Tourism grows in Calderdale
Tourism is on the up in Calderdale. Visits to the borough added up to a massive 7.6 million in 2023, up nearly 5% from 2022. They were worth more than £600 million to the local economy, a 16% increase on the previous year, and supported over 5,500 full-time jobs – almost 10% more than in 2022.
This is according to a report commissioned by the Council, from Global Tourism Solutions.
The money spent by tourists during their visits to the area in 2023 spread far and wide, from towns and villages to rural areas. This benefitted hospitality, retail and entertainment businesses and the supply chain.
To ensure the borough’s growing tourism offer continues to go from strength to strength, the Council’s visitor economy team is working with key partner organisations across Calderdale to put the new five-year Visitor Economy Strategy into action.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “We’re thrilled that visits to Calderdale are on the up, despite cost of living pressures. The borough’s towns, places, people, businesses and attractions continue to offer something distinctive to visitors and film crews.
“We can see the lasting impact that TV and film tourism is having on our economy, with people still keen to see where favourites like Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Marvel: Secret Invasion were filmed. And venues like The Piece Hall are putting Calderdale on the international map as a cultural, heritage and music destination.
“We are building on this success through our Visitor Economy Strategy, widespread regeneration to support thriving towns and places, and our iconic Year of Culture 2024. We want to protect and promote the qualities that make our borough special, for local people as well as visitors.”
The Visitor Economy Strategy aims to generate more and longer trips to Calderdale, benefitting the local economy and leading to increased jobs.
It also focuses on working in partnership with other organisations and local communities to showcase Calderdale, ensuring the borough remains competitive, compelling and attractive, and protecting the environment, such as by encouraging sustainable travel.
This is underpinned by the Council’s priorities to develop thriving towns and create an inclusive economy where more people choose to visit, stay, work and live.
In July 2023, Calderdale achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership status from Visit England with its West Yorkshire partners, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees and Wakefield, recognising its importance as a destination. This partnership enables Calderdale to reach a wider audience and raise its profile as a national and international visitor destination.
Funding from the UK Government’s Rural Fund (part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) is also helping to boost visitor numbers in rural parts of Calderdale. The fund supports businesses and communities in rural areas by providing grants to boost local economies and foster growth.
Calderdale has seen significant success with this programme, having received the highest number of successful applications in West Yorkshire. So far, 21 businesses in Calderdale have been approved for funding, with 18 of them collectively receiving a total grant value of around £730,000. This is helping them to innovate, expand and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities.
British pork’s back on the menu for customers in China
British pork can once again be exported to the country’s biggest market – China – with the end of that country’s Covid-era restrictions on UK unprocessed pork exports meaning a potential revenue boost of £80m for the industry.
China bought around £180 million worth of pigmeat in 2023 alone – making them the UK’s biggest non-EU customer. Now, with these restrictions lifted, even more British produce will be heading east.
The development comes after talks during the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to China. Representatives from Defra and the Department for Business and Trade have worked to get British pork back on Chinese menus in collaboration with industry, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and the UK Export Certification Partnership.
Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said: ”This is a massive win for British pork producers who will now be able to send their high-quality products to one of our largest markets, worth £180 million.”
New tax director joins Saffery in Yorkshire
A chartered tax advisor, who most recently headed up the tax transaction team of a well-known, top 20 accountancy firm in London, has joined chartered accounting and business advisory firm, Saffery in Leeds as a director.
The strategic appointment sees Tony Dillow join the 14-strong corporate tax team in Leeds, which is one of the firm’s nine UK regional offices.
With a wealth of tax advisory and transactional experience, Tony advises entrepreneurs, companies, search funds, and private equity investors on tax issues, with a particular focus around acquisitions, disposals and group restructuring.
Tony said: “My role as an adviser is to support clients to achieve their commercial objectives with tax efficient solutions. I enjoy working with clients in a wide range of industries, including the renewables, software and recruitment sectors.
“In recent years, I’ve also carried out transactional work for several specialist investment vehicles and private equity funds.
“I’m looking forward to continuing with transactional work, as well as supporting Saffery’s existing client base, helping to navigate the challenges and opportunities throughout the business lifecycle.
“Whether it’s implementing a tax efficient share scheme, facilitating a group restructure or helping with an acquisition or disposal, I’m keen to collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs and the vibrant mergers and acquisitions community here in Yorkshire.
“I moved to Saffery as it’s a partner led firm where you can draw upon experienced specialists within the team, not only here in Leeds, but across the UK.”
Jonathan Davis, partner and head of Saffery’s Yorkshire office, said: “Tony is a great addition to our team, highly capable, likable and experienced and we are lucky he chose to make the move up north!
“He will not only strengthen our offering in Yorkshire and the North West, where we have a team of more than 30 tax experts, but he will also work with national clients, putting his transactional skills to good use.”
Tony’s areas of expertise also include implementing tax efficient equity incentives including EMI and growth shares, supporting clients with group reorganisations, and he also provides tax due diligence services for search funds and private equity, with a particular interest in supporting search funds with acquisition tax structuring.
Raft of promotions at Yorkshire law firm
Yorkshire-based LCF Law has promoted 11 members of its team, in recognition of their contributions and commitment to the firm.
Andrew Langton and Hana Gwyn have both become partners. Andrew, who leads the debt recovery team joined LCF Law in 2014 and has grown the department, increasing turnover 15-fold. He has secured several significant client wins, and has played a significant role in establishing LCF Law as one of the major players, nationwide, within the commercial debt market.
Andrew said: “We offer clients a debtor funded recovery service, which can be invaluable for their business. We work with great people and great businesses, and I’m lucky to be a part of such a fabulous team at LCF Law supporting them to develop and grow in their careers.”
Hana works with the 29-strong personal law team and has been with the firm since 2020. Her promotion reflects her aptitude for high-net-worth client work, enabling clients to protect their assets and tax plan efficiently.
Hana also works with many clients who own successful businesses across the country. She will now lead the personal law team based in the Harrogate office.
Hana said: “LCF Law has allowed me to grow in my own way, putting its confidence in me to do what I’m good at and supporting me to pursue an area of the law I’m passionate about.
“Building long-term relationships with clients and working with other trusted advisers to ensure clients feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the future and mitigating any issues along the way is very rewarding.”
Kelly Gilbert, Will Bates and Brad Stewart have all been promoted to senior associates. Both Kelly and Will are in the 26-strong disputes team and Kelly’s promotion comes just one year after joining the firm.
Will joined LCF Law in 2022 and resolves commercial disputes. Recently he successfully defended an application for a summary judgment, as part of a three day hearing in London’s High Court. Kelly recently resolved a dispute for a multi jurisdiction estate worth several million pounds.
Will said: “Obviously disputes can escalate and go to court, but often the most satisfactory results are achieved when we secure a positive outcome for a client via other avenues, including mediation.”
Brad is a corporate lawyer who joined LCF Law seven years ago. He advises clients selling businesses of all sizes in every industry sector.
Emily Hickling, Ryan Cotton and Thomas Taylor have all been promoted to associates. Both Emily and Ryan work in the 18-strong real estate team. Emily has been with the firm four years and one of her clients is an international charity.
Ryan joined LCF Law in 2019 and works on property projects for national and international charities involving disposals, acquisitions and leases, as well a negotiating planning agreements and advising on liability risks.
Thomas specialises in commercial and digital law and joined the firm in 2020. He said: “A recent project involved working with an IT consultancy that was expanding its global partner program.
“I prepared a comprehensive suite of key documents, covering partner agreements, trademark licenses, data-sharing, and value-added reseller agreements. Playing a pivotal role in the firm’s growth strategy, my work strengthened partnerships and safeguarded the firm’s intellectual property, as it expanded globally.”
A further three members of the team have also been promoted having passed their final exams and legal qualifications several months ahead of schedule. Holly Jordan, Jonathan Gardner and Melanie Parsons have all been promoted to solicitors.
LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said: “We really appreciate what Andrew, Hana, Kelly, Will, Brad, Emily, Ryan, Thomas, Holly, Jonathan and Melanie bring to the business. Talented, dedicated and passionate about the areas of law they operate in, each one of them really does deserve their promotion.
“At LCF Law we are firmly committed to supporting career progression and a number of our partners started at the firm as trainees.
“Having been named as one of the UK’s best places to work in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list of medium sized companies last year, we know our 145-strong team are happy and feel rewarded for their work and we are committed to helping them all achieve their own personal goals, whilst delivering excellent client service.”
Rule revision planned for vessels taking workers offshore
New international maritime regulations will become law next year, aiming to improve safety standards for workers taken offshore to work on wind farms and oil and gas installations.
In the wake of expansion of the UK maritime offshore energy sector a new chapter has been added to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which includes the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has today launched a consultation on requirements, which will sit within the proposed Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025.
Ships operating in the offshore sector are by definition cargo ships, and because of this the number of passengers that can be carried is 12. The construction standards for passenger ships are more stringent than for cargo ships, in recognition of the larger number of people that these ships can carry.
The IP Code sets a standard based on cargo ship requirements, enhanced by requirements applicable to passenger ships, enabling such ships to carry more than 12 offshore workers – which by definition are not passengers or part of the crew.
The IP Code also sets out standards including medical fitness, personal survival, safety training and ship familiarisation, which industrial personnel must comply with.
MCA Director of UK Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley said: “The offshore sector has a fundamental place in how the world operates today, and at the MCA we truly value the service and dedication of these industrial and special personnel, and their safety is a priority for us.
“Implementation of the new SOLAS chapter, in particular the IP Code, will mean significant safety improvements for those working in the offshore sector.
“The code is recognised internationally so standards are set across the offshore sector, providing a global, level playing field. Please make sure your feedback is heard by taking part in our consultation.”
Luxury gift company gets £200,000 funding to support growth
Luxury food and drink gift company Imp & Maker has secured £200,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to enhance its operations and sustain its growth.
Founder Sarah Louise Fairburn, with over 20 years of experience in food retail and production, launched the company in 2020 to bring innovation and quality to the gifting industry.
Sarah’s expertise and commitment to sustainability and social impact are central to the brand’s values. Beyond her business, she is an active advocate for sustainability and women’s empowerment, serving on the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board and UK Food Valley.
The funding will be allocated toward stock, marketing, and staff costs, with a primary focus on enhancing operational efficiency and driving long-term growth.
She said: “It was clear that my business needed additional finance to achieve the ambitious seasonal plans we had as Christmas approached. Whilst I had started discussions with banks, I wasn’t getting the result we needed.
“FundingRound played a pivotal role in positioning our requirements, introducing us to First Enterprise and securing the funds which will support our success. Lenders like First Enterprise are much needed to support the backbone of UK businesses! And we will always be working with FundingRound moving forward as they are the best at understanding entrepreneurs.”
Julia Wilkinson, Director, FundingRound Ltd added: “The current market requires lenders who will support expanding SMEs based on forecast-led growth, particularly bearing in mind the environment they’ve operated in over the past few years. CDFIs like First Enterprise play a crucial role in supporting businesses like Imp & Maker, and we are pleased to have First Enterprise fund them and other clients.”
Planning rules could be by-passed as part of new Government proposals
Planning decisions could be fast-tracked in a sweeping overhaul of local planning committees as part of new measures set out by the government to stimulate economic growth and tackle the housing crisis.
Under new plans to modernise the planning approval process, applications that comply with local development plans could bypass planning committees entirely to tackle, says the Government, chronic uncertainty, unacceptable delays and unnecessary waste of time and resources.
The measures would see a national scheme of delegation introduced, the creation of streamlined committees for strategic development and mandatory training for planning committee members.
Under the new plans, local planning officers will also have an enhanced decision-making role to implement agreed planning policy.
A Government spokesman said: “The changes will mean greater certainty to housebuilders that good-quality schemes aligned with already-agreed local development plans will be approved in a timely manner to get spades in the ground. With it, kickstarting economic growth and raising living standards in every part of the country, putting money back in the pockets of working people.”
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Exec of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “It’s encouraging to see the government explore these options in such an open way. These are the right questions to ask, and it is good that the government is prioritising collaboration, transparency, and consistency. By empowering qualified planners to implement planning policies, locally elected councillors will have the time to focus on the more significant cases, effectively speeding up the planning process and reducing unnecessary delays.”
“By requiring councillors to undergo appropriate training before joining planning committees, we can ensure planning decisions are made for the greater good of the communities while aligning with national policies. We would look forward to supporting this programme.”
The measures set out in the working paper will seek views from a range of planning, housing and local government experts before finalising proposal details for planning committees. The government will then publish a formal public consultation on these detailed proposals to coincide with the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next year.
The government will also work closely with the sector to implement any changes from the paper, the first in a series of working papers aimed at informing policy development for the Bill.
Sheffield company provides power to support African healthcare locations
Sheffield-based pay-per-use battery technology company MOPO is to partner with The Health Electrification and Telecommunications Alliance to help bring reliable, 24-hour electricity access to healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone.
As part of the initial agreement, MOPO has provided solar energy to electrify two health centres, Waterloo Rural Community Hospital and Wara Wara Faith Clinic. Additionally, the Company has installed a solar-powered MOPO Hubs near each location, which rent MOPO’s proprietary batteries on a pay-per-use basis to individuals and business, particularly relevant to areas where grid infrastructure is unreliable.
MOPO Chairman Jono West said: “We are delighted to be working with HETA, deploying our technology and solar power generating expertise both for the facilities and the local community. Together, we’re building healthier, more resilient communities through sustainable energy solutions.”
Power Africa, through HETA is assembling the world’s leading renewable energy, digital technology, and health solutions providers to electrify and digitally connect health facilities. It collaborates with foundations, the private sector, and African governments to expand access to electricity to health facilities across sub-Saharan Africa.
Humber-based company builds kit to break records at Tilbury
A ship-to-shore hopper used to set new records at the Port of Tilbury and on the River Thames was designed, installed and commissioned by Hull-based Spencer Group.
Teams from Hull-based Spencer Group’s Design, Civils and M&E teams created the new bulk handling device at the largest port serving London, to act as the primary link between vessels and shore conveyors.
Two opposingly mounted vibrating feeders are speed regulated to ensure the hopper maintains a plug of material; preventing potential damage from falling lumps, whilst ensuring the outfeed on to the downstream shore conveyors is fed centrally without spillage.
Spencer Group’s project team also carried out the strengthening of the existing jetty structure at London’s principal port, in order to support the weight of the new hopper.
The hopper recently made history after receiving a visit from the Yeoman Bridge, one of the world’s two largest self-discharging bulk carriers.
The 249m vessel, also known as Big Red, used the hopper, becoming the largest vessel ever to be discharged at the Port of Tilbury as well as the biggest ship to travel down the Thames.
Chris Kirkby, Spencer Group Principal Engineer (Design), said: “The new hopper is an impressive machine, capable of handling different aggregate products from sand to primary crushed stone discharged by some of the world’s largest bulk carriers.
“This was a fantastic project to be part of, with our team playing a significant role in leading the design development from an initial concept through to coordinating the commissioning activities for the hopper.
“The successful outcome of the project is a testament to the absolute collaboration between the whole project team, as well as working closely with our client, Port of Tilbury London Limited, the supply chain and specialist contractors.
“In my 10 years at Spencer Group, it certainly has been a career highlight and a project in which I am proud to say I played a part in.”
Planning permission secured to redevelop Bank House office building in Leeds
Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond Group has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the landmark Bank House office building in Leeds city centre – once the regional headquarters of the Bank of England.
The developer will embark on a programme to refurbish the circa 90,000 sq ft building to create Grade A office and associated amenity rich floor space. Plans also include an internal extension and the creation of a multi-level central atrium, transforming this significant building into a sustainable, energy efficient, accessible, best in class scheme.
The former bank vaults at lower ground floor will be repurposed to create a new auditorium, and those on the ground floor into a suite of meeting rooms. Rushbond also has plans to substantially restore the iconic exterior and create a new roof level business lounge and terrace.
Richard Baker from Rushbond said: “We are excited to have secured the next chapter for this important building. For more than 50 years, Bank House has been a landmark in the heart of the city’s commercial and financial district, and our planned redevelopment will ensure it meets the requirements of modern businesses.
“Rushbond’s long-term vision for Bank House is for a sensitive, best in class redevelopment which respects the significance of the building. The demand for Grade ‘A’ office space in Leeds remains strong and Bank House will deliver sustainable, energy efficient workspace to the highest design standards rich in occupier amenities – attracting a new generation of occupiers to be part of its future.”
Located on the corner of King Street and Park Place, Bank House – which was purpose built for the Bank of England between 1969-1971 – features an ambitious, European Brutalist-style design, clad in Cornish granite.
Rushbond believes the redevelopment will attract inward investment, as well as regional tenants looking for modern, highly specified, sustainable office space in a super prime location, which is at a premium in Leeds city centre. Work is anticipated to commence early in 2026, when the building becomes vacant, and to complete mid-2027.
