100 jobs saved in Dewsbury as buyer found for glass manufacturer
A buyer has been secured for an at-risk glass manufacturer.
Martyn Rickels and Anthony Collier of FRP were appointed as joint administrators of Dewsbury-based double and triple glazing glass unit manufacturer Oakland Glass on 9th October 2024. The firm had fallen into difficulty after a challenging trading period.
However, following an accelerated sale process, a deal to purchase the company as a going concern has been agreed with Clayton Glass Limited.
The agreement sees all 110 of Oakland’s staff members transferred to the new owner through the TUPE process. Clayton Glass has also acquired all of the £11m-turnover firm’s unencumbered fixed assets, stock and intellectual property.
Martyn Rickels, partner at FRP, said: “Oakland Glass is not alone in having struggled in what is an increasingly challenging sector and we’re pleased to have found a path forward for the company.
“Clayton Glass has a solid track record in the industry, having produced glass units in the UK for three quarters of a century. We’re optimistic that the new owner has the experience, expertise and resources to put Oakland back on the path to growth.”
Ryan Green, Director at Clayton Glass, said: “This deal is the best outcome for both parties – it enables us to expand our glass manufacturing capacity and provide security for Oakland’s 100 plus employees. We’re excited to welcome them to the Clayton Glass family.”
Shoosmiths LLP provided legal counsel to the administrators during the deal process and LCF Law acted for Clayton Glass.
Apprenticeship provider launches new South Yorkshire training centre
JTL, apprenticeship providers in the building services engineering sector, recently welcomed John Healey MP to officially open its new training centre in South Yorkshire.
The charity’s newest training centre located in Wath Upon Derne, will serve as a hub for electrical apprenticeships and training in green technologies. The state-of-the-art facilities are the result of a £2 million investment, highlighting JTL’s commitment to delivering high-quality, learner-focused training, addressing local skills shortages, and supporting the UK’s green skills agenda.
The official opening event was attended by John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, who unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion and addressed the audience of local employers, industry representatives, apprentices, school students from Wath Academy, careers advisors, and the JTL delivery team about the importance of fostering skills for the future.
The South Yorkshire centre has electrical engineering workshops, classrooms, an End Point Assessment (AM2) preparation workstation, breakout areas, and is set to play a key role in helping the region meet its growing demand for skilled professionals alongside local businesses taking on an apprentice.
Attendees had the opportunity to tour the new centre, meet the first cohort of apprentices, network and learn more about the technical skills being taught, which will include renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The South Yorkshire Training Centre will be a flagship facility for JTL, contributing to the local economy and equipping future generations with the skills needed to meet the UK’s demand for sustainable homebuilding and energy infrastructure, through a specialist ‘Green Hub’ of training for renewable technologies.
According to the South Yorkshire Trailblazer Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), future skills needs include addressing replacement demand for an ageing workforce and jobs linked to new technology and construction methods and the drive for net zero.
With over £11.8 billion in planned projects for the sub-region – two-thirds (£8 billion) of which will be in the green economy – this includes low-carbon tech, electric vehicles, carbon capture and resilient utilities networks, and will all require highly-skilled electrical engineers.
Across the North East region, where JTL has training centres in South Yorkshire, Hull and York, the industry charity is training approximately 1,800 apprentices in partnership with 1,200 employers.
John Healey MP, who represents the local Rawmarsh and Conisbrough constituency, said in his remarks: “I am delighted that JTL has chosen Wath as the home of its new South Yorkshire training centre for apprentices to learn their trade.
“The centre has already created 17 jobs locally through new tutors, administrators and supervisors and the plans are in place to train almost 100 new electrical apprentices from across the borough with an expansion into plumbing courses in the near future.
“Apprenticeships provide our young people with a valuable pathway into critical sectors, allowing them to earn while they learn and develop the essential skills they need for their careers. Our community is full of skilled talent and we are eager for the next generation to be able to pick up a trade and get on in life.”
Sir John Low, Chair of the JTL Board, said: “The opening of our South Yorkshire Training Centre marks an exciting milestone for JTL as we continue to expand our network of facilities to meet local, regional, and national skills needs.
“This new centre will help to equip young people in the South Yorkshire area with the practical, hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the building services industry, particularly as we move towards a greener economy. We are thrilled to contribute to both the local community and the wider national agenda for skills development and net-zero commitments.”
Energy company starts work on electricity storage site in North Yorkshire
Building work has started at Monk Fryston in North Yorkshire on SSE’s largest battery storage project.
At 320MW, the project is SSE’s largest battery storage facility being built, and one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Once completed, the site could power over half a million homes for up to two hours at a time, during times of peak demand.
SSE Renewables, Morrison Energy Services, and Sungrow have planted a ceremonial tree near the entrance to the site.
Heather Donald, Director of Onshore Wind, Solar & Battery at SSE Renewables, said: “It’s fantastic to have construction under way on our largest battery storage project at Monk Fryston, and to have been joined by our project partners Morrison Energy Services and Sungrow to mark the occasion.
“To be building a battery project of this size and scale is a huge testament to how far we have come in such a short space of time, with our first 50MW battery asset at Salisbury already entering full operations earlier this year. “Battery storage projects like this one at Monk Fryston will be vital in reaching the UK’s net zero targets, providing flexibility to the grid when the sun isn’t shining, and the wind isn’t blowing.”
Yorkshire Water enters partnering agreement with Citizens’ Advice
Yorkshire Water is partnering with Citizens Advice Leeds to support customers facing financial difficulties by making bill payments more manageable and offering extra assistance to those who are eligible.
Citizens Advice Leeds will refer customers struggling with their bills to Yorkshire Water support schemes, helping to make their payments more manageable and reduce debt. Yorkshire Water will also help eligible customers sign up to the Priority Services Register for extra assistance.
Claire Gott, community engagement field manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We know that many people in the Leeds area are experiencing financial hardship. Unfortunately, not enough customers who are eligible for our support schemes are signing up.
“By partnering with organisations like Citizens Advice Leeds, we can better reach and help those in need. This is our third partnership with Citizens Advice, and we’re already seeing positive results with more customers getting the help they need.”
Julie Balfour, specialist services director at Citizens Advice Leeds, said: “We’re really excited to see how our partnership with Yorkshire Water will improve the debt advice process for our clients. We’re hopeful that having easier access to Yorkshire Water’s support schemes will improve outcomes for our clients and save time for our advisors.”
Yorkshire Water is looking to work with other organisations dedicated to supporting financially struggling communities. There are four digital awareness sessions available for companies wanting to learn more about the financial support available to customersCarolina wins place amongst UK’s top 30 housing champions
Manningham Housing Association’s high-flying Corporate Project Manager Carolina Padovezi de Oliveira has been named as one of Housing Today’s Top 30 Housing Champions.
Originally from Brazil, Carolina joined the BME organisation – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley – as an Admin Assistant in 2019, before rising through the ranks to her current position.
Her ability to use technology – particularly AI – to deliver better services and improved customer satisfaction at Manningham Housing Association, coupled with her willingness to share her experiences and successes with the wider housing sector, earned her the title of Inspirational Colleague of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards 2024.
Carolina’s continued commitment to her work has resulted in her latest accolade as part of leading online publication Housing Today’s Every Person Counts campaign, which aims to provide a space for housing professionals to engage in debates and share solutions about skills, employment, regulatory compliance, equality diversity and inclusivity, and workplace culture.
Carolina said: “I am so proud of what we do at Manningham Housing Association, knowing that it genuinely changes lives.
“For me, housing is not just about providing roofs over heads. It is about creating safe, thriving communities where people can grow and feel secure. That is what makes it so rewarding.
“Success also depends on teamwork and that is what Manningham Housing Association excels at.
“It is an honour to be included in the Top 30 Housing Champions, but it is an achievement I share with my colleagues.”
BCC welcomes launch of Government’s Industrial Strategy
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, saying it’s vital in securing the long-term stability that businesses need to plan ahead and invest.
But she sounded a note of caution: “It must deliver on that promise, and it needs to set out clearly how we will leverage the country’s competitive advantage. Alongside the key growth sectors of the economy, it must also integrate each region’s strengths into the plan.
“We need to send a message to the world that the UK is the best place to start, grow and invest in business, and create a new ‘Brand Britain 2.0’ that builds on the past but looks to the future.
“This means putting green and digital innovation at the heart of what we do, investing in infrastructure and skills, removing barriers to investment and putting more energy and resources into exporting. The more we sell to the world, the stronger our economy will be.
“Establishing a new supply chain taskforce, to increase resilience is also essential. The pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the Middle East crisis, have all highlighted the UK’s deep connectivity with global markets for energy, medicines, communications technology and manufacturing components.”
Shelborn secures Bluesmith at South Central in Leeds
Shelborn Asset Management has secured another letting at their redevelopment of South Central in Leeds. This follows on from the recent deals with AON, Keepmoat and Inseego UK Ltd.
Bluesmith Information Systems, a software and data engineering provider for blue chip and government clients, is taking 11,000 sq ft of recently refurbished space at the 75,338 sq ft development in Millshaw.
Bluesmith, whose clients include Yorkshire Water and Skipton Building Society, is relocating from offices in nearby Beeston.
Stuart Edmondson, director for Bluesmith Information Systems, said: “We can’t wait to move into our new office space next year. The facilities look excellent, it has nearby transport links and ample parking, so it’s a great location for us.
“Underpinning our success story in building cloud-first modern data platforms and developing custom applications are our people, who work closely together in agile teams. Expanding into South Central creates an enjoyable work environment for our people, which will help us to continue to delight our customers.”
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at the Leeds office of Knight Frank, who advised landlords Shelborn, said: “This is one of the most important and prestigious office deals in the south Leeds area this year. Bluesmith is a highly successful software and data engineering provider, and this move marks an important foundation for future sustainable growth.
“The comprehensive refurbishment of South Central, formerly offices for Barclays Bank, now provides some of the finest office space in Leeds. The Bluesmith deal is a resounding endorsement of what South Central has to offer.
“There’s no doubt South Central ticked all the boxes. The combination of its excellent location and first-class facilities, including ample car parking, communal spaces, lounge and a gym, was exactly what Bluesmith wanted as the company continues to grow.
“The development is close to the M621, M62 and M1, providing excellent access to Yorkshire’s motorway network, making it easy for staff to get there by car. It is also close to the popular White Rose Shopping Centre.
“Significantly, this was a deal in which landlord, tenant and agent all worked together on a tri-partite basis to ensure the best possible outcome for both the deal itself and the fit-out of the offices. We wish Bluesmith all the best in their splendid new home.”
The Leeds office of CBRE is the joint marketing agent of South Central with Knight Frank.
Yorkshire family business HSL joins The Furniture Makers’ Company
A long-established family business, HSL, which has been making and selling upholstered chairs, sofas and adjustable beds from its base in West Yorkshire for more than 55 years, is the latest business to become a corporate member of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.
Established in 1968 by the Burrows family, the company has a team of around 200 people employed at its head office and manufacturing facilities in Batley, with a further 300 staff working across its 55 showrooms nationwide.
HSL’s new product ranges have gained the Queen’s Award for Innovation and, earlier this year, it was awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark for business excellence by The Furniture Makers’ Company. It has also recently been featured in an episode of BBC show Inside the Factory.
Ben Waters, HSL operations director, said: “As a long-standing UK furniture manufacturer, we are proud to be joining The Furniture Makers’ Company this year. It is a great opportunity for us to contribute to our thriving community of furniture makers, and we look forward to collaborating around issues such as sustainability, training, and education.
“Most importantly, we are eager to raise the profile of our industry and spread awareness of the fantastic charity work undertaken by The Furniture Makers’ Company.”
Brian Ahern, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We are pleased to see another high-quality, long-established furniture maker joining our number.
“HSL showed itself to be an exceptional British manufacturer when it was awarded our coveted Manufacturing Guild Mark a few months ago and it’s great news that it is now choosing to play a more active role in the continued success of our dynamic furniture sector.”
Corporate membership provides opportunities for leading businesses from the trade to support the Company’s charitable activities, get involved with civic events and network with other members.
£150m JV formed to deliver major build-to-rent development in Leeds
Build-to-rent (BtR) developer and operator, PLATFORM_, has formed a £150 million joint venture with Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), the Lloyds-backed equity investor, to deliver a 451-apartment BtR scheme in Leeds.
It represents the first phase of PLATFORM_’s transformative 1.3 million sq ft mixed-use development on Sweet Street, in the South Bank regeneration area of Leeds.
Winvic Construction has been appointed as the main contractor, marking its third collaboration with PLATFORM_, following the successful delivery of BtR developments in Cardiff and Sheffield.
PLATFORM_, HGP and Winvic were joined by James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the commencement of the development. Securing consent from Leeds City Council in 2023, PLATFORM_’s latest neighbourhood will include 1,351 BtR homes and 150,000 sq ft of commercial space, representing more than £500 million of investment.
Scheduled for completion at the start of 2027, the previously vacant site will become a mixed-use community, featuring a mix of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by extensive amenities including a gym, residents’ lounges, co-working spaces, extensive roof terraces and curated green spaces.
Alongside the residential offering, the first phase includes the refurbishment of historic pub, The Commercial Inn, and creation of a 4,000 sq ft convenience grocery store. A new public square will serve as the focal point of the new neighbourhood, designed to foster community interaction and create an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
The homes will all be rated EPC B or above and feature renewable energy sources, energy-efficient heating and lighting systems, and smart in-home technologies.
Jean-Marc Vandevivere, CEO at PLATFORM_, said: “Our new joint venture with HGP will accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes in Leeds, bringing an important city centre site that has been vacant for over 15 years back into use.
“This latest addition to the PLATFORM_ development pipeline embodies our long-term commitment to the city’s growth, creating a sustainable, inclusive community. This project will not only provide new homes but will also contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the South Bank area, supporting Leeds’ economic growth and inward investment goals.”
Colin Bennett, Investment Director at Housing Growth Partnership, said: “Our partnership with PLATFORM_ will deliver a landmark development in Leeds, which will contribute to the regeneration of the South Bank, providing new homes, and enhancing the local economy.
“It extends what has been a transformative year for HGP’s Living platform, which has seen us significantly scale our funding into the PBSA and multi-family sectors. We look forward to working with PLATFORM_, and seeing this vibrant community come to life and the positive social impact it will deliver.”
Winvic’s Managing Director for Multi-room, Mark Jones, added: “We are looking forward to working with PLATFORM_ once again on this significant scheme, which will set new standards for sustainable urban living in Leeds. Our shared focus on quality and community-centred design ensures we will deliver a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood that future generations can be proud of.
“This development will play a key role in transforming the Leeds skyline, and we are proud to be part of it. With our collaborative approach and focus on quality and excellence, we’re confident in the successful delivery of this development, and we look forward to progressing through the construction phases toward completion.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It’s really pleasing to see this prominent brownfield site in Holbeck, the former industrial heartland of our city, being transformed from its current derelict state by a scheme that has such an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity and quality of life.
“The development promises to be a landmark addition to the already-thriving South Bank and will also, by creating new homes and jobs, complement our wider efforts to ensure Leeds is a place with opportunities for all.”
The Sweet Street development will create approximately 360 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the construction phase and support more than 1,000 FTE jobs once completed across the residential, commercial and leisure uses within the scheme.
Leeds intellectual property firm secures private equity investment
CBPE has invested in HGF, the intellectual property (IP) firm. HGF specialises in the creation and management of IP portfolios for many of the world’s foremost companies and research institutions.
Founded almost 30 years ago and headquartered in Leeds, HGF has demonstrated consistent growth year-on-year. The firm has expanded significantly, becoming the second-largest provider of IP services in the UK, with a growing presence across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Ireland.
Today, HGF supports over 3,000 highly innovative organisations worldwide with their patent, trademark, and IP strategy needs.
The partnership with CBPE will allow HGF to accelerate its investment in people, technology and enhanced services. This collaboration will also facilitate a broader equity participation across the firm, reflecting HGF’s commitment to a culture of innovation and employee engagement.
Martyn Fish, Partner, CEO, HGF, said: “This investment marks a significant opportunity for HGF and everyone in the team. I am thrilled with our decision to partner with CBPE to take the next step in our journey. Their culture and values are closely aligned with ours, and we share a common vision for the future of HGF.”
CBPE’s investment in HGF was led by Harry Hewlett and Ian Moore, with support from Jolyon Latimer, Rachel Milton and Namrata Pai.
CBPE was advised by Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), PwC (Financial, Tax), JEGI Clarity (Debt Advisory), Roland Berger (Commercial), AJ Gallagher (Insurance), Crosslake (IT) and Anthesis (ESG). HGF were advised by Investec (Corporate), CMS (Legal) and Grant Thornton (Financial, Tax, Commercial). Senior debt was provided by HSBC, who were advised by Pinsent Masons (Legal).
Half of South Yorkshire businesses faced disruption over finance, says survey
Roughly half of South Yorkshire businesses have experienced some form of disruption over the last five years as a result of not being able to access the financial support they need, according to the findings of a poll on the subject by the regions three regional chambers of commerce.
The Access to Finance Survey was open from mid-August to mid-September and canvassed the views of organisations from across Doncaster, Sheffield, and also Barnsley & Rotherham. Among other things, respondents were asked if they feel confident that they know where they can turn to for business finance, which forms of relevant support are on their radar, and what their top considerations would be when it comes to making a decision here.
One headline finding is that, while four in ten South Yorkshire firms have in fact sought business finance in the past five years, only around half are actually confident that they would know where to turn in this situation.
As the questionnaire results then go on to explain, the vast majority of firms in our region are unaware of the full suite of options available to them here. Indeed, although banks might be recognised as an obvious route to take (as identified by 83% of respondents), awareness of all other forms of support and lenders was well below 50%, and some beneath 10%.
The Chief Execs of all three South Yorkshire Chambers issued the following joint statement “These findings are eye-opening and worth paying attention to, especially once we take into account the very tangible impact that it can have for a business when they cannot find the financial support they need. Concerningly, 44% of our respondents told us that a lack of said access has indeed caused disruption for them, or otherwise forced them to scale back their ambitions, in the last half-decade alone.
“It is therefore important that we, as a region, heed what the private sector is telling us and respond to these challenges. While we certainly have a good number of high-quality, trustworthy lenders & financial organisations on our doorstep in South Yorkshire, there is clearly a visibility issue; with so few firms being cognisant of all their options.
“In terms of what businesses are looking for, a convenient application process and the ability to talk to somebody were regularly cited as top considerations. In fact, both of these ranked above the competitiveness of the offer in question, or even the reputability of the brand they were speaking to.
“Elsewhere, almost half of respondents indicated that they would be interested in accessing a programme designed to connect them up with new investment opportunities, while there was also a similar appetite for a low percent government loan targeted at supporting investment in decarbonisation.
“With the business community having articulated its needs, it is now incumbent upon the region to ensure that they are being met; the Chambers can provide a conduit to local businesses but it is incumbent on the providers of alternative finance to work with us and to extend their marketing and business engagement efforts to ensure that finance is getting to the parts of the economy that need it.”
£6.9m mill transformation project completes at Bradford College
A multimillion-pound renovation project on Bradford College’s main campus has transformed a derelict mill into a flexible digital, science, and allied health training facility for higher-level students.
Garden Mills, on Thornton Road, opened its doors to staff and students recently after months of construction work on the 1900s five-storey building. The development results from £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 the 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 Bradford 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.
Christopher Malish, Vice Principal Finance & Corporate Services, said: “Seeing Garden Mills return to life has been extremely rewarding. This new facility will enhance the student experience, create more graduate opportunities, and counter regional skills shortages in STEM-related sectors. These aspirations align with our vision of creating ‘a better future for all through education and training’.“Our strategic objectives include delivering curricula that meet the needs of students, employers, and our community. We’re delighted that Garden Mills will help to upskill local people in specialisms that are in demand, while supporting vital regional economic growth.”
Garden Mills is the first of several ongoing Bradford College capital developments to be completed. Over the last two years, nearly £32 million in funding has been secured, which is being used to enhance, refurbish, and build aspirational new facilities in the heart of Bradford.
Other projects include new vocational T Level facilities in David Hockney Building, overseen by Sewell Construction and funded by £3.5 million from the Department for Education (T Level Capital Fund – Wave 5). Set to complete in Autumn, the project will create 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 underway with Phase 1 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 be 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 2025/2026. 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 an ambitious Bradford College estates strategy. The capital masterplan centres around building facilities that open up pioneering student careers and support regional economic growth.
Work completes on West Yorkshire heritage railway’s new visitor attraction
A new visitor centre has been opened inside what is believed to be the last-functioning water tower of its kind in the UK, on the historic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Work started last year on the tower at the northern terminus of Keighley Station, as part of the £100,000 project funded by Keighley Towns Fund, with an additional £42,000 from The Railway Heritage Trust.
The tower was originally constructed by the Midland Railway Company in 1883 to provide water for locomotives arriving in and departing from places such as Bradford, Carlisle, Halifax, Leeds, Morecambe and Scotland, and it is still used today to refresh the KWVR’s fleet of historic steam engines.
KWVR is one of England’s leading heritage railways, and the tank that tops the building holds 30,000 gallons of water and can supply up to 10,000 gallons a day for the railway’s major events.
The bottom half of the building used to house a pump engine that moved water up from the River Worth, which flows just below the station to the tank. However, following the introduction of main water supplies to the area, the space fell into disuse.
Keighley Assistant Station Master James Crossley, who led the visitors’ information and interpretation element of the Water Tower project for the KWVR, explained: “Work to convert the vacant space into a visitor centre started in September 2023. The floor level has been raised to that of Platform Four, where the Water Tower is situated, and one of the key features we have introduced is a glass panel over the original well.
“If you add in under-floor heating and a heat-pump system, a new electric system as well as a new door, the painting and decorating and fitting out; it has been a major undertaking for the railway. The space is now open daily for people to explore, and admission is free.”
The KWVR’s own volunteer workforce kitted out the centre with interactive features, including the history of the railway and its connections to the Midland Railway, a model of how the Water Tower works, and elements of the railway’s vast archive of pictures.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: “This historic water tower is such an important structure and part of Keighley’s proud rail heritage. It has been incredible to see the process of restoring the former pump-house to create an accessible centre for passengers and visitors, without compromising the operational function of the water tower itself.”
Chair of the Keighley Town Board Tim Rogers added: “The KWVR is one of the leading educational, heritage and tourist attractions across the district, and indeed the country. It draws so many people to the area and strengthens our local economy. We’re pleased to have been able to support this contemporary visitor centre with a significant amount of funding, so it can continue to delight passengers and visitors for many years to come.”
Boost for health technology sector as West Yorkshire signs historic trade and investment pact with Nashville
The city regions of West Yorkshire and Nashville, Tennessee, will work together to turbocharge their health technology sectors.
The landmark agreement, signed this week [Monday 7 October] by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, will help encourage the flow of trade, investment and knowledge sharing between the two regions.
The announcement came on the eve of the first meeting of the Council of the Nations and Regions [Friday 11 October], which will see the Prime Minister Keir Starmer convene the UK’s leaders to discuss growth and investment, and kickstart a new era of “genuine, meaningful, and focused partnership to change the way we do business, redefine our position on the world’s stage, and unlock the whole of the UK’s untapped potential to make everyone, everywhere better off.”
Mayor Brabin will miss the meeting in Scotland to carry out the final days of her US trade mission in Boston, Massachusetts, before returning on Monday 14 October for the Government’s inaugural International Investment Summit in London, where boosting trade and investment with the USA will be a key focus.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This groundbreaking new partnership with Nashville will deliver real results at home – new jobs, more investment, and better care for patients.
“It’s a major vote of confidence in West Yorkshire, and a testament to the strength of our healthtech sector, the talent in our universities, and the innovation of our businesses.
“By working together, our great regions will reignite growth and transform the lives of patients worldwide, as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of Nashville, said: “I am excited to collaborate with West Yorkshire in a way that will improve health outcomes for residents of both cities.
“Nashville has a strong history of work and innovation in the health care sector, and a partnership with excellent minds overseas ensures that will continue to flourish.”
According to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Mayors plan to establish a “Healthtech Bridge” connecting both sides of the Atlantic. In practice, this would mean greater partnership working between the two regions’ businesses, universities, chambers of commerce and regional government authorities.
It will see the UK and USA working together to overcome shared healthcare challenges through the use of technology. In West Yorkshire, healthtech firms have pioneered new products to support cancer patients during chemotherapy [Paxman Scalp Cooling], new software to speed up response times for paramedics [Dedalus], and new blood tests that use AI to predict the likelihood of a patient having cancer as a percentage [PinPoint Data Science].
In addition to supporting patients in the NHS and worldwide, investing in healthtech also presents a significant economic opportunity for the region. West Yorkshire’s Investment Zone will see the Mayor work collaboratively with the region’s universities in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, to drive investment, growth, and solutions to real world problems. Over the next five years, the West Yorkshire Healthtech and Digital Tech Investment Zone could create more than 2,500 new jobs, and unlock over £220 million of private investment.
The transatlantic Healthtech Bridge, which the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce helped to broker following multiple trips to West Yorkshire, will help to turbocharge this regional growth through a brand new exchange programme. The scheme will support knowledge sharing between the two regions’ businesses and universities, including the world-leading Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Lori Odom, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to facilitate international partnerships that bolster long-term regional growth. The Healthtech Bridge with West Yorkshire strengthens our global ties and cements Nashville’s role as a leader in innovation and international business.
“This collaboration enhances our health technology sector, creates jobs, and elevates Nashville’s standing in transatlantic business relationships.”
As the home of NHS England, the Department for Health and Social Care, and the largest teaching hospital in Europe, West Yorkshire is a global magnet for health innovation. The region is home to more than 300 healthtech companies, with Leeds ranking as the third most attractive city in the world for healthtech businesses which are ready to launch or looking to move.
Nashville, which has almost doubled its number of health and life sciences professionals since 2000, has been identified by the Mayor as a prime trading partner for West Yorkshire. Overall, the state of Tennessee ranks third in the USA for the export of medical supplies and equipment, worth over $4 billion.
The historic Healthtech Bridge was announced by Mayor Brabin to an audience of global health innovators at the NCQA Health Innovation Summit in Nashville, as part of a week-long trade mission to create opportunities for West Yorkshire businesses in the USA. The partnership was welcomed by UK and US-based firms, including Paxman Scalp Cooling, which manufactures and exports scalp cooling systems to minimise patients’ hair loss during chemotherapy, and Womble Bond Dickinson, which supports healthtech firms to export and scale to international markets.
John Scannapieco, Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson and Honorary Consul from Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Tennessee, said: “The healthcare challenges we face here in Nashville are similar to the ones seen in West Yorkshire, and in many communities around the world. Healthcare providers must address such issues as caring for an aging population, allocating limited resources, and dealing with staffing shortages.
“Since these challenges are global, our approach to finding solutions needs to be global, too. Both of our communities are hubs of health technology innovation, and by working together and sharing knowledge and ideas via the Health Tech Bridge, the people of Nashville and West Yorkshire will both benefit.”
Richard Paxman OBE, CEO of Paxman Scalp Cooling, said: “I am proud to join this US Trade Mission to shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and enormous opportunities present within the transatlantic marketplace.
“For Paxman, the US presents our biggest current opportunity and remains our primary focus, accounting for over 50% of Group revenues. Paxman US, Inc. operates from offices in Houston, Texas, with over 600 cancer centres across more than 40 states utilising Paxman Scalp Cooling Systems to help cancer patients mitigate the side effect of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
“Alongside the further advancement of scalp cooling, since early 2019 Paxman has been developing a portable compression and cooling product. The product aims to prevent chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), which causes chronic, permanent nerve damage in hands and feet. A multi-centre, randomised efficacy study across 25 sites in the United States, using this device, is ongoing.”
AES Engineering acquires controlling stake in US firm
AES Engineering Ltd has further increased its reliability services and product offering in North America by acquiring a controlling stake in the global marine propulsion shaft sealing company PSS Seal LLC, for an undisclosed sum.
The group also owns AESSEAL, in Rotherham, the world’s largest homogeneous designer and manufacturer of mechanical seals. This latest expansion in the global market follows acquisitions in the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and USA. PSS Seal LLC (PSS), headquartered in Seattle, Washington is a recognised global leader in the reliability and sealing technology sector for marine vessel propulsion systems. The company has over four decades of engineering and manufacturing expertise with an extensive direct and indirect marine channel to market. The acquisition will allow the existing customers of PSS to benefit from a wider product and service offering from AESSEAL, and the products and services of all other companies owned by AES Engineering Ltd. Chris Rea, Group Managing Director of AES Engineering Ltd, said: “The acquisition of PSS supports our strategic decision to globalise our sealing technology marine business and further strengthens our customer reliability offering for this important market. “Shaft sealing technology is the critical application in this sector and our business can now provide a one stop shop for sealing and reliability products and services.” PSS founder and CEO Frederic Laffitte said: “The culture, and global reach of AES Engineering Ltd, together with the extensive product range of AESSEAL makes this a complimentary match for the PSS marine shaft seal product range. “Many of our customers have been calling for an increased product offering for the marine sector balance of plant, and we can now deliver on this request.” PSS President Kevin Woody said: “The selection of AES Engineering Ltd as our partner was an easy decision due to their product technology, similar dedication to customer service and reliability focus. “This partnership allows us to immediately meet the demand from customers for an expanded product range as well as opening new opportunities in other markets.”Lincoln BIG achieves national recognition for high standards
Lincoln Business Improvement District has received a national accreditation for Business Improvement Districts in recognition of its standards of transparency and responsible governance, following an independent review process.
Lee Roberts, Head of Operations, Lincoln BIG said: “This accreditation affirms that Lincoln BIG is operating in an open and transparent way that aligns with national standards.
“The accreditation confirms our commitment to openness and transparency, and we continually strive to ensure that we operate in an open and transparent way and that this is applied in all projects that the BID delivers
“It is important to have this accreditation as a formal, independently-assessed recognition of the work we do on behalf of our members, especially as we begin the ballot process leading to vote of our city centre businesses in November that will determine whether we receive support for a fifth BID term of five years covering the period 2025 to 2030, we felt it was important to demonstrate to member businesses that we follow recommended best practices and standards.”
The BID Foundation, a group of over 75 Business Improvement Districts, has developed the Industry Standards for all BIDs with input from UK government and other national bodies. The Standards highlight information and documentation that should be made publicly accessible and easily identifiable by every BID and are independently accredited by the Institute of Place Management.
Lincoln BIG has passed the Industry Standards accreditation by demonstrating the high standards of aspects including its business plan, governance mechanisms and reporting, Directors and personal interests, and detail on ballot results.
British Ports Association Conference returns to North Lincolnshire
Industry leaders from across the maritime sector will converge on North Lincolnshire next week for the British Ports Association Conference 2025, hosted by Associated British Ports and Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “The combination of the Humber’s ports leading roles in both trade and the energy transition make it an ideal location for this prestigious industry event.”
Andrew Dawes, Regional Director Designate of the Humber ports added: “Portsmouth delivered a fantastic event and we’re keen to build on that for next year in the Humber. We’re looking forward to hosting it alongside Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises and welcoming everyone to the region for what will be an impressive showcase.”
Martyn Boyers, Chief Executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd, and chair of the BPA Fishing Ports Working Group, said: “As a long-standing member of the BPA and attendee at the Conferences, I am delighted that we can present a joint ‘BPA Humber Conference 2025’ with our friends at Associated British Ports.
“I am pleased that Grimsby Fish Dock and ABP have secured Forest Pines Hotel again as the single venue. We look forward to show casing the Humber and the incredible changes that have taken place in the Humber Ports since then.”
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the BPA said: “We are particularly excited that our members are uniting to highlight the importance of the Humber to both the maritime sector and the country as whole. As the UK’s largest port complex, the ports on the Humber are involved in a rich mix of activities including freight, passengers, offshore wind and fishing and we are pleased that the occasion will provide the opportunity to showcase its important role. Our Annual Conference is a national event which brings the ports sector together once a year in a different location and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The event will be held at the Forest Pines Hotel near Brigg from Wednesday 15th to Thursday 16th October.
Paloma kicks off £1.25m refurb project at York North
Paloma Capital has started a £1.25m refurbishment of part of York North on the outskirts of the city.
Leeds-based JP Wild Ltd has been appointed to carry out the work to include an internal strip out and full refurbishment of the warehouse space, offices and kitchen/WC areas. Full mechanical and electrical services replacement is also being undertaken as well as external works to the building’s façade, roof, yard space, fencing, and drainage. Practical completion is expected by the beginning of November.
The works are part of a site-wide refurbishment plan by Paloma Capital. Since acquiring the site in 2022 the London-based investor has made a considerable investment to upgrade accommodation as well as deliver new purpose-designed trade units. It recently secured planning consent for four new industrial/warehouse units totalling 34,400 sq ft. The scheme is now offering design and build opportunities for units ranging from 4,000 sq ft up to 15,400 sq ft.
Jeremy Thiagarajah, Director for Asset Management and Investment at Paloma Capital said: “We are pleased to start works to refurbish a large part of the estate to deliver more modern state of the art space for prospective occupiers. York North is already well recognised for its locational benefits and our sustainable approach to repurposing existing space will certainly deliver against undersupply for industrial and warehousing space in this area.”
UK economy returns to growth
Following a stagnant July, the UK economy showed growth in August.
According to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, grew 0.2% month-on-month in August, in line with expectations.
It reflects growth across all three key sectors, as services output increased 0.1% month-on-month, construction output rose 0.4% month-on-month, and production output grew 0.5% month-on-month.
Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: “There are some encouraging signs in the latest GDP data, particularly the ongoing recovery in retail, but growth remains uneven across sectors and momentum in the economy is a little weaker than was expected a few months ago.
“Our surveys suggest that businesses may have tapped the brakes again in September amid speculation over potential Budget announcements.
“Anecdotally it’s clear that some firms have paused hiring and investment decisions pending more clarity over the direction of the new government’s economic policies.
“With the Chancellor’s first Budget only weeks away, the government has an opportunity to build momentum behind the economic recovery by demonstrating it has a credible plan for boosting the country’s growth trajectory.
“This should include measures to support productivity and business investment, such as adding flexibility to Apprenticeship Levy funded courses and outlining an ambitious Net Zero Investment Plan that includes green tax incentives.
“It must also make the UK’s business environment more attractive to firms at home and abroad by providing them with certainty and clarity via a Business Tax Roadmap.”
South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation names new Chief Exec
Martin Singer has been appointed as Chief Exec of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, and takes over the role in spring next year on the retirement of current CEO Ruth Willis.
Martin joins from his role as CEO at South Yorkshire Charity Mentors. He is also an independent consultant for the voluntary sector and small businesses, and formerly a Commercial Director in the private sector.
Martin held senior roles and led large teams at the John Lewis Partnership, Debenhams and Waitrose. He is also a Director and a Trustee at Sheffield Museums and Age UK Rotherham, as well as a Director at Sheffield Cathedral Enterprises. He was a founding member of Sheffield Business Together.
SYCF is the region’s largest local grant giving charity and last year awarded more than £1.7m to more than 400 community groups and organisations.
Chris Booth-Mayblin, chair of the Foundation, said: “Martin is a hugely experienced leader with a strong background in building successful teams, creating strategies and leading change, innovation and transformation.
“He has a proven track record of delivering results through collaborative working, combined with outstanding skills in delivering strategic solutions to challenging business wide issues and a deep purpose and passion for the not-for-profit sector.
“We’re confident he will be instrumental in driving us forward to achieve even greater things as we look to build on the solid foundations and success delivered by our outgoing CEO, Ruth Willis, who has given tremendous service to the Community Foundation over the last 12 years.”
Martin Singer said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as CEO of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation and looking forward to leading the team as we enter an exciting new era.
“Under Ruth’s leadership, SYCF has significantly expanded and grown into the incredible organisation it is it today. For almost four decades, it has played a pivotal role in building stronger communities and enriching lives by awarding grants, which help tackle the critical issues affecting local people.
“SYCF’s mission to support community groups throughout the region and help people facing hardship and disadvantage aligns with my own visions and values developed during a career dedicated to the voluntary sector.
“I look forward to working with the fantastic team of SYCF staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and donors as we strive to act as a catalyst for even bigger and greater change in South Yorkshire, building on the incredible work already delivered during Ruth’s tenure.”
