12 IN VIEW


Views from Westminster


SUPPORT FOR OUR SMES IS VITAL


by Antony Higginbotham Member of Parliament for Burnley


This month sees a new Prime Minister enter the doors of Number 10. The challenges they face are ones we are all aware of, and the scale is significant.


While much of the debate has focused on how households are supported through the winter, it was well understood by both candidates that our SMEs are in equal need of help. And I know that this message is one which MPs from across Lancashire have been delivering.


The immediate danger is the cost of energy and the impact on businesses as energy prices have increased astronomically. Dealing with this, and the increasing tax burden, is the only way to limit the economic damage caused by the gas price crisis and high inflation.


Covid delivered such a shock to the business world that without government support many would have simply ceased to exist. The grants, business rates relief, bounce back loans and temporary cut in VAT meant that many businesses which would otherwise have failed were protected. The current crisis risks much of that being wasted money.


There are several steps the new PM will need to take. The first is helping businesses with energy costs. From hospitality to


CHEESEMAKERS’ COLLAPSE AS RISING COSTS BITE


One of Lancashire’s best-known cheesemakers has gone into administration highlighting the growing financial pressures being felt by the county’s rural economy.


Longridge based Singletons & Co, a family-owned company that can trace its roots back nearly 300 years, entered into administration in August. As a result, 69 employees were made redundant while 12 stayed on as part of the administration process.


Singletons was established in 1934 by Duillia and Robert Singleton, who continued a family tradition dating back to 1745 by selling hand- crafted cheeses. Its Longridge dairy had a visit from the Queen in 2008.


Most recently, the business was run by Tilly Carefoot, a fourth-generation member of the Singleton family.


The company supplied to the retail and wholesale markets, as well as exporting to more than 30 countries worldwide. Its range of cheeses include Grandma Singleton’s Famously Strong Lancashire.


Singletons took pride in the fact its suppliers included five dairy farms all based within 10-miles of their operation.


Andrew Knowles and Steven Muncaster of Kroll were appointed joint administrators. Senior director


Andrew Knowles said: “Singletons has a long-established track record for its products. However, like many companies in this sector, it has had to manage the effects of Covid-19, the rising costs of milk and other additional overheads.


“The company had attempted to sell the business as a going concern prior to the appointment however this was unsuccessful.”


The joint administrators say they are in the process of determining the total number of creditors.


The NFU has warned of the impact of spiralling farming costs on food production, including the soaring price of fertiliser and fuel. Earlier this year it warned that seven per cent of milk producers believed they were likely to quit the industry by 2024.


Manchester law firm Linder Myers Solicitors said it had been approached by more than 30 former Singletons workers looking at pursuing a ‘protective award’ claim through the employment tribunal process.


The workers claim appropriate consultation procedures were not followed before they were made redundant. The joint administrators said they had no comment to make on the redundancies process.


manufacturing there is an urgent need to limit the upwards spiral. A cap on prices for SMEs is unlikely, given the unintended consequences of the retail cap, so a tax system solution may be the best option.


That means the increase in Corporation Tax must also be rethought, alongside serious reform of business rates. When the increase was pencilled in the economic circumstances were very different. Our nation was bouncing back strongly from Covid but as that is now at risk, we must consider changing tack – even if that means some political pain.


The new PM must look at all aspects of regulation and red tape to consider what is essential, and what is adding unnecessary cost. Far too much regulation can be put into the ‘common sense’ bucket, but the result of having it is high compliance cost. Removing that will spur on growth and unleash management time.


Finally, the government needs to look creatively at unlocking regional ambition. Freeports are a good policy but only half of the solution. We need to go further, with a series of low-tax, liberalised zones. Given Lancashire’s strong manufacturing base, our area would be an ideal location for the first such zone.


INNOVATION IS AT THE HEART OF THE COUNTY


The Lancashire Innovation Festival is set to return with a day of events aimed at showcasing red rose county businesses who have succeeded through innovation and inspiring other businesses to follow their lead.


The festival will take place on October 7 at Brockholes Nature Reserve and will feature roundtable debates, presentations, networking and the opportunity to engage with various business support organisations.


This year’s event will focus on four key themes: money, manufacturing, energy and what next.


The money session will feature a discussion involving support agencies including Access to Finance and businesses including the Modern Milkman to discuss how funds can be used to underpin growth.


The innovation in manufacturing session will see a showcase of the achievements of AMRC and local SMEs. The eco and energy session will address meeting environmental targets.


There is also a chance to catch up with the Innovation Challenge winners to find out what progress they have made with their innovations and a roundtable debate designed to spark conversations relevant to the future of the county.


Lancashire Business View is again supporting the festival as a media partner. Commercial director Stephen Bolton said: “Innovation plays an important role in keeping Lancashire competitive on a global scale.


“This festival, which was well received last year, is important for showcasing the achievements of innovative businesses, for helping inspire others, and for bringing businesses together to encourage collaboration - which is what Lancashire Business View is all about.”


innovatelancashire.co.uk/innovation-festival-2022


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