A new chapter for this World Book Day

PUPILS at Holy Family Catholic Primary are celebrating World Book Day with a bundle of 10 new books for their School library, donated by the Morrisons Foundation in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

Anna Ingram, Community Champion, at Southport, presented the books to the School, saying:- "I'm so proud to be helping kids in our community through the donation of these wonderful books. The challenges of the past couple of years really have been difficult for us all, but particularly younger children who not only missed out on School, but also just having time with their friends and teachers. I hope these stories will give children at Holy Family Catholic School some fun as well as help them find a love of reading."

In total over 5,000 books are being donated to School libraries in communities throughout England, Scotland and Wales as part of the partnership between the 2 charities to help inspire and nurture a love of reading for over 130,000 primary School children who will benefit directly from this project.

In 2019, 27% 11 year olds in England left Primary School not reading at the expected level, rising to 42% disadvantaged children. Although efforts have been made to narrow this gap in attainment, there are concerns that the long lasting effects of the disruption to education caused by COVID19 may reverse the progress made in the last decade.

By working in partnership to donate books to communities across the country, the National Literacy Trust and Morrisons Foundation, aim to support children's literacy recovery, by investing in their School libraries Post Pandemic.

David Scott, Morrisons Foundation Trustee said:- "We're delighted to be teaming up with the National Literacy Trust again to provide books to hundreds of Schools across our local communities. We hope these books will provide enjoyment to children and help to boost their reading and literacy skills."

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust said:- "World Book Day is a great reminder of how important children's literacy is in developing their skills for the future. Our research suggests that around 400,000 children don't have a book of their own, so we're delighted that Morrisons Foundation have chosen our charity again and will be donating books to hundreds of School libraries, providing fun and enjoyment to children."

The Morrisons Foundation was set up by Morrisons supermarket in 2015 and awards grants for charity projects which help improve people's lives. Since launching, over ₤35 million has been donated to charities across England, Scotland and Wales.

North West manufacturers see mixed start to the year

MANUFACTURERS in the North West have seen a mixed start to the year, according to the latest quarterly Manufacturing Outlook survey from Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. According to the survey, output in the Region was flat at a balance of +0% compared to the last ¼, while orders for both the UK and domestic markets were low by historical standards in balances of just +10% and +13% respectively. This reflects the continued difficult conditions being experienced by the automotive and aerospace sectors on which the North West has significant exposure. This mixed performance is reflected in the jobs outlook with recruitment intentions in the North West falling compared to the last ¼, the only UK Region where this is the case. Meanwhile investment intentions are only just in positive territory. As with the national picture, the big challenge for companies, in addition to attracting and retaining talent, remains the escalating inflationary pressures which are forcing companies to raise prices at record levels for the 5th successive quarter. In response to the rapidly escalating costs, Make UK is urging the Chancellor to use next week's Spring Statement to take whatever measures are necessary to support companies dealing with rapidly increasing energy prices in particular. Make UK has called on the Chancellor to delay the proposed increase in National Insurance due to come in April. Make UK has forecast growth for manufacturing in 2022 of +3%.

Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for Make UK in the North, said:- "Manufacturers in the North West have seen a mixed start to the year given the continuing difficulties being experienced by the aerospace and automotive sectors. Companies are also now facing eye watering increases in costs which are threatening to stop the economy in its tracks. As a result, the most immediate priority for the Chancellor in the short-term must be to use his Statement to do whatever it takes to support companies through this difficult period."

Graham Ellis, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in the North West, said:- "North West manufacturers are feeling the pressure, and that's being compounded by flat order and output balances this ¼. Costs are rising at a speed that they cannot respond quick enough to and, combined with supply chain disruptions and the uphill struggle for skills, manufacturers will be looking to the Chancellor for immediate action."

CLA calls for Government action on oil and gas companies

THE Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is calling on Government to prevent energy companies from profiteering from the current energy crisis, and if they do, to impose a windfall tax on those that do. Mark Tufnell, President of the Country Land and Business Association, said:- "Rising oil prices put further pressure on to the rural economy, including farmers, and threaten the viability of small rural businesses. They can often can plunge families into fuel poverty. People living in rural communities inherently face additional fuel costs due to their distance from work, supermarkets and public services. As well as the sky high price of diesel and petrol, those whose homes are heated by oil have seen their costs triple. When it comes to fuel prices, the public have long memories. We know that when oil and gas prices rise, the costs are passed to the consumer immediately. But when the prices begin to fall, oil companies are very slow indeed to pass those savings on. Oil and gas companies, refineries and petrol stations must not profiteer from this crisis; and Government must implement a windfall tax on any that do. Meanwhile, farmers, who are struggling to cope with huge changes in agricultural policy and hyperinflation in commodities such as fertiliser, now have even greater costs to bear. The knock on impacts are hard to predict, but they will likely mean reduced food security and higher prices for consumers."