where people and families can visit and enjoy has received a £20-million funding boost from Government.

Looking at the new plans for the western end of Freshney Place and visiting the centre is North East Lincolnshire Council Leader Cllr Philip Jackson with Ben Hall representing the main contractor for the scheme Morgan Sindall.

Ben Hall Morgan Sindall and Cllr Philip Jackson NELC Leader outside Freshney Place

We support new and established businesses that are unable to access high street lending. From boosting working capital to equipment / stock purchases to staff hire / growth funding, our loans fund a wide range of business needs across most business sectors.

Three new directors at leading Yorkshire logistics company

Neill & Brown Global Logistics has made the largest change to its board in four decades.

What’s more, our lending decisions are made by humans not computers. Our dedicated investment managers are here to help.

The well-known family business headquartered in Hessle near Hull, has appointed three new directors to help oversee its next phase of growth.

Long-term employee Stuart Dean has been made portable movements operations director. He joins the board along with newcomers Paul Allon, who has been appointed the company’s finance director and Dominic Yeardley, the new commercial director. All three are highly experienced in their fields.

The trio join CEO Peter Brown, managing director Colin Moody and logistics director Carl Andrew. Finance director Ian Halder is retiring after 13 years with the company.

Peter Brown said he felt confident that they would all make a positive contribution to the next stage of Neill & Brown’s journey.

“These senior appointments have been made as the initial stage of a broader succession strategy and we expect them to play a significant role in increasing our stronghold in the UK, European and worldwide logistics industry from our base in the Humber.

“We have seen consistent growth over the last 20 years while maintaining our family business philosophy, and we will always strive to hold on to this this for the benefit of customers.

We support new and established businesses that are unable to access high street lending. From boosting working capital to equipment / stock purchases to staff hire / growth funding, our loans fund a wide range of business needs across most business sectors.

We are a not-for-profit social enterprise that backs budding startups and established businesses that face challenges accessing mainstream bank loans. Whether it’s fortifying your working capital, acquiring essential equipment or stock, expanding your team, or fuelling growth initiatives, our loans cater to a diverse array of business requirements.

What’s more, our lending decisions are made by humans not computers. Our dedicated investment managers are here to help.

What’s more, your funding destiny isn’t determined by algorithms. Our friendly investment managers work with you to ensure your unique business needs are understood and supported.

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reputation, which extends from the Humber across the globe, to enable further growth over the coming years.”

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Neill & Brown started in Hull in 1917 and employs nearly 150 staff over its strategic Hull sites. It exports and imports goods by road, sea and air worldwide and has extensive warehousing capabilities. It has made continuous investments in its facilities, fleet and services.

From left: CEO Peter Brown with Stuart Dean, Colin Moody, Carl Andrew, Dominic Yeardley and Paul Allon.

Growing Places Fund Grant Programme

In these uncertain times it can often be difficult to know how to move forward. Costs are continuing to increase with no real light at the end of the tunnel and as a business owner there’s always uncertainty as to the best way forward to help your business grow.

At the Growing Places Fund (GPF), managed by the Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP), we may be able to help if you have plans to grow your business and are trading in either Hull or East Yorkshire.

The HEY LEP are not new to helping businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire. We have a successful track record of the previous Growing the Humber (Humber LEP) and Growing Hull & East Yorkshire funding programmes and we want to continue helping businesses at the next stage of their development, with grants normally being awarded to businesses with the aim of generating jobs, energising local communities,

and strengthening the economy.

The Growing Places Fund can provide capital investment with a view to increasing productivity in your business, in the forms of grants and/or loans from a minimum of £5,000 up to a maximum of £250,000. If your business has been trading for less than a year a grant would normally be capped at £20,000.

The Fund has been running since April 2022 and in that time, we have supported 36 businesses with capital investment from a range of sectors, including Manufacturing to Real Estate across both Hull & East Yorkshire with a 50/50 split across both regions.

If you would like to talk to us further, please have a look at the funding page on our website: https://heylep.com/our-fundingand-projects/funding/growingplaces-fund-business-growthcapital-investment-programme/

Please watch the funding page for further announcements regarding events around both Regions promoting the Growing Places Fund.

Good luck with your application and we look forward to working with you and your business.

MASTERING FINANCIAL CONTROL: Outsourcing Bookkeeping for Business Success

Bookkeeping often proves to be a cumbersome task, even for well-established businesses. However, the secret to its seamless management can often lie in outsourcing this service to expert accountants who have an invaluable amount of experience in this area. Accurate bookkeeping is not just a routine task, it’s an integral part of your company’s financial well-being. It empowers you, the business owner, to make well-informed decisions and ensures adherence to tax regulations.

Bookkeeping encompasses the recording, organisation and monitoring of all financial transactions and operational activities undertaken by a business, including sales, purchases, expenses, and revenues. It is an area which is constantly changing in line with government legislation and with the tax and VAT rules, can be challenging to keep on top of.

What is outsourcing?

For many people, the word ‘outsourcing’ conjures up lots of connotations. Let’s be clear here, we are not talking about handing over your bookkeeping to individuals on the other side of the world – we are talking about trusting local professionals with a part

Keeping everything in check

of your business that needs to be right. If we need to come into your office and work more closely with you, we can. We know the community in which you work, because we live there, we understand what you need to help you, and we work as an integral part of your business. Whether you’re a new start-up or a wellestablished business, outsourcing your bookkeeping can provide you with the invaluable advice and support you require to stay in control of your company’s financial transactions. The services we offer within bookkeeping include:

• Recording daily financial transactions in ledgers or accounting software.

• Reconciling bank statements and other financial records.

• Managing accounts receivable (money owed to the company) and accounts payable (money owed by the company).

• Maintaining records of assets, liabilities and equity.

• Generating financial reports like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

• Tracking and categorising expenses for tax purposes. >>>

The Benefits You Keep

Perhaps your business doesn’t demand a fulltime bookkeeper? It may be that you’re seeking temporary assistance, or you simply struggle to find someone with the necessary skills? By entrusting your bookkeeping to a professional accountancy firm such as Forrester Boyd, we partner with you so you can take advantage of:

• Expertise and specialist advice

• Reduced errors and compliance risks

• Reduced employee management

• Data security

• Timely reporting

• Business insights

Outsourcing Your Bookkeeping

Collaborating closely with a Bookkeeping professional is paramount for any business aspiring to grow whilst maintaining a keen awareness of its financial landscape.

Forrester Boyd Partner, Matthew Priest affirms, ‘The main reason our outsourcing services have grown over recent years is because owner managed businesses began to realise the value they could harness whilst giving them more of their time back. Gone are the days of bookkeeping on an evening or weekend. They appreciate what might

have taken them eight hours could be done by an expert in a much shorter period of time, freeing them up to do what they do best – grow and develop their business.

What we are now seeing from larger businesses is that recruitment and retaining staff is becoming more and more difficult. This is leading to businesses looking at other options for supporting key services like bookkeeping. Outsourcing this function to a reputable and local firm like Forrester Boyd, the business owners no longer have to worry about recruitment, continuity of service, training and CPD, sickness and holiday cover. With a dedicated team of skilled and qualified professionals at their fingertips, the

bookkeeping services are seamlessly and effectively managed.’

If you’re keen on exploring how our bookkeeping services can make a positive difference to your business, contact us today and discover how we tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of your business.

Start your Forrester Boyd journey today by emailing us at info@forrester-boyd.co.uk to arrange a no-obligation discussion, or visit our website at www.forrester-boyd.co.uk/services/ outsourced-services for more information.

Navigating Success

Unveiling Excellence in Products and Offerings from Leading Businesses

Thriving amid economic shifts and technological advancements requires adaptability, a trait valued by the most successful companies. In this feature, we showcase a variety of companies leading in their respective fields. These industry leaders epitomize flexibility, seamlessly navigating

the evolving business environment.

Discover the inner workings of their success, from finely-tuned skills to exceptional service offerings. These companies emerge as paragons of excellence, redefining benchmarks in their respective industries.

EAST YORKSHIRE HYDRAULICS LTD

BUSINESS PROFILE

East Yorkshire Hydraulics Ltd have been providing professional hydraulic engineering services to industry for 40 years.

We can provide a full design, build, installation and service lifecycle of services and products.

HYDRAULIC PRODUCTS

As well as our capability to provide bespoke systems and components, we also provide hydraulic products “off the shelf”. We can source just about any item and can provide expert assistance in identifying components off machines.

We can also advise on how to upgrade obsolete products and will advise if cost or efficiency savings can be made by looking at alternative solutions. We provide a single source hydraulics package.

Additionally, we are main agents for Yuken hydraulic equipment and a preferred reseller of Pall Filtration and Parker.

• Complete hydraulic systems

• Installation and commissioning

• Hydro-pneumatic accumulators

• Hydraulic equipment

• Cylinders

In today’s ever-changing corporate landscape, understanding customer needs is crucial for success.

KIRKBY ECLIPSE

Kirkby Eclipse is an electrical engineering group specialising in the repair, rewind, overhaul and supply of electric motors and associated equipment such as drives, gearboxes, pumps and fans.

With workshops and extensive motor stocks at both Kirkby Lindsey in Hull and Eclipse Electrical in York we offer a comprehensive service package, including on site service and support solutions. Having many years of experience in delivering an efficient and effective service geared to keeping downtime to a minimum, Kirkby Eclipse have built a reputation as a trusted and responsive partner with a clear understanding of the business needs of our customers. We excel in the fields of supply, repair, rewind, refurbishment and overhaul of electric motors and are a fully certified IECEx repair facility for ATEX motors used in potentially explosive atmospheres. The group operate and observe a Quality Management System and are BSI certified to ISO9001:2015, an Occupational Health & Safety Management System to ISO45001:2018 and an Environmental Management System to ISO14001:2015 demonstrating our commitment to providing a firstclass service every time.

FIRST CLASS ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIRS & SERVICE SPECIALISTS

What we offer: • 24/7 emergency breakdown service

• 12 month guarantee on all work undertaken

• Free local collection & delivery

• Time served, dedicated team of experienced & knowledgeable engineers

• Large, well equipped, workshops in Hull and York capable of handling machinery up to 10 tonnes in weight

• Brook Crompton motors available from stock • AC & DC motor rewinds, repairs, overhauls & replacement from fractional HP to large industrial

• Geared Motors, Gearboxes, Fans, Brakes, Control Gear, Inverter Drives supplied, refurbished & repaired

• Repair & supply of all types of pumping equipment from small coolant pumps to large submersible pumps

• Balancing and motor alignment

• On-site repairs, maintenance & testing

• Technical advice on any motor, gearbox, pump or fan problem

• Excellent environmental credentials –ask about energy efficient machines

KINGSTON ENGINEERING

BUSINESS PROFILE

Screws

Kingston Engineering specialise in the manufacturing of precision machined components and assemblies for a diverse range of industry sectors including the Aerospace, Oil, Gas and Manufacturing sectors.

From bespoke specialised products to standard screw products, our state of the art equipment and facilities are backed by a policy of investment and focus on advanced technologies. We are flexible in our approach, responsive to customers exact requirements and committed to excellence.

We offer a variety of specialised services

• Finishing Services

• General Machine Shop Repairs

• General Engineering Services

• Breakdown Service

• Prototype Production

Ex Stock Power Screws and Nuts

Precision-machine Components

Stock Power

Self-reversing Screws and Followers

Specialist Leadscrew and Power Screw Products

+44 (0)1482 325676

sales@kingston-engineering.co.uk

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• Component Reclaim & Enhancement

• Calibrated Inspection Services

• Delivery & Logistics Services

• Precision Machining & Components

• CNC Turning

• Conventional Turning

• Cylindrical Grinding

• CNC Milling, Conventional Milling

• Testing & Inspection,

• Assembly & Product Build

At Kingston Engineering, their specialised precision engineering services are built on a wealth of experience and a strong heritage spanning over 100 years.

Bridging the gap

James Legal has been tirelessly developing its work for clients at all stages of financial transactions, regularly acting for borrowers and lenders. James Legal understands the need for swift, clear and precise assistance in this fastmoving sector. Its corporate and property teams work seamlessly on bespoke lending deals by providing a practical and commercial approach.

James Legal’s growing specialisation in this area offers a real alternative to the bigger city firms. Moreover, James Legal skilfully marries its commercial capabilities with its longstanding core values of a friendly, down to earth approach. James Legal prides itself on close, trusted relationships which are fundamental in bridging finance given the time critical nature of these deals.

Harnessing new talent

2023 has seen an expansion of governmentbacked apprenticeships as a route to legalqualification. Yasmin Palmer and Anna Bisby are both law graduates on a new two-year apprenticeship. Jessica Bennett is training to be a conveyancing technician. The apprentices are employed by James Legal and spend 20% of their week in study.

Director Byron Swarbrick explained, “Our apprenticeship programme is a great route to qualification, while earning a proper wage at the same time”.

James Legal recognises that a combination of “on the job” experience and individual study provide the perfect grounding for becoming a successful lawyer.

Lily Simpkin has also started her two year training contract in September 2023 to qualify as a solicitor and Lucy Raspin will soon be joining the team as a paralegal. Both Lily and Lucy will gain crucial knowledge and experience as they play an important role in the development of James Legal’s service to its business clients.

Widening its reach

Claire Ryder, who has worked in law for nearly a decade, joined James Legal in early June to work alongside its highly experienced senior solicitor, Chris Hutchinson. She provides invaluable support in respect of clients’ wills, powers of attorney and estate planning and prides herself on her people skills and ability to develop strong relationships.

Off the back of the pandemic, James Legal has seen the demand for its private client team go through the roof.

James Legal’s MD Simon Young explained, “Claire’s experience in this area together with property has really bolstered James Legal’s capacity to offer support to clients at a critical time of their lives.”

James Legal’s experience in commercial finance and its modern recruitment and training programme are just examples of a few of the areas that James Legal will be developing in the coming months and years.

If you would like support and advice from an approachable legal team and think James Legal can help with a personal or business-related matter get in touch via info@jameslegal. co.uk or (01482) 225566.

2023 has been a huge year for James Legal who continues to pride itself on its commercially minded, friendly and supportive approach to legal services.

PPE is therefore critical, meaning a growing number of companies are turning to Sievi Footwear for solutions.

For several decades Sievi has supplied safety boots to the offshore industry, which offer unsurpassed stability, comfort and longevity.

Using this experience, Sievi has developed several footwear styles suitable for the Offshore wind industry, including the Roller High and the Cobra Roller High styles.

Innovations such as the BOA® Fit System offers added security compared with laces. Memory foam protects the ankle from external impacts as well as giving greater ankle stability whilst climbing. FlexEnergy®,

Leading manufacturers of Safety Footwear

Employees in the Offshore Wind Industry face extreme and dangerous conditions in their daily working lives.

a component built into the heel of many Sievi products provides maximum shock absorption, comfort and 55% energy return. is a robust Sievi TractionPro® friction sole which gives stronger grip on the most slippery surfaces.

Sustainability is paramount. Sievi is exploring new materials which increase recycling and belongs to the Leather Working Group, an organisation working to reduce the environmental impact of raw materials. Sievi continues to work to calculate the CO2 footprint of our products, according to the GRI Index, so we understand how to further reduce these emissions in future. Sievi’s goal is to be Carbon Neutral by 2035. For more information on Sievi and sustainability go to https://www.sievi.

com/assets/PDF/Sievi-Sustainabilityreport-2020-2022.pdf

Find out why Sievi with over 70 years of experience is Northern Europe’s leading manufacturer of Safety Footwear. Go to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube. com/@sievi1229

Cobra Roller High top boots

New team at the helm of influential ‘offshore’ business group

A new all-industry board is steering Humber Marine & Renewables to its next phase of growth.

The leading regional business development organisation, which is the result of a recent merger between Team Humber Marine Alliance and Grimsby Renewables Partnership, announced the new line-up on September 7 at a packed networking event.

Iain Butterworth, a Scarborough-based maritime lawyer and director of marine consultancy Butterworth Marine, becomes chairman, taking the ropes from maritime lawyer Andrew Oliver

who stepped down after the organisation’s successful 10-year anniversary of its flagship conference Offshore Wind Connections in May.

The other new board members are Kurt Christensen, a pioneer in Grimsby’s offshore wind industry and former Danish consul for the town; Nick Murphy, UK sales and marketing manager of Torque Solutions; David Bacon, managing director of Bacon Engineering and Rob Langton, managing director of MMS Ship Repairs.

They join longstanding board members, Camilla Carlbom Flinn, who is a director at Pentagon Marine, and maritime industry veteran Graham Billany, a former director of Team Humber Marine Alliance.

The additional outgoing board members are Jonathan Goolden, a partner at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, and Katharine York, a manager at ORE Catapult. Both played key roles in the 2022 merger.

On board, from left to right: Rob Langton, Graham Billany, Nick Murphy, Iain Butterworth, David Bacon and Kurt Christensen.

Iain Butterworth, who has been involved for more than 20 years throughout the organisation’s evolvement, said:

“We are a powerful advocate for the Humber and North Yorkshire and have been instrumental in the development of the offshore wind sector and regional maritime supply chain. I am proud to have been chosen to play a significant role in its future growth.

“I want to help us to expand beyond our historical geographical boundary by capitalising on our established Scarborough office and all the valuable connections the location brings.

“There is a large area between Tyneside, Teesside and the Humber, with many companies having the resources and potential to assist the vibrant offshore renewables industry, so we will be working to connect these businesses to bring economic benefits to the wider region and Humber Marine & Renewables further north.

“Enhancing opportunities for current members is also a key priority along with growing the membership in all the sectors that we cover.”

“Our new board has a vast array of industry skills and international connections, and we are thrilled to have such a strong team in place for the next chapter of our development.

“I want to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly thank Andrew Oliver, Jonathan Goolden and Kathryn York for their fantastic contribution over the last three years.”

announced in July.

Humber Marine & Renewables will be attending Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference (OEEC) Amsterdam in November in partnership with the Department for Business & Trade and Good Travel Management. Members will have the opportunity to take part at heavily discounted rates.

Camilla Carlbom Flinn said:

The death of long-serving board member Frank Butterfield, owner of the successful marine satellite communications company Best Service (Europe) Limited was

Alex Richards from Whitby Maritime Hub (pictured left) and Marcus Walker from AbleUK, were guest speakers at the event.

On pawtrol: Sparky the Robodog enhances safety at UK’s largest renewable power station

Drax Power Station, Britain’s single-largest renewable power generator, has a new four-legged friend to help sniff out hazards to keep people safe. Sparky, a state-of-the-art robotic dog, has joined the plant and will carry out inspections and capture critical data on machinery.

The robodog has joined Drax’s Condition Based Maintenance team to spot potential failures on the plant before they happen. The bright yellow dog is fitted with a camera which enables it to conduct critical visual and thermal inspections on equipment such as hot boilers while its human controllers are kept safe away from the equipment.

As Sparky gets familiar with the plant, he will be programmed to follow tailored routes around the site. This will enable him to operate autonomously, enhancing efficiency even further.

Ensuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of people on site is the company’s top priority. Drax’s investment in Sparky is part of a wider

drive to improve safety standards across the company’s global operations.

Richard Barber, Maintenance Systems Lead Engineer, said: “A robotic dog might not be what you have in mind when you think about safety, but Sparky is a real game changer for us. The technology enables our team to collect better information about our equipment, while also keeping our colleagues out of harm’s way.

“Its optical panoramic camera allows us to zoom in-depth on equipment and it is fitted with a thermal infrared camera, which means we can see any hot spot or unusual thermal anomalies on the machinery. We want to prevent faults from happening, not simply repair them when they occur. With Sparky on patrol at the power

station, we will be able to do just that.”

Sparky will have plenty of room to roam around, with Drax Power Station being one of the country’s largest industrial sites. The plant near Selby has four operational power generating units, each as high as a 15-storey office block, a main chimney nearly as tall as the London Shard, and more than 1,800 miles of steel tubing, enough to stretch from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back again.

The four-legged friend is the brainchild of Boston Dynamics, an American engineering and robotics design company which started as a spin-off from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Sparky is part of the Spot pedigree of robodogs from the firm.

Sparky the Robodog

Purist, expressive, timeless.

Three attributes that describe every Porsche – and especially the Taycan. The first fully-electric sports car from the German manufacturer, it is available in three model variants.

The Taycan is a four-door saloon that offers striking proportions, an instantly recognisable design, and a perfect blend of performance with everyday usability. The Taycan Cross Turismo is the crossover estate version with an enlarged rear luggage compartment and even more spacious interior. Its bold capability is further highlighted by the characteristic accents of the Off-road Design Package. And finally, the Taycan Sport Turismo is an estate without the ground clearance and off-road elements of the Cross Turismo. Combining sleek design and generous space with engaging dynamics and exceptional comfort, the Taycan Sport Turismo combines the best of two electrified worlds.

Soul, electrified. THE TAYCAN.

Further to additional specification available across the range, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur provides the next level of personalisation. There are a variety of exterior and interior options to create a completely unique car.

Pictured is a Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur model, finished in Gentian Blue metallic paint with black leather, combining interior and exterior personalisation for a striking aesthetic. The exterior customisation doesn’t end with the paint. High-gloss black SportDesign Package, Exterior Mirror Lower Trims, ‘Porsche’ logo LED door courtesy lights and high-gloss black 21inch Taycan Exclusive Design Wheels add even more desirability.

Another Exclusive Manufaktur option is the tinted LED matrix main headlights, which include the Porsche dynamic lights system plus, that offers a high-resolution light distribution up to twice as bright as previous systems and an increase in high beam length, with more than 600 metres of the road illuminated.

The primary interior Exclusive Manufaktur option for this Taycan is the addition of the Porsche

The Taycan is the pure expression of a Porsche electric sports car. Striking proportions, timeless and instantly recognisable design, and a perfect blend of performance with everyday usability.

crest on the front and rear headrests, which adds a defining touch. There is also a wealth of additional specification inside, including a panoramic roof for additional light and a spacious feel, Sport Chrono package that adds a delightful analogue clock to the dashboard and the passenger display which provides a 10.9inch infotainment screen so the passenger can operate the navigation system, and more.

The fully-electric range of this particular car has also been extended to 313 miles with the addition of the Performance Battery Plus.

For further information about this Exclusive Manufaktur Taycan or to book your 48-hour Taycan test drive, please contact a member of the team via info@porschehull.co.uk or on 01482 911 918.

Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th November 2023

Aura Innovation Centre, Hull, HU13 0GD

Over three days, businesses large and small will come together with academics, industry experts and young people to learn, discuss and tackle the greatest challenge of our time as we all work together to reach net zero

Day 1 - Launch Event & Sustainability Challenge

Day 2 - Adaptation and Resilience Day Day 3 - Energy Transition Day

Waterline Summit 2023

LAUNCH AND IMPACT EVENTS

Launching the Waterline Summit 2023, this event will bring together international speakers, innovative thinkers, and industry experts as well as key government figures to discuss the crucial role the Humber region must play as the UK’s biggest carbon emitter with the greatest decarbonisation potential.

Positioning the Humber as central to the global climate challenge facing world leaders and connecting the Humber globally.

As we launch our 5th consecutive Waterline Summit, our first event will explore the core themes such as adaptation & resilience, sustainable finance, built environment, offshore wind, carbon capture and the energy transition.

Aligning with the aims of COP28, we will take a look at our regional progress made so far, discussing the progress and impact of actions taken by our local businesses and communities,

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

as well as identifying opportunities for action where there are gaps.

Businesses large and small will come together with academics, industry experts and young people, to learn, discuss and tackle the greatest challenge of our time, as we all work together to reach net zero.

HOST:

Katy Dukes, CEO, The Deep

PANELISTS:

Henri Murison, Chief Executive, Northern Powerhouse Partnership Professor Briony McDonagh, Director of the Doctoral College & Professor of Environmental Humanities, Energy & Environment Institute, University of Hull

More speakers to be announced.

Book now:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ the-waterline-summit-launch2023-tickets-723886352567

Opportunities are available to hold your own sector/ community events or exhibition stands during Days 2 & 3 of the Waterline Summit at the Aura Innovation Centre.

This allows you the opportunity to shape and promote your own events while still working under The Waterline umbrella.

The event booking would be through independent commercial agreement with the Aura Innovation Centre.

If you would like to hold an event or would like to access to the programme planner which outlines the opportunities currently available at the Aura Innovation Centre please get in touch via paige. mcgowan@futurehumber.com and we will be able to provide costs and availability.

The Humber region’s largest decarbonisation event, unlocking opportunities to provide sustainable prosperity for all as we look to lead the UK’s green industrial revolution

2023 Schools Sustainability Challenge

After the success of the 2022 Sustainability Challenge, this year Phillips 66 Limited and new partner Hull KR Foundation are launching the challenge across the Humber Region. Year 9 and 10 students from schools across Northern Lincolnshire, Hull & East Riding are invited to take part in the challenge and to come up with creative ways to support the country’s net zero ambition. The challenge, that takes place over three rounds, was designed by the Phillips 66 Limited Humber Refinery Early Careers Network and this year’s final will be at the prestigious Waterline Summit, to be held at the Aura Innovation Centre.

Challenge team member Woody Nunn, Phillips 66 Process Engineer commented on last year’s event. This year’s finalists will be invited to showcase their work at this year’s Waterline Summit to be held on Monday the 13th of November, in front of the judges, academics and business leaders from across the region.

The triumphant team will be announced on the main stage, claiming their school a fantastic £5,000 to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities and sustainability

efforts within the school.

The students will also win a trip to the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery to learn more about their decarbonisation journey, as well as the Phillips 66 London office and a tour of Parliament to see where all the decisions on the UK’s energy transition and decarbonisation are made.

The students will also be invited as VIP guests, for a visit to Sewell Group Craven Park stadium where they will watch the first team train, grab some autographs and enjoy a Stadium tour.

You can register a team now at: https://forms.office. com/Pages/ResponsePage. aspx?id=0ezrTzW2t0uW_

Net Zero Humber: How far we have come

As the Humber continues on its journey to Net Zero, we take a look at how far we have come, how we got here, what there is still to do and how we can achieve it.

The Government has introduced ambitious targets to reach Net Zero by 2050 and the Humber plays a vital role in order to achieve this. The Humber Industrial Cluster omits more CO2 than any other in the country, and is therefore essential to reaching this target. Luckily we are a region full of innovative thinkers and rich in research talent which can be drawn on to ensure we are doing the

right thing and moving in the right direction.

We will be discussing how we can ensure a sustainable future through innovation. You will get the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with SMEs who have been working with researchers at the University of Hull and initiatives such as Oh Yes! Net Zero to deliver their net zero goals

and develop innovative products to help them maintain a competitive advantage locally and globally.

HOST:

Deb

Oxley OBE

DL, Founding Director, Oxley Works

PANELLISTS: Sue Allan, CFO, Willerby Sarah Shaw, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Hull

CATCH Announces its vision for a new £60M National Net Zero Training Centre Expansion at Stallingborough Headquarters

CATCH announces ambitious plans for the development of a £60M state-of-the-art training facility, to reach a training goal of 1000 apprentices a year by 2029, at its Stallingborough headquarters, with the intent of tackling the engineering construction skill shortages anticipated in the Humber cluster and across the UK.

In anticipation of a series of Net Zero projects set to commence from as early as 2024 and beyond,a significant demand for skilled labour is on the horizon.

These projects are projected to generate a potential 20,000 new industrial jobs, necessitating an unprecedented, rapid upscaling of the existing skills pipelines.

Following initial funding support from key industrial sponsors, and CATCH members, Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, and VPI Power, CATCH has developed plans for the future training centre expansion needed to deliver 1000 new learners per year by 2029.

Developing towards a future final investment decision, CATCH plans to continue to build broad support across industry and government for this new national net zero training centre.

Subject to further partner engagement and planning permission, the new facility is planned to house a national net zero conference and learning centre, bespoke classrooms and workshops for electrical, instrumentation, mechanical technical skills, a welding and fabrication hub with an impressive 160 welding bays, and a UK first of kind outdoor Process Unit Training Module to enable a real process site experience in a safe environment for all trade skills. In addition, provisions cater for enhanced car parking facilities and a dedicated CATCH regional bus infrastructure to help get talented apprentices to the site from across the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire regions.

“Our phased strategy ensures a sustainable expansion of apprenticeship numbers, targeting the training of 1000 apprentices annually by 2029,” David Talbot, CATCH CEO commented, “The backbone of this initiative’s success will be the support from the industrial supply chain. Many companies understandably are waiting to assess the skills landscape before committing to expanding or creating new apprenticeship vacancies. Our proposed new facility helps to mitigate this risk, with dedicated support from the CATCH team, the industrial supply

chain can be confident that together we can ensure that the skills pipeline is sustainable for the low carbon future.

“It’s a complex picture, and we realise that we cannot do this alone, we all need to pull together as a region, to solve one of the biggest challenges to deploying the net zero infrastructure. This tabled investment represents a vital piece in the puzzle of the UK’s decarbonisation journey.

Central to CATCH’s vision is the cultivation of the next generation of skilled highly paid labour. Through their dedicated schools’ engagement team, CATCH aims to tap into the local communities, shedding light on STEM career paths and fuelling aspirations.

“Our mission is clear: to inspire and educate the industry’s future craftspeople. The UK’s path to net zero starts with today’s youth, and we’re here to ensure they have the resources, skills, and opportunities to lead the way” concluded David.

Paul Fursey, Lead Executive UK and Humber Refinery General Manager said:

“To build the infrastructure required to deliver net zero for the UK, we need to invest in creating the skilled workforce of tomorrow. CATCH’s new Net Zero Training Centre will become a hub of excellence, demonstrating how the UK can increase the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the net zero targets. Through support from Phillips 66 Limited and our fellow delivery sponsors, Harbour Energy and VPI, local industry support, and local schools and colleges, we believe we can make a powerful difference to inspire the next generation of welders, pipefitters, mechanical fitters, platers, scaffolders and much more.”

Viking CCS Project Director Graeme Davies said:

“Viking CCS is crucial to unlocking net zero in the UK and helping to decarbonise industries in the Humber, however we need thousands of skilled workers to build the infrastructure to deliver it. This is a huge opportunity for the Humber and North Lincolnshire to be at the epicentre of an enduring green jobs revolution.”

Jonathan Briggs, VPI Humber Zero Project Director said:

“Delivering a decarbonised Humber and enabling the energy transition to facilitate this means pre-investing in the workforce of the future. The Net Zero Training Centre at CATCH will support the creation of the Humber’s new workforce, safeguard the competitiveness of the Humber’s industrial base, and support leading projects such as Humber Zero and Viking CCS”.

Julian Free, University of Lincoln Deputy Vice Chancellor said:

“This significant expansion of CATCH facilities to train the skilled people the Humber needs to decarbonise is a critical step in achieving Net Zero by 2050. If the Humber’s emissions are not radically reduced, and quickly, the UK will miss the target. The development of CATCH working with industry presents a fantastic opportunity for those of us living in the region to play a major part in the UK’s future success and to build a strong and prosperous region with long-term opportunities for all”.

An Artist’s Impression of how the New CATCH National Net Zero Training Centre could look

New Skills Bootcamps Recruiting Learners

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been awarded £2m by the Department for Education to develop another wave of Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.

Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life.

The next wave of Skills Bootcamps is now open and recruiting learners. There are courses available across a wide range of subjects including, electrical engineering, skills for the care sector, digital marketing, management and more.

Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses for adults lasting at least 60 hours. They can help learners fast track to a new job, take on more responsibility in their role or gain new contracts if they are self-employed. The courses are typically at level 3, 4 or 5.

Employers can send members of staff onto a Skills Bootcamp to fill skills gaps within their business; in this case the courses are heavily subsidised with only a small contribution to pay.

As an employer, you can also help develop a Skills Bootcamp focused on the skills needs of your business or help out with existing bootcamps by offering interviews to the newly qualified people who have completed one of the courses.

Two hundred and seventy-two learners attended previous Skills Bootcamps in Lincolnshire and Rutland and over 94% have taken on new or additional responsibilities within their current employment, or (where unemployed) have gained new jobs.

Ewan Cruickshank, Technical Support Manager at Foodclean, took part in a Skills Bootcamp in Food Safety and Compliance and said:

“The course was very helpful for anyone involved in food manufacturing or food production.

“The facilities at the NCFM are fantastic and the breadth and depth of knowledge that the tutors have is absolutely phenomenal. I’d definitely recommend it 100%.”

Simon Telfer, Chair of the LEP’s Employment and Skills Advisory Panel, said:

“Thanks to our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and funding from the Department of Education, we are able to offer a wide range of Skills Bootcamps that we hope will help to fill skills gaps in Greater Lincolnshire.

“They will also help individuals upskill and take on more responsibility in their current role or gain the skills needed to fast track into a new role.”

Most adults over the age of 19 who are living in England are eligible to take part in a Skills Bootcamp as long as they are prepared to take on a new job or new responsibilities.

Details of all available Skills Bootcamps can be found at: www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/skills

Applications are now also open for training providers and local businesses to apply for funding to design and deliver more Skills Bootcamps between now and March 2024.

University of Hull celebrates top 20 result in UK, as National Student Survey results revealed

The University of Hull has seen impressive results from the National Student Survey (NSS 2023) and is ranked in the top 20 in the UK in the Times Higher Education’s ‘Overall Positivity’ measure.

Professor Dave Petley, ViceChancellor at the University of Hull, said: “I am delighted that the University of Hull has been ranked 20th in the UK by Times Higher Education. It is testament to the hard work of colleagues across the University and it is wonderful that our students feel so positive about their studies.”

The Survey results show that satisfaction levels have increased markedly across a variety of areas, including Student Voice, Learning Opportunities, Academic Support, and Learning Resources.

Each year, five million students from universities, colleges and other higher education institutions across the UK are asked for feedback for the National Student Survey, with questions ranging from quality of teaching and learning resources to feedback for assessments.

Professor Petley said: “These results reflect our whole community’s continued efforts to prioritise the quality of our education provision and student experience. I want to thank all of my colleagues across the University for supporting our students on their learning

journeys. I also want to give thanks to our students, and Student Union, whose influence and input into shaping our offering ensures we are continuously improving our courses and the work we undertake at Hull.

Each year, five million students from universities, colleges and other higher education institutions across the UK are asked for feedback for the National Student Survey, with questions ranging from quality of teaching and learning resources to feedback for assessments.

“This is a very positive result that we’re extremely proud of – and it’s just the beginning. As we look ahead to the new academic year, we will continue to build on our success to create a truly exceptional experience and environment for all of our students.

“We are a close community here in Hull, and I am so pleased that our students, staff

and, indeed, our partners in the region can celebrate this recognition at a national level.”

While the NSS did not ask a specific question about how satisfied students in England are with the quality of their course, Times Higher Education provided its own analysis and rankings of 114 UK-based higher education providers (that had at least 1,000 survey responses) by introducing a measure to determine how positive students are about their studies.

As a result, the University of Hull ranked 20th for the overall positivity measure – ahead of all the Russell Group universities – in this 2023 THE ranking (UK-based higher education providers: 114 universities ranked by THE that had at least 1,000 survey responses).

The NSS is an anonymous survey that provides universities with helpful feedback and real indications on how students are feeling. It also acts as a guide for prospective students who are yet to make their university choices. For 2023, 339,383 students responded to the call for feedback resulting in a 71.5% survey response rate across the four countries in the UK.

Research into the value of cultural understanding in UK responses to modern slavery receives funding

The University of Hull has received a grant to understand the relationship between systematic oppression and modern slavery and the value of cultural understanding in mitigating risks. Dr

It is one of six projects that has received funding to address the prevention of modern slavery in the UK from the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (Modern Slavery PEC).

Dr Zahra Shirgholami, Wilberforce Institute for Slavery and Emancipation lecturer in Modern Slavery, who is leading the research for the University, said: “We need reliable data on the value of cultural understanding and how to enhance the inclusivity of responses to modern slavery. Nonetheless, there is currently limited research in assessing the value of cultural understanding in response to modern slavery within the UK.’’

To address this gap, a grant of around £90,000 will fund a collaboration between the University’s Law School and the Wilberforce Institute, Shiva Foundation and West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network. They will work on

a project investigating the importance of cultural understanding in improving equity and effectiveness in identification, support provision and legal enforcement related to modern slavery.

The projects are designed to provide evidence and guidance for policymakers to ensure that robust legislation and policies are in place to meet the challenges of preventing modern slavery and exploitation.

The six research projects are funded by Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (Modern Slavery PEC), which in turn is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The SIX prevention research projects will specifically look at:

1. Understanding the value of cultural competency in UK responses to modern slavery.

2. Exploring cultural barriers to accessing support for Albanian nationals following modern slavery.

3. Investigating the risks of human trafficking and exploitation for unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee children in Home Office operated hotels.

4. Analysing the links between modern slavery and homelessness in the UK.

5. Improving prevention and identification of modern slavery of children and young people in the UK.

6. Improving identification of disabled children and young people at risk of modern slavery.

More information on the University of Hull’s research project may be found on the Modern Slavery PEC website: modernslaverypec.org/

Articles supplied by

Zahra Shirgholami, Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation

‘It’s incredibly important that we understand how to better prevent modern slavery, and this means targeted research on interventions that relate to different vulnerabilities and structural factors underpinning modern slavery. We have funded this group of research projects that look at a range of issues so that we can inform policies that more effectively prevent adults and children from being exploited in the UK.

ALEX BALCH

Director of Research at Modern Slavery PEC

Wilberforce Institute for the study of Slavery and Emancipation

University partners with Wren Kitchens to pioneer and drive sustainability within the UK Kitchen sector

Academics from the University of Hull are working with leading kitchen manufacturer Wren Kitchens to accelerate their journey to net zero.

The partnership will see academics from Hull University Business School use a unique supply chain carbon mapping tool, developed at the University, to help the company become more sustainable.

It will also allow customers to make choices based on the carbon footprint of each kitchen item, at point of sale, offering them the chance to make more sustainable choices.

Wren Kitchens and the University of Hull have secured a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) from Innovate UK, to fund the two-year project. The KTP will facilitate accelerated access to this specialist expertise and knowledge within Hull University Business School.

It will also enable Wren Kitchens to fully embed environmental sustainability knowledge, knowhow and innovation from the University, right across their business.

This will provide the foundations for an inhouse sustainability team, facilitating access to new emergent eco-conscious markets globally.

The project will go beyond understanding operational carbon to transparency of whole-life carbon of a kitchen, which is the combination of embodied and operational emissions, essential for the built environment and achievement of the UK’s net zero target by 2050.

Lead academics from Hull University Business School Dr Sarah Shaw and Linda Whicker will work with the senior safety and logistics team at Wren on the project.

Dr Shaw, Reader in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Wren Kitchens on this exciting, innovative research project. The KTP will enable Wren Kitchens to have capacity and capability to baseline their supply chain carbon footprint and make this data available to customers and to drive carbon inset improvement decisions.”

Linda Whicker, Senior Lecturer in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, said: “The ultimate aim of the project is to fully embed environmental sustainability into the company beyond the project, to support Wren Kitchen’s on their rapid and successful growth trajectory. The initial focus area is to establish an accurate carbon baseline for their supply operations, this will then unlock so many opportunities.”

Emma Calverley, Director of Knowledge Exchange, said:

“At the University of Hull we’re thrilled to share this fantastic news about our

ongoing partnership with Wren Kitchens. This innovative collaboration is evolving in a way that aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and we’re eager to see how it continues to grow as we work hand in hand with Wren to taking meaningful steps towards a more sustainable world.”

In order to ensure sustainability remains at the heart of the company, two senior members of staff will study PhDs on the theme of sustainability, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to being a forward thinking and research driven business that wants to embrace cutting edge research and knowledge.

Lee Holmes, Logistics Director at Wren Kitchens, said:

“Wren Kitchens is delighted to be partnering with the University of Hull to deliver what we believe will be an industry first and the catalyst for others in the Humber region to take a holistic approach to their impact on society. We hope this project will deliver thought leadership to the manufacturing sector by being future-focussed beyond the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) regulations, and take a leading role in the region to establish and develop a circular economy. The ultimate aim is to fully embed environmental sustainability into the company beyond the project end and offer our customers a footprint calculation output into user friendly “on pack claims” in the online sales ordering process for customer awareness and enhanced informed choice.”

Trevor Nixon, Head of Retail Health and Safety, said:

“Being a PhD student, the KTP collaboration between Wren Kitchens and the University is a very exciting, but challenging initiative of which I am eager to embrace and lead from a Wren perspective. It will assist me in my personal development and bridge any gaps in current Wren knowledge, as well as guiding our corporate strategy through specialist expert advice and will inevitably be an enabler for Wren to reach our Net Zero Carbon 2030 objective.”

For more information on the KTP and applying for one with Hull University, please contact: J.Bishop@hull.ac.uk

University of Hull project receives grant to protect declining species

With many of England’s

Dr Jamie Dodd and Dr Rachel Ainsworth, both from the University of Hull’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, have been granted £140,000 to help recover the population of sea lamprey and river lamprey in the River Trent.

Lamprey continues to be a threatened and declining species of fish due to habitat degradation, over-harvesting, pollution, other barriers and obstacles, and potentially climate change too.

The University of Hull project, named ‘Returning Lamprey To The River Trent’, aims to facilitate the conservation translocation of both species to the upper Trent catchments of the Derbyshire Derwent and the River Dove. This will be completed through bypassing barriers and increasing numbers at spawning grounds.

Funded by Natural England, Dr Jamie Dodd and Dr Rachel Ainsworth will be further supported by Trent Rivers Trust.

Dr Jamie Dodd said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding from Natural England to help in the recovery of river and sea lamprey in the Trent catchment. The decline of this species has been linked with the presence of physical barriers such as weirs that hinder or block their upstream migration.

“Our work, alongside the Trent Rivers Trust, will ensure migrating adults are able to reach key life stage habitats, by collecting individuals as they enter the river and directly releasing them into areas of clean spawning gravels.

“Unlike salmon, lamprey do not return to their native river and instead rely on pheromones

that are released by juveniles. By making sure as many adults as possible are reaching spawning habitats, we are one step closer to helping recover this population.

“To confirm that the conservation translocation of these species has resulted in successful spawning, Hull University’s EvoHull group will be undertaking eDNA analysis. Led by Dr Graham Sellers, the team will collect water samples at multiple locations throughout the catchment, which is then processed to detect juvenile genetic material.

“We will also be acoustically tracking a sub-sample to collect information on their migration within the river to learn more about their movements. The knowledge gained from this is essential in providing evidence for the best mitigation measures available for recovering this protected species in other UK rivers.”

This new grant scheme focuses on declining species which are in need of help. To see other projects, visit https://naturalengland.blog.gov. uk/2023/09/14/species-recoveryprogramme-capital-grant-schemeawards/

For more information please email pr@hull.ac.uk or call 07484 534322

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native species under threat and in decline, Natural England has launched the ‘Species Recovery Programme Capital Grant Scheme’. Multiple projects have been awarded grants totalling £14.5m, including a project at the University of Hull.

Dr Jamie Dodd

Prominent Grimsby town centre buildings enjoying a spruce-up

A CAMPAIGN by North East Lincolnshire Council to rejuvenate buildings in Grimsby town centre continues to drive forward with improvements currently underway at several prominent properties.

Completed earlier in the year were the former My Oriental Fusion property, in Town Hall Street, and The Body Shop, My Cigara, Pizza Hut, TSB, and Nationwide Building Society in Victoria Street. Problems identified prior to works included cracked or missing render, flaking paintwork, shrubs growing in brickwork, missing gutters and drainpipes and vegetation in the gutters and on the roof.

Started in October 2022, the property project has been focussed on the pedestrianised Victoria Street West area and surrounding streets. Several unkempt properties were identified at the time, although most in the area only needed minor work to bring them up to standard.

Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for Safer and Stronger Communities at North East Lincolnshire Council, commented: “Not only do improvements like these make a positive difference for businesses, by allowing the potential for attracting new customers, they also instil a sense of pride in the wider community.

“Smarter areas also tend to enjoy higher property values, while run-down areas often become beacons for criminality and anti-social behaviour, therefore it is important we continue to strive for better buildings across the town centre.

“I’m grateful to all the property owners who are taking care of their buildings and making the town centre a more attractive place to work, visit and enjoy.”

It was hoped that the improvements to buildings earlier this year would encourage other property owners in the locale to do the same. Work is currently being completed at the former House of Fraser store, the Post Office, Co-Op Travel, Specsavers, Top Nails and Grimsby Learning Centre.

All six buildings are undergoing work to check and remove debris from rainwater goods, such as gutters, and repairing, replacing, and repainting flaking or rotten exterior woodwork, while Co-Op Travel and Specsavers are having repairs made

to defective render. Grimsby Learning Centre will enjoy a spruce-up of the external woodwork with a fresh coat of paint whilst also cleaning up the exterior of the building. Top Nails have erected scaffolding which will see repairs to the guttering, painting external woodwork and general tidy up to the property. Repairs to the exterior of the former House of Fraser building include the gutters, woodwork, paintwork, windows, doors, tiles and signage.

The plan for the wider Grimsby town centre includes a multi-million-pound leisure scheme, to include a new cinema, market, housing development, youth facility, and revamped Riverhead. These major refurbishments are all a part of plans to invigorate the area.

Property owners inside of this improvement zone are realising the potential these changes could bring.

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