A multi-million pound investment in the Harrogate Convention Centre has been unveiled to ensure that the venue can reach its full potential and provide a greater boost to the region’s economy.
The ambitious plans could see £7 million invested in new larger breakout rooms in the venue’s Studio Two, in a bid to ensure that the centre can thrive in the extremely competitive conference market.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will be asked to explore in more detail the possibility of introducing a more commercial operating model, which would reduce the financial subsidies from the authority and help to attract future investment.
Councillors will meet on Tuesday next week (17 December) when they will be told that the planned transformation of Studio Two, which would provide breakout conferencing facilities for about 1,300 delegates, could generate an extra £1.5 million annually.
The proposals also include developing a new business plan and actively looking for other funding opportunities.
North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Gareth Dadd, whose responsibilities include finance, said: “The Harrogate Convention Centre is a venue that promotes the town and Yorkshire on a national stage, bringing in visitors from across the country.
“It is critical that we retain the benefits of the convention centre while at the same time finding opportunities to reduce our subsidy, improve the facilities and align the centre with our long-term vision for Harrogate.
“We want to take the convention centre forward while still protecting taxpayers’ money and promoting the economy of the town, and the proposals for the investment will be carefully considered during the executive’s meeting.”
Constructed in 1982, the centre has one of the largest purpose-built auditoriums in the UK. However, a lack of larger breakout rooms has hampered the venue’s ability to host larger conferences to maximise its impact on the economy for Harrogate and the wider region.
A subsidy of £1.9 million was provided for the venue by the council last year, although the figure had reduced from £2.6 million in the previous year after catering was brought in-house and revenue from lettings continued to grow.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include economic development, said: “The Harrogate Convention Centre plays a vital role in Yorkshire’s economy and contributes more than £45 million every year through the retail and hospital industry.
“It is imperative that we look to ensuring that the venue remains at the forefront of the economy for both Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire region, and the proposals which will be considered by the executive are a means to ensuring this.”
A business strategy launched in 2019/20 has seen a 21 per cent increase in income from lettings at the convention centre and forward bookings indicate potential growth of more than £4 million each year.
With an initial investment of £7 million, the revamped Studio Two is projected to ultimately generate an additional £1.5 million in annual income. It is expected that this would reduce the annual operating subsidy to about £1 million, although a detailed business case would be required before the investment is approved.
A marketing exercise has since been undertaken by a consultancy firm called 31Ten, which has wide experience of the conference market, to highlight future opportunities for the convention centre.
The review identified five possible options which ranged from doing nothing to selling the building. The option to focus on the new studio development and a more commercial operating model is seen as the best way forward by the consultants.
The convention centre’s director, Paula Lorimer, said: “The proposals for Studio Two are very welcome and would significantly improve revenue opportunities for the Harrogate Convention Centre.
“This venue is integral to the visitor economy of Harrogate. Its conferences, exhibitions, corporate events, banquets and live entertainment create jobs and business to the town’s shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels – worth more than £45 million a year to the local economy.
“In recent years, the centre’s performance has continued to improve, and the planned investment would help this trend to continue.”
Developers and other venue operators were consulted as part of the market testing, and partnerships that have been adopted elsewhere in the country were explored.
Partnership work in Harrogate could include looking at collaborations with universities, colleges and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to unlock new opportunities and funding and widen the audience appeal of the centre.
The convention centre, which is situated in the heart of Harrogate, has a 2,000-seat auditorium and 13,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Leeds law firm strengthens team with six new appointments
Ward Hadaway, a Leeds-based law firm, has appointed six new team members as it continues to grow.
The appointments include an equity partner, two solicitors, two trainee solicitors and one paralegal across sectors including real estate, healthcare and commercial litigation.
Emma Digby, Executive Partner in Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office, said: “The expansion of our Leeds team is a clear reflection of our firm’s growing presence across Yorkshire and beyond. With new appointments across multiple roles, we’re enhancing our ability to provide high-quality, sector-specific legal services to our clients.
“Our new team members, representing a blend of emerging and experienced professionals, will play a crucial role in our wider growth strategy. Their expertise will enable us to continue offering agile, high-calibre legal support to our diverse client base, while maintaining the independence that is core to our identity.”
Based in the Leeds office, Laura Hill joins as a Partner in the commercial litigation team. She brings specialist expertise and experience in handling AI-related litigation.
Emma continued: “Enhancing our teams to meet changing demands is also essential to our growth. For instance, as AI innovation accelerates, we are seeing increasing demand to support businesses in navigating the evolving legal challenges it presents.
“We help clients design and implement AI solutions within a fragmented regulatory framework, while closely monitoring developing legislation to ensure compliance. Our growing expertise in this space ensures clients can innovate confidently while managing emerging legal issues.”
Partner Laura Hill added: “I’m excited to join Ward Hadaway, a firm that’s deeply committed to innovation and providing practical, client-focused solutions. As AI continues to transform industries, I’m eager to contribute to the firm’s efforts to help businesses manage the unique legal hurdles that arise in this space.
“With our strong track record in supporting tech companies, we’re well-placed to guide organisations through the complexities of AI, ensuring they can grow and innovate while managing risks and staying ahead of changing regulations.”
New South Yorkshire survey aims to unlock the secrets of effective business communication
Cannon PR is inviting businesses from across South Yorkshire to take part in a new research project, aimed at understanding how companies connect, communicate and engage with others.
Believed to be the first comprehensive review of its kind, Cannon PR’s business communications survey will explore how companies are responding to challenges posed by changing communications methods, and the techniques used to engage with different audiences.
For many businesses, there has never been greater choice when it comes to engaging with others. Yet at the same time the communications landscape has never been more complex, particularly when it comes to embracing the many different tools, channels and techniques to stand out from the competition.
Earlier this year, data published by Ofcom revealed significant changes in the way that adults consume news. The Ofcom survey revealed that 52% adults rely upon their social media feeds to keep up-to-date with current affairs, whilst seven in ten adults consume news primarily through online sources.
The survey also revealed that less than half of adults rely upon traditional news sources such as BBC news and ITV. 82% of 16-24 year olds rely upon social media feeds, with 41% turning to Instagram, 37% using YouTube and 35% relying upon their Facebook feeds. The aim of the Cannon PR business survey is to explore how businesses are responding to changing audience habits.
The survey can be accessed here: https://cannonpr.co.uk/pr-survey/. Cannon PR is also providing the opportunity for ten businesses taking part in the survey to receive a free mini communications audit.
Matthew Ridsdale, founder, Cannon PR, said: “Effective communication is the cornerstone of every business. Earlier this year Ofcom published its own findings which revealed some interesting trends in the way we all consume the news and information. Our survey aims to understand how businesses are responding to the challenges posed by a changing communications landscape.
“There are no right or wrong answers in the survey, our research aims to explore current practices, techniques and tools used by businesses to ensure their messages cut through and connect with their target audiences.”
Year of major investments for Sheffield Forgemasters
Engineering specialist Sheffield Forgemasters has published financial results for the period to 31 March 2024, highlighting £107m of investments and £286m in placed contracts.
The company secured orders worth £193m for the period, more than double its 2023 intake of £72.5m and in the face of challenging trading conditions, marked by a pre-tax operating loss of £3.9m (2023: loss of £4.4m) against turnover of £100m (2023: £99.4m).
Accounts show that the company committed £286m to contracts for its £900m recapitalisation programme, which will see the Brightside Lane site transformed through the construction of the UK’s largest open-die Forging Line and a world-leading machining facility.
Chief Executive Officer, Gary Nutter, said: “The 12 months to 31 March saw £107 million of investments into new plant and equipment to recapitalise defence-critical equipment and improve efficiencies, by increasing throughput and reducing incidences of downtime.
“This is in addition to £286m of contracts which have been placed as our recapitalisation programme builds pace. We expect this rate of investment to accelerate over the next three years, which will transform production capabilities on-site.
“The company’s recapitalisation programme is designed to secure long-term sovereign capability for the UK and its allies’ defence needs and will positively affect the company’s delivery performance, as older machinery is replaced, and new facilities are brought online.”
Recent developments include the installation of two new, ultra-large, five-axis vertical turning lathes, which were commissioned in Q1, to reduce bottle necks in the delivery of complex forged and cast components into the UK’s defence programmes.
The company also bought 21 acres of land, with the largest 16-acre plot earmarked for a brand-new machining facility, which will house 17 of the world’s largest and most advanced vertical turning lathes, to support the UK’s future SSN-AUKUS submarine programme.
Headwinds which have affected the company’s performance include high energy costs, increasing inflation, global effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and ageing equipment failures, which are being addressed through its radical investment in new plant.
Most of its revenues came from UK Defence orders, with commercial intake down from £38 million in 2023, to £28 million this year.
The business secured new orders from US Defence, steel processing sectors and engineering products and its geographical revenues show UK income of more than £83m, with £6.7m from North America, £2m from non-European countries, and £7.5m from Europe.
Sheffield Forgemasters’ strategic plan includes the development of a highly skilled and diverse workforce, driven by its apprenticeships programme, which sees approximately ten per cent of the 675-strong workforce in apprenticeships at any one time.
It also features a site-wide flood prevention programme, and a drive to secure commercial sector revenues in renewable energy markets such as offshore wind and civil nuclear power.
New Director of Operations appointed at Manningham Housing Association
Saqib Saleem is joining Manningham Housing Association (MHA) as Director of Operations.
Amongst a broad range of responsibilities, he will lead on the delivery of customer facing services and drive MHA’s asset management strategy, including overseeing its property portfolio.
Mr Saleem is currently Director of Strategy and Regulation at Altair where he leads a team that advises organisations on housing regulation, risk management, supporting for-profit providers and helping organisations become Registered Providers with the Regulator of Social Housing.
He arrives at MHA with more than two decades of combined experience in the public and private sectors, including previous roles at Homes England, KPMG and The Guinness Partnership.
With expertise in audit, assurance, governance and risk within the housing sector, Mr Saleem is a qualified Internal Auditor, Agile Project Management Practitioner and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Audit Management and Consultancy.
He said: “I am excited to join MHA as Director of Operations.
“Social housing has an important part to play in people’s lives and can be a stepping stone to a prosperous future for families and individuals.
“I understand the difficulties faced by many BME communities and deeply admire the work that Manningham Housing Association does for such communities in Bradford and Keighley.
“It is an immense task to not only maintain but raise the high standards MHA has set for itself over many years, including numerous award wins, but I am up for the challenge.”
Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “The role of Director of Operations is hugely pivotal to MHA’s continued success as one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, and we set the bar particularly high when launching the recruitment process.
“We were seeking a candidate with a sharp focus on customer experience and satisfaction, and a passion for delivering services to BME communities. Saqib vividly demonstrated these qualities.
“We look forward to him becoming a key member of the Senior Management Team.”
Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “This is an ideal time to be joining the association as we seek to inject added momentum into our ambitious growth plans on behalf of the local communities in Bradford and Keighley, whose needs we are proud to serve.
“The Board was impressed by Saqib’s energy and drive, alongside his extensive experience of the sector.
“He is extremely welcome as the newest member of the MHA family.”
Mr Saleem will take up post on 6 January 2025.
34,000 sq ft deal sealed at Leeds’ Bridgewater Place
Martley Capital Group have agreed terms with premium commercial amenity and workspace provider x+why to occupy 33,990 sq ft in Bridgewater Place, the 30-storey office-led, mixed-use tower in central Leeds.
x+why, will occupy the first, second and ninth floors of Bridgewater Place and a new 5,000 sq ft roof top terrace on a ten-year agreement, in addition to the operation of a newly designed building reception and coffee bar.
This will add to their portfolio of over 430,000 sq ft of flexible office, receptions and food & beverage led clubspaces in sustainable buildings across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Milton Keynes.
Since purchasing the tower in 2022 following years of underinvestment, the current owners have raised £35 million to carry out a complete refurbishment, with the aim of creating a high quality, fully repositioned, energy-efficient building, to return Bridgewater Place’s best in class credentials and secure its continued status as a Leeds landmark.
x+why’s fully refurbished offering is due to open in late 2025 with available suites ranging from 4 desks to a 5,000 sq ft office which can be adjusted to member needs.
Eamon Fox, Partner and Head of Development for Knight Frank which represents Martley Capital, said: “Securing x+why is brilliant for the asset and the wider Leeds business community and our approach is to excel in the mandatory characteristics of best-in-class buildings. The baseline for the future office is being reset at Bridgewater Place.”
x+why’s offering will provide flexible working space, private enterprise suites, meeting rooms, event space, food and beverage, a clubspace and extensive roof terrace. x+why will also be running the main building reception, including a new coffee bar in the revitalised atrium.
x+why’s in-house design team, whydesign, will be leading on the interior design of the space.
When refurbished Bridgewater Place will have greatly improved sustainability credentials, including BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, aiming for net zero in operation by 2030 in the landlord-controlled areas.
Rupert Dean, CEO and co-founder of x+why, said: “We are building a national infrastructure of cutting-edge workspaces, designed to combine hospitality, design and sustainability, ensuring every city we enter is equipped with spaces that set the standard for the modern workforce.
“We plan to be in every gateway city in the UK, and want to be in the best buildings and locations, and so are thrilled to be launching in this exciting location in Leeds.
“We believe in creating a single hospitality platform across all amenities in offices to provide best in class tenant experience, and creating inspiring, sustainable spaces that not only support businesses but contribute meaningfully to their local environments and support what the office is all about today.
“We are passionate about driving impactful change with our spaces, and can only do so as a result of strong and transparent relationships with our landlords, so we are delighted to be working with the fantastic and forward thinking team at Martley on Bridgewater Place.
“Crucial to us is a shared vision for the future of work, sustainability and the role of amenity. We love Martley’s vision for the space and their commitment to re-imagining an existing asset in a highly sustainable way, which is a core value for our business.”
Jack Thoms, Executive Managing Director, Real Estate at Martley Capital Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with the team at x+why at Bridgewater Place to bring their dynamic offering to the building.
“Their innovative approach to workplace environments will set a benchmark in Leeds, with every aspect of the building serving not just as an office but as a destination, reflecting the evolving needs of local businesses.
“We believe that the vibrancy that the refurbishment of the atrium and common areas will bring, together with x+why being highly visible at Levels 1 and 2, and the unique offering at level 9, will enliven the building.”
Leeds office investment sold for over £10m
Acting on behalf of Bridges Fund Management and Evenacre, CBRE’s Leeds Investment team has completed the sale of 6 East Parade, a prime office building in central Leeds for in excess of £10 million. The building was acquired by STR Capital for a private client.
The prominent Grade A office building comprises 44,000 sq ft of space over 7 floors with 13 basement parking spaces and is multi-let to tenants including Dentsu, DLA Architects, Claranet, Iwoca, Muse, Overbury and ABS Limited.
Lewis Ellis advised STR Capital, a UK focused commercial real estate investment asset management company, acting on behalf of a private client.
Alex Whiting, Senior Director at CBRE who advised Bridges and Evenacre, said: “6 East Parade is a high quality refurbished building in a prime location and investor interest in the property was strong. This multi-million pound deal highlights the continuing improvement of the Leeds investment market.”
Guy Bowden, Partner at Bridges Fund Management, said: “With 6 East Parade, we saw an opportunity to bring a disused building back into economic use and address the clear under-supply of prime office space in central Leeds.
“Our investment enabled an environmentally-led refurbishment that has made the building an attractive location for local businesses, who recognise the value of sustainability features in cutting operating costs and reducing their carbon footprint.”
Marcus Langlands Pearse, Partner at STR Capital, added: “6 East Parade follows on from our recent acquisition of 2 office buildings in Tunbridge Wells.
“Bridges have done an excellent job of repositioning this Leeds City Centre office and we look forward to further enhancing the space. 6 East Parade complements our current strategy of buying well let, future proofed buildings in strong locations.”
Smiths Hire welcomed to Bradford business centre on decade-long lease
Towngate Plc, the specialist in commercial and industrial property letting and management, has welcomed Smiths Equipment Hire Ltd to its Bradford development.
Signing a 10-year lease on Unit 3 Towngate Business Centre, Windsor Street, the equipment and tool hire provider now has a third hub in West Yorkshire to support its ongoing growth in the region.
Smiths currently boasts one the largest independent fleets in the UK, offering nationwide service for powered access and plant equipment. The firm provides essential tool-based support to industries spanning construction and engineering to facilities management and maintenance.
With over 50 years of heritage and more than 18 depots – including Leeds and Castleford in West Yorkshire, incorporating nine construction training centres across the north west providing IPAF, PASMA, and a range of other industry-renowned qualifications – it continues to expand its footprint.
“We’re excited to occupy this new hub and further our relationship with Towngate as part of our ongoing expansion,” said David Smith, joint managing director at Smiths Hire.
Thomas Smith, also joint managing director, added: “Strategically located and with excellent features, the facility provides an ideal space to support our growing fleet and better serve our customers across the region.”
The detached trade counter and warehouse unit spans 7,469 sq ft, featuring an extensive frontage along Wakefield Road (A650), a secure yard area, ground-level loading, parking provisions, and ancillary offices.
“Situated within a mile of Bradford City Centre, two miles from the M606 motorway, and four miles from the M62, the unit provides excellent connectivity for Smith’s regional and national logistics,” said Tom Lamb, property director at Towngate Plc. “Beyond this proximity to the motorway network and main arterial routes, what sets this premium trade counter apart is its adaptability.
“Whether supporting large-scale equipment distribution or offering a centralised customer support hub, this facility lays a strong foundation for Smith’s continued expansion in the northwest. We look forward to working with the business over the next decade.”
Jake Pygall of Avison Young, who acted as Smiths Hire’s agent for the transaction, said: “We were delighted to represent Smiths Hire in acquiring this excellent location on their behalf – a testament to the strength and growth of the business. It was also a pleasure to work alongside Towngate and its agents in securing the facility, and I am confident both Smiths and Towngate will build a fruitful and lasting relationship together.”
Notable occupiers near Smiths Hire’s new lease in Bradford include Travis Perkins, James Hargreaves, GAP, Speedy Hire, CEF, and Toolstation.
Keyland sells interests in major Leeds site to Evans Property Group
Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has sold its interests in Templegate Developments Limited to joint venture partner Evans Property Group for an undisclosed sum.
Templegate Developments Limited is the company behind Skelton Gate, a 170-acre former open-cast colliery site to the east of Junction 45 of the M1.
To date the partnership of Evans and Keyland has secured planning permission for Phases 1 & 2 which includes up to 1,100 homes, a new school, public open space, a local centre and a food store. An application is currently running for Phase 3, which, if approved, will provide an additional 700 homes and infrastructure.
A £20M Home Building Fund loan from Homes England is funding the delivery of infrastructure and ground preparation works for all phases.
In addition to enabling the creation of more than 500 new construction and operational jobs, the scheme is already making a significant contribution to the region’s housing targets following the successful sale of the 27 acre Phase 1 in January 2022 to Avant Homes and Evans Homes for the delivery of a combined 415 homes.
Phase 2, at circa 31 acres, will be sold fully serviced to a housebuilder to bring forward.
Skelton Gate is being developed and built using key principles of sustainable development whilst delivering a residentially led mixed-use scheme of high quality and design. Following the sale of Keyland’s interests, Evans will continue to drive the successful development forward.
Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments, said: “At Keyland our focus is on the early stages of the development process, using our expertise to secure planning consents on complex sites and to overcome obstacles to development.
“We are incredibly proud of our work unlocking the Skelton Gate site for development to enable a major contribution to the Leeds City Region in terms of new homes, community amenities and the job creation throughout the construction and development phases.
“Passing on our interest in this project to our partners at Evans will allow us to concentrate our efforts on our growing Planning Promotional Agreement (PPA) business and on unlocking further opportunities from Yorkshire Water’s 70,000 acre land portfolio.”
Rob Marshall, UK Managing Director, Evans Property Group, said: “The Skelton Gate site is one of the most significant in the Leeds City Region and our successful, long-term partnership with Keyland Developments has brought the scheme to an exciting stage.
“Three housebuilders are already building and selling houses on Phase 1 of the scheme; Avant Homes, Vistry and our own Evans Homes business. By acquiring 100% of Phase 2 and 3 we have secured a significant pipeline for Evans Homes as we continue to grow that business, adding to existing sites at Tockwith and Skelton, and future sites at Whinmoor and Brayton.
“We thank our valued partners Keyland for their work on the scheme up to this point and for opportunity to follow our growth strategy for our Evans Homes residential business.”
Commercial regeneration set to take off at The Junction
Carter Towler’s retail agency has been appointed by global property company City Developments Limited to market its first commercial unit at The Junction, Whitehall, Leeds.
The brand-new, double height, 4,100 sq ft unit is prominently placed on the ground floor of one of the build-to-rent apartment blocks overlooking the canal.
Commenting on the release of the unit, Pete Bradbury, Carter Towler’s Head of Retail, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be involved with this exceptional development. It is playing a pivotal role in one of the biggest regeneration projects in Europe and the progress made so far is very exciting.
“The final apartment block forming part of the 665-unit scheme was completed in late 2023 and the development has already been shortlisted for an award by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in recognition of the impact it is making revitalising this west end area of Leeds city centre.
“The viaduct itself which spans the River Aire and Leeds & Liverpool Canal, has been transformed into a beautiful urban garden with pedestrian walkway. This fantastic public space connects The Junction with Wellington Place, making the new commercial unit an unparalleled location for a bar and restaurant operator.”
Unit R1 has double-height windows on two sides, outdoor seating, and canal-side access via steps. Externally the unit links to the viaduct arches, which will soon provide additional retail and leisure opportunities.
Pete Bradbury concluded: “Together with the Latitude Development and Wellington Place, The Junction is reviving this part of the city. We are trying to create a local neighbourhood community hub for occupiers of the new apartments and office buildings to enjoy onsite amenities.
“In early 2025 we will be commencing the marketing of the former railway arches and hope these units appeal to a variety of uses. We are certain this part of Leeds will become a destination worth visiting.”
Carter Towler and Bruce Gillingham Pollard are joint agents for Unit R1 The Junction.
Bradford College opens STEM building following £6.9m refurb
Guests from education, construction, and regional employers joined staff and students for the official opening of Bradford College’s Garden Mills building.
A multimillion-pound renovation project has transformed the derelict mill on Thornton Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students.
The 1900s five-storey building opened after months of construction work, supported by £5.8 million in funding from The Office for Students (OfS) Higher Education Capital Fund and a £1.1 million College contribution.
The site is now Bradford College’s dedicated building for HNC, HND, and degree programmes in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), including digital and ophthalmic courses. The site supplements the extensive STEM facilities established across other College campuses. Contractors Tilbury Douglas led the Garden Mills project and installation of industry-standard equipment, including six digital IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a prep room, a clinical suite, a real-life work environment with consulting and testing booths, a collaboration area, and academic teaching spaces. Bradford College Director of People Services, Sarah Cooper, addressed invited guests, which included employers from digital and ophthalmic industries, such as Specsavers and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, as well as representatives from Bradford Council and the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. Sarah said: “We are thrilled that this incredible new learning environment is now open to our staff and students, and I’m sure you’ll agree it is a wonderful new addition to both Bradford College’s estate and the resources available to the local community. “We’re delighted that Garden Mills is now ready for staff and students. It is an essential part of our estates strategy and perfectly demonstrates our ambition of opening up pioneering student careers that support regional growth.” After speeches, guests enjoyed a tour of the new cutting-edge Garden Mills facilities, which concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Bradford College CEO & Principal, Chris Webb.Garden Mills is one of several current Bradford College capital developments. Over the last two years, Bradford College secured nearly £32 million in funding, which is being used to enhance, refurbish, and build aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford.
Other construction projects include newly completed vocational T Level facilities in the College’s David Hockney Building, overseen by Sewell Construction and funded by £3.5 million from the Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5). New facilities include a commercial barbering salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV studio, media editing and recording studios, and a remodel of The Grove training restaurant.
Work on the College’s purpose-built Future Technologies Centre is also well underway with Phase 2 of the scheme led by contractor Morgan Sindall. This new site will support the growth of technology and low-carbon skills capability within West Yorkshire and become the home of modern automotive and digital engineering curricula, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and advanced manufacturing.The College’s Automotive, Digital and Engineering Department will relocate to the new premises once completed in 2026. Students will use industry-relevant facilities to gain skills in new technologies for careers in a fast-moving sector. The project was made possible by a £15 million investment from the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF), boosted by a £2m College contribution.
The Future Technologies Centre, Garden Mills, and T Level facilities all form part of Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy. The capital masterplan centres around building facilities that open up pioneering student careers and support regional economic growth.Management buyout completed at CTW Hardfacing
A management buyout (MBO) has been completed at CTW Hardfacing.
Based in Sheffield and established in 1972, CTW Hardfacing provides long term wear resistant solutions to a wide range of industries, including those in the power generation, steel production, oil and gas and food processing sectors.
In a linked transaction, CTW Hardfacing also acquired the trade and assets of a larger supplier, which will further bolster the range of services offered by CTW Hardfacing.
The transaction was led by Jack Ware and Peter Wilmer of the Hawsons Corporate Finance team. BRM Solicitors (led by Rory Conwill) provided legal advice on the transaction.
NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland Invoice Finance supported the transaction with a funding package that included a term loan, a commercial mortgage and an invoice discounting facility. NatWest were advised by Clarion.
This is the second MBO that Hawsons Corporate Finance have completed for CTW Hardfacing. The first was back in 2018 where Mark Hill and Adrian Carr bought out former owner Ken Cooke, and this transaction was also led by Jack Ware and Peter Wilmer.
The purpose of the current MBO was for Adrian Carr to buyout his business partner Mark Hill to become the sole shareholder of the group.
Mark Hill said: “I started my career here at 16 years old and have now served CTW for over 47 years in various manual and managerial roles.
“Six years ago the company founder Ken Cooke passed Adrian and I a great opportunity to take CTW on to its next chapter and during this time Adrian and I are proud to have achieved good growth through such unprecedented trading conditions such as Covid-19, Brexit and the supply chain disruption.
“I hope that Adrian and the wider team will continue to serve our clients well and help CTW move forward successfully for many years to come.
“My thanks go to Jack Ware at Hawsons, Rory Conwill at BRM Law and Clarions (acting for NatWest) who have all worked very well together to ensure this transaction was completed on time.”
Adrian Carr said: “Firstly I would like to personally thank Mark, it has been an absolute pleasure working side by side with you over the last 7 years, we have gone through ups and downs within the business but we have always come out at the end smiling.
“We have pushed our limits to the highest standards to help set the foundations for CTW for many years ahead. I wish Mark a very happy retirement and wish you good health for the future.
“Also, I want to thank Rory Conwill at BRM, Jack Ware from Hawsons & NatWest for completing the transaction on time.”
Hawsons Corporate Finance Director, Jack Ware said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Adrian and Mark again following the MBO in 2018. CTW Hardfacing has gone from strength to strength since the MBO in 2018 increasing its turnover and profitability driven by the hard work of Adrian and Mark.
“I have every confidence that CTW Hardfacing will continue its success following this MBO. It has been a pleasure to work with all parties involved.”
Rory Conwill, Corporate Director at BRM, said: “My colleagues and I are very pleased to have supported Adrian and Mark on this transaction. CTW Hardfacing is a high-quality, Sheffield-based business, and I wish Adrian and the wider CTW Hardfacing team every success for the future.”
Leeds startup behind fair pay app for hourly workers secures investment
A mobile app that enables hourly workers to track their hours and easily raise pay disputes has been named among seven companies receiving a £200k investment from PraeSeed, a six-week cohort investing programme for early-stage businesses.
WAC helps workers across areas like hospitality keep better records of their hours worked and pay received, with tools to manage holidays, days off and extra shifts tailored to everyone from zero-hour contract workers to full-time staff. Founder and CEO George Fairhall launched WAC, which has over 350,000 downloads, after years spent working in hospitality, where she continuously encountered the issue of not being paid correctly – a problem WAC is actively tackling. In a bid to champion low-paid workers and ensure no shift worker experiences the frustration of missed hours and incorrect pay, Fairhall also stepped away from a potential career in law. In total seven businesses have secured investment from PraeSeed, an initiative founded by the Manchester-based VC Praetura Ventures and funded by NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, which is managed by Praetura as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. Launched in May, PraeSeed’s mission is to identify startup and early-stage investment opportunities for NPIF II, while providing founders at the pre-seed stage with new opportunities for additional funding and support with investor readiness. Following the PraeSeed programme, WAC’s founder Fairhall says the business plans to prepare for a larger seed fundraising round and to explore partnerships with B2B companies, including large corporations within the service sector who are already employing existing users of the WAC app.
George Fairhall, founder and CEO of WAC, said: “The programme has been instrumental to our growth by helping us to refine our scaling strategy and establish essential governance, ensuring we are ready for seed institutional investment.
“The £200,000 funding has been a key part of our currently active bridge round and has encouraged additional venture and angel investment, positioning us for a seed funding round in the new year. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead, as we continue to scale our business and we are so excited to have Praetura on the journey with us.”
Jessica Jackson, investment manager at Praetura Ventures and PraeSeed lead, said: “We love backing founders who have built a business to solve a problem they’ve previously encountered themselves, and WAC fits into that category perfectly.
“We understood the vision and the problem George’s business is trying to solve instantly after receiving 200 applications for this year’s PraeSeed programme, which is providing investment to businesses who we believe have a golden opportunity to scale with the right support and funding.”
WAC was advised by Carly Gulliver, partner, and Gavin Smith, managing associate, at Addleshaw Goddard. Adam Kaucher, partner at Irwin Mitchell, acted on behalf of Praetura Ventures.
Tourism grows in Calderdale
Tourism is on the up in Calderdale. Visits to the borough added up to a massive 7.6 million in 2023, up nearly 5% from 2022. They were worth more than £600 million to the local economy, a 16% increase on the previous year, and supported over 5,500 full-time jobs – almost 10% more than in 2022.
This is according to a report commissioned by the Council, from Global Tourism Solutions.
The money spent by tourists during their visits to the area in 2023 spread far and wide, from towns and villages to rural areas. This benefitted hospitality, retail and entertainment businesses and the supply chain.
To ensure the borough’s growing tourism offer continues to go from strength to strength, the Council’s visitor economy team is working with key partner organisations across Calderdale to put the new five-year Visitor Economy Strategy into action.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “We’re thrilled that visits to Calderdale are on the up, despite cost of living pressures. The borough’s towns, places, people, businesses and attractions continue to offer something distinctive to visitors and film crews.
“We can see the lasting impact that TV and film tourism is having on our economy, with people still keen to see where favourites like Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Marvel: Secret Invasion were filmed. And venues like The Piece Hall are putting Calderdale on the international map as a cultural, heritage and music destination.
“We are building on this success through our Visitor Economy Strategy, widespread regeneration to support thriving towns and places, and our iconic Year of Culture 2024. We want to protect and promote the qualities that make our borough special, for local people as well as visitors.”
The Visitor Economy Strategy aims to generate more and longer trips to Calderdale, benefitting the local economy and leading to increased jobs.
It also focuses on working in partnership with other organisations and local communities to showcase Calderdale, ensuring the borough remains competitive, compelling and attractive, and protecting the environment, such as by encouraging sustainable travel.
This is underpinned by the Council’s priorities to develop thriving towns and create an inclusive economy where more people choose to visit, stay, work and live.
In July 2023, Calderdale achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership status from Visit England with its West Yorkshire partners, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees and Wakefield, recognising its importance as a destination. This partnership enables Calderdale to reach a wider audience and raise its profile as a national and international visitor destination.
Funding from the UK Government’s Rural Fund (part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) is also helping to boost visitor numbers in rural parts of Calderdale. The fund supports businesses and communities in rural areas by providing grants to boost local economies and foster growth.
Calderdale has seen significant success with this programme, having received the highest number of successful applications in West Yorkshire. So far, 21 businesses in Calderdale have been approved for funding, with 18 of them collectively receiving a total grant value of around £730,000. This is helping them to innovate, expand and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities.
British pork’s back on the menu for customers in China
British pork can once again be exported to the country’s biggest market – China – with the end of that country’s Covid-era restrictions on UK unprocessed pork exports meaning a potential revenue boost of £80m for the industry.
China bought around £180 million worth of pigmeat in 2023 alone – making them the UK’s biggest non-EU customer. Now, with these restrictions lifted, even more British produce will be heading east.
The development comes after talks during the Foreign Secretary’s recent visit to China. Representatives from Defra and the Department for Business and Trade have worked to get British pork back on Chinese menus in collaboration with industry, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and the UK Export Certification Partnership.
Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner said: ”This is a massive win for British pork producers who will now be able to send their high-quality products to one of our largest markets, worth £180 million.”
New tax director joins Saffery in Yorkshire
A chartered tax advisor, who most recently headed up the tax transaction team of a well-known, top 20 accountancy firm in London, has joined chartered accounting and business advisory firm, Saffery in Leeds as a director.
The strategic appointment sees Tony Dillow join the 14-strong corporate tax team in Leeds, which is one of the firm’s nine UK regional offices.
With a wealth of tax advisory and transactional experience, Tony advises entrepreneurs, companies, search funds, and private equity investors on tax issues, with a particular focus around acquisitions, disposals and group restructuring.
Tony said: “My role as an adviser is to support clients to achieve their commercial objectives with tax efficient solutions. I enjoy working with clients in a wide range of industries, including the renewables, software and recruitment sectors.
“In recent years, I’ve also carried out transactional work for several specialist investment vehicles and private equity funds.
“I’m looking forward to continuing with transactional work, as well as supporting Saffery’s existing client base, helping to navigate the challenges and opportunities throughout the business lifecycle.
“Whether it’s implementing a tax efficient share scheme, facilitating a group restructure or helping with an acquisition or disposal, I’m keen to collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs and the vibrant mergers and acquisitions community here in Yorkshire.
“I moved to Saffery as it’s a partner led firm where you can draw upon experienced specialists within the team, not only here in Leeds, but across the UK.”
Jonathan Davis, partner and head of Saffery’s Yorkshire office, said: “Tony is a great addition to our team, highly capable, likable and experienced and we are lucky he chose to make the move up north!
“He will not only strengthen our offering in Yorkshire and the North West, where we have a team of more than 30 tax experts, but he will also work with national clients, putting his transactional skills to good use.”
Tony’s areas of expertise also include implementing tax efficient equity incentives including EMI and growth shares, supporting clients with group reorganisations, and he also provides tax due diligence services for search funds and private equity, with a particular interest in supporting search funds with acquisition tax structuring.
Raft of promotions at Yorkshire law firm
Yorkshire-based LCF Law has promoted 11 members of its team, in recognition of their contributions and commitment to the firm.
Andrew Langton and Hana Gwyn have both become partners. Andrew, who leads the debt recovery team joined LCF Law in 2014 and has grown the department, increasing turnover 15-fold. He has secured several significant client wins, and has played a significant role in establishing LCF Law as one of the major players, nationwide, within the commercial debt market.
Andrew said: “We offer clients a debtor funded recovery service, which can be invaluable for their business. We work with great people and great businesses, and I’m lucky to be a part of such a fabulous team at LCF Law supporting them to develop and grow in their careers.”
Hana works with the 29-strong personal law team and has been with the firm since 2020. Her promotion reflects her aptitude for high-net-worth client work, enabling clients to protect their assets and tax plan efficiently.
Hana also works with many clients who own successful businesses across the country. She will now lead the personal law team based in the Harrogate office.
Hana said: “LCF Law has allowed me to grow in my own way, putting its confidence in me to do what I’m good at and supporting me to pursue an area of the law I’m passionate about.
“Building long-term relationships with clients and working with other trusted advisers to ensure clients feel comfortable and knowledgeable about the future and mitigating any issues along the way is very rewarding.”
Kelly Gilbert, Will Bates and Brad Stewart have all been promoted to senior associates. Both Kelly and Will are in the 26-strong disputes team and Kelly’s promotion comes just one year after joining the firm.
Will joined LCF Law in 2022 and resolves commercial disputes. Recently he successfully defended an application for a summary judgment, as part of a three day hearing in London’s High Court. Kelly recently resolved a dispute for a multi jurisdiction estate worth several million pounds.
Will said: “Obviously disputes can escalate and go to court, but often the most satisfactory results are achieved when we secure a positive outcome for a client via other avenues, including mediation.”
Brad is a corporate lawyer who joined LCF Law seven years ago. He advises clients selling businesses of all sizes in every industry sector.
Emily Hickling, Ryan Cotton and Thomas Taylor have all been promoted to associates. Both Emily and Ryan work in the 18-strong real estate team. Emily has been with the firm four years and one of her clients is an international charity.
Ryan joined LCF Law in 2019 and works on property projects for national and international charities involving disposals, acquisitions and leases, as well a negotiating planning agreements and advising on liability risks.
Thomas specialises in commercial and digital law and joined the firm in 2020. He said: “A recent project involved working with an IT consultancy that was expanding its global partner program.
“I prepared a comprehensive suite of key documents, covering partner agreements, trademark licenses, data-sharing, and value-added reseller agreements. Playing a pivotal role in the firm’s growth strategy, my work strengthened partnerships and safeguarded the firm’s intellectual property, as it expanded globally.”
A further three members of the team have also been promoted having passed their final exams and legal qualifications several months ahead of schedule. Holly Jordan, Jonathan Gardner and Melanie Parsons have all been promoted to solicitors.
LCF Law’s managing partner, Ragan Montgomery, said: “We really appreciate what Andrew, Hana, Kelly, Will, Brad, Emily, Ryan, Thomas, Holly, Jonathan and Melanie bring to the business. Talented, dedicated and passionate about the areas of law they operate in, each one of them really does deserve their promotion.
“At LCF Law we are firmly committed to supporting career progression and a number of our partners started at the firm as trainees.
“Having been named as one of the UK’s best places to work in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list of medium sized companies last year, we know our 145-strong team are happy and feel rewarded for their work and we are committed to helping them all achieve their own personal goals, whilst delivering excellent client service.”
Rule revision planned for vessels taking workers offshore
New international maritime regulations will become law next year, aiming to improve safety standards for workers taken offshore to work on wind farms and oil and gas installations.
In the wake of expansion of the UK maritime offshore energy sector a new chapter has been added to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which includes the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has today launched a consultation on requirements, which will sit within the proposed Merchant Shipping Regulations 2025.
Ships operating in the offshore sector are by definition cargo ships, and because of this the number of passengers that can be carried is 12. The construction standards for passenger ships are more stringent than for cargo ships, in recognition of the larger number of people that these ships can carry.
The IP Code sets a standard based on cargo ship requirements, enhanced by requirements applicable to passenger ships, enabling such ships to carry more than 12 offshore workers – which by definition are not passengers or part of the crew.
The IP Code also sets out standards including medical fitness, personal survival, safety training and ship familiarisation, which industrial personnel must comply with.
MCA Director of UK Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley said: “The offshore sector has a fundamental place in how the world operates today, and at the MCA we truly value the service and dedication of these industrial and special personnel, and their safety is a priority for us.
“Implementation of the new SOLAS chapter, in particular the IP Code, will mean significant safety improvements for those working in the offshore sector.
“The code is recognised internationally so standards are set across the offshore sector, providing a global, level playing field. Please make sure your feedback is heard by taking part in our consultation.”
Luxury gift company gets £200,000 funding to support growth
Luxury food and drink gift company Imp & Maker has secured £200,000 in funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II to enhance its operations and sustain its growth.
Founder Sarah Louise Fairburn, with over 20 years of experience in food retail and production, launched the company in 2020 to bring innovation and quality to the gifting industry.
Sarah’s expertise and commitment to sustainability and social impact are central to the brand’s values. Beyond her business, she is an active advocate for sustainability and women’s empowerment, serving on the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board and UK Food Valley.
The funding will be allocated toward stock, marketing, and staff costs, with a primary focus on enhancing operational efficiency and driving long-term growth.
She said: “It was clear that my business needed additional finance to achieve the ambitious seasonal plans we had as Christmas approached. Whilst I had started discussions with banks, I wasn’t getting the result we needed.
“FundingRound played a pivotal role in positioning our requirements, introducing us to First Enterprise and securing the funds which will support our success. Lenders like First Enterprise are much needed to support the backbone of UK businesses! And we will always be working with FundingRound moving forward as they are the best at understanding entrepreneurs.”
Julia Wilkinson, Director, FundingRound Ltd added: “The current market requires lenders who will support expanding SMEs based on forecast-led growth, particularly bearing in mind the environment they’ve operated in over the past few years. CDFIs like First Enterprise play a crucial role in supporting businesses like Imp & Maker, and we are pleased to have First Enterprise fund them and other clients.”
Planning rules could be by-passed as part of new Government proposals
Planning decisions could be fast-tracked in a sweeping overhaul of local planning committees as part of new measures set out by the government to stimulate economic growth and tackle the housing crisis.
Under new plans to modernise the planning approval process, applications that comply with local development plans could bypass planning committees entirely to tackle, says the Government, chronic uncertainty, unacceptable delays and unnecessary waste of time and resources.
The measures would see a national scheme of delegation introduced, the creation of streamlined committees for strategic development and mandatory training for planning committee members.
Under the new plans, local planning officers will also have an enhanced decision-making role to implement agreed planning policy.
A Government spokesman said: “The changes will mean greater certainty to housebuilders that good-quality schemes aligned with already-agreed local development plans will be approved in a timely manner to get spades in the ground. With it, kickstarting economic growth and raising living standards in every part of the country, putting money back in the pockets of working people.”
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Exec of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “It’s encouraging to see the government explore these options in such an open way. These are the right questions to ask, and it is good that the government is prioritising collaboration, transparency, and consistency. By empowering qualified planners to implement planning policies, locally elected councillors will have the time to focus on the more significant cases, effectively speeding up the planning process and reducing unnecessary delays.”
“By requiring councillors to undergo appropriate training before joining planning committees, we can ensure planning decisions are made for the greater good of the communities while aligning with national policies. We would look forward to supporting this programme.”
The measures set out in the working paper will seek views from a range of planning, housing and local government experts before finalising proposal details for planning committees. The government will then publish a formal public consultation on these detailed proposals to coincide with the introduction of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill next year.
The government will also work closely with the sector to implement any changes from the paper, the first in a series of working papers aimed at informing policy development for the Bill.
