Shop owner given suspended sentence for his part in ‘vile trade’

Stuart Pearcey
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Shop owner given suspended sentence for his part in ‘vile trade’

The owner of a Spalding shop has been given a 13-month suspended sentence for selling illegal cigarettes in what the judge labelled a ‘vile trade’.

Ali Idris Khader, 52, of Ewetree Drive, Leicester, has pleaded guilty to offences relating to proceeds of crime, tobacco regulation offences, and trademark offences.

At Lincoln Magistrates Court he was sentenced to 13 months custody, suspended for 12 months; 25 hours of rehabilitation activity, and a curfew between 8pm and 6am daily for four months.
Officers from Lincolnshire Trading Standards had carried out test purchases at the store on Sheep Market in Spalding in February 2023. After being sold counterfeit illegal cigarettes, officers returned to raid the premises and seize the illegal products a few days later. A second test purchase in May and further raid in June 2023 lead to the service applying for a closure order on the store in June 2023, shuttering the premises for three months. Senior Lincolnshire Trading Standards officer Kimberley Marshall said: “We are committed to tackling the sale and supply of illicit tobacco. Some people may not fully realise the seriousness of this crime, and that these products are often unsafe knockoffs, made in unhygienic conditions, and can pose a real fire safety risk. The illicit tobacco trade can also fund other organised crime. “People in Lincolnshire have died in house fires caused by these types of cigarettes, and shops selling threaten the livelihoods of legitimate law-abiding businesses. “These are not shops that sell a few cigarettes or vapes ‘on the side’. Instead, they exist solely to supply illegal goods. The shops are operated by criminals and out-of-county organised crime groups. “We will continue to work with Lincolnshire Police and other partner agencies to combat this illegal trade of counterfeit, unsafe products.” In prosecuting, the judge noted that Mr Khader was knowingly selling the goods in a ‘vile trade’ that presented an increased risk of fire and risk to life. He said: “If you run a business that sells goods to the public it is your responsibility to make sure they are legitimate and fit for consumption. You were sourcing goods that were clearly not legit, and arranging for them to be sold as if they were.”

Clugston celebrates century of involvement with Scunthorpe’s steel industry

Stuart Pearcey
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Clugston celebrates century of involvement with Scunthorpe’s steel industry
Scunthorpe-based Clugston Distribution is celebrating 100 years’ service as a supplier to the town’s steel industry. The company celebrated its own 100 years of being in business in 2022, in partnership between them and the steelworks for almost all the time they have been in business. The name ‘Clugston’ has been more of a constant than the name of the steelmaking operation in the town, which has gone through numerous incarnations and owners from around the world.

ABP names new Regional Director for the Humber

Stuart Pearcey
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ABP names new Regional Director for the Humber
Andrew Dawes is to take over as ABP’s Regional Director, Humber, when Simon Bird leaves the company at the end of October. Andrew has 30 years’ experience in the global ports and terminals industry with companies such as DP World, APM Terminals and ICTSI. Alongside his strong leadership credentials, he brings with him a wealth of experience in safety, operations and commercial activities. His experience also includes MD roles with P&L accountability for terminals plus wider regional portfolio responsibility. He said: “This is an incredible time to be joining ABP as the next five-year business strategy is launched. The Humber Region which has some really exciting projects and growth opportunities. It plays a key role in delivering ABP’s twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading as well as Enabling the Energy Transition here in the UK. “I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with my Humber colleagues, customers and wider stakeholders and to bringing my family to live in this fantastic region.” Andrew will join ABP on 1st October, allowing a period of handover with the outgoing Regional Director, Simon Bird, who will be stepping down from the role at the end of the month.

Car dealer sentenced by court after sale of unroadworthy vehicle

Stuart Pearcey
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Car dealer sentenced by court after sale of unroadworthy vehicle
A car dealer has been fined £1,000 by York magistrates after selling a car so unroadworthy that it was potentially dangerous to who was driving, as well as pedestrians and other road users. Junaid Ahmed Majeed and his company Dealonwheelz Ltd pleaded guilty to selling an unroadworthy Toyota Aygo to a Kirkbymoorside resident, and misleading a Thirsk resident about the service history, warranty and MOT history of a Vauxhall Corsa. Majeed and the company also admitted telling both customers that the cars were ‘sold as seen’ to try to prevent them from asking for a refund or repair when things went wrong, and of failing to tell the Kirkbymoorside resident that she had a right to cancel her contract with the company. York Magistrates heard that a consultant engineer who examined the Toyota found that it had been “repaired” in a totally inappropriate manner, with defects covered by filler and underbody sealant presenting a serious defect of the structure of the vehicle’s bodyshell. The defect created the potential for the car to be badly damaged if it was involved in a collision, putting the occupants at greater risk. The engineer’s report concluded: “I consider that the vehicle was in an unroadworthy condition, in that its use on a road would involve a danger of injury to any person within or other road users and pedestrians, due to the potential catastrophic failure of structural components.” Majeed, of Hawke Avenue, Heckmondwike in West Yorkshire, and Dealzonwheels Ltd of Commercial Street in Leeds, each pleaded guilty to five offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Majeed was ordered to pay fines totalling £500 and compensation of £2,000. The company must pay fines totalling £500 and £200 towards prosecution costs.  

Major step forward in transformation of Wakefield’s former market hall

Tess Egginton
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Major step forward in transformation of Wakefield’s former market hall
Plans to transform Wakefield’s former market hall into a new events space have taken a major step forward. Wakefield Exchange is welcoming applications from creative and digital business, and from independent food and drinks businesses in Wakefield and across the wider West Yorkshire area, to be part of the new venue, that is due to be launched this winter. The launch will be part of Wakefield Council’s 366-day programme of cultural and creative activity, Our Year 2024.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “The Wakefield Exchange will offer residents a fantastic experience with an exciting programme of events and activities in a landmark venue. “It will provide opportunities for creative and digital businesses and independent food and drinks businesses. “We have listened to feedback from residents and we’re pleased that we’re now at this stage, as we look forward to launching the venue later this year.”

The Wakefield Exchange will provide new events space to attract visitors into the city centre on a permanent basis. The venue will create jobs in the catering sector and there will also be business spaces on offer to small and medium digital and creative businesses, enabling Wakefield Exchange to play its part in the regeneration of the city centre. The £7.7 million transformation, which is being supported by funding from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, will also provide skills training opportunities for local residents and workspace to attract new creative businesses into the city centre.

Leeds City Council details positive steps being taken on dilapidated buildings

Tess Egginton
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Leeds City Council details positive steps being taken on dilapidated buildings
Leeds City Council has confirmed details of the positive and proactive steps it is taking to safeguard the future of key heritage assets on a landmark local street.
The council’s plans for a row of run-down properties towards the lower end of Kirkgate will, it is hoped, lead to their full restoration, refurbishment and reuse – but, crucially, should also facilitate the reopening of the currently-closed road. A section of Kirkgate has been closed to traffic since one of the historic privately-owned buildings – number 85 – suffered a partial collapse in April this year. The appearance of number 85 and its neighbours had already become a long-standing issue during a period when grants provided through the council’s Lower Kirkgate Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) scheme have driven a huge amount of regeneration activity elsewhere on the city centre street. The council has been unable to formally agree terms with the owner of the dilapidated buildings – a company called City Fusion – for the award of THI grant support for improvement work on these properties. Now, mindful of the negative impact that the current situation is having on the area, the council is intending to take two separate courses of action. These are:
  • The issuing of an urgent works notice – by the council in its capacity as the local planning authority for Leeds – in relation to the City Fusion properties on Kirkgate that are most at risk of collapse or further serious deterioration. The notice would give the council the right to carry out emergency structural work before recovering the cost of doing so from City Fusion. Once this work has taken place, then the traffic restrictions on Kirkgate would be lifted.
  • The proposed market-value acquisition by the council of seven City Fusion properties so they could, in the longer term, be restored and refurbished for uses that would maximise their potential as heritage assets and complement the other improvements on Kirkgate that have been made through the THI scheme.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Kirkgate has undergone a huge transformation over the last decade and we’re proud of the part we have played in making it a vibrant hub for independent businesses. “We also recognise, however, that the poor condition of a number of local buildings – as well as the current road closure – is having a detrimental impact on the area and our ambitions for its comprehensive regeneration. “It is our hope that, by stepping in and taking ownership of the situation, we will be able to facilitate the reopening of the road and, separately, give these problem properties a new lease of life. “We thank businesses and residents for their patience and would like to assure them that the steps now being taken are a sign of our steadfast commitment to the ongoing success of Kirkgate. “This is a street with real historical significance, and our efforts to ensure it has an equally bright future are the perfect illustration of the vital role that heritage plays in regeneration activity.” The Lower Kirkgate THI scheme was launched in 2013 to drive heritage-led regeneration in the area, using funding from the council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as leveraged private sector investment. Subsequent improvement work has seen a number of properties restored, including the Grade II-listed First White Cloth Hall. The street has also been fundamentally redesigned, with the widening of footpaths and the planting of trees creating an attractive setting for businesses and other buildings. The changes on Kirkgate complement substantial recent investments in public realm and highways infrastructure across an area known as the Corn Exchange Gateway, which includes roads such as Call Lane, Bridge End, Lower Briggate, New Market Street and Duncan Street.

Revised ideas shared for new public space in one of York’s most historic and important areas

Tess Egginton
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Revised ideas shared for new public space in one of York’s most historic and important areas

City of York Council is sharing revised ideas for new public space in one of York’s most historic and important areas – and wants to hear from residents and businesses.

Updated concept designs from landscape architects BDP imagine how the Castle and Eye of York area could meet residents’ ambitions for the public space to replace Castle Car Park, as well as how it can become greener and more accessible. In November 2023, the council’s Executive asked for the scheme to be reviewed to deliver flexible green space with children’s play provision, retain blue badge parking numbers, and reduce capital and management costs. The ideas residents and businesses will be asked to feedback on include more planting and green spaces, improved pedestrian facilities, options for retained blue badge parking, and connections to the river with a riverside path and boardwalk to the rear of the Castle Museum which would link to the proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Foss.
Image credit: City of York Council
An engagement period will run until 20 September 2024. Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said: “The Castle Gateway plans have been shaped by a real desire to improve this important part of the city. “Over recent years the council has been listening to a range of ideas which have shaped an open brief and masterplan for the area to create a place where all our residents want to spend time and enjoy. “We want to get on with delivering these improvements. The key changes that we are asking for views on respond to our core commitments as a council to equalities and climate as well as the recently approved ‘Our City Centre’ vision’. “Also, following unsuccessful levelling up funding bids in previous years, we need to adapt the scheme to make it affordable and deliverable for the city, all while achieving the improvements to the area that people are demanding of us. “Your thoughts and feedback are vital in helping shape the scheme design before a revised planning application is submitted, so please take a look at the updated concept designs and have your say.” The scheme will now be brought forward in phases due to the funding available, focusing on the Castle Car Park and the boardwalk in the first phase. However, the original planning application, which was submitted in February 2022, will be revised so that a comprehensive scheme is developed for the whole area, which can then be implemented when funding becomes available. The feedback gathered will allow detailed proposals to be developed, with a revised planning application expected to be submitted in early 2025.

York-based Abingdon Health completes fresh acquisition

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York-based Abingdon Health completes fresh acquisition

York-based Abingdon Health, a lateral flow contract research (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has completed the acquisition of the CS Lifesciences group (Compliance Solutions).

The business announced the £3.2 million deal earlier this year, as well as a placing to raise £5.2 million.

Compliance Solutions is a consultancy business which specialises in meeting compliance (Quality/ Regulatory/ Clinical) requirements in international In Vitro Diagnostic and medical device markets.

The news follows Abingdon Health’s acquisition of IVDeology.

Chris Yates, CEO, Abingdon Health, said: “We are delighted to welcome Edwin Lindsay and all the Compliance Solutions team to the Abingdon Health group.

“The acquisition of Compliance Solutions deepens and broadens Abingdon’s regulatory service offering allowing us to fully support our customers in bringing their products from idea to commercial success.”

Edwin Lindsay, Managing Director of Compliance Solutions, said: “We are delighted to join the Abingdon group and we look forward to working with the Abingdon team to support our growing customer base across the In Vitro Diagnostic and Medical Device Market.

“The regulatory landscape is going through a period of significant change and the enlarged group is well placed to support customers in navigating this complexity to achieve and maintain successful product registrations.”

Parcel distribution business lets 132,977 sq ft in Sheffield

Tess Egginton
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Parcel distribution business lets 132,977 sq ft in Sheffield
Acting on behalf of parcel distribution business, EVRi, Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has acquired two new sites to support the ongoing expansion of the firm’s logistics network. EVRi has taken a 10-year lease on 132,977 sq ft at Newhall 130 in Sheffield. The scheme is strategically situated near Junction 34 of the M1 Motorway and on the fringes of Sheffield City Centre, and was recently developed speculatively by Newsholme Developments, on behalf of Urban Logistics REIT. EVRi has also taken a further 113,573 sq ft of space on a 10-year lease at Central Approach, Avonmouth. This self-contained unit was speculatively built by Trebor Developments and sits within a well-established distribution park. James Polson, head of industrial & logistics at LSH, said: “These two sites are strategic acquisitions which further strengthen EVRi’s logistics network and capabilities. “Sourcing these deals was a collective effort across LSH’s national office network and our expanded regional knowledge has delivered the optimal outcome for our client.”

Specialist manufacturer sold to US adhesive giant

Tess Egginton
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Specialist manufacturer sold to US adhesive giant
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has advised the shareholders of HS Butyl Ltd, the manufacturer and distributor of butyl tapes, on their disposal to NYSE-listed H.B. Fuller, the pureplay adhesives company. Family owned and founded since 1964, HS Butyl has been designing, engineering and manufacturing butyl tapes for a variety of applications within the construction, infrastructure, automotive and renewable energy industries. It has become a globally recognised business, exporting to more than 50 countries from its site in Hampshire. The transaction will assist the $3bn-turnover H. B. Fuller accelerate its expansion into the $15bn global waterproofing tape market, which includes butyl tape technologies. HS Butyl had been owned by East Yorkshire-based Hodgson Sealants Group since 2007, growing its annual sales to £18m. The group will continue to focus on the Hodgson Sealants business. A team of Yorkshire advisers assisted the shareholders of HS Butyl, including Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP (Matthew Smith and Nicole Waldron), Park Place (Richard Firth and Hector Simpson), and Brown Butler (James White and Craig Hughes). Philip Ashworth, corporate partner of Andrew Jackson, said: “Having acted for the Hodgson family since the 1980s including the acquisition of HS Butyl in 2007, it is a delight that Matthew, Nicole and team, together with colleagues at Park Place and Brown Butler, have assisted on the family’s exit from the business after 17 years.”

Amazon creating more than 2,000 new jobs at £500m fulfilment centre in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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Amazon creating more than 2,000 new jobs at £500m fulfilment centre in Leeds
Amazon has launched a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre at Gateway45, Leeds. The Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre will employ more than 2,000 people by November this year. This latest generation fulfilment centre utilises advanced technology across three floors of Amazon Robotics to stow, pick and ship customer orders. The building is located in close proximity to an Amazon delivery station and an Amazon Robotics sortation centre, and less than ten miles from the Wakefield fulfilment centre which started operations in October 2022. James Mason, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: “This further, significant investment from Amazon is a confirmation of our strategic location for the logistics industry as a whole, and a ringing endorsement for the strength and skillset of the workforce in our region. “We at the Chamber welcome the job creation, a significant boost for the region’s economy.”
Richard Thompson, Amazon’s Regional Director, said: “West Yorkshire is an important region for Amazon, with more than 3,800 small- and medium-sized enterprise selling partners, and I am delighted to confirm our ongoing commitment with this £500 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Leeds. “This new site will create more than 2,000 new jobs, taking our total workforce in the region to more than 4,000 full and part-time roles, and our investment in the region to more than £1.5 billion since 2010. “Amazon continues to invest in our buildings and innovative technology to provide our people with some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, ensuring their wellbeing while delivering for our customers.” Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Amazon’s multi-million pound investment in Leeds is a fantastic vote of confidence in our region and supports our ambition to drive economic growth. “I’m delighted that thousands more new jobs will be created for people throughout our communities, as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

First two phases of logistics park sold

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First two phases of logistics park sold

Landowning partnership Howard Farms has completed the sale of the first two phases of Mulberry Logistics Park in South Yorkshire.

With the site located on the border of Doncaster and the Bassetlaw district, Mulberry Logistics Park gives businesses direct access to the trunk road network leading to Doncaster, Sheffield and Nottingham. Founded in 1888, Howard Farms is a Nottinghamshire-based rural family business, providing food and renewable energy across its various sites. The sale of the first two phases of the site to Mulberry Commercial Developments marks the multi-disciplinary developer’s expansion in South Yorkshire. Law firm Browne Jacobson advised Howard Farms on the initial conditional option agreements and sale of the first two phases of Mulberry Logistics Park’s developments – beginning in January 2021 and finalising in July 2024. The Browne Jacobson team comprised of real estate partner Robert Wofinden and associate Sam Trevorrow. East Midlands-based land development consultancy Mather Jamie acted as the appointed land agent for the sale. Both Browne Jacobson and Mather Jamie will continue to support Howard Farms throughout the third and final remaining phase of development. Robert Wofinden, partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “This has been a fantastic piece of work for the firm, and we’re pleased to have supported a farming partnership like Howard Farms which makes a truly positive impact with their work in the food production and green energy sectors.” Andy Howard, company owner of Howard and Co. Farming Ltd., said: “We’d like to express our thanks to Rob and Sam from Browne Jacobson for their support and Gary Owens from Mather Jamie – this has been a landmark transaction for us, and they’ve worked hard to ensure a smooth and efficient process over the last few years.”

Direct Gaskets celebrates 35th anniversary

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Direct Gaskets celebrates 35th anniversary
Market leaders in the manufacture of gaskets since 1989, Hull-based Direct Gaskets celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2024. The business is headed by a mother and daughter team, with the factory manager and production team also family. “Having been established for 35 years, we play an important role in Hull’s manufacturing sector,” a spokesperson for Direct Gaskets shared. “Whilst doing this we have also built up a strong reputation for supplying high quality products at very competitive prices and an unbeatable service. No matter if your gasket needs are a one off, or on-going – we can help.” Direct Gaskets’ highly trained workforce has the experience to always manufacture high quality gaskets and joints in semi and non-metallic materials. The business also offers an outstanding turn-around time as well as call-out service, no matter the quantity of the order. All of Direct Gaskets’ materials are sold in sheet form, or they can make bespoke gaskets cut from any desired material to your specifications. Direct Gaskets make standard tables such as ASA 150, British Standard Table ‘E’ and PN6/10/16/25 & 40, ranging from 1⁄2” to 32” for use within all types of pipe works which can be made from various materials to seal all types of liquids, gasses and chemicals. For more information on Direct Gaskets as it marks 35 years, visit https://direct-gaskets.co.uk/, email info@direct-gaskets.co.uk, or call 01482 219 655

UK economy stood stagnant in June

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UK economy stood stagnant in June
The UK economy stood stagnant in June, following a return to growth in May, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In line with expectations, GDP (gross domestic product), a key measure of economy growth, showed no growth month-on-month in June, following 0.4% growth in May, with quarterly growth of 0.6%. The monthly result reflects a fall in services output, offset by growth in both production and construction. Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “After a strong performance in May, a slowdown in GDP growth was always on the cards for June. But a second successive quarter of above-trend growth suggests the UK economy has finally shaken off its slumber of recent years. “We think the quarterly data probably overstates the underlying momentum in the economy, with recent CBI surveys of activity remaining fairly subdued. But firms nonetheless appear confident that the recovery will continue. “After a challenging, few years, and ahead of the Autumn budget, the focus is shifting to the steps needed to raise the UK’s growth rate over the long-term. This could include the reforms set out in our recent business tax roadmap, which can incentivise private investment and together with a Net Zero Investment plan boost green growth, one of the fastest growing sectors in the country.”

New Harrogate residential development gets the green light

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New Harrogate residential development gets the green light
Plans for a new residential development to the south west of Harrogate are set to move forward after they won the support of North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee. Developer Banks Property has been progressing plans for the new Castle Hill West housing scheme on a 12.7 hectare site on Whinney Lane in Pannal Ash, which would include 224 new homes as well as a new primary school. The proposals for the site, which was allocated for residential development in the Harrogate Local Plan, were recommended for approval from North Yorkshire Council’s expert planning officers. And now, the members of the Council’s strategic planning committee have been unanimously minded to follow that recommendation. Castle Hill West will include a 40 per cent allocation of affordable housing and is located directly opposite the Castle Hill Farm residential development, for which Banks Property received planning permission in 2018 and which was subsequently built out by a regional housebuilder. The development will also make substantial contributions to the expansion and improvement of local secondary education, healthcare and sports facilities, as well as transport infrastructure. Gillian Reed, senior development manager at the Banks Group, says: “Having had a recommendation for approval from North Yorkshire Council’s expert planning officers for a site that is allocated for residential development in the Harrogate Local Plan, we are very pleased that the members of the Council’s strategic planning committee have unanimously supported that recommendation. “We worked with local community groups for a number of years, we’ve listened and we have provided reassurance about how development will work. “Castle Hill West offers a fantastic opportunity to deliver a wide range of new community facilities alongside 224 much needed new homes, 40 per cent of which will be affordable homes, as well as the supporting social, environmental and transport infrastructure that is an essential part of creating a thriving new community. “Land and resources will be made available within the development for the construction of a new primary school on the site, while substantial contributions to the expansion and improvement of local secondary education, healthcare and sports facilities, as well as transport infrastructure, will also be included. “The new government has stressed the importance of increasing the UK’s supply of high-quality homes, both to ensure people have the housing options they need in the places they want to live and to support the wider UK economy’s future growth, and the Castle Hill West site will now be part of meeting both these objectives. “We’re very grateful to all those who have backed our plans and will now look to move them forward as quickly as we can.”

Professional services team appointed to support delivery of Community Diagnostic Centre in Hull

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Professional services team appointed to support delivery of Community Diagnostic Centre in Hull
High-quality and easily accessible health facilities in Hull city centre have moved a step closer after a contractor was appointed to support the delivery of a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC). Ridge and Partners LLP has been awarded a Multi-Disciplinary Services Team (MDST) contract by Hull City Council to support the provision of the CDC on the corner of Albion Street and Bond Street. The council is in a funding agreement with NHS England and Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to build a £14m NHS CDC as part of the former Albion Square development. The construction project will be delivered through the council’s contractual arrangements with VINCI Construction Ltd. The CDC will welcome thousands of patients annually, relieving the strain on acute hospitals whilst also creating around 100 local jobs. It will feature a range of services including MRI, X-ray, CT scanning and ultrasounds, whilst it is also expected to benefit the wider city centre economy due to increased footfall from patient numbers. Cllr Linda Chambers, portfolio holder for public health at the council, said: “It is great news that the council has appointed a contractor to support the delivery of this project. “The success of this scheme is important to the city and its residents and the specialised knowledge and expertise within the MDST will enhance our council team and transfer skills to help with future similar projects. “The CDC will provide high-quality, easily accessible health facilities in the city centre and is a fantastic opportunity to improve the health of people in and around Hull. “Early diagnosis is essential to early treatment and positive outcomes for patients and their families and the CDC will help to do that.”

Leeds Beckett to help Bradford freight firm boost international growth

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Leeds Beckett to help Bradford freight firm boost international growth
International marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have joined forces with Baildon-based Freight Agency Limited, to support the business’s ambitious plans for overseas market growth.
The project is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. A team of Leeds Business School academics will lead the project to boost Freight Agency’s strategic marketing and management capabilities. They will create a bespoke internationalisation strategy to drive growth in existing and new international markets. Dr Catherine Ashworth, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Marketing Management at Leeds Business School, explained: “For more than 30 years, Freight Agency’s primary market has been West Africa. The business has already started to diversify the range of goods they ship and penetrate some new geographical markets. Our KTP will support their ambitious plans to grow their international market presence and diversify further. “The Leeds Business School team will work with Freight Agency to embed innovative, strategic marketing and decision-making capabilities. We will underpin the growth strategy by embedding a new market-oriented culture and establishing fresh and streamlined processes throughout the business. As part of the cultural change agenda, we will also strengthen internal and external marketing communications capabilities and boost partnership management competencies. “Key to success will be to boost coordination between the different functions within the business to support the international growth – and set up the necessary infrastructure and frameworks to support the development and changes across the target international freight network.” Andrew Dickson, Commercial Manager at Freight Agency Limited, said: “We are excited to begin the collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, which will foster a more market-driven culture right across the business, enabling us to achieve our strategic growth ambitions and improve our service capabilities in our target international markets and sectors. “The KTP will allow us to embed the skills and capabilities needed to develop, test, and transform our international market access and entry modes, and to improve our service level capabilities – which will be a new and innovative, intelligence-led approach for us. “With a new, more agile and proactive business model, we will be able to respond to different, and evolving, market needs. As part of this more strategic approach to growth, we will also be able to increase our work with existing customers – and enter new markets and territories to sustain the business over the longer term.” The project will be managed by a KTP Associate – a skilled graduate who will be recruited as a full-time member of Freight Agency, with the full support of the Leeds Beckett academic team. Alongside Dr Ashworth will be a team of experts including Stratis Koutsoukos, Course Director and Principal Lecturer at Leeds Business School. Leeds Beckett students will have opportunities to benefit from the collaboration with Freight Agency through student projects, learning through teaching and real-life case studies.

Rotherham Markets project makes progress

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Rotherham Markets project makes progress

Work is well underway on the redevelopment of Rotherham Markets as contractors begin fabrication works in the outdoor market and underground carpark.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, joined Henry Boot Construction’s Managing Director, Tony Shaw, and Head of Operations, Ian Gresser, on the site to have a look at how the Rotherham Council project is progressing. Currently, the former outdoor market space flooring has been stripped while downstairs, works have begun to strengthen the foundations of the outdoor market space. Preparation work for demolition has also begun on the former Drummond Street shops – also known as the Guardian Centre buildings. These are set to be demolished in autumn 2024 to make way for a brand-new library building. Following the demolition of the Drummond Street shops, the outdoor market canopy will be removed in stages. Covering over 3,500sqm of the market, removing the structure will be a very complex operation. A crane will be moved on site during the removal. The Indoor Market remains open throughout the redevelopment, with a range of stalls and products available from local traders. Outdoor markets, such as the Tuesday Market, have been relocated to Effingham Street while the project is under way. Henry Boot Construction, the contractor for the Rotherham Market redevelopment, was onsite when ground was broken in October 2023. Since then, they have been working with teams at Rotherham Council to progress the project. Henry Boot Construction’s Managing Director, Tony Shaw, said: “We are pleased to see the Rotherham Markets project progressing. We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Council and breathing new life into this area of the town centre. “Creating high-quality, vibrant urban spaces is part of our DNA. Having led on several of the region’s major regeneration over recent years, we have witnessed first-hand the transformative impact investments like this one can have – helping to boost community pride and identity, increase footfall and grow the local economy. “We pride ourselves on leaving a positive legacy in the places where we work. To do this we have committed to deliver significant social value outputs by utilising a local supply chain wherever possible, local site-specific employment, and delivering multiple training and educational initiatives.” Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor, said: “The Markets redevelopment is part of the Town Centre Masterplan, and to see people on site and spades in the ground shows that the plan is becoming a reality. “The redevelopment of the markets is a complex project which will not only breathe new life into our community, but also provide economic opportunities for our local businesses. Working with Henry Boot, the markets redevelopment will provide an accessible, enjoyable space for all which celebrates our diverse community and heritage. “Rotherham Market continues to remain open for the public with the fantastic range of outdoor markets now taking place in the town centre, so I encourage residents to continue to support our local traders until they are in their new facilities.” Once works are complete, visitors will benefit from a refurbished indoor and outdoor covered market, extensive public realm, a new modern and accessible central library and improved links to the town centre and college. Rotherham Council received funding from the government’s Future High Street Fund to pay for part of the improvements at the market with additional funding secured from the Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

Inflation creeps up

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Inflation creeps up
Inflation has increased from the Bank of England’s 2% target, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), annualised inflation rose 2.2% in July, higher than the 2% reported in June, but lower than the 2.3% forecast. The largest upward contribution to the monthly change came from housing and household services where prices of gas and electricity fell by less than they did last year; the largest downward contribution came from restaurants and hotels, where prices of hotels fell this year having risen last year. Core inflation, meanwhile, which takes out volatile factors like energy, food, alcohol and tobacco to give a clear picture of underlying trends, rose by 3.3% in the 12 months to July 2024, down from 3.5% in June, with inflation in the services sector falling from 5.7% to 5.2%. Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “Inflation undershooting the Bank of England’s expectations will be seen a positive sign that price pressures are continuing to normalise for households and businesses. “Today’s data will give the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee some measure of confidence that domestic price pressures are less likely to derail a sustainable return to the 2% target. A second consecutive cut in interest rates next month is not a certainty, however. This is because the MPC will still be mindful of upside risks to the inflation outlook, especially as pay growth remains stubbornly high.”

Rail company encourages applications for charity grants of up to £10,000

Stuart Pearcey
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Rail company encourages applications for charity grants of up to £10,000

Rail operator LNER is encouraging charities, organisations and communities across its 956-mile route to apply for the latest round of funding from the company’s Customer and Community Investment Fund.

The Fund aims to support charities and causes providing funding for small and medium sized projects that deliver a positive impact to issues for people, places, and the planet.

Applicants need to be within 15 miles of the LNER route and the maximum amount that can be applied for is £10,000.

Applications for the latest funding round can be submitted up until midnight on Monday 2 September 2024. We’d love to see as many applications as possible from right along the LNER route.

Further details about how to apply are on the company’s website. More than 130 projects have received funding from our CCIF over the past five years.

 
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