Green Building Renewables, based at Dunnington near York, has appointed a Sales Director and a Learning & Development Manager as it seeks to spread its business nationwide.
Alex Parkinson is the Sales Director, coming to the company with experience fromindustry leaders such as Bosch, Mitsubishi, and Google Nest. The company says Alex played a pivotal role at Google Nest by launching Nest PRO across multiple countries.
He said: “I am excited to have joined Green Building Renewables at a pivotal time in the country’s history and the renewable energy industry. The company’s buy-and-build strategy to bring together the top renewable technology experts across the county enables us to accelerate our market growth rapidly. By combining our talents, we collectively develop industry-leading capabilities that set us apart from others in the market. Growing our sales team will play a significant role in meeting our ambitions.”
Craig Stewart is the L&D Manager, and will design and implement comprehensive training to create the renewable energy experts of the future. He said: “I am passionate about education and development, and I am thrilled to bring my experience to Green Building Renewables. Together, we will build a robust training framework that supports our employees and drives the industry forward at a time when it has never been more crucial.”
MD Chris Delaney said: “Alex and Craig’s appointments reflect our ambition and aims as a company to help more people live sustainable lives. Our aim to be the largest domestic renewable energy installation company by coverage depends on hiring the best staff to grow our business. Alex and Craig bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields and will play a critical role in our expansion over the next few years.”
The Competition and Markets Authority has accepted proposals to vary Meta’s commitments in the way it uses data held by its advertising customers.
Under the original commitments, Meta pledged to limit how it used advertising customers’ data in order to prevent it from getting an unfair advantage. Competitors of Facebook Marketplace that advertised on Meta platforms could ‘opt out’ of their data being used to improve Facebook Marketplace.
The varied commitments give Meta an additional way to implement the data controls set up in the original commitments. Meta currently plans to adopt this new approach meaning that all advertisers can retain the ability to place advertisements on Facebook Marketplace and be certain of their advertising data not being used to improve Facebook Marketplace, without having to opt in or out.
Having consulted advertisers and Facebook Marketplace users on the proposals, the CMA has concluded that the revisions go above and beyond the original commitments and would not leave any advertisers worse off. As a result, the CMA has accepted the proposed variation.
Beverley MP Graham Stuart and seven colleagues have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves calling for an investigation into claims that for two years the Financial Conduct Authority ignored a whistleblower’s warnings of a potential fraud.
The allegation centre around a wealth management company called WealthTek, which was ordered to cease trading In April 2023, after the FCA uncovered “serious regulatory and operational issues.” It opened a criminal investigation a year later after a potential shortfall of £81.4 million in client money was discovered.
However, it is alleged that the FCA failed to act on a whistleblower’s claims of potential fraud at WealthTek for over two years. These suspected fraudulent acts have been a source of significant financial and emotional distress to people affected in Beverley and Holderness and across the UK who are urgently awaiting answers.
Mr Stuart said: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the alleged fraudulent activities carried out by WealthTek. Thousands of people, including some of my constituents, trusted them to provide a service and have been left distraught by their reported actions. That’s why I’ve written to the Chancellor to urge her to commission an investigation into why action was not taken sooner by the FCA.
“I will continue to support anyone affected by this in Beverley and Holderness and do all I can to help them at this very difficult time.”
Sheffield Forgemasters’ could start making artillery gun barrels in the UK after 20 years in the wake of a visit too Sheffield Forgemasters by the senior army official responsible for supplies including weapons and helicopters, .
Lt Gen Simon Hamilton has seen Forgemasters’ existing and potential future unique capabilities which could support the Land Industrial Strategy.
He said: “The visit provided real insight into a vital manufacturing facility that supports the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and a better understanding of manufacturing capabilities that could increase UK content resilience and prosperity in the Land Domain in the future.”
Sheffield Forgemasters has the only deep, vertical heat-treatment system in the UK, which is an essential capability for processing long gun barrels.
Gary Nutter, CEO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We were honoured to host Lieutenant General Hamilton for a visit of our site, so that he could see at first hand how our many years of expertise and facilities that do not exist elsewhere in the UK, are key assets for UK gun barrels manufacture.
“There will be a certain amount of recommissioning to specific elements of the plant in order to restart gun barrels manufacture, but the opportunity to reinstate a sovereign capability for this type of production is a great accolade for the city.”
Sheffield Forgemasters has a long history of providing armaments to the UK military, including cannon, artillery and naval guns, primarily through its Vickers predecessor and supporting both world wars, but has not manufactured gun barrels for more than 20 years.
An £8m racecourse redevelopment that’s taken Elvington-based Lindum York nine months to deliver will be showcased on an international stage today.
It forms the backdrop for the 2024 Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York, and includes the Roberto Bar, refurbishment of the historic 1913 Bustardthorpe Stand, including a new ground floor extension, and a new 900 square metre Churchill Tyres Lawn and ETFE Canopy
Lindum commissioned York Handmade Bricks to make 70,000 bricks, named the Ebor Range, for use in the construction.
Lindum York MD James Nellist said: “We are really looking forward to seeing the Southern End fully in use for the first time. The Ebor festival is a highlight in York’s calendar, and I can’t think of a better event through which to showcase this major investment by the racecourse team.
“As a local contractor, being able to play a part in maintaining and improving York Racecourse is important to us. It contributes millions of pounds to the city’s economy every year, supporting thousands of jobs and helping to maintain the livelihoods of people in our community. During this latest project, 75 per cent of our contract spend was with subcontractors and suppliers within a few miles of site.
“Over the last eight years, we have developed a great working relationship with William Derby and his team and we’ve been able to support this project with practical advice and solutions from its inception, through to its design, specification and construction.
Businesses have spoken of their pride at showcasing North Yorkshire through a major sporting event aiming to boost the county’s vital visitor economy.
The Long Course Weekend has chosen the county for the first time the internationally-recognised multi-sport event has been staged in England.
The event is based on the principles of the triathlon, but tailored to open up the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running to as wide an audience as possible.
It is hoped that the sporting competition will bring in as much as £2m to North Yorkshire’s economy by attracting thousands of competitors and visitors.
Council leader Carl Les said: “We know how important the visitor economy is in North Yorkshire, especially in areas such as the Yorkshire Dales.
“The Long Course Weekend will give us the opportunity to showcase Masham and North Yorkshire to thousands of people who will be visiting, bringing a welcome economic boost for local businesses.”
Business owners in Masham say they believe the sporting event will be a major showcase for the area.
Richard Welford, owner of the family-run Beavers Butchers on Silver Street in the town, said: “It’s a real privilege for us to be hosting the Long Course Weekend, and it will bring so many people to the area. It is not just about the weekend, though, as we know people will come back. This has happened before when people have said they loved the area while visiting and decided to book another stay.
“The organisers have engaged with the local community and have held meetings in the Town Hall to answer any questions people may have. I am really looking forward to it, and I am sure we will be able to show Masham and North Yorkshire in the best light possible.”
The Long Course Weekend will be held in Masham from Friday, 6 September, to Sunday, 8 September.
The swim distances range from 1.2 miles to 2.4 miles, cycling routes will be from 56 miles to 112 miles and the run will start at five kilometres to a full marathon. There will also be a children’s running event to encourage all members of the family to get involved.
The event was established in Wales in 2010, and now has annual competitions taking place across the globe including in Holland, Belgium, Mallorca, Australia and New Zealand.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK has committed to invest £250m in a new production line at Saltend Chemicals Park, within one of the three Humber Freeport tax sites.
Preparatory works are paving the way for a new production line, doubling the company’s capacity at the site east of Hull.
The investment in a second production line will create dozens of new jobs while also safeguarding the existing 130 roles at the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility on site. The new production line is expected to become operational in 2026.
Saltend Chemical Park’s status as part of Humber Freeport’s Hull East tax site has been a key factor in securing the investment, with plans for Mitsubishi Chemical Group to extend its lease with the chemical park’s owner and operator, px Group, until 2060.
Businesses investing within the Humber Freeport tax sites benefit from a series of advantages, ranging from business rate and stamp duty land tax relief, to National Insurance support designed to reduce employment costs.
The new production line will help to meet growing demand for SoarnoL, the brand name for a grade of Ethylene Vinyl Co-Polymer (EVOH) which is primarily used in food packaging to extend product shelf life.
Since opening in 2002, Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Saltend facility has seen a significant increase in demand for SoarnoL, which has been driven by food manufacturers seeking packaging that can be recycled and has a lower environmental impact.
The innovative product preserves flavour and freshness through use in items such as the protective film on ready meals, squeezy sauce bottles, baby food packaging, meat packaging and much more.
The investment will further strengthen trade links between the Humber and the rest of the world, with 95 per cent of production from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility at Saltend exported.
Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “We are delighted that Mitsubishi Chemical Group has chosen to make this very significant new investment at Saltend on a site benefiting from being within the Humber Freeport footprint.
“The substantial advantages offered by freeport status were an important factor in securing this new inward investment.
“It supports Humber Freeport’s mission to attract significant investment and create new, highly-skilled jobs and aligns with two of our key areas of focus – advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation.
“The Humber is the UK’s global gateway, offering easy access to Europe and beyond. The region also has the space to grow, the people, the skills and the world-class companies already here to support investors – all of which make the Humber the perfect place to do business.
“Those advantages are substantially enhanced by freeport status, making the region an even more attractive location for large-scale investments delivering very significant and long-lasting economic benefits.”
Peter des Forges, MD of Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK, said: “Once the new line is operational, the majority of the increased production will service the needs of our customers in more than 40 countries who continue to explore ways they can reduce waste and meet environmental targets.”
The new state-of-the-art Darley Street Market building has been officially handed over to Bradford Council after contractor Kier completed the build phase, paving the way for the fit-out stage to commence.
Set in a 4,000 m2 prime city centre location, Darley Street Market will feature three bustling trading floors that will welcome independent traders as well as creating a cultural space for live music, arts and entertainment.
The top floor is to be a food and drinks hall with bar area, a stage and large screens for events, as well as a terrace balcony overlooking the 1,000 m2 open air market square.
The middle floor will have fresh food stalls including butchers, bakers, fishmongers, greengrocers and delicatessens.
The ground floor is where the non-food stalls will be located, and there will also be cafes which open out on to the market square, which features a big screen and can hold around 500 people for events and concerts. The square also has a series of interlocking umbrellas, which can be used to create an undercover area for pop-up market stalls and events.
Below the market square is a large underground area for trader deliveries, additional storage and waste handling and recycling.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “I’d like to thank partners Kier Construction for their work on the construction of this new state-of-the-art market building, which will be enjoyed by people from across the district and beyond. We’re looking forward to progressing through the next stage of the project, which is working with traders on the fit out of their stalls.”
Dan Doherty, regional director of Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “This is a stand-out development for Bradford city centre and brings urban sustainability and community development together in one building.
“I am incredibly proud of the work our teams have done to finish this fantastic building as well as the positive legacy we’ll leave behind as a result of our work within the local community. I look forward to seeing the market and local area flourish once it is completed. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Unicorn Biotechnologies, a Sheffield startup, has moved its team of scientists and engineers from Sheffield Technology Parks to a newly refurbished city-centre space in a former nightclub.
Co-founded by Adam Glen and Jack Reid, Unicorn Bio is developing groundbreaking technology designed to automate cell culture and free up scientists’ time for valuable analysis and experimentation.
The startup began life in Adam’s attic after the founding duo met on an entrepreneur programme, hosted virtually during the pandemic. On realising the full potential of their ideas, Unicorn Bio moved into office space at Sheffield Technology Parks (STP) in 2021, which they soon transformed into a bespoke lab space.
With a dual focus on developing cell lines used in meat production, medicine, and numerous other applications, as well as innovating the unique technology to augment this cell culture, Unicorn Bio’s team grew to ten and they began looking for new premises early in 2024.
When considering the former nightclub located on Shoreham Street, Adam and Jack quickly saw an opportunity. The unique venue had existing features well-suited to their needs, such as high-quality air conditioning.
Crucially, the building offers ample space to innovate across both the scientific and engineering sides of the business, maintaining efficiency by keeping processes in-house. In the new spacious labs Unicorn’s scientists can undertake cell culture, experimentation and analysis whilst the dedicated workshop is a hub of engineering, housing 3D printers, tools and prototypes.
Reflecting on the suitability of the new premises, Adam said: “There’s no reason not to create a lab space here. People tend to stay in their lane in the UK, but who says we can’t turn a bar into a biotech lab? Companies like Hewlett Packard and Apple started in garages. This is a fantastic space that meets our needs, why wouldn’t we move here?”
This attitude underpins the company’s success to date, having secured significant investment as well as five allocations of grant funding from Innovate UK, which has supported collaborations with partners in Canada, Oxford, and Cambridge. Adam said: “We are a small and independent startup and the advantage this gives us is speed and agility.
“We began in an attic with a lizard incubator and pond cleaning gloves. In three years, we’ve moved from there to the Tech Parks – where we built a lab with support from Tom and his team, because it was quicker and more cost effective than using offsite labspace – and now, we’re in our new home.
“I want more people to start biotech businesses here in Sheffield and I hope our example shows that it can be done. There are many talented individuals in this city, and if I can do it, so can they.”
Tom Wolfenden, Sheffield Technology Parks CEO, added: “Jack and Adam’s entrepreneurial approach is really impressive; they take risks, aren’t afraid of doing things differently and see opportunities where others may not.
“Unicorn leaves a lasting legacy at Sheffield Technology Parks, we worked closely with the team to create our first bespoke lab space and we’ll soon complete our fifth. It’s encouraging that no sooner had Unicorn moved out, another two lab users moved in. We have an exciting science economy emerging in Sheffield and Unicorn are real trailblazers within it.”
A Barnsley haulage and logistics company is moving ahead with ambitious expansion plans thanks to the support of a grant from the Goldthorpe Towns Fund.
Mallinson Properties for KMS Transport has secured the £1.2 million investment from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund (GTCIF).
The GTCIF is part of a programme of projects funded by the government as part of a £23.1 million investment in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton upon Dearne.
The Goldthorpe Town Deal Board is overseeing the distribution of the Towns Fund investment.
Its aims include supporting businesses in the Dearne to create more well-paid jobs and attract new investment.
Mallinson Properties is using the grant contribution to build two extensions to its existing premises.
The project will increase the company’s pallet storage capacity and create new job opportunities. It will also create social value by supporting local supply chains and environmental sustainability.
Stephen Mallinson, managing director of Mallinson Properties, said: “We are delighted with this grant from the Goldthorpe Towns Commercial Investment Fund. It is enabling us to expand our business and meet the growing demand for our products and services.
“This project will not only benefit our company, but also the local economy and community.
“We are proud to be part of the Dearne Valley area and eager to enhance its potential and ambition.”
Matthew Stephens, chair of the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to support Mallinson Properties on this project.
“We are focused on supporting the local economy and social value, so I am also pleased that they are using the local supply chain to deliver the project.
“I hope this is a catalyst for their business and facilitates the growth we need.”
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We are pleased that Enterprising Barnsley, the council’s award-winning business support team, has been able to support Mallinson Properties to secure this funding.
“They are a long-standing Barnsley company, and this expansion shows their ambition to continue growing their business.
“We want to help businesses and developers overcome viability gaps to support the delivery of new projects. This will ultimately lead to the creation of new and additional employment opportunities.
“I’m sure this project will encourage interest from others in similar schemes should they become available in the future.
“We remain committed to helping Barnsley’s economy grow. This will provide new opportunities for residents and may also raise interest outside the area in living and working in Barnsley, the place of possibilities.”
A rail charter event to mark the 50th anniversary of Drax Power Station in Selby has raised more than £30,000 for Martin House, a charity that provides hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses across West, North and East Yorkshire.
Three train services for passengers ran around the Drax Power Station Loop, a route normally restricted to freight trains moving biomass fuel.
Passengers were given the opportunity to ride onboard the special service, with each train using a different route around the power station and all profits from the event donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice.
Mark Gibbens, Head of Logistics at Drax said: “We are proud to partner with all of the main freight operators and the Branch Line Society for this historic charter rail event, to mark the Golden Anniversary of Drax Power Station.
“The weekend’s tours raised much needed funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice, a charity that is close to our hearts at Drax. Every year Martin House cares for more than 440 children and their families, as well as around 150 bereaved families, and events such as this allow them to continue their vital work in local communities.”
Michelle Ford, Regional Fundraising Team Manager at Martin House Children’s Hospice said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support f these organisations, which helps us to make a difference to the lives of so many children, young people and their families when they need us most. A huge thank you to everyone who has made this brilliant event possible, it means so much to all of us.”
The rail day was made possible through collaboration involving DB Cargo, GB Railfreight, Freightliner Heavy Haul, and the Branch Line Society.
Challenges for the seafood industry brought on by a changing climate are the subject of a new report published by industry bodies and academia.
The report, titled ‘Climate change risk adaptation in UK seafood: Understanding and responding to a changing climate in the wild capture seafood industry’, has been produced by Dr Angus Garrett (Seafish), Prof. John Pinnegar (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS), Dr Tara Marshall and Dr Julia Wouters (Aberdeen University).
The report is a refresh of work first published 10 years ago, which introduced expected climate change impacts on the supply of wild capture seafood to the UK.
Since then, says the report, although the main physical climate change impacts remain, there are new potential impacts to consider. These include policy changes which make climate change responsibilities a more important consideration for the industry; evolving market attitudes with consequences for seafood – particularly around responsible sourcing; illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing exacerbated by changes in climate and geopolitics.
Dr Garrett said: “With a warming world there are changes afoot in fisheries with impacts right along seafood supply chains. The extent of future warming remains an open question, but being prepared for potential changes is within our grasp. This report hopefully contributes to that preparation.”
Prof. John Pinnegar from Defra’s marine science agency Cefas said: “In the last few years as a result of the COVID pandemic we have learnt a lot about resilience, or rather lack of it, in the UK wild-capture seafood supply chain. These insights have proved invaluable when trying to map-out possible sensitivities to climate change in the future.”
Humber Freeport has helped to attract another major inward investment by playing a key role in securing a £250m development by a world-class business.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK Ltd, part of one of the world’s largest chemical producers, has committed to invest in a new production line at Saltend Chemicals Park, which is located within one of the three Humber Freeport tax sites.
Preparatory works have begun to make way for construction of the new production line, which will double Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s capacity at the site, east of Hull.
The investment in a second production line will create dozens of new jobs while also safeguarding the existing 130 roles at the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility on site. The new production line is expected to become operational in 2026.
It underlines Saltend Chemicals Park’s status as one of the UK’s leading industrial clusters, with a series of recent and current investments adding to well-established operations.
Saltend Chemical Park’s status as part of Humber Freeport’s Hull East tax site has been a key factor in securing the investment, with plans for Mitsubishi Chemical Group to extend its lease with the chemical park’s owner and operator, px Group, until 2060.
Businesses investing within the Humber Freeport tax sites benefit from a series of advantages, ranging from business rate and stamp duty land tax relief, to National Insurance support designed to reduce employment costs.
Humber Freeport Chair Simon Bird said: “We are delighted that Mitsubishi Chemical Group has chosen to make this very significant new investment at Saltend on a site benefiting from being within the Humber Freeport footprint.
“The substantial advantages offered by freeport status were an important factor in securing this new inward investment.
“It supports Humber Freeport’s mission to attract significant investment and create new, highly-skilled jobs and aligns with two of our key areas of focus – advanced manufacturing and decarbonisation.
“The Humber is the UK’s global gateway, offering easy access to Europe and beyond. The region also has the space to grow, the people, the skills and the world-class companies already here to support investors – all of which make the Humber the perfect place to do business.
“Those advantages are substantially enhanced by freeport status, making the region an even more attractive location for large-scale investments delivering very significant and long-lasting economic benefits.”
The new production line will help to meet growing demand for SoarnoL, the brand name for a grade of Ethylene Vinyl Co-Polymer (EVOH) which is primarily used in food packaging to extend product shelf life.
Since opening in 2002, Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s Saltend facility has seen a significant increase in demand for SoarnoL, which has been driven by food manufacturers seeking packaging that can be recycled and has a lower environmental impact.
The investment will further strengthen trade links between the Humber and the rest of the world, with 95 per cent of production from the Mitsubishi Chemical Group facility at Saltend exported.
Peter des Forges, Managing Director, Mitsubishi Chemical Group UK, said: “Once the new line is operational, the majority of the increased production will service the needs of our customers in more than 40 countries who continue to explore ways they can reduce waste and meet environmental targets.”
The £250m Mitsubishi Chemical Group development adds to £1bn of investment which had already been committed to Humber Freeport tax sites.
Investments which have already been announced within the Hull East tax site include Pensana’s rare earth processing facility and Meld Energy’s proposed green hydrogen plant, both also located at Saltend Chemicals Park.
Elsewhere, Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue has selected part of Humber Freeport’s Goole tax site to develop the UK’s largest paper tissue mill. The development will create more than 400 jobs once operational, with thousands of indirect jobs in the supply chain and local economy.
S1 Artspace and Sheffield Hallam University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding solidifying a new partnership as S1 move to their new home in Fitzalan Square in Sheffield city centre.
This agreement builds on a 30-year history of collaboration, reinforcing their joint commitment to supporting artists studying in the city and fostering local talent.
S1 Artspace has bought the former Yorkshire Bank Chambers in Sheffield’s Fitzalan Square as its permanent new home. The Grade II listed building will undergo a complete restoration and expansion to become an ambitious new arts and cultural venue for the city. This significant milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for S1 and Sheffield’s cultural landscape.
The renovated site will feature spacious public galleries across two floors, showcasing an ambitious programme of new works by local, national, and international artists across the artistic spectrum. Additionally, it will include artist studios, a community and events space, a research centre, a shop profiling local artists and makers, and an independent bar.
Louise Hutchinson, Project Director at S1 Artspace, said:“This is a monumental step for S1, particularly after the plans at Park Hill were derailed following the financial impact of the pandemic, resulting in the temporary closure of S1’s premises last autumn. Like many cultural venues in Sheffield, S1 has faced significant challenges operating within the commercial rental market. Securing our own premises is a remarkable achievement that allows us to move forward and establish a space that places artistic practice firmly at its core.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “This project, along with Harmony Works, will restore two prominent heritage buildings in the Castlegate area of the city, both of which have stood empty for too long. Thanks to central government funding, these buildings have now been secured for future generations and put culture firmly at the heart of Sheffield’s city centre transformation.”
The historic building, at the corner of Commercial Street and Haymarket overlooking Fitzalan Square, was built in 1871, served as the Sheffield Stock Exchange from 1911 for over fifty years, and became a branch of the Yorkshire Bank in 1967. It closed in 2014, and the building has stood vacant since 2017.
Businesses across South Yorkshire are being asked to share their experiences of getting financial support, via a new poll conducted by the three regional Chambers of Commerce.
Open from now until Monday 16th September, the Access to Finance Survey will be used to gauge how the strength of demand for loans and investment within the private sector, and what more can be done to ensure the needs of indigenous firms are being met in these areas.
The survey asks respondents if they have actively sought business finance in the past few years and, if so, how confident they felt sifting through the various options available to them. They will be given an opportunity to identify their top considerations when looking for support, and to say if their plans have ever been disrupted as a result of them being unable to find what they needed.
Encouraging firms to fill in the Access to Finance Survey, the respective CEOs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers issued this joint statement: “As representatives of the region’s private sector, we know how crucial it is that our entrepreneurs, SMEs and ambitious business leaders are able to access the financial support they need. After all, this is what will enable them to unlock their true potential, fulfil their aspirations and ultimately grow.
“However, we also know that securing financial backing can be rather daunting and overwhelming if you’re uncertain how to do it, and that not everyone is sure of where they can turn for help. That is why we are urging businesses to complete this new survey, so that we can better understand their appetite for finance support, the obstacles they might be facing here, and the interventions they would like to see.
“Equipped with these insights, we will then be able to lobby for the kind of improvements and changes that are most coveted and will use our platform to help make sure that businesses are better connected to those with the power and inclination to invest.”
The Access to Finance Survey closes on Monday 16th September. It is sponsored by both the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Clear Insurance Management, with the three regional chambers carrying out the fieldwork.
Associated British Ports has named is first-ever artist in residence as Dale Mackie, a renowned local artist who has exhibited around the region, and whose paintings are housed in private collections nationally.
Famed for painting local heritage fishing scenes, this first for the port will see an exhibition showcasing the modern elements including offshore wind, and some of the work being undertaken on the buildings.
Simon Bird, Regional Director for the Humber ports said: “Two years ago, we were approached by Sam Delaney, of Creative Start, and Steve Ridlington, of WE1 Heritage with an ask, would we as port operator like an artist in residence? We’d never had one before, but with all the exciting developments happening in the conservation quarter of the port, we agreed. It would be an acknowledgement of the vibrant artistic community who were being drawn to this place.
“The paintings that Dale has produced are very colourful. He has captured the modern port, which is contrasted nicely with the port in its fishing heyday. It shows what a dynamic place it is and how Grimsby has moved forward from its fishing heritage.”
Dale said: “The exhibition shows the Port of Grimsby from its early days of being the largest fishing port in the world to becoming a major hub for global offshore wind and the leading automotive distribution centre. I’ve been honoured that I have had the opportunity to access areas on the port and capture them.”
Steve Ridlington, from WE1 Heritage who leases buildings on the port, said: “We are excited to see the artwork that Dale has put together. It has been a pleasure to host Dale in our studio for the last two years and share the artist in residence alongside ABP.”
People can view the artwork at Coffee on the Docks, 2 Auckland Road on the port from Saturday 14th September as part of the Heritage Open Day.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology and the Energy Saving Trust have published advice for let managers exploring the possibility of having electric-powered fleets.
Called “Electrifying the fleet. A practical resource for fleet managers”, the resource aims to provide fleet managers with a roadmap to successfully electrify their fleets, offering step-by-step guidance, demonstrating value for money and efficiency savings, and insights into overcoming current barriers to adoption.
One of the key sections of the report focuses on the savings fleet managers could achieve from electrifying their fleets, predicting a saving of around £1,500 a year per light commercial vehicle driving 15,000 miles a year if charged at the depot or home. Rigid HGVs driving the same distance could save about £3,500 annually.
Current UK policy targets are also outlined in the resource, with a mandate that by the end of 2024, 10% of new van sales in the UK must be zero emissions, rising to 58% by 2029, 70% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. For HGVs, all new models sold in the UK must be zero emission by 2040. To support these targets, government offers various Plug-in Grants, including up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, helping to offset the initial costs of electrification.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and fleets will play a big part.
“A cleaner greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, which is why we have plug-in grants available for vans and trucks and programmes aimed at scaling up zero emission HGVs, to decarbonise road freight. The REA and Energy Saving Trust’s new resource is a great step on our path to net zero.”
Matt Adams, REA’s Transport Policy Manager, added: “The REA, with its diverse membership, is uniquely positioned to take an authoritative stance on fleet electrification. This resource provides a proven, well-managed process for fleet managers considering electrification, offering significant savings on fuel costs and helping fleets achieve their ESG targets.”
Small British businesses are to benefit from a new warship and submarine agreement, Defence Minister Maria Eagle has announced today.
More than 180,000 different items requiring delivery around the world are available within a new framework.
Across the framework, between a third and half of the suppliers are based outside the south of England with the majority being Midlands or North of England-based, and additional suppliers based in Scotland and Wales.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said: “The spares and repairs that keep our warships submarines at sea are critical, and this agreement will ensure that more British small businesses – from Southampton to Aberdeen – will be at the heart of supporting the Royal Navy.
“By backing our defence industry, we will keep the nation safe and support more than 200,000 jobs.
Today’s changes open the market for 39 companies to bid for work through Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) – the MOD’s procurement arm.”
Greater warship and submarine availability will be delivered through improved access to spare parts, both for planned and unplanned maintenance; access to specialist equipment-related technical advice and expertise globally; and reductions in cost without compromising safety or availability.
Yorkshire-based accountants Brearley & Co have made another major acquisition by merging with Cameron Alexander accountants in Barnsley.
The deal brings Brearley’s total office acquisitions to five, adding Alexander’s team to their existing staff count of 56 and expanding the services available to both client bases.
Cameron Alexander was established in 2008 by Alex Walls, at their office on Western Street in Barnsley. This acquisition aligns with the ongoing growth strategy of Brearley & Co, which has steadily expanded its presence across Yorkshire since 1984.
Both firms bring expertise in sectors such as taxation, self-assessment tax returns, debt recovery, payroll, annual accounts, VAT services, auto-enrolment, and financial advice. The expansion is set to create significant opportunities for clients and employees, including potential recruitment as the firm continues to grow.
Walls said: “It’s a really exciting time to be merging with Brearley & Co accountants. The firm is now better positioned than ever before to meet the evolving needs of the accountancy sector and the needs of our clients.
“Alongside developing the team and driving growth with our combined expertise and services, I’m also looking forward to contributing to our focus on client success and addressing areas that are becoming increasingly vital within the industry.”
Director at Brearley, John Hesselden said: “The move will see key leaders from Cameron Alexander join our executive team, bringing decades of industry experience and further strengthening our leadership and service capabilities.”
Mark Smallman, Managing Director, said: “Cameron Alexander is a well-established practice in the centre of Barnsley. The merger of our existing Barnsley office into their office increases our footprint, enabling us to support the local business community. We are excited to be working with Alex Walls and his team.”
Tigers Rugby Union favourite James Norman recently joined his sponsor Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law at the opening of their new Sheffield offices.
Further to their merger in January 2023, the firm has relocated to New Oxford House, Barker’s Pool in the regenerated ‘Heart of the City’ Quarter to enable their next period of growth. In Sheffield, they will operate as Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law.
Matrimonial practice Acclaimed Family Law of Campo Lane joined full-service East Midlands firm Sills & Betteridge LLP to make available to their clients a wider range of personal and commercial services.
For Sills & Betteridge, the collaboration realised their aspiration to operate in Sheffield, a key ambition in their development plans for Yorkshire, seeing the firm’s Northern network grow to 5 offices since 2018.
Chief Executive Martyn Hall said: “We are ambitious for Sheffield. We look forward to further integration of our two practices and working together to develop various service expansion opportunities. The new office will enable us to accommodate additional strategic hires across a number of practice areas and support our future growth.”
Michelle Cooper, Partner and Founder of Acclaimed Family Law, said: “The relocation to larger, prestigious premises in such a high profile part of the city is an exciting move for the original Acclaimed Family team, especially as we will now join forces with colleagues from Sills & Betteridge. Clients will now have access to a full range of complementary services from experts so all their needs are met under one roof.
“Together, the merged practice will continue to offer the high quality matrimonial representation, with specialists in high value and complex cases on which Acclaimed built their formidable reputation, alongside family law representation for publicly funded clients, family mediation, residential property, private client work and corporate commercial legal services.”
The firm now has 18 offices across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands employing over 430 people. 2024 has been a period of significant activity for the firm including its acquisition of Nottingham headquartered Campions Solicitors, significant refurbishment of its Boston premises and current relocation of its Northampton and Sleaford teams to larger premises.
Pictured left to right: Seated – Senior Partner Karen Bower-Brown, Sheffield Tigers player James Norman, Founder of Acclaimed Family Law Michelle Cooper and Chief Executive Martyn Hall. Standing – Sandra Russell, Sarah Rowe, Emma Lawler, Peter Dadswell, Philippa Smith and Leanne Barton.
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