Business London Press

Aston University gears up to commemorate 50 years of transport education

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07/03/2023

Aston University gears up to commemorate 50 years of transport education

In celebration of 50 years of transport education at Aston University, former students are being asked to get in touch.

This year marks half a century of transport studies at Aston University, dating back to 1973 when the subject first appeared as part of a combined honours degree course, with the first transport graduates completing in 1976.

In 1982-3 the course became a degree in its own right and 40 years later is still teaching the transport professionals of the future.

Aston University is currently the only UK institution to offer a dedicated transport management degree, BSc Transport Management, and a BSc Transport Planning degree apprenticeship.

During the past five decades the course has produced graduates equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed across the transport sector.

Dr Lucy Rackliff, programme director and head of the department of Engineering Systems & Supply Chain Management, said: “Generations of our students have contributed no end to the UK’s skills in this sector. From rail and road, consultancy and government, there are few areas in the transport sphere that have not been improved by our graduates.

“If you studied transport at Aston University, we would love to hear from you with any stories and memories from your student days. And of course, we would love to hear about where your transport career has taken you.”

Aston University started life in 1875, and in 1895 become the Birmingham Municipal Technical School, teaching chemistry, physics, metallurgy and electrical engineering. In 1966 it received its royal charter to become a university.

If you would like to share where your transport career has taken you please get in touch via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13582956/ or contact the University’s alumni team at [email protected]

Cleanology proudly services new entertainment district lighting up London

News Desk

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07/03/2023

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<strong>Cleanology proudly services new entertainment district lighting up London</strong>

Cleanology, UK commercial cleaning experts, have been proud to support the introduction of London’s most exciting new entertainment complex as cleaning-service provider.

Outernet London is a global media and entertainment district in the West End which integrates unique creative and technical capabilities to bring cultural and retail experiences alive. All are centrally positioned within a wider live performance, hotel, restaurant and bar ecosystem. Cleanology’s responsibility is for servicing all Outernet London above-ground public media spaces, with daily footfall in excess of 170,000.

Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, which is based at Lion Yard in Clapham, South West London, said: “Outernet is boosting London’s profile and attracting a huge number of visitors, and I’m delighted to be part of such an exciting new venture. With such high footfall and a site that is open to the elements, we strive to ensure that it looks its best at all times, reflective of the premium global brands Outernet is host to. It is always encouraging to partner with a company that reflects our commitment to sustainability and fair pay.”

James McEwan, COO of Outernet London, said: “Cleanology’s commitment to servicing excellence, their strong value code, plus their extremely personable and professional team, made them the natural choice when deciding whom to help us launch and operate our game-changing public spaces.”

The contract employs six cleaning operatives, with at least one member of staff on site all day, seven days a week.

Key Account Manager for Cleanology, Carime Balde, said: “It has been a pleasure to provide services for such a wonderful company. We have managed to create an effective and efficient cooperative system with Outernet, which in turn allows Cleanology to provide the highest standards of cleaning service possible.”

Cleanology’s award-winning initiatives to reduce waste and energy were a key factor in the contract decision, as well as its work to support the Hygiene Bank in alleviating hygiene poverty. It is also a vocal campaigner for the Real Living Wage, with over 90 per cent of all staff now on a Real Living Wage rate or higher.

Ponniah concluded: “Outernet has made a great addition to our diverse and growing commercial portfolio. And we’ve had a flying start to the year after a record-breaking 2022.”

Visit: https://cleanology.com/services/office-cleaning/

CILT Research Reveals Rail Electrification Possible for 95% of UK Freight Trains

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News Desk

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07/03/2023

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CILT Research Reveals Rail Electrification Possible for 95% of UK Freight Trains

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport – CILT(UK) – has released its electrification strategy research, revealing the significant opportunity of electrification across the UK’s rail network.

CILT has published a detailed map and strategy which demonstrates and details the opportunity in the UK to electrify 95% of rail freight operations by the mid-2040s. The research reveals that only 800 miles of additional electrification is needed in the UK to enable 95% of rail freight to be electrically hauled. The initial 60 miles of Infill electrification is estimated to cost c.£50m p.a. over two years – less than the cost of one road scheme – and represent a ‘no regrets’ way of decarbonising key parts of the UK logistics system.

Currently, a mere 10% of British freight trains are hauled by electric locomotives and the UK lags behind its European counterparts when it comes to rail freight electrification.

Furthermore, CILT suggests an electrification programme of 40 route miles per annum for 20 years, at a cost of £100 million per annum, is required to deliver this significant opportunity for the UK to meet its decarbonation and net-zero goals.

While decarbonising technology for other modes of transport is still emerging, and therefore sometimes challenging to introduce, electrified rail transport is a fully mature, proven green technology which has been in use for more than 60 years. CILT sees this opportunity as ‘low-hanging fruit’ when it comes to decarbonisation and reducing emissions from transport operations.

Based on detailed analysis of data on rail freight movements across the UK, the routes proposed for electrification lead from main container ports to inland distribution centres, which are key supply chain hubs, and from major quarries to urban areas that require large quantities of construction materials. Also included are routes serving other key rail freight customers such as the steel industry.

The research also specifies three priority areas in its electrification strategy:

Electrification of the key cross-country route from Felixstowe to the Midlands and North avoiding London (the ‘F2MN’ route). This provides a direct link to the West Coast Main Line at Nuneaton for the North West and Scotland and, along with the line from Peterborough via Lincoln to Doncaster, a direct link to Yorkshire and the North East. It would allow zero-carbon electric trains to be used in place of diesel trunk HGVs on the A14, M6, and A1.
The next phase would electrify the link from Britain’s third largest container port at Southampton to inland markets. The first stage involves electrification from Basingstoke to Reading and from Didcot, via East West Rail, to Bletchley on the West Coast Main Line. A second stage would see the route from Southampton to Basingstoke via Andover being electrified. Diesel trunk HGVs on the A34, A43 and M40 could be replaced by zero-carbon electric rail services.
The third phase of the CILT electrification strategy involves routes from major quarries and cement works in the Peak District and the Mendips. This would allow electric haulage of millions of tonnes a year of heavy construction materials to Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and the South East. Roads such as the A6 and A38 in the Midlands and North, plus the A36, A303, M3 and M4 in the South, would be relieved of diesel HGVs.

Julian Worth FCILT, Chair of CILT’s Rail Freight Forum and lead author of the strategy said: “The CILT electrification strategy would allow circa 95% of UK freight trains to be hauled by electric locomotives by the mid-2040s, saving considerable amounts of carbon every year. The strategy benefits passengers as well as freight customers. Almost all the routes involved carry passenger trains and the strategy would enable life-expired diesel trains to be replaced by modern electric units.

Sharon Kindleysides FCILT, Chief Executive at CILT said: “CILT is committed to helping policy makers, industry and professionals play their part in the route to net-zero. Our policy groups have worked tirelessly on this research to demonstrate the opportunity electrifying our rail freight sector presents. The CILT electrification strategy also strongly supports other policy imperatives, notably levelling-up and union connectivity and sees rail freight electrification as a key part of the route to net zero.”

webversion 1 — Sharon Kindleysides FCILT

To view the CILT electrification strategy and map in full, click here.

Renowned TV Antiques Expert Paul Martin to Host Talk & Tour in the Grandeur of Syon House

News Desk

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07/03/2023

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Renowned TV Antiques Expert Paul Martin to Host Talk & Tour in the Grandeur of Syon House

One of the UK’s best-loved antiques experts is to host a special event in Syon House, one of the last great mansion houses in London.

Paul Martin, presenter of BBC’s Flog It! and Channel 5’s The Great Auction Showdown will visit the Brentford attraction for a very special tour and talk in April.

The London home of the Dukes of Northumberland since the 16th Century, Syon House was erected in 1547 on the site of a Bridgettine abbey and has witnessed many historic events over the centuries, including the imprisonment of Queen Katherine Howard, the exploding body of Henry VIII, and a visit from Pocahontas.

Sited less than ten miles from London on the river Thames, it remains a beacon of tranquillity and one of Britain’s best preserved and historically important stately homes.

‘An Afternoon with Paul Martin’ takes place on Thursday, April 20, with Paul hosting a talk in the neoclassical Great Hall designed by Robert Adam, followed by a house tour and then afternoon tea and book signing in the stunning Great Conservatory.

Paul, who grew up nearby in Teddington, said the outstanding history of the home is a huge draw for antique enthusiasts.

He said: “Syon House really is a ‘must-see’ for me – there’s so much to learn and that’s why I keep coming back. It is an architectural delight that has been lived in by the same family for generations and beautifully curated.

“It’s a lesson in history and heritage for all art and antique lovers that brings together works of Robert Adam, Thomas Chippendale and Capability Brown and is a celebration of their obsession to excellence and detail, not to mention the vast collections from The Grand Tour, where the neo-classical meets the classical and in places transports you back to ancient Rome.”

Paul is currently in the middle of filming a new series of The Great Auction Showdown. He adds: “The show is an ongoing filming commission for Channel 5 which involves filming in auction houses, museums, and public buildings throughout the UK, not dissimilar to Flog It!. I film 80 shows in one year – we have already made 40 and film the remaining 40 programmes from March 2023, which will involve being on the road for five months filming throughout the UK.”

Sarah Ponder, Marketing & Visitor Services Assistant at Syon House, said: “We are greatly looking forward to Paul coming to Syon House to provide his expert perspective on the property and the collections we have. Paul’s outstanding knowledge combined with his charismatic personality means he is a popular figure with TV viewers and antiques enthusiasts, and we are certain this will be an enjoyable afternoon for everyone.”

To book tickets, visit https://booking.kxtickets.com/events

UK SMEs Cash Concerns Grow

News Desk

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02/03/2023

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Capify’s latest quarterly survey finds a drastic decline in SME confidence as a result of declining cash balances and concerns over cash flow.

The outlook from the UK’s SME community has fallen to a record low level, according to Capify’s most recent quarterly survey. Reflecting on the last quarter of 2022, the Business Confidence Survey announced that SME confidence had fallen in response to ongoing economic uncertainty, rising prices and the impact of industrial action.

Only 40% of respondents revealed turnover growth in the past 12 months, a 17pp drop year-on-year. At the same time, 40% of businesses reported a reduction of profitability last year, compared to 32% in Q4 2021.

As a result, the cash position for Britain’s SME has deteriorated significantly in the past year. The average level of cash held in the bank has more than halved from £188,474 to £90,320. Correspondingly, over 50% are now significantly worried about the level of cash the business holds.

Confidence falling

The survey, which canvasses the insights of hundreds of SME business owners from across the UK on areas of business performance, outlook, and investment intentions, uses the data to produce an overall confidence score between -10 (very unconfident) and +20 (very confident). The confidence score now sits at -6.89, a 16-point decrease on the Q4 2021 score of 8.93.

John Rozenbroek, CFO/CCO at Capify, said: “It is deeply worrying to see how much confidence has fallen in the UK’s vital SME community over the past year. Last year’s ‘perfect storm’ of ongoing supply chain issues, inflation, political turmoil, market turbulence, war in Ukraine, energy crises and domestic industrial action have unsurprisingly taken their toll on SME confidence and outlook.”

Performance stalling

The survey reinforced the sense that many SMEs are struggling to keep ahead of the curve of rising costs and cash inflow requirements to keep their businesses afloat. 51% of respondents reported falling short of their annual targets for last year, compared to 2021’s level of 32%.

This is having a significant impact on cash flow concerns. The number of business owners worried about cash flow has grown to 37%, a 14% increase from 23% in January 2021. Last year’s period of inflation and consequent price rises in the supply chain have been a major contributor to this. Over half of SME owners (54%) cited inflation and rising costs as a cause for sleepless nights, as they try to reconcile increased production costs with their own pricing strategies.

Consequently, the SME appetite for investment has fallen away sharply quarter-on-quarter.

The number of firms planning no investment in the coming year has risen to 30%, a 22pp increase on Q3’s findings. For those that are planning to invest, the number of investment areas has also fallen. UK SMEs identified an average of 1.625 initiatives in Q4’s survey, compared to 2.63 in Q3 of 2022. Perhaps reflecting a desire for efficiency to drive down costs – or to take advantage of the forthcoming super deduction deadline – 31% of respondents plan to invest in technology-led initiatives, whilst 23% are looking at plant or machinery investments.

Outlook warming?

Despite the significant challenges of last year, there are some signs of cautious optimism that 2023 may be a better year for UK SMEs. 58% are projecting turnover growth over the next 12 months, whilst 52% predict an increase in profit performance. These factors combine to mean that nearly 40% expect headcount to grow over the same period.

Access to finance continues to be a major problem for SMEs though, both in supporting the cash flow needs of today and for funding potential growth opportunities. Exactly a third of respondents identified working capital and cash flow management as a reason for requiring external finance, but only 42% of respondents felt confident they would be able to secure that finance from their bank.

“After the unprecedented challenges of the last year, it is absolutely vital that smaller businesses have access to finance” said Rozenbroek. “We can see the impact that the economic conditions have placed on cash flow and cash balances and helping UK SMEs weather the storm is imperative. Equally, as we hopefully turn a corner, it is just as important to increase finance availability for longer-term, sustainable investment opportunities.”

“At Capify, we understand the uniquely challenging climate that SMEs are operating in and the impact that has had on confidence and outlook. But we also share the optimism of a better year ahead. We will continue to be there to support SMEs with finance provision for both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.”

At Capify we offer a range of business loans to help support your business through high and low periods. Check to see if you’re eligible for one of our loans with our online eligibility checker. Or, if you’d prefer to talk to a member of our team, we’d be happy to guide you through the process. Give us a call today on 0800 151 0980.

About the survey

The Capify Q4 Confidence Survey ran in January 2022 and received over 220 responses from UK SMEs across a wide range of sectors, including IT, business and professional services, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, transport and telecommunications.

The Capify Business Confidence score is a weighted indicator based on collating SME respondent data on business performance, profitability, future performance outlook, business confidence and forecasted growth.

Exercise more, lose weight and save money are top goals for Brits

News

Helen Greaney

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28/02/2023

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Exercise more, lose weight and save money are top goals for Brits

Brits are keen to fight the flab and save some cash, according to new research.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that two in three have pledged to make a change in their lives from little things like reading a book to finding a new job.

But 64 per cent of those surveyed by 888 Online Casino, believe there’s too much of a tendency to set overly serious goals – and believe greater emphasis should be on having fun.

Make a change for the better

Success for goals achieved however, is relatively low – with only three in 10 goals set achieved.

But the gambling company said this admission shouldn’t put people off – and instead they should try this fun generator for a new goal to aim for instead – randomised fun generator.

Almost half (46 per cent) are optimistic over their aims for the next 10 months or so.

And even more reassuringly, one in three has set a goal that has led to permanent positive change in their life.

The data found the most common aims among those polled at the moment are to exercise more, lose weight, and save more money or spend less of it.

Top 20 current goals among UK adults

Exercise more
Lose weight
Save more money / spend less money
Drink more water
Look after your wellness and wellbeing
Try to be stressed less
Travel more
Keep a less cluttered home
Spend more time with family and friends
Be less wasteful
Read more (e.g., books, articles, etc.)
Stay on top of health issues
Live life to the fullest
Get more rest/go to bed at a reasonable hour
Drink less alcohol
Stay in better touch with friends and family
Cook more
Stay on top of life admin
Be more environmentally friendly
Spend less time on social media

Vital Free Guidance From Business Companion for Starting an Online Business

News Desk

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28/02/2023

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Vital Free Guidance From Business Companion for Starting an Online Business

A difficult set of circumstances in 2023 is expected for new entrants to the UK’s business scene, with restrained consumer spending, rising inflation and lacklustre economic confidence among the challenges to be overcome. However, despite the difficult economic backdrop, over 402,000 new businesses were established in the first half of 2022.

And thanks to the internet, more businesses than ever are being launched online than ever before, and the trend shows no signs of decline. In the digital age, a physical shop front is often simply no longer required to sell goods or services.

But with these new ventures having to navigate such difficult economic waters, it is more important than ever that startups have access to reliable, up-to-date and free information which could help them satisfy their customers and avoid penalties for breaches of consumer law.

With that in mind, Business Companion, a free online resource published by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), has launched a new guide to Starting an Online Business.

The guide provides detailed information to people who sell goods online, making them aware of their legal responsibilities and to providing a useful introduction to the UK’s consumer and trading laws.

Starting an Online Business sets out the important distinctions between selling items online as an individual and as a business, and the different obligations and responsibilities this entails under consumer protection law.

The ‘Am I in business?’ section includes answers to frequently asked questions and a flowchart which sets out different circumstances under which a person selling items through an online marketplace, such as eBay for example, could be considered to be a business.

The topics covered in this section include VAT registration, as well as the threshold at which a private individual selling items online could potentially be deemed to be running a business in the eyes of the law.

Once it is established that a person selling goods online could be classified as a trader, the second section of the guide covers frequently asked questions about things like terms and conditions and legal compliance.

The third part of the guide contains model terms that can be used as a template by traders to help them ensure they comply with consumer protection law. The terms are relevant to a range of selling mechanisms, including proprietary e-commerce websites, online marketplaces, social media platforms, and any other platform on which a trader sells goods and which is operated by another business.

The resource is easily accessible in website format and as a convenient, downloadable PDF booklet. Starting an Online Business is an essential guide for anyone who needs a quick, reliable and up-to- date answer to a query about the nature of their business and their legal obligations. As with all the information available on Business Companion, it is written by consumer law experts in plain English – and it is free!

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About Business Companion
Business Companion is a free online resource published by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) with the support of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It provides businesses of all sizes and across all sectors with expert guidance on a wide range of consumer protection law issues.

Driving examiners to strike in March

News

Helen Greaney

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27/02/2023

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Some driving examiners who belong to the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are planning to take strike next month.

It’s part of national industrial action by the PCS union over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

London and the South East will be holding their strikes on Monday 6 and Tuesday, March 7, while the South West and Wales take action on Thursday 9 and Friday, March 10.

All areas of Britain will be affected on Wednesday, March 15, with northern areas and Scotland striking separately on dates after this.

The action could affect those about to take car or motorcycle tests, vocational tests, the approved driving instructor tests, and more.

Those sitting theory tests on strike days or those taking tests with a private test provider, will not be affected.

Check which driving test centres are affected

The PCS union has told DVSA the strike action will affect driving examiners employed at the driving test centres listed on this page.

Tests might also be affected at other driving test centres that are not listed. DVSA will not know this until the day of the strike action.

London and south-east England

These areas include these test centres:

Ashford (Kent), Aylesbury, Banbury, Basingstoke, Belvedere (London), Bletchley, Burgess Hill, Canterbury, Chertsey (London), Chichester, Chingford (London), Crawley, Eastbourne, Enfield (Brancroft Way), Enfield (Innova Business Park), Erith (London), Farnborough, Folkestone, Gillingham, Gillingham LGV, Greenford (London), Greenham, Guildford, Hastings (Ore), Hendon (London), Herne Bay, Hither Green (London), Isleworth (Fleming Way), Lancing, Lee On The Solent, Maidstone, Mill Hill (London), Mitcham (London), Morden (London), Newbury (Hambridge Lane), Newport (Isle Of Wight), Not found, Oxford (Cowley), Pinner (London), Portsmouth, Reading, Redhill Aerodrome, Sevenoaks, Sidcup (London), Slough (London), Southall (London), Southampton (Maybush), Southampton LGV, Tolworth (London), Tottenham, Tunbridge Wells, Uxbridge (London), Wanstead (London), West Wickham (London), Winchester, Wood Green (London), and Yeading (London).

Tests at other driving test centres in these areas might also be affected.

Changing your driving test date

Not all examiners are PCS union members, and even if they are, they might choose not to go on strike.

However, you can change your test date but you need to give at least three days’ working notice or face paying again.

What to do if you do not change your test

You should go to your driving test appointment as planned if it’s on the date of strike action, unless DVSA contacts you to tell you not to go.

You will lose your fee for the test if you do not go for your appointment, and you’ll have to rebook your test yourself.

If your driving test cannot go ahead

DVSA will automatically rebook your driving test for you if it cannot go ahead because of the strike action.

You’ll be sent the new details within 5 to 10 working days. You do not need to contact DVSA.

Londoners forced to shave average £29,000 off house prices to achieve sale

Property

Helen Greaney

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26/02/2023

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Londoners forced to shave average £29,000 off house prices to achieve sale

A real estate firm has warned London homeowners to prepare to accept an average of £29,000 lower than what they want to achieve for their property sale – whilst the rest of the country should expect to drop by £14,000.

Zoopla’s new figures showed that 41% of houses currently listed on its website have been cut to attract buyers.

While house price inflation has decreased from a rocketed 8.6% last year, it still stands fairly high at 5.3%.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla said: “We believe the market remains on track for a soft landing in 2023 with modest price falls of up to 5 per cent and one million housing sales.”

Mini-budget chaos

Zoopla said demand from homebuyers rebounded in the first two months of 2023 after last Autumn’s disastrous mini-budget caused chaos in the financial markets, but remained at half the level recorded a year ago as buyers appeared cautious.

However, new data from Halifax revealed that significant gains had made during the pandemic, with house prices rising by more than 20% in three years compared to just 7.3% the three years prior.

London saw the biggest inflation in prices with semi-detached homes soaring by £90,000.

It comes as people spent lockdown pondering how life could be, with more outdoor space or areas in the home, resulting in a surge in house prices.

First time buying was much more affordable at this time.

Mortgage providers typically decide whether or not to lend a prospective buyer cash based on whether home prices are above or below a multiple of their income.

People have been priced out of the market due to home prices racing ahead of stagnating wages and mortgage rates higher than ever before.

High mortgage rates are having the greatest impact in areas where buyers are already stretched due to high average property prices — notably London and southern England which are seeing minimal price growth.

The average price of a house in the UK today, according to Zoopla, is £260,000.

Landlords – fix damp or be fined, say new government plans

News

Helen Greaney

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25/02/2023

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Landlords – fix damp or be fined, say new government plans

Landlords who fail to investigate and fix damp problems within time limits could be fined, as part of new government plans.

The move also means that 25,000 social housing managers currently working in England will need to achieve formal qualifications regulated by Ofqual.

These would be equivalent to a level 4 or 5 certificate or diploma in housing or they could have a foundation degree in the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Plans have been put in place following the death of Rochdale toddler Awaab Ishak who died as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in a flat on his council-run estate.

The government said ensuring managers had appropriate qualifications would bring social housing in line with frontline services including social work and teaching.

The changes would be made through amendments to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill.

The legislation will return to parliament on Wednesday, March 1.

Any landlord who failed to meet the new standards requirements could eventually receive an unlimited fine from the Regulator of Social Housing.

The proposals come in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in 2017.

Grenfell United – a group of survivors and bereaved family members – welcomes the plans.

Housing secretary Michael Gove said both Grenfell and the death of Awaab Ishak showed the “devastating consequences of residents inexcusably being let down by poor performing landlords who consistently failed to listen to them.

“We know that many social housing residents are not receiving the service or respect they deserve.

“The changes we are delivering will make sure social housing managers across the country have the right skills and experience to deliver an excellent service and drive up standards across the board.”

Make a change for the better

Top 20 current goals among UK adults

Check which driving test centres are affected

London and south-east England

Changing your driving test date

What to do if you do not change your test

If your driving test cannot go ahead

Mini-budget chaos

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