Siemens Mobility partners with Samaritans
Siemens Mobility is to give £23,000 to Samaritans, the charity dedicated to providing emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide.
Rob Morris, Joint UK&I CEO and Managing Director for Rail Infrastructure said: “We are proud to partner with Samaritans, a charity that plays such a vital role in supporting mental health. Mental well-being has always been a priority for us, yet we know it is not always easy to talk about. By encouraging dialogue and challenging stigmas, we aim to create a culture where mental health is understood and supported.”
Gwen Grant, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Samaritans said: “We are thrilled that Siemens Mobility employees selected us as their charity partner this year, which recognises their commitment to promote better mental health and well-being. Support from partners like Siemens Mobility is invaluable to helping Samaritans continue to be there for anyone who is struggling to cope, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the course of our partnership.”
The new charity partner was chosen by Siemens employees, reflecting their drive to making a meaningful difference. As part of this partnership, employees will engage in fundraising and volunteering through the company’s volunteering policy, which offers two days a year for each employee to support charitable causes. Last financial year, employees completed over 4,300 hours of community volunteering.
Dales’ five-year plan puts ‘nature-friendly’ farming businesses at its heart
The main thrust of a new five-year plan is to see that ‘nature-friendly’ farming businesses are supported across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with the claim that hill farmers are now more important than ever.
That’s revealed in the newly-published draft set of objectives for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan 2025-2030.
People and organisations are invited to have their say on it during a seven-week period of public consultation; there is a survey for members of the public and a separate survey for organisations.
The management plan is said to be the most important policy document for the National Park. It is being put together by a partnership made up of 15 local organisations, including representatives of business interests. The draft has been sent to more than 200 organisations that operate in the National Park.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is named as the potential lead organisation responsible for achieving 13 of the 40 objectives in the plan, with organisations such as Westmorland & Furness and North Yorkshire Councils, Natural England, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission leading on other objectives.
David Sharrod of Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, who is the Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan Partnership, said: “Supporting hill farming has been a long-standing priority for us but it’s more important now than ever. We need nature-friendly farming businesses to thrive in the National Park. That is critical for maximising the benefits that the National Park can provide for the nation, whether that is helping nature to recover, storing more carbon in our landscapes, reducing flooding downstream or producing fantastic quality food. Such farming will need support to be viable, and that’s what the partnership is planning to provide.
“People familiar with previous Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plans will recognise that some objectives have been updated and carried over, such as on broadening access to the National Park by the public and retaining dark skies at night. And yet some objectives are strikingly new and ambitious. For example, creating over 5,000 hectares of new wildlife-rich habitats; creating or restoring 60km of hedgerows, and supporting farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change. Another new objective seeks to help tackle health inequalities in society and make the National Park a place of healing for more people.
“The proposed objectives have been shaped by national government policy, local organisations and public opinion – as well as by evidence on the state of nature and the local economy. The seven-week consultation is an opportunity to influence the final detail. I would warmly invite anyone with an interest in the future of this special place to examine the proposals, and have their say.”
VOA suspends business rates agents and urges firms to be cautious
The Valuation Office Agency has temporarily suspended business rates agents Rateable Value Experts and Re-Rates UK pending an investigation of a potential serious breach of agent standards.
The suspension means we will not work with, or accept any information from, these agents while we investigate the potential breach.
A spokesman for the VOA said: “We have written to affected customers, and cannot comment further while investigations are ongoing.
“Our VOA agent standards set out clear expectations for agents regarding their behaviour, their professional practice, and the service they provide to their customers.
“We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously and will always take action if we substantiate a breach of the standards.”
The VOA urges caution about any agent who:
- tries to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract
- says they are acting on behalf of the VOA or forwards emails they claim are from the VOA
- demands large sums of money up front
- makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar
Asbestos removal complete in Albion Square regeneration
Scaffolding is being removed from the former BHS building as Hull City Council’s Albion Square regeneration project prepares to move onto its next phase.
Asbestos removal from the derelict building is now complete, with more than 600,000 tonnes of contaminated waste, including concrete blocks containing asbestos, being taken away over almost two years.
The primary objective of Albion Square’s redevelopment is to transform a derelict, but strategically-positioned city centre site into a high-quality mixed-use scheme with a focus on residential and a mix of active uses on the ground floor.
This site is said to have a wider significance for the future economy of the city as a visitor destination.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at the council, said: “I am pleased to see that the scaffolding on the former BHS building is now being removed, with preparations taking place for the next stage of the project.”
Hull company wins place on £800m procurement framework
Hull-based Sewell Facilities Management has been appointed to a new £814m framework meaning it can provide building management services to public sector organisations across the north of England.
The company was one of only 27 organisations nationally to be named on the new Total Facilities Management Framework, managed by procurement provider Pagabo.
The framework will provide a way for public sector organisations, including those in education, leisure, healthcare, emergency services and local authorities, to work with Sewell Facilities Management for soft, hard or total FM services, including roofing, mechanical work and decorating. The framework will run until January 2029.
Sewell Facilities Management MD Sean Henderson said: “We look forward to supporting the public sector to keep their buildings in day-one condition, clean, safe and compliant.
“Being appointed to the Pagabo framework gives public sector clients an easy and quick way to work with us, enabling them to ensure their buildings are looked after 24/7, so they can concentrate on their day-to-day roles.”
Jonathan Oram, director of frameworks at Pagabo, said: “While this framework is going live before the Procurement Act comes into force in late February, suppliers and clients will all benefit from the latest procurement best practice. The extensive offering that the Total Facilities Management Framework brings to our procurement portfolio here at Pagabo aligns perfectly with our overall aim across all our frameworks – to support a wide range of clients in providing value for money, while maintaining compliance.
“Over the tender period, we have seen significant interest in the framework and we’re eager to see the well-rounded offerings by the appointed suppliers at work. This all goes to highlight the demand we’ve seen for a specific facilities management framework, and we’re excited to see the framework, over the four-year period, make its mark, both for the clients that procure through it, and the suppliers that have been appointed to it.”
Sewell Facilities Management works with public and private sector clients across the north of England, providing bespoke and total facilities management services to keep buildings safe, compliant and maintained.
Their clients include NHS organisations, schools and colleges, manufacturers, charities and retail stores, and during the 30 years since they were founded, they have grown from providing straightforward facilities management to offering everything from water hygiene and fire safety compliance assessments to advice and guidance on making buildings more sustainable.
Electrical wholesaler plots further growth after management buy-out
A Hull-based electrical wholesaler has undergone a seven-figure management buy-out backed by funding from Mercia Debt.
AA Jones Electric, which was founded in 2009 and is now one of the region’s leading independents, supplies electrical equipment for domestic and commercial use, as well as industrial automation and controls.
The buy-out gives control of the business to co-founder Andy Moulds, the Sales Director, and long-standing employee Sam Lomax, who becomes Managing Director. It will allow for the retirement of one of the founders, Ian Wayman. The third founder, Tony Moore, will retain a stake in the business and continue in his role as Finance Director.
The company has secured a £1m funding package, with half coming from Mercia’s SME Loans fund to support the buy-out. NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), also provided £500k to support the growth of the business following the buyout.
AA Jones employs 20 staff at its premises on Venture Business Park and serves both the public and trade buyers. The company acquired an adjoining distributor, Seltec Automation, in 2022 which is now fully integrated. It currently stocks over 12,000 product lines and offers specialist advice on factory automation or for projects required to meet building or health and safety standards.
Having recently introduced new lines such as solar lighting, EV chargers and smart building technology, it now plans to further extend its range of renewables and industrial cables. The funding from NPIF II will provide additional working capital to enable it to increase stock levels and create around five new jobs in the next two years.
Sam Lomax, Managing Director, said: “Tony and Ian have built a very successful business with a dedicated and experienced team. Having joined the company 13 years ago, I am very grateful for all the support and opportunities they have given me. I am proud to be taking on the role of Managing Director and look forward to working with Andy and the team as we continue to grow the business.”
Rebecca Pickering and Mike Rogers of Mercia Debt worked on the deal.
Rebecca Pickering said: “AA Jones is well respected in the industry. It sets itself apart from the big chains by its customer service and knowledgeable staff and despite tough competition, has continued to grow revenues. We are pleased to have been able to be able to support the buy-out and provide funding for its future growth plans.”
Pierce Business Advisory and Accountancy Group of Blackburn provided corporate finance advice to the company, while WHN Solicitors of Bury provided legal advice.
Paul Bennett of Pierce said: “It was a pleasure to work with the team at AA Jones to structure a transaction that allows the management team to take the business forward and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow over the coming years.”
Amey and partners rally over 160 volunteers to support military families
Catterick Garrison recently played host to one of Amey’s largest ever volunteer events bringing together over 160 individuals from Amey, e50K, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), supply chain partners, local industries, military spouses, and veterans.
This collaborative effort was part of the Move You In Pack impact initiative funded by Amey and developed in partnership with e50K, a spouse-led military social enterprise.
During the event, 2,525 boxes were packed with sustainable essentials sourced from veteran/spouse led organisations, ready to be delivered to Service families as they settle into their new homes across the North and Central regions.
Each pack is thoughtfully designed to support the transition process for military families ensuring they feel welcome and supported from the moment they arrive.
In addition to packing the boxes, the day featured a Christmas toy drive where generous donations from Amey employees brought holiday cheer to families in need. Volunteers also visited Bramble Woods, a 3.5-hectare green space developed in partnership with e50K.
This unique community hub continues to grow with the recent addition of a polytunnel enabling volunteers to plant, maintain and cultivate crops further supporting biodiversity and sustainability. Since Amey provided seed funding to begin the project, e50K have secured almost £75,000 of grants and additional funding to support the development of this important local asset.
Aligning with Amey’s Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, the Move You In Pack initiative and the Bramble Woods project demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing well-being, sustainability and inclusivity within the defence community. Since the initiative’s inception in 2021, over 6,000 Service families have benefited annually from the packs, with a total of more than 18,000 boxes delivered to date.
Additional impacts include:
- 121 military spouses have gained economically via 9,600 paid employment hours – earning more than £97,000 in wages.
- Profits exceeding £103,000 has been reinvested into Bramble Woods transforming the site into a vibrant community space featuring allotments, wildflower meadows and bee hives with plans for building an outdoor classroom.
- Over 90% of pack materials are recyclable or sustainably sourced
Lupton Fawcett begins 2025 with duo of hires
Lupton Fawcett has recruited two new colleagues as part of its plans for growth in 2025.
Harjit Singh, senior associate in the firm’s commercial property team, and associate Jonathan Exall, who specialises in dispute resolution, both started the new year at the Yorkshire law firm.
Harjit qualified as a solicitor in 2016, and his role includes all aspects of commercial property alongside experience of complex transactions such as collective enfranchisement, right to manage, escheat, and bona vacantia.
He said: “I am excited to work with such a talented team and to contribute to the firm’s success. I am looking forward to helping clients achieve their long-term goals through innovative and effective solutions.”
Jonathan had roles with regional and national firms before joining Lupton Fawcett and deals with complex and high value commercial litigation including shareholder disputes and breach of commercial contracts alongside regulatory disputes relating to export controls, trade and logistics.
He said: “The firm has high profile clients in the region, and nationally, and I am eager to assist them. I am also excited to be joining a renowned dispute resolution team and continuing to maintain the highest standard of client care.”
The two new additions to the team are the first in a group of new hires in January which form part of the firm’s strategic plans.
James Richardson, managing partner, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Harjit and Jonathan to the team, strengthening our offering in commercial property and dispute resolution.
“Alongside further recruitment news, which we will be sharing in the coming weeks, these appointments bolster our position as we enter a new year, and we look forward to delivering the best results for our clients.”
Interior fit-out of Leeds Trinity University’s new City Campus completes
GRAHAM Interior Fit-Out has completed the refurbishment of Leeds Trinity University’s new City Campus at 1 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, enhancing its facilities to accommodate a growing student population and creating state-of-the-art learning environments that foster career-focused education and collaboration with key industry partners.
Located in the heart of Leeds, the City Campus complements Leeds Trinity University’s main campus in Horsforth.
The refurbishment has transformed 1 Trevelyan Square into a dynamic new educational hub, fitted out with modern spaces designed to inspire collaboration and learning. Key facilities include:
- Collaborative Active Teaching Spaces (CATS): Encouraging teamwork, curiosity, and purpose-driven learning.
- Specialist facilities: Including a boardroom, trading room, law court, custody suite, business engagement centre, and bespoke labs tailored for construction, built environment, and computer science courses.
- Flexible study and learning areas: Providing a supportive, technology-enabled environment to prepare students for their future careers.
2025 Business Predictions: Konrad Czajka, Managing Director, Czajka Care Group
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Czajka Care Group’s Managing Director, Konrad Czajka, who is also Chair of the Bradford Care Association.
The Chancellor’s budget caused alarm and distress for the Social Care Sector with the announcements regarding the National Living Wage (6.7% increase), Employer NIC from April 2025 (increase from 13.8% to 15%), and the threshold decrease from £9,100 to £5,000.
The reaction from the Social Care Sector was swift and loud— it would threaten the future viability of the 11,544 Homecare Services and 14,970 Residential and Nursing Home Providers registered with Care Quality Commission (CQC).
In 2024 the report from Lord Darzi stated that Social Care is in a dire state. There have been cuts to Local Authority budgets, £8 billion since 2010, with fewer and fewer people funded while demand has risen, and older people are stuck on acute wards.
Social Care is a vital service and in 2025 the Government needs commitment to real change. There is a commitment to reform the NHS, and billions is being spent whilst only £600 million in grant funding is being allocated for Social Care in 2025-26.
It is vital that both sectors are reformed at the same time. Reforming the NHS without reforming Social Care is like rebuilding a house without mending the roof!
In 2025 investment in the Social Care workforce will be a priority. Social Care employs 1.5million people, that’s more than the NHS, and vacancies are running at 8.9% which equates to 110,000 vacancies. Domestic recruitment will remain a challenge as workers are attracted to higher paid and less demanding jobs. Social Care will need thousands more care workers with the right skills and values over the next 15 years (430,000 extra posts by 2035).
A workforce strategy in 2025 would be welcomed, but the staffing crisis in Social Care will not end until pay rates rises are aligned with the NHS. International recruitment will continue to be the main driver of the increase in filled posts and a possible fall in vacancies.
In 2025 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will face increased scrutiny over its inspection and ratings processes. Past issues raised have included inconsistent inspection outcomes, delayed reports, and questions about the assessments. People depend on CQC ratings to make informed decisions about care options. Hopefully, for 2025, due to the appointment of Sir Julian Hartley as Chief Executive, CQC will work with the Care Provider Alliance (CPA) to improve the inspection levels, clinical expertise among Inspectors, consistency in assessments and deal with the problems of CQC’S IT system.
Finally, failing to fix Social Care will mean failing to fix the NHS. Hopefully the Government will reassess the £600 million grant funding, develop a long-term financial strategy to account for inflation and will increase engagement with Social Care Providers and all stakeholders including the Local Authorities. In 2025 Social Care will continue to be a vital service but it needs the support it deserves.
