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.
Lomond makes 54th acquisition with Yorkshire firm
Lomond, the acquirers of estate and letting agency businesses, has made a fresh acquisition within the Yorkshire region, further bolstering its presence in the area.
The acquisition of HOP Lettings and HOP Students is Lomond’s 54th acquisition since launching three years ago.
The move will see HOP Lettings operate as part of Lomond’s Linley and Simpson brand, a business that already has a significant foothold within the region with 23 branches. The direct acquisition of HOP Lettings will add an additional 861 residential properties to the firm’s lettings book – around 300 of which are student properties.
With Linley and Simpson already boasting a lettings book of 14,400 properties, the acquisition will push them beyond the 15,000 property threshold.
However, the acquisition of HOP Students also provides the firm with an opportunity to expand its student offering to the Leeds area, having already established a foothold within the student market in York with the purchase of Sinclair Properties in 2021.
The existing HOP Students business adds an additional 300 student properties to Lomond’s national portfolio, and will continue to operate from the existing Leeds city centre office, with the same team.
Lomond CEO, Ed Phillips, said: “Our aggressive growth strategy has focussed on acquiring some of the best regional businesses across the nation’s fastest growing property markets and this latest acquisition is no different.
“The acquisition of HOP will allow us to further strengthen our Linley and Simpson brand, a brand which already has a sizable presence within the region.”
CEO of Linley and Simpson, Martin Elliott, said: “Not only does the acquisition of the HOP businesses further build on our extensive residential lettings portfolio, but it also allows us to build on the existing foundations we’ve laid within the student rental market.
“Like York, Leeds is an extremely popular university town and one that is home to high demand for student lets. Establishing a student base within the city itself was an important part of our growth strategy; the acquisition of HOP Students allows us to do this immediately.”
Owner and founder of HOP, Luke Gidney, said: “I have always had an excellent relationship with Linley and Simpson, and great respect for what they do, so when the time came for myself and my family to exit the business, we knew they would be a great fit for HOP.
“This strategic move will have a big impact on the wider market and gives Linley & Simpson an exciting opportunity to enter the thriving student rental sector in Leeds. We know that our loyal clients and fantastic staff will be in very safe hands.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the team at HOP for all their hard work over the last 15 years, the business wouldn’t be where it is today without them. I wish them all the best for the future and look forward to watching its continued success in this next chapter.”
LDC, the private equity group which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, backed the creation of Lomond in December 2020, merging Lomond Capital and Linley & Simpson. The firm continues to work closely with the management team to support Lomond’s successful buy and build strategy.
Gareth Marshall, head of the North East and Scotland at LDC, said: “Lomond continues to show why an acquisitive growth strategy is such an effective way for businesses to expand their geographic footprint at pace.
“We first invested in Linley & Simpson back in 2018, so it’s brilliant to see the now national lettings and estate agency group celebrate such an important milestone in Yorkshire. We’re looking forward to supporting Ed and the team as they build on this momentum in the months ahead.”
Work starts on new Health, Well-being and Community Campus in Shipley
Work has started on Shipley’s new multi-million-pound Health, Well-being and Community Campus (HWCC) at The Old School building on Farfield Road.
The £3m project which has been Government funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, will transform the way mental health and well-being services are delivered in Shipley so that people can easily access tailored, holistic support which meets their needs, provided by a range of organisations including statutory and VSCE partners.
The former school building will be transformed with a complete refurbishment of the old building with the work carried out by local contractors, Whittaker and Leach. It will include a new atrium, communal space and gardens for both building users and local people to enjoy.
A variety of health and well-being activities, along with early help and prevention support for all age groups, will be available at the state-of-the-art centre, in an inclusive, welcoming and accessible environment.
The new facility will continue to be run by well-established founding member charity, The Cellar Trust. Its mission will be to provide health and well-being support by working with a range of services from the voluntary sector, public sector and social enterprise all in one place.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s no understatement to say that this new community facility will be invaluable, delivering improved access to a wide-range of mental and physical health services. It will change the way people can access support and will ultimately help to change people’s lives for the better.”
The Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler said: “Our objective is to work in partnership to enhance health and well-being services in Shipley, improving access for local residents. The new centre will also serve as a hub for skills development, training, and enterprise through its support for new voluntary, community and social enterprises so they can innovate, collaborate and grow. By bringing people together, we also believe the centre will benefit other local businesses and services in Shipley.”
Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Board, Adam Clerkin added: “The Shipley Towns Fund board is thrilled at the progress made and excited to see the new facility take shape over the coming months.
“As a result of Government funding, with full support from Bradford Council, The Cellar Trust team are delivering on their mission to improve mental health support for Shipley and beyond.”
Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people. There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space. Office and co-working space has also been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises.
The new facilities are expected to open in Summer 2025.
Early designs revealed for Huddersfield housing scheme replacing high-rise blocks
Kirklees Council has been working alongside architects to develop early designs for a new housing scheme which will replace two high-rise blocks, Bishops Court and Holme Park Court in Berry Brow.
The proposals have been shared with the tenants living in the blocks and residents in the surrounding area with hopes to receive their views, to help shape further design development.
This follows the decision made by the council’s cabinet in summer 2021, that the flats will be demolished following consultation with tenants who said that this was their preferred option. Existing tenants continue to be supported by dedicated housing officers to find new homes.
Early plans show around 135 new sustainable and affordable homes over three blocks, with the layout designed to respond to the existing site constraints including site levels, surrounding trees and landscaping.
This new development has been designed to fit in with the surrounding area and will drastically reduce in height from 16-storeys to 6-storey blocks to positively change the view of the local landscape.
Proposals have been created to connect residents with nature and the local area, and provide design elements such as natural lighting, ventilation and natural landscaped areas. Improvements will also be made to the existing landscaping to create safe, accessible spaces focusing on ease of movement through the site.
The designs at this stage are not final and are likely to change throughout the design development stage.
Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court are part of the wider fire safety programme that the council have been carrying out over the last couple of years.
Naz Parkar, Service Director for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s great to see we are moving on to the next phase of regenerating Berry Brow flats and concept designs have been put place.
“Having input from our tenants and local residents will be a crucial step to making sure we can create a housing scheme that will benefit everyone.
“As a council, we are committed to improving housing standards and this project will contribute greatly to our ambitions through the various design elements proposed.”
Next steps will see the council continuing to work with architects to develop the proposals in preparation for a planning submission later this year.
Eminox names Adam Woolgar as new Finance Director
Adam Woolgar has joined Gainsborough-based Eminox as Finance Director.
He has more than 20 years’ experience in steering the financial strategy of large corporations in the industrial, financial and telecoms sectors. Most recently, he worked at Genuit Group in its Water Management Solutions Divisions which manufactures and supply’s products to the construction industry in the UK and Europe.
In his role at Eminox, Adam works alongside fellow SLT members and Hexadex directors managing budgets, setting strategic objectives and supporting the business to maximise its financial performance.
Adam said: “I first visited Eminox around 20 years ago to attend a year-end stock count and I was excited when the opportunity arose to join the business at a senior level as it entered a new chapter.
“I was further impressed by Hexadex’s focus on the businesses core values and how this shaped all activities within the Group. It has been clear to me from the start that there is a clear passion to drive our business forward from everyone I have met. This is key to our future success, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to be part of shaping that future.”
Eminox MD Jonathan Griffith said: “Adam has a lot of experience in working at senior level in a financial capacity and his calm, knowledgeable advice and guidance is essential in helping us to continue the success of Eminox.”
Leeds United secure Red Bull deal
Leeds United Football Club has announced a new deal with Red Bull which will include branding on the front of next season’s shirt and a minority ownership stake.
Beginning in the 2024/2025 season, Leeds United will feature Red Bull branding on the front of Leeds United men’s and women’s first team kits. Red Bull will also become the club’s Exclusive Energy Drink Partner with branding featured inside Elland Road and during the club’s official media appearances.
“I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club,” said Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United.
“As Chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future. Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, said: “We are delighted to be an important element and partner of Leeds United. A club that is certainly one of the biggest in England and has a rich and successful history.
“The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull. We look forward to the partnership and are optimistic and energized about the future.”
The deal brings in new commercial revenues as well as additional capital investment for a minority ownership stake that will further enable the club to compete on and off the pitch as the club seek promotion next season.
Yorkshire business confidence grows
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose 11 points during May to 45%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 16 points at 50%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up five points to 39%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 45% (vs. 34% in April).
A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and the Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as entering new markets (41%) and evolving their offering (31%). A quarter (25%) said they planned to introduce new technology or to invest in sustainability.
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The data for this edition was collected between 1–16th May, before the UK general election was announced.
National picture
In May, overall UK business confidence reached its highest level since 2015 – rising by eight points to a net balance of 50%.
Businesses showed increased optimism in both their trading prospects (up nine points month-on-month to 54%) and the economy (up seven points to 46%). Firms’ trading outlook was the most optimistic in seven years, while economic optimism was the highest recorded since September 2021.
Scotland and the South East of England were the most optimistic of the UK nations or regions in May (both 57%), followed by the West Midlands (56%).
Sector insights
Similarly, there were particularly strong results reported in the construction and services sectors this month. Prospects in the construction sector jumped to 58% (up 20 points), the highest for 14 months, while in services, expected output increased to 57% (up 12 points). On the latter, it is the highest level since the survey was expanded in 2018. Expected business activity in the retail sector also improved to 49% (up three points).
Although trading prospects in manufacturing eased slightly to 49% (down three points), the underlying trend over the last three months remains positive.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s no surprise that Yorkshire’s firms are so confident in their own prospects – this is a region with huge adaptability, resilience and a deep pool of skill and insight.
“As businesses look at how they can drive further growth on the back of such a positive outlook, we’ll be by their side with our backing and insight to help them ensure they’re equipped for whatever lies ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “These results highlight a notable improvement in business confidence. Optimism about the economy increased to 46% this month – the highest result since September 2021, when the country was emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, but before the energy crisis after the invasion of Ukraine.
“The regional picture has also improved – we’ve now seen increases in seven of the UK’s 12 regions, where there was previously a more mixed picture. Results in the South East, Scotland and the West Midlands were particularly strong. Across the sectors, there were strong, broad-based improvements in services and construction.”
Melissa joins Private Client department at AWB Charlesworth
Melissa Butler has joined AWB Charlesworth Solicitors as paralegal in its Private Client department dealing with Wills, Trusts and Probate.
She has almost a decade of experience in estate administration, the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and in dealing with applications to the Court of Protection.
Jenny Barron, Head of Private Client said: “Our wills and probate business is going from strength to strength and we have an urgent need to expand our team to cover the large quantity of work and maintain our excellent standards of service. Melissa’s extensive experience is a great advantage to us as we increasingly take on complex inheritance work and help families with multiple assets.”
Melissa said: “AWB Charlesworth is a long-established firm with a great reputation, progressive in its approach to the law, and yet maintaining the strong values of a family firm.”
AWB Charlesworth’s Private Client department is split across three offices to service the needs of clients in Skipton, Keighley, Bradford, and the wider area of the Aire Valley and the Yorkshire Dales.
Food entrepreneur urges manufacturers to share in donating five million meals a year
2 Sisters Food Group owner Ranjit Singh Boparan has urged other manufacturers to join him to help tackle the continuing food insecurity crisis gripping UK households by donating up to five million meals every year.
He intends to increase food donations from his food manufacturing empire, which has premises in Scunthorpe, following his announcement last November to work in partnership with charity FareShare and retailers.
He said: “We have a moral responsibility to do the right thing. It cannot be right that in the UK in 2024 people are struggling to feed themselves. No-one should go to sleep on an empty stomach at night, especially not children.
“I have previously committed to supporting the King’s Coronation Food Project and in partnership with M&S, we are working to boost Fareshare’s distribution efforts. However, I do feel it is time for individual companies who make food to step up and help alleviate this problem.
“This also requires a big effort from our supply chain and it’s fantastic to see so much goodwill and support. Without the support of companies like Magnavale who are storing these products for us, this entire distribution effort wouldn’t be possible.”
Millions of people – including one in five families with children – have gone hungry or skipped meals in recent weeks because they could not regularly afford to buy groceries, according to new food insecurity data.
According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to about eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years.
In November 2023, Ranjit met The King in support of the Coronation Food Project following his pre-Christmas donation of one million meals, donated in partnership with M&S.
£20k grant helps Driffield business cut its carbon footprint
Driffield-based engineering company Shields has significantly reduced its carbon footprint with the help of a £20,000 grant secured with the help of the Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team.
The grant has been invested in a large solar panel installation at the company’s premises on the town’s Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate.
Carey Kelly, a Director at Shields, said: “We have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Invest East Yorkshire Business Support team. As the business has grown and our plans have changed, we have worked closely with them, not just in relation to financial assistance but also for ongoing advice and guidance. We are very appreciative of this support and look forward to this relationship continuing as we grow as a business and create more skilled jobs for Driffield and the surrounding area.”
Business Advisor Chris Moore said: “Following a review of the business and a discussion about its growth plans, we arranged for Shields to have an independent energy assessment by a specialist company that we appointed. This was fully funded and highlighted a number of energy saving measures they could take as part of their commitment to becoming more environmentally sustainable.”
Shields is a family-owned mechanical engineering and bulk processing company established in 1984. It now employs more than 50 people and works with customers across the UK.
Shields first worked with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Team more than ten years ago and, since then, has benefited from the advice, support and knowledge of its team of advisors on several occasions, helping to further fuel its growth and development.
Most recently, the company worked with Business Advisor Chris Moore to access a £20,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This enabled Shields to achieve its goal of drastically reducing its carbon footprint by investing in a large solar panel installation project at its headquarters in Driffield.
Vacant space in Hull to be brought back into use as leisure and social venue
Dozens of city centre jobs will be created at a new, modern leisure and social venue in Hull.
Hull City Council has allocated £400,000 of external funding to Federation of Sport Limited to bring back into use over 1,500sqm of vacant floor space at Unit 7, King William House.
The unit has stood empty for an extended period but will now see a brand-new facility as part of the Lowgate building’s overall regeneration in recent years.
The project will involve the installation of high-grade sports technology, including audio-visual equipment, as well as two bars and communal areas and a fully-fitted, commercial-grade kitchen.
The overall cost of the works is projected to be almost £2m, meaning more than £1.5m of private capital is being invested into the city centre.
There are 43.5 full-time equivalent job vacancies expected to be created as a result.
Garry Taylor, assistant director of major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “King William House has seen significant regeneration in recent times and it’s pleasing to see another plan come to fruition.
“City centre grants have unlocked so much potential for Hull and I’m delighted that the council has been able to provide further support.”
New chair for Keighley Town Board
Bradford Council has welcomed a new chair to the inaugural Keighley Town Board.
As part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda, Keighley was awarded £33.6m via the Towns Fund for its Town Investment Plan in 2021, and has since has been allocated up to £20m to deliver a Long Term Plan.
The Keighley Town Board has been set up to deliver both plans and is made up of representatives from local businesses as well as charitable and voluntary organisations, with support from Bradford Council.
The newly-elected chair Tim Rogers is the CEO of Future Transformation, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to close the digital divide and reverse climate change. Born and raised in Keighley, Tim is a fellow of the University of Bradford as well as chair of the Digital Makers Operational Board and sits on various boards across the region with a STEM focus. Tim is also on the DSIT Cyber Security Board advising on policy and skills provision.
Tim said: “Keighley has some of the most recognisable and important cultural assets of the whole district with the Worth Valley Railway, the heritage of the Brontë’s, our buildings such as Cliffe Castle, incredible local businesses like Timothy Taylors and so much more.
“My vision is to use this multi-million pound investment from the public purse to create an environment where the private sector can see a sustainable return on any investment – allowing Keighley to realise it’s potential in its economy, skills, heritage, creativity and transport aspirations.
“In order to do that we all need to be on the same page and we need to work together in a truly collaborative way. I want to hear from people in all Keighley’s communities, and from businesses, schools and colleges in Keighley on what they want to see. This really is our time to shape our own future over the next ten years and beyond. And it will happen with everyone supporting it.”
Tim will oversee the delivery of some of the board’s pivotal projects such as the Providence Park development, the Community Grants programme, the Town Centre Infrastructure project and the Capital Assistance to Business Growth grants.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The previously-established Keighley Towns Fund board has already been successful in delivering some excellent work. With the additional funding through the Long Term Plan, the vision for Keighley will now be developed further and this will of course take previous plans for the town into consideration.
“We are pleased to welcome Tim as chair to drive the work of the Keighley Town Board. With his experience, he will be an asset to the team. These are exciting times for Keighley. The level of investment in the town is significant and it will be transformative.”
My Pension Expert acquires financial adviser
Doncaster-based My Pension Expert has acquired Tenet&You.
Tenet&You is a financial adviser that provides tailored advice to ensure clients’ finances are in the best possible place to match their circumstances and aspirations. It was appointed as a representative of the Tenet Group.
This is My Pension Expert’s first acquisition. Tenet&You has £490 million assets under administration, taking the combined entity to approximately £1 billion assets under influence.
As part of the acquisition process, Tenet&You will operate as an appointed representative of My Pension Expert. Then, in due course clients will be moved across to My Pension Expert systems as they become part of the My Pension Expert group.
My Pension Expert CEO, Andrew Megson, said: “We’re delighted to conclude the acquisition of Tenet&You; a business that shares our ambition to empower all UK consumers to achieve their financial goals, and build our organic growth model. This exciting move will ensure My Pension Expert can deliver high-quality, independent financial advice to more people nationwide.
“Throughout this entire process, our focus has been on ensuring the best possible outcomes for the existing Tenet&You customers. Much work has gone into making sure the move is seamless, and My Pension Expert is perfectly positioned to provide our new clients with outstanding service and care.
“This marks our first acquisition, and we look forward to continuing our growth and strengthening our offering in the future. We’re an ambitious business, and the entire team are excited to continue driving My Pension Expert forward in the years to come.”
Music hub vision takes major step forward with £1.6m Canada House purchase
Harmony Works Trust has reached a key project milestone following its purchase of the 35,000 sq ft Grade II* Listed Canada House in Sheffield City Centre.
The £14m Harmony Works project will restore and revitalise Canada House, one of Sheffield’s grandest buildings. The building will be transformed into a new, central music education hub for young musicians from across the city and region.
Harmony Works will be home to every genre of music and music-inspired culture offering spaces for teaching, practising, rehearsing and performing.
The Trust, which was awarded charitable status in August 2023, has bought Canada House from retail brand Panache for £1.6 million. The Harmony Works project and Canada House refurbishment is backed by multiple funding initiatives, including Government Levelling Up Funds secured by Sheffield City Council to support the regeneration of Castlegate.
Canada House’s city-centre location means it can be reached by public transport from all parts of South Yorkshire ensuring that the very best music education is accessible for all.
Founded by Sheffield Music Hub, Sheffield Music Academy, Brass Bands England, and Music in the Round, the project is also backed by Sheffield City Council, major public funders, the Sheffield Culture Collective, and the universities.
Commenting on the project’s progress, David Hobson, Chair of Harmony Works Trust, said: “Our goal is to foster growth and transformation through the power of music. We are incredibly excited to announce that Canada House is officially ours. This is a huge milestone moment for our project.
“We, alongside all our partners, collaborators and funders, have worked incredibly hard to get this far, and we want to say a massive thank you to them for all their help and support to date.”
Emily Pieters, Harmony Works’ Project Director, added: “While we’re one step nearer to achieving our long-term goals of creating a more accessible and inclusive musical pathway for the young people and their communities across the Sheffield region, our work here is just beginning.
“With significant support from the public sector secured, we now need the help of our private sector to get this project over the finish line.”
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Skills and Development Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “As well as creating an educational and inspirational space in Sheffield, the Harmony Works project will be a major catalyst for change in our city, particularly the Castlegate area.
“It will also help to preserve one of our city’s finest historic buildings and bring forward a plan to transform music provision in the region.”
An Italianate Renaissance-style building, Canada House was built in 1875 for the Sheffield United Gas Company. Over the past few decades, the building has taken many guises, from nightclubs to restaurants, and has more recently been home to specialist lingerie brand Panache.
The funding support to date has been provided by the Architectural Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the UK Government, and local Trusts and Foundations.
International law firm CMS LLP has also provided pro-bono legal support for the project since 2018.
Harmony Works Trust is now applying for additional funding support from Arts Council England and Trusts and Foundations for its next phase of the project.
Keighley businesses share in almost £1m to boost business and create new jobs
More than 20 businesses in Keighley have been awarded more than £973,000, and 15 businesses in Shipley have received more than £604,000 with the expectation of 151 jobs being created across both areas as a result.
The money has come from the Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds, with more still available.
The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is part of the Government-funded Towns Fund and there is £4m available to support local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, with approximately £2m allocated to each.
Grants are allocated by the Towns Fund boards for each town, made up of private sector representatives, with support from Bradford Council. Businesses can use the grant to invest in premises, machinery, equipment or property to fit out and bringing disused buildings back into use.
Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.
“Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.”
Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. This kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible, has access to it.”
Chair of Keighley Towns Fund Tim Rogers, added: “Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to support them. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.”
