A 99-year lease has been signed by the University of Lincoln and Bishop Burton College to secure the provision of land-based further and higher education at the Riseholme Campus. The new agreement, which benefits from the support of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, ensures practical land-based further and higher
Optimism in the UK construction sector hit an eight-month high in December 2018, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. This rise in confidence came despite a slowdown in growth caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. The ongoing lack of certainty post-Brexit will likely delay decisions further, but it
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
A 99-year lease has been signed by the University of Lincoln and Bishop Burton College to secure the provision of land-based further and higher education at the Riseholme Campus. The new agreement, which benefits from the support of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, ensures practical land-based further and higher education informed by the latest scientific research and industry needs can continue to be delivered at Riseholme into the next century. “This is wonderful news, not just for the College, its staff and its students, but the whole of Lincolnshire. It means Riseholme College will continue to produce future generations of farmers and other skilled workers,” said chief executive and principal of Riseholme College Bill Meredith. “These are exciting times and this agreement will also provide opportunities for collaborative working with the University, including in applied research, technology transfer, staff development and student progression. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.” Part of Bishop Burton College, Riseholme College will continue to have access to the campus, which is owned by the University of Lincoln, to deliver further education for school-leavers in subjects such as agriculture, engineering and equine studies, including at Riseholmeÿs farm and equine centre. The university will make significant investments to enhance the educational facilities, as well as advancing its own specialisms in cutting-edge scientific research and higher education courses supporting the food and farming industries at Riseholme, which is home to the University’s Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology. Both the university and the college have confirmed their shared commitment to developing a centre of excellence at Riseholme drawing on the very latest research to ensure students at all levels have the knowledge and skills they need to drive the future of agriculture and its supply chain in Lincolnshire and beyond. “Lincolnshire is at the heart of the UKÿs thriving food and farming industries and we are absolutely committed to meeting the changing skills and research needs of businesses of all shapes and sizes, by working with industry and our educational partners,” added Prof Mary Stuart, vice chancellor of the University of Lincoln. “This landmark agreement ensures Lincolnshire can boast the complete range of post-16 educational opportunities, from short courses and apprenticeships through to Masterÿs and PhD level study, for decades to come. All this is underpinned by the world-leading research of our agri-tech specialists and Riseholmeÿs outstanding natural features and facilities, reinforcing its status as a jewel in the crown for our regionÿs agri-food sector.”
Optimism in the UK construction sector hit an eight-month high in December 2018, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. This rise in confidence came despite a slowdown in growth caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. The ongoing lack of certainty post-Brexit will likely delay decisions further, but it shouldn’t deter construction companies from planning ahead – not least when it comes to expanding their fleets. Know Your Construction Fleet For construction companies looking at fleet expansion, a useful starting point is to know the size and composition of an existing fleet. An inventory can show up any gaps in a fleet, as well as the plant or vehicles that need replacing. It can also help you work out how big your company fleet needs to be. Leasing Options One way to expand your fleet, yet mitigate the ongoing uncertainties in the construction sector, is to lease plant or commercial vehicles. One benefit of leasing is cashflow management; there’s no major capital investment, just regular monthly payments for the duration of the lease period. Purchasing Options Leasing can be beneficial in the short-term, but expanding your construction fleet by purchasing the equipment you need can be more advantageous in the long-term. Owning assets outright is one way of investing in your company’s future and can add value to your business. It often works out cheaper to buy used equipment. Used plant and vehicles tend to hold their resale value better than their new counterparts. It’s also worth getting a comprehensive hpi check done so you can be confident that your new trade vehicle has no hidden secrets from its past. Other Considerations Other factors to consider if purchasing equipment to expand your construction fleet are the ongoing costs. Unlike leasing, your business will be responsible for repairs and maintenance. One way you can avoid any nasty surprises, however, is through preventative maintenance. Your business will also need to think about the cost implications of insuring your owned equipment, as well as the time it takes to train your staff. This is particularly relevant when you’re adding a new piece of equipment to your fleet. Fleet expansion can be an effective way to help your construction company plan for challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. By weighing up your business needs against the options available, you can find the most appropriate solution and allow your company to look ahead with confidence.
