Yorkshire Building Society commits to three years’ support for City of Culture
Yorkshire Building Society is to work with work with the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme for three years to help support its aim of increasing employment opportunities and skills across the district.
The sponsorship is part of the Society’s ongoing investment into Bradford. Since 2022 the mutual has supported over 2,200 individuals through programmes that help improve employability and skills in communities across the district. Most recently, its Charitable Foundation announced the Building Bradford Skills fund which will provide £1million in grants to improve employability in Bradford’s most deprived areas.
Susan Allen, Chief Exec of Yorkshire Building Society said: “As a mutual, we are committed to the communities we support and, as one of the oldest organisations in Bradford, Yorkshire Building Society is proud to support Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
“We’re committed to investing in Bradford, our heartland, to improve skills, employability, and ultimately financial wellbeing for all our communities and the City of Culture will bring opportunity, pride, and optimism to the area.
“The City of Culture will not only celebrate what a uniquely vibrant, young and diverse city Bradford is, but also bring inward investment which will boost the local economy, create opportunities for people within our community to learn new skills and create a more prosperous future.”
Dan Bates, Executive Director, Bradford 2025 said: “I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society, a Bradford-based organisation that works nationally, that shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the UK.
“As we approach Bradford 2025, this partnership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the next generation not only experiences the transformative power of culture but also sees it as a pathway to their future. Together, we’re not just planning a year of events; we’re opening doors for young people across our city and the UK, inspiring them to dream big and realise that their future can be built right here in Bradford.”
UK leads the way in fusion energy powerplant design, says Royal Society
The UK is leading the way in fusion energy powerplant design, says the Royal Society.
Papers just published are the first peer-review demonstrating technical progress to deliver STEP, the UK’s first prototype fusion energy powerplant, at West Burton near Gainsborough.
STEP (‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’) aims to pave the way for the commercial viability of fusion by demonstrating net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. By doing so, it stimulates the development of a new industry, positioning the UK at the forefront commercially.
The programme is taking a holistic approach to delivering a fully operational prototype plant that also considers decommissioning as part of the design.
STEP will be built at the former coal-fired power station site of West Burton, where characterisation works surveying ground and environment are well underway. First operations are expected in the early 2040s.
Paul Methven, CEO, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, a subsidiary of UKAEA Group that will be responsible for the delivery of STEP, said: “STEP is a UK-led national endeavour, for the world. It’s about unlocking the potential of cutting-edge science and technology that could revolutionise humanity’s future and, for the UK, secure a leading position in a new strategic technology. We don’t yet have all the answers, but we are a trailblazer in fusion powerplant design, built on a solid foundation of decades of innovative and world-leading fusion research at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
“This Royal Society publication is a snapshot in time – the design will continue to evolve as we identify new challenges, learn and develop – and already the team has an impressive ability to find a way through the toughest problems.”
UK steelmakers pay 50% more than French for electricity, says new report
A new report for UK Steel today reveals a sizeable gap between the prices paid for electricity by UK steelmakers and their European competitors.
The trade body’s report also sets out three recommendations to bring electricity prices in line with European counterparts. As the steel industry is aiming to electrify through investment in new additional electric arc furnaces, electricity prices become even more crucial to the industry’s competitiveness, profitability, and future success.
Steel production is incredibly electro-intensive, and power charges are one of the largest barriers to sustainable steelmaking in the UK. With proposed steel industry switches to electric arc furnaces, it is expected the sector’s electricity consumption will roughly double.
The report finds that UK steel producers pay up to 50% more than competitors in France and Germany, adding £37m to UK steel electricity costs. The price disparity is predominantly driven by higher UK wholesale costs and partly greater network charges.
UK Steel makes three recommendations to cut prices:
1. Compensate industry for 90% of its network charges, matching French/German support levels
2. Undertake wholesale market reforms and discount locational pricing models
3. Track industrial energy price disparities between countries
UK Steel Director General Gareth Stace said: “This new Government has already set out its willingness to deliver for the steel industry, and it now has the opportunity to bring industrial electricity prices in line with our competitors. “For too long, the UK steel industry has been crippled by high industrial electricity prices, placing a heavy burden on the industry’s competitiveness, profitability, and ability to invest in future growth.
“The average price faced by UK steelmakers for 2024/25 is £66 per MWh compared to the French price of £43/MWh and the German £50/MWh. That’s a price gap of up to £22/MWh, meaning we pay £37-50 million more for our electricity this year than our European competitors.
“Steel is integral to the new Government’s ambitions for the UK, from the renewable energy rollout through GB Energy to infrastructure developments and increased housebuilding, which all require and rely on steel. Lower power prices are crucial to unlocking the success of the UK Steel industry, enabling steel to be the backbone of a strong and thriving British economy.”
Allan Bell, British Steel’s Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer, said: “The new government is well-briefed on the challenges our business faces, including high electricity prices. We look forward to working with them to build a clean, green, and sustainable future for British Steel.”
Ramsdens shortlisted for several awards
Ramsdens Solicitors has been shortlisted in two sets of awards with recognition in three categories of this year’s Yorkshire Legal Awards, and one in the UK-wide specialist British Wills & Probate Awards 2024.
Launched 25 years ago, the Yorkshire Legal Awards are one of the region’s best-known awards schemes and bring together the legal community to recognise and celebrate its achievements. Ramsdens, which has 11 offices throughout Yorkshire, has been named as one of the top firms within the private client, corporate and commercial, and Law Firm of the Year: Medium categories.
In addition, Ramsdens is just one of five firms in the national Wills & Probates Awards category for Probate Provider of the Year – North & Midlands category.
Managing Partner Paul Joyces aid: “With a 150 year-plus heritage of providing a
wide range of legal services to businesses and individuals, we have established a strong reputation, both in our home here in Yorkshire and, increasingly, across the UK.
“The Yorkshire Legal Awards have long been a celebration of the region’s flourishing legal community and the judges this year commented on the strength of the hundreds of entries they received, so to have been shortlisted in three categories is quite an achievement. We are also proud to gain further national recognition with our success in the Wills & Probate Awards which highlight commitment to innovation, service excellence, client experience and expertise in this specialist area of law.
Winners will be announced in October.
Calderdale Council becomes first local authority to get official warning over charity failures
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council is the first local authority to be given an Official Warning for failing to comply with its duties as trustee of 13 charities.
Calderdale is one of over 1,200 councils across England and Wales that are trustees of charities. Charities overseen by this council include several assets which are important to the local community, such as Bacup Road Recreational Ground, Tetley Memorial Park and Public Central Library.
The regulator’s Chief Executive recently wrote to all local authorities warning them of the “significant administrative headaches” councils could face from any failure to correctly comply with their duties. In his letter, David Holdsworth advised charities to keep a register of charitable assets and land held to help ensure any council correctly manages them in their capacity as a trustee. Failing to correctly identify charitable assets could lead to the loss of public facilities that people rely on and, where charity law is not correctly followed, intervention by the Commission.
As trustees, councils are responsible for running the charity and managing its assets as well as upholding all duties expected of any trustee. This includes filing annual returns with the Charity Commission.
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council has failed to file annual returns and accounts for all 13 charities, which have been overdue for several years. The Official Warning states that this, and the council’s failure to comply with an action plan the Commission issued to it in 2023, amounts to misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charities.
To rectify the misconduct and/or mismanagement set out in the Official Warning, the council must file all outstanding accounts. The Commission has been clear that Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council also needs to:
- implement processes to ensure all 13 charities are compliant with their accounting responsibilities going forward
- provide up-to-date contact details for all charities
- locate and identify all 13 charities on a local register containing details about the charities and their assets
- hold regular trustee meetings, ensuring all councillors are aware of their duties and responsibilities – treating all charities as separate entities
- review financial controls of all charities, taking steps to record and implement processes as well as provide evidence of this action to the Commission.
Ernest Doe & Sons expands into southern Lincolnshire with acquisition of Burdens Group branches
Ernest Doe & Sons has acquired agricultural machinery dealer The Burdens Group’s southern Lincolnshire branches, located in Sutterton and North Kyme.
The acquisition was facilitated through the appointed administrators at Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP, following The Burdens Group’s entry into administration.
With existing branches across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, Ernest Doe & Sons is a family-owned business with a heritage dating back to 1898, and is committed to extending its footprint into Lincolnshire.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Sutterton and North Kyme branches into the Ernest Doe family,” said Managing Director Angus Doe. “Our focus is on maintaining the strong customer relationships cultivated by The Burdens Group, while introducing the high standards of quality and service that have defined Ernest Doe & Sons for over 125 years.
“We look forward to serving the local community and supporting our new customers with the expertise and dedication that our longstanding customers have come to rely on.”
Rail operator selects Spencer for £10m contract in Essex
Rail operator Greater Anglia has contracted Spencer Rail to create a new wheel lathe facility at its premises at Clacton in Essex.
The company says the £10m project will improve train service and create new jobs.
Spencer Group will design and build the facility to service Greater Anglia’s fleet, ranging from three-car trains through to 12-car units.
Enabling works have been carried out on site by specialist rail and civils teams, who are now preparing to begin construction of the facility, which is expected to be complete by May 2025.
Spencer Group will design and construct the new facility, as well modifying track, depot protection, locally operated points system, signalling and overhead line equipment.
The team will also deliver a new welfare facility for maintenance staff, including utility services and connections, as well as a drivers’ walkway and lighting facilities for preparation activities.
Tony Wells, Pre-construction Project Director said: “Working in areas with tight constraints is where Spencer Group thrives and our team is highly experienced in delivering high-quality results within complex working environments.
“We are working collaboratively with Greater Anglia as well as third party stakeholders to facilitate their needs and ensure the existing facilities are able to continue operating throughout the programme of works, with as little disruption as possible.”
Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia Client & Programme Director, said: “Not only will this £17m investment into Clacton improve the performance and reliability of services in the region, but it will also provide many new highly skilled jobs.
“Once complete in Summer 2025, trains will be able to be serviced much quicker than before, allowing them to return to passenger service faster.”
HGV electric vehicle charging hub welcomed to Able Humber Port
The UK’s first public electric heavy goods vehicle (EHGV) charging stations will open on Able Humber Port (AHP) this year. The new EHGV charging hub will drive the decarbonisation of future transport and logistics across AHP, and the South Humber ports, as new electric powered HGV’s replace existing diesel fleets.
North Lincolnshire Council granted planning consent for the project in June and the developer Milence – a Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Traton Group (formally Volkswagen Truck & Bus AG – including Man & Scania) joint venture company opens the first phase in November 2024.
The initial phase will deliver four high-performance Combined Charging Systems (CCS) chargers powering eight bays, and one Megawatt Charging System (MCS) chargers powering two bays and will host lounge and welfare facilities also providing food and beverages. The final site will include further CCS and MCS chargers and enhanced facilities.
Peter Stephenson, Able UK founder and Executive Chairman, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Milence to Able Humber Port to deliver the UK’s first electric charging hub. The hub is an exciting step forward in supporting the decarbonising of the Humber Ports and the HGV transport industry also assisting Able Humber Port and the region transition to net zero.”
Anja van Niersen, CEO at Milence, said: “Expanding into the UK with our first charging hub in Immingham represents a significant milestone for Milence. This strategic location not only enhances our ability to support the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions but also aligns with our commitment to driving the future of green logistics across Europe.”
Property investor makes £120m of acquisitions and disposals
LondonMetric Property has transacted on £70 million of warehouse acquisitions and £50 million of non core disposals, including sites in Leeds, York and Doncaster.
The £70 million of acquisitions consist of seven warehouses including five trade warehouses in Leeds, Derby, Swindon, Bolton and Farnham totalling 113,000 sq ft, acquired for £18.9 million and let to Travis Perkins, MKM and Jewson.
The £50 million of disposals consist of ten former LXi assets and a former CTPT asset. They include a 34,000 sq ft car show room in York let to Vertu (sold for £10.5 million) and an 18,000 sq ft Nissan car show room in Doncaster (sold for £2.5 million).
Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of LondonMetric, said: “We have been very clear on our desire to monetise some assets acquired from our corporate takeovers. We have now sold c.£100 million of LXi assets, with 13 of the 16 non core CTPT assets also sold at an average of 14% above our original underwrite values.
“We have successfully reinvested these proceeds into high quality properties, in stronger sectors that will deliver accelerated income growth.”
Yorkshire farm secures £100k to tap into tourism
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) has completed its first deal in West Yorkshire since the launch of the £660m fund in March this year.
A family farm on the Yorkshire moors has secured £100,000 from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of NPIF II, to open a glamping site.
Thornton Park Farm lies 1100ft above sea level and enjoys views over Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge. The NPIF II investment will enable the family – Richard and Nina Dunnett and their son Jack – to construct five luxury pods and diversify their income from farming activities.
The family currently has a flock of 70 sheep, herds of Highland and Gasconne cattle and seven young Suffolk punch horses, an endangered species which they have started to breed.
Thornton Park Farm was previously run by Richard’s father Bob, who acquired the land in the 1960s and also ran a haulage business and agricultural contracting service from the site. Having initially worked in the haulage business, Richard went on to launch a gritting company and now operates a fleet of eight gritter lorries serving clients including Manchester United Football Club, local councils and supermarkets.
Following Bob’s death in 2015, farming activities ceased for four years until Richard and Nina decided to bring the land back into use. They have now been joined by 23-year-old Jack who has recently graduated from agricultural college.
Richard Dunnett said: “I inherited Thornton Park from my parents and I want to give my son the opportunity to run it after me. It is difficult to make a good living from smaller farms now but having the right mix of activities is key.
“Tourism is an excellent addition to our existing income streams and, with such a beautiful location, holiday companies have told us that they expect the site to be very popular. The funding from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II has enabled us to speed up the launch of the new facilities and we look forward to welcoming our first guests later this year.”
Gary Whitaker from Mercia Debt added: “Richard is an experienced businessman with an agricultural background and has committed significant investment of his own to the farm. Unfortunately, he was unable to raise the money required for the glamping pods from a traditional high-street bank. This funding will not only help the Dunnetts secure the financial future of their smallholding but also benefit the local tourism industry.”
Richard Hargreaves, an independent adviser, provided fundraising advice to the Dunnett family.
