This email is part of a regular update I send out to businesses in Scunthorpe. If you have not received this directly from me please click here to subscribe to my Business newsletter.
Good afternoon,
I hope you are well and are enjoying the Summer weather. The past month has been another busy one for the local business community. A personal highlight for me was the Government's intervention to retain trade safeguards on steel products made in Scunthorpe, saving £150 million in damages for the national industry that would have been caused by a surge in cheap imports and loss of market share. These measures don't just protect our steelworks, but those firms that make up the wider supply chain in the area.
You may have seen that a number of local firms were recognised at the North Lincolnshire Business Awards recently. It was a pleasure to hear that Know Film, Walshe's Properties, HBP Systems and Rapid Travel Group were all acknowledged for their success in the past year. I have written to these businesses to congratulate them personally. If you didn't participate in the awards this year, be sure to look out for the nominations early next year!
Just recently, I had the opportunity to meet with new start-ups at the North Lincolnshire Business Start-Up Event. It was great to listen to their plans and discuss their journeys so far. These entrepreneurs should be commended, and I wish them all every success for the future.
I know that businesses in our area continue to be affected by the international increase in energy costs. In particular, the decision of some energy companies to raise standing charges significantly has been brought to my attention. I want firms to know that I have secured a meeting with the Minister of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on this issue, and will be raising concerns about this conduct by energy companies directly.
Please see below some exciting local opportunities for businesses, starting with a chance to host work opportunities for local young people living with a disability.
Opportunity to coordinate work opportunities for young people living with a disability
Over the past few months, I have worked with a member of the SEN team at John Leggott College (JLC) to bring the above issue to the attention of Government through a letter to Ministers and follow-up Written Questions. It has become clear that there are too many instances where the benefits of bringing disabled young people into work are not recognised by employers, notably in the case of those who are neurodiverse or live with learning disabilities. By learning how to create a more inclusive workplace (in physical environment and in policies), firms can become knowledgeable on the needs of disabled employees and consumers, and accessibility will be less of a barrier as the business grows. Creating a workforce with people who live with a disability can help to develop this inclusive environment.
Both myself and the team at JLC are really passionate about ensuring that disabled young people in our area have access to work experience and internships. As a result, we have decided to do an open call to firms in the area. If you would be interested in providing some form of work opportunity to a young person, please get in touch with me and I would be happy to pass you onto the co-ordinator at JLC who can provide advice and help you with the next steps. A reminder that my email is holly.mumbycroft.mp@parliament.uk.
UK Shared Prosperity Fund
North Lincolnshire Council (NLC) are gathering the thoughts of local businesses on how best to allocate their portion of the Government's £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The fund looks to provide local communities with the resources to boost pay and productivity in the private sector, and to improve public services. NLC's survey aims to capture the challenges facing local businesses and source potential solutions so that the Council can utilise their allocation effectively. You can participate here.
Funding available to over 50s and SMEs in the Humber for training courses
NLC have teamed up with DN Colleges Group and Source Solutions UK to provide access to fully funded training courses for over 50s and SMEs in our area. SMEs can receive specialist advice to make their workplace more inclusive of older workers, whilst individuals can gain access to training and help with work. You can learn more and enquire here.
Fully funded Short Courses to help local firms upskill employees
In a similar vein, DN Colleges are offering employers fully funded short courses to upskill their respective workforces. There are opportunities for firms in engineering, manufacturing, construction, management, and digital skills. Email employertraining@dncolleges.ac.uk to find out more.
Childcare Consultations
The Government is currently running two key consultations on childcare regarding:
- Reforms to early years funding
- Staff:child ratios and supervision whilst eating requirements
The proposals will obviously have a significant effect on local childcare providers in the area, so I would be keen for these organisations to get involved. I have already raised the views of one provider on this with the Department for Education, and would be keen for others to send me a copy of their contributions once they have submitted so I can take their views into account.
Register your interest as a supplier to the Humber Zero project
Calling all suppliers of equipment, materials, fabrication and construction services! Humber Zero is gathering interest from prospective suppliers for its carbon capture and storage project. The project proposes to retrofit the Phillips 66 Limited Humber Refinery and VPI Immingham LLP so that CO2 can be captured then stored in the North Sea, and it would be great to see as many local firms as possible involved in this exciting venture. Register your interest here!
Ongoing Consultations
Current ongoing consultations include:
- Consultation on choice on units of measurement: markings and sales
- Consultation on Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail: legislative changes to implement rail reform
- Consultation on food waste reporting by large food businesses in England
- Consultation on development of a tourist accommodation registration scheme
- Consultation on posting of road transport workers and operator licensing changes
- Consultation on HGV Levy Reform
As ever, I want to see businesses in our area represented so please do contribute if you are able.
Thank you for reading and please do get in touch with me directly if you need anything else- holly.mumbycroft.mp@parliament.uk.
Take care,
Holly