Logistics Newsroom | Trusted Sources

Logistics 2026-03-28 11:13

East Midlands Movers and Shakers: Repeat Digital, Enrok, Bridge Help, Eurovia, Purpose Media, Stepnell and more

Bridge Help: Chesterfield-based commercial finance specialist Bridge Help has promoted Katie Snodden to the newly created role of head of sales. The promotion recognises the contribution Katie has made to the business since she joined as a business development manager in 2021. In 2022 alone Katie secured more than £8 million worth of loans for brokers throughout England and Wales. In her newly created role, she will now lead Bridge Help’s development managers in growing the company’s loan book which it aims to double in 2023. Katie said: “I am thrilled to take on this exciting role. One of the many reasons I joined Bridge Help was the opportunity to grow my career and skillset within the business.” Repeat Digital: A Nottingham digital marketing agency has added an experienced pay-per-click expert to its team – and plans to make two more appointments as industry confidence grows. PPC agency Repeat Digital, based in Long Eaton, has appointed Layton Weatherall as paid media account manager, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of multiple campaigns including paid search and search engine optimisation strategies. Layton has worked in the industry for seven years, including at website providers GoDaddy, and is the first of three appointments which the agency plans to make this year. Commercial director Rob Sherwood said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Layton to Repeat Digital. “He brings with him a huge amount of experience, especially in an account management role, and his ability to liaise with clients is really importa:nt for us. “There was a dip in confidence at the end of last year, but there is a real bounce-back feeling in the industry now and we’re feeling upbeat about this year.” Repeat was founded by entrepreneur Olly Fisher in 2017 and offers online services including pay-per-click and Google Ads for companies in sectors including law, fitness and health and safety. Enrok Construction: Derbyshire headquartered Enrok Construction has appointed a new quantity surveyor. Stuart Wedge, who has almost a decade of experience in the sector, joins Enrok to work across the company’s ongoing projects the Midlands, including turning a former mill in Crocus Street, Nottingham into 27 apartments and a new affordable housing scheme in Handsworth. He said: “Enrok has a strong team in place already and I am looking forward to adding my experience to the company. “The company’s growth ambitions and the potential for me to develop my role on numerous ongoing projects really appealed to me. “Our work within the affordable housing sector is also something that aligns with my values. I wanted to be part of a company that is committed to working with housing associations to deliver more affordable homes for people across the UK.” Enrok Construction is a privately owned construction company, operating across the UK from its headquarters in Derbyshire and a newly opened office in the West Midlands. Eurovia: Site manager Jack Foster is not letting disability stand in the way of achieving his personal goals. Jack, 25, has cerebral palsy with an autism element but is currently training for this third marathon while also studying for his civil engineering HNC with Derby College Group. He has already raised £2,000 for national charity Cerebral Palsy Sport in the five years since he took up running, completing the Rutland and Robin Hood marathons. Jack, who is a site manager with construction group Eurovia, is grateful to both his college lecturers and his employer for their support. He said: “My disability affects how I digest information. I have a shorter attention span and I struggle with motor skills. It’s meant I’ve had to look at how I learn and develop so I can do things differently and get the most out of college. Derby College has offered me one-to-one support, advice if I need it and extra time to finish assignments.” Last year he won the Institute of Civil Engineers East Midlands civil engineering achiever award, and would like to be a contracts manager one day. He currently splits his time at work between the office and helping to run a Derby-based construction project on site. Astute Recruitment: Trevor Dimmock has joined the team to head up the executive search division to identify top talent for clients. He has worked for some of the largest names in the industry. Ellie Eaton has joined to work alongside Liz Champion in office support roles. This team covers all temporary and permanent non-finance roles including HR, admin and customer services. Kristen Lightbody joins from EMEA Recruitment and will be connecting qualified finance professionals with permanent roles and developing new and existing client relationships within the Midlands. Damian Salvatore has also joined the business, placing experienced finance individuals with temporary and contract roles. Managing director Sarah Stevenson said: “Here at Astute Recruitment, acquiring the right talent is the most important key to our growth, which is why I’m delighted to be welcoming amazing new people to the team and look forward to supporting their development and watching them contribute to our future success.” Purpose Media: Marketing agency Purpose Media has further strengthened its team following the appointment of Lauren Sherwin as a senior account manager. Lauren, who now lives in Derbyshire was previously based in Nottingham and worked for a global creative agency as a production account manager, which specialises in designing packaging. In her new role, she will be responsible for clients in the retail, manufacturing and sport sectors helping them to define their marketing strategy, target audiences and marketing tactics. Lauren said: “After coming back to the UK after living in America for a year, I was looking for a role in which I could really make my own and have the opportunity to thrive. “Having come from a creative background I was impressed by Purpose Media’s reputation and its positioning to engage audiences, inspire customers and more importantly deliver a return on investment.” Purpose Media is based in South Normanton on the Notts/Derby Border. Key clients include Derby County FC, Middlesex Cricket, East Midlands Chamber, True Refrigeration, Bam Boom Cloud, Incora, Rivus Fleet and Glenair. Stepnell: Construction partner Stepnell has announced the senior promotions of Lewis Archibald and Christian White to lead on pre-construction support and frameworks for design and build projects. Lewis is now pre-construction director, in addition to his existing responsibilities as framework director. Christian has been promoted to SCAPE framework manager, which adds to his existing role as senior pre-construction manager. Managing director Tom Wakeford said: “On behalf of the board of directors, it is with great pleasure that we can announce these well-deserved promotions. “Both Lewis and Christian have gone above and beyond to oversee the delivery of many successful projects and bids this year, which has resulted in securing fantastic business opportunities through frameworks, which now account for more than 50 per cent of our work.” Macildowie: Macildowie has announced a major new appointment since becoming the UK’s first recruitment and retention consultancy. After almost three decades as one of the Midland’s leading recruitment consultancies, the new offering is part of the company’s mission to help businesses, who are looking to scale their workforce while investing in retaining and engaging their best staff. As part of the new approach, Macildowie has appointed Des Potter as head of recruitment process outsourcing. A qualified forensic psychologist, Des joins the consultancy after more than a decade working in the recruitment and talent management sector. Chief executive James Taylor said: “The last few years have brought significant changes and challenges for both employers and employees, and we are proud to shift our approach to become the UK’s first recruitment and retention consultancy to help businesses succeed by finding, attracting and retaining their best talent.

Logistics 2026-03-27 11:25

Humber's pulling power boosted by latest tug additions

Two new tugboats have been added to the Humber fleet of SMS Towage. The Hessle-based maritime firm has invested once more to replace older, less efficient vessels, bringing further capability in the handling of bulk carriers and super tankers. Trueman and Kingsman, Ramparts 2200 class sister tugs, each boast two Caterpillar 1,500kw diesel engines, and will be deployed to manoeuvre the large estuary arrivals onto the jetties and terminals at Hull and Immingham. Read more: Grimsby cold storage giants to unite as HSH swoops for ACS&T in £16.5m deal Paul Escreet, chairman of SMS Towage, said: “For many years, the Humber Estuary has been the busiest trading area in the UK. It has a fast and powerful tide and so there needs to be a fleet of powerful tugs available to ensure that vessels are able to manoeuvre and berth safely. “This latest investment in our fleet means we can provide our loyal customers with more modern and environmentally friendly tugs at the Humber ports, strengthening the existing fleet to meet our specific operational needs.” SMS, launched 30 years ago, is the UK’s largest independent towage company, providing berthing support and assistance to the North Sea offshore oil and renewable energy sector. It has again turned to the Turkish Sanmar Shipyards, from where it welcomed the fleet’s 20th vessel a year ago. Prior to puchase they had been part of Sanmar's own fleet. Based on a design by Canadian naval architectural practice Robert Allen Ltd, they are 22.4m long, with a 10.8m beam and 4.85m draft. Both can achieve bollard pulls of 52 tons ahead and 49 tons astern, with a free running speed of 11.5 knots. The tugs’ tank capacities include approximately 72 sq m of fuel oil, 10.8 sq m of fresh water and a 2.4 sq m foam tank. A fire-fighting pump is driven through clutched flexible coupling in front of each main engine with a capacity of 1,200m3/hour. The company has now supplied 14 vessels, since the Scotsman in 2008. Ruchan Civgin, commercial director at Sanmar Shipyards, said: “We have had a long term, mutually beneficial relationship with our friends at SMS Towage and we are delighted that we can once again provide them with the type of tugboats that fit their successful business’s specific operational needs. Our popular Ramparts 2200 class tugs are compact, highly manoeuvrable workhorse tugs that get the job done time after time. Our relationship with SMS Towage goes back a long way, and it is always pleasing when they come back to us again and again when enhancing their tug fleet." SMS turned to Hull firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors to advise on the undisclosed deal, with Mr Escreet describing the shipping team as its “trusted advisors for such matters”. Rebecca Forder and Dominic Ward’s valuable help and advice was highlighted. Mr Ward, senior partner and head of the shipping and transport team, said: “We have worked with SMS Towage for over two decades and we are absolutely delighted to have been able to secure the vessels’ smooth transition into the UK registry, as SMS continues to go from strength to strength.”

Logistics 2026-03-17 11:47

Innes England: Tough East Mids commercial property market could bounce-back after shock of ‘Trussonomics’

Management at one of the region’s leading commercial property agencies are hopeful the market will start to improve this year following the economic meltdown caused by the short-lived Liz Truss Government. According to the 16 th annual Innes England Market Insite report, 2023 could see the green shoots of recovery after total regional investment in commercial real estate dropped 44 per cent last year to around £1.36 billion. In a virtual presentation to industry professionals, Ben Robinson, head of the company’s investment consultancy, said: “As we begin 2023 we are cautiously optimistic that despite the re-rating of commercial property yields at the end of last year, transaction activity will return as investors quickly become acclimatised to the new norm.” Transactions across the region in the first half of 2022 had continued at much the same level as the previous year, when volumes ended at record highs. He said: “However, this strong investor momentum started to fade in the second half of the year as the market began to absorb the effects of the first significant rises in interest rates since the financial crisis, before falling away sharply following the further shock of ‘Trussonomics’.” “As the era of cheap money came to a rather abrupt end towards the latter part of the year many investors adopted a wait-and-see approach whilst commercial property yields re-rated across all sectors.” That was reflected in the drop in transaction volumes in the second half, with only £239 million worth of deals across the whole East Midlands market. He added: “However, we expect the market to recover following a quiet start to the year as investors look to take the opportunities of a thinner market while it lasts.” Innes England director Peter Doleman said a record start to the year for warehousing and distribution properties gave way to a decline in the second half – but it was not at crisis levels. Leicestershire saw a 39 per cent rise in logistics deals last year thanks to its central England location, with notable sites including Magna Park and the Leicester Distribution Park. • The industrial and beds sector again dominated, accounting for 80 per cent of all investment transactions • Nottingham bucked the regional trend with total investment at nearly £500 million) - up 68 per cent on the previous year’s £306 million - thanks mainly to purpose-built student accommodation deals • Leicester saw ‘strong’ levels of industrial take-up at 4 million sq ft, almost 39 per cent higher than last year • Investor demand for city centre offices in Nottingham continued, with notable deals featuring Corum IM’s purchase of EON’s Trinity House for £28 million • The East Midlands had the third lowest net decline in shop closures - and saw retail space take-ups dominated by food and beverage operators • Total investment in Derbyshire in 2022 was just over £300 million, slightly down (23 per cent) on the previous year but still 26 per cent up on the five-year rolling average • Industrial investment dominated in Derby - more than a third up at £243 million. Deals included ICG’s £101 million purchase of two logistic units at Mercia Park, Swadlincote Fellow director Craig Straw, head of Innes England’s business space agency team, said office take-up transactions were down across the region by about 25 per cent but that followed a bumper post-pandemic 2021. Nottingham’s office take-up was the most robust with a strong focus on the city centre. Activity in Leicester and Derby was high on the edge of city and out of town, but big transactions were thin on the ground. Innes England managing director Matt Hannah said shop landlords and tenants had had to make big changes in a year which saw 17,000 UK shop closures. He said: “A third of all closures came from a reduction in branch networks by the nationals and a further third, unfortunately, from the independent sector. “The East Midlands had the third lowest net decline in these numbers which reflect a 50 per cent increase across the country over 2021. The reduction of government support and removal of the rent moratorium played significant roles.” The most significant boost to city centres is the long-anticipated rating reassessment this April which will see an immediate reduction of retailers’ occupancy costs. Mr Hannah said: “Some units we are marketing are showing a 65 per cent drop in the rates payable or, for example, a reduction on one unit from £70,000 a year to £25,000.” This year’s Market Insite report includes Birmingham data, reflecting Innes England’s expansion to the city in 2022.

Logistics 2026-03-16 11:03

East Midlands Railway urges travellers to brace themselves for month of strikes

Management at East Midlands Railway (EMR) are warning people that they should travel only if “absolutely necessary” over the coming month as weeks of strike action gets underway. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 14 train companies are launching two 48-hour strikes from Tuesday and Friday. UNITE the Union and TSSA Unions are also involved in industrial action. Trains will only run from 7.30am to 6.30pm on this week’s strike days, although many parts of the country will have no services, including most of Scotland and Wales. More walkouts are planned and Network Rail has warned there will be significantly reduced services, with trains more crowded and likely to start later and finish earlier until January 8. EMR runs regional services across the region as well as mainline services from Sheffield through stops such as Leicester, Nottingham and Derby, down to London. It said there will be no services at all on Christmas Eve while customers travelling on any day over the next few weeks are urged to double check times in advance – or avoid travel all together. Services throughout the strike period are expected to be “extremely busy”. A spokeswoman said: “Throughout this period, EMR services will change, often from day to day, as different unions affect the train operator in different ways. “However, there will be no EMR services on December 24, and services throughout the strike period are expected to be extremely busy. “Services will not operate on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as normal.” EMR managing director Will Rogers said: “Due to industrial action our services will be significantly impacted in the next four weeks. “Regrettably, we won't be able to run any services on Christmas Eve and throughout the strike period different parts of our network will be significantly affected – while services that are operating will likely be extremely busy. “It is a complicated picture due to the way each union affects us and therefore we are strongly urging customers to visit our website before planning a journey to understand what services are running. “Customers should only travel if it’s absolutely necessary and they should leave extra time for disruption and short notice changes.”

Logistics 2026-03-15 18:00

Business leaders overwhelmingly in favour of upgrading East to West Midlands rail links, says survey

Businesses are overwhelmingly in favour of upgrading east-west rail links between Leicester & Nottingham and Coventry, according to an industry survey. Transport group Midlands Connect said more than 100 companies – who between them employ 32,600 people –answered its questions on the state of connections between the cities. It said some 93 per cent said they and their workforce would benefit from Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham being better connected, with even more saying it could support the Government’s Levelling Up agenda. The survey said 66 per cent believed if the train line between Coventry, Leicester and Nottingham was reconnected, their workers would use it more. Some 82 per cent felt it would make it easier to recruit, and 73 per cent said it could help them to meet new customers. More than half said it would help their business to grow. Midlands Connect – a division of the Midlands Engine – wants to bring back direct services between the east and west Midlands cities, with a new route through Nuneaton. The changes would allow a direct, twice hourly service between Coventry and Leicester, cutting journey times from 54 to just 38 minutes. It will also create new links from Coventry to Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway and Nottingham. Rail services between Coventry and the other two cities have been poor for the last two decades and Midlands Connect said bringing them back would add more than 2 million extra seats on the region’s rail network every year. Currently, passengers have to change at Nuneaton. Partly because of this, Midlands Connects says, just 3 per cent of trips between Coventry and Leicester are made by rail, compared to 30 per cent of trips between Coventry and Birmingham. Andy Clark, senior rail programme manager at Midlands Connect, said: “The results are overwhelming and show that businesses in Coventry, Leicester & Nottingham want to see improved rail services. They see this investment as an example of levelling up their area and helping their economy to grow. “What the survey also showed is faster and more frequent trains will save businesses money, allow them to recruit more people and grow. “We will use these results as part of our strategic case for investment in the corridor and I want to thank all the firms and organisations who took part in the survey.” Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The survey results add to the already overwhelming case to reconnect the railway between these two major cities and help to reduce the reliance on the car. "This project is important to both the local and regional economies and the Government is urged to press on with project development work as a priority within their rail programme."

Logistics 2026-03-13 18:00

Bristol Airport flights to Switzerland launched, creating 'huge' trade opportunity

Switzerland’s national airline has launched a new flight route from Bristol Airport. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has begun operating a direct service between the South West transport hub and Zurich which was first announced last summer. The carrier’s parent firm Lufthansa Group said it was “very pleased” to add Bristol as its eighth UK airport, and the new route would increase opportunities for trade in Switzerland’s “world leading” financial centre. SWISS will increase the frequency of flights between the two cities from April onwards and from June will operate three a week. Customers arriving on the inaugural flight from Zurich on Saturday (February 4) were presented with goody bags from Bristol tourism agency Visit West containing treats and information showcasing the local area. Kathryn Davis, managing director at Visit West said: “This new route from Zurich to Bristol with SWISS provides a huge opportunity to further develop and rebuild our inbound European visitor market. Pre-pandemic, Switzerland was one of the region’s larger inbound markets, and Bristol one of the most popular UK cities with Swiss visitors. “There were more than 38,000 Swiss visits in 2019, over half of which were holiday visits, so this route is a critical part of rebuilding the market. We look forward to welcoming passengers on the first flight and continuing to rebuild awareness through our trade partners.” Bristol Airport said the service would strengthen the South West’s accessibility to Swiss markets and demonstrates SWISS’ commitment to supporting tourism and business links between Switzerland and the UK. Head of airline relations Shaun Browne said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Bristol Airport and the region. SWISS is a major global airline and this decision shows confidence in the region. “The regular scheduled service between Bristol and Switzerland opens up a wide range of European and worldwide connections to our customers. Zurich is a great city whether for business or leisure and the link between the cities allows us to promote the South West and Wales region to inbound visitors from Switzerland and beyond.” It comes after a legal challenge to Bristol Airport’s controversial plans to expand its maximum capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers a year was dismissed by a High Court judge last week. The airport is set to proceed with a major investment in its terminal building, parking facilities, and public transport links, which it has said will help it create 800 jobs across its operations and boost the South West economy by an estimated £430m. Airlines RyanAir, Jet2 and EasyJet have all expanded their operations at Bristol airport within recent months. Read next:

Logistics 2026-03-09 18:50

Exeter Airport creates 25 jobs as it looks to continue pandemic rebound

Exeter Airport has launched a recruitment drive for 25 newly created jobs in anticipation of a busy summer season, as it looks to continue to rebound from the pandemic. The transport hub said it was expecting to handle 450,000 passengers this year, connecting them directly with 26 destinations including new routes to Faro in Portugal and year round connections to the US. In its previous financial year to the end of March 2022, the airport reported a narrowed operating loss of £1.4m, compared to £3.3 a year earlier, with passenger numbers of 170,000. Turnover was up to £11.2m from £6.3m in 2021 previous, though still short of the £24.2m recorded for 2019/20. The airport is looking to fill a wide range of posts including passenger services agent, security officer, ground crew, despatcher, executive lounge assistant, cleaner, and Royal Mail screener. As part of its recruitment campaign, Exeter Airport has recently published a series of online videos giving a behind the scenes look at what it is like to work there, while it will also hold an open day at the site. Stephen Wiltshire, managing director of Exeter Airport, said: “We’re expecting a busy summer ahead with new routes and increased capacity so we’re recruiting for around 25 roles to meet that demand and add to the 260 employees we already have. “The open day is a chance for people to come along and meet the team and find out more about working at their local airport, and we look forward to welcoming potential applicants to the terminal.” Exeter Airport is owned and operated by RCA, part of Rigby Group Plc. RCA is the UK’s leading regional airport operator and also owns and operates Bournemouth Airport, Norwich Airport and Coventry Airport, and holds management contracts for Blackpool Airport and Solent Airport. Read next:

Logistics 2026-03-08 11:57

DHL confirm sale of Wilko distribution centre – which it bought for £48m two months ago – for reported £88m

DHL has confirmed the sale of the main Wilko distribution centre in Nottinghamshire, just two months after it bought it. The logistics giant bought the 1.1m sq ft Worksop site for £48 million in November and was leasing it back to the high street retailer. Wilko initially struck the arrangement in order to free up cash for investment across its 400-plus stores and digital channel. The GMB union says DHL has now sold on the site on the Manton Wood Enterprise Park to Canadian asset manager Brookfield for £88 million. In a statement a spokeswoman for DHL Supply Chain said: “While we do not discuss the commercial aspects of our business dealings, we can confirm that we have successfully concluded the sale of our East Midlands campus to Brookfield, which we have now leased back on a long term basis. “This relates solely to Wilko’s Worksop distribution centre.” The spokeswoman has been asked to explain how both DHL and Wilko are both leasing the site. Brookfield has also been approached for comment by BusinessLive. At the start of the month Wilko announced it had secured £40 million from restructuring specialist Hilco and shaken up its leadership team following losses. Last week it announced 95 customer service jobs were at risks under plans to outsource the work to a third party provider. The GMB union said it felt the sale of the Worksop site reflected what it called the “ever-growing influence of private equity investors in the UK high street”. It wants the Competition and Markets Authority to have greater regulatory oversight in relation to private equity buyouts to ensure “greater protection of both consumers and workers”. GMB National Officer Nadine Houghton said: “The sale of Wilko distribution centre to Canadian investment and private equity giant Brookfield and the recent Hilco revolving credit facility raises further concerns about the ever-growing influence of private equity investors in the UK high street. “Highly debt leveraged models are being used to buy up the UK high street with little or no oversight from regulators.” According to its website Brookfield owns and operates “high-quality assets and businesses around the world”.

Logistics 2026-03-07 11:33

Hydrogen port trial is a UK first for Immingham as eyes firmly fixed on £4b UK production prize

A glimpse of an ever-greener future for Port of Immingham has been given as it prepares to welcome hydrogen production at scale on the Humber. ABP has become the first UK operator to trial quayside machinery powered by the clean fuel, ahead of a public consultation into a huge plan to import ammonia, produce hydrogen and supply transport and heavy industry from the South Humber Bank location. CO2 imports could also be welcomed - feeding into the huge storage plans in the region - with a £4.6 billion economic benefit eyed. Working with Air Products, the world leading industrial gas producer with whom it is looking to develop at the eastern edge of the estate, it has launched the pilot at Immingham Container Terminal, having received funding through Innovate UK’s Hydrogen Innovation Initiative. It followed an initial feasibility study as part of the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition. Read more: Humber's pulling power boosted by latest tug additions Simon Bird, port director for the Humber, said: “This is an innovative partnership demonstrating an alternative fuel, hydrogen, to power mobile plant on the container terminal. We have tens of these Terberg machines in use in the Humber ports, and this means zero emissions, with performance delivered exactly the same. We also see it as a way of enhancing our partnership with Air Products. “The public consultation starts next week into the building of the marine infrastructure and terminal to handle the large vessels and import of green ammonia, transporting it to produce hydrogen. We can see today the importance of what we are doing on the Humber. “We have hundreds of thousands of such movements every year, and there is an opportunity to take significant emissions away.” A total of 8,000 containers a week are handled by the port, with 500 heavy goods vehicles a day transporting them across the UK - with the prize for fuel-switching clear. On the Terberg, hydrogen is nozzle-fed into a tank like diesel, which then powers what is an electric drive. It means a 10 minute fill-up every 10 hours, as opposed to a full electric model’s hour’s charge - or the fossil fuel alternative. It will move on to Germany and Singapore after the UK debut completes, with the manufacturer part of the project alongside Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. Mr Bird said that as hydrogen production emerges, costs will become comparable. Currently container imports are relied upon. Proud to be involved in a UK first, Suzanne Lowe, Air Products’ vice president and UK general manager, said: “As a first mover committed to the energy transition, Air Products is helping drive progress towards the government’s urgent focus of decarbonising the UK’s hard-to-abate sectors and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Through successful implementation, this trial will help provide an important pathway to decarbonise port-related heavy goods equipment.” Turning to the huge development just outside the port gates, first revealed in August, with the potential for hundreds of long-term jobs, she said: “This really is an extension of our partnership with ABP as we invest in the new ammonia port and bring to the market green hydrogen. It could give fuel for 20,000 diesel trucks or remove 580,000 tonnes of CO2 from the air.” The entry point for loads at the UK’s largest port by tonnage is seen as a key location, with freight generation and fuel production hand-in-hand. “We are very confident in this, the investment in Immingham can kickstart the green fuel economy,” she said. “What it brings to the port, and the Humber more generally, is a centre of excellence for hydrogen. We’re going to need apprentices, technicians, process managers. It is an extension of what we do, we are the largest producer globally and we have a lot of experience.” She said government support was important to incentivise the switch. "The sonner we make that shift, the sooner we can get to decarbonisation," Ms Lowe said. The Terberg trial is the latest investment, and would deliver savings of 5,100 tonnes of CO2 annually. It follows ABP's £50 million terminal spend, with the addition of high voltage electric cranes to lift containers from vessels, and stackers powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil. Praise for the pilot has come from government and key organisations driving developments. Welcoming the work, Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said: "Decarbonising the maritime sector goes beyond cutting emissions at sea, and this trial demonstrates that hydrogen will play a significant part in the UK's port operations and shed their dependence of fossil fuels." Lauren Hadnum, ORE Catapult's clean maritime manager, added: "This project excitingly highlights the increasing technology readiness of vehicles utilising hydrogen fuel in UK port operations, creating a clear demand signal for many project partners. "Major learning s from this project will have decarbonisation impacts for port vehicles, for port vehicles, vessels and the wider hydrogen supply chain. The Humber is well placed to develop this hydrogen value chain; via offshore wind energy availability, local demand, and strong system-level collaborations such as demonstrated in this project." Alisdair Couper, managing director of Terberg DTS UK Ltd said: "ABP Ports has been a long-term customer for Terberg Special Vehicles and has operated a fleet of tractors over the years in mixed role environments. This is an exciting opportunity to explore this new groundbreaking technology in a dynamic real-world scenario." Read next:

Logistics 2026-03-06 11:41

Workouts for the eyes - elite training for fleet drivers introduced by regional giant

High growth kitchen supplier Howdens is giving its fleet of drivers elite-level eye training. The company has partnered with Dr Sherylle Calder, founder of EyeGym, a specialist in visual decision making and coordination training. It is a move aimed at improving safety, driving and decision making, improving cognitive skills while under pressure. Clients have included top-level sports teams and performers such as England’s 2003 World Cup winning rugby team, and Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas. Read more: Howden raises profit expectations after record-breaking peak trading period The East Yorkshire-founded FTSE-listed giant, recently listed as one of the best companies to work for in Britain, is the first transport-reliant company in the UK to use EyeGym’s training. The relationship has already begun with an in-person session delivered by Dr Calder. She said: “It is brilliant to be working with an organisation such as Howdens, the training that EyeGym provides will help to prepare its drivers for unexpected situations on the road. "We believe that it will help to counteract the negative effects that have been caused by smartphones and other digital devices, by helping to improve attention, judgement and awareness amongst many other skills.” The first session introduced the Howdens team to the importance of improved visual coordination in high-pressure jobs such as driving. Attendees were also offered the chance to test themselves to give them a benchmark of their current performance and abilities. Gareth Sterland, head of transport at Howdens said: “90 per cent of the information that our drivers process comes through their eyes, and although our drivers already operate to exceptionally high standards when it comes to safety and performance, this training is designed to upskill drivers to be able to identify potential hazards, and to process that information more quickly “We’re hopeful that it will lead to faster reaction and decision times and identify situations ahead of other road users, giving everyone a better chance of avoiding accidents on the roads. Even a marginal improvement will make the difference and make Howdens’ drivers even safer.” Regular EyeGym training will become part of ongoing training programmes.

Logistics 2026-03-06 18:20

Big interview: Simon Bird on the economy, freeport status, hydrogen and ferry terminal progress

Humber port director Simon Bird has started 2023 at full throttle, with three huge plans for major expansion progressing as the new year dawns. Proposals for a significant terminal at Immingham to handle a key green hydrogen feedstock and import carbon for storage is entering its public consultation, as the neighbouring three-berth addition for Stena Line moves to the development consent order application stage. The ABP team is also anticipating an imminent final approval of the business case for freeport status, having initially been the forerunner of now-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s bold bid to counter any Brexit impact with a global trade boost. It comes against a recessionary backdrop that can often be felt first on the quaysides, with drop offs in demand for materials ranging from construction to fast moving consumer goods more evident earlier in the supply chain than in most pockets of the economy. Read more: New ferry terminal will 'bring confidence to economy' with international trade investment Mr Bird said: “We are all worried about the economy, the world economy, driven by what has happened and continues to happen in Ukraine, and the impact on the European markets; it is a volatile time. “We’re just having some extraordinarily warm weather at the moment [said speaking in 13 degrees at noon on Immingham Container Terminal] with gas prices having been high, now there is lots of gas available and they are lower, which is good news for the consumer. The cost of living is clear though, people are unable to spend as much money as they have done previously, and all these factors make it a difficult year for the port sector, and economy generally. We need to manage day to day, keep our customer service levels where they need to be and keep looking at costs.” While the now may be steady, long-term is looking strong. Launching the innovative hydrogen-fuelled container handling plant trial, a forerunner to much grander plans with global industrial gases giant Air Products, he was looking forward to huge progress being made on the eastern wing of the port. The pair are developing plans for ammonia import and hydrogen production, with land outside the East Gate to be developed. A total of 1,400 jobs could be created. Environmental assessments have been ongoing over recent months at the site off Kings Road, with a direct feed from the river in engineering design. It enters public consultation in days. “It starts next week. We will be building the marine infrastructure and terminal to handle the large vessels importing green ammonia, transporting it to produce hydrogen. You can see the impact it could have with what we are now doing. “We know the Humber is the largest producer of CO2, and as the government has said, if you are going to decarbonise the UK, you start on the Humber.” ABP has certainly done that itself. Warehouses on the port estates in Hull and Immingham boast some of the largest roof-mounted solar arrays in the UK, providing power to high voltage electrical craneage, the bulk of a £50 million pan-Humber investment completed through lockdown. Hydrogenated vegetable oil powers other specialist vehicles, while both pilot cars and fork-lift trucks are also plugged in. On the latest trial addition, the Terberg tractor used to shunt containers around the terminal, providing the vital link between ship and onward transportation, Mr Bird said: “We see it as a really exciting initiative, we’ve had the trial going for a couple of weeks and have proven what it can do. Trucks are currently supplying it, but when we have hydrogen available at scale, we will be able to refuel on the doorstep and we expect it to be cost comparable.” The plant itself would be nationally significant, potentially supplying 5 per cent of the UK requirement. A £4.6 billion economic benefit has been envisaged, with hundreds of millions to be spent should it get the go-ahead. “We expect to enter it into the planning process in the middle of the year, quarter two or quarter three, and that will take 12 months, so by the middle of next year we expect to be able to start the project,” Mr Bird said. It will follow the development consent order path of the Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal, first revealed a year ago in a £100 million 50-year deal with Stena Line. “The development consent order application has gone in for that, that has gone to the government, and it will take a year to come through,” Mr Bird said, underlining how well it had been received by the sector. “What we are seeing with roll-on roll-off vessels, is that they are all getting wider and longer,” he said. “Vessels we welcome through the lock at Immingham, when they are replaced just won’t fit. Some will therefore move to the outer harbour, so some of the business just goes out to that, so it is not a massive game-changer on truck movements. “We’ve put a lot of work into the design, and how vessels will operate. It is a very busy area, and the marine team have worked on modelling and are comfortable with it. It is a big investment, £100 million - it is long-term infrastructure.” The final element is the freeport status, with the Humber having been named as the leading bid when applications were first considered with Mr Sunak as chancellor. He had been welcomed to Immingham by Mr Bird, and had also taken in Siemens Gamesa’s blade plant in Hull on a separate visit, getting a real feel for port-centric manufacturing opportunities. “We’re hoping the government will approve the freeport during the course of January, and we can then start pulling together exactly what that means for the region,” Mr Bird said. “It will go forward with one tax site, east of Hull, which is important to get established, and as we go add a site on the South Bank and one at Goole That will be a process that we will go through.” Original plans were for South Korea monopile manufacturer SeAH to be the anchor of a tax site taking in the Able Marine Energy Park at North Killingholme, but the investment was lost to Teesside. As it was ironed out and new investment zones were proposed under Liz Truss’ brief tenure in 10 Downing Street, the impact was assessed. Mr Bird said: “Everyone has been working very hard to get it established. ABP has been funding it, I have been chairing it, with a lot of work put in by the team. We’ll be happy to get it over the line, as it is two years of funding we didn’t expect. But with operations spanning the North and South Bank we were ideally placed to articulate and advance the Humber as a freeport, with the four local authorities’ engagement.” Public, private and government engagement will now be vital in taking forward all huge plans as it shapes up to be a pivotal first quarter and year for port progress.

Logistics 2026-03-05 11:35

Direct flights to Esbjerg secured for Humberside as Eastern Airways lands double delight

Eastern Airways has landed a dual boost at Humberside Airport with new services for business and leisure. The resident airline is to launch a regular direct flight to Esbjerg in Denmark to support the offshore wind and maritime industries next month, while its Newquay departures will be doubled for the 2023 summer season. Its Jersey schedule also returns, in what is described as a major investment in the Kirmington base. A three-weekly service to the Danish wind energy epicentre will provide a vital link for the burgeoning renewable sector on the Humber, with Orsted and Siemens Gamesa having interests in both areas. It will launch on December 14, with year-round flights on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and follows corporate charter work on the route. Read more:Hull blade plant boss has his say on Siemend Energy buy-out proposal Roger Hage, commercial director at Eastern Airways, said: “This is a major dual development for the Humber region as we join the UK centre for renewable energy with Esbjerg. The renewable energy sector is fundamental to the employment and growth in the Humber as the Energy Estuary. With so many key renewable sector companies and an increasing focus on clean-tech energy self-sufficiency in the UK and Denmark, the increasing need to connect the investment, skills and expertise of the regions have never been greater. With Billund little more than an hour from Esbjerg, Legoland and various high-quality leisure destinations in the Syddanmark region of Southern Denmark, we know Denmark will appeal widely given its rich history with the Humber ports region. “Adding to the further investment in operations, crew and infrastructure to support new destination of Esbjerg, we have also doubled the frequency of the Newquay-Cornwall service, improving the access to the UK staycation destination of choice. We are also extending the length of operating season to the popular Channel Island destination of Jersey from Humberside Airport in conjunction with our primary partner Premier Holidays. “We want to ensure the right services are being offered given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so growing our Humberside network and capacity is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery where sustainable.” Eastern will operate the mix of new and increased services on one of its fleet of 72-seat ATR or 29-seat BAe Jetstream 41, both offering one of the lowest fuel-burn and emissions in the market. This has included operating on sustainable aviation fuel, another string to the area’s decarbonisation role. Deborah Zost, managing director at Humberside Airport said: “This is excellent news for the airport, local businesses and leisure travellers. The route to Esbjerg is a significant step for the Humber, giving the UK’s Energy Estuary a new, direct and year-round link to this increasingly important renewable energy hub. And more flights to Cornwall over the summer will be warmly welcomed by holidaymakers and businesses alike.” It comes just days after the last flights left Doncaster Sheffield, following the abrupt closure by Peel Group, leaving Humberside and Leeds Bradford as the only operational airports in the region. Scandinavian Airlines had launched a service between Humberside and Copenhagen, the Danish capital, in late 2013, but it was pulled the following April due to lower than anticipated demand. The maiden flight was also cancelled due to adverse weather. In almost a decade huge strides have been made, with Race Bank and the Hornsea Zone, as well as the Hull blade plant all coming online, and more to come. British Airways partner Sun-Air had also stepped in with Aalborg and Billund as destinations in early 2016. Susanne Kruse Sørensen, managing director of Esbjerg Airport, added: “Eastern Airways has been a long-standing partner on this city-pair. The airline already operated corporate charter flights between Esbjerg and Humberside during the last years. The wind energy and maritime sectors are particularly asking for a direct route to ease crew changes and staff deployment on wind farms. Moving to a scheduled route is the logical way to improve service for customers. We are really looking forward to welcoming Eastern Airways in Esbjerg." Ever present since launching with the Aberdeen service in 1997 - carrying North Sea oil and gas workers - Eastern will now serve five destinations from Humberside at peak. Camilla Carlbom Flinn, director of cluster organisation Humber Marine & Renewables, of which Eastern Airways is the latest member, said: “The investment from Eastern Airways is brilliant news for the region’s business connectivity and indicative of the vibrance of the renewables sector. We are delighted that they have joined Humber Marine & Renewables and we expect that our members will enjoy the convenience of this new service to Esbjerg. We wish them every success in this exciting new venture.” Eastern has also announced a new daily East Midlands to Newquay service, complementing the increase to its year-round three-times daily London Gatwick to Newquay service, plus an increase in Newcastle to Aberdeen to twice daily, among various capacity and frequency increases around the network.

Logistics 2026-03-02 18:32

Warhammer maker working on Amazon film and TV deal that could star Superman actor Henry Cavill

Games Workshop, the UK miniatures, books, games business behind the global Warhammer brand, is planning a production deal with Amazon. The Nottingham-based fantasy games business said that it had “reached an agreement in principle” for Amazon to adapt its games into movies and TV programmes. Games Workshop said Amazon is set to start talks with writers over the project, which will initially involve developing the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop game based around “dark, futuristic warfare”. The Hollywood Reporter said Henry Cavill is set to star in and executive produce the adaptation, just days after he confirmed he will not be returning to play Superman. Last week Games Workshop announced anticipated half year revenues of £210 million, up from £191.5 million a year ago. It expected licensing revenues to be down from £20.1 million last year – when a number of big computer game licensing deals were signed – to £14 million. It said core operating profit would be on a par with the second half of last year at no less than £70 million. It also said that under its profit share scheme, it would be paying a £1,500 bonus to each of its staff this month. One market analyst said the Amazon tie-in could be a very big deal for Games Workshop. Russ Mould, investment director at online share trader AJ Bell, said: “A lot of the excitement around the stock in recent years has been built around the licensing opportunities associated with Games Workshop’s intellectual property, which has a large and very loyal fanbase. “Developing in this area has several upsides for Games Workshop. It generates extra revenue and cash flow for a relatively limited extra cost and, while Amazon will be granted the relevant merchandising rights, it could deepen fans connections with Games Workshop’s table-top gaming products and bring them to a wider audience. “There have been modest efforts in the past to bring Games Workshop’s creations to the screen. Amazon’s deep pockets and its huge reach, more than 50 per cent of British households have an Amazon Prime account, puts this in a different stratosphere. “The deal is not signed and sealed yet but, barring a last-minute hitch, this could be an extremely significant step in Games Workshop’s development. “The big risk is that, by almost certainly surrendering any creative control, Games Workshop is at the mercy of Amazon making something which might alienate its existing followers.

Logistics 2026-02-28 18:52

CGI shows how bioscience innovation facility in Nottingham Island Quarter would look

New imagery shows the scale of a bioscience innovation facility set to be built in the Nottingham Island Quarter development. The 245,000 sq ft building has been designed by the city’s CPMG Architects for developer Conygar to provide flexible research and lab space and offices. It would be located next to the city’s existing bioscience hub and complement the 200-plus bioscience businesses already based in the city. A planning application was submitted to Nottingham City Council in December and, if approved, would act as an incubator for new and growing companies in what is a strategically important sector within Nottingham. There would be two buildings, a five storey east building and a seven storey west building connected by a glazed link at upper levels. Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, said: “Nottingham is a centre of innovation and no more so than within the biosciences sector. “This latest phase of The Island Quarter shows our commitment to supporting the city’s role as a leader in the sector by developing a brand new facility to house and nurture some of the most exciting and innovative businesses in the UK.” The newly released images show rainwater gardens and medicinal planting as part of the building’s external landscaping, with an ecology-focussed street that links it to the rest of The Island Quarter. David Jones, director at planning and environmental consultancy Axis, said: “The Island Quarter is a hugely important regeneration opportunity for the city and these new images will help people visualise the next phase of development at the site, for a state-of-the-art biosciences facility to complement what the city already has to offer.” The surroundings are designed to respond to the emerging wider masterplan for the 36 acre Island Quarter site, which is being developed in collaboration with the council.

Logistics 2026-02-27 18:16

Loganair brings back Newquay to Manchester flights a month early after Flybe demise

Loganair has started its Cornwall and Manchester route a month earlier than planned to meet demand. This winter, rival airline Flybe had been running its own flight from Newquay to Manchester but that came to an end when Flybe collapsed into administration on January 28. Now, Loganair has restarted its own Manchester route, marking the return of a daily service from February 10. Amy Smith, head of commercial at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “The connection between Manchester and Newquay is and always has been one of our most popular routes. We’re delighted to have Loganair back serving this market, as well as other much needed connections to Scotland and the North. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with Loganair to further build on the relationship and their commitment to Cornwall.” Hannah Baker, Andrew Arthur and Hannah Finch cover all the latest business news from across the South West on our dedicated page - you can read more here. And to get the latest stories you can: After Flybe announced its return to Newquay airport last August, Loganair said it was with a 'heavy heart' that it was cancelling its winter schedule for the Manchester route including ongoing services to Aberdeen and Newcastle. At the time, it blamed 'short-sighted and short-term decisions by the airport’s management to incentivise unsustainable operations by other airlines leaving no prospect of winter flights remaining viable'. That decision was made just days after Flybe announced its comeback with flights from Cornwall - including its own route to Manchester - from October 30. However, with the collapse of Flybe just three months later on January 28, Loganair has now re-started its flights from Newquay. It said that it had brought the route back onto sale in November 2022 for a February take off because of anticipated high demand. Luke Lovegrove, chief commercial officer at Loganair said: “It’s great to be back at Cornwall Airport Newquay and to be able to offer our customers increased choice and year-round service. “Customer demand for Summer 2023 has been encouraging – so much so that we took the decision to bring forward the relaunch of our Manchester to Newquay service to today in time for half-term." Along with the Cornwall-Manchester reconnection are routes from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and onward services available to Aberdeen, the Isle of Man and the Scottish highlands and islands. READ MORE:

Logistics 2026-02-26 18:38

New low-cost airline to operate transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland

A new low-cost airline is set to offer transatlantic flights from Northern Ireland. The announcement by Fly Atlantic has been described as a "game changer", filling the gap in the market of no direct flights currently operating between Belfast to North America. Fly Atlantic is planning to start operating flights to Europe as well as North America from summer 2024. Once fully operational, the airline said it intends to operate to 35 destinations from Belfast, and will create 21,000 new jobs by 2030. That figure is to include 1,000 jobs created within the airline and up to 21,000 in tourism and support sectors. Flights will start to go on sale from the beginning of 2024. The airline said it will initially operate six aircraft at Belfast International Airport, and plans to grow to a fleet of 18 by 2028. It is in discussion with both Boeing and Airbus over aircraft, with the choice being between the Boeing MAX and the Airbus A321. Fly Atlantic's chief executive Andrew Pyne said they chose Belfast over strong competition across the UK. Mr Pyne added: "Our vision is of Belfast as a strong aviation hub linking Europe and North America. "The lack of direct transatlantic air services has clearly been an impediment to Northern Ireland's economic and tourism development, which we now intend to remove. The project can be a gamechanger. "We will be offering affordable fares with brand new aircraft. We already have offices at the airport and will now be building out the infrastructure to support the airline's launch. We start recruiting for the team early in 2023. "We looked at many options throughout the UK and Ireland. Belfast International and Vinci stood out in terms of the facilities that they offered us and by their enthusiasm for and commitment to making this project a reality. "Northern Ireland has a proud aviation and engineering history, and we are delighted to be able to build on this tradition as we develop the airline and its support functions." Mr Pyne also acknowledged support received from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, adding it had been "right behind the project from the start". Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Stephen Ross described the airline's announcement as "fantastic news not only for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough but for Northern Ireland as a whole". "This is a key moment for Northern Ireland and is the most significant local aviation announcement in recent history," he said. "Belfast International Airport is the ideal hub for Fly Atlantic to base its operations due to its location, drive, and ability to offer unparalleled experience and routes for passengers."

Logistics 2026-02-19 11:55

Port company puts the PD in people development with industry win

An industry-leading approach to people development has been celebrated at Humber-investing PD Ports. The operator has been recognised with an International Bulk Journal Award as the prestigious maritime event returned for the first time since 2019 in Rotterdam. The company celebrated its 20th year of supporting young people in 2021 having first launched its dedicated apprenticeship scheme back in 2001. Since then, the company has continued to prioritise attracting, retaining and developing talent through a number of initiatives including a bespoke Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship with 11 employees graduating earlier this year. Read more: £10m port expansion as PD and Barrett agree new steel deal Geoff Lippitt, chief commercial officer at PD Ports, was delighted to receive such an award on an international stage. He said: “PD Ports now proudly employs more people than ever before. Not only do we continue to invest in our award-winning training programmes for early careers, but we also want to see every one of our people given the tools to reach their full potential. We now have 19 members of staff, specifically employed within our bulks operations, who are enrolled in further developmental and educational courses which is just fantastic.” The company is behind a £10 million port investment to handle steel distribution in northern Lincolnshire. It is close to completing a dedicated new 200,000 sq ft site at its Groveport facility on the River Trent, supporting long-term customer Barrett Steel as it grows its market share. It is PD’s largest investment on the Humber in decades, with the 190-acre site between Gunness and Flixborough, on the outskirts of Scunthorpe, its largest location in the region.

Logistics 2026-02-16 18:30

East Midlands business leaders say Autumn Statement 'high on stealth-creation and low on wealth-creation'

East Midlands business leaders have urged Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to follow through on his plan to rebuild the economy and help business with one accusing his autumn statement of being “low on wealth-creation”. As the OBR slashed its forecast for economic growth and inflation hits a 40 year high of 11.1 per cent, the Chancellor is in the desperate situation of trying to balance the books without alienating voters or pushing the UK further into recession. With many businesses already thinking twice before investing in capital or workers, he warned the country faced growing unemployment as he set out a package of £30 billion in spending cuts and £24 billion in tax rises over the coming five years. Blaming a “global energy crisis, a global inflation crisis and a global economic crisis” the Chancellor said while benefits would go up for the poorest, taxpayers and businesses “with the broadest shoulders” would have to pay more. Measures announced included dropping the 45p top rate income tax threshold from £150,000 to £125,140, and cutting the tax-free allowance for capital gains from £12,300 to £6,000 next year and to £3,000 in 2024-25. He also said the windfall tax on oil and gas giants will increase from 25 per cent to 35 per cent while a 45 per cent levy on electricity generators will help raise an estimated £14 billion next year. Opposition MPs said he missed the chance to raise further billions through a windfall tax on retail giants such as Amazon. Government spending will continue to increase in real terms the next five years, but at a slower rate than previously planned while stamp duty cuts announced in Kwasi Kwarteng’s short-lived mini-budget will end on March 31, 2025. Many business leaders said they were still ready to support the economy – if the Government was ready to support them. Jennifer Thomas, FSB development manager for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland said budget was “high on stealth-creation and low on wealth-creation”, piling more pressure on the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, their employees and customers. She said: “While tackling inflation is essential, so are measures to create conditions for prosperity, growth and support enterprise. Today is a missed opportunity to avoid further economic slowdown. “Small businesses, which account for more than 16 million jobs in the UK, were already facing an acute cost of doing business crisis through soaring costs, falling revenues, shrinking availability of affordable finance, and a rise in invoices being paid late. “On top of all that, they now face even higher taxes, cuts to innovation, and a recipe for a longer and deeper recession.” She added: “It is welcome that the energy support package for small firms will remain in place until April, helping them through a very tough winter ahead. “However, going forward, continued support should not be viewed through the narrow lens of specific sectors, but rather based upon the size of a business.” Nottingham-based Luke Willmott runs Autocoincars.com, a car marketplace that allows dealerships to advertise their cars for sale to cryptocurrency users He said: “Starting a business shortly prior to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the difficulty of surviving for many start-ups. “However, in spite of the economic difficulties brought on by Brexit we have managed to make AutoCoinCars thrive. “If Jeremy Hunt can follow through on his plan to rebuild the economy and help small businesses and public service then perhaps we have hope for the UK after all, but until we see those plans becoming actions we will continue to crack on and do our best to build our business.” East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “This very much felt like an Autumn Statement designed to steady the ship and if that’s the case, the Chancellor has most likely achieved his objective. “There wasn’t much for businesses to get excited about, but the main task was clearly to reassure the markets about the UK’s fiscal responsibility. It also signals an end to the chopping and changing of direction that we’ve seen so much in recent months, and it at least provides businesses some of the certainty that has been lacking and resulting in a significant loss of confidence. “We also heard some big rhetoric around prioritising energy, infrastructure and innovation, but there wasn’t much new in these announcements to stir up much enthusiasm about real change being on the way. It was important, though, to stress that capital spending on projects such as HS2 will not be cut as investment is essential to long-term growth prospects. “New Treasury figures show the East Midlands continues to receive the lowest public spending per head of population at £10,528 – compared to a UK average of £11,897 – and there are other big infrastructure projects, including Midland Main Line electrification, where we need to see progress as quickly as possible. “There was a clear emphasis on the role of devolved powers to local areas throughout the Autumn Statement, which again highlights the opportunity presented to our region by establishing an East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority, which can create the political structures to improve decision-making on key issues, enhance our ability to attract investment and create an environment conducive to business growth. “While today was always going to be about not rocking the boat, businesses will need to see a clear economic plan from Government ahead of the Spring Budget. “Many of the questions businesses had before about how they will be supported to invest in skills and innovation remain. There is plenty more that can be done in ‘getting the basics right’, as the Chamber will outline in more detail as part of our Business Manifesto for Growth, which we will launch in Westminster next week.” Leicester recruitment specialist and East Midlands Chamber director Eileen Richards was less convinced about the Chancellor’s promises. She said: “The sentiment of a ‘stronger, fairer economy’ is nice rhetoric but we have heard this many times before and we await to see how it plays out for business and public services. “What we do know is that major employers, both in Leicestershire and around the world, are already closing and that huge numbers of people are losing jobs. “This is potentially going to impact the jobseeker-led recruitment market we have seen in recent years – a lot of very skilled workers may suddenly enter the market. “This raises big questions about the Chancellor’s point that public spending will ‘grow slower than the economy’ at a time when people are seeking support as they either look for jobs or to access business development services to set up their own businesses. “Also, beyond a veiled reference to future targeted business support, there was no detail on support for the cost of energy after April 1 and this is a key ingredient for business planning, and will affect investment intentions in plant, machinery, technology and the development of people.” Lisa Botterill is a partner and specialist in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and private equity in the Leicester office of law firm Shakespeare Martineau. She said: “The chancellor has slashed the tax free allowances on dividends and capital gains so that by 2024/25 they will be a quarter of what they are now. “While we aren’t talking about large sums of money overall the restriction of these allowances shows just how far the government has felt it needs to go to find small savings here and there to try and balance the books. “This is a nibble at another set of taxes that is generally paid by the more-well off citizen, who is considered able to pay.” North Leicestershire-based entrepreneur Steven McKerrow owns a start-up called Mouseskins which upgrades computer mice for hard-core gamers. He said the Government – while generally positive to the sector – had missed a trick to support esports which has just been recognised by the European Parliament for its positive economic contribution. He said: “My big question is, is the UK following suit? Can we leverage this economic boom in the UK and finance these innovators and digital trend setters to rejuvenate our country, without silly tax, or overruling. “Will the UK GOV enable or just debate it for many more years?” Ian Hodgkinson, managing director at Derby based Hodgkinson Builders, said: “It was the budget, we more all less expected. I am glad to say there is no reduction in expenditure for infrastructure as that it vitally important for the country. “I notice the stamp duty incentives are being left as they are for the next couple of years, which is good news for the housing market. My gut feeling is that the housing market will gradually slow down, but won’t completely stop “I am also pleased to see the day that the Chancellor is helping with fuel costs. Generally that is also very welcome.

Logistics 2026-02-16 18:48

Northern cold storage and logistics operation enters East Anglia with family firm buy-out

A major cold storage business with operations across the North has extended its footprint with an East Anglian acquisition. The Ice Co Storage and Logistics - the distribution arm of Hull-based J Marr Group - is headquartered in West Yorkshire, with further sites in Preston and Newcastle. It has bought Savage Haulage Ltd in a multi-million pound deal. It is described as one of the largest temperature-controlled storage and logistics businesses in its region, with sites in March, Cambridgeshire, and Thetford, Norfolk. The £5.9 million turnover company has been a family business for 60 years run by brothers Martyn and John Savage. Read more: Seafood processor swoops for neighbouring home delivery specialist Paul Martin, managing director of The Ice Co Storage & Logistics, said: “The acquisition of Savage Haulage provides us with greater geographic reach and capacity and allows us to benefit from greater economies of scale in the face of inflationary pressures which are eroding margins across the haulage and cold storage industry. Combining operations puts us on a firm footing for growth in the years ahead.” The Ice Co operates blast freezing and tempering services with a 51,000 pallet capacity, and has operations dating back to 1908, established to support the fishing fleet. Initially it was in Fylde, then Newark, with a game-changing acquisition of a site at South Kirkby, between Doncaster and Wakefield in 2006. Martyn Savage, joint managing director of Savage Haulage, said: “The Ice Co Storage and Logistics is a family company with the same values and ethics as ourselves. They are committed to continuing the existing operations, retaining existing personnel in the same positions and creating further opportunities in East Anglia as they take the business forward.” Savage had appointed accountancy firm Price Bailey and Tees Law, having agreed a sales mandate as part of exit plans for the brothers, with The Ice Co Storage adn Logistics emerging as preferred buyer after discussions with a range of trade operators and private equity houses. Stephen Reed, partner at Price Bailey, said: “The distribution and storage sector is highly fragmented with many owner-managed SME operators. Consolidation is occurring as operators seek to grow through acquisition and reduce unit costs through economies of scale and other operational efficiencies by combining resources and extending the range of services offered to customers. Ice Co Storage & Logistics is a natural fit with complementary customers and Savage Haulage offers them a tremendous opportunity for geographic expansion.” Lucy Folley, who led on the legals as partner at Tees Law, added: “The haulage and storage sector has faced inflationary challenges in the form of rising fuel, energy, and labour costs. Following a slowdown in consolidation during the pandemic, we are now seeing a strong resurgence in interest in mergers and acquisitions as businesses seek to capitalise on strategic opportunities and enlarge their geographical footprints.” FRP, the business advisory firm, and Hull-headquartered Andrew Jackson Solicitors, acted for The Ice Co Storage and Logistics, with Price Bailey and Tees Law advising Savage.

Logistics 2026-02-09 18:24

Developer responds to concerns about planned £750m rail freight hub in west Leicestershire countryside

The developer behind a planned £750m rail freight hub in the west Leicestershire countryside says the scheme will provide many benefits to the area. Management at Tritax Symmetry said they believe the 440 acre development, on green fields just east of Hinckley, will take HGVs off the roads and create thousands of jobs. They also said the scheme would represent £750 million of private investment into Leicestershire including £70 million in local infrastructure. A previous figure of £550 million was put on the scheme. They said rail freight produces a quarter of the CO2 emissions of HGVs, and the scheme would remove up to 300,000 lorry trips per year from the roads. A planning inspector will decide next month if the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange should go through to the next round of consultations. If that happens there will be a six-month examination phase including hearings, later this year, with a decision expected by the middle of next year. The development – on the Birmingham-to-Leicester freight line – would have new access to the M69 and be big enough to accommodate up to 16 half-a-mile-long trains every day. Buildings would cover more than 9.1 million sq ft and be up to 91ft high. The scale of the project has attracted criticism from people including South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa who said 1,600 people, out of 2,000 that replied to a survey he put out, were against it. Blaby District Council is a consultee on the plans. Its leader Coun Terry Richardson has publicly criticised the adequacy of a previous consultation adding that the plans were “the source of great concern for many residents in our district”. Nick Payne, development director at Tritax Symmetry said the scheme was about “investing in Leicestershire, the environment and the future”. He said: “Our plan will deliver thousands of jobs, new apprenticeships and skills development as well as huge carbon savings by HGVs off local roads. “Over the past few years, we’ve undertaken three rounds of consultation, issued thousands of letters to local communities, held a number of face-to-face meetings and spoken with businesses, politicians and community groups and we will continue to engage as our plans progress. “We also recently polled over a thousand local residents across South Leicestershire and Hinckley and Bosworth, who are keen to see new investment in the area that our scheme could deliver.

Logistics 2026-02-07 18:08

Humber marine leader takes Harbour Master of the Year title

Humber dock master Mark Collier has been named as one of the best in the business. The long-serving ABP employee manages all the company’s locations on the estuary, and was presented with the UK Ports Harbour Master of the Year title, selected from 200 nominations for his 2022 endeavours. Mark was put forward by customers, with excellence in marine knowledge, proficiency and efficiency acknowledged, so too the willingness to go the extra mile. He serves as both dock master for the Humber and harbour master for the Lower Ouse, a key role on one of Europe’s busiest waterways, with Port of Immingham the UK’s largest port. Read more: Swedish eyes on the Humber as Stena Line invests with ABP Simon Bird, regional director of the Humber ports said: “This is such a great accolade for Mark, and I’m delighted he won it, and it came to the Humber. He’s been in this job for such a long time and loves the role. He is very dedicated and knowledgeable and is a worthy winner.” Born in Hull, he began his maritime career in 1987, serving first as a fisheries officer in the Falkland Islands. He progressed to assistant port manager before returning to the UK in 2001, applying for a berthing master position with ABP in 2003. Successful, he progressed to dock master. “It was such a big surprise to win, but I want to emphasise it’s a team effort,” he said. “Everyone’s name in the Humber is on this award, which means a lot as it means we are doing something right. “It’s humbling to receive such an endorsement from our customers and industry who voted for me and thank you to the panel of judges for selecting me.” He has seen much change in the industry in the 20 years, not least the huge expansion beyond the lock gates on both banks of the Humber, with riverside terminals created for bulks, freight and the renewable energy infrastructure. He said welfare and safety have vastly improved. The award was presented at a ceremony in Canary Wharf, London, with the judging panel led by Bill Anderson, managing director of UK Ports, the leading trade association. He was joined by representatives of other key trade and professional marine bodies.

Logistics 2026-02-06 11:59

Firm behind easy-to-install offshore wind turbine joins university energy and low carbon cluster

A London company which has designed a new type of “low-risk, low-cost, multi-gigawatt” offshore wind turbine has relocated to the East midlands. Offshore Wind Logistics and Construction (OWLC) has moved to a new home in the Advanced Technology Innovation Centre on the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). The team behind the business hope the move will allow it to share innovation and ideas with other companies based there. OWLC was set up as a disrupter to the renewable energy market with the aim of building, operating and maintaining a new type of wind turbine which it says has almost no environmental impact. It says its Gravity Tripod system can offer lower costs thanks to an innovative concrete foundation which can be mass produced and dropped in place without the need for piling. The system, which is suitable for various seabeds, is also said to have a potential lifespan of up to a century. The business also has a consulting arm providing expert support to clients such as turbine owners, developers, suppliers, insurers and certification bodies. Director Matt Bleasdale said: “We're using ATIC as our headquarters – all demonstration project planning, market entry activities, commercial discussions, partnership building, and future innovation will be happening here. “Choosing LUSEP made sense – it’s an excellent location with a vibrant cluster and strong innovation ties, making it an invaluable professional environment. “And, we’ve already derived significant value from being in a like-minded, highly innovative environment.” Loughborough University chief financial officer and LUSEP lead Alex Owen said: “OWLC are a valuable addition to LUSEP’s largest and most established cluster, energy and low carbon, which encompasses early-stage to global organisations, co-located with the University’s world-leading capabilities in net zero and sustainability. “With its distinctive added value of the University’s knowledge base and high calibre graduate workforce, I am confident that LUSEP will be a supportive base for OWLC to flourish.

Logistics 2026-02-05 18:10

Swedish eyes on the Humber as Stena Line invests with ABP

Stena Line’s huge investment at Port of Immingham primes the Humber for further Swedish business, key representatives have said. Delegates from the Swedish Chamber of Commerce have taken an extensive tour of the port, understanding the plans for the new ferry terminal and meeting with representatives in the area. The organisation headed for the Humber as part of a new year strategy to reconnect with regions, selecting it as a priority following the 50-year deal that could bring a £100 million infrastructure addition. As reported, the application for the development consent order has just been made, having first been revealed this time last year. Read more: Simon Bird on the economy, freeport status, hydrogen and ferry terminal progress Saga Palmer, marketing executive with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in the UK, said: “It is incredible to have such expansion, it will have a massive impact, it will be an enabler for the port, and create not just jobs in operations and construction - which will be substantial - but in the supply chain too. For Stena Line we’re looking at 100 people in one office area, 80 of which are new jobs, and that project will generate more jobs. It will come as soon as they get consent, they hope to be done by 2025, and we’re looking at a two to three year construction. “To sign up for 50 years shows Stena Line has a lot of confidence in the progress it will make here, and that it is looking to be here for the long term. We understand the 50 years is just a start, and the hope is to expand even more. "Stena Line is a very, very strong brand in Sweden, and what it is doing sets a benchmark for other Swedish businesses. The company will inspire other businesses to look into this region more and it will definitely empower the area. It is a signal something is going on here that might be worth jumping on board with.” And Nordic interests are well aligned to the Humber’s agenda. “The transition to Net Zero is big,” Ms Palmer said, having been welcomed and hosted for her two-day visit by Humber chapter chair Camilla Carlbom Flinn. “The majority of start ups are coming in from fin-tech to green-tech, it is such an important industry here, and there are a lot of opportunities for Swedish investment.” ABP welcomed the party, with a meeting with Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce Handelsbanken, and an overview of the cultural event, the Viking Falfest in Grimsby, also given. “We have been stuck in London during the pandemic and we’re getting back out around the UK, Ms Palmer explained. “We wanted to come to the Humber first because of the massive investment Stena Line is making with the Port of Immingham. “Before coming here we did a study in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden in London, to look at the regions in which Swedish businesses are particularly invested in and the Humber was one of these areas. We found around 20 businesses, employing 4,500 people, which for a country like Sweden, is a significant number. They are also looking to employ 550 more in the upcoming five years, which is a 12.5 per cent addition, without the jobs created with Stena Line. We are looking at quite a big increase and we think expansion could be even greater than what we have seen so far. “We’re looking at opportunities to collaborate, and Camilla has been very helpful in introducing us to Swedish businesses that are very active serving the area.” For Mrs Carlbom Flinn, a strong voice in welcoming the investment when it was first announced, the wider benefits are clear. “The Stena Line investment puts Immingham on the map. Just like the Orsted investment put Grimsby on the map for Denmark, this will for Sweden. The Swedish business community will be thinking about what is going on here. For raising the region’s profile, this investment is really important. It opens the doors for others to come and have a look at what the region has to offer.” Plans for a showcase event in the region are now being worked up, with the potential of an ambassador visit later in the year.

Logistics 2026-02-02 18:58

Charcon wins contract to support Derby city centre transformation

Charcon Hard Landscaping, which is part of Aggregate Industries, has been awarded a contract to supply sustainable products for the redevelopment of Derby city centre. The council has started the first phase of a Mobility Programme to deliver better transport choices for the city. The work will see the areas between The Spot, St Peter’s Street, Babington Lane and Gower Street get better access for cyclists and pedestrians as well as have their pavements widened and resurfaced. The council is using Charcon kerbing to form kerb lines, cycle tracks and new disabled parking bays. The product replicates the look of natural granite and contains up to 65 per cent recycled or reclaimed materials. It will be manufactured at the Aggregate Industries Hulland Ward site near Ashbourne, Derbyshire, which will also help with transport costs and overall emissions. Jamie Baldwin, general manager of Charcon Hard Landscaping, said: “We’re really proud to have been chosen to supply Charcon products to this important project in Derby. “The Eco CSK Kerb is fantastic in terms of its overall look and finish as well as environmental considerations, which we know is a key decision factor for customers. “We have supplied similar schemes on a national basis, but the Black Basalt kerb is a first and very much bespoke to the project so huge thanks must go to our technical, production and commercial teams. “Sustainability is very important to us as a company and integral to what we do. The product is made up of a high degree of recycled or reclaimed content and with it being made in Hulland Ward, just 10 miles from Derby, it means a much lower carbon footprint for the project.” Coun Steve Hassall, cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport at Derby City Council, said: “These works represent just part of our on-going commitment to not only provide an improved travel experience in the city centre, but also to improve the overall look, feel and standard of our city centre streets to a level that residents rightly expect. “This project is not the final word in delivering better transport for the city, and we’re looking forward to delivering further improvements going forward.” Work to redevelop the key city centre area is underway and the project is due to be completed by mid-June. It is part of Nottingham and Derby’s Transforming Cities programme, funded by the Department of Transport.

Logistics 2026-01-29 18:24

December round-up of East Midlands movers and shakers

Here is our December round-up of appointments and promotions at some of the best known businesses in the East Midlands: RWP Accountants: RWP Accountants, which is based in Quorn, Leicestershire, has made five appointments – including former Mazars man Bob Johnson. Bob has joined as a new partner after nine years at Mazars, to help lead the business alongside current partners Jason Whowell, Ian Agar and David Potter. Suzanne Rowland has also joined the team as corporate tax manager to support the partners and broader practice on all aspects of corporate tax compliance and advisory work. Suzanne spent much of her career with smaller firms working directly with clients and more latterly providing online expertise to accountants and their clients facing HMRC enquiry. Richard Molloy has joined as a client account managers providing further capacity for growth. This year’s apprenticeship program students Waleed Zafar and Rachel Allin have also joined the firm join to advance their studies towards professional certification whilst providing assistance to the accounts and tax teams. Partner Jason Whowell said: “This is another important stage in the development of RWP as a firm with a long history, and an enviable position in our chosen market. “Bob’s reputation is second to none in the East Midlands and we are delighted he has joined to help shape the next phase of our journey. “He will provide further strength and breadth for the business, having gained exceptional experience with top ten firms previously, and as a respected adviser to privately owned businesses across all sectors.” Kori Construction: East Midlands contractor Kori Construction has bolstered its board with the appointment of a new commercial director. Kyle Fielding has been promoted having joined Kori Construction in 2019 as a senior quantity surveyor, replacing the company’s managing director Jordan Connachie in the role. Mr Connachie said: “The business has grown exponentially since Kyle joined back in late 2019 and with a large, secured forward order book of profitable work, we needed someone who really understands how we work. “Kyle has successfully led on reshaping the how the business financials are managed and reported, and with that and his impressive work ethic, he was very well positioned to take on the role of commercial director. The board had no hesitation in appointing him.” Blythin & Brown: Leicestershire insurance brokers Blythin & Brown has appointed Stephanie Issit and Gemma Bradshaw to the team. Stephanie, who lives in Rothley, joins as a business development manager having spent several years in the construction industry in similar roles for Hilti, Uptonsteel and Gripple UK. Her new role is to support management to deliver their growth strategy by generating, developing and maintaining new business. Blythin and Brown celebrated its 50th company anniversary in 2021 following a management buy-out by current owners Richard Picton and Jonathan Blythin. Gemma Bradshaw from Burton on the Wolds has also joined as a trainee account executive. She has worked in the insurance industry since 1999 in underwriting and broking roles for Independent, Avon (now NIG), and Towergate Insurance. In her new role she will be liaising with existing clients, dealing with renewals, new business and claims. Mather Jamie: Sam Woodhouse and Charlie Lallo, of Loughborough-based land development and property consultancy Mather Jamie, have passed their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become professionally qualified chartered surveyors. Sam Woodhouse joined the rural team at Mather Jamie in October 2019 after completing a master’s degree in rural estate and land management at Harper Adams University. Charlie joined Mather Jamie in September 2020 after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in real estate. As fully qualified chartered surveyors Sam will continue to advise landlords and liaise with tenants who are clients of the estates management team helping to maximise the value of assets and relations with tenants. Charlie will continue to work in the commercial property team arranging the sale, let or acquisition of commercial properties in the industrial, office, retail, land and investment markets. Alexanders: Estate agency Alexanders – which has offices in Loughborough, Market Bosworth, Ashby De La Zouch, Shepshed and Melton Mowbray – has appointed James Kirk as its managing director. James has more than 24 years of experience having enjoyed worked with Countrywide, Foxtons, Humbert’s, Savills, and for the last seven years his own sales consultancy Kirk Estates. He said: “Alexander’s is a family business built on sound, structured foundations and having been involved in its formative years know how incredibly hard my stepfather, mother and the senior team have worked to create the respected brand and business it is today. “With more challenging market conditions upon us and various turbulence ongoing it is vital we can provide the very best possible advice to all our clients to help them with whatever their property needs.” Westbridge Group: Leicester-based tax consultancy and SSAS administration specialists WestBridge Group has strengthened its team following the appointment of Matt Gardiner, Hugo Witts and Sian Shade. Matt and Hugo join WestBridge SSAS as account managers having previously worked in similar roles at Mattioli Woods. Sian joins WestBridge Tax as a senior associate having previously worked at Grant Thornton. The new appointments are part of an ongoing strategy of growth which recently saw WestBridge Group acquire the employees, clients, and assets of Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited’s (REPL) book of 3,500 small self-administered schemes (SSAS). The firm now has offices in Salisbury and Bolton. Impression: Nottingham and London-based digital marketing agency Impression has ended 2022 with two new senior hires to bolster both its paid media and people offering. Harriet Howarth, previously programmatic lead at digital marketing agency Merkle has been appointed to develop and grow the programmatic advertising specialism at Impression. Ellen Melhuish also joins the agency in its people department as its first learning and development specialist. She has previous experience at Frontiers Media, The Prince's Trust and Oxfam. Over the last 12 months, Impression has appointed 36 new hires across its departments and is currently recruiting for various roles to serve its growing client base. Ramtech: Wireless technology provider Ramtech has announced the appointment of new business unit director Alan Middup – to lead its ongoing expansion into international fire safety and security markets. Having completed a trainee programme at Halma plc – Ramtech's parent company – and risen the ranks to become global operations director at Sentric Safety Group, Alan will continue building the role innovative wireless safety and security solutions play in solving global site protection challenges. He will use his chartered mechanical engineer background to support sustainable business growth and other managerial responsibilities in order to continually invest in Ramtech’s people, products and solutions in the UK, North America and Middle East. Fairgrove: Nottingham-based, family-run home builder Fairgrove is committing to the future of its workforce by taking on its biggest group of apprentices to date. Fairgrove – which is based in Bridge House in Kimberley, Nottingham, and is working at three sites across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire – has invested in six young apprentices in bricklaying and joinery. Managing director Steve Midgley, who co-founded the company in 1995 alongside his wife Christine Midgley, said: “We have recruited apprentices and trainees for many years. “Our accounts manager Carly Trueman joined us over 20 years ago as a trainee and many of our bricklayers came through their apprenticeships with us. “We hope that this 2022 intake of apprenticeships will signal a full return to the norm, as we continue to grow and invest in the workforce of the future.” Watermead Rose: A Leicester care home that specialises in residential, nursing, respite, dementia and bariatric care has welcomed a new manager to lead its team of highly skilled and professional carers. Watermead Rose, a new home for up to 80 residents, has welcomed Aarti Popat as its first registered manager. The new home sits close to the Watermead Country Park and to keep in with its parkland backdrop, the home is divided into lodges. Aarti joins the home after 25 years in the care industry, starting off as a care assistant before working up to management and regional operations roles. Most recently, she was a manager of a complex physical disabilities nursing service where she was responsible for improving the CQC rating. Watermead Rose is one of thirteen homes of the Macc Care group. Sunny Landa: A well-known Nottingham chartered surveyor has been awarded the profession’s most prestigious accolade at the age of 36. Having spent the past year setting himself a series of increasingly ambitious targets, Sunny Landa has been made a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS). He is one of the youngest property professionals in the UK to be made a RICS Fellow and one of only a handful in Nottingham. Sunny received his MRICS in 2010 and has since worked as an assessor for the industry body, helping to nurture and guide the next generation of surveying talent. FRICS accreditation is awarded to chartered surveyors whose achievements transcend mere expertise in the field. Sunny said: “I’m beyond delighted to be made a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. “I spent the last year setting goal after goal, pushing myself to the hilt. It’s a great feeling to see my efforts recognised in this way.” Blueprint Interiors: Experienced estimator Andy Lillington has joined workplace consultants and office fit-out specialists Blueprint Interiors which is based in Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire. Andy, who lives in Leicester, has a construction management degree and more than 20 years’ experience in the construction industry. Over the last 10 years he has focused on the interior design and build market, working in a various roles including site manager, contracts manager and latterly as a pre-construction manager. His new role at Blueprint Interiors will involve working alongside the design team to prepare project specifications and quotations, liaising with sub-contractors, and preparing detailed project information to enable the smooth handover to the delivery team. Image Scan: Loughborough-based Image Scan, a specialist supplier of X-ray screening systems to the security and industrial inspection markets, has appointed Sunil Vadgama to its board, having been introduced by Rise Step International Development Limited who hold a 22.56 per cent stake in the business. Mr Vadgama is the founder and sole director of SK Electronic Solutions Ltd, which was formed in 2008.

Logistics 2026-01-29 18:12

Port of Blyth chosen as construction base for huge offshore wind farm

A North East port has been chosen as the construction base for one of the world’s largest wind farms. The recently redeveloped Bates Clean Energy Terminal at the Port of Blyth will be used for RWE’s Sofia offshore wind scheme in the North Sea. The new-build facility will include office space, a storage area and a car park, with the facility in place for the next three-and-a-half years. Following the decision two years ago to site an operations and maintenance base for the Dogger Bank wind farm at the Port of Tyne, the decision cements the North East’s position as a key region in the lucrative and fast-growing offshore energy sector. Read more:offshore sector optimistic for year ahead The base will host RWE’s Marine Coordination Centre personnel, who are responsible for the planning and coordination of all offshore activities during the construction phase of the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm. It will have direct access to the port’s heavy lift quay, as well as other services. Martin Lawlor, chief executive of Port of Blyth, said: “We are delighted to have been selected by RWE as the base for the construction of such a significant UK development. Having over 21 years of experience in the offshore wind sector, the port is proud to be at the forefront of projects of this scale contributing to the energy transition. With the addition of strategic partners like RWE, Bates Clean Energy Terminal will continue to attract major offshore energy companies to join the clean energy revolution here in Blyth.” Matthew Swanwick, RWE’s Sofia project director, said: “Choosing the base for Sofia’s offshore construction has been a key decision as it will be home to the team for more than three years and will play a vital role in the successful completion of the project. The Port of Blyth offers us not only a strategic location and access to a strong marine supply chain but also an impressive new facility that will also ensure a legacy beyond the project.” The 1.4GW Sofia Offshore Wind Farm project is located on Dogger Bank in the North Sea, 120 miles off the North East coast. The construction base is the Port of Blyth’s second announcement related to the Sofia project, following a decision by Dutch firm Van Oord to use the port for the storage and mobilisation of cables for the wind farm. A number of reports in recent weeks have highlighted the opportunities for the North East to capitalise on the global shift to decarbonising power generation and other areas. But the reports from the likes of Deloitte, Onward and ORE Catapult have also pointed to significant challenges for the sector, including skills shortages, lack of public investment and competition from other parts of the world. READ NEXT: Kinewell Energy ramps up growth after landing major offshore wind contract Nissan passes 250,000 Leaf milestone at Sunderland plant

Logistics 2026-01-27 11:09

30 jobs being created with £2m expansion by Derbyshire drinks business Global Brands

A soft drinks, spirits and beer company and distributor is set to create 30 jobs with the first phase of a £2 million expansion at its Derbyshire hub. Global Brands is expanding the facility from 152,000 sq ft of warehouse space to 180,800 sq ft. The site, in Clay Cross, just south of Chesterfield, already employs 80 people. Management said the work follows increased demand for the group’s products and work will be completed in January. It will increase storage capacity from 30 million bottles to 40 million bottles, across 17,000 pallets. Global Brands is an independent drinks distributor which launched in 1997. Its brands include VK, Hooch, Hooper’s, Franklin & Sons premium soft drinks, sodas and tonics, and Amigos Tequila Beer. Most recent results, filed at Companies House, for Global Brands Ltd, show sales of £66.6 million in the year to September 30, 2021, from £59.8 million a year earlier. Pre-tax profits were up from £5.1 million to £6.5 million. Following extensive groundworks, the steel frame is being erected over the next two months, and a concrete slab base will then be poured and set. The development covers 2.2 areas. Global Brands chairman Steve Perez said: “I’m thrilled to announce the expansion of our distribution facilities in Clay Cross, following a sustained increase in demand nationally and huge demand internationally for our key growth brands like Franklin & Sons. “The new extension will support our growing operations with additional storage and increased distribution capabilities. “This is just the first phase in work to continue increasing capabilities at the site over the next two years. “We plan to continue investing in our Global Brands Distribution Centre to the point where we can eventually hold one product for every person in the UK.” Global Brands recently bought a neighbouring piece of land for further facilities in a deal brokered by BRM Solicitors. Adrian Sheehan, executive director at BRM, said: “It is always rewarding to advise on a deal which will bring further development opportunities and employment to the region. “BRM are proud to stand to shoulder to shoulder with this long-standing client and Chesterfield success story. “It is great to see Global Brands go from strength to strength and highlights a commitment to Chesterfield. “The Real Estate team at BRM are delighted to advise Steve and the team at Global, who are always driven and enthusiastic to get deals done quickly and efficiently.” Mr Perez said: “BRM have advised Global Brands for the past 35 years, from when the business was just a one-man band, through to becoming one of the largest employers in the area.

Logistics 2026-01-23 11:15

Jet2 announces Bristol Airport jobs drive as part of expansion plans

Airline Jet2 and subsidiary Jet2holidays have announced a recruitment drive to fill more than 100 roles as the budget travel group expands its operations at Bristol Airport. The operator, which is headquartered in Leeds, said it was looking to fill cabin crew, ground operations, flight deck and engineering positions as it bolsters its flight schedule and aircraft fleet at the South West transport hub. Now entering its third year in Bristol, Jet2 said it would be adding new routes from the airport to Malaga and Chania in Crete, meaning its base there now serves 32 destinations. A seventh aircraft will come into operation at the base to support the growth. Chief executive Steve Heapy said the move was driven by an “enormous” response from customers and independent travel agents across the South West and South Wales. Mr Heapy added: “With such a huge programme on sale for summer 2023 and customers flocking to book their place in the sunshine, we are delighted to be expanding our Bristol Airport team even further. “The success of our award-winning business is down to the hard work of our colleagues, and we are looking forward to meeting like-minded passionate people to help us delight even more customers from Bristol Airport.” The announcement comes after competitor Ryanair announced its biggest ever schedule from Bristol Airport and also expanded its fleet there, as part of a $500m (£407m) investment in December. Bristol Airport secured planning permission from the government last year to expand its maximum capacity from 10 million to 12 million passengers a year. Local residents and environmental campaigners have mounted a High Court legal challenge against the decision, with an outcome of the appeal still pending. Read next:

Logistics 2026-01-20 11:07

New £100m Humber ferry terminal proposal submitted to Planning Inspectorate

The development consent order application for Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal, the £100 million port expansion from ABP, has been made. National Infrastructure Planning has received the documents outlining the proposal, which will feature a new multi-vessel jetty, terminal buildings, as well as improved hardstanding, a new road bridge over existing infrastructure and access roads. It will have the capacity to handle 800,000 units of North Sea-crossing cargo a year, with potential for weekend passenger trade also factored in. Vessels up to 240m in length and 34m wide have been anticipated, operating on fixed schedules. The Planning Inspectorate now has 28 days to review the application, which charts the course for a huge 50-year commitment to the Humber from Swedish ferry operator Stena Line. Announced almost a year ago, it was one of the biggest business stories of 2022, with the expansion proposal and then details of the significant deal. Read more: Big interview with port director Simon Bird as busy month for major expansion dawns Simon Bird, Humber ports director, told how the application had been submitted earlier this week, as he welcomed stakeholders and media to a trial of hydrogen-powered mobile port plant at the heavily-invested existing Immingham Container Terminal. “We’ve put a lot of work into the design, and how vessels will operate. It is a very busy area, and the marine team have worked on modelling and are comfortable with it,” he said. “It is a big investment, £100 million - it is long-term infrastructure.” Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal is a further outer harbour project to future-proof and expand existing operations, where the lock limits the size of vessels capable of entering into the traditional docks. It worked with Danish operator DFDS to deliver a similar scheme almost two decades ago, while Volkswagen was a key partner in Grimsby for the car terminal that stretches out beyond the iconic Dock Tower. Huge bulk terminals have also been added over the years, including a £130 million site for Drax to handle biomass. The application comes ahead of the start of a public consultation into another significant new facility, set to feed a green hydrogen production plant with ammonia and welcome carbon imports for storage. It is also focused on the east wing of the port. In the final briefing document sent to the inspectorate ahead of the application, with the actual application documents to be published in due course, ABP said: “The facility is being designed to service the growing North Sea ro-ro freight market including a mixture of accompanied and unaccompanied freight. Unaccompanied freight comprises mainly ro-ro trailers which are left at the port and moved onto and off the ship using tractor units specifically designed for this purpose. Accompanied freight involves lorry drivers accompanying their load, who will be responsible for manoeuvring their vehicle onto and off the ship and will remain on board during the passage. “During less busy periods, for example at weekends, a ro-ro freight line may offer space and cabins for passengers. Facilities for passenger transit flows may, therefore, need to be included.” Reasons for the market growth include the need for supply chain resilience, with Brexit concerns over short crossing vulnerability, with the benefits of stronger northern entry points for cargo, as well as the opportunities offered in port-centric manufacturing by the freeport status. “Ultimately better and more efficient logistical connectivity between the UK and Europe will drive costs down and benefit UK and European consumers,” the statement added. The plans will involve the resiting of a “small number” of ABP tenants, with all landside work on ABP property and harbour side on Crown Estate seabed already leased by the port operator. Once accepted, a six month examination begins, ahead of a three month window for the recommendation to be made to the Secretary of State for Transport. Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper, appointed in October, would then have three months to make a decision, with a six week period then following when it can be challenged in the High Court.

Logistics 2026-01-18 11:39

Devon transport and logistics company secures millions of pounds for expansion

A Devon-headquartered transport company has secured a multimillion-pound package of funding to support its business growth plans. Gregory Group, one of the UK’s largest logistics and distribution businesses, is headquartered in Cullompton but operates a network of hubs across the country. The group employs more than 3,000 staff at over 40 sites and its fleet includes 1,000 vehicles and 1,900 trailers, of which over 300 are temperature controlled. The family-owned firm, which was founded more than 100 years ago, is planning to use the cash injection to acquire extra properties, increase working capital and invest in new Euro VI compliant vehicles and hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), it said. Chris Corfield, group financial director at Gregory Group, said: “This additional funding means we’ll be able to invest in various areas of the business and continue providing our customers with the highest quality service – handling, storing and distributing products in the most efficient and effective manner possible.” He added: "Our relationship director Paul Lane and the team at HSBC UK have been exemplary in working collaboratively with us to put together a flexible and tailored finance package, meeting all our business requirements." James Shepherd, head of corporate banking for the South West at HSBC UK, said: “We’re delighted that our financial support has helped Gregory Group in its growth journey. We will work closely with the team to ensure the needs of the company are understood and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of the business.” Tom Caplen at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson advised HSBC UK. READ NEXT South West entrepreneurs under 30 with 'world changing' businesses win share of £1.25m

Logistics 2026-01-17 18:22

Midlands to Cornwall flight route announced by Eastern Airways

Eastern Airways has announced a new flight route connecting the Midlands to Cornwall. From February 10 the regional airline will operate a daily service between East Midlands Airport and UK holiday destination Newquay. The carrier said the hour-long flights, which will begin to coincide with school half-term breaks, would be operated year round, on a “low-emission” 72-seater ATR aircraft. Bosses at Eastern Airways described the creation of the route, which is the only one to connect the Midlands to the South West, as ”a major step”. The travel hub sits within 30-minutes of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and an hour of Sheffield. Commercial director Roger Hage said: “Adding the new destination of Newquay-Cornwall, this significantly improves access to the UK staycation destination of choice. “We want to ensure the right services are being offered, given Eastern Airways is all about supporting the regions of the UK, connecting people and places, so growing our Cornish network and capacity is a crucial part of increasing connectivity and aiding economic recovery to both business and the UK’s vital tourism sector where sustainable.” Sam O’ Dwyer, managing director at Cornwall Airport Newquay, said research and passenger feedback had shown “much demand” for a link into the Midlands region from The Duchy. Ms O’ Dwyer added: “Eastern Airways has been serving Cornwall since 2020 and these latest announcements provide a clear indication of its continued commitment to ensure our customers have more choice available to them when travelling within the UK throughout the year.” In addition, Eastern Airways has also announced it will double the frequency of its service between Newquay and Humberside Airport, launched earlier this year, from April 2023 to four flights a week, to cover next year’s summer period. Read next:

Logistics 2026-01-16 11:53

Grimsby cold storage giants to unite as HSH swoops for ACS&T in £16.5m deal

Two of Grimsby’s largest cold storage operators are to be united. HSH Coldstores has agreed a £16.5 million deal to buy ACS&T Logistics. The pair operate the majority of the temperature-controlled warehousing in the town, most of which is dedicated to the seafood sector, employing hundreds of people. It comes with HSH having just received a significant grant from the government to progress plans for a huge new facility on Grimsby’s Europarc, with the sector trading at capacity. Read more: Latvian logistics specialist buys Humber haulier as it enters UK market Now part of the European Constellation Cold Logistics operation, following a majority stake acquisition in it early last year, HSH can be traced back to 1970. The £15.5 million turnover operation was founded by the Howard family, led by the late entrepreneurial lorry driver John Howard. Initially known as John T Howard, it started with a single truck. Two coldstores were added, in Birchin Way and on South Humberside Industrial Estate, as the business built up, before it was sold in 1996 and then bought back again in 2002. HSH also has operations in Redditch. It is now led by the second generation, with Anthony Howard managing director, having been part of that latter deal. He said: “We are enormously proud and excited to welcome ACS&T to the HSH family, the acquisition will provide a unique opportunity for HSH to expand its storage and distribution services for our new and existing customers. “Having co-founded HSH nearly 20 years ago, I am extremely proud to see how our company has grown over the years and would like to extend my gratitude to our team on reaching this milestone. I look forward to collaborating with the team at ACS&T to accelerate our growth and develop new high quality cold chain solutions.” ACS&T, part of UK-listed Camellia Plc since 1993, has been in Grimsby for almost 90 years, having made it the headquarters after initially launching as London Ice and Cold Storage Company. First operations were below Billingsgate Fish Market. It went on to open the first low-temperature cold store in Grimsby in 1934, with a base later established on the town’s South Humberside Industrial Estate. It also has operations in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. Both also provide refrigerated distribution services and the deal will see the fleet grow to 75 lorries when united. The transaction is expected to close next month, with ACS&T having turned over £22 million in 2021, breaking even after the national LGV driver shortage affected margins, as volumes increased. The first six months of 2022 have seen a £600,000 profit posted on a £13 million turnover. A pre-completion dividend of £3.8 million will also be paid to Camellia by ACS&T. Chairman Malcolm Perkins said the proceeds will be used to support its strategy of focusing investment activity on core agriculture operations, which include global tea, apple and avocado production. He described HSH as "one of the UK’s leading providers of temperature-controlled storage and distribution solutions". Unification of the two will see HSH’s capacity grow to around 140,000 pallet positions - having had 50,000 in Grimsby - with a further 30,000 in the offing with the Europarc addition. That £33 million investment, with greener fleet expansion, is anticipated to complete in early 2024. As reported, import caution over just-in-time delivery post-Brexit has seen strong demand created in the past year for cold storage - a vital element of the cluster as it provides solutions before and after processing, handling raw material, ingredients and finished product. Chief operating officer at Constellation, Henry Pingle, had welcomed new Fisheries Minister to HSH last month. He said of the deal: "I'm really thrilled to welcome the ACS&T team to Constellation! Exciting times ahead for HSH and ACS&T as we grow together in the UK."

Logistics 2026-01-02 18:46

easyJet launches new jobs for cabin crew and it's good news for older people

Airline easyJet has launched a recruitment drive aimed at people over the age of 45 to join their cabin crews. Parents whose children have left the family home or have started their own careers and anyone looking for a new career later in life are among those being encouraged to apply. The airline said it has seen a 27% increase in cabin crew over the age of 45 in the last four years, including a 30% increase in people over 60 in the last year. The new campaign follows research by easyJet which suggested most over-45s would like to take on a new challenge once their children have left home. The recruitment drive has been launched with a series of adverts featuring real-life cabin crew who have joined easyJet in the past year.

Logistics 2026-01-01 18:34

easyJet launches Rhodes flight from Belfast International Airport

easyJet is launching a new flight from Belfast International Airport to the Greek island of Rhodes. The airline said the move will create 40 new jobs at the airport where it will base an additional Airbus A320 alongside its seven other aircraft. The route is scheduled to launch on 3 rd June 2023 and will depart twice weekly on Tuesday and Saturdays. It adds to a growing number of routes for easyJet from both Belfast International and Belfast City airports to destinations across the UK and Europe. “I am delighted to be announcing our plans for expansion at Belfast International Airport today,” Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said. “The addition of another aircraft will help us to deliver growth in Belfast and offer customers an even wider range of destinations, like our new route to Rhodes, which will provide our customers in Northern Ireland a direct connection to one of Europe's most popular beach destinations this summer, all with low fares and great service.” easyJet first flew from Northern Ireland more than 27 years ago with an inaugural flight to London Luton. It is now the largest airline in the province, operating around 670 flights a week to 29 destinations. Uel Hoey, Business Development Director at Belfast International Airport, welcomed the announcement.

Logistics 2025-12-31 11:29

Where strike action will affect Christmas travel plans

Industrial action will cause disruption for travellers on the run up to Christmas. Here is a rundown of how travel will be affected, on which days and locations. Thousands of Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) members are going on strike from December 13 to 18. Workers at Network Rail and train companies will walk out on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Services on those days will start later and finish much earlier than usual, with trains running between 7.30am and 6.30pm. Many parts of Britain will have no trains, including most of Scotland and Wales. Disruption due to ice and snow is also likely to cause further misery to passengers on strike days. RMT workers at Network Rail will also strike from 6pm on Christmas Eve until 6am on December 27. It is likely that passengers travelling on Christmas Eve will be urged to complete their journeys by the time that industrial action begins. READ MORE: Royal Mail staff set to strike again in dispute over pay, jobs and conditions Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) at National Highways in operational roles on roads and in control centres will take part in a series of staggered strikes from Friday to January 7. National Highways, which is responsible for managing England’s motorways and major A-roads, does not expect he action to have a significant impact on traffic as only around 8% of its frontline workforce are PCS members. But many of its routes already suffer from severe congestion during the Christmas getaway. We cover all the latest news with journalists based in the regions - you can read more here. To stay up to date with us you can: Border Force workers are set to strike on December 23. PCS members at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow airports will walk out. Extensive passport checks are only carried out on arrival but long queues could see passengers held on planes after they land, causing delays to departures. Airlines have been urged by Border Force to cancel up to 30% of flights on strike days to prevent chaos at airports. But easyJet said it intends to run its full schedule as “we want to take our customers on their planned trips at this important time of year”. The only sea port affected by the Border Force strikes is Newhaven, East Sussex, from where ferry services operate to and from Dieppe, France. A walkout in Kent affecting the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel would likely cause severe disruption. Eurostar will run a revised timetable between Tuesday and Saturday due to the reduction in running hours on rail lines caused by the RMT strikes at Network Rail. The operator is not affected by the Border Force walkout, and does not anticipate its services will be affected when RMT members employed as security staff by private contractor Mitie at London St Pancras International go on strike over the next fortnight. READ NEXT: Get our front page headlines Cost of Living: List of firms helping staff with bonus payments Dyson founder calls home working rights plans ‘economically illiterate’

Logistics 2025-12-30 18:34

Plans for 4,500 homes, 3.4m sq ft of employment space and 5,000 Derby jobs set to take step forward

Plans to build 4,500 new homes, 3.4 million sq ft of employment space, and support for 5,000 new jobs in Derby are set to take another step forward next week. The South Derby Growth Zone is being planned for land to the south of the city between Sinfin and Chellaston. The proposals have already received an offer of £49.6 million from the Levelling Up Fund, reliant on a full business case being submitted. Derby City Council cabinet is now set to vote on granting powers for the plans and transferring £500,000 of Homes England Garden Villages funding to the Derbyshire County Council so that it can finalise the business case. The scheme incorporates Infinity Park Derby, a planned 100 acre business park next to the world headquarters of Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and within 15 minutes of blue chip manufacturers such as Toyota, Alstom and JCB. It is backed by Derby City Council, the Harpur Crewe Estate and Rolls-Royce along with developers IPD LLP, Wilson Bowden and Peveril Securities, and could offer potential tenants design and build packages up to 500,000 sq ft. Meanwhile the neighbouring Infinity Garden Village would be one of 14 new garden villages announced by the Government in 2017 to try and help meet local housing needs – especially for first-time buyers. In anticipation of the plans the county council is set to gain highways powers within the city boundary to allow work to start on a junction and link road off the A50, which runs along the southern edge of the plans. The city council said without the new junction only around 280 of the possible 4,500 new homes would be possible. Councillor Steve Hassall, city council cabinet member for regeneration, decarbonisation, strategic planning and transport, said the recommendation will be discussed at the cabinet on Wednesday, February 15. He said: “The South Derby Growth Zone is a big opportunity to deliver high quality housing and jobs for Derby, whilst also providing a brand-new transport link in the south of the city. “Entering into these collaborative agreements demonstrates our commitment to the project and to the city.

Logistics 2025-12-29 18:26

Work starts on 1.15m sq ft of warehousing off the M1 in Derbyshire

Work has started on a vast new warehouse development off the M1 in Derbyshire. The Horizon 29 scheme in Bolsover is going up a mile from junction 29a of the motorway and will include eight units being built in three stages. McLaren Construction (Midlands & North) is working on all the external works of the first two, single storey warehouses for Equation Properties and Bentall Green Oak. The same contractor will also work on the next two units, which should be completed next summer. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction (Midlands and North), said: “Horizon 29 will be a premier distribution centre in a prime location in the Midlands, making it the ideal address for tenants wanting direct and easy access to the M1 north and south. “We are pleased to be appointed by Equation Properties and to be working with them on the first phase of this impressive scheme.” Dick Smallman, construction director at Equation Properties – a London-based property development company for the distribution and industrial sector - said: “We are delighted to have appointed McLaren Construction for the first phase of development at Horizon 29. “Construction is now underway for the scheme.” Sustainable features of Horizon 29 include solar PVs, air source heat pumps, enhanced cladding, responsibly sourced sustainable materials, LED lighting and electric vehicle charging points.

Logistics 2025-12-28 11:51

How Brexit costs this retailer £1m a month in sales

An online retailer whose revenues have been on an upward trajectory has become the latest business to highlight the vast financial impact of Brexit on the UK. Leicester entrepreneur Ravi Karia launched an e-commerce business in 2010 selling sells socks, thermal underwear, hats, gloves and bedding to shoppers all over the world. Five years ago he adapted it into a tech company offering a seamless link between suppliers and big online shops such as B&Q, Debenhams.com, La Redoute, Amazon and Decathlon. The big retailers integrate his software into their own systems and his business, called Pertemba, acts as the middle man – without shoppers ever knowing the difference. Lines sold include Trespass, Regatta, Mountain Warehouse, Hype and Clarkes and he also deals with licence-holders for brands such as Fortnite and Minecraft. Mr Karia said sales are currently around £22 million and rising, but he said Brexit trade barriers are costing him up to £1 million a month in lost EU business. Despite that he is still working hard to grow EU sales. He said: “Brexit has affected us. My business would have sales of £35 million right now if it were not for Brexit. “If an EU online marketplace wants a non-EU company to ship directly to its EU customers there needs to be so much compliance. When you start talking to a new EU online marketplace they just say they don’t want it all. “There’s at least £10 million of business in Europe that we can’t access because my stock is in the UK. “So we’ve got a third party warehouse in Belgium – which has been a difficult experience and is not perfect. We’ve also had to persuade suppliers to move stock to Europe. It’s been painful. “I didn’t vote for Brexit. I knew it would be difficult for my business but it’s happened now. “Ironically the silver lining is there aren’t now competitors trying to do what we’re doing from the UK. But it would have been much better for us to be able to launch products directly from here to Germany or France. “The alternative to having people overseas is you do not grow.” His comments come amid growing criticism of the impact of Brexit on Britain, with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt now conceding Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal caused damaging trade barriers with the European Union. Last week, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said “very clearly Brexit was an economic own goal” that had harmed growth. The economic think tank’s director Paul Johnson said it has been “very bad news indeed and continues to be bad news, particularly the way that we’ve done it, the hard type of Brexit we’ve had, distancing ourselves from the single market”. While the OBR said the UK’s "trade intensity" would be 15 per cent lower in the long run than if the UK had remained in the EU. Mr Karia – who is now considering buying a company in Europe to try and even out the issues – was this year's LeicestershireLive Entrepreneur of the Year and the the Department for International Trade's 2020-2022 Export Champion. He started his firm as an online shop called Universal Textiles before moving to the technology side of things. He now has 70 people in the UK and 50 in India on the tech, data entry and customer service side of things. There are about 60 or so suppliers on the Pertemba system selling through around 100 marketplaces worldwide without breaking a sweat, and all the stock comes through the Leicester warehouse. A US partnership is also being launched. One of the beauties of the tech he provides is it can allow clients to move into new marketplaces without having to adapt their own websites or technology. He said: “We started as an online retailer but I was thinking “how do I grow the business?”. “I needed bigger premises, more money, more people, but got thinking that what I’m really good at is technology – that’s my strength and I realised I needed to use technology to overcome the barriers we were facing. “I thought if I don’t have to invest in stock myself that solves all the problems. So I built the systems and the developers took it on. Now we have a defined brand and strategy and more people are coming on board.” Like many online retail businesses Petremba thrived when people were stuck indoors during lockdown. He said: “The company was always growing. We were around £18 million in turnover, and trying to get to over £20 million, but when Covid hit it shot up to £27 million in a year because we were able to stay open when other shops were shut. “On top of that our competitors were quite slow to the game while we were able to adapt quickly, bounce-back and fulfil orders. “We’ve been doing phenomenal numbers outside the UK. “It’s amazing how the business has transformed. We have streamlined everything so we can take on a supplier in a week and a new marketplace within a week as opposed to months and months. “Things are not as busy as during Covid, but we are still trading at £22 million, and in the next three years want to get to £35 million.”

Logistics 2025-12-28 11:13

Re-opened Dartmoor rail line passes 250,000 journeys in its first year

Journey numbers on the Dartmoor Line have passed 250,000 a year after re-opening to regular passenger trains. The line reopened on 20 November 2021, restoring a regular, year-round service for the first time in almost 50 years following more than £40m of Government investment. The previously mothballed rail line, which runs between Okehampton and Exeter, was restored in just nine months and was the the first former line to reopen under the Government’s £500m Restoring Your Railway programme. In the same week as it celebrated its one-year anniversary, the Dartmoor Line also saw its 250,000 journey, more than double the demand originally forecast. Michelle Handforth, Network Rail’s Wales and Western regional managing director, said: “I am so pleased with the positive impact the Dartmoor Line is having on supporting greater connectivity, boosting local businesses, the tourism sector, and providing greater access to education and work for the thousands of people who live locally." READ NEXT: List of 35 new train stations and wish list schemes leading the UK railway upgrade Reinstatement of the Dartmoor Line was made possible by Network Rail’s team of engineers which laid 11 miles of new track and installed 24,000 concrete sleepers and 29,000 tonnes of ballast in a record-breaking 20-day period. Since Great Western Railway (GWR) increased services to hourly in May 2022, passenger use has continued to rise, with over 500 journeys starting at Okehampton every day and a further 300 travelling into the town from across the rail network. Rail Minister, Huw Merriman MP, unveiled a plaque to mark the official reopening of the Okehampton station building to mark the anniversary. He said: “With over 250,000 journeys made, restoring this vital route has undone 50 years of damage – we’ve reconnected a community and created new opportunities for jobs, tourism, education and leisure. “Our Restoring Your Railway programme is making a real contribution to levelling up the country and breathing new life into previously cut-off areas.” On his visit, Mr Merriman opened the fully refurbished station building, featuring The Bulleid Buffet café, Dartmoor National Park information centre, shop, toilets, heritage-style waiting room and museum. While the work to finish the Dartmoor Line is now complete, efforts are still being made to provide better connections from the Dartmoor Line, to surrounding towns and communities. Hannah Baker, Andrew Arthur and Hannah Finch cover all the latest business news from across the South West on our dedicated page - you can read more here. And to get the latest stories you can: Devon County Council and local bus operators have worked with Great Western Railway to provide better bus links to Tavistock, seven days a week direct from Okehampton station. This now also includes new routes to Launceston and Bude which run direct to the station. Mel Stride, Central Devon MP said the plan now is to secure additional funds for a second station on the eastern edge of town. "[This is] something I am working closely with local councillors and campaigners to achieve. This will maximise the economic benefit and reduce congestion in the town." READ NEXT: Latest appointments and jobs news from the South West

Logistics 2025-12-27 11:03

DX Group shares plunge after corporate espionage legal claim

Courier firm DX Group has seen its shares plunge after confirming that a legal claim has been lodged against it by a rival logistics company, accusing it of alleged corporate espionage. Shares in Datchet-based DX tumbled as much as 11% on Monday morning after it said that Tuffnells Parcels Express submitted the claim in the High Court on Friday “in relation to confidential competitor information being obtained by DX in the past”. It follows a report in the Sunday Times detailing allegations by Sheffield-based logistics firm Tuffnells that some DX Group staff, who were former employees of Tuffnells, had conspired to obtain daily customer service reports. DX Group said: “Matters referred to in the claim were subject to a corporate governance inquiry and investigation by DX, the conclusions of which were reported by the company in an announcement made on 20 September 2022. “The group intends to defend its position robustly and will respond to the claim in due course.” DX said last September that the internal investigation found that confidential competitor information was obtained and that “an isolated offer of payment… for such information had been made by employees”. It concluded at the time that there may have been a breach of the Bribery Act 2012 by the employees concerned and that it had taken further disciplinary action with certain staff involved in the case and also improved management training and protocols. DX’s former auditor, Grant Thornton, resigned in February last year because of what it claimed were “actual or potential breaches of law and/or regulations by the company”, as well as “the performance of the investigation and subsequent corporate governance inquiry” and “provision of inaccurate information, which in Grant Thornton’s view did not give a full picture of the scale and seriousness of the facts”. DX – which handles parcel freight, secure courier and logistics services at its 88 depots, including two near Bristol and one recently opened in Plymouth – said at the time that it “does not consider that the reasons provided by Grant Thornton accurately reflect the current situation”. It saw its shares temporarily suspended from the Aim market in January last year after failing to publish its annual report on time, while former chief executive Lloyd Dunn resigned abruptly in September 2022. The group only recently appointed his replacement, hiring Paul Ibbetson, managing director of DX Freight, as chief executive on January 31. Mr Ibbetson previously worked at Tuffnells, where he was a board director for eight years. Read next:

Logistics 2025-12-26 11:43

£10m crane investment on its way to Port of Immingham

A £10 million investment in cargo-handling equipment is on its way to Immingham. Engineers from Associated British Ports have just returned from Germany where they have carried out final factory acceptance testing on three new mobile harbour cranes. The hybrid Liebherr 420s will be arriving later this month from Rostock, at a cost £9.7 million, with an additional £500,000 spent on new grabs. The diesel generators poweing them can run on hydrogenated vegetable oil, with the option to switch to all-electric, reducing CO2 emissions as the port accelerates its green credentials. Read more:ABP and Harbour Energy partner to provide CO2 import gateway at Immingham Simon Bird, ABP regional director, had outlined a £30 million spend on equipment earlier this year. The order represents the largest shipment by the manufacturer to the UK. He said: “This is another great investment in the port. It offers our customers a range of equipment, these being specially optimised for vessels in the post-panamax class. “It’s part of our wider strategy investment in future-proofing the Humber ports and giving our customers the confidence that the ports remain resilient, and we are giving them what they need in having reliable and efficient cranage.” They are described as offering greater versatility, being able to be deployed on any quay, though primarily they will be used for bulk cargo and scrap handling. They have a 124-tonne lifting capability, and offer greater safety improvements in the driver’s cab.

Logistics 2025-12-22 18:06

Tile Mountain signs new transport deal with Pall-Ex

Online tile store Tile Mountain has renewed its transport deal with Pall-Ex having already worked together for seven years. The Leicestershire logistics giant will continue to manage Tile Mountain Group’s local, national and International palletised freight distribution. Tile Mountain, which has a 120,000 sq ft warehouse, showroom and office complex on a 10 acre site in Stoke on Trent, has grown rapidly since its 2013 launch, selling floor and wall tiles for the home and outdoors. Some 18 per cent of its sales are in London. Recently posted accounts for Tile Mountain Limited showed an overall group turnover of £72 million in 2021, up from £48.6 million. Pre-tax profits were £3.9 million, up from £2.6 million. Pall-Ex will help support the retailer’s growth using its transport network and IT infrastructure, and through regular management meetings between the two businesses to improve the way they work together. As part of the working relationship Pall-Ex has an onsite advisor based at one of Tile Mountain’s offices. Tile Mountain managing director Jeremy Harris said: “As an online retailer, Tile Mountain Group's business strategy relies heavily on distribution, and as the company continues to grow, we seek to further forge relationships with suppliers who can consistently deliver outstanding standards of service. “Pall-Ex's tracking technology has aided the Tile Mountain delivery process and we are already seeing the benefits from advancements in their systems, such as ‘what3words’ for first-time delivery.” Pall-Ex Group’s UK commercial director Michelle Naylor said: “We are delighted that our strong relationship with Tile Mountain is set to continue. “As its business grows and customers’ service expectations grow, we will be able to support any changes with our dedicated customer service advisor which will remain active and responsive to market demands. “We look at service needs for all parts of the country that Tile Mountain serves and will maintain our focus on supporting its important London delivery requirements.”

Logistics 2025-12-21 18:44

Grimsby logistics firm adds beer distribution to group with crafty acquisition

An expanding Grimsby logistics group has added a chilled beer distribution operation to its portfolio. The directors behind Fardel Shipping Ltd and Hedges Chilled Distribution Ltd, Ciaron Reynolds and Paul Jackson, have invested in Norfolk-based Jolly Good Beer. It delivers wholesale services to the drinks trade, providing a vital link between more than 40 independent breweries and pubs, stretching from the South Coast to Oxfordshire and up towards Leeds and Manchester. A team of 14, led by founder Yvan Seth, operate a fleet of five chilled vehicles, including two HGVs, with a Kent delivery hub servicing London and surrounds as well as the 4,000 sq ft Upwell base, near Wisbech. Read more: The Humber's headline-making deals that made 2022 Mr Reynolds said: “We are delighted to bring Jolly Good Beer into our group of companies. Jolly Good Beer provides an excellent quality of service for its customers, many of whom we also work with on a daily basis. Yvan and his team share our recognition that good logistics are important to good product condition. “There are many synergies between our companies that we will combine to establish a wider distribution network that our customers can rely upon for many years to come.” Launched nine years ago, with a second hand van and refrigerated shipping container in Cambridgeshire, Mr Seth told how the hospitality sector and its supply chain has been “weathering a perfect storm through the pandemic and now the challenges of the current economic conditions”. Proud to have made it through tough times, he has welcomed the undisclosed investment in a business that has craft producers at the fore. He said: “Jolly Good Beer will continue to provide its wholesale services for beer and associated products, which will now be bolstered by Hedges Chilled Distribution network, chilled bonded warehousing, e-commerce solutions and chilled consolidation shipping links between the UK and EU operated by Fardel Shipping Ltd. “We’ve enjoyed working with Fardel and Hedges in the past and know they provide excellent chilled logistics services. This is a highly complementary joining of forces, combining their resources and service model with our direct-to-trade wholesale network. Beyond significantly stabilising JGB after three years of difficult times this partnership gives us access to a wealth of capabilities that will allow us to expand coverage, range, and services to better serve brewers and trade customers.” Fardel launched in 2009, and based in Dudley Street, specialises in temperature-controlled logistics and customs clearance services across a wide range of business sectors. It acquired Waltham-based Hedges in 2018.

Logistics 2025-12-20 18:12

Leeds Bradford named the worst airport for security queues

Leeds Bradford has been named the UK’s worst airport for security queues. A survey for consumer group Which? indicated that passengers waited an estimated average of 35 minutes at the West Yorkshire airport between February and August. Researchers asked nearly 1,300 people who travelled from a UK airport over that period how long they queued for at security. More than a quarter (27 per cent) of Leeds Bradford users said they waited for more than an hour to pass through security. In August, the airport installed electronic screens providing passengers with live updates on estimated wait times. Travellers reported security queues in excess of an hour at nine airports, including Bristol (17 per cent of respondents), Birmingham (11 per cent) and Manchester (eight per cent). Seven per cent of all those surveyed said they missed a flight because they were stuck in a long queue. There was major disruption at airports across the UK earlier this year due to staffing shortages and a spike in demand for travel after coronavirus restrictions were scrapped. This led to flight cancellations, problems with baggage handling and long security queues. A spokesman for Leeds Bradford said: “Earlier this year, like many airports across the UK, we had periods of long queueing due to the rapid resumption of international travel after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. We were transparent about these difficulties at the time and worked hard to address those short-term issues. “We have since significantly reduced queueing in our terminal. We remain committed to delivering the best possible passenger experience at Leeds Bradford Airport and being an outstanding airport for our region.” London City was the best-performing airport in the research, with an average estimated security queue time of just 12 minutes. Half of the airport’s users reported a wait time of between five and 10 minutes. Belfast City and Glasgow International were ranked joint second, with an average wait time of 13 minutes. Guy Hobbs, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: “Travellers this year have borne the brunt of unprecedented chaos at UK airports, with huge numbers enduring long queues and some even missing a flight due to excessive wait times to clear security. “Your choice of airport shouldn’t make or break your holiday – but for too many travellers this year, that has been the case. We’d recommend choosing an airport with a better record on queues and treatment of passengers, even if that involves travelling slightly further from home.” A spokesman for trade body the Airport Operators Association said: “The UK had one of the most restrictive travel regimes in Europe until March and the aviation industry faced significant employment challenges as international travel reopened. Our airports have worked tirelessly to alleviate these staff shortages and the overwhelming number of passengers were able to enjoy the summer holidays with minimal disruptions. “We recognise the impact any delay or disruption can have on passengers and the aviation industry is continuing to work together and with Government to recover from the impacts of the pandemic – and the near-total closure of UK aviation – to ensure that all passengers enjoy the service that passengers have rightly come to expect of UK aviation.” For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea. Find recommendations for eating out, attractions and events near you here on our sister website 2Chill

Logistics 2025-12-17 11:37

Transport and logistics business Warren takes more than 500,000 sq ft of space at DIRFT

Transport and logistics business Warren has taken more than 500,000 sq ft of space at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT). The subsidiary of Culina Group has taken two units at the vast Northamptonshire distribution hub, built by logistics real estate giant Prologis. Warren joins Stobart in expanding Culina Group’s presence at DIRFT. Other tenants at the vast scheme near junction 18 of the M1 include Tesco, DHL, Royal Mail, Dunelm and Boohoo. The new build-to-suit units were designed by Leicestershire-based Stephen George + Partners and constructed by VolkerFitzpatrick, and are said to be BREEAM-rated “Excellent” with an EPC A rating. Prologis also said the construction of the two units was carbon neutral, and had been certified by Planet Mark. Prologis UK development manager Tim Burn said: “DIRFT is our largest asset in the UK, and it is always rewarding to watch the site grow and develop. “The two new units are prime examples of the state-of-the-art facilities that we deliver for our customers, and what better location to do it in than the UK’s largest multimodal park. “Culina Group is a longstanding Prologis customer, with Stobart, also part of the group, already operating out of DIRFT. We’re proud to welcome Warrens onsite and look forward to seeing the business further develop and grow.” Warrens managing director Tom Middlemiss said: "Our two new distribution centres are symbolic of our growth ambitions. “Being involved in their development from an early stage has allowed us to customise the design and fit-out to meet our exact needs for both today, and the future." Andrew Stoney, operations director at VolkerFitzpatrick, said: "Our latest completed project for Prologis UK and Warrens demonstrates the power of collaborative partnership, and is a testament to the ongoing relationship that VolkerFitzpatrick has with Prologis.

Logistics 2025-12-14 11:47

Leicestershire MPs urge Transport Secretary to stand in way of plans for huge Rail Freight Hub

Two Tory MPs have asked Transport Secretary Mark Harper to stand in the way of plans for a vast rail freight hub in the Leicestershire countryside. South Leicestershire MP and his Hinckley and Bosworth counterpart Luke Evans fear the 440 acre development will have a huge impact on the local countryside and roads. Tritax Symmetry wants to build the £550 million Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange between the tiny village of Elmesthorpe and Hinckley. The terminal would have a daily capacity to accommodate up to 16 trains measuring almost half a mile long. There would also be a new slip road onto junction 2 of the M69. The developer says the site could contribute an estimated £316 million to the economy each year and generate around £24.65 million of annual business rates. It has said it could eventually create 8,400 jobs. The buildings would go up on fields south of the existing Leicester to Hinckley railway track and to the west of the motorway. There would be new sidings and freight transfer facilities on a 34 acre plot alongside the track – which is part of Network Rail’s ‘F2N’ freight route between Felixstowe and Nuneaton. A development consent order – a kind of planning application for what is considered a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ – will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and the Secretary of State next year. Alberto Costa – the MP for South Leicestershire where the site would be located – has previously raised the plans in Parliament, and has been supported by Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans, whose constituency borders the site. Their letter to the Secretary of State expresses concern over the rail hub’s environmental impact on nearby Burbage Common, a site of Special Scientific Interest, the site’s effect on local roads, and the potential disruption for passenger train services at nearby Narborough station. Both MPs have also surveyed their constituents in South Leicestershire and Bosworth seeking local views on the rail hub’s impact, with Mr Costa planning a further survey in the New Year. Mr Costa said: “As I have mentioned in Parliament previously, the sheer size and scale of the proposed Rail Hub could have a hugely detrimental impact on our local environment and infrastructure in this part of Leicestershire, and therefore the Government needs to be made aware of the considerable concerns my constituents, and those in Bosworth, have over these plans before taking any decisions.” Dr Luke Evans said: “Following news that Tritax have concluded the consultation into the viability of a Rail Freight Interchange in Hinckley I have also written to the developers to request a list of any amendments made to the proposals previously shared with us.

Logistics 2025-12-13 18:52

GWR, Avanti, CrossCountry, Southern and other train operators' services during strike on Saturday November 26

Britain's train operators have released plans for how their services will be altered during the next rail strike. Many will be affected on Saturday when train drivers belonging to the Aslef union walk out in a long-running dispute over pay. Here is a breakdown of each operator's plan: Avanti West CoastNo service. c2cA normal service. Caledonian Sleeper It does not run on Saturday nights. A normal service will operate on Friday night. Chiltern Railways No service. CrossCountry No service.East Midlands Railway No service. Gatwick Express No service due to engineering work at London Victoria. Passengers can use Southern and Thameslink trains for travel to and from Gatwick Airport. Grand CentralA normal service. Great Northern A normal service. Great Western Railway An extremely limited service will operate, starting at 7.30am and ending at around 9.30pm. The only open routes will be between: London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads (trains will not stop at Bath Spa); Reading and Oxford; and Reading and Basingstoke. Greater Anglia An extremely limited service will operate. The first trains will be later than normal and the last trains will be earlier than usual. The only open routes will be between London Liverpool Street and Colchester; and Norwich and Southend Victoria. They will have just one train per hour in each direction. Heathrow Express No service. Hull Trains It is not affected by the strike but engineering work means trains will not call at Beverley, Cottingham, Retford or Grantham. London North Eastern Railway An extremely limited service will operate. This includes just one train in each direction between London King's Cross and Leeds, and four trains in each direction between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. London Northwestern Railway No service. Lumo Trains will run only between Edinburgh and Newcastle. Merseyrail A normal service. Northern No service. ScotRail A normal service. South Western Railway A normal service. Southeastern No service. Southern Southern drivers are not involved in this strike action but the service between Tonbridge and Redhill will be reduced. Engineering work also means there will be no trains to or from London Victoria. Stansted Express One train per hour will run between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Thameslink A normal service. TransPennine Express An extremely limited service will operate. This consists of four trains each way between York and Manchester Piccadilly; three trains each way between Manchester Victoria and Liverpool Lime Street; and two trains each way between Sheffield and Cleethorpes. Transport for Wales A normal service. West Midlands Railway

Logistics 2025-12-12 18:16

Latvian logistics specialist buys Humber haulier as it enters UK market

A Latvian transport and logistics group has swooped for a long-established Humber haulier. Kreiss SIA, operational across Europe, has bought out C Neil Dowson, the Stallingborough-based business that first launched in Hull in 1990, in an undisclosed deal. It provides haulage services across the UK, boasting a fleet of tractor units, skeletal trailers, forklifts, and its own yard located a mile from the eastern entrance to Britain’s largest port, Immingham. It all forms part of the deal, providing Kreiss with a new base in the UK, further expanding international operations, with 26 staff employed. Read more: Deal off - talks have failed over Grimsby seafood plant buy-out where nearly 200 jobs are at risk Sergejs Zalizko, director, said: “We are delighted to welcome C Neil Dowson into the Kreiss Group. This acquisition will help us build out our UK base to enhance our services for clients in the UK. C Neil Dowson has an excellent reputation in the market, and we are pleased to be working with them and their team to continue to deliver first-class haulage solutions to customers.” Kreiss, launched in 1994 with a single truck, provides transportation for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, hazardous cargo, and frozen and perishable goods. It now has offices in six countries, a fleet of 2,000 trucks and trailers, and employs around 2,400 staff, turning over more than £260 million. Dowson moved from Hull to Immingham in 2001, when its Maritime Yard on Scandinavian Way, Kiln Lane Industrial Estate, became available. Neil Dowson, operations director, will remain with the business for at least the next year following the deal. He said: “Over the past 32 years of trading, C Neil Dowson company has been recognised by its customers, staff and suppliers for its loyalty and reliability within the market. These principles can now be carried into the future with the support of Kreiss behind us. Becoming part of Kreiss Group marks a new chapter for C Neil Dowson and I am confident that it will be a positive move for the business and its customers.” A team from Weightmans led by Paul Raftery, provided legal advice to Kreiss on the acquisition, its first in the UK, with Chasz Coulsting at Crowe UK and Stuart Laight at SJL Advisory. For Dowson, Mark Daubney at Bridge McFarland and Mike Beckett at Forrester Boyd supported.

Logistics 2025-12-11 11:27

Belfast proves a strong draw for cruise ships with near-record visits this year

Belfast’s cruise sector has recovered strongly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic with 141 ships calling in the city during this year’s season. That is just shy of the record of 146 set in 2019 and represents 50 different ships from some 33 cruise lines, including 18 making their first visit to the city. They carried more than 250,000 visitors. The result is a far cry from 2020 when a scheduled 129 ships due to call at the port were cancelled by the pandemic. It is also a big jump on the 70 which visited the city in 2021 as the sector embarked on a cautious return to normality. The strong performance this year is testament to Northern Ireland’s growing popularity as a tourist destination, Cruise Belfast, a partnership between Belfast Harbour and Visit Belfast, said. “With our visitor numbers increasing again following the pandemic, this cruise season has been as runaway success as we welcomed both international and first-time visitors to Northern Ireland,” Mary Jo McCanny, Director of Visitor Servicing at Visit Belfast, said. “Belfast has built a strong reputation as a welcoming and exciting cruise destination and this busy season is reflective of the strong working relationships that Cruise Belfast has with global cruise operators.” Amongst the ships making their first visit to Belfast were the ‘Enchanted Princess’ and ‘Island Princess’ from Princess Cruises and the ‘Ambassador Ambience’ from Ambassador, a new British cruise line. Returning ships included the ‘Disney Magic’ which arrived with some 2,700 passengers and crew on board.

Logistics 2025-12-06 11:01

2022 Leicester Business Festival making an impact as it enters its second week

The Leicester Business Festival has entered its second week with a packed diary of events. The two week celebration of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland business community began last week with a launch breakfast at the Leicester Riders' Morningside Stadium. It continues this week with a series of events covering everything from getting the best from your team, to marketing, building brand awareness and building digital skills. Among the organisations involved are the Midlands Engine Investment Fund, which provides finance through small business loans, debt finance, proof of concept and equity finance funds via a subsidiary of the British Business Bank. Lewis Stringer, a senior manager for the bank in the east and south-east Midlands, said: “We are proud to be involved with the festival and the events we have been a part of have been impactful as well as attracting a great number of attendees. “Our main reason for getting involved in Leicester Business Festival is to bring our knowledge, influence and experience to the spotlight for people who might be looking to take their idea or business to the next level. “This included at our Leicester Rising Stars event with Leicester Startups and Tech Nation, as part of the British Business Bank's inaugural Business Finance Week, aimed at the city's start-up entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses who had the opportunity to pitch to potential investors and the wider business community. This was really successful and we look forward to seeing what evolves next for these entrepreneurs. “I would encourage other businesses to take part in the festival over the next few days.” Events taking place this week include: Pool & Property (Pattersons Commercial Law) – 4-6.30pm, Wednesday, November 16 Innovation Masterclass – Helping your business grow, profit and be sustainable (University of Leicester and Harborough Innovation Centre) – 10am-1pm, Thursday, November 17 The Future of Law with former BBC legal correspondent Clive Coleman (Excello Law) – 4-6pm, Thursday, November 17 Make Mental Health your Business (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project) – 10-11.30am, Friday, November 18 Leicester Giving Day will feature as the festival finale on Friday, November 18. The initiative was launched by Leicester-based Embark CSR for companies and educational establishments in the city and county to showcase their philanthropic support for charities and local communities. A spokesman said: “Events are taking place for people to get involved with and all the details can be found on Leicester Giving Day website and that evening the new Leicester Giving Day Social Responsibility Awards will also take place. “These awards have been created by Embark CSR and have been introduced as a means to highlight good practice and outstanding achievement in the field of social responsibility, with a focus on positive partnerships between the business and voluntary sectors.”

Logistics 2025-12-06 18:46

McBurney Transport snapped up by Danish logistics giant DFDS for £138M

Ballymena haulage company McBurney Transport has been bought by Danish shipping company DFDS for nearly £138 million. The move sees the company, which employs more than 800 people across the UK and Ireland, become part of one of the world’s biggest logistics companies as ownership transfer from the McBurney family who founded the business in 1965. McBurney Transport focuses on transporting trailers between the island of Ireland and Great Britain, the majority of which are temperature controlled units carrying chilled goods. Under one of its subsidiaries, Bondelivery, it also owns warehousing facilities in Northern Ireland which focus on fulfilment for the retail sector and last mile delivery across the island of Ireland. It operates some 400 trucks, 1,360 trailers of which two thirds are refrigerated. Founder Norman McBurney OBE said the takeover provides opportunities for the company. “By becoming part of DFDS we gain access to new development opportunities,” he said. “ I am certain the wider market coverage, including access to DFDS’ extensive transport network, will benefit our many longstanding customers. “I am confident that our many loyal and dedicated employees will be comfortable and happy after this transaction.” DFDS provides ferry and transport services throughout Europe, is headquartered in Copenhagen and listed on city’s Nasdaq stock exchange. Its chief executive Torben Carlesen said the acquisition was a strategic fit for the business’s cold chain logistics. “The acquisition of McBurney Transport Group greatly enhances the scope of our customer offerings on the island of Ireland and in the UK, particularly towards the resilient food sector,” he said. “It also brings considerable scale to our existing operations in the region.” READ NEXT:

Logistics 2025-12-05 18:50

Hanson UK acquires £220m-turnover Central England recycling company Mick George Group

One of the UK’s biggest construction material suppliers has bought Central England recycling company Mick George Group. Hanson UK has signed a deal to buy the £220 million turnover group subject to competition authority approval. Mick George Group, which is based out of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, specialises in bulk excavation and earthmoving as well as demolition, environmentally sensitive waste removal and waste management services. It also supplies aggregates and concrete. It has been growing its operations across Eastern England and the East Midlands in recent years and has four recycling facilities, eight waste transfer stations, 11 aggregates quarries and 10 ready-mixed concrete plants. It is a main sponsor of Peterborough FC. Hanson UK is part of Heidelberg Materials, one of the biggest building materials manufacturers in the world. It produces aggregates – crushed rock, sand and gravel – ready-mixed concrete, asphalt and cement and employs around 3,500 people. Its UK headquarters are in Maidenhead. It said the acquisition would significantly strengthen its recycled materials offering while complementing its aggregates and ready-mixed concrete businesses. It hopes the acquisition will go through in the second quarter of 2023. Chief executive Simon Willis said: “The acquisition of the Mick George Group is a strong fit for us and another significant step towards our target to offer circular alternatives for half of our concrete products by 2030. “Promoting circularity and consequently recycling, reusing, and thereby reducing the use of primary raw materials, is crucial to achieving net zero.

Logistics 2025-11-30 18:54

First images of how Immingham Green Energy Terminal could look as public consultation begins

Immingham Green Energy Terminal is today being put to the public as statutory consultation begins, with first impressions of what it could look like released. The huge plan, potentially creating more than 1,000 jobs and a £4 billion boost to the UK economy, would see ammonia imported for port-centric hydrogen production, with carbon also shipped in for storage. Located on the eastern wing of Port of Immingham, the proposed development includes a new jetty with up to two berths and the infrastructure to handle bulk liquids as well as two substantial production sites - with the scale now visualised. Associated British Ports is working with the global market leader in hydrogen production, Air Products, who would construct and operate the significant facility, straddling the eastern entrance to the port, on ABP land. First revealed last summer, imported carbon would feed into the Viking CCS proposal, linking the power and refining cluster beside the port with depleted oil and gas caverns beneath the North Sea, via the former Theddlethorpe terminal on the Lincolnshire coast. Read more:Big interview with Humber ports director Simon Bird A capital investment cost has yet to be disclosed, but it is understood to be in the hundreds of millions, with port and industrial process development twinned. A 1,100m jetty would be positioned beyond the existing oil terminal, with link and walkways as well as loading arms and pipelines incorporated. Land-side two operational sites, east and west, would support production, with pipelines between them, and a refrigerated ammonia storage tank. Liquefiers and loading bays for road tankers would also feature. Inviting the public to share their views, a spokesperson for the port operator said: “These proposals would create a brand-new hydrogen production facility in the heart of the Humber’s energy estuary. IGET would contribute to the Humber 2030 Vision, where the Humber Energy Board is driving forward change in our local industries, decarbonising the Humber and delivering clean energy for the future.” ABP intends to submit a development consent order to the Secretary of State, via the Planning Inspectorate, this summer. It comes as its application for Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal, a £100 million proposal to facilitate Humber expansion for Swedish ferry operator Stena Line, has just been received by the government body. Last week a hydrogen trial was unveiled in the port - using the clean fuel to power plant on the container terminal - with senior representation from both ABP and Air Products as a glimpse of what could be achieved was given. The IGET development proposal constitutes a nationally significant infrastructure project, leading to the central government decision-making role. The consultation, the initial element of this, runs until February 20, with in-person consultation sessions at Immingham Civic Centre. They take place on Wednesday, January 18, between 8am and noon; Thursday, January 19 between 3.30pm and 7.30pm; Wednesday, February 1, between 8am and noon; Thursday, February 2, between 3.30pm and 7.30pm; Friday, February 17, between noon and 4pm and Saturday, February 18 between 10am and 2pm. Further information is available on the project website.

Logistics 2025-11-28 11:37

Latest official jobless figures from the East Midlands

The number of people in work across the East Midlands has dropped by several thousand in the last three months, reflecting the tough state of the UK economy. New figures suggest the number of employed people in the region stands at 2.337 million – down 6,000 on the quarter but up 23,000 on the year. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures state the region’s overall employment rate for people aged 16-64 was 74.9 per cent – down 1 percentage point on the quarter and 0.5 percentage points on the year. Nationally the UK unemployment rate has risen again while staff vacancies fell back further amid gathering signs that the jobs market is turning as the UK heads for an expected recession. Official figures show the national jobless rate rose to 3.7 per cent in the three months to October, up from 3.6 per cent in the previous quarter. The DWP said the East Midlands unemployment rate was slightly better than the national average at 3.3 per cent – and was down 0.8 percentage points on the year. Damien Keenan-Dilks, DWP partnership manager for Leicestershire said: “Jobcentres have had an extremely busy year, consulting and engaging directly with employers to fill their vacancies with the right person. “We’ve supported jobseekers to develop their skills and capability to enter the labour market, while also helping people to progress in their career. “For the coming year plans are already in hand to ramp up activity as there are still thousands of vacancies available especially in the key industries including care work, hospitality and logistics “The changes to Universal Credit and our 50PLUS offer means we can provide specialist help to even more claimants through intensive support, to help them get into work and seize opportunities to increase their job prospects and pay. “Our DWP ‘Find a Job’ website, signposts people to jobs, where thousands of jobs are on offer.” Opportunities on offer through local Jobcentres include work at the Wymeswold Business Quarter being built next to the existing Wymeswold Industrial Estate, near Loughborough. There are also 51 vacancies with 17 employers available across five sectors at East Midlands Airport. Meanwhile Mercia Park in North West Leicestershire is working with Jobcentre Plus to fill various vacancies. Official figures on Wednesday are expected to show inflation remained at eye-watering levels in November, but eased back to 10.9 per cent from 11.1 per cent in October. The ONS data also revealed a widening gap between private sector and public sector pay, growing by 6.9 per cent and 2.7 per cent respectively – among the biggest differences seen on record. Kitty Ussher, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said the rise in unemployment suggests “the labour market has now turned”.

Logistics 2025-11-27 11:11

US logistics giant opens warehouse at Devon business park

A global logistics company headquartered in the US has opened a warehouse in Devon. GXO, one of the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics providers, has secured space at Hitchcocks Business Park - a former dairy farm near Willand. According to Hitchocks, initial discussions between GXO and the business park in July 2021 led to a turn-key new yard being designed and then built to GXO’s specifications, including a specialist electrical supply and site infrastructure. Operations started at the site in November. Tim Smith, head of property at Hitchcocks Business Park, said the agreement with GXO highlighted the "ongoing success of Hitchcocks Business Park" in attracting new investment and employment to mid-Devon, with the development of the site forming part of the expansion area which was granted planning consent in 2021. He said: “We are delighted to welcome GXO to Hitchcocks Business Park and have worked closely with the GXO team to deliver their new site to the required specification." The business park is located near Junction 27 of the M5, between the villages of Uffculme and Willand. The site stretches across 90 acres and is still managed by the same family who previously ran the farm. GXO, which employs around 130,000 staff around the world, currently has 200 million sq ft of warehouse space in 950 locations, according to its website. READ NEXT Plymouth Marjon University to build 'wellbeing community hub' after being awarded £5.8m Luxury ice-cream company that sells in Waitrose agrees deal with fellow Devon firm Pennon opens second share scheme to Bristol Water customers

Logistics 2025-11-22 18:42

Devon transport firm bought out of administration, securing 144 jobs

Devon transport firm STR Logistics has been sold, securing 144 jobs. The Exeter-based business and its assets have been acquired by Devon & Cornwall Logistics Limited (DCL) for an undisclosed sum. Insolvency practitioner SFP, which documents filed on Companies House show was appointed last month, confirmed STR was in administration at the time of the sale. Founded in 2002 by Steven Richardson, STR provides home deliveries, pallet distribution and secure freight handling services across the South West. In 2021 Mr Richardson sold the business to Anthony Quinn and Peter Adams, who were previously senior leaders at international logistics company Kuehne + Nagel, and had wanted to relocate to Devon to start their own venture. At the time of that deal, the pair said they had plans to expand STR’s core region to include Gloucestershire, Bristol and South Wales and double the size of the business within five years. Following a buy-out, the company’s turnover was on an upward trajectory increasing from £2.9m in the year to June 2020, to £3.7m in 2021 and £6.7m in 2022. Administrators said a combination of rising costs, including fuel and wages, a shortage of available spare parts, increased lead time for vehicles and the general downturn of the economy, led to "numerous trading difficulties and the accumulation of creditor arrears". Professional guidance was sought in December 2022, and after options were considered for the business, a marketing campaign was undertaken to source a buyer as part of a restructure, with the deal with DCL completed on January 31. . Mr Quinn, who is DCL's chief executive, said that the new company would continue to trade under the banner of STR, adding: “Our new management team, improved corporate strategy and good old-fashioned excellent service will ensure this business can go from strength to strength.” David Kemp, joint administrator at SFP, says that in the face of “very difficult circumstances” the sale achieved a “constructive outcome”. Mr Kemp added: “The impact of record inflation and other economic constraints placed enormous pressure on STR logistics, which sustained irretrievable damage as a result. “The sale to Devon and Cornwall Logistics Limited was the best solution to achieving the preferred outcome: the retention of STR Logistics employees, maximised value for stakeholders and ongoing services to the business’ valuable clients.” Read next:

Logistics 2025-11-22 18:28

East Midlands Railway recruiting apprentice train drivers

East Midlands Railway has launched its latest recruitment drive for apprentice train drivers. The regional rail operator – which recently achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating for its apprenticeship scheme – said it was keen to encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for the roles based at its Nottingham and Derby depots. The appeal comes amid reports of further strike action expected within the industry after crisis talks between ministers and unions failed to resolve industrial disputes. Sustained action has crippled services, with only one in five trains running between Tuesday and Saturday. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch and Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, have been among those meeting with the Department for Transport for talks. The East Midlands Railway (EMR) apprenticeship scheme is open to people aged 21 and above and involves a 12-18-month programme blending theory and practical work in the classroom with practical skills development such as cab rides and signal box visits. Successful applicants will have access to EMR’s training academy where classroom learning is underpinned by VR technology replicating real life railway situations. The railway company also has a cab simulator so apprentices can learn about train driving in a variety of different circumstances and conditions within a safe environment. A spokeswoman said: “EMR values diversity and is committed to ensuring equality across its organisation. “In particular, EMR encourage women, younger people and ethnic minority groups to apply for the roles.” HR director Kate Holden said: “At EMR, we currently employ just over 600 drivers and to fulfil our fleet rollout, we need drivers to operate the trains across the network. “One of our major challenges is encouraging a more diverse driving workforce. We’ve been working to increase the number of females applying for our driver roles, with open evenings aimed specifically at women, as well as tackling the unconscious bias through blind screening. “We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and ages and we’d urge anybody interested in a career in any of these driver roles to check out our website.”

Logistics 2025-11-21 11:21

Flybe administrators in bid for temporary operating licence

Administrators for collapsed airline Flybe have applied for a temporary operating licence, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced. This would give the administrators from Interpath the chance to put the regional carrier on a firm footing, but flights would not initially resume. It is the first time the CAA has received an application for a temporary licence from a failed airline. A spokesman for the regulator said: “Flybe’s administrators have applied for a temporary operator’s licence. “If approved, it would allow the administrators to start the process of restructuring the business. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has not yet made a decision on whether to grant a temporary licence. “Flybe’s licence currently remains suspended in accordance with the undertakings given by the administrators.” Flybe collapsed into bankruptcy for the second time in three years on January 28. The airline’s administrators confirmed 277 of its 321 staff would be made redundant. The Sunday Telegraph reported that airline groups Lufthansa and Air France-KLM are in talks with the administrators to buy the carrier, which held lucrative take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport. Flybe was first pushed into administration in March 2020 with the loss of 2,400 jobs as the Covid-19 pandemic destroyed large parts of the travel market. Before then it flew more UK domestic routes between airports outside London than any other airline. Its business and assets were purchased in April 2021 by Thyme Opco, linked to US hedge fund Cyrus Capital. Flights resumed 12 months later, with the airline based at Birmingham Airport.

Logistics 2025-11-18 18:14

£10m port expansion as PD and Barrett agree new steel deal

A £10 million port investment is being made to handle steel distribution in northern Lincolnshire. PD Ports is close to completing a dedicated new 200,000 sq ft site at its Groveport facility on the River Trent. It will support long-term customer Barrett Steel as it grows its market share, and signifies the start of a new contract that will take the partnership to 2040 and beyond. The new facility, launching early next year, will support the expansion of Barrett’s footprint on the Humber, and will be further enhanced with additional investment from the port operator to double the size of its transport fleet. It is a move described as strengthening Barrett’s national distribution network, allowing for just-in-time deliveries to be made across the UK. Read more: Hull blade plant boss has his say on Siemens Energy buy-out deal It is PD’s largest investment on the Humber in decades, with the 190-acre site between Gunness and Flixborough, on the outskirts of Scunthorpe, its largest location in the region. Geoff Lippitt, chief commercial officer, said: “The new Barrett Steel facility is a huge milestone for PD Ports at Groveport. This marks the largest single piece of investment in the site since we first acquired it back in 2015 and demonstrates our intentions to position Groveport as the UK’s leading steel handling hub for steel sourced both domestically and internationally.” The state-of-the-art warehouse has also been instrumental for both parties in continuing to realise their shared sustainability targets - it is the first building in the UK to be constructed in ‘XCarb’ steel – steel made using 100 per cent recycled content and 100 per cent renewable energy – supplied by fellow PD Ports customer, ArcelorMittal. The new build is also primed to welcome solar panels in the future. Mr Lippitt said: “As a business, we are constantly striving to reduce our industrial impact on the environment and have ambitious decarbonisation targets to reach net zero. This innovative warehouse is a fantastic example of how we can utilise lower carbon materials in order to reduce emissions across the supply chain.” Barrett Steel, a sixth generation Bradford-headquartered operation, has been a leading steel stockholder and processor for more than 150 years. With over 30 sites nationwide, it describes the new facility as “a huge mark of intention” for it to remain at the forefront of the UK steel industry. Guy Barrett, group purchasing director, said: “This new facility will increase our capacity and ability to offer a just in time solution for steel fabricators across the UK. Being able to deliver the project using a low embodied carbon, the first of its kind in the UK, not only demonstrates our commitment to our own net zero goals but also showcases a tangible solution to the questions around sustainability currently facing the industry. “We are delighted to be continuing our longstanding relationship with PD Ports on this ground-breaking project.” Barrett had taken on several steel distribution centres from British Steel, following its acquisition by Jingye Group, while PD also made a multi-million pound investment at Groveport for All Steels Trading, another long-serving customer, just before the Covid pandemic outbreak.

Logistics 2025-11-11 18:18

Tom Newman-Taylor appointed CEO of UK’s only inland freeport

An experienced civil servant has been brought in as the chief executive of the country’s only inland freeport. Tom Newman-Taylor will take over management of the special economic area around East Midlands Airport in March. The East Midlands Freeport (EMF) is made up of three zones – around the Castle Donington airport, the Ratcliffe on Soar power station redevelopment site and the East Midlands Intermodal Park near Toyota in Derbyshire – with businesses benefitting from preferential planning rules and tax incentives. Freeport free zones were the brainchild of PM Rishi Sunak when he was Chancellor to offer industry the incentive of enclosed customs areas exempt from some tax and customs rules. It is hoped they will play a part in revitalising the UK economy following the economic harm done by Brexit. The Government says the three East Midlands tax sites could support 61,000 jobs and bring an extra £8.4 billion into the local economy over 30 years. Mr Newman-Taylor has had a number of senior roles in government, most recently with the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing, and the Department for Transport, where he has worked on big commercial and strategic projects across transport, energy and housing. He was also deputy director in the Maritime Directorate where, during Covid-19, he ran the cross-Government Critical Freight Taskforce which helped prevent the collapse of international and domestic freight networks. He has developed government strategies across housing and transport, including a long-term environmental strategy for the maritime sector, and earlier in his career helped deliver billion-pound government investments into train and railway improvements. He also spent time in industry as commercial projects lead with Associated British Ports where he was responsible for establishing a master planning programme. He said: “I am hugely excited by the potential which EMF offers to bring growth to a strategically significant part of the UK. “A successful freeport will bring lasting benefits to the East Midlands by attracting significant new investment and creating high quality jobs for the communities who live around our sites. “I cannot wait to help realise this ambition and help bring together local public and private sector partners on behalf of the East Midlands and the UK.” Freeport chair Nora Senior CBE said: “We are delighted to have attracted an individual of the calibre and with the experience that Tom brings. “His knowledge of government departments and policies will be a significant advantage in allowing the Freeport to access and build on trade and innovation opportunities to the benefit of prospective occupiers on the site.” EMF is England’s only inland Freeport. Focused on low carbon and renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, advanced logistics and research and development, it is anticipated to create over 61,000 jobs in the region and deliver a regional GVA uplift to the East Midlands of £8.4bn.

Logistics 2025-11-10 11:21

Change at the helm for huge Hull family firm Arco as new CEO welcomed

One of Hull’s largest and longest standing companies has undergone a change of leadership. Arco managing director David Evison has retired, with Guy Bruce taking on the role of chief executive of th esafety specialist. He arrives from Equans, the broad technical, facilities management and energy services operator, having previously worked for building materials distributor SIG Plc. It comes with the award-winning fifth generation family-owned business recently completing its move into a new £16 million headquarters on the Fruit Market. The company was also at the centre of the PPE response to Covid, with its new £30 million Hull-based national distribution centre put to immediate high volume use, despite well-documented clashes with government over procurement. Read more: Leading Hull businessman Dr Paul Sewell OBE takes the chair at KR Thomas Martin, chairman of the £390 million turnover business, said: “I am pleased to confirm that we have appointed a new chief executive officer, Guy Bruce, to help lead Arco in the next stage of the company’s growth. Guy joined the company on December 1, and the board and I are looking forward to welcoming him into the business. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the industry, with significant achievements in delivering transformative growth across distribution, retail, service and manufacturing businesses, domestically and internationally, within both private and public companies. “In this new role, Guy will develop Arco’s strategy, accelerating activities which are already delivering growth and driving additional returns on recent significant investments to further enhance customer relationships and experience.” Mr Evison, a former Sainsbury’s and William Jackson Food Group executive, arrived at Arco in 2014 as finance director, taking the MD role in 2018. He had advised earlier in the year he was to step down, allowing for succession planning. Huge advancements in infrastructure completed, with Mr Evison welcoming Princess Anne to the opening of the distribution centre when Covid measures allowed. Mr Martin said: “David Evison, our managing director, retired on November 30, and I would like to say how grateful the board, the business and the family are for everything he has done for the business in his eight years here. We wish him a long, healthy, happy and well-earned retirement.”

Logistics 2025-11-08 11:49

Logistics giant Wincanton on track to deliver profit forecast

Wiltshire logistics giant Wincanton has reported “robust” recent trading amid “challenging” economic conditions. In a trading update for the third quarter, bosses at the supply chain manager, which is headquartered in Chippenham, said it was on track to make a pre-tax profit of around £62m for the current financial year. The board pointed to the “resilience” of its diverse customer base in the face of economic, political and labour market “volatility and headwinds”, which it said had impacted its top-line growth and underlying cost base this year. The London-listed firm - which serves clients across sectors such as retail, dairy and fuel - said it had delivered year-to-date revenue growth of 5.5% across the four sectors it operates in during the third quarter and peak period for retail customers. This was despite group revenue for the period dipping 1.4% year-on-year against “tough comparatives”. The firm’s grocery division revenue fell by 7% while its general merchandise sector remained broadly flat - up 0.6% - both in comparison to the record highs seen in the same period a year earlier. Bosses said the company’s e-commerce fulfilment sector revenue increased by 13.6% in the third quarter driven by new contract wins with clothing and homeware retailer the White Company, wholesaler City Electrical Factors and building materials manufacturer Saint Gobain. The group said its Cygnia business had been impacted by recent postal strikes and pressure on consumer spending, with online volumes “below expectations” for some of its customers. While Wincanton’s revenue from its public and industrial sector was down by 5.8%, mainly due to lower volumes across the building materials market and “contract attrition”, this was partially offset by 25.5% year-on-year growth in its public sector businesses. The group is supporting HMRC at various inland border clearance facilities, alongside work for Defra. Chief executive James Wroath said: “We remain focused on driving growth with both new and existing customers; our strong pipeline is critical to Wincanton's ability to negate the challenging external environment that we are facing. “We continue to make great strides in supporting our technology propositions for customers, including automation and robotics, and this is supporting strong operational delivery across the group." Read next:

Logistics 2025-11-07 11:19

Lufthansa dips toe in Northern Ireland with direct Frankfurt flight

A direct flight to Germany will return to Northern Ireland next year after the nation’s flag carrier Lufthansa announced a new service to Frankfurt from Belfast City Airport. The move – which will see four weekly flights between the two destinations – is the airline’s first venture in the province and will represent the only direct air link to Germany from the Belfast airport. Previously, Ryanair had operated direct services to Germany from Belfast International Airport, prior to which Air Berlin had run a service between the two destinations. The first Lifthansa flight will take off on 23 rd April 2023 and run on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on an Embraer aircraft offering both business and economy services. Dr Frank Wagner, General Manager Sales, UK, Ireland and Iceland for Lufthansa Group, welcomed the new route. “This new nonstop connection will bring Northern Ireland much closer to Frankfurt and to the heart of Western Europe,” he said. “Connecting passengers will enjoy a convenient and full service connection beyond our hub to our vast network of over 200 destinations in summer 2023.” The new connection will provide a boost to Northern Ireland’s economy, Mel Chittock, Invest NI’s interim CEO, said. He said the agency is recruiting to help exporters boost trade between the two regions. “Germany is a powerhouse of the European economy and one which offers tremendous potential for our local businesses to export to as well as being a major source of internationally mobile investment,” he said. “Its key sectors are well aligned with Northern Ireland’s strengths, particularly in Advanced Manufacturing, Life and Health Sciences, Food and Drink, and Financial Services. In fact, we are currently strengthening our European team to support exporters expand into Germany, Austria and Switzerland and to promote the Northern Ireland investment proposition in the region, with recruitment for a number of key roles currently under way.” Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said he expected the new flight to boost the flow of inbound tourists and said he would continue to push for new direct flight connections with Europe and beyond. In 2019, Northern Ireland recorded nearly 65,000 German visitors which are estimated to have provided a £14 million boost for the local economy. ““Today’s announcement by Lufthansa is really good news for tourism to Northern Ireland in 2023,” he said. “As an island destination, we know there’s a proven correlation between access and growth in visitor numbers, so this new flight will certainly help boost tourism business from Germany.

Logistics 2025-11-06 11:39

Search on for CEO to head up Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership earning up to £80k

The search is on to find a chief executive to head up the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). The position has been vacant since Mandip Rai left the public/private sector organisation in March, with long-standing LLEP employee Sue Tilley heading up the LEP in the Interim. Her position was created on a temporary basis because of questions over the future of LEPs under County Deal devolution plans. The board has decided the time is now right to find a permanent CEO and Leicester City Council, the LLEP’s accountable body, has started a recruitment process working with LLEP co-chairs Anil Majithia and Andy Reed OBE. Mr Majithia said: "We are grateful to Sue for accepting additional leadership responsibilities earlier this year and her work with directors and officers in recent months as we continue to deliver projects on the priorities of our Economic Growth Strategy. "However, it’s clear that it could be some time yet before a clear picture emerges on local devolution, therefore a more permanent LLEP leadership solution is required.” LLEP directors expect the CEO role will continue even were a devolution agreement to be reached in the near future between the city and county councils and government.

Logistics 2025-10-29 18:08

Midlands rail services could benefit from £1.5bn upgrade

Rails services across the Midlands could benefit from £1.5 billion of investment between 2025-2030 under plans put forward today. Midlands Connect – a transport group that represents councils, local enterprise partnerships and other public bodies in the region – is proposing the changes which it says will add new services and put 14.6 million more seats on the railway every year. The organisation said it would also help safeguard 1,600 well-paid jobs in the construction industry. It comes as the UK rail industry faces tough times with workers striking over pay, poorly performing operators, the Government working out how to deal with the fragmentation caused by privatisation and pressure groups warning a failure to attract more passengers risks a permanently smaller network. Revenues are around a fifth lower than pre-virus levels, and taxpayers are contributing around £2 billion more annually than before the pandemic, according to Rail Partners, which represents independent passenger and freight train operators. Midlands Connect believes its upgrades package would be the “biggest step possible in levelling-up the Midlands”. Its “Midlands Rail Hub” plans would see space for 100 additional trains on the network every day to locations such as Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Nuneaton, Worcester, Hereford, Great Malvern, Bristol, Gloucester, Cardiff, Cheltenham and Leicester. It says it could also lead to shorter journey times for thousands of commuters – Birmingham to Hereford could be cut by up to 13 minutes, for instance. The proposals also include improved access to HS2 services at Birmingham Curzon Street and improvements to the Cross-city Birmingham line, which would see trains arrive every 10 minutes. In Leicestershire, Leicester, Hinckley, Narborough & South Wigston would benefit from an extra fast and slow train every hour delivering 1.7 million extra peak time seats each year and 1.5 million off-peak seats. It said its analysis suggests for every £1 spent on the project there would be more than £1.50 in benefits including broader benefits to the economy. The plans are due to be launched in Birmingham today, backed by politicians such as West Midlands Mayor and chair of the West Midlands Rail Executive Andy Street, Preet Kaur Gill MP, Deputy City Mayor of Leicester Coun Adam Clarke, councils and business leaders to all back the ambitious proposals. The biggest engineering proposals include between Bordesley and Moor Street, Birmingham, allowing access to Birmingham Moor Street from the South-West and Wales, and improving services on the Hereford and Worcester corridors. There would also be better access to Birmingham Moor Street from the East Midlands. The improvements will make space for up to ten extra trains per hour in and out of Birmingham. If funded by the Government, the regional benefits for the Midlands would be: · An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Bristol. · An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Cardiff via Gloucester stopping at Worcestershire Parkway. · An additional train per hour between Birmingham and Hereford via Worcester. The service will also stop at Bromsgrove, Great Malvern & Droitwich. · An additional fast train per hour between Leicester and Birmingham, stopping at Nuneaton. · An additional slow train per hour between Leicester and Birmingham, stopping at Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Narborough & South Wigston. Sir John Peace, chairman of Midlands Connect – which has now submitted its outline business case to government – said: “This is a truly momentous occasion for us, we are proud to unveil this detailed plan for infrastructure changes which will transform our region. “We know the project has the backing of the businesses, communities and political leaders in the Midlands, and we stand ready to kickstart its delivery and get spades in the ground. “The Midlands Rail Hub will significantly impact the future of travel for generations to come.” Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the West Midlands Rail Executive, said: “Midlands Rail Hub is a game-changing scheme for our region. “The benefits it can bring to local people and businesses are many – whether it’s connecting millions more people to the HS2 network; creating space for more local journeys, stations, and rail lines; or opening faster and more frequent rail links for commuters as well as business and leisure travellers. “As we bounce back from Covid, Midlands Rail Hub will support our recovery by unlocking the bottleneck at Birmingham New Street to improve local services, whilst also better connecting the East and West Midlands. All of this helps open access to opportunities right across the Midlands and supports thousands of jobs during a critical period for our region. “When the West Midlands succeeds, the country succeeds, and the sooner Government enables us to start delivering this project the sooner our local residents will experience the plethora of benefits to come.” Sir Peter Soulsby Chair of Transport for the East Midlands & City Mayor of Leicester said: “Leicester is a thriving and rapidly growing city, but we need better connectivity by rail to realise the city’s economic potential. “The Midlands Rail Hub will double the rail service between Leicester and Birmingham and ensure the city is connected to both New Street and Moor Street stations. “This will provide onward connectivity to Wales and the South West, as well as easy access to HS2 Services at Curzon Street. “We expect that that HS2 East will transform connectivity between Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham by the 2040s.

Logistics 2025-10-24 18:26

Post-Covid bookings take off again at easyJet

Budget airline easyJet says losses will be better than expected after seeing a big increase in bookings. The Luton-based operator – which flies out of UK airports such as Birmingham, Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle – said it had seen a record surge in bookings since the start of the year. Headline pre-tax losses, it said, narrowed to £133 million in the last three months of 2022, compared to £213 million a year earlier. It also carried almost 50 per cent more passengers in the same period – at 17.5 million – compared to the end of 2021 when the country was still dealing with Covid-19. UK coronavirus travel restrictions were finally dropped last March. To cap that off it has had a good bounce-back in traditional New Year holiday bookings, with three weekends of record-breaking sales so far in January. The group said it now expects its seasonal first-half loss to be “significantly” better year on year. Chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “We have seen strong and sustained demand for travel over the first quarter, carrying almost 50 per cent more customers compared with last year. “Many returned to make bookings during the traditional turn-of-year sale where we filled five aircraft every minute in the peak hours, which culminated in three record‐breaking weekends for sales revenue this month. “This strong booking performance, aided by the airline’s step-changed revenue capability, has driven an £80 million year-on-year boost in the first quarter with continued momentum as customers prioritise spending on holidays for the year ahead. “This will set us firmly on the path to delivering a full-year profit, where we anticipate beating the current market expectation, enabling us to create value for customers, investors and the economies we serve.” EasyJet said the most popular destinations for UK travellers this year were Amsterdam, Geneva, Paris, Tenerife and Alicante. Mr Lundgren said: “Coming into the summer, the early indication is it’s really down to the places that offer great value for money (such as) Turkey and Egypt. But also Spain is popular. “It’s very clear that people are really prioritising taking a beach holiday for this summer.” EasyJet was one of the airlines worst affected by staffing shortages which hit the aviation industry last year, though the CEO said staffing numbers were now “well ahead” of pre-coronavirus levels.

Logistics 2025-10-23 18:02

Ryanair announce new flight route to Milan from Belfast International Airport

Ryanair has announced a new flight route operating from Belfast International Airport as part of its Summer '23 schedule. The budget airline will be increasing its offering in Northern Ireland with a new service to Milan Bergamo Airport. It will operate three times weekly from April with seats already on sale for the new route. Ryanair’s Dara Brady said: “With Easter and Summer ‘23 fast approaching, we are delighted to be bringing even more choice and value to our Northern Ireland customers with the addition of this new Milan Bergamo route to our Summer ‘23 schedule, offering our customers in Belfast even more choice when planning their long-awaited summer holidays. "To mark this good news, we’ve launched a limited-time seat sale for early bird customers looking to bag themselves a bargain on their Summer ’23 holiday with fares from just £29.99 available now on Ryanair.com.” Last year, Ryanair announced its return to Belfast with 12 new flight routes - running 115 flights a week from Summer 2023. Revealing their ‘comeback’ last July, Ryanair said the International routes include sun destinations such as Alicante, Faro, Barcelona-Girona and Malaga.

Logistics 2025-10-22 18:56

PD Ports hits out at 'regrettable' legal battle with Tees Valley mayor

A dispute between one of Teesside’s largest employers and the area’s mayor has ratcheted up with accusations that the politician is risking public money in a legal battle. PD Ports has been in dispute with Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen over access to the South Gare area, with the battle set to come to court next year. The ports firm said it was “regrettable” that access to South Gare remains disputed. A legal case has been brought by South Tees Development Corporation, headed by Mr Houchen, over the access. The dispute comes after the mayor’s efforts to buy PD Ports last year founded when its Canadian owners Brookfield Asset Management called off plans to sell the company. Read more:Sage revenues reach £1.9bn Now, PD Ports has issued a statement saying that that South Tees Development Corporation had written to it in 2019 to say it would not “interfere with your continued occupation or to materially affect your day-to-day operations”. In the statement, the firm said: “We are confident that we have long established rights of access over the South Gare Road. In addition, historic legal documentation has been presented to STDC which shows our rights of access across the private road to South Gare in any case. Despite this and requests from our solicitors that STDC concede the South Gare issue in order to save both parties the expense of proving the historic use of the road at trial, STDC continues to deny PD Teesport’s rights over the South Gare road at significant cost to the taxpayer. “It is regrettable that in those circumstances access to South Gare remains a matter in dispute in legal proceedings commenced by STDC. However, PD Ports is confident that it will successfully obtain a declaration confirming its rights of access over the South Gare Road, in order to continue to maintain and protect South Gare, facilitating access for its tenants, licencees, agents, workman and all other persons entitled to use the road.” Tees Valley Combined Authority has been approached for comment. READ NEXT:

Logistics 2025-10-21 11:23

115 oil and gas licensing applications made in latest North Sea round

More than 100 applications have been received for the latest offshore oil and gas licensing round. A total of 115 bids have been made across 258 blocks, from a total of 76 companies. Described as providing a significant boost to the UK’s energy security, the 33rd UK round opened in October, and offered acreage across the North Sea. It included four priority areas, which have known hydrocarbons, in which there was very keen interest, and could see production in as little as 18 months. They are focused on the southern North Sea. Read next: Humber's offshore wind could power North Sea's energy transition Interest was at a similar level to the last round in 2019, which received 104 applications from 245 blocks and part-blocks. In 2019 a total of 768 blocks and part-blocks were offered, compared with 931 this year. Dr Nick Richardson, North Sea Transition Authority head of exploration and new ventures, said: “We have seen a strong response from industry to the round, which has exceeded application levels compared to previous rounds. “We will now be working hard to analyse the applications with a view to awarding the first licences from the second quarter of 2023.” Bids will be carefully considered, with several necessary consents required after licensing and before production to ensure developments are also in line with net zero proposals. Dr Richardson said it was a key part of the NSTA’s drive to support UK energy security, which also includes licensing the Rough gas storage facility off te East Yorkshire coast, and encouraging operators to look at reopening closed wells. Oil and gas currently contribute around three quarters of domestic energy needs and official forecasts show that, even as demand is reduced, they will continue to play a role. “As we transition, maintaining a clean domestic supply to meet that demand can support energy security, jobs, and the UK’s world class supply chain,” Dr Richardson said. Production emissions have been cut by more than a fifth between 2018 and 2021. Projections indicate the sector is on track to meet reduction targets of 10 per cent by 2025 and 25 per cent by 2027 – agreed in the North Sea Transition Deal in 2021. Since February last year, NSTA interventions have prevented the lifetime emission of 1.4 million tonnes of CO2e, equivalent to taking more than 500,000 cars off the road for a year. Energy and Climate Minister Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, said: “Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has led to volatile global energy markets. It’s fantastic to see such interest from industry in this round, with the awarded licences set to play an important role in boosting domestic energy production and securing the UK’s long-term energy security of supply.”

Logistics 2025-10-18 11:29

Decision on £550m rail freight hub expected in 2024 – assuming planning inspector doesn’t throw it out sooner

A formal decision on a £550m rail freight hub in the west Leicestershire countryside could be made in the summer of 2024 – assuming a planning inspector doesn’t throw it out next month. Tritax Symmetry wants to build the 440 acre Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange between Hinckley and the tiny village of Elmesthorpe. The huge complex would be linked to the Leicester to Birmingham railway line, and be big enough to accommodate up to 16 half a mile long trains a day. The developer says it could eventually create 8,400 jobs, and have a new slip-road onto the M69. The plans have attracted criticism from MPs and people living in the area who are concerned about the scale – the buildings would cover more than 9 million sq ft and be up to 91ft high. In 2019 South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa wrote to 11,000 constituents for their views. He said that almost 1,600 people – of 2,000 that replied – were against it. Blaby District Council said Tritax Symmetry has now submitted its application for the scheme to the Planning Inspectorate. The council said it has 14 days to comment on whether it believes the developer’s earlier consultation was adequate, then the inspectorate will have until March 6 to decide if the application can continue. The council can’t stop the plans, but is included in the consultation. Because the scheme is so big it will be ultimately decided by the Secretary of State for Transport. If the next stage of the application is accepted, there will be a six-month-long examination phase, including hearings, towards the end of the year, with a decision expected by the middle of next year. Blaby District Council leader Coun Terry Richardson said: “This application has been a long time coming and the source of great concern for many residents in our district. “Since it was mooted, the Council has worked tirelessly to engage with the developer and critique their plans, for example raising strong concerns during the consultation period last year. "There will be lots of information to review and comment on throughout this year.

Logistics 2025-10-16 18:36

Huge coldstore logistics deal completes

A £16.5 million deal to unite two Grimsby cold storage giants has completed. HSH Coldstores has bought ACS&T, bringing together significant capacity focused on supporting the town’s seafood sector. The deal was agreed in December, weeks after HSH had received government backing for a new build facility on the town’s Europarc estate. Part of the European Constellation Cold Logistics organisation following a majority stake acquisition in it early in 2021, HSH can be traced back to 1970. The £15.5 million turnover operation was founded by the Howard family, led by the late entrepreneurial lorry driver John Howard. It is now led by the second generation, with Anthony Howard managing director. Read more: Covid rebound brings cheer for Grimsby seafood firm He said: “We are enormously proud and excited to welcome ACS&T to the HSH family, the acquisition provides a unique opportunity for HSH to expand its storage and distribution services for our new and existing customers. “Having co-founded HSH nearly 20 years ago, I am extremely proud to see how our company has grown over the years and would like to extend my gratitude to our team on reaching this milestone. I look forward to collaborating with the team at ACS&T to accelerate our growth and develop new high quality cold chain solutions.” It has not yet been decided whether the ACS&T brand will be retained, with staff from both businesses part of a special meet and greet reception held at the Humber Royal Hotel this week. ACS&T, part of UK-listed fruit and tea trader Camellia Plc since 1993, has been in Grimsby for almost 90 years, having made it the headquarters after initially launching as London Ice and Cold Storage Company. First operations were below Billingsgate Fish Market. It went on to open the first low-temperature cold store in Grimsby in 1934, with a base later established on the town’s South Humberside Industrial Estate. It also has operations in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. Camellia has confirmed completion to the London Stock Exchange. The deal creates a £35 million turnover business with a 140,000 pallet position capacity and 75-strong temperature controlled fleet.

Logistics 2025-10-14 11:33

Jet2 bounces back stronger after Covid with profits of more than £500m

Low cost airline Jet2 has hailed a bounce-back to profitability despite what it called a "difficult return to normal operations" after the Covid restrictions. The Leeds Bradford Airport-based operator released half year results to the end of September showing a 730% rise in revenue to £3.5bn and a 403% rise in operating profit to £516.6m, following a loss of £170.4m in the same period of 2021. Jet2 told investors on the London Stock Exchange the performance was 44% ahead of its 2019, pre-Covid, results. However, the holidays firm also said it faced a number of cost pressures including fuel, carbon, a strengthened US dollar and wage increases. It said the inflationary headwinds could mean margins are squeezed. Read more: Cranswick resilient against the economic crunch as Hull 'home' of McCrispy kicks on Jet2 founder and chairman Philip Meeson reiterated previous criticism of airport operators and suppliers saying their lack of planning and preparedness had frustrated industry recovery. More than £50m in compensation was incurred by the company for passenger disruption during the mid-summer travel chaos reported at UK airports. But winter 2022/23 bookings were said to be "encouraging" given the important post-Christmas booking period is still to come. Jet2 said it was on track to exceed current market expectations for profit before foreign exchange revaluation and taxation for the year to the end of March 2023. Mr Meeson added: "Our leisure travel business has continued its encouraging recovery following the reopening of international travel in early 2022. Strong customer demand, in particular for package holidays, plus a robust pricing environment and considered cost control, have underpinned a substantially improved financial performance compared to recent Covid impacted summer seasons, but also against pre-Covid Summer 2019. "The business made considerable investment well ahead of Summer 2022, retaining over 8,000 loyal colleagues throughout the pandemic and significantly topping up the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme funding on a sliding scale basis up to 100% of salary for the lowest paid, recruiting and training seasonal colleagues in good time, making substantial marketing investments, plus early and meaningful salary increases for all colleagues. This left us very well prepared for our summer operation and also enabled Jet2.com to earn the accolade of being the only UK airline not to cancel a flight during July and August 2022, according to leading travel intelligence company, OAG." READ NEXT: Grimsby seafood blow as Icelandic firm pulls UK operations after racking up huge losses Myenergi co-founder named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year Don't allow small firms to fail, says North East-based FSB chair Historic Redcar Blast Furnace demolished after 43 years on Teesside skyline

Logistics 2025-10-13 18:20

£5m boost defrosts huge Grimsby cold storage expansion after costs soared on £30m plant

Grimsby’s cold storage capacity is to be increased by 20 per cent after £5 million of government support was netted for a key project. Brexit and Covid have put pressure on a vital element of the wider seafood sector, with it trading at over-capacity for the past six months, as just in time imports have switched to more considered buying by the town’s cluster of processors. The £30 million Europarc proposal from HSH Coldstores is fully consented and will create 60 new jobs, with the potential to unlock hundreds more in Grimsby. It was the lead beneficiary from the first round of the UK Seafood Infrastructure Fund, with £20 million being invested nationwide. Read more: Seafood processor swoops for neighbouring home delivery specialist A further £2.4 million has been awarded to JCS Fish to expand its processing operations in the town, with cash for projects in Fort William, Peterhead and Alness in Scotland, for Mowi, Denholm Seeafoods and Aquascot; Shoreham Port for vessel maintenance and Falfish Ltd in Newlyn ad Mevagissey. Henry Pringle, chief operating officer for Constellation, HSH's parent company, welcomed new Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer to the existing Birchin Way site, taking him on a tour of the huge operation. He said: “We are running at over-capacity, we’re storing in the aisles, it is everywhere, and it is not just us. Everyone in Grimsby is full. We see that as a major impediment to Grimsby industry, processing depends on cold storage and occupancy at the moment creates tonnes of additional cost. We cannot take in additional customers, and we’re having to shuttle to the Midlands and Peterborough. “Grimsby being the centre of fish and seafood processing in the UK, a lot of the supply chains are dependent on imports. This is the main fish and chip shop warehouse for the UK.” Cold storage is required for raw product, ingredients for value-added processing and pre-sale holding, with transportation to and from the cluster adding to the cost, and eroding competitive advantage. Mr Pringle said: “We are looking at building a new facility within Grimsby, supporting 30,000 pallet spaces. There are 150,000 currently, so that will be increasing by 20 per cent.” The 52-year-old second generation business holds a third of the market share in the town, and will employ 200 people when the addition completes, scheduled for early 2024. It is currently being rendered for, and has been hit by inflation in the building materials market. Of the reasoning behind the demand, Mr Pringle said: “We are at peak season going into Christmas, there has been a bounce-back post Covid and Brexit concern means no-one wants just-in-time inventory. The model is now to import and hold greater stock. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without the grant funding. Capital expenditure accelerated, construction costs have gone through the roof and while they have come down, they are not where they started. This really gets us across the line in terms of making it viable.” When first announced in May 2021, with Europarc developer Wykeland, the 171,000 sq ft site had a price tag of £15 million, though 25 new fuel efficient trucks with the latest refrigeration technology are also part of the successful bid. At JCS, a state-of-the-art 2,000 sq m fish processing factory with integrated smokehouse is to be developed, doubling salmon and trout processing capability to 20 tonnes per day. It could bring 32 jobs to the town, while reducing reliance on imports. It came as it was announced in Tromso, Norway, that the next International Coldwater Prawn Forum will be held in Grimsby in 2024, likely to bring more than 200 delegates. The town successfully hosted the World Seafood Congress in 2015. Mr Spencer, appointed to Defra under Liz Truss, and the representative for Sherwood in Nottinghamshire, said: “We are adding value to the processing sector, building extra storage that helps with the supply chains and generates jobs. “This is about investing for the future and making sure we have one of the most robust, sustainable and employable industries in Europe. We are now competing with our colleagues across the water, we want to make sure the UK fisheries sector is robust and fit for the future. “It demonstrates our huge opportunities in this sector, and I think this will assist on that journey, moving forward in the new world post-Brexit, and I think it is great news for the sector, it proves we can do it here in the Uk and do it very successfully.” He rejected the idea it was paying for issues arising from the vote to leave, despite the stated change in business model. “Companies are holding more stock because they are confident in the future and confident they are going to sell it,” he said. Icelandic Seafood International’s decision to exit UK operations, putting 200 jobs at risk in Grimsby, was raised with the Minister. He claimed administrators had been appointed in media interviews, but this was refuted by the business, which is working with specialist MAR Advisors to achieve a sale. The company operates the huge former Five Star Fish plant on Great Grimsby Business Park, having merged two businesses into it as Covid struck UK shores. Mr Spencer said there would be “wrinkles on the way” following Brexit, with the company’s chief executive having pointed to harder trading conditions as part of the reasoning, with losses of £12 million revealed. He said: “It is very sad for these people, losing jobs - potentially - and I hope the administrator can find someone to take it on lock, stock and barrel. With this investment there will be other jobs in fish processing industry and as a nation we have reason to be optimistic about the future.” ISI had announced it was to pull out of the UK in a trading update last week. It is rigorously pursuing a sale, with interest mooted. Following his comments, to several media outlets, Bjarni Ármannsson, Icelandic Seafood International group chief executive, said: "Iceland Seafood is running a sales process on its UK subsidiary, Iceland Seafood UK, after having decided to exit the UK value-added operation. "MAR Advisors have been mandated to run the process. We are currently presenting the company to prospective buyers. As Iceland Seafood is a publicly-listed company we will report the outcome of such a process at an appropriate time to the market. Any suggestions that Iceland Seafood UK is in a liquidation process are false. That is not the case at all." Grimsby MP Lia Nici had earlier in the week taken to social media to air her concerns about finding out about the company’s plight via social media. The Westminster agenda led to her missing Mr Spencer’s visit, but she met with him in London prior to his arrival.

Logistics 2025-10-07 11:25

Plans submitted to develop 330 acres of land next to the seaside town of Skegness

Plans have been submitted to develop 330 acres of land in the Lincolnshire seaside town of Skegness. Backers said the “sustainable urban extension” could create hundreds of homes and needed jobs in the area. The planned Skegness Gateway development on the western side of the town include 50 acres of retail, business and industrial space along with 1,000 homes, new open space and recreational amenities as well as a college and learning campus. East Lindsey District Council will soon begin a consultation on the scheme giving the public and other stakeholders a chance to comment. The land is mainly owned by the local Croftmarsh family business with additional areas owned by the Scarbrough family. Croftmarsh manager Sue Bowser said it was vital for future-proofing the town as a place of opportunity and ambition and the council’s She said: “We are pleased to support the council in its vision to bring these ambitious plans to reality. “Our family has lived and worked in Skegness for many generations, so it’s a great source of pride that we can support a development that will help secure the town’s future by creating thousands of jobs and homes for both existing local residents and attract a new generation of people to the area. “We are working closely with East Lindsey District Council and other partners to bring forward a scheme that will work alongside the regeneration being enabled by the Towns Fund. “We know that Skegness is a town that needs economic transformation. “The mechanism for that is through urban regeneration and expansion of skills, training and education – all secured by investment and infrastructure and digital connectivity. “Ours is a town in real need. There isn’t enough money in the town to pay for this all year round and the secret to this is to have more people living here. We need to create jobs. “We need to build infrastructure and provide the significant benefits that government is seeking in places such as Skegness. “We want to enable the delivery of hundreds of new homes not just for the people who live in the local area – but for those people we want to attract to come and live and work in Skegness. “This scheme will transform the area, putting it on the map and making the town famous not just for its beaches, but for its enterprise.” Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman said: “This local sustainable development includes a state of the art learning campus funded through the Skegness Town Deal, providing new training opportunities for the coast. “Importantly, training including digital skills, motor vehicle, construction and engineering, will allow people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to get the jobs they want.

Logistics 2025-10-07 11:55

Drinks wholesaler launches new regional base in £7m move creating 50 jobs

A major UK drinks wholesaler has opened up in a purpose-built distribution depot in Doncaster, creating more than 50 new jobs. LWC Drinks has completed the £7 million project to take on a 58,164 sq ft site on Herons Way, and will serve customers in South and East Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. It follows “enormous success” through 2022 for the Manchester-headquartered business. The company distributes beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, working with all licensed establishments across on-trade and off-trade around the country, delivering more than 8,500 products to more than 14,000 customers. Read next: Grimsby logistics firm adds beer distribution to group with crafty acquisition Having spent much of 2022 focused on continuing its post-pandemic return to a position of strong, sustainable, profitable growth, the family-owned business has been putting the wheels in motion for its expansion plans. The Doncaster acquisition, of a former Heras unit, is joined by two others, with 300 new employees welcomed in the past 12 months. Managing director and co-founder Ebrahim Mukadam, who launched the £249 million turnover business with chair Robin Gray more than 40 years ago, said: “2022 was a record-breaking year for LWC. We’re fortunate enough to see a growth in turnover over the last year and identified a need to increase our storage capacity to meet customer demands and drive efficiencies through the business and for our customers. In fact, we have added 350,000 sq ft distribution space over the last year alone. “Opening this new depot in Doncaster marks another crucial step forward in our growth plans. “Expanding our national footprint is imperative in the future of our business, so we can continue to support our partners where they need us the most. By actively securing more warehousing space and creating new, quality jobs in the process, we’re working hard to invest in the future.” A total of eight new staff in sales and marketing, eight further office roles and 35 positions covering warehousing and distribution are being created. The new facility will house a new warehouse management system with improved inventory management and forecasting accuracy for the distribution teams. LWC also operates 40 of its own venues under the Dorbiere Pub Group name, comprising community pubs, country inns and student bars across the North West, Midlands and North East. The business is privately owned by the Mukadam and Gray families.