TopCashback and Quidco are the two largest cashback websites in the UK, and each other’s main competitor. They allow shoppers to receive money back on certain types of online shopping and enable retailers to advertise and promote cashback discounts.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been carrying out an initial Phase 1 investigation since November 2018 which has found competition concerns.

This is because the companies face only limited competition from other suppliers of cashback websites and similar services, including voucher websites and comparison sites. The CMA is therefore concerned that the merged company could decrease the amount of cashback paid to shoppers and increase advertising prices for businesses.

TopCashback and Quidco now have until 14 January to offer a solution to the CMA’s concerns. Otherwise, the merger will be referred for an in-depth, Phase 2, investigation carried out by a group of independent CMA panel members.

Preliminary examination into a collision between a car and tram, Sheffield, 30 November 2018.

At approximately 16:25 hrs on Friday 30 November 2018, a tram operated by Stagecoach Supertram collided with a car at Staniforth Road, Sheffield. Minor injuries were caused to the car occupants and to a person on the tram. The car was badly damaged by the collision. The RAIB sent an inspector to the scene to determine the cause of the collision. The road vehicle involved was travelling towards the east along Staniforth Road. Despite issues with the operation of the tram, which Stagecoach Supertram are handling through internal investigations, the RAIB concluded from the evidence collected that the circumstances of the accident do not indicate the potential for safety learning for the tramway sufficient to justify further investigation.

The RAIB has also recently attended a similar collision at the same location, which occurred on 25 October 2018. Noting that two similar accidents have occurred in a short timespan at the Staniforth Road junction, the RAIB has written to the Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council advising that a risk-based review of this junction and the road traffic signals is carried out, and that prompt action is taken based on the findings of this review. The RAIB also noted that the positioning of a pole supporting the tramways’s overhead power supply wires had the potential to worsen the outcome of the accident of 30 November 2018. The RAIB has also written to UK Tram, which is the trade body representing the UK light rail industry, and responsible for providing guidance to constructors, operators and maintainers of such system. The RAIB has suggested that UK Tram consider whether guidance for the placement of such supply poles in close proximity to roads which cross tramways is required. The RAIB’s letter refers to guidance on this subject which has been issued by a French government body, the Service Technique des Remontees Mecaniques et des Transports Guides

Government funding is set to attract over half a billion pounds of private sector investment and create over 500 new jobs.

A new chapter for manufacturing in the Tees Valley begins in 2019 thanks to £14 million of government investment into the South Tees Development Corporation, bringing the total to £137 million.

Today (7 January 2019), Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, met Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen at the South Tees Development Corporation site in Redcar, which is also home to the former Sahaviriya Steel Industries (SSI) site.

The land is set to be transformed and made ready for development creating new jobs, growth and attracting over half a billion pounds of private sector investment.

Work to establish construction access and utilities, a new spine road and roundabout is set to begin in the first quarter of 2019 with new commercial tenants on the site expected from 2021.

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said:

Our investment of £14 million in the South Tees Development Corporation demonstrates this government’s commitment to building a stronger more resilient economy in the Tees Valley and across the Northern Powerhouse.

This government is firmly behind the Tees Valley, and I’m determined to ensure its people get the most out of the exciting growth opportunities available on their doorstep.

Our investment of £14 million into this site will help transform this derelict piece of land into a burgeoning new industrial quarter, which is expected to create 500 new jobs and attract an extra half a billion pounds of private investment.

It’s a further demonstration of how we’re helping to build a new golden era for the North East as part of our Industrial Strategy, and ensuring the Tees Valley is truly open for business as we are set to leave the European Union.

Tees Valley Mayor and Chairman of the South Tees Development Corporation, Ben Houchen, said:

Government has committed £137 million to the Development Corporation over the last year, and this latest £14 million funding is vital to kick-start immediate work to redevelop land to help spearhead the transformation of the area.

These huge schemes will deliver hundreds of quality jobs for local people, drive growth for the Tees Valley economy and continue our history of manufacturing excellence.

This £14 million shows government is continuing to listen to us and this is another step closer to the Development Corporation becoming a massive success story for not just the North East but for the UK.

At the Autumn Budget 2018 the government brought its investment in the South Tees Mayoral Development Corporation to £137 million in the last year, with an announcement of up to £14 million to redevelop land on the site upon the submission of a successful business case.

Today, (7 January 2019), Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP confirmed that a robust business case had been approved and the £14 million investment will be paid over a 5-year period.

Today’s announcement is part of a wider package of investment into Teesside provided by the government. This includes designating the South Tees Development Corporation as a Special Economic Area enabling further business rate retention and greater long-term investment in the region.

Through joint investments made by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, £137 million is being spent on the home of the former Redcar SSI site to continue supporting job creation and growth in this key Northern Powerhouse region.