Government should recognise tradesmen’s positive contribution to homebuilding, says boss of payroll firm
Ian Anfield, MD of Bridlington-based CIS payroll company Hudson Contract says his company’s latest figures show there will always be a demand for highly skilled, safe and productive tradespeople in construction – the self-employed subcontractors.
He said: “Several trades are seeing record earnings even when housebuilding activity is relatively flat and way below government targets. If the new government and its agencies are serious about boosting output to around 300,000 new homes every year, they should recognise the positive contribution made by self-employed tradespeople, and not get sucked into constant criticism of them or their clients.
“An increase in housebuilding activity does not necessarily mean increasing the number of tradespeople by hundreds of thousands over the next few years.
“Construction is cyclical with peaks and troughs in the market. Companies will adapt and reorganise their resources to maximise the skills available to them on site. To suggest we can train or import an extra 40,000 people a year is just pie in the sky, so whatever happens, skilled subcontractors will always be in demand.”
He says subcontractors enjoyed record earnings across key trades last month, with pay for self-employed tradespeople up by 1.2 per cent to an average of £1,028 per week in August, the second highest on record. Year-on-year, earnings increased by 1.6 per cent compared to the same month in 2023.
Insulation trades saw the strongest growth, with earnings rising 7.3 per cent to a record-breaking £1,218 per week last month.
They were followed by bricklaying (up 4.6 per cent to £1,032); demolition (up 3.5 per cent to £1,025); and scaffolding (up 2 per cent to £975) subcontractors; all increasing to record levels.
Hudson’s pay trends analysis is based on payments made on behalf of circa 2,600 construction SMEs across England and Wales.
Lindum Group makes six directorship appointments
Lindum Group has appointed six new divisional directors from amongst its existing workforce.
In Lincoln, Nigel Parker and Stephen Roberts have been made Directors of Lindum Construction division.
In York, Lester Fisher, Gary Allen, and Dominic Kidd have been been made Directors of Lindum York.
And Group Health and Safety Manager Rob Wright has been promoted to Director of Health and Safety.
Group Co-Chair Freddie Chambers said the promotions recognise the hard work done by all in guiding, promoting and delivering Lindum’s commitment to teamworks and looking after clients.
“Each of these new directors has shown an unwavering commitment to our company values and to delivering outstanding results for our clients. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Lindum by driving our strategic objectives and enhancing the company’s capabilities to deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions for our clients.”
West Lindsey Council works with businesses to boost region’s tourism economy
Leisure and tourism businesses in West Lindsey are being offered free workshops designed to maximise the visitor economy in the district.
West Lindsey District Council is working with Unmissable England, who specialise in experiential tourism, to offer business support and training to tourism businesses across the country.
Two new free workshops are now available this autumn, via funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for West Lindsey businesses which are aimed at the leisure and tourism sector.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Chair of Prosperous Communities and Corporate Policy Committee, said she is delighted that more free training has become available for businesses. She said: “Supporting our businesses is vital in stimulating the growth and development of the district. These workshops are a great opportunity to receive specialist advice from real tourism experts which in turn will add value to our visitor economy and further boost our fantastic offer”.
Chris Brant, Director & Experiential Tourism Advisor at Unmissable England, said: “I am thrilled to return to West Lindsey District to present these training workshops,” said Chris Brant, tourism advisor from Unmissable England. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help local businesses enhance their marketing strategies and improve accessibility, ensuring a more inclusive and successful tourism experience for all.”
Full details of the workshop dates are on the West Lindsey District Council web site.
Yorkshire Water names contractors for £19.5m improvements near Keighley
Yorkshire Water is investing £19.5m in two schemes near Keighley to improve the water quality in the River Aire, alongside the resilience of the clean water network.
Marley wastewater treatment works is undergoing an £18m upgrade set to reduce the amount Phosphorus in the wastewater returned to the river Aire post treatment – improving the water quality of over 6.5km of the watercourse downstream of the works.
Contract partner Galliford Try is entering phase two of the project at Marley, which is a significant part of a £500m investment in Phosphorus reduction throughout Yorkshire, and work is expected to complete in early 2025. Phase one is being completed by Kier.
David Hobman, lead project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “These are important projects for the Keighley area and the Aire and Calder catchment, and we’re pleased to be making progress on each of them.
“It’s essential that we look after our rivers and help them to thrive – these works, which make up part of our wider investment in Phosphorous reduction across Yorkshire, will have a positive impact on the River Aire.”
Phosphorus is a normal part of domestic sewage, entering the sewer system via domestic showers and washing machines due to products such as shampoo and liquid detergent containing Phosphorus. It can also wash off from agricultural fields after the use of fertilisers and be dissolved from soil which can be difficult to control.
While a small amount of Phosphorus is harmless and is an essential part of many ecosystems, it can become damaging to human and animal life when unmanaged.
Meanwhile, Ponden Water Pumping Station, part of the clean water network, will receive a £1.5m upgrade, subject to planning approval.
Contract partners Barhale Enpure will be completing the refurbishment at the pumping station, which pumps raw water from Ponden reservoir to Oldfield Water Treatment Works for treatment. The works will enable the Oldfield site to take more water from Ponden reservoir to improve the resilience of the network.
North Yorkshire builders to be offered free hands-on advice about energy efficiency
Builders in North Yorkshire are being urged to take part in free hands-on building workshops to train in energy efficiency techniques.
As part of North Yorkshire Council’s Local Energy Advice Demonstrator project, retrofit training is being offered to help builders transform their approach to building design and construction and conform to Part L Building Regulations.
Part L provides guidance on energy efficiency and covers the thermal performance of a building’s fabric and heating systems.
The two half-day sessions, in Ricall in October and Hutton Rugby in November, will focus on the critical role of airtightness in modern building practices that will shape housebuilding and renovation into the future.
Delivered by an industry leading airtightness company, Partel, the courses will offer practical experience with membranes, tapes, airtight components and tools, and provide expert techniques and troubleshooting tips from industry experts.
The workshop will cover:
- Why buildings need to be more airtight
- Condensation risk
- Airtightness and ventilation
- How to build an airtight structure
- Retrofitting airtightness
- Breathability
- Specifying the correct product(s)
Sheffield Chamber moves to new offices
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce has relocated its headquarters to an eighth-floor space of almost 3,500 sq feet at Westfield House, fronting Charter Row and set in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre.
It will house not only the core Chamber team, but also colleagues from Sheffield International Trade Centre. The aim is to ensure the whole team sits under one roof, to greater streamline operations and benefit SCCI members.
The soon to be 22-strong team says the new environment, with its central and accessible location, emphasises its long-term commitment to supporting Sheffield’s vibrant business community and will make it easier to engage with existing and prospective members.
Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our move to Westfield House marks an exciting new chapter for Sheffield Chamber. The new location embodies the energy and ambition of our city. Being positioned at Westfield House, near the very businesses and communities we support, is a testament to our commitment to driving growth and opportunity for all organisations here in Sheffield.
The move has been made possible with help from commercial property specialist Colloco, legal specialists Irwin Mitchell, IT infrastructure from ITS Technologies and FluidOne, and a generous donation of office furniture from Rider Level Bucknall and Westfield Health.
The Chamber is a not-for-profit organisation made up of a community of board members, council members, patrons, and champions. This community is where businesspeople from around the region can share their expertise and insight to shape what the Chamber has to say on prominent issues.
Inflation stands unchanged
Inflation came in at 2.2% in August, unchanged from July, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), the largest upward contribution to inflation came from air fares, which rose this year but fell a year ago; the largest offsetting downward contributions came from motor fuels, and restaurants and hotels.
Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, was 3.6% in the 12 months to August 2024, up from the 3.3% in July.
Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “Inflation has fallen short of the Bank of England’s latest forecast expectations for the second month in a row. This will be welcomed by households and businesses, although they will still be feeling the pinch from three years of elevated costs growth.
“While the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will be reassured by today’s data, they’re likely to remain wary of loosening policy too quickly. Inflation is expected to pick up later this year and domestic price pressures, such as wage growth, still pose an upside risk to the outlook. That should result in a gradual path for interest rate cuts going forward, with rates likely to stay unchanged this month.”
CITB levy voting arrangements anger Bridlington payroll company MD
Plans for levy proposals from the Construction Industry Training Board have angered Ian Anfield, MD of Bridlington-based CIS payroll company Hudson Contract.
Claiming that the CITB brand has become toxic, Mr Anfield believes voting arrangements are designed to produce a ‘yes’ vote to 2029 levy proposals.
The CITB is kicking off with webinars to present its levy proposals, and the consultation will run from 26 September to 24 October. The training board needs to secure industry support for another extension of its levy-raising powers beyond next year. The webinars will provide details of the new levy rates and introduce a shortening of the time between levy assessments being raised and payments being due.
But Mr Anfield said: “It’s ironic that the CITB plans to kick off its 2026 consensus online, yet when it comes to the actual vote it will rely on the age-old method of block voting by trade federations and phone calls to a small number of hand-picked levy payers.
“The consensus process, which hasn’t changed for decades, is a complete farce and clearly designed to produce a ‘yes’ vote. Worse, it allows a small number of large organisations to influence CITB policy, particularly regarding grants and funding. As a result, the CITB is stuck in a constant cycle of failure in its attempts to address the industry’s skills needs.
“Regarding the detail, we welcome the CITB’s U-turn on its plans to introduce an additional levy on the use of labour providers, which it announced last autumn for introduction in 2026. The CITB’s own research showed this levy would have disproportionately affected smaller and medium-sized contractors which are the lifeblood of the construction industry.”
Mr Anfield said the levy proposals missed opportunities to iron out existing unfairness in the levy and highlighted the following ongoing issues:
- It can result in the levying of plant and materials if paid net of CIS
- It can lead to double levying in supply chains
- It imposes levies on the use of electricians, plumbers and other trades that sit outside the CITB, so these trades are denied CITB grants and funding.
New Business Information Officer at Shipley Library’s Enterprise Hub to support local firms
A new Business Information Officer is now in post at Shipley Library’s Enterprise Hub to support local businesses.
The enterprise hub was officially opened in November last year, in former exhibition space at the library, which was transformed using an £80,000 grant from the Government-funded Shipley Towns Fund.
The new facility offers resources and advice to local businesses and start-ups, as well as being used for events, meetings and co-working. It is also part of the Leeds City Region’s Business and IP Centre’s local offering, which offers free advice to businesses based in West Yorkshire.
Muhammad Umair is now in post as the Business Information Officer, based at the hub. Umair explained: “Shipley has a really interesting and diverse business community and the hub is such an incredible space – our business start-up sessions have been proving very popular and it’s great to welcome so many people to co-work together and create networking opportunities.
“I am committed to providing comprehensive support to businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to established companies and entrepreneurs. Our services are designed to assist businesses at every stage of their journey, from the initial setup to essential aspects like bookkeeping, social media marketing, tax returns and advice on finances – including potential funding streams. We offer the guidance and resources necessary to ensure these businesses are fully prepared to succeed.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The Enterprise Hub is an excellent resource for the local business community, particularly those starting-up or with newly-established businesses. The space is fully equipped for co-working, as well as having access to specialist business databases.”
Adam Clerkin, Chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The towns fund is delighted to be funding the post of Business Information Officer and to welcome Umair to the role. We know he will be able to offer excellent advice and guidance to our business community, as well as training existing staff.
“Shipley has a thriving business community and we’re keen to support it. We’d invite everyone to come down and see what the resource has to offer and how the hub can support the success of all local businesses.”
Keighley’s new industrial hub on course for completion
Building work to complete the first phase of work at Providence Park industrial site in Keighley town centre is on course for completion by October this year.
The development of the former Universal Mills site, on the corner of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road, began in April 2023 and has received funding through the Government’s Keighley Towns Fund.
As well as housing industrial units, part of the site will be used by Keighley College as a Manufacturing, Engineering and Future Technologies Hub. The hub will be used to provide students with academic and practical experience, and achieve T-level qualifications.
Work is progressing well on the five buildings which will house the units – the smallest of which is 150 square metres with the largest at 828 square metres – and has included: the demolition of previous buildings and structures; full site remediation; installation of surface water management system; and the construction of units to let.
Part of the original mill building has also been retained and sympathetically converted to a unit suitable for a café or other retail use.
Tim Rogers, chair of the Keighley Towns Fund, said: “This is another very exciting commercial development for Keighley, and an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town through the creation of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Future Technologies Hub in partnership with Keighley College.
“We believe across the site between 80 to 100 jobs will be created, which is a real boost during the current economic climate, and we anticipate local businesses will be keen to link up with the hub to provide apprenticeships.”
The Keighley Towns Fund has set aside £6.5m towards the £12m re-development of the 7,000 square metre site.
Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Regeneration and Transport Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Demand for employment sites is huge across Keighley and the whole of the Aire Valley so this development is much needed and welcomed.
“The properties have full solar panel coverage and air source heat pumps which will provide sustainable heat and hot water across the site.
“There is some work still to complete such as some internal works to each unit, fencing and gates, final surfacing of parking areas and the installation of EV charging points but it is on course to finish as scheduled.”
Once the initial phase is finished in October this year, the college unit is to due to be completed by early 2025.
TIS relocates regional office base to Joseph’s Well in Leeds
TIS, the independent life safety, security and communications systems integrator, has relocated its regional office base from Morley to Joseph’s Well, the heritage building in Leeds city centre, after agreeing a lease with J Pullan & Son’s.
The 807 square feet office suite provides the ideal city centre base for TIS to work in partnership with The University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and The Royal Armouries; designing, installing and maintaining highly-compliant life safety and security systems that protect people, places and spaces.
Matthew Fawcett, Operations Manager (Northern) at TIS, said: “The location of Joseph’s Well is perfect for us to relocate our regional team of 18 staff. We are now a stone’s throw away from our core clients, providing us with better site access and reducing travel time.
“Our new regional office hub serves as a fantastic base for all colleagues across our group and with our ambitious growth plans, the flexible suite options at Joseph’s Well will provide opportunities to expand.”
Bruce Strachan, Property Director at Pullan’s, said: “We’re delighted to welcome TIS to Joseph’s Well and provide flexible office space that meets their requirements for a central location to the University, as well as ample on-site parking for their operational staff.”
He added: “This letting is the latest in a string of leases agreed with businesses who have found Joseph’s Well to offer great value office space with a range of suite sizes available.
“This includes contemporary workspace ranging from 250 square feet, to combined suite options up to 10,000 square feet. The versatility of space and extensive car parking here is proving really popular and we’re thrilled we can help businesses grow and thrive in Leeds.”
Other recent tenants to take office space at Joseph’s Well include 600 square feet to Powerplay Team Sport Limited, part of Powerleague (the world’s largest provider of commercial small-sided football), and 2,584 square feet to HF, legal advisers in the insurance and commercial sectors with 10 other office locations across the UK and Ireland.
Steven Bailey, Regional Operations Manager North for Powerleague, said: “The main reason for choosing Joseph’s Well was the available options on suite size and the great location for all staff as it’s close to our Powerleague club.
“In addition, we were able to work with Pullan’s to add our own kitchen inside the office along with private office space, which was something we couldn’t get in other locations.”
Mike Rimmer, Partner & Chief Operating Officer of HF, said: “We’re thrilled that our decision to move into Joseph’s Well has been such a success. We were attracted by the fact that it offers modern, flexible workspace in a fantastic location that’s easy to access and where people like being based. That flexibility has already proved crucial for our ever-growing team.”
Joseph’s Well has a rich history dating back to the 19th Century when it was built by pioneering industrialist and clothing magnate Leeds MP Sir John Barran. Recognised with a blue plaque, the 150,000 square feet heritage building has been extensively refurbished by Pullan’s and the five-storey building now offers office accommodation with on-site parking.
Carter Towler and WSB are joint marketing agents for Joseph’s Well.
Record revenues and rising profit for Team17
Revenue and profit are on the rise at Team17, the independent games developer with offices in Wakefield, Nottingham, and Manchester.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), revenue grew to £80.6m, up from £72.4m in the same period last year.
Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, increased to £12.4m from £8.1m. Nine new games were launched, which included three new apps during the period, while four existing games were released on additional platforms.Steve Bell, CEO of Team17, said: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance during the first half as we continue to focus on driving sales through first-party IP titles and across our extensive portfolio, with strong demand for our games and apps across the Group.
“I’d like to thank Ann, Tim, Julia, Emmett and the rest of the leadership team for their support in leading our Group, as well as all of our people and development partners. Their passion, dedication and knowledge are fundamental to making our business a success, and I am grateful to all for their contribution.
“Looking ahead, there is significant growth potential in our core markets – Indie, edutainment and working simulation games. Our focus on creating a portfolio of games and apps with evergreen longevity, and leveraging our excellent lifecycle management capabilities, ideally positions us to capitalise on this and build a lifetime of play within our growing portfolio and player base.”
UK-first carbon capture pilot on energy from waste site launches in West Yorkshire
enfinium, an energy from waste operator, has launched the UK’s first carbon capture pilot at an energy from waste site. The launch is a milestone for the sector and for enfinium’s plans to deploy Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology across its UK facilities to generate carbon removals at scale and support the UK’s Net Zero target.
The technology, a containerised, scaled-down version of the CCS technology that enfinium could deploy across all of its sites, was supplied by global green technology company Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI). The pilot is installed at enfinium’s Ferrybridge-1 energy from waste facility in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, and is capturing one tonne of CO2 emissions from the plant’s operations each day.
The trial is being used to demonstrate how the technology can be applied at scale across enfinium’s fleet of six energy from waste facilities to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The pilot is collecting real operational data on performance, such as CO2 capture rate and solvent degradation, and will assess the performance of different amine solvents. The trial will run for at least 12 months.
Earlier this year, enfinium announced its Net Zero Transition Plan, setting out how it will decarbonise its own operations and deliver up to 1.2 million tonnes of carbon removals a year in the 2030s. The plan is underpinned by an investment programme of up to £1.7 billion, with a focus on investing in carbon capture and storage technology across its energy from waste facilities to deliver carbon removals at scale. The carbon capture pilot marks an important milestone in enfinium’s pathway to deliver carbon removals, helping to inform the future deployment and operation of CCS technology across its sites.
Deploying CCS at energy from waste facilities generates durable carbon removals, or ‘negative emissions.’ Around 50% of the unrecyclable waste produced by society is made up of biogenic content including organic material such as waste food, plants and paper, which has already naturally absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere. Installing CCS technology at an energy from waste facility enables this CO2 to be permanently captured and stored rather than released back into the atmosphere, resulting in a net carbon removal from the atmosphere.
The Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report, in July, noted that the UK must accelerate the production of carbon removals to stay on track to achieve Net Zero. Recent research by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies found that the energy from waste sector could contribute up to 8 million tonnes of carbon removals.
Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, said: “We are proud to have this sector-leading project up and running at our Ferrybridge facility. Carbon capture and storage technology is central to how the UK will be able to decarbonise its unrecyclable waste. CCS is also a critical to generating carbon removals at scale so the UK can achieve Net Zero. Using carbon capture, the energy from waste sector can provide significant levels of carbon removals and enfinium, with the support of HZI, are taking steps now to achieve this.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted to see the fantastic work being piloted in Ferrybridge, continuing the long tradition of energy generation and innovation in West Yorkshire. To see this development from enfinium is massively encouraging, as our own modelling shows a need for carbon capture and storage to help us reach our Net Zero ambitions. Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges we face, so it’s vital we find new opportunities for innovation that can help us build a greener, more secure region that’s fit for the future.”
Takeover means dog agility company can broaden its product range
Naylor Agility, which makes equipment for dog agility events at its Wombewll base, has acquired Performance Agility, which will allow it to expand its agility equipment range.
MD John Grice said: “We’re really excited with this acquisition which fits perfectly with our existing agility product range. We’d also like to thank our amazing customers for their continued support, and we look forward to seeing our products across the UK and Internationally!”
The company now plans a promotional tour by attending a number of shows around the country.
Northern names man to lead development of signalling system across its network
The UK’s second-largest train operator Northern has appointed Tony Plumbley to lead its engineering preparations for the roll-out of ‘European Train Control System’ signalling across its network.
Plumbley joined Northern as head of engineering in March 2022. Since then, he has delivered the train operator’s digital trains programme, developed the new operations management maintenance system and helped prepare the Northern fleet for autumn leaf-fall with double variable rate sanding equipment.
In his new role, he will support Barry Thomas, Northern’s head of ETCS, to ensure a smooth integration of the system for colleagues in operations, programmes, training, engineering, safety and commercial.
Steve Rowell, director of new rolling stock programmes at Northern, said: “Tony has successfully delivered a number of major projects since joining the team in 2022 and we couldn’t ask for a better engineering lead for the ETCS roll-out.
“ETCS is an exciting development for the rail industry and Northern is assembling a team to ensure we’re able to play our part in making the rail network even safer and more efficient.”
Mr Plumbley added: “I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into all things ETCS. Northern has given me so many great opportunities to work on exciting projects with real-world customer benefits – and ETCS will be game-changing for the industry when it comes online.”
Plumbley joined Northern from Merseyrail and has previously worked for Cross Country, Arriva and Bombardier. Recruitment for a new head of engineering at Northern will begin shortly.
Textile company James Robinson Fibres to invest £750k in Bradford operation
Yorkshire-based textile company James Robinson Fibres is to invest over £750,000 into its head office and warehousing at Euroway Industrial Estate in Bradford, enhancing operational efficiency as it celebrates 150 years of pioneering spirit in the textile industry.
The fifth-generation family business has been making significant investments across the group. This follows a £10m investment into Texfelt’s Cutler Heights facilities, positioning the company as a global leader in innovative textile fibres & fillings solutions.
JR Fibres will utilise this investment to refurbish buildings, enhance office and welfare facilities, and consolidate all business departments under one roof. The investment also extends to IT infrastructure and other operational efficiencies, improving flow and function to achieve world-class efficiency levels in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics divisions.
James Taylor, Group Chairman, said: “As we celebrate 150 years of James Robinson Fibres, we’re not just reflecting on our achievements but actively shaping our future. This investment represents our commitment to continuous innovation and adaptability – principles that have been the cornerstone of our success since 1873.
“Throughout our history, we’ve consistently reinvented ourselves to meet changing market demands. From our origins in wool dyeing to pioneering recycled fibres, and now leading the way in sustainable products and materials, we’ve always embraced change. This latest investment ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next 150 years.”
Consultancy business quits Barnsley for a move to Sheffield’s business district
Consultancy specialist BrookConsult is to quit Barnsley for a move to Leah’s Yard in Sheffield to put itself at the heart of the city’s business district.
Sheffield’s Heart of the City project is a major initiative to revitalise the city centre, creating a thriving environment for businesses. By moving to Leah’s Yard, BrookConsult aims to tap into this investment, boosting our operations and contributing to Sheffield’s economic growth.
This move will help BrookConsult build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders like the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield Hallam University, and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
MD Dom Brook said: “We are really looking forward to moving to Leah’s Yard, a location that embodies Sheffield’s industrious spirit and innovative drive. This move reflects our commitment to growth and excellence, and our dedication to contributing to Sheffield’s vibrant business landscape.”
ABB appoints partner in virtual finance function
AAB has appointed Leeds-based Mark Bain as Partner within its Virtual Finance Function.
His appointment is the second significant senior-level addition to the team in as many months, reflecting not just the surge in demand for Virtual Finance services, but also AAB’s reputation for providing exceptional client service.
A Chartered Accountant whose international career spans more than 20 years, Mark has an impressive track record of propelling growth-oriented businesses toward success. His most recent tenure as COO of a prominent brand has not only sharpened his capabilities in understanding and enhancing client operations, but also positioned him to harness the benefits of AAB’s Virtual Finance Function, particularly when businesses find themselves at critical junctures.
Mark said: “I am delighted to be joining the Virtual Finance team at this pivotal time. The opportunity to contribute to the exceptional growth trajectory of AAB and build on the impressive results we’ve already accomplished is exhilarating, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier, transformative financial solutions.”
Lauren McIlroy, Head of the Virtual Finance Function at AAB, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team. His expertise in finance technology and strategy aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing innovative and tailored financial solutions to our clients.”
Train operator appoints eight new apprentices
TransPennine Express has hired eight new apprentices from towns and cities across the region including Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and Middlesbrough.
Over the next two years, the eight individuals Ben Hunt, Cameron Law, Ellen Thompson, Harry Moss, Jacob Dube, Jack Millward, Megan Asquith, and Ted Hollas will be immersed in the world of TPE and will play an integral part in transporting customers and connecting communities across the North and into Scotland.
The apprentices will work across the business to see how each function works together to keep customers on the move, all while gaining the skills required for a career in the rail industry.
Each will also gain a Level 3 qualification, with TPE working with training providers to ensure the qualifications are relevant and positively impact both the business and the apprentices.
Emma Sayers-Bates, Early Careers Talent Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the next generation of rail talent and proud to be introducing our eight new team members.
“Apprenticeships are huge opportunities for both students and employees and are an excellent way for young people to kick-start their career, allowing them to further their education and gain great work experience at the same time.
“We want our apprentices to gain knowledge across the whole business, giving them a great start as they build their careers. Our apprentices will delve into different areas of the business, from supporting communications to the delivery of services in the control centre; the new recruits will get to see what it’s like to run a railway.”
Accountancy firm names new financial services audit partner
Accountancy and advisory firm Azets has appointed Alain de Braekeleer as a financial services audit partner.
Based in Leeds, Alain is a seasoned FS specialist who brings a wealth of experience from his 20 years in the FS audit practice at KPMG.
His time there included leading numerous Financial Statement and Client Money audits as well as providing a variety of non-audit services to clients.
Alain has experience across a wide array of FS firms and he has supported and worked with companies and groups of all shapes and sizes.
His appointment comes as Azets’ audit business continues to grow in Yorkshire. Leeds has become the UK’s second city for financial services, while the North of England has one of the largest concentrations of financial and business services firms in Europe.
Russell Turner, regional managing director for Yorkshire, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Alain to Azets. “He brings exceptional experience and expertise in the highly-specialist, sophisticated and exacting FS audit space which will allow us to bring this new service to clients across the north.
“This will complement both our existing audit and assurance offering in the region and our well-established and successful FS audit services in London and the south east.”
Chris Butt, head of audit for Yorkshire, said: “Alain is a strong and strategic hire with an excellent reputation whose appointment represents an investment in the future of the company.
“It is an opportunity to widen our client base and build a new business arm from the ground up across the region.”
Mr de Braekeleer said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Azets at such an exciting time in its growth and look forward to supporting many of the varied companies that make up the thriving Financial Services sector in Yorkshire.”
Alain will support clients in asset management, asset finance and fintech as well as a range of other types of financial services firms.
