Pensions law firm welcomes new associate in Leeds
National specialist pensions law firm Arc Pensions Law has welcomed associate Michael Wilcock to its Leeds office.
Michael joins from Walker Morris and has wide ranging experience working with clients on a broad range of pension matters involving both defined contribution and defined benefit schemes.
He specialises in advising on complex and high-value advisory and transactional matters involving schemes with assets ranging from £10 million to £1.5 billion. Michael also has extensive experience advising on the provision of life assurance benefits, individual and bulk transfers, and also on communications to pension scheme members.
Michael also delivers seminars and training sessions for trustees on various aspects of pensions law and legal updates.
Kate Payne, managing partner, said: “We are delighted to have Michael joining us in Leeds. His broad experience across both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes makes him a great addition to the firm.”
Michael said: “I am extremely pleased to join the growing team of experts at Arc Pensions Law, with a longstanding reputation for delivering first-rate advice on all aspects of pensions law.”
Humber Freeport makes new home in historic trade centre
Associated British Ports (ABP) is delighted that the Humber Freeport Company has located its headquarters in the Grade II Listed Grimsby Dock Office.
The Humber ports play a vital role for the UK as nation’s premier gateway with the world, handling around 17% of the nation’s trade, and the Freeport expands across the Humber including ABP’s four major ports of Grimsby, Goole, Hull, and Immingham. As a new catalyst for further boosting trade and investment it’s particularly appropriate that the Freeport has selected an office location in the heart of an enduring part of the Humber’s trade network.
The Grimsby Dock Office is just one element of ABP’s extensive and diverse offering of property and development opportunities – from heritage assets to large scale development sites like the Humber International Enterprise Park (HIEP) in Hull, offering 468 acres of prime development land, including 212 acres of port estate and is situated within the tax-assisted zone. The site also has access to a dedicated road/rail link and is ideally suited for port-centric manufacturing, logistics and green energy uses.
Greg Lacey, Head of Property for ABP in the Humber said: “The Humber Freeport is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to attract new inward investment from both international and domestic businesses. We have several complementary development sites across the North and South Bank, all of which have their own USPs and the ability to attract transformational projects to the region. What is also exciting, is the opportunity for the development sites to play a vital part in the Humber’s transformation to green energy and decarbonisation”.
“We welcome Simon and the Humber Freeport Company team to Grimsby, which is the customs zone of the Freeport, and located close to the offices of North East Lincolnshire Council, which is the accountable body for Humber Freeport.”
Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport said: “This is another significant landmark for Humber Freeport, giving us a base in the heart of the region from which to drive further investment. Large-scale developments with a total value of more than £1bn have already been announced for freeport sites in the Humber, demonstrating how attractive our proposition is for inward investors. That investment in turn creates skilled jobs for local people, broadening our region’s supply chain while driving innovation and economic growth.”
Lincoln aims to crack down on ‘out of hours’ delivery drivers
Growing concerns about delivery drivers ignoring traffic regulations and using Lincoln’s pedestrianised High Street when they’re not allowed to do so has promoted action from the authorities, with strict enforcement starting next month.
Lincoln Business Improvement Group is working with City of Lincoln Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police to address the challenges created by delivery vehicles navigating crowded pedestrian areas throughout the day, posing a threat to public safety. This is despite Traffic Regulation Orders clearly stating that within Lincoln City Centre, there is no loading or unloading allowed from 10am – 4pm every day.
Whilst Lincoln BIG understands delivery drivers play a crucial role in ensuring goods reach their destinations promptly, there has been a rise in the number of delivery vans and trucks present on Lincoln’s High Street during active pedestrian times, with CCTV recording between more than a dozen delivery vehicles in the city centre every day in breach of the traffic regulation order..
A spokesman said: “There are a number of steps that have been taken to bring about change. Signage has been updated to ensure enforcement can take place, the number of official drop off points are being increased and they will be proactively promoted to delivery companies. Enforcement will restart in June 2024 with an initial period of informing those who continue to misuse the area. Strict enforcement will restart at the beginning of July.
“We are encouraging businesses to make sure their delivery companies are aware of the restrictions being reintroduced and the new drop off points. We will also be reminding the delivery firms directly that there is a risk of invalidating their insurance cover should they fail to take account of the regulations.”
Leeds Bradford Airport Depot sold in £25m deal
Leopard Capital has acquired a vast industrial and distribution estate adjacent to Leeds Bradford Airport for £25 million. This transaction represents one of North England’s largest property investments this year.
The estate, known as Leeds Bradford Airport Depot (LBAD), covers approximately 1.25 million sq ft within a 60-acre site. It consists of a single building structure and had been owned by Broadland Properties Group since 1969.
Broadland Properties was advised by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co’s investment division, while Robin Bullas from Commercial Property Partners (CPP) represented Leopard Capital.
This investment marks Leopard Capital’s entry into Yorkshire. The London-based investment management and advisory firm specialises in sourcing and acquiring industrial assets across the UK and Europe. With this acquisition, Leopard Capital has now transacted 1.7 million sq ft of floor space across seven purchases.
LBAD is directly accessible from the A658 Harrogate Road and offers accommodation in 15 units, ranging from approximately 25,000 sq ft to 150,000 sq ft. Notable tenants include APCOA, VPK Packaging, Jet2, VLT Logistics, and Toyota Tsusho.
James Hill, director at Broadland Properties, confirms the Group made a bold speculative purchase of this vacant former aircraft factory some 55 years ago.
He said: “After significant capital investment in the building, it became a true engine of growth, with a strong continuing income stream. With changing Group investment criteria and an ambitious acquisition pipeline, the time had come for Broadland Properties to pass this signature building into new ownership.”
Alex Fordyce, CEO of Leopard Capital, expressed excitement about the purchase, emphasising the structural undersupply of industrial space in the area; the expansion of the adjacent airport and an ambitious asset management program including ESG improvements which will drive value.
The vendor was advised by GV&Co’s investment division, while Robin Bullas from Commercial Property Partners (CPP) represented Leopard Capital.
Garry Howes, director of investment at GV&Co, said: “LBAD is a unique, high-yield, multi-let investment opportunity with a rich trading history. The deal reflects confidence in the industrial sector and the North of England’s commercial property market.”
Robin Bullas highlighted various asset management strategies the site offers to drive rents and enhance the estate. He notes that deals like this signal a stronger 2024 as investors return to the regional market.
LBAD played a pivotal role in reinforcing Britain’s military strength in the sky during World War Two. It was originally built by the Avro Aircraft Company and between 1939 and 1946 it became a ‘shadow factory’ with its roof camouflaged in grass, complete with imitation farm buildings and dummy animals. This meant from the sky it looked like agricultural land rather than the largest industrial production centre in Europe, which it quickly evolved into.
The estate contributed to the war effort on a colossal scale with around 700 Lancaster Bombers and 4,500 Ansons built at the site by a 17,500 strong workforce. The remains of the taxiway from the factory to the main airfield, which later became Leeds Bradford Airport, are still visible.
Rollits runners team up to tackle 10k Corporate Challenge
Staff at Rollits LLP will be aiming to demonstrate leadership and teamwork when they take to the streets of Hull to raise funds for charity and test themselves against other businesses.
As competitors in the MKM Hull 10k Corporate Challenge – part of the Hull 10k public race – the Rollits runners will be looking to cross the line as quick as they can, but it’s the quickest combined time that counts towards a win.
Team captain Josh Hobson, and a solicitor in the Corporate team said: “The Corporate Challenge is all about each of us completing the 10k as quickly as we can and also supporting each other on the way, working collectively.”
The event happens in Hull city centre on Sunday June 9th and is organised by Run For All, which is part of the lasting legacy of the late amateur athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.
Rollits will be running to raise money for Bliss, the firm’s charity of the year which supports parents and families of premature or sick babies by providing face-to-face and email support, giving them access to practical information Anyone can donate to via the team’s JustGiving page, which has a team target of £750.
Josh said: “We’ve set up a running club so that we can be in top shape on the day and with our office being located on High Street it’s been easy to chart out our post-work practice route we can mirror the first 5K of the actual event. It’s a great way for us all to prepare for the day and enjoy some team bonding in the process, plus it means we miss the rush hour when we go home afterwards.
“I have never run a 10K before so it’s exciting to take on this challenge, and it’s a great way to keep fit. Rollits raises awareness and money for charities in a variety of ways, so we decided this was an excellent addition to our annual fundraising calendar.”
Six business bidders share in £55k from Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council has confirmed new funding support for events and projects helping business innovators get big results from bright ideas, with six bidders sharing in £55,000.
The council’s Innovation@Leeds programme invited grant applications earlier this year from organisations keen to play their part in giving aspiring entrepreneurs and other bold thinkers the opportunities they need to realise their potential.
Nearly 60 applications were received – and now, following a competitive selection process, six successful bidders have been awarded grants totalling £55,000.
The funding will support a series of knowledge-sharing events – with associated activity such as mentoring and networking – aimed at people from diverse communities and backgrounds who want to found or further develop their own innovation-led businesses.
The grant scheme has also been designed to benefit the wider city economy by driving inclusive growth while showcasing Leeds’s innovation strengths to outside investors.
The initiatives chosen to receive funding are:
- Climb24, a festival of ‘innovation, industry and investment’ taking place at Leeds Dock on Wednesday and Thursday this week where 30 local businesses – many founded by people from under-represented communities – will get the chance to promote their ideas to potential partners, industry leaders and customers. Last year’s Climb23 event attracted 1,500 delegates, more than 220 speakers and 150 active investors;
- The Athena Festival, a groundbreaking day-long conference at the University of Leeds’s Nexus innovation hub that will bring together female founders, investors and stakeholders from across the North;
- Events and activities – including a funding options workshop for 100 Black business founders where they will meet investors – led by the Include Me and D-List open community platforms;
- A co-design workshop and other inclusive development activity that will drive forward plans for an Ingenuity innovation hub at White Rose Park in south Leeds, focusing on the creation of a real-world testbed for the innovation ecosystem;
- Four interactive events – held in Leeds but live-streamed nationwide – that will turn a spotlight on innovations in the green, eco and sustainability sectors. The events will be run by the Greenhouse innovation accelerator programme;
- Three face-to-face events that will help digital health leaders and innovators share best practice. The events, plus associated website development and communications work, will be organised by a consortium called Leeds Digital Health.
Acquisition sees emission control technology firm expand
Gainsborough-based Eminox has acquired UK and US based SaveGuard (formerly Culimeta-Saveguard). The move enhances Eminox’s ability to deliver pioneering emission reduction technologies to customers, worldwide.
SaveGuard, known for its highly technical, cutting-edge thermal and acoustic insulation products, has manufacturing facilities in Ashton-Under-Lyne, UK, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA.
It designs and produces a range of automotive products used in vehicle exhausts, including acoustic and thermal insulation materials, Katpak, Thermolastic, knitted products, bespoke sleeves, insulation jackets, and heat shields. The acquisition also includes the FireHalt product line, known for its cavity fire barriers designed and manufactured in the UK.
“The acquisition of SaveGuard aligns with our vision of expanding our value offering and enhancing our technological capabilities,” said Jonathan Griffith, Managing Director of Eminox. “SaveGuard’s renowned products and expertise complement Eminox’s mission to continue the development of innovative emission reduction solutions for our customers, globally.
“In addition, the strong alignment of values between SaveGuard’s operational teams, Eminox and the wider Hexadex Group further reinforces the strategic fit of this acquisition and we are excited to welcome SaveGuard into the Hexadex Group.”
Housebuilders offer advice about achieving work-life balance
North Yorkshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes have compiled a series of top tips to achieve a good work-life balance.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week the homebuilders stressed the importance of making sure work and home life are kept separate.
Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “May’s Mental Health Awareness Week was an important reminder for everyone to make sure they’re balancing work and their home life equally. It’s also important to get moving whilst spending more time at home, and switching off when necessary.
“Finding this balance and shutting off from work is tough, especially for those working from home. Many of our properties have a dedicated study to help with this, or the potential to adapt a spare room into a working environment.
“Modern living and working from home can be easy and manageable, and we hope homeowners find our guidance beneficial for improving their work-life balance.”
Top tips
Make Use of Your Spare Room: The human brain is extremely responsive to patterns. In the same way that spending all day in a bedroom can affect sleep quality, working all day in a living room can ruin your relaxation time. Try to limit your work to one particular room, leaving other rooms for movement and leisure. Many of Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ properties have dedicated studies or work spaces.
However, if you do not have a study at home, you could convert a lesser-used room in the house such as a dining room or a spare bedroom into a makeshift office to distinguish between work and leisure. This can be an excellent way to shut off and create distance between your work and your social life.
Schedule in Your Downtime: Recognise your own productivity throughout the week and reward it. By picking some short relaxation activities and some longer ones, you can scatter them throughout your week. A short relaxation activity might include making a cup of tea and leaving your work space to drink it, while a long one might be baking some cookies, exercising or listening to a podcast. These can be scheduled into your evenings or lunch breaks, and allows you to have full control and balance in your working week.
Let People Know You’re in the Zone: Whether in an office environment or working from home, sometimes it can be hard to get into the working mode. It’s important to balance the time you spend working and the time you spend communicating with those around you. If you’re working in a room with other people, you can signal that you’re currently in the zone by placing a flag on your desk, or putting on some headphones.
If these signals are given, those around you will know that you do not want to be disturbed. Make sure you regularly leave time to leave the zone, as social interaction is excellent for mental wellbeing.
Find Your Own Balance: Every individual’s ideal work-life balance is going to be different. It’s important to remember that we are all human and balancing work, social and family life is not simple. You can help this with little changes to your day, such as placing your phone on do not disturb when you’re outside of working hours, or spending your lunch time away from your desk, ideally on a nearby walk, and with your family or colleagues.
Leeds Beckett experts leading new project to reduce carbon footprint of Leeds manufacturers
Business and computing experts at Leeds Beckett University are joining forces with Leeds-based Quality Bearings Online Ltd (QBOL) to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, by creating an innovative new business model for the net zero era.
The project is a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The academics and QBOL will create a unique, expert computing system which will allow the company to move away from a carbon-intensive ‘Just in Time’ delivery approach. They will build a greener supply chain and investigate opportunities for storage hubs in key geographical locations worldwide.
Dr Alfred Chinta, Supply Chain Management Course Director at Leeds Beckett University and KTP project leader, explained: “Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector are expected to double by 2050 if they continue at the current rates – and the growing demand for faster shipping is contributing to this scenario, with transportation being one of the main contributors of greenhouse gas emissions.
“QBOL is a highly successful distributor and exporter of quality bearings products. With 90% of sales shipping overseas, it is a business with a high carbon footprint. As a market disrupter since its inception, and in-line with its highly innovative approach, the company recognises that to continue to grow in the net zero era the business must address this carbon footprint.”
The new expert system – named the Intelligent System for the Net Zero Era – will allow the company to manage their key accounts more strategically, with a more scheduled approach to fulfilling orders, steering away from the Just in Time method.
Denny Maude, Chief Executive Officer at Quality Bearings Online, said: “This exciting project will give us a point of market differentiation that addresses a key issue of the current industry model – the high carbon footprint of rapid, Just in Time delivery, that is often provided in small packages via air freight.
“It is our aim to provide greener, more environmentally sustainable services to our clients – where sustainability of the supply chain is a key decision-making factor – and to meet our environmental ambitions.”
Farmers win £150k from Defra to support health and wellbeing work
Farmers and rural communities will benefit from health and wellbeing support across the North of England over the next two years, following a successful £150,000 funding bid by a consortium of well-established agricultural organisations.
The six-figure sum, awarded by Defra is being shared between the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Yorkshire Rural Support Network, The Farmer Network Ltd, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services and Field Nurse, operating across Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
The funding comes at a time when farmers are working hard to meet the challenges of adapting to major changes to government farm payments, while recent months of wet weather has damaged crops and resulted in high losses over lambing.
Using the funds, the bid partners seek to enhance their collective mission to build connected and resilient farming communities, and “keep farming stronger for longer”. To do so, they will deliver 14 farming focused first aid training courses, 10 mental health awareness courses for farmers and those working with farmers, and activities to reduce isolation in rural communities such as social events, lunch clubs, farm visits and other trips.
There will be support for groups, such as women in farming, the over 50s and younger farmers over the age of 28 who are too old to attend Young Farmer Club events.
Almost 40 events will be organised by UTASS, The Farmer Network and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
Regular outreach clinics will be set up at seven auction marts across Cumbria, Yorkshire and Durham before the end of 2024 to provide useful information about farm support schemes, to help farmers access their Rural Payments Agency account and to signpost to other support.
One-to-one advice will be provided to 22 farm businesses, and four workshops will help farming communities become more resilient by focusing on topics such as succession planning and health and safety on farms.
Field Nurse will be recruiting two more Field Nurses and an extra trailer to extend its service into two new auction marts in Cumbria and North Yorkshire, and to expand its’ ‘Farming Stronger for Longer’ campaign into Cumbria and Yorkshire.
Allister Nixon, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “The Yorkshire Agricultural Society is delighted to be harnessing this collaborative approach alongside key partners in the North of England to make health and wellbeing support accessible to as many people in the farming community as possible.”
Manufacturing employers urged to put outstanding youngsters up for awards
West Yorkshire’s manufacturing and engineering employers are once again being urged to nominate their outstanding younger employees for the 2024 Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards, which return for the third year to celebrate the rising stars of the sector.
The awards are one of the highlights of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival. As well as recognising the successes and achievements of younger people within the industry, they also aim to showcase the diversity of careers available in a sector that faces a continued skills crisis and shortfall of new talent.
Nominations for the awards are now open and close Friday 31 May, with an awards ceremony taking place at the Rose Bowl, Leeds Beckett University, next month.
This year’s award categories are for Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Future Manufacturing Leader and Employer of the Year. This year’s event will also feature a special award for Manufacturing Ambassador, which will be presented to an individual who has done something exceptional to raise the profile of the industry.
Adam Tipper, whose Next Gen Makers organisation delivers a nationally recognised quality assurance programme for engineering apprenticeships and is sponsoring the Apprentice of the Year category, said: “Apprentices are the lifeblood of manufacturing and engineering firms and this award is a real celebration of excellence and of the industry as a fantastic career choice for ambitious young people.
“Resources such as our Engineering Apprenticeships: Excellent Employers online careers platform are helping students to identify the best firms for apprenticeships and really empowering both young people and the industry to achieve great things.”
Sponsor of the Rising Star award, Leeds City College’s head of engineering, Mitch Scott, said: “We work as a team with employers to ensure they are equipped to nurture and develop young people starting out in their careers and enable them to develop their full potential. These awards, and especially the Rising Star category, are an important recognition of the fantastic young people who bring vital energy and innovation to the sector.”
The Employer of the Year category, for a business that has excelled in attracting and supporting talented young people, is sponsored by engineering and manufacturing recruiter E3 Recruitment. Associate director Matthew Booth said: “Attracting talented young people and enabling them to thrive and contribute great things to a business is very much down to the employers and we’re really pleased to be sponsoring this category which recognises the huge effort and focus that the very best employers put into developing their young trainees and employees, offering job satisfaction and great careers.”
Entry forms for the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards can be found on the festival website and entries must be received by 31 May. The awards ceremony will take place on 13 June, compered by Yorkshire Post deputy business editor Greg Wright.
Leeds Manufacturing Festival is sponsored by Next Gen Makers, Leeds City College, and E3 Recruitment, as well as by Leeds City Council and manufacturing employers MPM, Leeds Welding Company, Greyhound Box and Sound Leisure, Kirkstall Precision Engineering, Saftronics and Bensons Panels, which are members of the Leeds Manufacturing Alliance.
Train operator predicts orange card tickets could soon be museum pieces
Northern Trains says the iconic, orange ‘magstripe’ train ticket could be a museum exhibit within as little as five years.
The train operator says its customers’ ever-growing preference for digital tickets and the introduction of actual ‘paper’ tickets has seen them use 2.3m fewer ‘magstripes’ in the last 12 months.
Fewer than 20% of journeys on Northern services in 2023-24 were made using a ‘magstripe’, with the number in-use falling by 12% compared to 2022-23, from 20.3m to 18m. During the same period, the number of people using digital tickets on Northern services grew by almost 19%, from 54.8m to 65.2m.
A spokesperson for Northern said: “All of our standard tickets are available in electronic format and people clearly enjoy the flexibility of buying their ticket ‘on the go’ and being able to store it on their mobile phone or tablet.
“We’re also increasingly able to offer actual ‘paper’ tickets from our ticket offices and vending machines for those who prefer a physical proof of purchase.
“Whilst ‘magstripes’ might generate a sense of nostalgia, it’s important to remember that because they’re made from more than one material, they’re less recyclable and could ultimately end up in landfill – whereas paper tickets can be easily recycled with other paper products.
“At the current rate of decline and with an ever-greater focus on digital and paper alternatives, ‘magstripes’ are definitely nearing the end of the line. They could be something of a museum exhibit within five years.”
City partners with SignLive to enhance translation service
Deaf-owned and deaf-led organisation SignLive is partnering with the Council to enhance the organisation’s translation and interpretation services.
The organisation has a pool of about 120 qualified and accredited interpreters trained in anti-fraud and safeguarding measures, which the community can access this service 24/7.
Fiona Mackay, COO of SignLive, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Sheffield City Council to enhance accessibility for the Deaf community. This collaboration signifies a major step towards inclusive communication, ensuring that Deaf individuals can easily access essential services and support. We look forward to working together to break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for all residents.”
Users will be able to call the Council for free, following a one-time registration on the SignLive app, where they will be able to access the service.
Through this partnership, the Council is now implementing a new video relay service and a new video interpreting service, which is supported by SignLive. This new functionality improves the experience of our Deaf citizens and those with a hearing impairment- supporting them with a live, on-demand British Sign Language (BSL) qualified interpreter when contacting the Council.
Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “The launch of SignLive is a brilliant step in making our services more accessible to everyone in our communities. We are paving the way to make sure everyone has the support they need when contacting us. Introducing this functionality will make make our services more accessible to our deaf community.”
Ramsdens strengthens Yorkshire private wealth team with partner appointment
Ramsdens Solicitors, which has 11 offices across Yorkshire, is continuing to build its private wealth team with the appointment of James Knowles as partner.
With over 20 years’ experience as a private client lawyer, Mr Knowles joins from the York office of Knights, where he was a partner in the tax and wills and estates teams. He also spent more than two years as a partner with Langleys Solicitors and over six years at Weightmans.
Mr Knowles’ areas of expertise include capital tax planning for high-net worth individuals; complex will drafting; succession planning; and managing trusts. He also specialises in long-term care planning, and estate administration.
Chris Reynolds, partner and head of Ramsdens’ private wealth services team, said: “As we continue to build the expertise of our private wealth team, James’ extensive knowledge of business succession planning will further strengthen our services to business owners, and individuals.
“James is a well known figure in the private client arena in both North and West Yorkshire, having worked for some of the large, national firms, and his strong network will be invaluable, helping us to grow our presence across the region.”
Mr Knowles said: “Joining the Ramsdens team is an exciting opportunity to help build the brand as a leading firm in Yorkshire and raise awareness of the extent of our private wealth offering. I’m looking forward to being part of a traditional law firm which focuses on people, whether by providing an outstanding service to clients or helping to develop talent within the team.”
York Handmade signs up to Net Zero initiative
York Handmade Brick Company has signed up to the Ceramics UK Net Zero initiative.
This is another major commitment towards sustainability and Net Zero by York Handmade, who are based at Alne, near Easingwold.
Managing director Guy Armitage explained: “Here at York Handmade Brick, we are very proud of our sustainability record as we strive to do our best to hit the Government’s target to reach net zero by 2050. This will require a concerted effort and I am tempted to quote John F Kennedy’s famous and apposite comment: We are doing this not because it is easy, but because it is hard.
“That is why we have just signed up to the Ceramics UK Towards Net Zero initiative. The UK manufacturing industry is making a really big effort to achieve net zero by 2050 and I believe us smaller members have a big part to play, as we have advantages over our larger peers.
“Our work into effectively recovering heat from intermittent kilns for intermittent dryers will be shared across the industry, with other research being shared via Ceramics UK.
“All of this is yet another reason for our customers to buy UK manufactured brick, leaving aside for now the appalling conditions in which brick is manufactured in South-East Asia. I really believe that we are ahead of the curve on this with our ambition in comparison to the rest of the world.”
This Ceramics UK campaign is a key support programme to help its members to work together in delivering further ceramic sector decarbonisation action in a progressive but realistic manner. In the first few months since launching the initiative, an ever-growing number of members, including many SMEs, have signed up and are willing to work together, share ideas and approaches, and show the sector’s collective commitment to the decarbonisation challenge.
The scheme is free for members, voluntary, and has a simple sign-up process where participants self-declare against a set of light-touch principles. The initial tools and activities being provided include a Business-to-Business Sector Partnering and Mentorship scheme, which involves sharing ideas and approaches in a non-competitive and collaborative manner, and an Employee Engagement and Awareness training material, which aims to raise employee awareness and engagement in energy reduction and decarbonisation.
Guy Armitage continued: “There is no doubt that the energy and emissions policy landscape, and how this is implemented, is critical to the UK ceramic sector and all member companies. This new campaign by Ceramics UK will help members understand complex issues and upcoming changes, supporting the industry’s continued collaboration and response to growing challenges driven through the UK’s net zero.
“Here at York Handmade, we are very proud to be putting these objectives into practice, having recently been awarded a grant to improve our energy efficiency and to reduce our carbon emissions.
“We successfully applied to the “game-changing” Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) for £38,800 to pursue our sustainability agenda. We are completely committed to improving the energy efficiency of our factory site at Alne and are currently undertaking a detailed techno-economic feasibility study. This extremely welcome grant minimises the cost and risks of the study and of any subsequent capital investment.”
The special project aims to improve the energy efficiency of the site by capturing the high-grade (high temperature) waste heat from the kilns and utilising it in the dryers. This will offset/replace the need for gas-firing in the dryers and lead to significant energy, carbon and cost reductions. The kilns operate at high temperatures (up to about 1100 degrees C) and the exhaust gases from the kilns carry substantial amounts of heat which is currently being wasted. The solution involves installing a heat exchanger in the exhaust stack of each kiln to capture this heat into high pressure hot water or thermal oil.
This hot water/oil will then be stored in a thermal battery. The thermal battery can then provide heat to the brick dryers using a radiator system on demand and allow the operations of the kilns and dryers independent of each other.
Guy added: “Sustainability is extremely important for energy intensive businesses like York Handmade as we are seeing an eight-fold increase in our energy costs. The government has already announced withdrawing financial support for industry with energy bills and many similar businesses are facing existential threats due to high energy costs, inflation and reduced spending power of their customers.
“The government’s commitment to net zero by 2050 will require industry emissions to reduce by nearly 90 per cent from the present value. We are both happy and proud to play our part.”
Bradford Council to consolidate estate in city centre
Bradford Council is looking to consolidate its estate in the city centre which will save £1.1million per year.
The move of Bradford’s City Library is also part of the City Centre Accommodation Programme.
The Council regularly reviews the use of its buildings to ensure that facilities operate efficiently and effectively in light of changing patterns of use.
The programme will ensure staff can be accommodated more effectively, whilst delivering significant budget savings.
The Council is a major employer in the district and employs hundreds of staff based in the city centre across a range of buildings. The Council proposes to close and eventually dispose of Margaret McMillan Tower. The building sits on the boundary of the Council’s Transforming Cities work near the former Jacob’s Well roundabout.
With new public realm and green spaces on its doorstep and sitting next to the National Science & Media Museum, which is also undergoing a significant refurbishment, Margaret McMillan Tower will represent one of the most exciting investment opportunities in the city. Staff currently working at Margaret McMillan Tower will relocate to City Hall and Britannia House.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “Our staff are our greatest asset, and we want to make sure they have the right spaces and facilities to work to the best of their abilities for the residents of this district.
“We have always carefully monitored the use of our buildings to ensure they remain cost-effective. It makes sense to look at how these spaces fit our future needs and how we can best utilise our assets and save money where possible. Although there will be initial costs associated with the move it will save £1.1m year on year and make our workspaces fit for future needs.
“The disposal of Margaret McMillan Tower also represents an exciting opportunity for the next phase of our regeneration programme. It sits in a prime spot in the city centre and could potentially fulfil a number of uses in the future.
“There’s a bit of work to do yet before we take it to market but we’re looking forward to exploring opportunities for it in the future. The move of Bradford’s City Library will also represent a significant opportunity and more details will follow shortly.”
Sheffield appoints Chair for Race Equality Partnership
Experienced leadership, diversity, and inclusion professional Fatima Khan-Shah has been named Chair of REPS – the Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield, where her role of Chair will be to provide visible and collaborative leadership of REPS, working with key partners across the city.
She won the role due to her extensive experience leading on nationally recognised and multi-award-winning programmes around equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as for her passion for Sheffield, the city she grew up in.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Racism has no place in Sheffield or anywhere. The Race Equality Partnership will play an important role in helping us to create an inclusive city for all, free from discrimination, where everyone can thrive.
“I’m delighted to welcome Fatima Khan-Shah as the new Chair of the Partnership. Through the Partnership, she will play an invaluable role in helping to create a more inclusive Sheffield.
“The Race Equality Partnership for Sheffield provides an opportunity to think strategically about how we bring our diverse communities together and how we share best practice on race equality, and hold each other to account, in our pursuit of long-term change.”
Fatima is currently working with leaders across the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, where she provides expert advice on inclusion and addresses factors of social, economic and health inequalities.
Fatima is West Yorkshire’s first ever Inclusivity Champion, where she advises on inequality as part of the mayor’s pledge to achieve greater equality across the region.
Fatima said: “As someone born and bred in Sheffield my roots in this incredible city have made me the person I am today.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to be of service to the people of Sheffield. The Race Equality Partnership is an important opportunity for everyone across this city to work together to deliver upon the legacy of the Race Equality Commission and I will do everything I can to further our journey towards a truly anti-racist Sheffield.”
£2.21m of investment allocated to deliver Mayor’s priorities for York and North Yorkshire
A budget of £2.21 million for mayoral priorities has been approved by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority has allocated Mayoral Investment Fund money towards six areas of work. This includes development of a Mayor’s High Street Investment Fund; transport, housing, innovation and economic growth plans and strategies for the region and updating carbon reduction activity.
Funding approval was granted at a meeting of the Combined Authority on Friday (31). At the same meeting, Mayor David Skaith confirmed Pete Kilbane as Deputy Mayor. Pete Kilbane is the Deputy Leader for City of York Council and a member of the Combined Authority.
A breakdown of funds approved:
- Routemap to Carbon Negative. Update the evidence base to this existing report and carry out further stakeholder engagement. £100,000 in 2024/25.
- Cost of living plan. A policy officer post will be created to scope and commission initial data and research, working alongside City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council, to develop a cost of living plan. £260,000 from 2024/25 – 2027/28.
- Town plans and business support. A policy officer post will be created to scope and develop a Mayor’s High Street Investment Fund. Work will also be carried out to produce a growth development plan for every town in the region. £1,550,000 from 2024/25 – 2025/26.
- Transport. Working with City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council to scope and develop a business case for movement studies, including separate studies for York and York to Scarborough and York to Harrogate routes. £200,000 in 2024/25.
- Housing. Development of a region wide Housing Retrofit Strategy, working with City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council. £50,000 in 2024/25.
- Business and skills. Develop an Innovation and Investment Plan. This builds on work with Innovate UK with the ambition to publish a joint York and North Yorkshire Innovation Action Plan. £50,000 in 2024/25.
Young people share vision for future of West Yorkshire’s mass transit
Mott MacDonald, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and West Yorkshire Mayor, in conjunction with leading ESG partner, Ahead Partnership, recently hosted eight young people from schools across West Yorkshire at UKREiiF. The young people took centre stage at a panel session on the Thursday, showcasing their visions and insights on the region’s proposed mass transit system.
In total, over 100 year 12 students from Brigshaw High School, Beckfoot School, Shelley College, Brighouse High School and Leeds City College took part in this interactive project, which has been adapted to be as inclusive as possible, providing maximum opportunity to the region’s young people and prompting consideration on key issues such as how impacted mobility can affect access to public transport.
Students from each school who went above and beyond in their presentations were invited to represent their peers at the UKREiiF conference during an exclusive panel co-hosted by Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Steven Adams, a graduate transport planner from Mott MacDonald. The panel was introduced by Georgina Johnson, Programme Manager at Ahead Partnership, who provided an overview of the programme’s achievements to date, emphasizing the importance of youth consultation in major regional projects such as mass transit.
Having developed their public speaking and presentation skills during the initial project, the young leaders confidently responded to a range of questions, including “What do you think needs to be done to make more people aware of mass transit?” and “What opportunities will mass transit create for you as a young person in the region?”
Key findings were that young people felt that mass transit would provide them better access to jobs and work experience, and wanted maximum accessibility and safety to be provided when travelling on public transport, to ensure that everyone is provided equal opportunities. Sustainability was also frequently brought up, with a number of different students noticing the positive impact it would have on air quality and reducing reliance on cars.
Following the session, the eight young people also had the opportunity to network with a range of built environment and infrastructure professionals.
Sponsored by WYCA and Mott MacDonald, the project has enabled young people to engage directly with leading industry employers on the opportunities that mass transit will bring, developing their leadership and communication skills, as well as learning more about the positive impact that improved public transport will have on themselves and their communities.
Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “The vision for mass transit is set to bring profound benefits to many across the region and beyond, but in order for it to be truly inclusive and accessible, it’s important that we seek the views of all who are set to benefit, including young people.
“We’ve been so impressed by the insights and suggestions of all the young people who have been involved, and were incredibly proud to welcome them to one of the industry’s most prestigious conferences to share their views with key stakeholders and sector leaders.
“Thank you to each of our partners for realising this opportunity to engage young people in exciting developments within their region, enhancing their skills and confidence, and opening their eyes to the multitude of career opportunities that projects such as mass transit can offer them.”
Lisa Littlefair, Leeds City Lead at Mott MacDonald, said: “From community engagement and transport planning, to sustainability and engineering, the vision for mass transit will require skills and expertise across a number of disciplines to create a public transport system that is accessible, sustainable and inclusive.
“That is why we are proud to be supporting young people explore future career opportunities that will help drive the growth and prosperity of the region. The creativity from the students has been incredible and it demonstrates the strength of skill and talent we have on our doorstep.”
Goole-built battery trains could save £3.5bn over 35 years, says Siemens Mobility
Siemens Mobility says its Goole-built new battery bi-mode trains could save Britain’s railways £3.5 billion and 12 million tonnes of CO2 over 35 years.
The trains would be powered by overhead wires on already electrified routes, then switch to battery power where there are no wires.
That means only small sections of the routes and/or particular stations have to be electrified with overhead line equipment, making it much quicker and less disruptive to replace diesel trains compared to full electrification.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO for Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland said: “Britain should never have to buy a diesel passenger train again. Our battery trains, which we’d assemble in our new Goole factory, can replace Britain’s aging diesel trains without us having to electrify hundreds of miles more track in the next few years. So, on routes from Perth to Penzance, passengers could be travelling on clean, green battery-electric trains by the early 2030s. And the best thing is that this would save the country £3.5bn over 35 years.”
A number of train operators are looking to replace their aging diesel fleets, including Chiltern, Great Western Railway, Northern, ScotRail, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales, whilst East-West Rail will need to secure new trains.
Siemens Mobility says extensive modelling using advanced train performance simulation software to compare using battery bi-mode trains to running diesel or part-diesel powered trains shows that Siemens Mobility’s battery bi-mode trains would only require 20 – 30% of a line to be electrified. These trains, utilising Lithium Titanate Oxide battery chemistry, can charge their batteries to full capacity in 20 minutes whilst moving along the electrified sections or charging whilst stopped at stations.
Siemens Mobility’s first battery train fleet is already in passenger service in Germany. These highly advanced trains are running in the Ortenau region and will save 1.8 million litres of diesel per year when operating throughout the whole network.
