The Government has launched a £7 million fund to help SMEs develop more efficient ways of improving the freight transport system. The Freight Innovation Fund (FIF) will help 36 small and medium-sized enterprises work towards improving transport links and making the freight system greener. Under the scheme they will liaise
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The ceramics industry has welcomed the Government’s modified support for business energy bills – but with reservations. The newly-announced Energy Bills Discount Scheme, which will run for 12 months from March, provides extra help for energy-intensive industries such as ceramics. The revised arrangement, replacing the more substantial Energy Bills Support
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A livery company has seen throughput shoot up 700 per cent thanks to a £750,000 investment in a new printer. Sapphire Curtains and Graphics, based in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, purchased the UV LED printer after seeing an ever-increasing demand for improved vehicle livery aesthetics. The firm supplies products for curtain-sided, commercial
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A £16.6 million project to deliver ultrafast broadband to more “hard-to-reach” towns and villages in Staffordshire is gathering pace. Around 10,000 properties are now ready to connect to the 100 per cent fibre optic network provided by broadband company FullFibre, through its Fibre Heroes brand, and supported by Staffordshire County Council. Leek
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A unique Staffordshire-based business consultancy centred around horse-led workshops is expanding. Altezza People UK offers experiential learning for businesses, teams and individuals, building on the healing power of our equine friends.
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Commuters faced further rush hour holds-ups this morning after a busy road remained closed following an accident at a flagship regeneration project. A large machine fell onto a building at the £60 million Goods Yard development in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday lunchtime. It forced the closure of Glebe Street and the
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A reduced energy bills support scheme for business is in danger of falling short for thousands of firms, it was warned today. Under the new plan the Government is providing £5.5 billion support over the 12 months from April 1, 2023. However, the discount firms will get is on wholesale
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The government has issued new guidance to businesses who may have unduly overpaid VAT on declarations made at the end of last year due to technical issue with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). On 30 December, a system update caused the CDS to duplicate VAT charges on certain declarations. Although
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A Staffordshire council is having a re-think after its carbon neutral policy was costed at a staggering £4.7 billion. Cannock Chase District Council passed a Climate Emergency Motion in 2019 to make the whole of its geographical area net zero by 2030. A detailed costed action plan commissioned from consultants
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Leading lawyer Sean Spinetto has joined legal and professional services business Knights as a partner, bolstering two of its key teams. Sean is based at Knights’ Stoke operation to support the business’ focus on key markets outside London. He brings vast experience of advising on the acquisition and sale of
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