BUSINESS REPORT


BUSINESS REPORT


EMPLOYERS RISK LOSING LEVY FUND


More than £1.28bn of the funding that has been paid into the apprenticeship levy is still sitting in National Apprenticeship Service accounts, new data analysis commissioned by The Open University has found. Analysis of data from the


Education and Skills Funding Agency reveals that one year on from the introduction of the apprenticeship levy, the analysis revealed organisations in England have withdrawn just £108m of the massive £1.39bn they have paid into the apprenticeship levy. This slow start could cost


organisations in England dearly, as any funding that remains in their National Apprenticeship Service accounts after 24 months will expire. The new report by The Open


University, The Apprenticeship Levy: One Year On, urges employers to get moving and warns if they continue to use the funding at the same low rate, they risk losing as much as £139m a month from April 2019 - money that could be spent building up skills and securing their organisation for the future.


MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, our website or regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed


SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR ALTITUDE WAREHOUSE


Gazeley, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, has announced the completion and launch of Altitude, a cutting-edge 574,000 square foot logistics warehouse at its premier logistics and distribution park, Magna Park, Milton Keynes. At 21 metres high, Altitude is the


largest and tallest speculative logistics warehouse in the UK, providing the market with an effective distribution facility that sets the benchmark in terms of flexibility of design and specification. Construction of the new development


‘MILTON KEYNES IS ALREADY ONE


enhanced mezzanine capacity and an increased number of pallet positions; double deck loading doors in every position; an increased incoming power load provision of up to 4 MVA; and being designed to the WELL Ready Standard certification. The warehouse also includes a host of


OF THE UK’S MOST ESTABLISHED HUBS FOR LOGISTICS’


began in August 2017 and took 26 weeks to complete. The new building features an innovative design which provides occupiers with the highest degree of operational flexibility and efficiency. Some of its unique features include:


state-of-the-art sustainability features such as LED lighting, solar thermal heating, rainwater harvesting and power


charging stations for electric vehicles. Joe Garwood, development director at Gazeley, said: “Magna Park, Milton Keynes is already one of the UK’s most established hubs for logistics and the development of


Altitude will only serve to strengthen that position


and appeal to occupiers, as a leading location for ecommerce, logistics and distribution companies.”


For more information visit: www.altitudemk.com HELEN TO FORGE NEW PARTNERSHIPS FOR TSC


The Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) has announced the appointment of Helen Wylde (pictured) as chief engagement officer. Helen will be responsible for the business and relationship


development team at the TSC, leading the forging of collaborations and partnerships with industry, academia and government in the transport sector. During her career, Helen has specialised in shaping and


delivering high-yield transformation, start-up, turnaround and growth strategies in both smaller companies and FTSE 100 players in the Telecoms, Technology, Financial Services, Retail and Logistics arenas. Helen has also worked as a non-executive director and independent consultant in the UK and internationally.


4 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2018 She said: “I am delighted to join TSC, as I firmly believe that the role


played by the Catapults, and in particular Transport Systems, is vital and timely in bringing together the very best of UK thinking to harness the many new and innovative technologies currently emerging. The TSC is a great opportunity to contribute to the UK in helping to create high quality jobs for UK people and to ensure that the UK takes the global lead in Transport Systems technical innovation.” The Transport Systems Catapult, based at The Pinnacle in Milton Keynes, is one of an elite network of not-for-profit technology and innovation centres established and overseen by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. The organisation focuses on Intelligent Mobility –


harnessing emerging technologies to improve the movement of people and goods around the world.


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