Raworths appoints Legal Director of Commercial Property team
Raworths in Harrogate has announced the appointment of Heather Roberts as Legal Director of its growing Commercial Property team.
Heather is a commercial property specialist with more than 20 years’ experience acting for investors, developers, landlords, tenants and banks. Ranked in the Legal 500 – one of the UK’s leading independently researched guides to the legal profession – she offers a breadth of expertise from investment, development and asset management work to advising SME clients on their portfolio purchases and management. Heather joins from her previous role at McCormicks in Harrogate, bringing with her wealth of knowledge of the local and wider regional market.
Comments Matthew Hill, Head of Commercial Client Services at Raworths: “We welcome Heather, whose specialist commercial property expertise will be a huge asset to our growing team which has benefitted from a raft of new client wins over the past few months. There are major opportunities for us to grow our business in this sector, driven by a stronger than anticipated market post-pandemic and growth more broadly across the region where the demand for space continues to surge. Heather’s appointment is part of a strategic recruitment drive for our commercial team as we look to grow our client portfolio across the region and nationwide.”
Raworths offers exceptional integrated services for both commercial and private clients under one roof, offering a genuinely integrated approach which enables its teams work together on complex issues across its clients’ personal and business affairs. As part of her remit, Heather will also work closely with the wider commercial team including the dispute resolution, employment and corporate & commercial teams.
Adds Heather: “I have been aware of Raworths’ reputation as a legal firm which builds lasting relationships with its clients, and at the heart of that is the unique way the team can draw upon the skills and expertise of their colleagues across disciplines. This approach really appeals to me, and I’m excited to add to the incredible pool of talent here to help grow the commercial property business. The firm proactively supports and nurtures the ongoing development of its team at all levels, and I also hope to play a key role in cultivating the skills of our expanding team going forwards.”
North Lincolnshire firms get behind Council’s fostering initiative
A number of businesses have pledged their support to a new Fostering Friendly Scheme launched by North Lincolnshire Council.
Businesses who have already committed their support include Deligraze, Hirst Priory, The Trolleybus Museum at Sandtoft, Mumaroo, The Islamic Centre and Belton Kitchen.
Following the launch at the Baths Hall, a further 20 businesses want to find out how they can get involved and join the other flagship organisations driving the Fostering Friendly Scheme forward across North Lincolnshire.
Hazel Wheatley, MD of Hirst Priory, said: “We look forward to supporting the scheme in any way we can. We will be reviewing our HR policy to include fostering friendly support, provide work experience for young people in care and a safe space for foster carers to gather for social events, offering sponsorship prizes as well as displaying information across our various platforms.”
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Our foster carers are the most amazing, resilient, and dedicated people who show love and empathy to all of our children.
“Every child deserves the chance to live a full life, to reach for the stars and our foster carers support and enable them in achieving this into adulthood.
“This scheme is an initiative that we as an existing Fostering Friendly employer are proud to be a part of and are looking to businesses and employers in our community to support the inspirational work that our foster carers do every day and empower them to continue to guide them into adulthood, transforming our children’s lives.
“Many of our foster carers choose to foster alongside employment and it is refreshing to see so many local businesses pledging their support. It will ensure that our children can continue to grow up in their community, with local foster carers being supported by a Fostering Friendly County.”
The Fostering Friendly Scheme is open to all types of businesses and organisations and will focus on two strands: helping employers to support and understand the roles of their employees who foster or who might be interested in fostering alongside raising awareness of and supporting fostering in the community.
Ray Nolan, Director of Nolan Interiors Limited, said: “The whole event was extremely positive and highlighted the amazing work foster carers provide for children, especially in encouraging and supporting them to succeed in life.
“These children are the employers and employees of the future and as a local business, I am more than happy to support this scheme however I can.”
Members of the Fostering Friendly Scheme can engage and support in a variety of ways – all of which can be individualised to each organisation.
The engagement could include raising awareness in the community and across social media, offering discounts for foster carers or children in care, providing work experience, offering space for training, or even putting in place a HR policy for all foster carers in their employment that offers flexibility to their employees.
Those who join the scheme will receive comprehensive information, guidance, and support from the North Lincolnshire Council’s Fostering Team throughout the entire process and during their time as a member of the scheme.
If you are interested in finding out more and signing up to this scheme, contact the team on 01724 297000, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or express your interest on the North Lincolnshire council website.
Yorkshire developer acquires site for commercial scheme
Leeds based Wilton Developments has purchased the 33-acre Dynamo Park site on Cheltenham Road in Stockton-On-Tees for an undisclosed sum.
The developer behind the recently completed Latitude logistics development on the M62 near Leeds and Enterprise Park in Barnsley, both for CBRE Investment Managers, and the successful 70-acre Turbine Business Park in Sunderland intends to capitalise on its extensive experience to deliver another high quality commercial scheme, as part of its commitment to logistics and industrial space in the Northern Power House.
The scheme has the capability to deliver circa 600,000 sq. ft. of industrial, storage and warehouse space on a prime A19 frontage, adjacent to the junction for the popular retail and trade location at Portrack Lane.
The site benefits from an outline planning permission for almost 400,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and reserved matters (detailed) permission for circa 220,000 sq. ft. Together this could foster more than 1,070 jobs on the site, with many more in associated supply chains linked to the scheme.
Jason Stowe, Managing Director of Wilton Developments, said: “The scheme will deliver high quality employment space, job opportunities, inward investment and economic growth in the area, capitalising on the lack of available opportunities in the wider north east for businesses wanting to upgrade their facilities to new levels of design and ESG credentials.
“The acquisition provides a great opportunity to deliver a variety of industrial, storage and warehouse space adjacent to the A19.”
Wilton Developments is active across the north of England, where the company has delivered prime new build and refurbished commercial space, including the forthcoming Leeds 500, which is the largest single unit distribution scheme in the city of Leeds, with reserved matters consent providing approximately 500,000 sq. ft. of BREEAM Excellent logistics/industrial space alongside the M1 at Junction 47.
The company also secured the largest single reserved matters planning permission in the UK for 1.15 million sq. ft. of industrial space at Doncaster North, as part of a 2.26 million sq. ft. of reserved matters consents in the first phase. These consents are part of Wilton’s wider 3.5 million sq. ft. industrial and logistics development close to the M62/M18 interchange which is set to create around 8,500 jobs for the region.
Project to boost female entrepreneurship in Leeds launches at Unity Business Centre
Unity Business Centre has hosted the launch of a new programme designed to empower female entrepreneurs in Leeds to achieve their business goals.
The Fund Her Leeds project – a combination of virtual and in-person events – has been developed by Fund Her North in partnership with the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) and backed by grant funding from Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds programme.
It aims to provide focussed support for selected female entrepreneurs, particularly those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, in areas including access to bespoke finance, readiness for growth and pitch deck preparation.
The launch event included speeches from two senior elected members of Leeds City Council – Cllr Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles, and Cllr Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Housing – together with contributions from YABA Board member Dally Purewal and Fund Her North co-founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham.
Welcoming participants, Jordan Dargue said: “To be able to grow a business successfully, you have got to bring investment in – whether that is grant-based investment, community investment or private equity. However, for every pound that goes into a male-founded business in the UK, only one penny goes into a female-founded business which is clearly very unbalanced.
“That is why it is so fantastic to see such see a diverse group of women in the room. I am delighted we are doing this programme at Unity Business Centre.”
The building is one of three centres operated by Unity Enterprise, the not-for-profit subsidiary of Leeds-based housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, to support entrepreneurial activity in the city.
Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise Chair, told the gathering: “I believe in powerful business partnerships. This is a fantastic partnership with Fund Her North, YABA and Leeds City Council who are all doing amazing things.
“Unity Enterprise is proud to be teaming up with them to run this programme right in the heart of the local community.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Fund Her Leeds is a first class initiative which we are really pleased to host.
“Unity is wholly committed to inclusive growth by helping people set up and grow their own successful business. Each new enterprise has the potential to transform life chances by boosting career opportunities, creating jobs and increasing local prosperity.
“The outstanding speaker line-up and the impressive group of participants at the launch of Fund Her Leeds highlights the depth and quality of female entrepreneurs in the city and the collective determination to achieve even greater business outcomes.”
Digital health business secures £1m investment from Finance Yorkshire
Leeds-based digital health and AI business Medwise.ai has secured a £1m investment from Finance Yorkshire and other investors.
Medwise.ai is a search platform for medical professionals and healthcare organisations which significantly reduces the time clinicians spend looking up information during consultations, enabling them to see more patients and improve care quality.
Finance Yorkshire is investing £400,000 from its Seedcorn Fund and led the overall funding round of more than £1m, with participation from health-tech investors StartUp Health and CalmStorm VC and deep-tech accelerator and venture capital fund Deeptech Labs.
Medwise.ai also has the backing of clinician investors Dr Michelle Tempest at Candesic and Dr Chris Kelly at Google Health. SFC Capital has made a follow-on investment after leading a previous round of funding for Medwise.ai.
The company will use the investment to scale up operations and strengthen its sales and marketing activities in the UK. Stephen Cardwell, of Finance Yorkshire, will join the Medwise.ai board.
The Medwise.ai search platform uses natural language processing and artificial intelligence technology to help clinicians quickly find concise and actionable answers at the point of care. It aggregates results and integrates with information sources such as national guidance websites and local guidelines documents.
Dr Keith Tsui, the company’s chief executive and co-founder said: “I am thrilled to have secured our seed funding and excited to accelerate our mission to empower clinicians with AI and search technologies.
“Our product provides clinicians with one search for clinical knowledge and local guidelines. Instead of Googling or going through outdated local websites or intranets, Medwise.ai enables clinicians to find the information they need to make decisions for patients rapidly at the point of care.”
Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Medwise.ai will empower clinicians to be more efficient, make better decisions and spend more time with their patients. We are pleased to lead this funding round and look forward to working with the Medwise.ai team as they scale up their operations and provide a further boost to the burgeoning healthcare technology sector in our region.”
Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund is part of a wider regional business fund which is expected to provide more than £50m to SMEs over five years. Investment is also available from its Growth and Business Loans Funds.
Young Yorkshire entrepreneurs share in £10,000 of business-boosting grants
Ten Yorkshire entrepreneurs under 30 years old have each been given thousand-pound grants from philanthropist Richard Harpin.
The grants were made after they’d pitched at a StartUp Saturday event attended by more than 60 ambitious local entrepreneurs, and organised by York City Council.
The grants cash was provided by philanthropist Richard Harpin, co-founder and former CEO of home improvements and repairs firm HomeServe, via his York-based enterprise charity the Enterprise Trust.
He said: “I’m passionate about supporting young entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses. I was a keen self-starter in my youth and that early hands-on experience helped to shape the entrepreneurial career I’ve had ever since. That’s why I believe we should do everything we can to introduce and nurture enterprise in the next generation.
The grants were awarded to:
• York-based Ruby Willow, Femme Cacao (food and drink)
• George Lewis (York University),Sailia (tech)
• Leeds-based Martin Sabucha, Stag Strat (tech)
• York-based Joly Black, Four Wheel Drive York Ltd (creative)
• York-based Olivia Heppell, Skintelligence (beauty)
• York-based Ryan Willis, Open World Quests (themed walks)
• York-based Jessica Riley, Mind Body Beauty (beauty)
• York-based Josh Fowler, Clean & Restore (furniture restoration)
• Harrogate-based Olivia Kitteridge, Real Time Stories (education)
• Pickering-based Lyes Berkache, Yorloos (portable toilets)
Cllr. Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “For centuries, York has been built on the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that was clear to see at this informative and inspiring event.
“It was fantastic to welcome Enterprise Nation to the city and to hear about the range of exciting business ideas on show. I’d like to congratulate the ten grant winners, whose ideas stood out as particularly innovative and promising.
“I’d encourage anyone with a new business in York, or who is looking for advice on starting one to take full advantage of the local support. This includes support from our Business Growth Managers, and our weekly business newsletter which will help you stay up to date with events, funding opportunities and the latest news from the council and beyond.”
StartUp Saturday is part of the nation-wide StartUp UK initiative, a partnership between Enterprise Nation and Monzo Business. The event in York was facilitated by City of York Council and Enterprise Nation to help support the diverse range of small and independent businesses in the city.
Emma Jones, CEO and founder of Enterprise Nation, guided attendees through every aspect of founding a start-up, from writing a business plan to navigating the world of finance.
Leeds-based Hisense Recognised with Prestigious Sustainability Award
Leading TV and appliances manufacturer, Hisense, has been awarded a silver accreditation medal from EcoVadis – the ‘world’s most trusted business sustainability ratings provider.’ This renowned business rating recognises Hisense’s commitment to sustainable business practices and is a testament to the company’s ongoing efforts to minimise its impact on the planet and promote social responsibility.
The prestigious EcoVadis award marks a real milestone in Hisense Europe’s eco-journey, reflecting the brand’s accomplishments so far, as well as its ambitious sustainability targets for the future. Hisense has outlined five key areas to focus on continuing to improve, including the environment, sustainable products, sustainable supply chain, people and social responsibility, and new business models.
These target areas include looking at tangible actions, from reducing energy consumption and waste through the optimization of renewable energy to increasing the use of recycled materials in products, and promoting sustainable transportation, as well as enhancing the sustainability of its supply chain. Hisense’s focus on sustainability is evident in its efforts to recycle 96% of generated waste, use 100% recyclable packaging by 2024, and reduce CO2 emissions from transportation. The renowned EcoVadis silver medal is proof that Hisense Europe has developed the right strategy to increase the sustainability of its business models.
According to EcoVadis, a company must address all stages of production to minimise its carbon footprint, including the energy consumption during manufacturing, the materials used in the products and their lifespan, as well as the packaging and transportation processes. In these areas, Hisense Europe made significant progress in the last five years with a 38% reduction in water consumption and a 24% reduction in electricity consumption. Hisense’s home appliances are produced from ecologically sound, degradable materials, which undergo rigorous testing to increase their longevity, which was also commended by the EcoVadis board.
Finally, EcoVadis’ sustainability rating and assessment process also evaluates a business’ social and ethical performances, which is something that Hisense Europe also passed with flying colours. The brand was recognised for its commitment to promoting ethical business practices such as creating equal opportunities for all and establishing a knowledge-sharing culture. In 2021, Hisense Europe allowed for more than 136,000 training hours, equating to 20 hours per employee – just one of the brand’s initiatives to promote a healthy work-life balance and encourage staff to continue to learn and develop in their roles.
Commenting on the EcoVadis medal, Hanson Han, CEO of Hisense Europe said: “Sustainability is at the core of our values, and we will continue to work hard to minimize our environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This certification is a great achievement, and we are proud to be part of the EcoVadis community.”
Tomaž Korošec, a member of Hisense Europe’s Management Board, added: “In environmental care we have a rich history dating back over thirty years, and our efforts in this field have been widely recognized by experts both domestically and internationally.”
He continued: “Our investments in renewable energy, focus on product durability and efficiency, and implementation of circular economy principles have proven to be the right approach. We are honoured to receive the silver EcoVadis medal, as it represents our belief that companies with a consistent commitment to social and environmental responsibility are the ones that will achieve lasting success.”
Leeds Bradford Airport is set to open new-look lounges
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is set to open newly refurbished lounges early next month (April 2023).
The Yorkshire Lounge and the 1432 Runway Club lounges have been reconfigured and expanded to include extra seating and will boast improved menus that showcase locally sourced food and drink, including beers and spirits. By popular demand, they will operate longer opening hours, with availability from 4:00am – 8:00pm daily and year round.
As part of the works, 1432 Runway Club has been relocated in order to feature the best possible views of the runway and has been redecorated with a Scandinavian style interior, with new furniture and a feature wall.
Both lounges remain open up to the final refurbished lounges launching in April 2023.
John Cunliffe, Commercial and Strategy Director, said: “We’re delighted to see work start on our new and improved lounges. A lot of thought and care has gone into their design, and details such as their food and drink offering, to make them enjoyable and relaxing for all our passengers, whether they’re flying for business or pleasure. Our new 4am opening times means that passengers on early morning flights can now enjoy a fuller lounge experience.”
Former York woman gets prison sentence doubled over tax fraud
One of the UK’s most wanted tax fugitives who was caught and jailed for eight years last year has had her sentence more than doubled for failing to repay the money she stole.
Sarah Panitzke, originally from York, played a leading role in a vast multi-million-pound VAT fraud and became one of the UK’s most wanted criminals after absconding during her trial in 2013.
The 48-year-old spent nine years on the run and was returned to the UK by HM Revenue and Customs last June and jailed for eight years a month later.
She hs now been sentenced to another nine years in prison for failing to repay a £2.4 million confiscation order. She now faces 17 years in prison, and will still owe the money plus interest which is accruing at £538 a day. Her debt stood at £3,782,779 as at February 2023
Sarah Panitzke played a pivotal role in a sophisticated multi-million-pound fraud and laundered extraordinary volumes of stolen money through offshore bank accounts.
The gang set up numerous businesses claiming to be legitimately importing and selling mobile phones, but the businesses were a front for an elaborate scheme to steal more than £20 million in VAT repayments.
Despite going to great lengths to hide the criminal profits, HMRC investigators uncovered a complex web of transactions they used to launder stolen money through bank accounts in the UK, Andorra, Dubai, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Portugal and the US.
Sarah Panitzke fled to Spain during her trial in 2013 and was convicted and sentenced in her absence to eight years in prison. She and her 17 co-conspirators were given sentences totalling 135 years for the multi-million-pound VAT fraud.
In 2016 and whilst still on the run, a court also ordered that she repay more than £2.4 million within three months or serve an extra nine years in jail.
HMRC believe that she had been hiding in Andorra and Spain for the last nine years and living under an assumed identity. She was captured after the Spanish Guardia Civil identified her in a village in the region of Tarragona.
In February 2022, the 48-year-old was arrested while walking her dogs in Spain in an operation led by the Spanish Guardia Civil, working alongside HM Revenue and Customs.
Nicol Sheppard, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Our work doesn’t stop at conviction – we always look to recover the proceeds of crime.
“Panitzke was part of a criminal gang that stole millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money and deprived our public services of vital funding. She failed to repay the money she stole and now faces even more time behind bars, and still owes the money.
“We encourage anyone who has information about a tax crime to report it to HMRC online. Search ‘Report Fraud HMRC’ on GOV.UK and complete our online form.”
Lindum submits plans for new homes in Lincoln’s Hermit Street
Plans for 11 new affordable homes in the Hermit Street area of Lincoln have been submitted to City of Lincoln Council.
Lindum Construction, on behalf of the city council, has submitted the plans to build the properties on the site previously occupied by council-owned garages.
The application will be considered over the coming weeks and, if approved, the construction of these high-quality, sustainable homes will begin later in the year.
The proposed scheme would deliver a range of family properties, comprising two and three-bed homes.
Each property will be council rented accommodation, equipped with two parking spaces and an electric vehicle charging point.
All of these homes would be let at affordable rents to meet the needs of local residents, and all lettings for the housing would be made under the council’s allocations policy.
Cllr Donald Nannestad, Portfolio Holder for Quality Housing at City of Lincoln Council said: “Continued housing growth is a key need in Lincoln to ensure there is a sufficient availability of homes in the city to support economic growth and job creation. These high-quality homes will help meet that demand.
“I am very much in support of this scheme and hope the required planning permission is achieved, so that work can begin at the earliest opportunity.
“A quality affordable home in which people can feel safe and thrive is a fundamental element in creating a positive community and enhancing our society as whole. We will continue building for the future and doing everything possible to meet the city’s growing housing demand.”
