Meld Energy gets green light for £250m hydrogen production facility at Saltend
Green hydrogen developer Meld Energy has received approval from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to construct a £250 million, 100 megawatt green hydrogen production facility at Saltend in Hull.
Meld Energy is now preparing to build the green hydrogen production facility at Saltend Chemicals Park, a move that will create the capacity to meet up to 30% of the park’s existing hydrogen demand. This significant increase in green hydrogen production will lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by a staggering 125,000 tonnes annually, a substantial step towards a more sustainable future.
Saltend Chemicals Park is a hub for top-tier chemical businesses such as BP Petrochemicals Technology, Vivergo Fuels, Yara, Mitsubishi Chemicals UK, Ineos, and Air Products, as well as the Triton Power station.
Hydrogen can be used as a replacement for natural gas, as a fuel for various modes of transport such as buses, heavy goods vehicles, and cars or as an ingredient for clean hydrogen derived fuels. When burned, it does not produce carbon, which makes it compatible with legislation aimed at addressing climate change. Meld’s green hydrogen will be produced through electrolysis, a process that involves using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is crucial for the chemical industry’s transition to net zero, as it offers a viable path to decarbonisation, especially considering the industry’s significant use of gas.
Meld Energy submitted a bid to access funding from round two of the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model in April of this year. Successful schemes are expected to be announced later this year, with the government aiming to support up to 875 megawatts of hydrogen production in total.
The Humber region is the UK’s industrial centre and the largest industrial emitter of CO2 in the UK – with over 5% of the UK’s overall emissions and 50% more than the next largest region. This makes it an ideal location for hydrogen production. The provision of cleaner fuels is essential to the region’s journey towards decarbonisation and will provide a vital boost to the local economy, securing jobs and encouraging inward investment.
ABP Humber backs Sailor’s Children’s Society charity for 2024
Associated British Ports Humber has chosen Sailor’s Children’s Society charity to support in 2024.
The Sailor’s Children’s Society supports children whose parent/s are mariners, whether it be Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishermen, or those making a life from the sea, canal, or inland waterway.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “ABP supports many local charities, and we are always willing to support initiatives which foster meaningful connections and make a positive impact on the community.
“The Sailor’s Children’s Society is a worthwhile cause and does some great and valuable work. Our support will enable it to continue the work it does to ensure that the Sailor’s Children’s Society can have a positive impact on a child in need.”
Natasha Barley, CEO, Sailors’ Children’s Society said: “We are grateful to Humber Associated British Ports for their kind donation and support of Sailors’ Children’s Society. As a charity that supports seafaring families in times of distress working with Humber ABP is a perfect fit. This funding allows us to help merchant navy families who have experienced the unique challenges that a life at sea can present.
“It’s always really appreciated when companies approach the charity to offer us support because they value and see the importance of our work in the sector. We are looking forward to working more closely with ABP to ensure that merchant navy families get the support they need when a crisis happens.
“We will be using the funding provided to ensure that merchant navy families in financial and emotional crisis receive monthly support with food, gas and electric costs as well as school uniforms, winter clothing and funding for extracurricular activities and school trips that they otherwise could not afford.”
The Sailors’ Children’s Society now join Hull and East Riding Children’s University, Armed Forces North East Lincolnshire, ABP Humber Coastal Half Marathon and 10k, Grimsby and Cleethorpes Sea Cadets, and Immingham Museum.
Farmers offered support for domestic food production
A major package of measures to support farmers and grow the UK’s farming and food sector has been announced by the government.
The package will support domestic food production, boost innovation in the sector supporting it to reach its economic potential, and recruit the next generation of farming and food leaders.
This includes a new Blueprint for Growing the UK Fruit and Vegetable Sector, setting out how industry and government can work together to increase domestic production and drive investment into this valuable sector which is worth more than £4 billion to the UK economy.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: ” This announcements will turbocharge the growth of our horticultural sector supporting the building of cutting-edge glasshouses and innovative farming techniques to put British fruit and vegetables on our plates all-year round.`”
The plan involves:
- Ensuring the sector has access to affordable and sustainable energy and water
- Cutting planning red tape to make it easier and quicker to build glasshouses
- New investment to boost innovation in the sector, where Defra will look to double to £80 million the amount of funding given to horticulture businesses when compared to the EU legacy Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme.
Don’t be caught out over false claims about business rate appeal deadlines, says VOA
The Valuation Office Agency is warning firms not be caught out by false claims suggesting the deadline for business rate appeals is the end of this month.
A spokesman for the office said: “This is not true. You should be wary of anyone making this claim. Firms are generally able to challenge their property valuation on the 2023 list at any time until March 2026.”
The VOA says firms should be cautious of any agent who:
- tries to pressure them to make a decision or sign a contract
- makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar
- says they are acting on behalf of the VOA
- demands large sums of money up front
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers see boost to growth prospects
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers are seeing a much stronger picture as they enter the second half of the year with business confidence increasing and the sector forecast to outpace the economy overall in 2024.
The findings come in the Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK. According to the survey, both output and orders have picked up substantially compared to the first quarter and are set to strengthen in the next three months in line with the national picture.
Yorkshire & Humber in particular is set to benefit from increased production in the construction sector, while the renewables sector which also has a strong presence in the region continues to be strong. This better picture is translating into increased recruitment intentions with job prospects especially strong compared to historical levels.
Business confidence has also risen to equal the highest level recorded since the survey started measuring the indicator in 2014. The only previous occasion it reached the current level was during the immediate post covid rebound.
The survey also asked companies to list their top three priorities for the next Government. More than two thirds of manufacturers (69.1%) said delivering an industrial strategy was the top priority, more than half (54.2%) said strengthening EU/UK relations, while almost half (44%) said reducing the business tax burden. This was followed by investment in national infrastructure (31.5%) and reforming the Apprentice Levy (24.1%).
Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will grow by 1.2% in 2024 but moderate to 0.8% in 2025. GDP will grow by 0.9% in 2024 and 2% in 2025.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for the North at Make UK, said: “After the economic and political shocks of the last few years there is now strong confidence among manufacturers in Yorkshire & Humber. At long last, companies can see concrete signs of growth and a much better economic outlook ahead.
“With prices cooling and potential cuts in interest rates to come, the next Government must capitalise on this scenario by delivering a modern, long term industrial strategy which goes beyond the 2030s and has cross Government support.”
Two further tenants secured for Sheffield Catalyst Business Park
British renewable energy group Octopus Energy and accident repair centre Solus have become the latest inward investors to take space at Mirastar’s flagship development Sheffield Catalyst.
Octopus Energy, which is one of the UK’s largest domestic energy providers, has taken 91,923 sq ft at the five unit scheme, while Solus, an Aviva company, adds to its existing bases in the UK with a new regional facility of 22,448 sq ft at Catalyst. Both leases are on market leading terms.
Both companies join surfaces specialist Cosentino and UK award-winning commercial supplier JLA Group at the development fronting Sheffield Parkway. Cosentino relocated into a 33,608 sq ft unit while JLA Group expanded into 109,166 sq ft on site.
Henry Watson, partner at M1 Agency, said: “These lettings demonstrate where Catalyst sits within the market of Sheffield. From inception we set out to provide a best in class product which suited the needs of occupiers and we have been rewarded for our confidence in the product with market leading transactions across the development.
“The unprecedented growth in demand for last mile solutions shown in the wider South Yorkshire conurbations has been triggered by the rise of the convenience economy driven by mobile technology. Proximity to customers is becoming ever important as goods need to be moved quicker and more often, intensifying the demand for space in last-mile locations such as Catalyst Sheffield.”
Rob Brophy of Mirastar added: “Sheffield Catalyst is an important scheme to deliver much needed new industrial warehouse facilities benefiting from excellent ESG credentials and unrivalled prominence and access via the Sheffield Parkway and the M1 Motorway.
“Catalyst represents a continuation of our clear strategy and vision across our portfolio by developing best in class facilities with market leading ESG credentials.”
Daniel Walker at GV&Co added: “Catalyst, Sheffield Business Park continues to go from strength to strength. This recent letting continues the success on the scheme with another household name and highlights the benefits the development offers to occupiers from both a location perspective and specification of the units.”
1.5 million sq ft industrial & logistics development set for Gascoigne Interchange in Yorkshire
Harworth Group has secured a resolution to grant planning permission from North Yorkshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee for the development of a major rail-connected industrial and logistics hub at its 185 acre Gascoigne Interchange site in Leeds.
The approved plans will see the development of up to 1.5 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space at Gascoigne Interchange, in line with the Group’s strategy to increase its direct development of industrial and logistics space from its extensive landbank, and has the potential to deliver up to £190 million gross development value (GDV). The proposal is the delivery of seven units, ranging from 57,000 sq ft to 1 million sq ft, all built to Grade A specification, with Harworth expecting to start on site in 2025. The brownfield site is one of Harworth’s next-generation of development sites and is situated in Selby, to the east of Leeds and adjacent to Sherburn Industrial Estate. It is one of the most strategically located, rail-connected sites in the region, enabling future occupiers to utilise the existing main line rail connection from the site for a wide variety of uses, including low carbon freight movement. The site, which is accessed via Junction 42 of the A1(M), has an extensive collection of rail sidings on either side of Network Rail’s Leeds to Hull main line route, with current operational connections into the northern and southern plots on the site. The rail access to the north of the site offers scope to create a dedicated railhead serving the buildings on site, with the ability to handle containers, bulk commodities or next-generation express freight services, and puts most of the UK within three hours of the site. The plots to the south of the site benefit from 1,200 metres of frontage onto the main line with connections at either end capable of accommodating a major intermodal terminal for on-site and off-site customers. Lynda Shillaw, Chief Executive, Harworth Group, said: “Our development at Gascoigne Interchange is another example of Harworth’s unique ability to identify, acquire and transform brownfield sites to generate value, create jobs and increase investment in the region. “This development complements Harworth’s extensive pipeline of industrial and logistics sites and we continue to see high demand for high-specification strategically-connected Grade A industrial space.”Chairman of Leeds-based Bailie Group awarded CBE
Roy Bailie, chairman of Leeds-based Bailie Group and significant contributor to public life and civic society in Northern Ireland, has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the economy and opera in Northern Ireland during this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
The CBE has in part been awarded to recognise Roy’s contributions to the economy throughout his career. As a Harvard Business School graduate, Roy is a successful entrepreneur and business leader, with over 60 years of experience in senior management and governance in public, private and community organisations.
Roy’s services to the economy are extensive, with previous notable non-executive director roles including on the Court of Directors for the Bank of England, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, chairman of Northern Ireland Confederation of British Industry (CBI), among others.
Through the success of his own business ventures, including growing his company Baird Group, now known as Bailie Group, to become the fifth biggest privately owned printing group in the UK, the growth of the organisation led to Roy being awarded the Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to printing in 1996, followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award from The British Printing Industry in 2007.
And now, with the rise of the digital age, the printing industry has contracted, but Roy has led a change in direction of group strategy to focus on communication consultancies and agencies, initially with the acquisition of digital transformation agency, CDS, with others acquired thereafter.
Further to his achievements in business, the CBE has also been awarded for Roy’s contributions to the opera, having served as chairman for Northern Ireland Opera for 14 years, building the organisation from the ground up to widely respected on the global stage, winning international acclaim for productions.
He has been a key influence in developing the talent and education of the opera community, with the board providing the space and tools for individuals to explore their creative skills, to widen the demographic and age range of the audience.
Roy Bailie said: “I feel greatly honoured to have been recognised for my services to the economy. The transformation of Bailie Group over the years is truly astonishing, starting as a technical printing company and expanding into a modern, highly efficient group of agencies and consultancies with the collective mission to improve people’s lives by sharing knowledge.
“My son, Fergus Bailie is the CEO of the group and has recently been appointed the Yorkshire and Humber regional chair of the CBI. I’m exceedingly proud of the success of Bailie Group which Fergus continues to drive forward, by striving to innovate and exceed growth targets for every company in the group. This year, we’re aiming for an ambitious three-year target — £60m turnover and £5m profit.”
Fergus Bailie, CEO of Bailie Group and son of Roy Bailie, said: “It’s fantastic to see Dad’s incredible lifetime achievements recognised in this year’s honours. We’re all extremely proud of him and the work he continues to do both within the industry and for the opera in Northern Ireland.”
Cameron Menzies, NI Opera’s Artistic Director, said: “Roy’s impact on opera in Northern Ireland is almost immeasurable. His extensive business expertise, visionary thinking and dogged determination have resulted in an opera company of which Northern Ireland can be justly proud.”
Roy concluded: “Lastly I’d like to express gratitude to my family, including my wife Paddy, my two children and their partners, and my five grandchildren. I couldn’t have achieved all I have without their support.”
Hull to consider next phase of green energy projects
Hull City Council’s cabinet will consider whether to progress to the next phase of two of its green energy projects.
The cabinet will hear plans on both Hull District Heat Network (HDHN) and the decarbonisation of corporate buildings.
Plans for HDHN include progressing with procurement activity associated with the delivery of Phase 1 of the network, which includes connections to Great Thornton Street and Cambridge Street flats as well as internal upgrades to heating systems.
Permission will also be sought to progress the feasibility of Phase 2 of the network, focusing on additional social housing sites to the south of Anlaby Road, at Albert Avenue Pools and any other viable connections on route.
Cabinet will also consider the delivery of decarbonisation initiatives to the Treasury building, Streetlife Museum and Western Library and whether to procure a number of these activities through a Strategic Partnering Agreement with the Clear Futures Framework.
If approved, procurement to complete the decarbonisation measures will progress during 2024, with a further report submitted to cabinet later this year to consider whether to progress with the construction activity.
This is with a view to commencing on site in early 2025.
These projects support to the council’s commitment to decarbonisation and achieving carbon neutrality and net zero.
Leeds Bradford Airport enters new era of security scanners
Passenger experience at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) this summer is transforming with the deployment of new, cutting-edge security scanners.
The introduction of the latest Next Generation Screening technology enables passengers to leave both liquids and large electronic items, such as laptops, iPads and tablet devices, in their bags whilst passing through security. As per latest DFT guidance, all liquids are required to be in containers not exceeding 100ml but an unlimited number of these containers can be taken.
These advanced systems enable a smoother and more efficient security process for all passengers, significantly reducing hassle and reducing queues for departing travellers.
The next generation security technology is now in full operation at Leeds Bradford Airport. LBA is one of the first airports in the UK that has deployed the very latest technology for the entire operation which improves security staff effectiveness, detects prohibited items with greater accuracy and enhances passenger safety.
With all four security lanes now fully operational, Leeds Bradford Airport passengers will experience a smoother, faster, and more convenient journey through security.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “As Yorkshire’s international gateway, we are committed to ensuring passenger safety, whilst also providing a seamless, quick and efficient experience for those travelling through the airport. The introduction of the C3 scanners will enable our security staff to operate with greater accuracy, prioritising passenger safety while minimising unnecessary delays .”
CPP Group disposes of legacy operations in Italy
CPP Group, a Leeds-based provider of real-time, digitally delivered assistance products to insurance and financial services’ clients, has disposed of its legacy operations in Italy through the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, CPP Italia Srl (CPP Italy) to IGS EMEA SL for a cash consideration of €0.5 million.
CPP Italy is said to be non-core to the Group following the announcement of a revised strategy to withdraw from its legacy operations and to transform the Group to a digitally focused parametric business led by Blink Parametric and supported by CPP India and CPP Turkey.
For the 2023 Financial Year, CPP Italy contributed EBITDA of £0.2 million to the Group’s overall EBITDA of £4.8 million and recorded a profit before tax of £0.1 million. As at 31 December 2023, CPP Italy had net assets of £0.1 million.
The disposal marks the final step in the Group’s withdrawal plans from its legacy operations, with Spain and Portugal closed, Italy and Mexico sold, and the UK in active run-off.
Simon Pyper, Group CEO, said: “The disposal of CPP Italy is consistent with our stated strategy and is another positive step as we simplify the Group and transform to a digitally led parametric business.”
Hudson Contract sees increase in ‘more aggressive tactics’ as HMRC questions construction firms
HMRC is said to be stepping up compliance checks on the construction industry – using its powers to investigate payments for off-payroll labour and gross payments to net paid subcontractors for plant and materials.
Bridlington-based Hudson Contract says it has seen a noticeable increase in HMRC activity and the deployment of what it cals ‘more aggressive tactics’ in recent months, with twelve companies seeking its support in the last six weeks alone.
The company’s Compliance Director Dan Davies said: “The firms concerned are groundworks, joinery, scaffolding and surfacing contractors located across England with turnovers ranging from £2m to £18m.
“HMRC has written to the companies with demands for information including schedule of payments to ‘all workers on a self-employed or off-payroll basis, a description of work undertaken by each worker, sample contracts and company handbooks, information used to determine employment status, details and costs of all materials supplied, evidence of third-party plant hire costs, and supply chain compliance
“In some of the correspondence, HMRC also enclosed an in-depth questionnaire, probing employment status and the categories of off-payroll workers engaged directly, through limited companies or via agencies, umbrella companies and managed service companies.”
Mr Davies said company directors often found the level of questioning to be invasive, ambiguous and a cause for concern, even when their books were in order.HE said: “The costs of getting it wrong can be significant. In one recent case involving a roofing company that engaged between 15 and 20 labour-only sub-contractors, HMRC hit the firm with a statutory income tax notice for more than £330,000 for just one financial year, another was handed a VAT assessment totalling £900,000 because of a tax loss in his supply chain.
“These cases show that HMRC is stepping up the enforcement of off-payroll working rules known as IR35, VAT compliance and general CIS and PAYE compliance issues such as paying net paid subbies gross amounts for plant and materials.”
Hospitality workers on ‘precarious’ contracts found to be vulnerable to sexual harassment
Hospitality workers on precarious contracts are most likely to experience workplace sexual harassment, according to a new report.
The report reveals how a combination of precarious contracts, sexualisation of service work and the workforce’s demographics have contributed to making hospitality workers more vulnerable to workplace sexual harassment.
Dr Bob Jeffrey, lead author of the research from Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’ve all seen the headlines over the last year about issues of sexual harassment in the fast-food industry. Our research helps to explain why it’s such a problem, not just in fast-food, but across the hospitality sector.
“Part of the reason for this is the hospitality industry having the largest percentage of zero-hour contracts, which makes it too easy for perpetrators in positions of authority to cut the hours of those who try and speak out.”
Researchers interviewed hospitality workers from South Yorkshire, as part of a wider study on low paid and precarious work. Sexual harassment and unwanted sexual attention were mentioned by a significant number of interviewees.
The report highlights how the hospitality workforce is disproportionately young, female, from a minoritised background, on zero hours contracts and on the lowest rates of pay.
All of which make them more vulnerable to sexual harm, with workers on precarious contracts 60 per cent more likely to report being a victim of sexual harassment, and women generally reporting sexual harassment rates twice as high as men.
Findings showed that several of the women interviewed were harassed by their manager or supervisor, who used their position of authority and responsibility for their working patterns to harass them and control their working lives.
Free online business support sessions offered to Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland companies
A series of free online support sessions for businesses in Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland is now under way.
PAB Sema4 is running the funded workshops, which are designed to equip local businesses in these areas of Lincolnshire with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in a competitive market.
By participating, they will gain valuable insights into effective communication, cultural awareness, and community engagement, all of which are essential for business growth and development.
The workshops are part of a broader initiative to boost economic growth and community development in the region, funded by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) People & Skills Programme via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The following Global Gateway Training workshops have now been arranged and are being delivered online for ease of access:
- Tuesday 18th June at 10am – Workplace Communication Training, which aims to foster an inclusive and effective communication environment, enhancing team collaboration and productivity in a culturally diverse workplace.
- Wednesday 26th June at 10am – Website and Content Localisation, training which will provide strategies to effectively adapt digital content for international audiences, ensuring messages are culturally relevant and accurate, which enhances global brand appeal and market penetration.
- Thursday 27th June at 10am – Sales Communication Training, focusing on learning how to effectively communicate across diverse cultural backgrounds, increasing the potential for successful market expansion and improved client relationships in new geographical markets.
- Tuesday 2nd July at 10am – Build Real Relationships in your Community and learn how to effectively engage with members of your community.
- Thursday 4th July at 10am – Multicultural Marketing for Community Engagement, which concentrates on learning to connect authentically with diverse communities through targeted marketing strategies that reflect cultural sensitivities and preferences.
Household name in process industry expands into Leeds
Industrial landlord Towngate PLC has welcomed household name in the process industry, Lokring UK, to its growing client portfolio, with the signing of a five-year tenancy contract for 3,900 sq ft Unit C at Copley Hill Trading Estate in Leeds.
Founded over thirty years ago and operating in 30 countries worldwide, the Ohio-headquartered company offers an extensive range of design-patented weld equivalent pipe and tube fittings, including couplings, flanges, elbows, adapters.
At its new premises, Lokring will benefit from a spacious warehouse unit with modern ancillary offices, access via a single ground level door, yard and loading area, along with parking.
Speaking on the move, Lokring’s office manager, Zak O’Neill said: “This strategic move to Towngate’s Copley Hill site has come at the perfect time for us as a business — ensuring continuity and stability for Lokring UK and allowing us to continue delivering high-quality products and services to our valued customers. We look forward to further growth and success in our new location.”
Lokring UK joins fellow occupants Crown Decorating Centre, Howdens, Carpetright, Lincs Electrical Wholesalers Ltd (LEW), BAPP Industrial Suppliers Limited, Wolseley UK, The BSS Group Ltd, and Nicholls & Clarke Ltd.
Towngate’s property manager Tom Lamb also commented on the new let: “We are pleased to welcome Lokring UK to the Copley Hill Trading Estate and are confident that the location — offering close proximity to the motorway network and arterial routes — will be the perfect fit for the team.”
Leeds-based property consultants, GV&Co, advised Towngate alongside joint agents Carter Towler.
Senior surveyor Jonathan Jacob added: “We are delighted to have completed this letting on behalf of Towngate. Copley Hill Trading Estate is widely regarded as South Leeds’ premier trade counter estate, and we are pleased to welcome Lokring to the impressive list of national occupiers there.”
Airfield runway specialist invests £1m in grooving capabilities
Lincolnshire-headquartered global airfield and runway specialist Jointline has made its largest investment since the establishment of the 37-year-old business, to enhance its runway grooving capabilities.
The £1m of new plant and machinery will help drive sustained growth for the privately-owned company, which currently has 120 employees.
Gary Massey, Managing Director of Jointline, said: “The current demand for runway refurbishment and development is the highest it’s been for the past decade. In order for us to fulfil the demand from existing domestic customers – while expanding our overseas operations – we have deployed company funds to purchase multiple new sets of specialist plant and machinery.
“We have also invested in the training and development of long-serving employees and increased our skilled workforce by 20% to 120 employees. This is setting us apart from our competitors, while keeping the team and our customers safe as we carry out grooving assignments on live airfields. I am proud to be leading a business that is set up for the future and able to continue to grow sustainably and profitably.”
Jointline’s investment in the expansion of its grooving division includes the purchase of five ride-on pavement groovers, a bespoke 30-ft articulated trailer and two 44-tonne DAF XF Super Space tractor units. The firm has also invested in the remanufacture of its 30,000-litre capacity water tanker, which has additional safety features, Chapter 8 requirements, and full 360-camera coverage.
Trio of firms relocate to Graphical House in Leeds
Estate agents Zenko Properties, digital marketing agency Perfect Storm and recruitment, training and coaching services provider Back2Work have all relocated to Graphical House, a creative workspace in the heart of Leeds.
The property was brought to market at the beginning of the year by strategic property advisors Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler and spans over 7,000 sq ft in total, offering offices over four floors.
Located in The Calls district of Leeds, the building has undergone a significant refurbishment to offer some of the city’s best creative space. Graphical House is now largely known for its distinctive contemporary artwork on the building’s exterior – a project completed by Bristol-based artist Mr Penfold as part of the In Good Company project, commissioned by King & Co.
Zenko Properties, founded in 2015 by managing director Tobias Duczenko, has expanded its presence with a new branch on the ground floor of Graphical House. The 1,215 sq ft space, secured on a 6-year lease, marks the company’s second Yorkshire location adding to its branch in Silsden.
The second floor is occupied by digital marketing agency, Perfect Storm. The agency recently announced a record £3m turnover for the 2023/24 financial year and has acquired one of the larger suites at 2,100 sq ft on a 5 year lease.
Back2Work now occupy 1,720 sq ft at third level, on a 3 year lease. With its focus on workforce development and skills training, Back2Work plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy and community.
Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Graphical House is an iconic landmark in the centre of Leeds and a unique creative environment, with the high levels of interest it has received paying testament to its vast appeal.
“The businesses that now make it their home are great examples of the diverse and innovative enterprises we aimed to attract. We’re just one suite away from filling the building with an impressive lineup of established businesses, and it’s not hard to see why it is so popular.”
Clem McDowell, director at Carter Towler, said: “Its location is ideal for travel with rail, bus and motorway links close by and the presence of all three businesses within Graphical House creating a dynamic and collaborative environment that promotes growth and innovation.
“Being situated in the heart of The Calls district, it is also surrounded by an abundance of local amenities which just adds to the many reasons so many businesses are looking to call this area of Leeds their home.”
Professional services firm donates office furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice
Colleagues from Aon’s Hull office have donated used office furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice – ensuring the items did not instead go to landfill.
After relocating its 50-strong Humber team to a new, fully serviced office at Redhill Court in Hull, global professional services firm Aon has donated the office furniture to the charity, which provides hospice care to adults in North East Lincolnshire and children across Lincolnshire, Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
By giving the furniture a second life at St Andrew’s Hospice and furnishing the charity’s new building in Grimsby, Aon has ensured that the items have not ended up in landfill and avoided the associated carbon emissions. It also means that instead of spending money on new office furniture, the charity can divert more funds to providing hospice care for adults and children living with life-limiting conditions, as well as to their families.
Julie Smith, Head of Retail and Trading at St Andrew’s Hospice, said: “We cannot thank Aon enough for the incredibly generous donation of office furniture.
“The timing of the donation was absolutely perfect as we were looking to furnish our new 15,000 sq foot online sales department and logistics warehouse in the centre of Grimsby. As a result of this donation, Aon has saved St Andrew’s Hospice thousands of pounds and the savings can now be used to deliver patient care.
“Once again we want to send a heartfelt thanks and in particular we want to mention Olivia and Michelle who have been instrumental in ensuring that the hospice received this donation and support.”
Olivia Cammack, client service specialist at Aon in Hull, said: “St Andrew’s Hospice makes a huge difference to adults and children facing life-limiting conditions, providing them with specialist care in a supportive and comfortable environment.
“Aon is not only committed to making a positive difference in the local community but as part of our ESG strategy, it is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, through pursuing sustainable business solutions.
“By donating the used furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice, we have reduced our carbon emissions and helped the charity save money.”
Aon, which employs around 50,000 people worldwide, has agreed a 10-year lease for the entire first floor of Redhill Court. The move is part of Aon’s investment in the region and brings the whole Humber-based team together in one space, providing a flexible, collaborative and open working environment for all colleagues.
Activewear retailer enters voluntary liquidation
Sheffield-founded activewear retailer, Lucy Locket Loves has entered voluntary liquidation, owing just under £900,000.
It follows supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that impacted margins, and the cost of living crisis hitting revenue.
The Dronfield-based business was also affected by a change from monthly to quarterly rent payments for its warehouse, which it was unable to meet.
Founder Lucy Arnold said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone impacted by this, especially our customers and the LLL Team. Despite everyone’s hard work, the challenges of the past 18 months were overwhelming, leading us to enter voluntary liquidation on May 28, 2024.
“Supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that slashed our margins, and the ongoing cost of living crisis hit our revenue hard and disrupted our operations. These essentially made our traditional business model obsolete.
“In December 2023, we managed to negotiate monthly rent payments for our warehouse, but by May 2024, the owners insisted on reverting to full quarterly payments, which we couldn’t meet. This led to their abrupt decision to take control of our warehouse on May 10th with no notice, disrupting our operations and leaving us without working capital.
“Facing no operational ability and mounting financial obligations, we made the difficult decision to enter voluntary liquidation.
“This has been incredibly distressing, particularly for our team, who were reluctantly made redundant. We deeply regret the impact on our staff and their families and I can never say sorry enough for how abruptly this happened. This has personally been the most upsetting part of this process.”
The business aims to relaunch the Locket Loves website in Summer with a new look, operational hub, and new leggings designs.
In 2020, Arnold was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
City Council names contractor to update Drypool Bridge
Hull City Council has appointed Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates to work on design, repair, and strengthening of Drypool Bridge.
In preparation for the physical works on site, Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates have been appointed to lead on the preparatory phase. Their teams will undertake detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and prepare the schedule for the main repair and strengthening project.
Alongside these works, Mason Clark Associates will also be overseeing the design phase, ensuring that the bridge’s historic character and charm is preserved while meeting modern safety standards.
Garry Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Projects, Culture, and Place, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.
“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.
“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”
The early contractor involvement phase, with both Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates, will determine the start date for physical works on site.
In the meantime, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic until the major repairs start.
Following a routine inspection in April, it was discovered that several of the load-bearing columns under Drypool Bridge had significantly deteriorated. As a result, the historic structure on Clarence Street must undergo major repairs to ensure its safety and longevity.
