Doncaster homebuilder pledges to invest £83m into seaside regeneration
Doncaster-based Keepmoat is to invest £83 million into revitalising a former RAF base in Weston-super-Mare as part of a wider regeneration scheme across the seaside town.
The Winterstoke Gate development, part of Parklands Village, will provide 425 high-quality new homes, with 135 set to be carbon neutral, while the remaining 290 meet the anticipated Future Homes Standard – featuring a smart design and constructed using the latest eco-friendly materials to offer low-cost living to residents.
As part of its commitment to its partnership model, the housebuilder will also support North Somerset Council in creating 125 affordable homes at the development, which makes up part of the wider Parklands Village development being delivered alongside multiple partners.
The regeneration and expansion of the seaside town from Keepmoat will total £78 million, with an additional £5.6 million being invested in the local authority across multiple services including healthcare, education and local transportation.
John Owen, Land and Partnerships Director at Keepmoat, said: “It’s extremely rewarding to hear positive feedback from residents and provide much-needed housing to the area.
“At Keepmoat, we are committed to transforming communities and improving the lives of local people. Our Winterstoke Gate development is adding value to the area, providing much needed regeneration to Weston-super-Mare. We’ll offer 20 apprenticeships during the development to upskill the industry’s future workforce.”
Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, added: “Winterstoke Gate is the first major residential project to be taken forward as part of North Somerset’s Development Programme, so it’s great to see the progress made in creating this new community. The homes we’re building will meet top standards of sustainability and energy efficiency, cutting residents’ fuel bills and reducing their carbon footprints through modern, high quality design.
“We’re proud to be working with Keepmoat to provide a mix of affordable and accessible homes, so that vibrant and diverse communities can grow at Winterstoke Gate. Building on council-owned land has enabled us to prioritise this strong and community-focussed approach to housing development with an understanding of resident’s needs, fitting the development alongside other new community facilities including primary and secondary schools and a GP surgery.”
Green Port initiative help Carrie find a new career in renewables
Former science teacher Carrie Grimbleby has turned her passion for the planet into a new career in renewable energy, thanks to Green Port Hull’s Women into Manufacturing and Engineering initiative.
Carrie left teaching last year to study for a Masters in Renewable Energy. She came across WiME when she was looking at job opportunities for when she graduated and, through attending WiME Careers Events, secured her first role in the industry with ABP.
She said: “WiME was recommended to me when I was starting to look for graduate roles. I joined WiME’s Mentorship Programme and attended events, where I was introduced to renewables companies, so I could engage directly with them about entry roles into the industry.
“Now I’m excited to be starting a placement with ABP in their port operations team, an organisation linked closely to the UK’s renewables industry – an opportunity I found via WiME.”
Carrie is encouraging others thinking about a career in manufacturing, engineering, construction, digital or renewable energy to attend WiME’s next Careers Event – which is taking place at the Guildhall in Hull on Wednesday 9th October, from 4.30pm-6pm.
With over 30 of the Humber’s leading employers in attendance, the event will be an opportunity for women, girls and their parents/carers to meet others already working in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, find out about current vacancies, discover what training and qualifications are needed, and learn about apprenticeship opportunities.
Carrie commented: “At the WiME events, I was introduced to women from ABP, Siemens Gamesa, Orsted and RWE, and chatted to them about graduate opportunities. It was great to discover the career paths these women took too, and to have conversations with those who switched careers and went into manufacturing and engineering from other, totally unrelated industries.
“I want other women to know it is possible to change career and get into manufacturing, engineering or renewables – whatever your age. Don’t be afraid to make that change. WiME is a fantastic starting point. It provides you with access to a network of companies and women who are passionate about what they do and supportive of your development.”
In the Humber region, manufacturing contributes 17% of our employment compared with 8.7% for England. However, despite the high demand for people with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) qualifications, women are under-represented in these roles.
Dr Kirsty Clode, Chair of WiME, said: “Our events are designed to showcase the amazing opportunities in our region and dispel any misconceptions about careers in engineering, manufacturing, construction, digital and renewables. Today many roles call for innovation, problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration – all of which women are great at.
“Across Hull and East Yorkshire there are a wealth of rewarding roles – from supporting renewables and clean energy, to designing new digital solutions. Women are already playing essential roles in many of these companies and we would love to encourage more. We are keen for parents/carers to come along with their daughters to learn about the routes into these industries including apprenticeships.
“There are a wealth of roles available to women that may not have existed when they left education. So we are eager for women thinking of switching careers or returning to work to attend too. The women at our Hull careers event will tell you all about their roles, what’s it’s really like being a woman in these industries, and which routes you can take to get the skills and experience you need to get there – it might be easier than you think.
New joint venture promises thousands of homes throughout the country
Barratt Developments has gone into a joint venture with Homes England and Lloyds Banking Group to create MADE Partnership, which will focus on the master development of large sites, to help deliver thousands of homes across the country.
MADE Partnership will act as master developer for multiple large scale, residential-led developments from 1,000 to more than 10,000 homes along with a variety of community facilities and employment uses.
Potential development opportunities will include large brownfield developments, as well as new garden village-style communities.
The partnership brings together Barratt, the UK’s leading national sustainable housebuilder, Homes England, the Government body responsible for housebuilding and regeneration in England, and Lloyds Banking Group, one of the largest funders of the UK housing sector.
This is a long-term partnership, initially backed by combined equity funding of up to £150m provided equally by the partners. The partnership brings together the essential skills, expertise and long-term approach, with the ability to unlock and scale the capital required to bring larger sites into production, enabling both major and SME homebuilders to build the new homes and communities the country needs.
Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said: “A failure to ensure the development system is working properly has held back the delivery of tens of thousands of new homes over recent years and this Government will work in partnership with all those who are focused on turning things around.
“The landmark new partnership announced today will support our commitment to ramp up housing supply and boost economic growth by developing more large-scale, attractive and sustainable places across the country with the homes, jobs and infrastructure that communities need to thrive.”
David Thomas, Chief Exec of Barratt Developments, said: “We are committed to playing our part in delivering the millions of new homes the country needs over the next 10-20 years. To help us achieve this goal, we need to deliver more large developments. Through the MADE partnership, we are creating a master developer which can manage the infrastructure and placemaking that is needed to deliver at scale.” Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “MADE Partnership will provide a master developer platform with the ambition and capability crucial for creating not just the homes but the vibrant, diverse places England needs. Whether it’s transforming a brownfield site, extending an existing town, or creating a whole new village, the partnership will have the finance, tools, expertise and partners required to ensure a cohesive approach to delivering a fabulous place that people want to live and work.” Charlie Nunn, Chief Exec of Lloyds Banking Group, said: “Our pioneering MADE Partnership between Lloyds Banking Group, Homes England and Barratt Developments has created a master developer – enabling the largest-scale projects and place-based solutions to be achieved, and helping to deliver tens of thousands of new homes which are so urgently required. This is the cross-sector collaboration we need, at significant ambition and scale.”Lincoln scientists probe potential for ‘greener’ batteries
A team of materials chemistry scientists from the University of Lincoln are leading a project using ‘green chemistry’ to redefine the production of lithium batteries by introducing a new, low carbon technology.
During a three-year Li4Life project the team will develop an efficient technology for the extraction of lithium from poor or complex ores of underutilised deposits, as well as post-mining tailings, as the basis for the development of future clean energy.
In addition, new selective processing methods and purification techniques will be designed to overcome existing barriers to lithium extraction while adhering to stringent EU environmental regulations.
The team, led by Professor Yousef Ghorbani, will focus on applying green chemistry and innovative processing approaches, including electrochemistry and biohydrometallurgy methods for downstream processing to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Professor Ghorbani said: “We are committed to advancing sustainable, low-carbon technologies. Li4Life represents our collective dedication to a greener, more sustainable future, and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey.
“The project aims to reshape the landscape of domestic battery-grade lithium production and develop an innovative, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious, scalable pilot plant for processing and refining lithium from underutilised battery raw material deposits.”
Batteries are crucial for domestic and commercial use, and due to an increasing need for efficient energy storage and the environmental necessity to move to greener energy, global demand is set to surge.
Lithium is a vital component of lithium-ion battery performance, however, traditional methods of lithium extraction present significant environmental challenges. Typically, this chemical element is extracted from mineral deposits through extensive mining and processing or from lithium-rich brine sources using large-scale evaporation ponds. Both methods have notable environmental impacts which include habitat disruption, high water consumption, and substantial CO2 emissions.
These environmental concerns highlight the urgent need for more sustainable practices in lithium extraction and battery recycling. As lithium and other critical raw materials become increasingly crucial for energy storage technologies, finding greener solutions for supporting a low-carbon future.
The “Li4Life” project, which is part of the Horizon Europe research programme, involves a global consortium of scientists and industrial collaborators from 15 partner organisations and 4 affiliated entities from 9 countries. The research aims to boost the domestic supply of European Union (EU) raw materials in alignment with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.
Building society signs up to Savings Charter
Yorkshire Building Society has signed up to the Savings Charter from the Money and Pensions service, which is designed to help raise the profile of savings in the UK.
Developed through the Money and Pensions Service, the charter ensure banks, building societies’ and financial service providers demonstrate that they are committed to help people to save, as part of an industry-wide initiative to build a Nation of Savers
The five key principles of the charter are:
- Publicly demonstrate a commitment to build financial security through savings
- Support individuals to save by understanding their financial situation and goals
- Give people an access to their savings buffer when they need it
- Keep customers informed about their savings and their options as customers
- Talk about saving in your local communities, and places of education and work
Power shift: UK imports record amounts of energy from Europe, according to new report
The UK imports record amounts of power from Europe, with the country spending more than £250 million on power from abroad each month, according to new analysis by Drax Electric Insights.
A record 20% of the country’s electricity demand was met by imports from Europe during the second quarter of 2024. Imports accounted for more than double the volume of power generated by the country’s solar panels, and even nearly overtook gas the first time ever. The UK’s imported power is brought ashore through a series of underwater cables known as interconnectors.
Britain has imported electricity from abroad since 1961, but changing power grids and trading rules has led to a sharp rise both in the number of interconnectors, and the volume of power flowing into the country in recent years. During the second quarter of 2024, Britain imported 12.2 TWh, while exports were just 3 TWh. However, that balance could change, resulting in exports from the UK in the year ahead, says the research.
The findings have been released as part of the next instalment of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report. The publication is an independent report by academics from Imperial College London commissioned by Drax through Imperial Consultants.
Dr Iain Staffell of Imperial College London, lead author of the quarterly Drax Electric Insights report series, said: “Much of Britain’s conventional power generators like coal and nuclear stations have retired in recent years. Fewer dispatchable generators means less competition and higher prices, making cheaper electricity from the continent much more attractive to import.
“The government must be mindful of the need to retain sufficient dispatchable generation capacity on our system for both energy security and affordability reasons as it works towards its ambition of having a clean power grid by 2030. Britain is always going to need weather-proof sources of power to keep the lights on.”
He continued: “There’s been a huge rise in the volume of solar power capacity installed on the continent. Germany has installed 14 times as much solar capacity in the last three years as the UK to cut its reliance on Russian gas. That means in spring and summer months there is often an abundance of cheap electricity on the continent which the UK can import.”
While some may see this increasing reliance on imports as a risk to energy security, Dr Staffell thinks these interconnectors will increasingly be used by the UK to export power as the renewables revolution takes hold here. “As long as we maintain sufficient homegrown, dispatchable generation on the system then interconnectors can actually strengthen our energy security.
“The new government wants to make Britain a clean energy superpower, and if we achieve the scale of installed renewables that is being talked about, we simply won’t be able to use all of the power we generate here in the UK,” he said. “Being able to either store this power at home through more storage capacity or selling it abroad is an attractive proposition. During periods of high winds in the North Sea but calmer weather on the continent, exporting power could be potentially lucrative for the UK and help to lower bills for consumers here.”
University of Bradford names new Chair for governing body
The University of Bradford has appointed Rod Bristow as new Chair of its governing body.
Mr Bristow brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the education sector to the role, having held senior executive roles at FTSE100 global learning company Pearson PLC.
He is a Visiting Professor at University College London Institute of Education. During his career he has put considerable energy into supporting learning pathways and technologies that help close the ‘disadvantage gap’, which aligns with the University of Bradford’s commitment to social mobility.
He currently chairs the Academic Advisory Board for Kortext, a UK-based E-Learning provider. He is an experienced non-executive, having been a member of the Confederation of British Industry President’s Committee, and a Fellow for the Royal Society for the Arts. He is respected in the education sector, having worked at Pearson UK in various roles since 1992, including his appointment as President in 2010.
He will take over as Chair of the University’s Council on 1 October, succeeding John Hinchcliffe, who has served as interim Chair since May 2023.
Mr Bristow said: “I am honoured to have been appointed by the University of Bradford as its Chair of Council.
“I share the University of Bradford’s commitment to transform lives and give people the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and to contribute to society.
“This is a challenging period for the sector, but the University of Braford is committed to social inclusion, social mobility and making a positive impact locally, nationally and globally through its research and knowledge transfer.
“In this role, I am looking forward to working with the Vice-Chancellor, her team and with members of the University’s Council, to support the delivery of the University’s important mission.”
Export advice goes on the road in Yorkshire next month
Businesses in North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a series of Export Support Roadshows, designed to drive growth across the region.
The show hits the road in October, visiting five locations across two weeks including Selby, Skipton, Northallerton, Harrogate and Scarborough.
Businesses attending will get practical advice from experts who will also provide routes for support beyond the event, including funding opportunities.
The free roadshows will also hear from local business owners who have already started their export journey with positive results.
Selby-based company Semperfli produces and exports specialist fly fishing equipment. The company has become a Northern Export Champion so will be heading to the first event in Selby to help other companies on the same journey.
Ann Kitchener, Semperfli’s CEO, is particularly keen on customer care as it grows business sales across the world. She said: “Building open and positive relationships is key, understanding and respecting everyone’s position. Keeping in regular contact, creating a global team mindset, generates long term success. Just keeping talking.”
Selby Civic Centre will host the first event on October 8, followed by the Skipton Hotel in Skipton on October 10, the Golden Lion at Northallerton on October 15, Co-Lab in Harrogate on October 16 and finishing at Scarborough Rugby Club on October 17.
North Yorkshire Council, the Department for Business and Trade and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub are working in partnership to deliver the programme.
The partnership is working together to identify the regions’ future global exporters, who will drive growth for their businesses, which will in turn benefit North Yorkshire.
Interested businesses need to register as soon the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub website, where there is further information about the running order of the day, to ensure their place.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “It is time to be confident, ambitious and champion our region’s businesses so we can reach our full potential.
“I know from my personal experience running my business, just how important our small and high street businesses are. They are the core of our economy and at the heart of each one of our communities.
“They need our support, so I am pleased that the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, the Department for Business and Trade and North Yorkshire Council are all working together to deliver the Export Support Roadshows.”
The project is funded by North Yorkshire Council through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, so only businesses in the council’s area can attend.
Councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council and chair of the Shared Prosperity Fund Local Partnership Group, said: “These Export Support Roadshows are a fantastic opportunity for businesses across North Yorkshire to find out more about how to engage with markets in other countries.
“We have so many great businesses in the county which play an important part in their communities and the wider region and exporting could give them the chance to share their products with the world and put North Yorkshire on the map.
“I encourage any businesses which are curious about expanding into this are to sign up and attend one of the roadshows to access the expert advice on offer.”
New office and senior leadership team for Yorkshire-based Strive Group
Harrogate-based agency, Strive Group, has appointed a new senior leadership team as part of its strategic growth initiative. The new appointments follow major client wins with the likes of Honda and Lotus.
Joining as Head of Customer and Operations is Gemma Johnson, who brings a wealth of experience from her previous position as Operations Manager at Ardent.
With 11 years’ experience within customer and operational roles, Gemma will lead the customer experience offering, focusing on improving operational efficiency and driving client performance across the agency.
Working alongside her is Ben Waterfield, promoted from Head of Brand Experience to Head of Brand and Strategy and Kate Riley, promoted from Employee Development Manager to Head of Organisational Culture.
Ben’s new position will see him leverage his branding expertise to oversee and lead the direction of Strive’s brand proposition. Ben will also continue to work closely with clients, driving creative projects and long-term strategies that support future growth ambitions.
Kate’s new role will be crucial in driving the agency’s people-focused strategy, fostering a strong organisational culture and supporting business growth through effective change and transformation initiatives that align with Strive’s core values.
Strive Group is an experience-driven growth agency based in Harrogate, specialising in transforming how businesses connect with their audiences.
Following rapid business growth over the past year, Strive Group is also celebrating an office expansion, almost tripling its office space. Situated at Harrogate Business Park, the new office will feature a coffee shop open to the public, large breakout spaces for meetings, focus time and collaborative working.
Alistair Grant, Director at Strive Group, says: “We are pleased to be in a position to accelerate business growth and the appointment of the new senior leadership team was pivotal in enabling us to do this. Kate, Ben and Gemma have a wealth of experience that will allow us to drive our expansion strategy forward.”
Darley Street Market maintenance contract win for G&H Group
Bradford Council has awarded mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) service provider, G&H Group, the maintenance contract for its new state-of-the-art, energy efficient Darley Street Market building.
The 12-month contract, awarded to G&H Group’s Maintenance division, will commence September 2024.
A dedicated team including a contract manager and specialist skilled engineers will deliver a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme, to ensure the optimum performance and compliance of the building. As part of G&H Group’s commitment to training the next generation, apprentices will also have the opportunity to attend site visits with the engineers.
G&H Group’s Maintenance team’s responsibilities include maintaining the heat pump and boiler systems, ventilation, EV chargers, air conditioning, heat recovery unit, solar PV, rainwater harvesting, and fire safety systems.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “This is another piece of the jigsaw in place as we move toward Darley Street Market opening in Spring next year. We’re pleased G&H Group shares our enthusiasm for the building and its future and warmly welcome them to the Darley Street Market team.”
David Ridsdale, G&H Group’s Maintenance Director, said: “G&H Group has been involved with Darley Street Market since main contractor Kier appointed our Building Services division to deliver an extensive MEP package. To be appointed to deliver the maintenance contract too, and service all aspects of the building installed by Building Services, reinforces our position as a complete MEP service provider.
“Darley Street Market is a magnificent, low carbon building and we are looking forward to working with Bradford Council in ensuring it performs optimally, all year round, for the comfort of traders and visitors alike.”
Multi-million pound turnover firm prosecuted for illegal trade in catalytic converters
Edvars Stancik and his Lincolnshire-based multi-million pound turnover company Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd have been found guilty of illegally trading in catalytic convertors.
Stancik formerly of St Thomas Court in Long Sutton didn’t attend a trial at Lincoln Crown Court which heard that between December 2019 and September 2021 Stancik, 30, acted as a director of Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd, trading more than 70 tonnes of catalytic converters achieving a turnover of millions.
A jury heard that neither Stancik nor his company had obtained an environmental permit before buying and selling thousands of catalytic converters. Stancik stored them in containers at his home address and at containers in Lime Walk, Long Sutton. The devices were stored in an irresponsible manner giving rise to an unacceptable risk to human health.
Prosecuting for the Environment Agency, barrister Barnaby Hone told the court that the agency had been investigating Stancik and Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd. The investigation found that Stancik and his company had been buying large quantities of catalytic converters and had sold at least 71 tonnes of them for recycling. Further investigations revealed that the business had turned over millions of pounds
A warrant was executed at the two Long Sutton addresses where Environment Agency officers, working with Lincolnshire Police, found a large number of catalytic converters. Many of these devices were damaged, exposing their dangerous innards.
It took the jury less than half an hour to reach unanimous guilty verdicts.
The case has now been adjourned for consideration of the confiscation of the proceeds of crime and the recovery of the Environment Agency’s costs.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Edvars Stancik, with him and Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd will be sentenced at a later date. .
Paul Salter, Senior Environmental Crime Officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Edvars Stancik and Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd crimes were not just illegal, but dangerous. Not only do we use environmental law to prosecute those who abuse the environment, but we also use the Proceeds of Crime legislation to ensure that criminals are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activity.”
Catalytic converters are components in car exhausts. They contain small amounts of precious metals contained within a metal case making them valuable. However, catalytic converters also contain carcinogenic fibres which, if ingested, can cause serious and irreversible lung disease.
The dangerous fibres can attach to shoes and clothing and be transported from one place to another. It is therefore extremely important that catalytic converters are handled only under the strict conditions of an environmental permit, supervised by the Environment Agency.
Flint Bishop strengthens national presence with strategic acquisition of Walker Morris’ Banking & Finance Recoveries division
Flint Bishop, a leading law firm, has made a significant move in the legal sector by acquiring the entire Volume Banking & Finance Recoveries division from the wider Banking & Finance team of Walker Morris LLP, welcoming 34 new staff to the business.
The strategic acquisition also marks Flint Bishop’s entry into the Leeds market and substantially enhances the firm’s capabilities in broader litigation and recoveries work, along with establishing a firm footprint to develop its full legal services offering across the UK.
The Walker Morris team, known for its national reputation and inclusion on several bank panels, was carefully selected by Flint Bishop for this strategic move into the financial services sector.
The acquisition propels Flint Bishop into the bank recovery and litigation arena, positioning the firm as one of the top legal providers to major banks and financial institutions. Flint Bishop has revealed plans for significant investments in staff, systems, and technology to further expand its national presence in this sector.
The acquisition brings numerous senior-level experts into the fold, increasing the firm’s total staff to over 280. As part of the transfer, Justin Coley will assume the role of Head of Recoveries, whilst Rebecca Calland and Ellen McLean have been promoted to the position of Partner. Other key figures joining from Walker Morris include banking litigation senior associates Georgina Davis and Olena Jarockyj.
Flint Bishop has also recruited banking litigation specialist Kate Hicks, currently with Yorkshire Building Society and formerly with DLA Piper and Walker Morris, to lead the Finance Dispute Resolution team, which will manage complex and contested banking litigation matters. Niall Gilhooley, former Chief Executive of Ascent, a division of Irwin Mitchell, who joined Flint Bishop two years ago, will serve as overall Debt Services Division Head.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive of Flint Bishop, said: “This strategic acquisition positions Flint Bishop as one of the UK’s top legal firms specialising in volume banking litigation and recovery-related work. It dramatically strengthens our Litigation, Debt and Property Services business by expanding our reach in the financial services market.”
Jeanette Burgess, Managing Partner at Walker Morris, said: “This strategic move allows us to focus on complex banking and finance litigation and other main practice areas, while ensuring the clients within our Recoveries division will continue to receive high-level service they are accustomed to. We wish the team great success in their new home.”
Ghafoor added: “The acquisition presents a prime growth opportunity and an excellent location for all our practice areas to capitalise on and have a presence. Not only will it grant us access to new markets and clients, but it will also introduce us to a thriving city for recruiting additional skilled lawyers to enrich our firm’s capabilities in existing and new practice areas.
“I am highly committed to growing the firm across all commercial and private client practice areas, providing opportunities for all, and ensuring our full-service offering thrives across all three locations: Derby, Birmingham, and now Leeds, with other planned locations on the horizon. With a fantastic team backing us, we’re in a prime position to introduce the Flint Bishop brand into new sectors across the UK and make a significant impact.”
This bold move signals Flint Bishop’s ambition to become a dominant force in the UK banking litigation and recoveries arena, setting the stage for accelerated growth and market leadership in the coming years.
Plans submitted to redevelop rugby stadium
Plans to redevelop a rugby stadium have been submitted to take a team into the future, while respecting its long-standing heritage.
The charity arm of the Keighley Cougars has submitted an application to fully redevelop The Danny Jones Stand. The existing 500-seater stand, which dates back to 1937, would be fully modernised under the new plans.
The proposals also include a two-storey extension – with an additional 1,065 sqm of floor space, which would see new men and women’s changing rooms, a heritage room and create new facilities that could be used by the wider community, including a community gym.
Steve Watkinson, Chief Operating Officer of the Keighley Cougars, said: “These plans include a major refurbishment of The Danny Jones Stand, which would retain its title, and bring our facilities up-to-date. We’re also proposing an extension which will not only house new changing rooms but a heritage room to showcase memorabilia and celebrate the club’s rich history.
“It’s so important to us that the space also provides for community involvement – we are nothing as a club without support – so it’s crucial that we can involve local people. Our community rooms, which will include a gym and health suite, will give everyone the opportunity to be part of the Cougars community here.
“We’ve explored various options in terms of potential redevelopment, and we are all very excited to have finalised these plans. They are the right balance of respecting where we’ve come from, while making a significant investment in the club’s long-term future and continued success.”
The plans will be part-financed by £2.25m from the Government-funded Keighley Towns Fund. Chair of the Keighley Town Board Tim Rogers said: “The Keighley Cougars have a celebrated heritage in the town and surrounding area, and these plans mark an important new chapter for the team. There is such pride in the team and we wish them every success for the future.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw added: “This is a significant moment for the club, and is a significant investment in its future. We are pleased to be able to support the redevelopment at Cougar Park because it’s so important for the Cougars to have modern, comfortable facilities going forward. These plans will bring benefits not only to the team but also to the wider community.”
Group swoops for Leeds cyber-security business
The GRC Group, a provider of software and tech-enabled services to manage business risks and regulatory compliance, has acquired Leeds-headquartered Pentest People Ltd.
The GRC Group is focused on building market-leading positions in select areas of the governance, risk and compliance market, and the acquisition of Pentest People represents GRC’s second acquisition in the cyber security risk management market following the acquisition of Bulletproof in June.
Pentest People will join Bulletproof (UK) and Target Defense (USA) as part of the newly formed cyber division.
Pentest People is a disruptive cyber-security business focused on bringing the benefits of penetration-testing-as-a-service (PTaaS) to UK clients, combining the benefits of consultant led penetration testing and continuous vulnerability scanning through its in-house developed software platform SecurePortal.
Pentest People provides services to over 1,200 clients – directly and through channel partnerships. In addition to pen testing and cyber consultancy, the business offers CHECK accredited testing and has a rapidly growing Incident Response service – widening the services offered by the Group.
Alex Dacre, Chief Executive of The GRC Group, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew, Anthony and the Pentest People team to the Group.
“The addition of Pentest People following our acquisition of Bulletproof in June demonstrates our commitment to become an international leader in Governance, Risk and Compliance market, delivering tech-led compliance to SMEs alongside leading enterprise SaaS point solutions.
“We look forward to working with the Pentest People team in further accelerating our collective growth.”
Andrew Mason, Founder/Managing Director of Pentest People, said: “We were delighted to find a new owner for Pentest People that both shares our values and will be able to continue its rapid growth trajectory and focus on innovation.
“We look forward to extending the services we can offer, through a close relationship with our new sister company and the other businesses within the Group.”
Anthony Harvey, Founder/Managing Director of Pentest People, said: “We’re delighted to be joining The GRC Group to continue the development journey of Pentest People. It is clear that GRC is committed to developing an outstanding cyber security and that our capabilities will complement the services already offered.”
New homes get green light in Market Weighton
Persimmon’s plans for 193 new homes in Market Weighton have received full planning permission from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Persimmon expects construction will commence in the next few months. The new homes will be built on land off Holme Road, which is allocated for housing in the East Riding Local Plan. Persimmon’s Bradley Park development will consist of a variety of house types suitable for local homebuyers, including bungalows and houses ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms. All homes will be fitted with EV chargers and built to new building regulations, ensuring improved energy efficiency and helping to reduce energy bills for homeowners. Residents will benefit from over 2.2 acres of public open space, including the construction of an on-site children’s play area. This development represents a significant investment in Market Weighton. In addition to providing much-needed housing, the housebuilder will contribute close to £750k to local infrastructure improvements. Contributions include £366,921 towards outdoor sports, £320,000 towards primary education, and payments for two additional bus stops along York Road. This development will also remove the existing pig farm. Joel Frank, Land Director at Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We are thrilled to receive approval for 193 new homes in Market Weighton. “This project not only delivers high-quality new homes but also contributes significant investment into the local community. “We are excited to work with local stakeholders and East Riding of Yorkshire Council to bring this vision to life for local homebuyers.”Elland Rail Station project takes further step forward
Progress to deliver a new rail station in Elland has taken a major step forward after a contractor was appointed for the final stage of development work.
Surveys will take place on site over the coming months to develop the detailed design of the project. A full business case will follow, allowing the project to progress to final approval and construction.
Newly-appointed contractors Keltbray Infrastructure Services Limited are aiming to complete this stage of the project by next summer.
The new station will be added to the Calder Valley line and will improve the town’s transport links with the wider region and beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester.
Proposals also involve a wider package of walking and cycling improvements around the station, including enhancing existing routes and installing two new pedestrian and cycle bridges.
The project is being delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Calderdale Council.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Elland Rail Station will provide a vital new link for the transport network in Calderdale, improving access to jobs, education and other opportunities.
“This is an important step forward for the project, which will help us build a better-connected region that works for all.”
Calderdale Council’s Leader, Cllr Jane Scullion, said: “It’s great news that the Combined Authority’s plans for Elland Rail Station are moving forward, with the appointment of a contractor allowing development work to progress.
“The new station will be a key part of our Next Chapter for Calderdale, bringing huge benefits for the borough, improving access to the wider region and supporting local growth.”
Darren James, Group Chief Executive Officer of Keltbray Infrastructure Services Limited, said: “We are delighted to be given this opportunity to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with Calderdale Council and their design partners to deliver the new Elland Station to upgrade West Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure links.
“Our team is looking forward to delivering another critical infrastructure project to improve people’s lives, create growth, while decarbonising the local transport network for the future.”
Calderdale Council has also agreed to purchase the land needed for the site, which will be transferred to Network Rail prior to construction.
The project has already passed a number of key milestones that are essential for delivering a new station, including receiving planning approval, and preliminary design approval from Network Rail.
It is part of the Combined Authority’s ongoing work to create a modern, green, integrated transport network with a Mass Transit system, bus services under public control, and greater walking and cycling facilities.
Hessle firm’s involvement boosts applications to Midlands college
Hessle-based education marketing agency Sowden & Sowden has increased applications to Wolverhampton College by at least 21%.
Polly Sowden, Director of Sowden & Sowden, said: “As part of our creative refresh, we redefined the college’s brand proposition, which really helped us connect with prospective students. We’re delighted with the results, a campaign that reached over 2.7 million potential students across the city, generated more than 25,500 website clicks from paid social ads in just one month, and led to 1,021 sign-ups for the Autumn/Winter Open Events.
“It’s rewarding to see these efforts translate into real, impactful outcomes and I’m very proud of the team who continue to deliver this level of results across all our clients.”
Jaime Davies, Head of Communications and Marketing for Wolverhampton College, said: “Sowdens’ experience in the education sector is unparalleled, and their knowledge and understanding of the audience meant we could hit the ground running – with impressive results delivered within weeks of the campaign launch. Ten months in, our recruitment figures are up, applications have increased, and we have got more traffic hitting the website every day.”
City of Wolverhampton College is one of the latest further education providers to join Sowdens’ roster of education clients, including: Barking & Dagenham College in London, the UK’s best performing UTC, Ron Dearing in East Yorkshire; one of the first ever Institutes of Technology (IoT) in East London; and Yorkshire’s number one ‘University for student experience’; Leeds Trinity University.
Train operator decides to make 21 customer ambassador jobs permanent
TransPennine Express has created 21 permanent new jobs by keeping its customer ambassadors, introduced as a temporary measure during improvement work.
The train operator introduced the ambassador role temporarily while improvement work was taking place, but they proved so popular with customers that the roles are now here to stay – creating 21 permanent jobs.
Identifiable by their dedicated purple hi-vis jackets, the ambassadors play a significant role in assisting customers and are based across North England and Scotland, including Sheffield, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Preston and Liverpool Lime Street.
The ambassadors also support other locations across the network when required, such as during sporting events.
William McGeouch is one of them. He said: “I’ve been with TPE for fourteen months now. I was an on-board host for three and a half years and loved every moment. Working in the rail industry is fantastic, people are very helpful.
“What I like most about my role is I can support customers in helping them find their train and support them if anything comes up. I enjoy having a laugh and joke with our customers and making their day.”
Carrie Donaldson, Regional Customer Experience Lead for Scotland for TransPennine Express, who manages the ambassadors for Glasgow and Edinburgh, said, “The appointment of these ambassadors is a huge help to our customers. The team is always willing to help and deliver customer service to a high standard.
“If you’re unsure about anything while at a station, whether you can’t find your platform or want to check you’re getting on the right train – look out for their purple jackets. They’re all there to help you have the best journey possible.”
Sale of firm secures 30 jobs for Leeds business
All 30 jobs at jobs at Leeds-based direct mail, fulfilment, and print specialists RNB Group have been saved by the sale of the firm.
It has been bought by PDMF, and will continue to trade at the same site on Silver Royd Business Park.
The business had been trading for 20 years, but ran into mounting cash flow issues. The sale was arranged by Begbies Trader, for whom Bob Maxwell said: ““RNB Group is a long-established and well-known Leeds business which simply ran into some short-term cash
flow problems. Fortunately, we were able to act swiftly to market the business and conclude a sale for it as a going concern. It’s great news for the staff, suppliers and customers that the business will continue in the hands of new owners.”LCF Law provided legal advice to the administrators, and Freeths represented the acquirers.
New government spending review could scupper Hykeham Relief Road plans
Councillors fear Lincolnshire could lose more than £350m of economic benefits if the new Government’s spending review blocks investment in North Hykeham relief road near Lincoln.
Only weeks after councillors instructed officers to move forward with the plan, the new Government announced it was reviewing the funding of £110m approved in 2020.
There are fears that if the road is not built, Lincolnshire could lose out on over £350 million in economic benefits over the next 60 years.
At a meeting tomorrow councillors will discuss the potential implications of the decision. Cllr Ian Carrington, chairman of Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee, said: “The consequences of the government removing funding for the project would be far reaching, and the committee hopes to identify these, to draw attention to the ramifications, and put pressure on our local representatives and national policy-makers.
“The consequences of not building the road are considerable and are likely to mean that the development of 4,500 new homes and 7 hectares of employment land would be become unviable, representing a massive, missed opportunity for economic prosperity.
“I have invited officers working on the project, affected councillors, and the MPs for Lincoln, and Sleaford and North Hykeham, to the meeting for the committee’s discussion about what this uncertainty around the funding would mean for our county.”
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Completing a ring-road around Lincoln is not only about easing traffic congestion within the centre of the city, it will open up land for new development, attracting further investment and new employment opportunities, boosting our local economy and providing homes for local residents.
“Conversely, not completing the project could mean stagnation in the local economy, and add further congestion coming in and out of the city and across the wider county.
“This isn’t a potential future scheme that we’re looking for funding for. If the government decide to pull funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road, this would be a case of cancelling something that has already been agreed, and one that a lot of work has already gone into to bring to this stage. It would be a huge kick in the teeth for the people of Lincoln and Lincolnshire.”
The Department for Transport allocated £110m funding for the North Hykeham Relief Road project in 2020, with the rest of the scheme funded by Lincolnshire County Council and developer contributions.
Work was expected to start late next year, with Balfour Beaty having been ned a principal contractor.
