Sheffield Hallam University has pledged to contribute over £200,000 to a new regional scheme which will provide significant support to apprenticeships in South Yorkshire. The Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service, which is being led by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), allows large employers to pool unspent apprenticeship levy funding so that it can be accessed by smaller regional businesses rather than being reclaimed by central government. The University has pledged an initial contribution of over £200,000, the largest of any regional organisation. Apprenticeships funded by Sheffield Hallam through the matchmaking service will be focused on the voluntary and early years sectors, priority areas which have been identified through close collaboration with local leaders. Greg Burke, Director of Place and Civic Engagement at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “At Sheffield Hallam, we have strong civic values and are committed to supporting businesses and our regional economy." "Apprenticeships play an incredibly important role in upskilling and – at a time when investment into South Yorkshire is beginning to boom – training and skills are key. This initiative will enable local people to access transformational opportunities, and attract new talent from across the UK to help grow South Yorkshire’s economy.” Professor Sally Pearse, Director of the Early Years Community Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “The early years sector plays a vital role in supporting families and giving young children a firm foundation to build upon." "Having a strong and diverse pool of highly trained and skilled staff has an enormous impact on children’s lives. Providers in the sector face a number of financial and recruitment challenges, but this initiative will help to ease the cost of training new staff, and build a talented workforce for the future.” South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy. But if we’re going to get there, and if everyone is going to be able to access the jobs and opportunities that the new economy will bring, we need to make sure people have the right educational skills, so they can access opportunity wherever it might be." “That’s what our new Apprenticeship Hub is all about; offering people, organisations and businesses a ‘one-stop shop’ for all the information and support they need to get the right skills, in the right place, so we can all benefit from more jobs.” The Apprenticeship Levy was launched in 2017 and requires large employers to earmark funding for apprenticeships. The matchmaking service will ensure that unused funding is made available to smaller businesses and organisations in the region, giving them the opportunity to take on apprentices with no training costs. The Apprentice Levy Matchmaking Service was launched alongside the new South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub (with which Sheffield Hallam is involved as a provider of degree apprentices) on 5 December 2023. SYMCA‘s first ambition is to bring 300 new high-quality apprenticeships to the region by June 2025.

ARC-UK Technologies, one of the first providers of digital print and document imaging to work towards being carbon net zero, has ramped up its sustainability efforts by investing more than £1m in eco-friendly printing that saves resources, enhances time efficiency and improves sustainability practices. The investment allows ARC-UK Technologies, which provides vinyl displays for some of the UK’s largest companies, to further support companies and communities’ net carbon zero ambitions by offering neutral print production at speed and scale. The wide format Fujifilm printing press, called the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED, uses recyclable inks which are free from environmentally damaging solvents and uses up to half the energy of traditional printing machines. The second to be installed in the UK, the press has the capability to eco-friendly print all the signage for a 1.6 million sq. ft shopping malls, such as Bluewater in Kent, in just 48 hours. Darren Moorhouse, Head of Sales UK & Europe, said: “The investment highlights our continued journey towards achieving our carbon net zero targets within the UK Governments stipulated timelines, whilst allowing us to further align with industry-leading sustainability strategies, from some of the UK’s leading companies, to provide carbon neutral print and document solutions. We can now drive greater levels of productivity without compromising on neutral status or cost efficiencies.” ARC-UK Technologies has witnessed rapid business growth in recent years because of its sustainability and print credentials, with turnover nearly doubling in just three years. Today, the company announced that from 2021 figures rocketed from £5.9m to £9.2m for 2023, a 56% increase. Darren added: “Beyond the environmental benefits of practicing sustainable habits, businesses can reap financial rewards when they choose to be environmentally friendly. We are finding that customers are more likely to partner with companies that engage in and promote sustainable practices.” Last year ARC-UK Technologies and Landsec, one of the UK’s largest property and investment companies, formed a strategic partnership, working together on opportunities to help reduce carbon emissions, helping to support local council’s carbon neutral strategies. This included neutral print production at Landsec’s major retail destinations in Leeds, Dartford, London, Somerset, Hertfordshire, Portsmouth, Oxford, Cardiff, Essex and West Yorkshire. The investment builds on the company’s rapid sustainability strategy. In 2022 ARC-UK Technologies, became one of the first print businesses in the UK to work towards having a carbon-net zero headquarters with a newly built 30,000 sq. ft multi-million-pound facility in Dartford, helping to kickstart Kent County Council’s plans to be net zero by 2030. The company plans to be using 100% renewable energy this year and is in discussions to purchase 60 solar panels for its Dartford facility. ARC-UK Technologies is part of New York listed ARC Document Solutions, which provides digital printing and document-related services to more than 90,000 customers worldwide and operates in more than 140 locations.

35% of UK-based CEOs saw a drop in their overall remuneration in 2022, finds newly published research from Vlerick Business School. Conducted by Professor Xavier Baeten and researcher Marthe Van Hove, the annual CEO Remuneration study analyses the compensation practices of CEOs in the Stoxx 600, a stock index of 600 large, mid and small-cap companies across 15 countries in Europe. This year, it is based on the latest available data from 2022 and reveals insights into the developing levels, structures, and complexity of CEO pay. CEO pay reflects a company's strategy, stakeholder expectations, and market conditions, and the executive remuneration report provides insight into how it works, as well as concrete pay figures. The data was hand-collected by researchers. According to the study, the median total remuneration of CEOs in the Stoxx 600 was approximately £3.011 million (€3.5 million) in 2022, a slight decrease from almost £3.096 million (€3.6 million) in 2021. The median total remuneration of CEOs in the Stoxx 600 was nearly stable at approximately £3.011 million (€3.5 million) in 2022, with a marginal decrease of €55,000, from the 2021 figure of almost £3.096 million (€3.6 million). However, there was significant variation across countries, with Germany, the UK and France having the highest median pay. The median total remuneration in Germany was £4,118,274.30 (€4,787,522), beating both the medians for the UK (£3,533,715.15 or €4,107,968) and France (£3,428,217.28 or €3,985,326). On the other end of the scale, the median total remuneration in Sweden was £1,512,857.35 (€1,758,707), in the Netherlands it was £2,223,539.62 (€2,584,880), and in Belgium it was £2,686,226.80 (€3,122,757). The study also found that 66% of UK CEOs received an increase in their total remuneration from 2021, whilst 34% have since seen their total pay packages decrease. Baeten and Van Hove also explored the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to determine short-term incentives (STI) and long-term incentives (LTI) for CEOs. They found that while financial KPIs were still dominant, environmental, social and governance (ESG) KPIs are becoming more prevalent year after year. The results showed that UK CEOs are more likely to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their short-term performance incentives compared to the average of companies in the Stoxx 600 index. However, when it comes to long-term incentives, the opposite is true. For instance, 29% of UK CEOs include reducing emissions as a goal in their short-term incentives, while this is at 24% for the Stoxx 600. On the other hand, in long-term incentives, 73% of UK firms include relative return measures, compared with only 52% for the Stoxx 600 as a whole. When examining the top 10 most commonly utilised KPIs in STIs across the Stoxx 600, half of them are associated with ESG —namely, employee engagement, emissions, health and safety, environmental strategy, and diversity. Next to reducing emission (29%), health & safety (24%), the development of an environmental strategy (22%), and diversity (20%) are among the most popular KPIs determining short-term incentives. For the first time, the study also measured the complexity of CEO pay, using a scorecard that considered the number and type of pay instruments, performance measures, ESG dimensions and holding periods. The study found that the complexity of CEO pay has increased drastically over the past five years. “We see an interesting relationship between pay systems and share ownership structures. In cases of more concentrated share ownership, pay systems are less complex. On the other hand, when higher-stakes are held by institutional investors, pay systems are more complex. In our opinion, this is related to the fact that major shareholders exercise more direct monitoring, being frequent performance dialogues, etc. This decreases the need for highly formulaic and controlling incentive systems," says Professor Baeten. “Even though there isn't an immediate consequence of having excessively complex CEO pay structures, our observation indicates that after three years of doing so, companies tend to experience negative financial impacts on their overall business. Boards need to carefully strike a balance, providing incentives for leadership without making it overly complex to the extent that it leads to a lower financial performance.” Partnered with Deloitte, the Executive Remuneration Centre at Vlerick Business School, where Professor Xavier Baeten and Marthe Van Hove are both based, produced this annual survey to show the year-on-year development in executive compensation.

Nova Motorsport is a new global motorsport brand poised to revolutionise the world of premium competition and specialist tyres. The new company, founded by Paul Hallas, Managing Director of parent company, SPC Rubber Group, is dedicated to creating a range of superior premium competition and specialist tyres that will deliver unforgettable experiences and exemplary performance on the racetrack and beyond. To quickly establish the new business, a strong and experienced commercial and technical team has been assembled. Nova Motorsport’s in-house R&D department, with its newly formed team of global industry experts, aims to eclipse industry standards for bespoke tyre technology and speed to market, setting new benchmarks for performance and customer service. The brand’s ambition is to be the number one choice for specialist high-performance, low-volume automotive manufacturers, connoisseurs and private collectors. Nova Motorsport aims to establish its brand presence in global motorsport and the racing community. By concentrating exclusively on the motorsport and specialist tyre sectors, the brand will leverage its specialised knowledge and expertise to create tyres to deliver success in ultra-demanding racing conditions. Founder, Paul Hallas, said: “Our strategy is inspired by the opportunity to flip the motorsport tyre business marketing model on its head by focusing solely on low-volume racing and specialist tyres as the core of our commercial offering. With an impressive team of motorsport and tyre industry experts already on board, we will introduce several exciting products in the premium competition and specialist tyre market this year." "Supported by our established parent company, SPC, and new business partners internationally, we look forward to growing the Nova Motorsport team, business and brand globally.” New appointments include Paul Coates, who joins the Nova Motorsport launch team bringing in-depth industry experience from his former role as the head of Avon Motorsport, which he held for over a decade. Paul has a profound understanding of numerous motorsport disciplines, including Formula 1, hillclimbing, rallying, rallycross, and more. Paul Coates said: “Many of the world’s tyre manufacturers look upon the low-volume racing and specialist tyre sector as a marketing tool for their broader business. For Nova Motorsport, this is our only business. This gives us the flexibility, focus and dedication to deliver exceptional products with performance, quality, and customer service at the core of everything we do.” The team’s expertise will enable Nova Motorsport to tailor its tyre offerings to meet the specific needs of diverse racing categories. In addition, the brand is committed to substantial investments in research and development to ensure Nova Motorsport remains firmly at the forefront of tyre technology for competition cars and high-performance vehicles. Nova Motorsport will make further announcements detailing the brand’s products and partnerships in the coming weeks. The brand will be an exhibitor at Retromobile – The Classic Car Show, in Paris from 31 January to 4 February 2024 (Hall 1, M-002). For more information, visit www.novamotorsport.com

Board directors of leading firms with an annual turnover of over $250 million, are intensifying their focus on developing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for use in their sector as initial projects they have run deliver strong results, new research from Ocorian, a market leader in regulation and compliance services for funds, corporates, capital markets and private clients. Key Findings: Three out of five board directors of leading firms are very focused on developing AI in their sector, Ocorian study shows More than two in five have seen strong results from projects they have already run Compliance and regulation and identifying and reviewing investments seen as the key uses for AI by board directors The international study with board directors found 61% are very focused on the development of AI for their sector while 33% say they are quite focused. Just 6% are not focused or do not have a view. Almost all (94%) say AI will be important to the success of their company over the next five years including 53% who believe AI will be very important to how their fund performs. That is partly explained by the success of projects that firms have run with AI – around two in five (41%) have seen strong results from tests they have done, and the same number say the results have been quite strong. Just 14% say projects have delivered average results while just 4% did not express a view or said they had not at least tested AI. Ocorian ’s study found that compliance and regulation is regarded as the area most likely to provide a role for the use of AI with identifying and reviewing investments ranked as the second most likely area for the use of AI. Administration, client servicing and recruitment are also seen as a fertile ground for the use of AI. Relatively low numbers of board directors ranked sales and marketing as areas where AI could play a major role. More than four out of five (86%) of board directors questioned said their budgets for AI will increase over the next two years with nearly two in five (37%) predicting a dramatic increase in budgets. Yegor Lanovenko, Co-Head of Fund Services at Ocorian, said: “It is clear that generative AI has transformative potential for productivity, ways of working and economy as a whole." "When new technologies emerge, they benefit different sectors at different times. First companies spend time experimenting with generative AI, before starting to plan to deploy on a larger scale. This research shows AI is being embraced by the alternative funds sector with fund managers globally along this pattern, recognising its potential and competitive advantages for first movers." “Alternative fund managers are moving from an experimentation period after achieving success with pilots to larger scale adoption for real-world use cases across investment operations, compliance and managing risks." “Given the continued investment into AI globally, we can expect more AI products to hit the market, and there is potential for alternative managers to take the lead in early adoption with the help of partners with a strong technology and innovation ethos to navigate emerging regulatory landscape, implementation and privacy considerations." "Alternative fund managers see a growing role for AI in compliance and regulation as well as identifying and selecting investments but that is likely to change as firms make more use of the technology and it underlines the need for partners with strong technological understanding.”

A 400 ft Anglesey landmark that has dominated the local skyline for more than 50 years is set to be razed to the ground.    It is part of a contract that is valued at £410,000 for Nottingham based Total Reclaims Demolition and will be one of the largest chimney demolitions performed by the firm. The team has been tasked with the continued clearing of the former Anglesey Aluminium plant in Holyhead, North Wales.    The 15-week contract was won by the firm following an open tender process and subsequent negotiation with East Midlands based company, Rock Civil Engineering. The specialist controlled explosion of the huge 400 ft (122 metre) tall concrete chimney in Holyhead follows a smaller chimney demolition performed by the firm in Derbyshire in 2020. Work began earlier this month on the demolition of around 200,000 sq. ft. of smelting and storage sheds. No exact date has yet been set for reducing the chimney at the former alumina processing plant to rubble.    Ewan Cross, Project Manager, and the grandson of the founder of Total Reclaims Demolition, the late Melvyn Cross Snr, said: “We currently have two 50-tonne high-reach Volvos deployed at the site, supplemented by two 30-tonne Komatsus, which are the newest machines to our fleet.” He added: “The majority of the project is our bread-and-butter type of work. However, the blow-down of the chimney is the really exciting part. It’s not every day that something like this comes along."   "In fact, the last chimney we blew was around three years ago and it was a quarter of the size of this, and that’s what makes it interesting for me. It’s the second explosive project I’ve been involved with since stepping up and following in my father and late grandfather's footsteps and I’m ready for it.”    The former Anglesey Aluminium site closed down over a decade ago, with production ceasing in 2013. In 2016, the site was taken over by the Orthios Group, however, its recycling venture collapsed in 2022 with the loss of 140 jobs.    The site, renamed Prosperity Parc, now has a new owner, Swedish shipping line company Stena Line, which purchased the land to expand its operation at the Freeport.    The expansion has been hailed as a new start. According to local reports, Anglesey Freeport redevelopment is forecast to deliver up to 13,000 jobs across North Wales.

A major college campus with development potential in Worthing, West Sussex has been put up for sale. Property consultancy Vail Williams is inviting freehold bids for the 5.9-acre Northbrook College Broadwater Campus site. The owner, Chichester College Group is selling the campus in order to consolidate its provision in Worthing and facilitate investment in its existing West Durrington and Worthing sites. The site, with buildings totalling approximately 118,489 sq ft, is in a prime central urban location just to the north of the town centre. The premises will continue to be occupied as a college until September 2025 with the vendors taking a short leaseback up to that date. In the future, Chichester College Group intends to deliver Northbrook College courses at its other college locations in the Worthing area, including Northbrook’s West Durrington campus and Worthing College. All existing provision will continue in the area as long as there is demand. Vail Williams Partner Steve Berrett said: “This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a rarely available educational facility in an affluent and growing Sussex town, located just 11 miles west of Brighton." “Worthing’s unique location, being nestled between the South Downs and the sea, creates an attractive redevelopment proposition." “The site will likely appeal to a wide range of purchasers and end users, including educational providers, care homes, property investors, and alternative commercial occupiers looking to take advantage of the existing building accommodation." “There are excellent redevelopment and repositioning opportunities here, subject to planning, with three positively received, architect-designed pre-application masterplan options for educational, care home and residential uses.” Steve added: “From a personal point of view I grew up locally, attended Worthing College and both my colleague Mikael Goldsmith and I started our professional careers in the town. We are looking forward to working with the college to assist them through this disposal and reinvestment strategy.” The vendors are seeking the freehold sale of whole site (consideration to sale in part) with a strong preference for unconditional offers. The bid deadline is 2pm on Thursday 7th March. On site is an established educational college campus with a combination of new build and fully refurbished legacy buildings, along with some unused buildings to the west of the site. To the rear of the site there is green space, sports court, engineering workshops and an around 130 car parking spaces. There has been an educational establishment on the site since 1912 with West Sussex College of Art and Design becoming Northbrook College Sussex in 1986 and, following mergers, forming part of Chichester College Group in 2022. The group is the largest provider of further education in West Sussex and Brighton & Hove, educating and training around 25,000 full and part time students every year across seven colleges. Chichester College Group Chief Operating Officer Jon Rollings said: “Like all businesses, we have had to make decisions that maximise our assets and rationalise our space." “The proceeds of the Broadwater Campus sale will be reinvested into our Worthing-based college sites, providing better facilities for young people, apprentices and adults to study and develop their skills.” Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

Fruit and vegetables are strongly recommended as part of a healthy and balanced diet and here are 10 reasons to think about adding them to your daily diet. Nutrient-Rich : They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Fibre : They are a good source of dietary fibre, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. Low in Calories : Most fruits and vegetables are low in calories, making them ideal for weight management. Disease Prevention : Regular consumption can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers. Hydration : Many fruits and veggies have high water content, helping to maintain hydration. Variety : There's a wide range of flavours, textures, and colours, making meals more enjoyable and diverse. Natural Sweetness : Fruits can satisfy sweet cravings in a healthier way than sugary snacks. Nutrient Synergy : They provide a combination of nutrients that work together for optimal health. Versatility : They can be incorporated into various dishes, from salads to smoothies, enhancing taste and nutrition. Sustainable : Growing fruits and vegetables can be more environmentally friendly compared to raising livestock. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet can contribute to a balanced and nutritious lifestyle so why not make a start by trying a new fruit or vegetable today?

Tulips, with their vibrant and diverse array of colours, have captivated the hearts of garden enthusiasts and flower lovers for centuries. These elegant blooms have a rich history, a wide range of varieties, and a significant cultural significance that has made them one of the most beloved flowers worldwide. In this piece, we'll delve into the enchanting world of tulips, exploring their origins, symbolism, varieties, and enduring popularity. A Blooming History Tulips, known scientifically as Tulipa, have a fascinating history that spans centuries and continents. Originally native to Central Asia, these beautiful flowers were introduced to Europe in the 16th century. They quickly became a symbol of wealth and status, leading to the famous "Tulip Mania" in the Dutch Golden Age, during which tulip bulbs were considered as valuable as gold. Today, tulips are associated with the Netherlands, which is one of the largest producers and exporters of tulip bulbs in the world. A Rainbow Of Colours One of the most striking features of tulips is their incredible diversity of colours. From the classic red, yellow, and white tulips to more exotic shades like purple, orange, and even bi-colored varieties, tulips offer an extensive palette for gardeners and florists. These colours hold various meanings, with red symbolising love and white representing purity and forgiveness. The choice of tulip colour can add depth and sentiment to floral arrangements. Symbolism And Meaning Tulips carry a wealth of symbolism across cultures. In Persia, where they are believed to have originated, red tulips symbolize true love. In the language of flowers, or "floriography," red tulips represent a declaration of love. Meanwhile, yellow tulips symbolize cheerful thoughts and sunshine, making them a popular choice to convey feelings of happiness and positivity. Overall, tulips are associated with expressions of love, gratitude, and beauty. Popular Varieties Tulips are classified into various groups based on their characteristics, including shape, size, and bloom time. Some popular tulip varieties include: Single Early Tulips : These are some of the first tulips to bloom in spring and come in a wide range of colours. Darwin Hybrid Tulips : Known for their large, vibrant blooms and strong, sturdy stems, these tulips are ideal for both gardens and cut flower arrangements. Parrot Tulips : These exotic-looking tulips feature fringed, feather-like petals and come in an assortment of vivid colours. Triumph Tulips : Known for their classic tulip shape and bold colours, Triumph tulips are excellent for garden borders. Fringed Tulips : These tulips have distinctive fringed edges on their petals, adding a unique and delicate touch to floral displays. Year-Round Popularity Tulips are celebrated not just for their beauty but also for their ability to bloom during different seasons. By planting a variety of tulip bulbs, you can enjoy their vibrant colours from early spring to late spring, ensuring a continuous display of floral elegance. Tulips are more than just a pretty flower; they are a symbol of love, beauty, and the changing of seasons. With their rich history, diverse colour range, and deep cultural significance, tulips have rightfully earned their place as one of the world's most cherished flowers. Whether you're planting them in your garden or presenting them in a bouquet, tulips continue to enchant and inspire with their timeless elegance.

Every thespian knows that ‘the show must go on’, but during 2024 Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is celebrating keeping it on for 100 years! Since being founded in 1924, the theatre has only ever suffered two brief periods of closure – the 2020/21 COVID lockdown and when building and relocating to its current 120-seater venue in Holme Street in 1992/3. Not even the Second World War could prevent the curtain being raised, with well over 70,000 seats being sold during the six-year conflict, despite fears of air raids and gas attacks. Programmes even warned that patrons were expected to bring their gas masks to the performance. And the same Blitz Spirit has been evident in overcoming the floods with which Hebden Bridge has unfortunately become synonymous. Although the Boxing Day Flood of 2015 covered the theatre two feet deep in foul water, the help of volunteers, the army and the community ensured that everything was up and running again within a few weeks, and no shows had to be cancelled. Hannah Stow, President of Hebden Bridge Little Theatre (photo attached), says: “We have since installed flood doors, and although there will doubtless be other challenges to face, the resilience we have always shown in the face of adversity should help us overcome them." “I am so proud to be the theatre’s president during the Centenary year, and hope the public helps us celebrate in style by attending some of the superb events we have lined up in honour of the anniversary.” Fittingly, as it was penned in 1924, the five-play Centenary schedule kicks off with Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, being staged between February 26 and March 2. Hannah Stow, who is directing the production herself, continues: “This play sees Coward at his hilarious best, and we have a highly talented and experienced cast who are already smashing it in rehearsals. I’m confident this will prove a cracking Centenary showpiece.” Tickets for Hay Fever and other Centenary productions cost £11-£9, and can be obtained here online. The other Centenary productions scheduled for 2024 are: April 8-13 --- The Long Road by Shelagh Stephenson June 17 -22 --- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare October 7 -12 --- Beryl by Maxine Peake December 2-7 ---- One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean.

Econ Engineering’s fully electric-powered gritter has secured a landmark contract with UK highways specialist Ringway signing up to take delivery of the revolutionary E-QCB (Electric Quick Change Body).   The first ever completely electric vehicle of its kind on the market utilises the very latest in sustainable technology without diminishing performance, helping customers cut their emissions footprint.   As the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, Yorkshire-based Econ Engineering supplies gritters, hot boxes and tippers to hundreds of local councils and contractors, spanning the length and breadth of the UK.   The E-QCB enables the vehicle’s bodywork to be switched between gritter, tipper or caged body modes, with easy transformation taking no longer than 15 minutes.   With more than 300 local authorities having declared a climate emergency, the Government has already issued guidance on how those councils, and other UK businesses, should be looking to switch their fleets to zero emissions vehicles ahead of 2035.   Ringway, responsible for looking after more than 50,000kms of the UKs highways network, has a long-term strategic fleet partnership with Econ and is the first contractor to sign up to a deal for the E-QCB.   Both sustainable and practical, the E-QCB 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric, comes with a range of demountable body options including gritter, tipper & caged body, which can be switched within just 15 minutes.   Designed with versatility in mind, the vehicle comes with alternative battery configurations to allow optimisation of range and payload, it can be fully charged in less than two hours (subject to infrastructure), runs near-silent with a range of up to 170 miles (depending on load and road conditions), and with no exhaust gases produced, can make deliveries in zero emission zones.   Vigorously tested during a recent demonstration tour around the UK, the E-QCB has already gained praise and endorsements while gritting rural routes in snowy Yorkshire, spreading sand for a Royal procession in central London and negotiating inner city streets in Scotland while collecting refuse.   Dave Olley, Operations Manager at Ringway said: “Ringway Hertfordshire is committed to delivering a sustainable service. Working with Econ Engineering we trialled the fully electric E-QCB multi-purpose vehicle and are now looking forward to adding it to our fleet and putting it to use on the UK’s road network.” Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ Engineering, said: “We have spent a long time developing the E-QCB, undertaking comprehensive redesigns and trials across the UK, to ensure that we can offer a fully electric solution for our customers that can be used 52 weeks a year." “We are delighted to extend what is already a strong relationship with Ringway by adding the E-QCB to its fleet. We are confident the vehicle will continue to impress and that its benefits will soon result in more deals of this kind.”   Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception. The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.”   Feedback from the demonstration tour included:   North Yorkshire Council: The E-QCB was tested to the limit on a cold, snowy day at Sutton Bank which has a hill gradient of 1 in 4, and includes plenty of tight bends. The vehicle undertook two 40-mile gritting runs and an NYC spokesperson said: “The vehicle impressed us especially coping with the hills and had excellent range for an electric vehicle.”   The City of Edinburgh Council: The E-QCB was put through extensive testing in both urban and hilly locations, with a council spokesperson remarking: “Simple effortless drive, easy vehicle to use. Excellent build quality – would love one in our fleet.”   Glasgow City Council: On a 90-mile gritting route in urban Glasgow, carrying an eight-ton non-diminishing payload, it returned with an impressive 13% battery life remaining, while a 50-mile gritting route saw it return to the depot with 47% battery usage. A council spokesperson said: “Vehicle exceeded expectations, excellent build quality, cannot fault the vehicle at all.”   City of Bradford District Council: The vehicle’s flexible attributes were tested on a couple of routes, utilising both the tipper and then the gritter body, with a council spokesman commenting: “Great drive, was pleasantly surprised. Quiet and comfortable.”   City of Westminster: The E-QCB was used to lay sand across London’s streets in readiness for the King’s carriage as he attended the State Opening of Parliament. It travelled 66 miles in an urban environment and finished with 51% battery charge.

Small business confidence lost ground in the final three months of 2023, reversing gains made earlier in the year, according to FSB’s latest quarterly Small Business Index (SBI). The headline confidence reading was -15.0 points in Q4, down from -8.0 points in Q3, and similar to Q2’s result of -14.2 points. FSB’s Small Business Index, in partnership with Google, also showed a large divergence in confidence levels across major sectors, with most remaining some way below zero. Hospitality remained the gloomiest sector by far, with the confidence reading for accommodation and food services businesses -73.0 points, down from -31.1. points in Q3. Retail firms also saw their confidence level fall, from -22.8 points in Q3 to -29.8 points in Q4. Manufacturing firms saw a large dip in confidence levels between the third and fourth quarters, going from -6.7 points to -26.2, while the construction sector stayed fairly steady at -8.0 (Q3: -7.7). The professional, scientific and technical sector swung from +6.9 points in Q3 to -4.7 in Q4, while the information and communication segment saw a reversal of Q3’s lightly negative -3.5 points to a healthy +24.4 points. Reported revenues were more or less flat on the previous quarter in Q4, with a third (33.8%) of small firms saying their revenues increased over the period (Q3: 33.5%), while 39.8% noted a drop in revenues (Q3: 39.4%). It is the seventh consecutive quarter to show a negative net balance of small firms reporting revenue growth, and underlines the need for the upcoming Spring Budget to build on the pro-grow measures in the Autumn Statement. Looking forward, almost exactly the same proportion of small firms expect their revenues to grow over the first quarter of this year (31.6%) as expect them to decrease (32.0%) – a deterioration from the Q3 survey, which found that over a third expected higher sales volumes (35.4%), while three in ten (30.8%) were bracing for a decrease. The share of small businesses looking forward to growth in the coming year fell slightly in Q4 compared with the previous quarter, from 49.6% to 48.2%. More worryingly, the proportion predicting that they would contract crept upward from one in eight (12.7%) in Q3 to over one in seven (15.0%) in the final quarter of 2023. The domestic economy was the largest perceived barrier to growth, cited by over three-fifths of small firms (61.8%), down from 63.5% in Q3. Consumer demand was next-most commonly cited, at three in ten (30.7%), down from one in three in Q3 (33.3%). Labour costs, however, saw the greatest increase between Q3 and Q4 as a cited barrier to growth, jumping from a fifth (21.2%) to over a quarter (27.3%), while the tax burden was also cited by more firms, going from 20.9% in Q3 to 23.2% in Q4. Indications of cost pressures eased somewhat, with 82.5% of small firms saying the cost of running their business was higher in Q4 2023 than in the same period in 2022, down from 86.0% in Q3. Looking at the proportion who said this cost was significantly higher than 12 months ago, the fall from 28.9% in Q3 to 24.7% in Q4 was encouraging. While this is the lowest result on this measure since Q4 2021, two years ago, it remains much higher than the average over the past decade. Of the factors driving cost changes, utilities were once again the most commonly-cited cause, chosen by over three in five small firms (62.5%), a position they have held since Q1 2022. Labour costs regained the second-place spot, cited by 45.7% of firms, up from 42.8% in Q3. Tax costs also ticked upward as a factor, cited by a fifth (19.7%) of firms in Q3 but by a quarter (24.2%) in Q4, the highest proportion since Q1 2022. Among small exporters, there were mixed results over Q4, with over a quarter (26.1%) saying they grew their exports over the period in question, up from 24.4% in Q3, but with a jump in the proportion who reported a fall in exports, up from 26.9% in Q3 to 36.9% in Q4. Late payments are causing headaches for two in three small businesses (65.8%), up from three in five (60.8%) in Q3. Notably, the proportion of small firms saying their existing late payment problem had become worse over the course of the last three months jumped from one in five in Q3 (20.5%) to over a quarter in Q4 (27.4%). Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “Losing the ground made up in the third quarter in terms of the overall confidence level among small firms should be a wake-up call to the Government and to decision-makers." “It’s especially disheartening that this slip in confidence happened in the so-called ‘golden quarter’, which so many hospitality and retail firms in particular rely on to shore up their finances ahead of the new year’s belt-tightening." “With small hospitality firms reporting a big fall in their confidence, there are fears of yet more distress and closures among this sector, so vital to community spirit and our social fabric. The help extended to small firms in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors at the Autumn Statement via an extension of business rates relief is a welcome start, and will mitigate their tax burden later this year, but right now things are tough." “The lack of optimism for revenue growth in the first three months of 2024 points to trouble ahead, even as the economy bumps along just above the level which would trigger an official recession. Turning around the mood among many small businesses is going to require strong measures to promote growth in the Spring Budget." “The figures on late payment show why it was so important for the Chancellor to call attention to the issue in the Autumn Statement speech. It’s obviously far too early for his words to have had an impact yet, but we look forward to more progress in getting money to small firms in a timely fashion. Cashflow issues are all too often fatal to small firms." “We’d like to see small firms given a lift by an increased VAT threshold of at least £100,000, to make up some of the amount lost through years of a freeze which has dragged many across the £85,000 limit, and curtailed the growth of tens of thousands of other businesses. This would improve revenues and ease financial pressures." “The export numbers indicate that the barriers faced by small exporters are hampering their operations. We’re looking forward to the introduction of the Single Trade Window later this year, so small firms can benefit from a ‘once and done’ approach to the collection of the data they need to provide to export or import, and are working with the Government to ensure that it is small business-friendly. The ‘de minimis’ customs duty threshold should also be increased to £1,000, to relieve margin pressure, while international visitors to the UK should be encouraged to splash out via the reintroduction of tax-free shopping." “It’s hard to find much by way of signs of optimism in the results, although the fall in cost inflation – and the general downward trend in inflation since its peak in late 2022 – is certainly good news. Small firms are still contending with higher costs than at the same time last year, but the pressure has loosened to an appreciable degree." “High interest rates have reduced small firms’ margins and held back their ability to invest in their business, so we would look to the Bank of England to cut the base rate as soon as possible, to minimise the economic damage caused." “Small firms are ever the economy’s canary in the coalmine, more exposed to shifts in consumer behaviour and changing circumstances due to their lower levels of reserves to fall back on. With many fighting hard to keep going amid challenging circumstances, their ingenuity, grit, and tenacity are being tested to the limit.”