Skegness gets £5m cash injection to revitalise pier and theatre

Stuart Pearcey
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Skegness gets £5m cash injection to revitalise pier and theatre

East Lindsey District Council has been awarded £5million from Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund to support partners in transforming the Embassy Theatre and regenerating Skegness Pier and the surrounding area.

Cultural Revival: The Midlands Coast, led by East Lindsey District Council and overseen by the Connected Coast Board, will support the transformation of the culturally significant assets on Skegness Foreshore. The funding will support continuing plans to establish the Embassy Theatre as a new international ‘Culture House.’ which will connect the Midlands Coast to other national and international venues and festivals. Works will include refurbishing the auditorium and dressing rooms, creating a new interactive classroom and creative workspaces as well as VIP boxes and a refurbished light box to enable high quality productions, with improved access and facilities for all users, including installation of a Changing Places toilet. For Skegness Pier, the application will support the first phase of ambitious, multi-million pound redevelopment project led by the Mellors Group to restore the Pier a significant new visitor attraction and cultural platform. Redevelopment proposals include improved accessibility, upgrades to the pier’s façade, renewing the lighting and furniture on the pier, creating safe pedestrianised walkway on the approach, the salvaging and restoring of abandoned beach huts and the construction of a new multi-use amphitheatre space, for seating and public events.

Law firm Gordons hires senior solicitor as dispute resolution service gears up for further growth

Michael Fisher
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Law firm Gordons hires senior solicitor as dispute resolution service gears up for further growth
Law firm Gordons has appointed a senior solicitor to its dispute resolution service after achieving year-on-year fee income growth of more than 10 per cent. Phillip Feather joins from law firm Clarion where he worked for four years. His appointment to the 11-strong dispute resolution department at Gordons makes it one of the largest in Yorkshire. With 16 years’ experience, Philip has advised clients across a range of sectors, with a specialist focus on food and drink, retail, procurement, logistics and gaming. Commenting on his appointment, Phillip said: “Gordons has been a leading name in Leeds for as long as I can remember and has one of the most prominent client bases of any firm around. “Joining them is tremendously exciting and I am looking forward to playing my role in the team’s and firm’s continued growth.” Gordons’ dispute resolution clients include retailers Wren Kitchens and Ocado, chemical company BASF, parcel delivery business EVRi, Moss Bros, international brewers Molson Coors and Sky Betting & Gaming. Welcoming Phillip to the firm, Gordons head of food and drink and dispute resolution partner, Mark Jones, said: “Our dispute resolution service has grown 10 per cent year-on-year in terms of fee income, driven by the complexity and value of the commercial litigation work we are undertaking. “We needed to hire a senior lawyer with proven capabilities and the ability to secure and nurture long lasting client relationships. “We identified Phillip as one of the best in the marketplace. Phillip’s experience, excellent legal skills and highly personable character make him an ideal hire for Gordons.”

Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers bounce back as clouds lighten

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers bounce back as clouds lighten
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers are seeing a rebound in activity in the first quarter of the year as the domestic and global markets have improved, easing fears of a significant recession for industry this year. The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q1 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a marked pick up on the picture in the final quarter of 2022. The figures echo the gradual improvements in other data such as the UK and European PMIs which are now only just in negative territory, as well as a strong pick up in demand from China. According to Make UK and BDO this improvement in Yorkshire & Humber in particular could be down to strong demand in the steel and food and drink sectors where the region has a significant presence, possibly due to investment in infrastructure and construction projects. Both output and orders picked up in the region with the order balance of +22% especially strong. This was driven primarily by UK orders which ties in with the strength of demand for steel. On the back of this improving picture employers’ intentions to both recruit and invest also improved, albeit from a very negative picture last quarter. Looking forward manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber are more confident about prospects with output and orders predicted to increase substantially, reflected in further improving job prospects. However, despite the improvement this quarter, Make UK is still cautioning against the worst of conditions being over and is still forecasting a contraction for manufacturing in 2023 as the substantial challenges the sector is facing show few signs of abating. Dawn Huntrod, region director in the North at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber have seen a rebound at the start of the year as conditions have improved in their major markets and business confidence has improved. However, one swallow doesn’t make a summer and it is far too early to say the worst has passed given the significant challenges the economy faces. “However, the Budget should help boost investment in the short to medium term although ideally, full expensing should be made permanent to better reflect the investment cycle for manufacturers.” Steve Talbot, head of Manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire and Humber, added: “Our research with Make UK shows some good news for the region, which ties in with the demand for steel. However, inflationary pressures are continuing to hit UK manufacturers with the increased costs still being passed on. “UK manufacturers need ongoing certainty on a range of fronts, including long-term energy support, and assistance to attract a sustainable workforce. The recent government announcements do little to address the immediate threats to UK manufacturers resulting from high energy costs.” In terms of overall output this year Make UK is forecasting a contraction of -3.3% (a slight improvement from -4.4% forecast at the end of last year) and growth of just 0.8% in 2024.

Jobs growth under spotlight as work on updated Local Plan continues

Michael Fisher
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Jobs growth under spotlight as work on updated Local Plan continues
Future job opportunities in North East Lincolnshire’s growing renewables sector and the potential of the Humber Freeport will be assessed, as a picture is painted of how local life will look in the decades ahead. The next stage of updating the borough’s Local Plan includes external experts examining key factors that will help outline the necessary growth between 2023 and 2042. A key priority is to establish the number of new homes required to support the local population and meet the needs of people who will come to the area or decide to stay because of job opportunities. Reflecting on how the updating of the Local Plan will progress, North East Lincolnshire Council leader, Cllr Philip Jackson, thanked people for taking part in an initial public engagement held last autumn. And he said he looked forward to seeing others’ views when full public engagement of the draft updated Local Plan takes place later this year. “The views of people who live in North East Lincolnshire, or who work here, or have a business interest here, are extremely important. Ideas that may not have been considered, suggestions, along with opportunity and challenge, is welcome as we look to support the development of a stronger and improved borough for us all,” said Cllr Jackson. Every Local Authority must have a government approved Local Plan, which sets out the future vision, covering themes including the environment, health and wellbeing of residents, access to work and creating jobs in the area, meeting local housing demand, and ensuring access to education for children and young people. Adopted plans are reviewed based on a five-year cycle. Cllr Jackson said that gaining a real understanding of the economic opportunities that are set to be a reality in North East Lincolnshire will shape the look and feel of the updated Local Plan here. Figures already reported suggest how the low carbon and energy economy across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is worth £1.2bn, with more than 12,000 people employed – figures that are set to grow along the south bank of the Humber estuary. Meanwhile it is predicted that the Humber Freeport development will be a driving force in the attraction of new industry in North East Lincolnshire. “We are standing on the cusp of real and true opportunities here and we need to ensure we match the predicted business growth in other areas too. Our housing, schools, health and green offer must live up to the expectations that young people and families have. This means developing with consideration – providing the right balance of new homes and improving our urban areas whilst enhancing the natural environment,” said Cllr Jackson. He added how work currently on-going was already in-sync with issues that were likely to come up. This work included planned new primary schools in Scartho and Waltham, unique wildlife sites along the Humber bank to offset development, and an £800,000 investment into some of the 150 acres of green space in the borough, which includes 50 managed parks and open spaces. The successful Cleethorpes LUF bid announced in January will also see a significant environmental investment with the regeneration of Pier Gardens, revamped green and activity space, and improved biodiversity. Views captured during the initial engagement to update the Local Plan show that local people want reassurance on the scale of growth, want empty homes brought into use and for new homes to be affordable, whilst protecting green spaces and supporting a low carbon focus. These views are not made public at this stage, as is best practice, but are used alongside the expert analysis to shape the updated Draft Plan that will be published and go out for full public consultation later this year. “As we move forward, we want people to continue to be involved and to also understand just how important it is for future generations particularly that we make the right choices with regard to both economic and domestic opportunities,” added Cllr Jackson.

Cash injection of £7m could create 1,200 new jobs in low carbon aircraft manufacture

Stuart Pearcey
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Cash injection of £7m could create 1,200 new jobs in low carbon aircraft manufacture
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has approved a £7m package of investment and support for plans by Hybrid Air Vehicles to produce its pioneering low carbon Airlander 10 aircraft in Doncaster. HAV is a UK-based leader in sustainable aircraft technology and the Airlander 10 is an ultra-low emissions aircraft, capable of carrying 100 passengers or ten tonnes of freight. The loan investment will be used to support HAV to begin investing in facilities, talent and supply chains in South Yorkshire. HAV’s plans will create over 1,200 new high value and highly skilled jobs in new green technologies, and further jobs and opportunities from growth across the company’s supply chains at an as-yet-unnamed site in Doncaster. By 2026, the company aims to deliver the first completed orders to its customers and build 12 new Airlander 10 aircraft per year in Doncaster after that. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We have a world-class cluster of companies working at the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and green technology, so I’m genuinely excited that we can support HAV in their ambitions to build a sustainable aviation cluster here in Doncaster.” Airlander 10 will deliver 90% fewer per-passenger emissions in flight than traditional aircraft, and aims to enable zero emissions operations by the end of the decade. The agreement with SYMCA is a major milestone for HAV’s plans to bring Airlander to market. The loan will enable Hybrid Air Vehicles to begin investing in the region and paves the way for Hybrid Air Vehicles to invest up to £310m into its production programme. HAV is also set to work with other partners across the region, including the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield, and Doncaster UTC. Tom Grundy, CEO of Hybrid Air Vehicles said: “At Hybrid Air Vehicles we are revolutionising views of what aviation is, and Airlander is designed for us to rethink the skies. From day one, Mayor Oliver Coppard has bought into our vision, so I am delighted that he has announced this investment which will anchor green industries and over time create more than a thousand highly skilled jobs in Doncaster and South Yorkshire. We will work with outstanding regional partners, including Mayor Ros Jones and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, Doncaster UTC, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and the University of Sheffield, to establish a world-leading cluster for green aerospace technologies, skills and supply chains.” HAV is progressing plans to build a flagship new production facility in Doncaster, which will include facilities for the assembly of new Airlander 10, as well as testing and certification for the new aircraft. It has yet to announce the specific site and unveil the design of its production facilities. To maximise the potential of this programme, SYMCA, HAV and Doncaster Council will also work in partnership to develop the region’s skills, talent and supply chains, with the aim of creating a new green aerospace manufacturing cluster in Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

North Lincolnshire firms to get levelling up cash to create jobs and help the environment

Stuart Pearcey
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North Lincolnshire firms to get levelling up cash to create jobs and help the environment

Almost 30 North Lincolnshire businesses across manufacturing, agriculture, retail and hospitality are set to get £141,000 to kickstart a range of projects to create jobs, grow the economy and help the environment.

Money for sustainability projects and digitalisation and marketing schemes will be used to install EV chargers, transition lighting to low-energy LED bulbs and for solar panel installation.

Council leader Rob Waltham said: “This is levelling up in action, enabling North Lincolnshire businesses to embrace sustainability and future-proof their operations. Every £1 of grant funding is being matched with £6 of cash from the businesses – this will help grow the local economy, creating more jobs for residents of North Lincolnshire.

“This latest cash injection comes hard on the heels of £200,000 given to local organisations and charities. It is another fantastic opportunity to directly shape a new, exciting future for North Lincolnshire.”

Twenty-eight businesses will receive a total of £141,154 of funding, which will back projects totalling £723,149, creating dozens of new jobs and safeguarding hundreds more.

It will also cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the council’s ambitious A Green Future strategy, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment while growing the economy.

The cash is part of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, designed to increase community pride by supporting businesses and helping people achieve better outcomes, access opportunities and lead better lives.

The UKSPF is part of the suite of funds available through the Government’s £2.6bn Levelling Up agenda. It empowers each place to identify and build on their own strengths and needs at a local level.

South Yorkshire supports Rolls-Royce as it researches nuclear power for the Moon

Stuart Pearcey
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South Yorkshire supports Rolls-Royce as it researches nuclear power for the Moon
The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre is part of a group of organisations working with the UK Space Agency as its backs research by Rolls-Royce into how nuclear power could be used to support a future Moon base for astronauts. Scientists and engineers at Rolls-Royce are working on the Micro-Reactor programme to develop technology that will provide power needed for humans to live and work on the Moon. All space missions depend on a power source, to support systems for communications, life-support and science experiments. Nuclear power has the potential to dramatically increase the duration of future Lunar missions and their scientific value. The UK Space Agency has announced £2.9 million of new funding for the project which will deliver an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor. This follows a £249,000 study funded by the UK Space Agency in 2022. Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, said: “Space exploration is the ultimate laboratory for so many of the transformational technologies we need on Earth: from materials to robotics, nutrition, cleantech and much more. “As we prepare to see humans return to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, we are backing exciting research like this lunar modular reactor with Rolls-Royce to pioneer new power sources for a lunar base.

“Partnerships like this, between British industry, the UK Space Agency and government are helping to create jobs across our £16 billion SpaceTech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.”

Nuclear space power is anticipated to create new skilled jobs across the UK to support the burgeoning UK space economy. Rolls-Royce plan to have a reactor ready to send to the Moon by 2029. Relatively small and lightweight compared to other power systems, a nuclear micro-reactor could enable continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, and other environmental conditions. Rolls-Royce will be working alongside a variety of collaborators including the University of Oxford, University of Bangor, University of Brighton, University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Nuclear AMRC. The funding means Rolls-Royce can further strengthen its knowledge of these complex systems, with a focus on three key features of the Micro-Reactor; the fuel used to generate heat, the method of heat transfer and technology to convert that heat into electricity. The potential applications of Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor technology are wide-ranging and could support commercial and defence use cases in addition to those in space. The aim is to create a world-leading power and propulsion capability for multiple markets and operator needs,  alongside a clean, green and long-term power source.

Developers must pay their share for roads, schools, and GP surgeries, says Government

Stuart Pearcey
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Developers must pay their share for roads, schools, and GP surgeries, says Government
A new levy will see developers pay a fairer share for affordable housing and local infrastructure such as roads, schools and GP surgeries. The infrastructure levy, which will replace section 106 contributions for most developments, will prevent developers from negotiating down the amount they contribute to the community when they bring forward new projects. Under Government proposals, the amount developers will have to pay will be calculated once a project is complete, instead of at the planning. This will make sure that councils benefit from increases in land value, which can be significant for large developments that take years to complete. Councils will also be given powers to set rates themselves, putting power in the hands of local leaders to deliver what their communities need. The levy will also give communities more control over how this money is spent. A portion of the money will be passed directly to communities as a ‘neighbourhood share’ to fund their infrastructure priorities, while councils will be required to engage with communities and create a infrastructure delivery strategy. Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove said:”Central to our levelling up mission is ensuring local communities can take back control. “The infrastructure levy will do just that – giving local leaders the tools to bring forward more affordable housing and the transport links, schools and GP surgeries  their communities need. It will also speed up delivery and put an end to lengthy negotiations with developers seeking to shirk their responsibility to provide for local people.” The levy is designed to deliver at least as much affordable housing as the current system. Councils will be given a new ‘right to require’, so they can dictate how much of the levy is delivered through affordable housing on-site in new developments and how much is given in cash for other infrastructure, such as new schools, transport links or GP surgeries. The ‘right to require’ will also speed up the process and stop developers from negotiating down their affordable housing contributions as they will have a legal obligation to meet the amount set by the council. The levy will be introduced as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, and a consultation on the Government’s proposed system has today been published. The Government recognises that the levy will be a significant change so it will be introduced through ‘test and learn’ over a 10-year period. A small number of councils will implement the levy initially, testing how it operates in practice, before being rolled out more widely, to make sure the Levy can successfully deliver on its objectives. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and the Government anticipates that it will consult further on proposed regulations, when the responses to this consultation have been fully considered The announcement follows the publication last week of a new action plan to speed up delivery of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects such as transport links and offshore wind farms. The Government has also today published a consultation on a new Environmental Outcomes Report. This new approach will allow us to replace over-complicated EU regulations with a new system of environmental assessment that is tailored to the country’s needs and supports our ambitious environmental targets. The new system will enshrine at least the same overall level of environmental protection in law. It will allow the Government to streamline processes and reduce the burden of bureaucracy, making sure environmental assessment is focused on what really matters.

Planning application submitted for new solar farm to the east of Hull

Tess Egginton
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Planning application submitted for new solar farm to the east of Hull
A solar farm with the capacity to supply clean, renewable energy to around 16,000 homes is to be developed on land between the villages of Preston and Bilton if approved by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Beverley-based developer Gamcap has submitted a planning application for the scheme, proposed for land bordering Neat Marsh Road, Wyton Road, and Old Fleet drain. The 49.99MW solar farm, called the Wyton Road Renewable Energy Project, will consist of photovoltaic cells that turn the sun’s energy into electricity and an advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of up to 20MVA. The battery storage ensures excess power generated in daylight can be stored and delivered when needed most, even at night time. Previously, the output from renewable sources of electricity would be limited when the National Grid reached capacity but new storage technologies mean this is no longer the case, enabling more of the UK’s energy to come from renewable sources. Douglas Gardner, director of Gamcap, said the Wyton Road Renewable Energy Project will strengthen the Humber region’s reputation as a global leader in renewable technologies, as well as play a role in helping the region and wider UK achieve Net Zero. The solar farm will connect to the National Grid via the Saltend substation, which sits on the bank of the Humber Estuary just north of the village of Paull. Mr Gardner said: “The East Riding of Yorkshire is likely to be badly impacted by climate change because it is vulnerable to flooding and costal erosion, two things that are being accelerated by the problem. “Therefore, it is essential we act to reduce carbon emissions on a regional, national, and global scale as quickly as possible. “The Wyton Renewable Road Energy Project will generate enough electricity to power around 16,000 average-sized family homes without creating any carbon emissions. “The carbon emissions saved by this scheme each year are the equivalent to planting more than 1,000,000 trees or taking some 7,000 cars off the road, which is huge. “Not only that, schemes such as this help to increase the UK’s energy security, which is vital in the light of recent global events.” If planning permission for the project is granted, work is likely to start on site towards the end of 2024. The build time is estimated to be between 9-12 months. Chris Isard, director of Gamcap, said that the site had been chosen for a number of reasons including being flat, not being in an environmentally sensitive or protected area, and due to its close proximity to the Saltend grid connection. He stated that as well as creating the solar farm, Gamcap would be making a number of ecological improvements on the site, adding: “We are committed to increasing biodiversity in all shapes and forms. To this end, we will be planting native trees and hedgerows around the perimeter of the site as this will shield it from view, as well as providing new habitat for birds and mammals, and absorbing atmospheric carbon.” Mr Isard also confirmed that as part of the project, the developer will be creating a community fund. “This will be used to directly benefit local communities,” he said.

New Leeds-based partners for Aon

Tess Egginton
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New Leeds-based partners for Aon

Aon, a global professional services firm, has announced two new Leeds-based partners in its Wealth Solutions team.

Susannah Calder is the Trustee Retirement Consulting lead for Aon’s Leeds and Manchester offices, a team of around 50 colleagues across both locations. Susannah is scheme actuary to eight pension schemes, ranging in size from £40 million to £4 billion. She is responsible for new business initiatives in the UK Northern region, and set up and co-leads the Trustee Retirement Consulting Women’s Group to inspire future female leaders.

Susannah said: “We have a fantastic team of industry leading experts at Aon, who are all focussed on helping our clients to protect and grow their business. Even after 17 years with Aon, I still find the breadth of the role engaging and challenging and I’m excited about my new role and what the future will bring.”

Jonathan Craven has over 20 years of pensions industry experience and leads a portfolio of Aon’s Retirement clients. With his breadth and depth of expertise, Jonathan helps clients set and execute strategies to solve their most complex pension and benefits-related challenges. Alongside his direct client service roles, Jonathan leads Aon’s Leeds location, which has approximately 250 colleagues delivering client services across Pensions, Health & Benefits and Commercial Risk.

Jonathan Craven

Jonathan said: “I’ve spent my entire 27-year career with Aon and have benefited hugely from its commitment to staff development and the wealth of job opportunities available. This is an organisation that is forward-thinking and where employees are at the heart of the business, so it was wonderful news to be promoted to partner. I’m looking forward to leading the regional pension teams with Susannah, and delivering a first class service for our clients.”

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