Opening of £9m research centre brings new hope to cancer, dementia and heart disease patients across the North
Research and treatment for cancer, dementia and heart disease is set to take a huge step forward after the long-awaited handover of a £9m molecular imaging facility at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire.
At a ceremony to mark the occasion Professor Pat Price, an internationally renowned expert in cancer research, said the significance of the new molecular imaging research centre (MIRC) is underlined by data which shows more must be done to develop a much-needed national cancer recovery plan for the UK.
Prof Price added: “What is happening in Hull with the new MIRC and the Jack Brignall Centre is fantastic but now we need this push in terms of fundraising to show people what we can do. We need more capacity in diagnostic imaging otherwise cancer patients in the area are just going to have to wait longer. This will save lives.”
Prof Nick Stafford, founder and chair of the Daisy Appeal, said: “We currently carry out 4,500 scans every year in the Jack Brignall Centre but the scanner is at capacity. We are looking to upgrade it to a digital device capable of getting through 7,500 scans per year, but new technology does not come cheap.”
This new research centre complements the existing PET CT scanning centre which has been operating for the last nine years. There are ongoing plans for further development to improve medical services in Hull and the charity is looking to secure new funding for the digital scanner at a cost of approximately £2.8m within the next year.
Prof Stafford, a former professor of head and neck surgery, founded the Daisy Appeal in 2000. He remains chair of the charity which created a partnership between the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Hull. Milestones include the opening of the £8m Daisy Appeal Medical Research Centre in 2008 and the £4.5m Jack Brignall PET-CT Scanning Centre in 2014. To date £23m has been raised by the charity.
Equipped with its own cyclotron, the MIRC will make its own radiotracers which in the past have had to be bought in from manufacturers elsewhere – a journey of an hour or more for products which have a short half-life. When the new facility is up and running the radiotracers will be produced on site and delivered directly to the Jack Brignall Centre for immediate use in scans to detect cancers, dementia and heart disease.
Work on the MIRC commenced in 2018 with completion due in 2021 but construction, complications and equipment delays caused by the impact of Covid have pushed the project back. Having taken delivery of the facility, Prof Stafford said work will now begin on the commissioning and licensing procedures, with radiotracer production on course to start in the next two months and the cyclotron operational in about six months.
He said: “We will be able to manufacture a variety of clinically relevant radiotracers not currently available to patients in the north of England and, as the only facility of its kind between Cambridge and Edinburgh, we aim to become a referral centre for specialised PET imaging.
“Clinical scanning activity in the UK is predicted to rise 12 per cent year on year for the next decade and the industry partners we work with are gearing up to meet that. GE, who supplied our cyclotron have predicted an increase in sales for radiotracers and radiotherapeutics in the United States from $1.17bn in 2020 to $24.9bn by 2031. I’d like our facility to have a share of the UK element of this market.”
Annual running costs for the MIRC are £700,000 and the charity will continue to pursue other revenue opportunities from grants, corporate and personal donations and fundraising activities in the community.
The NHS review commissioned by the new government and published by Lord Darzi, reported that the UK has appreciably higher cancer mortality rates than other countries, with no progress whatsoever made in diagnosing cancer at stage one and two between 2013 and 2021.
Prof Price, chair of Radiotherapy UK, Professor at Imperial College London and a clinical oncology consultant for 35 years, said: “The importance of the new facility is about dealing with the increased incidence of cancer. There will be a 30 per cent increase in the incidence of cancer by 2040, one in two people will get it and there is a big delay in terms of diagnostics.
“We need chemical science centres like this one that can develop the methodology for PET studies. Not many places in the UK can do that and Hull would not normally be up for this level of infrastructure but we have known Nick for a long time, he came to us with his vision for Hull and he did something really tough and really important.
“It’s complex clinical science, it’s ambitious and they have attracted some very good people who can go to the next level now in terms of international support. To really make the most of this they need to get some pilot data which will help them secure bigger grants and become a jewel in the crown for the UK.”
Duo of lettings secured at boutique office in Leeds
A boutique office in the heart of Leeds city centre, 2 Bond Court has welcomed two new occupiers as the popularity of Cat A ‘plug and play’ space continues to rise.
Joint agents CBRE and WSB Property have secured deals with Hilco and YFM Equity Partners for almost 3,000 sq ft of office accommodation. These latest deals leave the final suite of 2,489 sq ft. Agents acted for landlord Midland House Limited in the deals.
Specialist, independently-owned equity investors, YFM Equity Partners have signed a deal on a fully fitted and furnished 4th floor suite, whilst Hilco Valuation Services, an asset valuation, advisory and sales practice has taken space on the 1st floor. Both businesses sought better quality space that was immediately ready to occupy with an all-inclusive rent.
Clair McGowan, Director, CBRE Office Agency team in Leeds, said: “Cat A office space is becoming a key driver for businesses looking for ready to occupy, fully fitted accommodation.
“2 Bond Court is located in the heart of Leeds’ office district and offers excellent access to local transport links, as well as a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes and delis. It is situated in a pedestrianised public open space that links the office core with the city’s thriving retail quarter. It was the ideal location for both businesses who sought high quality office space.”
Jason Stowe, Managing Director for Wilton Developments who developed and manage 2 Bond Court on behalf of Midland House Limited, said: “This is further evolution of our property on 2 Bond Court, building upon the origination of the redevelopment of the wider Bond Court public open space through our JV with Leeds City Council all those years ago.
“It is encouraging and rewarding to see the further investment and vibrancy that has gone into the square and surrounding buildings since then. 2 Bond Court itself has embraced occupiers’ requirements for fully fitted space and that has been reflected in the lettings we have achieved recently.”
Kromek wins £2m government contract
A company with its R&D centre at Huddersfield has won a £2m government contract to supply the MoD with radiation detectors.
Under the contract Kromek must supply the products by April next year.
The contract, which was awarded after a competitive tender process, is for the supply of the Group’s D5 RIID, a handheld, highly-sensitive gamma and neutron detector, along with the Group’s Alpha Beta probe attachment and other associated products.
Launched in November 2023, the Alpha Beta probeconnects directly to the D5 RIID to enable alpha and beta radiation to be detected, allowing the single, small form factor upgraded device to detect all types of radioactive material.
Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are delighted to have won this important contract from the UK MOD, which is a significant strategic customer for Kromek. That it was awarded after a rigorous tender process provides excellent endorsement of the strength of our solution. It is also great validation to receive this key order for our Alpha Beta probe so soon after its launch at the end of last year.
“With the Alpha Beta probe upgrade, our D5 RIID is one of the most versatile handheld radiation detectors available today. We are looking forward to delivering this contract and supporting UK national defence efforts and to continuing to strengthen our relationship with this important customer.”
Swiss firm steps in to acquire South Yorkshire specialist railway company
Dinnington-based Direct Track Solutions Ltd has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG.
The Yorkshire company was created in 2002 by Martin and Melanie Southwell to focus on competitive supply chain solutions for the railway industry. Having significantly grown the business, Martin and Melanie were looking for a partner who could continue this success.
Melanie Southwell said: “Having worked for 22 years building a successful business, we agreed that the time was now right to look for a buyer that could take the business to the next level. Schwihag AG a global supplier of quality railway track products ticked all the boxes. Schwihag AG is the perfect fit, enhancing the DTS brand and creating greater opportunities for all the staff .We are both delighted that the future of DTS is in good hands and we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength.
“Throughout the whole process we had full confidence in both Andy Ryder and Adam Ames at Shorts, along with Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau that the lengthy transaction would be completed to the highest standard whilst at the same time meeting our expectations.”
Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts added: “We have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie, and it has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction. We look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.
Matt Ainsworth, Corporate Partner at Shakespeare Martineau said: “Direct Track is yet another high quality local business which has attracted overseas inward investment into the region. We wish the business all the success for the future.”
Schwihag, founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen in Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a long-standing supplier of trackwork components and fastening systems globally. Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.
The acquisition of DTS last month supplements Schwihag’s manufacturing facilities in Doncaster; Leipzig, Germany and Grandview Missouri, USA, alongside its additional regional offices in Valencia, Spain and New Delhi, India. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is seen as a strategic addition to Schwihag’s UK portfolio, increasing the range of products and services offered to the market.
Proposed merger between Vodaphone and Three could lead to price rises, fears CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority believes a merger of Vodaphone and Three would lead to UK price increases or service reductions for tens of millions of mobile customers.
The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value.
Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group leading the investigation, said: “We’ve taken a thorough, considered approach to investigating this merger, weighing up the investment the companies say they will make in enhancing network quality and boosting 5G connectivity against the significant costs to customers and rival virtual networks.
“We will now consider how Vodafone and Three might address our concerns about the likely impact of the merger on retail and wholesale customers while securing the potential longer-term benefits of the merger, including by guaranteeing future network investments.”
The CMA has also provisionally found that the merger would negatively impact ‘wholesale’ telecoms customers – Mobile Virtual Network Operators such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara – which rely on the existing network operators to provide their own mobile services. The merger would reduce the number of network operators from four to three, making it more difficult for MVNOs to secure competitive terms, restricting their ability to offer the best deals to retail customers. While identifying these concerns, the CMA has also found that the merger, by integrating the Vodafone and Three networks, could improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by Vodafone and Three. But the CMA currently considers that these claims are overstated, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to follow through on its proposed investment programme after the merger. As a result, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets. The CMA will now consult on its provisional findings. It will also consult on potential solutions to its competition concerns, including the options set out in its remedies notice (also published today). These include legally binding investment commitments overseen by the sector regulator, and measures to protect both retail customers and customers in the wholesale market. The CMA will retain the option to prohibit the merger should it conclude that other remedy options will not address its competition concerns effectively.UK Centre for Events Management in Leeds collaborates with Whitecap Consulting
Whitecap Consulting, LegalTech in Leeds, and FinTech North have partnered with the UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett University to share knowledge, resources and insight, and to create strategic project opportunities for students seeking careers in the events industry.
The new partnership aims to foster knowledge exchange between the academic and professional communities, and enhance the educational experience for students. It will leverage Whitecap’s active involvement in emerging technology sectors via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds, two regionally focused initiatives.
Students will be given the opportunity to gain events management experience via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds events, will participate in knowledge share and best practice sessions, and will be able to deliver relevant consulting project work as part of their courses.
The partnership will see the integration of real-world applications into the curriculum through live case studies. By doing so, the collaboration aims to prepare students for diverse careers in rapidly evolving markets. Students will benefit from hands-on experience with both the FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds initiatives, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge that will be crucial for their future careers.
Peter Robinson, Head of Events Tourism and Hospitality, which includes the UK Centre for Events Management, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Whitecap, FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds to drive innovation in our curriculum. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to offering students unparalleled opportunities with leading corporate events in Yorkshire.”
In the long term, the collaboration seeks to develop joint research projects and internships, providing students with invaluable in-person experience.
Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting, also highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration: “Partnering with the UK Centre for Events Management allows us to access fresh perspectives and emerging talent, and combines our core competence as a strategy consultancy with our passion and enthusiasm for building regional event-based ecosystems. We see this partnership as a source of long-term benefit for all parties and the wider region.”
FinTech North was created by Whitecap Consulting and White Label Crowdfunding in 2016, and acts as a regional hub for the financial technology community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Since its launch, FinTech North has hosted approximately 130 events, including a prominent series of annual conferences across the north, drawing industry leaders and facilitating discussions on the future of financial technology.
Joe Roche, General Manager at FinTech North, said: “FinTech has grown to be a significant part of the UK and regional tech economy, and over recent years FinTech North has developed into a highly active organisation, running an extensive programme of events and also developing international and skills related activities.
“Part of our mission is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of FinTech related career opportunities to young people, and we very much welcome the engagement and support of the UK Centre for Events Management students in our work.”
Launched in 2022 to advance the recommendations of the Leeds City Region LegalTech and Innovation Report, LegalTech in Leeds focuses on the intersection of law and technology. This initiative brings together legal professionals and tech innovators to explore how technology can transform the legal sector.
LegalTech in Leeds has organised approximately 50 events, including its flagship LegalTech in Leeds Conference, attracting professionals from across the UK to discuss the latest developments in legal technology.
Chloe Thompson, Consultant at Whitecap, oversees the LegalTech in Leeds programme and said: “LegalTech is an exciting and fast evolving field to work in. Since we first started running events in 2022 we have always benefited from the active engagement of students from across the region, both as attendees and also in helping run our events.
“For our annual conference earlier this year we worked with three students from the UK Centre for Events Management, who supported us with pre-event planning, exploration of ideas, and being part of the events management team on the day itself. They were a huge help and I’m delighted we are able to partner with Leeds Beckett University for future events and initiatives.”
DJH to take on the Three Peaks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Accountancy firm DJH are taking on the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for charity.
A team of 48 from across the group will be taking on three of the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park on 28 September, to help raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
After the triumph of their Go Joe Movement Challenge in June, where the firm successfully raised £1,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society through moving and exercising regardless of fitness level, taking on the Three Peaks is the latest DJH charity initiative.
With keen walkers across the group, training has already begun, with organised walks within offices and weekend hikes taking place in the lead up to the big day, where DJH will cover 24.5 miles and climb a total of 5,200ft.
Speaking about the challenge, James Beardmore, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This challenge isn’t only to test ourselves both mentally and physically, we’re also aiming to raise funds and awareness for the amazing work of Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity chosen by the team themselves as one close to their hearts.”
Karen Borowski, Director from their Huddersfield office who will be taking part in the challenge, added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to also get to know members of the team outside of the office. There’s a great mixture of ages, fitness levels and departments who are taking part so it will also be a great networking opportunity whilst getting our steps in and raising money for a wonderful cause!”
DJH are aiming to raise £15,000, with all profits going to the charity, helping them continue to provide their services to millions of people with cancer in the UK.
£3m provided for new programme supporting innovation and growth across South Yorkshire
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has provided £3m for a new programme to support innovation and economic growth across South Yorkshire.
Approved at the Mayoral Combined Authority Board meeting on 10 September 2024, the South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP) is a collaboration led by Sheffield Hallam University with the University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. The programme is co-designed and developed with each of the four South Yorkshire local authorities.
SYIP will provide opportunities for businesses to engage in and benefit from innovation-led growth, driving innovation led activities. It will build upon a successful track record of delivering innovation support to SMEs in the region.
The programme will provide access to high-quality and bespoke innovation support including academic consultancy, innovation audits, student projects and placements, access to university equipment and facilities, events and technical workshops
Support will be available to organisations of all sizes across all sectors based in South Yorkshire, including charities and social enterprises. Further details on the launch of the programme and how organisations can access support will follow later this year.
The project is one of several partnerships between Sheffield’s universities, local authorities and SYMCA aimed at driving economic growth and inward investment into South Yorkshire.
Others include the Sheffield Innovation Spine, a long-term spatial and economic strategy to create and link the infrastructure required to grow knowledge-led businesses and the Innovation Network South Yorkshire which brings together academics, businesses and organisations at free networking events to encourage collaboration.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “We are getting on with the job of building a bigger, better economy in South Yorkshire. But we can’t build a new future without new ideas.
“That’s why it’s vital we bring together our world-leading universities and local authorities to help our local businesses harness innovation. The South Yorkshire Innovation Programme will help our businesses to create the future here, right here.
“I’m determined to build a South Yorkshire that works together to spread wealth, opportunity and success to all our communities.”
Professor Rory Duncan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “At a time of rapid advancements across an ever-increasing range of sectors, the ability to innovate and harness new technology is more important than ever for businesses of all sizes.
“Sheffield Hallam is delighted to be leading this new programme fostering stronger partnerships between academia and business. This collaboration aims to translate cutting-edge research and knowledge into tangible solutions that address the unique challenges of our region’s businesses.”
Professor Ashutosh Tiwari, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield, said: “The University of Sheffield has a proven track record of partnering with local organisations to drive innovation and boost economic growth. This collaborative programme offers an exciting opportunity to build on our successes.
“We’re very much looking forward to working closely with some of South Yorkshire’s innovative organisations to help them adapt and thrive as the challenges they face continue to evolve. Together, we can turn our world-leading research into practical solutions to address the region’s specific needs, while strengthening South Yorkshire’s position as a hub for innovation.”
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic programme for businesses who are looking to innovate and increase productivity by accessing technologies and dedicated one to one support. Our Enterprising Barnsley team will lead the technical expertise though the innovation spaces at the DMC, bringing value through our wide-reaching network of specialists.
“We’ve already seen businesses making the most of the MakerLab and CreatorLab to diversify their business offer, develop new products, and tackle productivity challenges. Now we have a programme which opens that opportunity for even more businesses, whilst bringing three new jobs into the Enterprising Barnsley team to drive further innovation into the region.
“We’ll be hosting a number of workshops and events to welcome business to the spaces, encouraging those who typically haven’t engaged with modern technologies such as 3D scanning and printing, Internet of Things devices, and laser cutters, to come and explore what is available to them at the DMC in Barnsley.”
Sibling companies reach finals in five award categories
Two Yorkshire coast businesses have reached the final in five categories of a tourism awards competition.
Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery has been shortlisted in the Remarkable Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, and the Remarkable Local Producer categories of the 14th annual Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards for businesses and individuals working within the tourism industry. Sister company Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery has been shortlisted for the Remarkable Cuppa, the Remarkable Local Producer and the Remarkable Taste Awards.
Spirit of Yorkshire’s marketing director Jenni Ashwood said: “Tourism is an important part of the distillery’s offering, and the team is over the moon that the Pot Still Coffee Shop has been recognised by tourism chiefs in the region. We look forward to meeting our fellow finalists at the awards dinner.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year.”
The teams of both businesses will find out whether they have won at an awards dinner at Bridlington Spa on 14th November 2024.
Home to Filey Bay single malt whisky, Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire is a field-to-bottle distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that uses 100% home-grown barley to produce its whisky.
Wold Top Brewery was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange near Filey. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of cask, keg, and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.
Leeds City Council names interim Chief Exec
Later this month Mariana Pexton will take over as interim chief executive at Leeds City Council on the retirement of current chief executive Tom Riordan.
She will be the first ever woman to take up the role, heading the second-biggest local authority in the country and bringing a strong track record of driving the council’s ambitions for both itself and the city.
She said: “It’s a great privilege to have this opportunity and I’m completely committed to the council and to Leeds. Here we do things together, working with residents and partners to achieve the best for the city and its people.
“I will be focused on consolidating all the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the council, while working towards delivering a balanced budget. I am also determined that alongside this work we continue to operate as a team, both within the council and more broadly, to make the most of opportunities to help improve lives across the city.”
As the council’s current director of strategy and resources, Mariana leads a large directorate with key corporate services including finance, human resources and many other areas, along with Civic Enterprise Leeds, which provides frontline services such as catering, cleaning, school crossing patrols, passenger transport and building repairs.
Mariana joined the council in 2000 and has held senior roles in strategy, customer services and children’s services. Before then she had a career in leadership and management in the Civil Service and an inspectorate. She studied sports studies in Newcastle, has a master’s in business administration from the University of Leeds, and has recently been awarded a professional doctorate at Leeds Beckett University, researching leadership and strategy in local government.
Married with two children, she is also chair of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and a director at Leeds Rhinos Netball as a volunteer. She completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023.
She will formally take up the interim chief executive post on the 23 September and will continue in this until the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is completed.
York firms meet delegation from Japan to talk about highway technology
York and North Yorkshire businesses and local authorities have met representatives from Tokyo Metropolitan Government in a move said to represent an important global partnership for the region’s manufacturing economy.
Under discussion were innovative ideas and technologies for highway management, with a focus on Tokyo’s development of its Three Ring Expressways project, an ambitious infrastructure scheme that will see billions of dollars invested in developing a new system of high-speed ring roads for the Greater Tokyo Area, the world’s most populous metropolis..
Tony Corby, Head of Inward Investment and Business Growth at City of York Council, said: “We’re delighted that members of the team working on one of the world’s most ambitious urban highways projects have chosen to visit us in York.
“Large-scale infrastructure projects like those currently taking place in Tokyo represent amazing trade opportunities for businesses in our area who are developing exciting and innovative technologies to make highways safer, more resilient and more sustainable.
“Our Economic Growth team can support local businesses to develop their trade links overseas by putting them in touch with investors from across the globe.”
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “These public and private sector partnerships are essential for our region to reach its full potential.
“We are good at what we do and we’re ambitious. This visit signals that our strengths in these sectors are being recognised internationally.
“It’s time to be confident, ambitious and champion York and North Yorkshire.”
Goole tobacco smugglers get prison terms
Illegal tobacco smuggled into the UK through Goole has helped HMRC to slash the tax gap on illicit cigarettes and tobacco by more than half since 2005, according to a new report – and in the year to March 2024 prison sentences totalling 148 years were handed down to 107 cigarette and tobacco fraudsters.
In the same period, more than 1.3 billion illicit cigarettes have been seized, worth more than £678 million in tax, along with hand-rolling tobacco worth £41 million.
Just last month, two crooked carpenters who smuggled millions of illegal cigarettes into the UK through Goole inside planks of wood were jailed for nine and a half years.
Regimantas Nekrosevicius, 45, and Edvardas Zolynas, 43, used the same timber planks in a dozen shipments to and from Eastern Europe.
The multi-million pound tax scam was uncovered after 5.4 million cigarettes were seized by Border Force colleagues at the Yorkshire port of Goole. HMRC investigators proved the pair had received more than a dozen deliveries worth an estimated £19.9 million in evaded duty.
And in June last year a gang that was caught red handed with millions of counterfeit cigarettes at a Lincolnshire farm were jailed for 26 years.
These new figures, which were published today show the cigarette smuggling tax gap – the amount of estimated duty lost every year to cigarette fraud – has now reduced from 16.9% in 2005, to 6.9%.
Earlier this year HMRC and Border Force published a new illicit tobacco strategy ‘Stubbing Out the Problem’, which set out a continued commitment to reduce the trade in illicit tobacco, with a focus on reducing demand, and tackling the organised crime groups who are responsible.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said: “We are determined to tackle the tax gap to help rebuild the public finances and ensure everyone pays their fair share.
“Stamping out the illicit tobacco trade will also cut down funding for wider crime and improve public health.”
Spencer Group takes on quartet of apprentices
Hull-based Spencer Group has appointed four new apprentices as part of its ongoing partnership with Ron Dearing College.
Level 3 Electrical Apprentices Mason Creighton and Johnny Reilly join Spencer Group’s growing M&E team, whilst Michael Ward and Dylan McCallion, are completing their Level 4 HNC Civil Engineer and Technician qualifications.
The new apprentices will learn from industry experts and will work across rail, bridges, build and civil, providing in-house services to each department, which places the Group in a strong position to meet client requirements.
The new Electrical Apprentices will join the M&E team, following in the footsteps of Operations Director Dan Whittle, who started at the business as an apprentice himself.
Dan began his time at Spencer Group in 2006 as an Apprentice Electrician and after completing HNC and HND courses worked his way up to becoming a Site Engineer.
He went on to complete Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and progressed through the roles of Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Director.
Dan said: “Throughout my career the team at Spencer Group has supported me to move outside of my comfort zone, which has pushed me to develop and grow.
“I’ve also been provided with great career progression opportunities. I’ve been allowed to grow within the business, gaining experience from undertaking challenging projects and this has been made possible by having a strong support network.
“Having started my career in the same position almost 20 years ago, I know how beneficial an apprenticeship is and I’m excited to see what they achieve in the coming years.”
Fully funded business support across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland
Business Lincolnshire provides a comprehensive range of fully funded programmes designed to help businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland grow and succeed. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, their tailored services offer essential guidance, resources, and mentoring. They support a diverse range of sectors, including retail, leisure, hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, the visitor economy, and digital industries.
The Your Business Boost programme is specifically designed for businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. It combines masterclasses, 1-2-1 support, and peer group sessions to help business owners develop strategic action plans and achieve their growth goals. This programme provides valuable insights into marketing, HR, and sales, ensuring businesses have the tools to thrive in these competitive industries.
The Low Carbon Lincolnshire initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming more sustainable. Through this programme, businesses can learn about decarbonisation, energy management, and creating sustainable supply chains. It helps businesses reduce energy costs and improve their environmental impact, positioning them to take advantage of emerging low-carbon opportunities.
For businesses with growth ambitions, the Next Level Scale Up Programme offers leadership development and coaching. This programme focuses on building strong leadership skills, enhancing management capabilities, and connecting businesses with high-level networks. Through personalised coaching and leadership workshops, business leaders are equipped to drive growth and navigate challenges.
Startups can access the Start-Up Programme, which provides dedicated support from concept to market launch. This programme offers expert guidance on business planning, market research, and funding opportunities. With access to workshops and mentoring, new businesses receive the support they need to build a solid foundation for future growth.
In addition to these programmes, Business Lincolnshire also offers specialist support for areas like exporting and internationalisation, helping businesses expand into new markets, and social economy, offering guidance for social enterprises.
To explore these opportunities further, businesses are invited to attend a special event at the Drill Hall in Lincoln on October 8th, where they can network with other local businesses and learn more about the support available. More information can be found here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-and-network-lincolnshire-business-support-forum-tickets-1013512853227?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy & Place at Lincolnshire County Council, highlights the importance of these programmes: “Business Lincolnshire provides essential tools and guidance that enable local businesses to innovate, expand, and reach their full potential. This comprehensive support network is key to ensuring that Lincolnshire remains a thriving place to do business.”
For more information, businesses are encouraged to contact the Growth Hub and book a consultation with an experienced adviser to guide them through the support available via the Business Lincolnshire website: https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/enquiry.
Dinnington’s Direct Track Solutions sold to Swiss company
Dinnington-based Direct Track Solutions Ltd (DTS) has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG.
Direct Track Solutions Limited was founded in 2002 by Martin and Melanie Southwell to focus on competitive supply chain solutions for the railway industry. Having significantly grown the business, Martin and Melanie were looking for a partner who could continue this success.
Melanie and Martin Southwell, of Direct Track Solutions Limited, said: “Having worked for 22 years building a successful business, we agreed that the time was now right to look for a buyer that could take the business to the next level. Schwihag AG a global supplier of quality railway track products ticked all the boxes.
“Schwihag AG is the perfect fit, enhancing the DTS brand and creating greater opportunities for all the staff. We are both delighted that the future of DTS is in good hands and we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength.”
Corporate Finance advice was provided to DTS by Andy Ryder and Adam Ames of Shorts, together with legal advice from Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau.
Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts, added: “We are delighted to have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie. It has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction, and we look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.”
Schwihag, which was founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen, Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a longstanding supplier of unique and well-proven trackwork components and fastening systems globally. Rebecca Robinson of Wake Smith provided legal advice to the buyer.
Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.
West Yorkshire’s green sector set for explosion after bringing in £8.1bn to region’s economy in a year
West Yorkshire businesses are being urged to join “the decarbonisation revolution” with a new report revealing the region’s burgeoning green sector is set for a growth explosion after bringing in £8.1 billion to the economy last year.
The newly published Green Economy report reveals the region’s Green Technologies and Services (GTS) sector – which includes everything from wind to alternative fuel vehicles – is set for massive growth with sales set to soar by 37% to £11.1 billion by 2026.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin.
Green Economy’s West Yorkshire Green Technologies & Services Sector Mapping report also shows the huge contribution the region’s 2,914 GTS businesses and 53,000 employees, play economically and environmentally.
Its authors stressed the report should be the springboard for the sector to work alongside bodies like Green Economy to ensure they plug skills gaps, overcome industry barriers to decarbonisation and create more high-quality local jobs with employment in West Yorkshire’s green tech sector representing just 2.1% of the county’s workforce in 2023 – compared to 5.9% for England as a whole.
Key findings of the report include:
- West Yorkshire’s green technologies and services sector is valued at £8.1 billion and expected to grow to £11.1 billion by 2026 – a 37% rise. Sales in the sector grew by 6.1% from 2020/21 to 2021/22 and 6.4% from 2021/22 to 2022/23, mirroring UK trends.
- The top three sub-sectors in the region by sales in 2022/23 were: Wind – £1,248 million in sales, 6,926 employees and 422 businesses; Building Technologies – £895 million in sales, 7,325 employees and 377 businesses; and Alternative Fuel Vehicles – £877 million in sales, 5,578 employees and 326 businesses
- The three largest exporting sub-sectors in West Yorkshire in 2022/23 were Energy from Waste (£89.4 million), Alternative Fuels (£72.2 million), Alternative Fuel Vehicle (£50.1 million)
- West Yorkshire’s GTS exports in 2023 were valued at £500 million, representing 2.9% of the UK’s GTS exports and aligning with West Yorkshire’s 2.9% share of the overall UK GTS 2023 market. West Yorkshire contributed 3.3% to England’s GTS 2023 export market, slightly lower than its 3.4% share of England’s GTS 2023 sales. Notable exporting sub-sectors included Energy from Waste and Alternative Fuels.
- Leading sub-sectors include wind, building technologies and alternative fuels while emerging sectors include carbon finance, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, all expected to see over 60 per cent increase in sales
Work completes on new Northallerton primary school
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has completed work on a brand-new multi-million-pound primary school in Northallerton.
The new academic term saw 18 children take their first steps into the £7 million state-of-the-art Oakbridge Church of England Primary School in Alverton Road, where a major new housing development has been built.
The school, which Trust leaders have promised will be a “flagship of excellence,” is being run by the Dales Academies Trust and boasts excellent indoor and outdoor sports provision, a well-stocked library, a bespoke Early Years classroom and a purpose-built art studio.
Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, said: “Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is an exceptional school with superb facilities, which will make it a hugely valuable asset for the local community.
“It’s also a great addition to our portfolio of high-quality school and college projects that we’ve successfully delivered across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in recent years, and seeing the school welcoming its first pupils is a special moment for the whole development team.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “I’m delighted to see a new primary school open its doors in Northallerton and welcome its first pupils.
“I’m extremely proud of the work and commitment that has gone into creating this impressive new, purpose-built school that will provide current and future generations with excellent facilities and quality learning environments. This is such a massive achievement and I would like to wish all pupils and staff the very best in their first week at school.”
Director of primary for Dales Academies Trust and executive headteacher of the new school, Nikkie Godbold, said: “I am delighted to welcome our first cohort of children to Oakbridge. We have fantastic facilities and a beautiful building where they will thrive; it is lovely to now see the children using our carefully designed spaces.
“Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious and has reading at its heart. In partnership with our families, and the local community, we look forward to seeing our children learn and develop over the coming years.”
The chief executive officer for Dales Academies Trust, Damian Chubb, said: “It is a real privilege for Dales to be the sponsor for the new school and we are thrilled to reach this point in this exciting project.
“We are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the local community and look forward to playing a full role in its further development.”
The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby. The school has opened with an initial intake of reception class only but will welcome more and more pupils over a seven-year period until it reaches its full capacity of 210 pupils – providing places for 30 children in each year group.
North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, said: “This is an exciting day for everyone involved. The new Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is a welcome addition to our existing education provision in North Yorkshire.”
Ward member for Northallerton North and Brompton division, Cllr Steve Watson, added: “Oakbridge Primary will not only have big educational benefits for all pupils, but will also be a valuable asset for the local community. This is another key piece of the overall North Northallerton development. It is wonderful to see the children and staff embracing their school and starting to breathe life.”
Sale and leaseback of 70,865 sq ft industrial building agreed in Barnsley
Independent property consultancy, Edwards Property Consultants has agreed a sale and leaseback of a 70,865 sq ft industrial building in Barnsley for £3.4 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 9.25%.
The building, which sits on a 10.15 acre site on Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth, was sold with a 15 year leaseback, incorporing 5 yearly tenant breaks, to long established haulier, Truswell Haulage. A private investor acquired the asset as part of its long term investment portfolio.
Oliver Rowe, Director at Edwards, says: “Completing this strategic sale leaseback deal marks a pivoltal chapter for our client, Truswell Haulage. By unlocking signifcant capital, the company can now prioritse ongoing investment into the business to secure its long term future and further grow it’s operations.
“We are advising a number of business owners looking to reduce traditional debt, or invest funds into the growth of their businesses. With a backdrop of higher interest rates and strong underlying industrial values, releasing capital through sale and leaseback is proving to be a good alternative for business owners.”
Christopher Dee acted for the purchasers.
Leeds City Council backs first phase of mass transit scheme
Leeds City Council is backing the first phase of West Yorkshire’s mass transit scheme, in a report due to go before senior councillors next week.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently consulting on the first phase of its mass transit scheme, which would see tram routes created between St James’ Hospital and the White Rose office park and shopping centre, and between Leeds and Bradford.
A report to the Leeds City Council’s executive board, to be considered at its meeting at Civic Hall on Wednesday 18 September, states that the council recognises the ‘strategic importance’ of mass transit across Leeds and West Yorkshire in improving transport connections and accelerating economic growth and regeneration.
This includes ‘unlocking of new housing growth opportunities across the city’ and ‘bringing people within easier reach of jobs and opportunities’, along with connecting people with education, health and local centres in addition to social and leisure destinations in the city centre.
The report also states that mass transit ‘will play a critical role in helping Leeds to be the city where you don’t need a car, encouraging mode shift from private car use to reduce congestion and meet the council’s carbon net zero targets’.
The combined authority’s consultation options splits the possible mass transit route into three sections – Leeds city centre and South Leeds, which together make up the ‘Leeds Line’, and the ‘Bradford Line’.
There are four options for the Leeds city centre route, between St James’ Hospital and the River Aire at Victoria Bridge.
There are three options for South Leeds route, which would join the city centre route at Victoria Bridge and end at the White Rose Shopping Centre via either Holbeck and Elland Road or along the A653 Dewsbury Road.
The Bradford Line options would connect Leeds and Bradford using three different routes between either Stanningley or Pudsey, and either Armley or Wortley.
The report states the council’s preference for Leeds city centre route known as L1 via East Parade and Infirmary Street, connecting to the South Leeds route known as L6 which would travel via Elland Road, Elland Road Stadium and Ring Road Beeston to the White Rose site.
The report states that the council supports routes that connect to these destinations along with the universities, hospitals, existing housing developments and the Innovation Arc, and ‘offer opportunities to accelerate urban regeneration… and be a catalyst for wider change by helping to unlock brownfield development and placemaking that contributes to new housing delivery and economic growth’.
The report goes on to state that mass transit ‘has the potential to radically change access to the south of the city and particularly the corridor comprising Elland Road, the football stadium, White Rose Office Park and White Rose Shopping Centre, and outer south Leeds, linking to growth points in Kirklees’. The report suggests that options which follow routes through Middleton similar to those in the previously-proposed New Generation Transport (NGT) scheme would be ‘sub-optimal’ compared to routes which connect to Elland Road, and previous ‘negative feedback’ about the NGT routes should be taken into account.
The report recognises the importance of improving connectivity between the two largest cities in West Yorkshire and the ‘clear regeneration opportunities for key settlements along the route’.
The council also wants to ensure that ‘centres like Pudsey gain maximum benefit from the provision of an enhanced transport link’ and supports improved connections between the city centre, Pudsey and Bradford.
However, the report does not outline a specific preference for any of the three Bradford Line options at this stage, stating that the council would welcome ‘further conversations on the design development with WYCA to fully inform future considerations on a preferred route’. This includes understanding how any route would integrate and impact on the existing railway and Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals, how any disruption to local highways would be minimised, and how mass transit would serve communities along the route.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We are extremely supportive of mass transit in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region. It will improve transport connections, bring people within easier reach of jobs and opportunities, boost our economic growth and regeneration ambitions, and have a positive impact on people’s overall quality of life.
“Improved connectivity with our neighbours in Bradford is incredibly important in boosting both cities’ economic potential and is something that we would like to see delivered as soon as possible.
“We recognise that the combined authority’s proposals are at an early stage, and as such we require greater clarity in some key areas, but overall we are keen to realise mass transit and its benefits for our city and the wider region as a whole.”
The executive board report outlines the council’s technical response to the combined authority’s first phase of consultation. Following approval at next week’s executive board meeting, the council will provide its response to the combined authority. The combined authority’s first phase mass transit consultation closes on 30 September 2024.
Camper van specialist secures grant to speed up productivity
A Barnsley manufacturer who has built more than 3,000 camper vans has invested in cutting edge technology to speed up production.
Wellhouse Leisure has bought a CNC machine with the support of a Business Productivity Grant secured through the Enterprising Barnsley programme.
The grant, designed to help SMEs improve productivity, is supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
It has been put towards the cost of the £83,000 Biesse Rover K FT machine which will now be used by Wellhouse to cut all component wooden parts for fitted furniture in their van conversions. Previously, the company sub-contracted this task to a business in Leeds.
Wellhouse Leisure CEO David Elliott said: “Having our own CNC machine on-site will save us so much time and money. We’ve worked out that we’ve paid out more than £53,000 over the years so our joiners could go and use someone else’s machine. On top of that, add the time and money spent on them going back and forth on a 70-mile round trip to Leeds.
“Having our own CNC machine cuts all that out; and eradicates any little hold-ups when we need to amend a piece or cut a replacement. It will speed up each job and make life easier for us all round – we estimate it will pay for itself within two years.”
David is planning to develop new products and explore new markets with the in-house CNC machine too. He is looking into the manufacture of flat-pack furniture kits to sell to other camper van companies and the manufacture of fittings for garden buildings and man sheds.
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Paul Johnson said: “We’re very pleased to support this latest bold move by Wellhouse Leisure to improve productivity and operational efficiencies at work. It’s great to see a manufacturing business continue to invest in Barnsley and grow. It highlights the strength of Barnsley as a great place to do business.”
Enterprising Barnsley has previously supported Wellhouse Leisure to invest in other machinery and software; developments in lean manufacturing; skills training to support new product ventures and engagement with a borough-wide Business Productivity Group.
David set up Wellhouse Leisure in 2002, building on a lifetime of experience in van conversions, having previously run Deepcar Motorhomes with his Dad.
He and wife Sarah now employ 21 people, and their Barugh Green factory manufactures, services, repairs and sells made-to-order and in-stock campers to customers nationwide.
The company has manufactured more than 3,000 conversions over the last 22 years, working with quality base vehicles such as the Toyota Alphard, Ford Transit, Nissan Serena and Honda Elysion.
David said: “As a business we’ve never been driven by price but always concentrated on quality and want to deliver the best camper van conversions on the market.
“Using CNC-cut pieces for our fitted furniture means we can guarantee precision and consistency which helps us deliver strong, durable and rattle-free cabinets for our premium camper vans.”
The Business Productivity and Digitisation grant is being delivered across South Yorkshire via part-funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and £5.2m of investment through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Companies who secure a grant can put it towards either a capital or revenue project. The funded initiative must identify and address a challenge to business productivity.
