Aptean expands global footprint with acquisition of Wakefield firm
Aptean, an AI-driven ERP solutions firm, has acquired SSG Insight, a provider of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions headquartered in Wakefield.
The acquisition of SSG immediately increases Aptean’s EAM geographic footprint. SSG also bolsters the capabilities of Aptean’s cloud-based EAM offerings, which are purpose-built for manufacturers, distributors, logistics providers, healthcare facilities, light rail operators and other asset intensive industries.
Founded in 1983, SSG provides Agility, a mission-critical suite of EAM solutions designed to manage complex challenges across global sites with a smart ecosystem of connected data. SSG delivers a scalable and integrated suite of CMMS and EAM solutions which give total control over asset lifecycle management, workflow automation, condition monitoring, contract / vendor management, and advanced analytics.
The team at SSG possesses deep industry expertise across Aptean’s core focus areas including food manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, light rail, retail distribution, and healthcare facilities, among others.
“SSG has a proven track record with over 40 years of experience delivering mission-critical enterprise asset management solutions across the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and North America,” said Duane George, President of EMEA and APAC at Aptean.
“SSG’s Agility product suite delivers robust software solutions specifically designed to manage complex enterprise asset management challenges and is backed by a team of seasoned industry experts. We are thrilled to welcome the SSG team and customers to Aptean.”
Mike Edwards, CEO of SSG, said: “We are delighted to join a global organization like Aptean, where together we can continue to develop and deliver innovative enterprise asset management solutions to the market.
“The combination of our businesses offer an exciting opportunity for SSG’s future growth given our shared commitment to the long term success of our products and customers. Additionally, being part of Aptean presents our customers and our team with exciting opportunities for growth and development and we can’t wait to get started.”
Works commence to support riverside development in Rotherham
Esh Construction has commenced public realm improvement works which will support further riverside development in Rotherham town centre.
Procured through YORhub’s YORcivil2 framework on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Esh will deliver upgrades on land just off Westgate, while highway upgrades will be actioned on Water Lane.
A new carriageway will be constructed at Water Lane to improve existing vehicular access and provide a link to a new riverside footpath which will reconnect Water Lane to Rotherham town centre. Cut and fill operations, deep drainage works, Japanese knotweed remediation, pavement construction and new fencing is required, while gabion baskets will be used to create a retaining wall feature along the new pathway.
Michael Sherrard, Construction Manager at Esh Construction, said: “We look forward to bringing our expertise to this project which will play an important role in improving and facilitating the connectivity of Rotherham Riverside for the future development of the town.
“Esh has vast experience in delivering public realm projects and we are thrilled to continue our working relationship with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.”
Esh’s civil engineering division will also carry out repairs and remedial works to the existing river walls, with 180m long sheet piles up to 18m in depth being installed to strengthen the river wall. A capping beam will also be added on top to secure the wall structurally and support a guard rail, while cosmetic repairs will be carried out to the existing masonry river wall by rope access trained personnel.
The project builds on the success of Esh’s recently completed active travel schemes for Rotherham Council, which include Wellgate and Broom Road, as well as Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor.
Having acquired the land in December 2022 the project forms part of the Council’s continued investment into the town centre, bringing new homes, leisure uses and improved public realm.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Robert Taylor said: “The access road and creation of a new walkway into the town centre will really complement the new housing developments and leisure scheme at Forge Island. The route will support us to continue to breathe new life into this side of the town by helping facilitate new housing developments in the future.”
Accountancy practice makes Leeds move
As part of its ongoing commitment and investment in Yorkshire, a longstanding firm of chartered accountants and business advisers is expanding into Leeds after signing a lease on new offices at Wellington Place.
Saffery, established in 1855, currently employs a 70-strong team in Yorkshire and has had a base in Harrogate town centre since 1992. In addition to its new 5,213 sq ft office at 10 Wellington Place, the firm will retain office space and meeting rooms in the spa town.
Providing a more spacious, modern and open plan office environment, the newly fitted out Grade A office space sits in the heart of Leeds city centre’s financial and professional services district.
Saffery partner and head of the firm’s Yorkshire office, Jonathan Davis, said: “We’re a partner-led and people-focused firm, that is wholeheartedly committed to our clients. For the last 32 years we’ve worked hard to establish a strong reputation in Harrogate and North Yorkshire, and we are proud of that heritage, whilst being firmly focused on the future.
“During this time, we’ve also successfully built up a quality client base in Leeds and across the wider Yorkshire region. Our clients want to work with an independent firm, that’s boutique in style and that focuses on achieving their aims with real expertise and a true commitment to relationships. We remain local in nature and style, but with the backing of a wider national and international support network when required.
“Moving to our new office space, very close to Leeds City Station, will significantly help with recruitment, as we look to invest further in our talented team of senior advisors and young, ambitious professionals. This move will also mean we remain very accessible for clients across the whole of Yorkshire and beyond.
“All this makes it the right place for our firm as we start the next chapter of our story, and we’re therefore delighted to sign this lease and look forward to moving to Leeds later this year.”
Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “We pride ourselves on being a leading destination for the professional services sector. It will be a privilege to welcome Saffery, a well-established firm with over three decades of history in Yorkshire, and a significant presence across the UK and beyond, to Wellington Place.
“Saffery’s new home at 10 Wellington Place will offer them the highest quality office space and a superb environment to deliver its services. The team will be joining an inclusive and friendly community with an exceptional food and beverage offer, an extensive events programme and many on site amenities, all just a short walk from Leeds train station. We look forward to supporting Saffery as they embark on this new chapter in Leeds.”
Wakefield automation business sold
Endless has successfully exited its investment in bespoke automation business Sewtec Automation to USA-headquartered Automated Industrial Robotics Inc (AIR).
Endless supported the management buy out of Sewtec in 2017, taking it out of founder ownership with Mark Cook joining the business as Managing Director at the time of the acquisition.
To support and enable growth, the business then relocated its entire operations in 2020 to a state-of-the-art 75,000 square-foot design and manufacturing facility in Wakefield and more recently opened a satellite office in Taunton.
Sewtec today has a team of over 170 employees, more than double the number at the time of the Endless acquisition, and now serves a range of brands across various sectors, including pharmaceutical, medical devices, food and beverage, personal care, pet care and e-commerce.
Endless investment partner, Andy Ross said: “It has been a real privilege working closely with Mark and the entire team at Sewtec over the last few years.
“We knew it was a special business from the start and our role was to provide guidance and support to the management team to help them take their unique capabilities to new customers and markets. The site move was a big positive step forward to allow the team to grow the business responsibly and sustainably.
“At Endless, we are only ever a temporary custodian of our businesses and whilst we are sad to see them go…we look forward to seeing what the Sewtec team can achieve as an integral part of the AIR portfolio in the future.”
Sewtec now joins Totally Automated Systems (TA Systems) and Modular Automation as a foundational asset of the AIR portfolio. With the acquisition of Sewtec, AIR now has over 400 employees and an automation hub footprint of approximately 275,000 square feet across the United States, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
As part of the transaction, Mark Cook, now Co-Managing Director of Sewtec, was also appointed as Chief Operating Officer of AIR. He added: “This transaction represents an exciting new chapter in Sewtec’s long history. I believe AIR is the right partner for Sewtec as we look to grow our business with existing and new customers.
“We look forward to leveraging the skills and know-how across AIR to further our ability to invent innovative solutions that help our customers solve complex operational challenges.”
The investment in Sewtec was managed by Andy Ross and Stefan Nowakowski from Endless. Endless was advised on the sale by Tim Day, Josh Harvey and the team at Rothschilds (corporate finance) and Mae Salem and her team at Squires (legal).
Due diligence support was provided by Chris Stott and Chulanga Jayawardana and their team at KPMG (financial) and Tom Klouda and his team at EY (tax).
Professional services group appoints new chairman
Professional services group Gateley has appointed Edward Knapp as an Independent Non-Executive Director and Chair Designate. Edward becomes a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect and will become Chairman when Nigel Payne steps down from the board on 1 November 2024.
Edward is a global business leader with extensive experience in growth strategy design and delivery, technology, risk management and transformation with a particular focus on professional and financial services.
He has held executive and senior leadership roles in consultancy and professional services, high-growth technology companies and major financial institutions worldwide, including McKinsey & Company, Barclays, HSBC, Revolut and M&G, where he has most recently brought a particular focus on advisory, wealth management and talent.
As a member of the UK Endorsement Board he is accountable for influencing, endorsing and adopting standards for audit, accounting and professional services spanning UK PLCs.
He currently serves as a Non-Executive Director of F&C Investment Trust plc and has extensive international private-equity backed and plc board and advisory experience, including Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee and Non-Executive Director of AIM company Ten Lifestyle Group plc and formerly as a Non-Executive Director of Mattioli Woods plc.
On appointment, Edward will become a member of the Remuneration, Audit and Risk and Nomination Committees. From 1 November 2024, he will take over the role of Chairman of the Board, and Chairman of the Nomination Committee.
Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “On behalf of the board, I thank Nigel for his significant contribution to the Group throughout the nine year period since IPO. His experience, tireless commitment, clear perspective and support have been instrumental in growing the diverse and resilient professional services business that Gateley is today.
“I am delighted to welcome Edward to the board. He brings extensive and valuable executive and non-executive experience across a range of sectors, commercial acumen and strong and effective leadership. He will be an excellent chairman for the Group.
“I very much look forward to working with Edward as we continue to grow the Group, maximising the strengths and opportunities generated by the unique combination of professional services in our business.”
Edward Knapp, incoming Chair of Gateley, said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as the next Chairman of Gateley. Nigel and the whole team have achieved so much since IPO. The business has an extraordinary track record and heritage of delivering for clients across its legal and professional services capabilities.
“I am looking forward to engaging with our clients, colleagues, communities, shareholders and the whole board to help Gateley navigate the next chapter of outstanding client service, capitalising on its compelling talent proposition to deliver sustainable profitable growth and shareholder returns for the long term.”
Cranswick quartet wins place in world barbecue championship
For employees of Hessle-based Cranswick Foods have won a place in the Steak Cookout Association BBQ World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
They are members of the Hog and Beyond BBQ team, and earned the place in Texas by winning first place at the UK BBQ Championships at the Smoke and Fire Festival in Maldon. Our team consisted of Simon, Group Head of Innovation, Matt, Site Director, Ben, Senior Innovation Chef, and Connor, NPD Chef.
A company spokesman said: “This was an amazing achievement with some really tough competition from the other teams, which included some of the best European teams on the competition circuit and the previous world champions.”
Paloma Capital wins planning consent for four units at Sutton-on-the-forest
Paloma Capital has been given planning consent for four new industrial/warehouse units at its business park on the outskirts of York, which means the scheme now offers design and build opportunities for units up to 15,400 sq ft.
Formerly known as Green Park Business Centre, the 122,000 sq ft site on Goose Lane in Sutton-on-the-forest was acquired by Paloma Capital in 2022 and subsequently rebranded to become ‘York North’.
Jeremy Thiagarajah, Director for Asset Management and Investment at Paloma Capital said: “This site fits well with our acquisition strategy for investing in well located sites in under supplied areas. Whilst we have already committed to a major refurbishment programme of existing accommodation, the provision of four new state of the art units will help to fulfil current demand for purpose-designed, last mile logistics space where occupiers can influence the design.”
York North benefits from strong regional connectivity, just five miles from York Outer Ring Road at Clifton Moor.
Ports of Grimsby and Immingham form a vital link in UK’s food chain
The Ports of Grimsby and Immingham together are the leading UK ports for fish imports, and a vital link in the supply chain, according to ABP.
Leeds Museums add almost £42m to city’s economy
Council-run museums and galleries in Leeds have generated almost £42m for the local economy in the last year, a new report has revealed.
Compiled by Leeds Museums and Galleries, the impressive economic impact report shows the popular visitor attractions have also given a big boost to local jobs as well as supporting businesses and schools.
The stats show the service welcomed just under a million visitors in the last financial year, with more than 47,000 school pupils and 109,312 children taking part in activities and viewing some of the incredible 1.3 million objects which make up the city’s unique collection.
Innovative work to engage visitors online has also seen the service’s website amass an 3.9 million page views this past year, and grant funding applications have attracted £2,365,364 in external funding to Leeds.
Brought together by Leeds Museums and Galleries to assess the positive impact of their sites on the city and the region, the figures include factors such as overall spend on and off sites, employment impacts and spend on local goods and services.
Among the country’s largest services of its kind, Leeds Museums and Galleries operates eight sites: Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Temple Newsam House, Lotherton Hall, Abbey House Museum, Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds Industrial Museum and the Leeds Discovery Centre .
With an annual budget of around £5m, the new figures demonstrate that the service also generates around £8 for every £1 invested in it, and costs just £4.88 each year for every person in Leeds.
Councillor Salma Arif, said: “It’s well known that our museums and galleries give hundreds of thousands of visitors and families each year an unforgettable visitor experience and help raise the positive profile of our city as a cultural destination both regionally and internationally.
“But it’s also important to recognise the huge contribution museums, arts and culture make to the local economy, attracting not only visitors to the city, but inward investment, job creation and education and training opportunities.
“Add to that the positive impact these sites have on residents’ wellbeing in Leeds, through volunteering opportunities and a programme of free, community-based activities, and the wider benefits of having such a thriving and innovative museums and galleries service simply cannot be overstated.”
Environment Agency offers advice to landowners about dumping waste
The Environment Agency is warning property and landowners to be vigilant and secure premises against criminals who target their land and buildings to dump illegally collected waste – which costs the UK £1billion a year.
The Agency says networks of organised criminal gangs operating across the country are targeting privately owned property and land, particularly in rural locations, to dump rubbish collected through illegal means.
In 2023, the Environment Agency’s National Waste Crime Survey found 85% of the landowners and farmers who took part reported being affected by small-scale fly-tipping and 20% by large-scale fly tipping. This June, research conducted by the NFU also revealed 85% of respondents felt the problem of fly-tipping in their area had either not changed or become worse in the last five years.
If waste is dumped on privately-owned land, it is the responsibility of the property or landowner to clean it up at their own expense. Those affected can face costs of more than £200,000 to clear illegally dumped waste from their premises.
Waste crime costs the economy in England an estimated £1 billion a year through evaded tax, environmental and social harm, and lost legitimate business, with enough waste managed illegally across the country to fill 4 million skips annually – about 34 million tonnes.
The Environment Agency is taking action against these criminals, conducting site inspections and prosecuting guilty parties to the full extent of the law. But it’s essential that everyone affected works together to tackle this issue, which is why we are running an awareness campaign to educate, promote behaviour change and drive action amongst society to stop waste criminals for good.
Property and landowners are urged to follow these simple steps to protect themselves against waste criminals trespassing on their premises:
- Check any empty land and property regularly and make sure it is secure.
- Carry out rigorous checks on prospective and new tenants. Property and landowners are responsible for ensuring anyone leasing their property and land complies with regulations. They are committing an offence by allowing waste to be stored on land or property without the relevant permissions. This could leave them liable to prosecution.
- Be vigilant and report any suspected illegal waste activity to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60.
“Waste criminals need access to places to dump the rubbish they illegally collect – but your vigilance can stop them. Shutting them out of property and land is just one tactic to scupper these rogues.”
Country Land and Business Association President Victoria Vyvyan said: “Fly-tipping is a crime that is blighting rural communities. Farmers and landowners bear the cost of removing rubbish and they pay on average £1,000 to remove waste. This is not a victimless crime – in some cases they have paid up to £100,000 to clear up other people’s mess or risk facing prosecution themselves.“It’s not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous – even including asbestos and chemicals – endangering farmers, wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment.”
Yorkshire Water volunteers create activity area for children
Volunteers from Yorkshire Water have created an activity area for children at Rockwell Community Centre in Bradford including a tyre balance beam, new benches, several new allotment vegetable beds and a mud play pit.
The Rockwell Centre is a local community centre for Thorpe Edge and surrounding areas. They offer different activities daily, including mental health groups, a singing group, tai chi, Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company and a youth club.
The work, undertaken with Participate Projects, has provided the community with an outdoor area, particularly for children to play and learn to grow their own vegetables and herbs.
Katie Mahon, founder of Bloomin’ Buds Theatre Company, said: “It was incredible to see the centre as a hive of activity. We were very lucky to have 22 volunteers to help clear up our outside space.
“As a charitable organisation that is always short on funding and manpower, our outdoor space is often last to be sorted out, so this helped us massively!”
The volunteering comes as part of a wider partnership between Yorkshire Water and Participate Projects, a non-profit that aims to co-ordinate and increase delivery of colleague volunteering in communities across the county.
Anne Reed, social value and education advisor at Yorkshire Water, said: “Our colleagues are passionate about helping out in local communities and providing value beyond our water and wastewater services.
“Our partnership with Participate Projects is already increasing the frequency of our volunteering events and is providing meaningful support to organisations and people across Yorkshire.”
The partnership has already seen Yorkshire Water colleagues embarking on a range of volunteering projects, from decorating community spaces to building outdoor play areas for children, with more plans still over the next few months.
Anthony Waddington, CEO at Participate Projects, added: “We are really excited to see Yorkshire Water colleagues’ time and skills make a real impact in the communities where they operate. The passion and enthusiasm we have seen from them in supporting the people and places around them is a great match to the values and mission of Participate.”
Leeds property developer opens 6,000 sq ft office in Sheffield regeneration hotspot
Leeds-based Torsion Group – a developer and contractor of student accommodation and build-to-rent residential schemes – has taken over the first floor of Velocity Village at 2 Tenter Street, joining the likes of DLP Planning, Anytime Fitness, Ministry of Justice and Wake Smith Solicitors.
Torsion Group is working on a number of flagship projects across the UK, including Sky Gardens in Leeds and Hollis Croft in Sheffield.
The under-construction Hollis Croft – a 17-storey tower with 234 build-to-rent apartments – is located just a stone’s throw from Torsion’s new Sheffield base. The development also sits directly next to True Sheffield – a 27-storey student-residential tower that is currently being delivered by Aztec Construction.
Like Torsion Group, Aztec Construction has also opened a new office in the area and now occupies over 10,000 sq ft of space at the nearby Pennine Five campus, which has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment over recent years.
Both Velocity Village and Pennine Five are owned by RBH Properties.
Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties, said: “We are delighted to welcome Torsion Group to 2 Tenter Street and are looking forward to seeing them join the evolving business community in the area.
“Much like Aztec Construction over at our Pennine Five campus, Torsion has realised the huge potential of this area of Sheffield City Centre, basing themselves here while simultaneously developing a new residential scheme just metres away.
“We believe our own investment into the area has provided real confidence and acted as a catalyst for further growth. It’s incredibly exciting to see several new residential developments underway and new businesses moving in, helping to cement the area’s promising future.”
Work gets underway to renovate new retail spaces at Leeds Corn Exchange
Work is underway to renovate a series of new retail spaces on the piazza level of Leeds Corn Exchange, offering more retailers an opportunity to locate at this historic building.
Ten spaces are being created ranging from 80 sq ft kiosk spaces to 870 sq ft retail units. A kitchen and restaurant space – which includes the original central courtyard – is also being refurbished.
The works are the latest in an ongoing programme of improvements by Yorkshire-based property investment company and heritage restoration specialists, Rushbond, which has owned the building since 2017 and carried out careful repairs and renovations to preserve and enhance this much-loved gem.
The new spaces will offer more retailers and makers the chance to put down roots in this landmark Grade I listed building, joining more than 30 independently minded businesses offering everything from fashion and food to hand-crafted homeware and contemporary art.
Richard Baker from Rushbond said: “This is the culmination of our strategic campaign in recent years to attract like-minded tenants who bring something special to this much-loved building.
“We have had an increase in interest from businesses looking for smaller retail spaces with flexible leases, and we’re responding to that demand by progressing the release of additional spaces.
“As custodians of this incredible place, we work hard to preserve its history whilst enhancing its amenities to create spaces where modern retailers can thrive, and we look forward to welcoming the next chapter of tenants who will become part of its story.”
Aon’s Leeds team raises funds for Zarach charity
Colleagues from Aon’s Leeds office have raised £2,400 for Zarach, a Leeds-based charity on a mission to lift children out of child poverty.
Following the refurbishment of its Number One Embankment office, global professional services firm Aon sold the office furniture and donated the funds raised to the charity, which aims to support the 894,000 children in the UK without a proper bed.
The donation is one of a number of initiatives that the Aon team has undertaken to support the charity over the past three years. The funds will enable Zarach to provide 16 children and young people with a bed and bedding.
By selling the furniture and giving it a second life, Aon has also ensured that the items have not ended up in landfill and avoided the associated carbon emissions.
Ellie McGrath, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Zarach, said: “This initiative from Aon is such a brilliant way to see more children lifted out of bed poverty. Zarach works closely with local schools to take referrals and our family engagement team is in touch with families within 48 hours. Support like this from Aon gives us confidence that we can keep operating at this pace, meeting the need and growing our national presence. Thank you!”
Suzanne Gott, at Aon in Leeds, said: “The rise in the cost of living has exacerbated child poverty, causing families to prioritise food, heating and other essentials over buying a bed. Zarach’s aim is to support these families by ensuring children and young people have a comfortable bed, providing them with a good night’s sleep, and helping them to perform better in education as well as improving their physical and mental health.
“Aon is committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves and, as part of our ESG strategy, to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, through pursuing sustainable business solutions.
“By selling the furniture we have both reduced our carbon emissions and helped Zarach to continue helping vulnerable children and families living in poverty.”
Source expands with head of digital PR
Performance-led marketing communications agency, Source, has further expanded its team with a new senior recruit.
The Leeds-based business, which works across PR, SEO, paid digital and social media, has appointed Hayley Stansfield as head of digital PR.
Hayley, former head of content marketing at XLMedia PLC, brings 12 years’ experience to the Source team and will play a key role in improving the online visibility and authority of its clients by creating a robust Digital PR strategy for the business.
Commenting on her appointment, Hayley said: “I am thrilled to be joining an agency with such a great reputation and a versatile client portfolio. This creates the opportunity to produce some really exciting online PR campaigns and can’t wait to get stuck in.
“A key part of my role will also include defining clients’ digital PR goals and creating a robust reporting strategy to show the true value of the links and coverage earned for clients.”
Chris Hughes, director at Source, adds: “Now is an exciting time to have Hayley join the business following new client wins. To elevate the agency and become more digitally minded, it is essential we onboard the right people and create a knowledgeable team to help grow the business. Hayley joins as part of the agency’s ambition to grow and diversify our service offerings.”
Parking and transport payment systems firm snapped up
Modaxo, a global technology organisation, has acquired CAMMAX, a Castleford-based provider of self-service Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), Parking Payment machines, and associated services.
CAMMAX brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in delivering innovative payment systems for public transportation and car parks. The company’s solution portfolio includes a wide range of TVMs for rail, tram, and bus journeys, as well as off-street parking payment systems for Pay on Exit, Pay on Entry, and Hybrid car parks.
“We are delighted to welcome CAMMAX and its employees and customers to the Modaxo family,” said Laurent Eskenazi, Head of EMEA, UK, and Asia at Modaxo. “CAMMAX’s impressive track record in simplifying travel and parking payments aligns with our vision of creating seamless mobility experiences for all.”
“Joining the Modaxo family is an exciting milestone for CAMMAX,” said Julian Rooney, Managing Director, CAMMAX. “We share a common vision of transforming the transportation and parking experience through technology. Now with Modaxo we feel we can deliver even more value to our customers and drive the industry forward.”
CAMMAX will maintain its unique brand identity and autonomy while benefiting from investment, support, coaching, best practices, and peer learning made available by Modaxo. Julian Rooney continues to lead the business along with the management team.
Leeds Trinity University signs agreements with employers
Leeds Trinity University has signed the first Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with three organisations as part of a new project to enrich student education and opportunities.
Leeds-based digital services company Hippo, Liberty Shared Services (part of Liberty Global, which has offices in Bradford and London), and UST – a Digital Transformation Solutions Company which provides services on a global scale – have signed the MOUs as part of the University’s employer partnership agreements.
The opportunities that will be provided to Leeds Trinity students through the enhanced partnerships include a mix of work placements, certification pathways and mentoring. In return, employer partner organisations will benefit from access to a pool of skilled and well-prepared graduates, fostering innovation and growth within their companies.
With a particular focus on businesses in the tech and law industries initially, the University’s Employer Partnership project is intended to strengthen opportunities for Leeds Trinity students to work with employers in Leeds as it establishes itself as a key education provider and partner for the sectors.
Professor Catherine O’Connor, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Experience) at Leeds Trinity University, said: “We have long-standing and embedded ways of working with employers with regards to placements. These new partnership agreements give us the opportunity to reinforce our approach to working with businesses to support our students in developing their skills, understanding and pathways to their future careers. We’re delighted at the commitment from employers to being involved with the curriculum to enrich student education and opportunities.
“Along with the opening of our second campus in the heart of Leeds City Centre, this work cements our commitment to supporting growth and the demand for skills across the city and region.”
Commenting on the MOU signing, Liz Whitefield, Founder and Executive Director of Hippo, said: “Being part of the great digital and tech community in Leeds is something Hippo is proud of, but we have always known the part we must (and love to) play in helping to close the digital skills gap and engaging with educational institutions like Leeds Trinity is vital to that.
“We have had a longstanding relationship with Leeds Trinity and this MOU takes that to another level, showing the joint commitment between education and industry. The active role our digital professionals play in supporting the initiatives brings real world delivery experience closer to the students.”
Chloe Wood, Chief of Staff at Liberty Financial Services, said: “I am excited about this partnership with Leeds Trinity University, which acknowledges our joint commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
“The partnership provides students with invaluable industry experience, enhancing their career readiness whilst shaping the future of our industry. This partnership allows us to develop graduate courses that are aligned with real-world demands and emerging trends, ensuring that the next generation of graduates is well-equipped to lead and innovate.”
Praveen Prabhakaran, UK Managing Director and Global Chief Delivery Officer at UST, said: “Our focus has been around transforming lives by designing engagements that can have a meaningful impact for the communities.
“Our Leeds Digital Development centre was designed to promote digital talent from the local community, and we are delighted to be an official employer partner of Leeds Trinity University and to be able to provide opportunity to support their students throughout their studies and future careers.
“Our partnership will revolve around how we can deliver skills and solutions in the Generative AI, Cyber Security, Data Science and Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) space, providing learning for students and tangible benefits for the University.”
Industrial site in Yorkshire Dales comes onto the market
One of the only vacant large-scale industrial units in the South Yorkshire Dales is for sale for about £1.25m and could be redeveloped for a variety of uses, subject to securing relevant planning consents.
Langcliffe Mill, on Stainforth Road, is about a mile away from the market town of Settle and offers more than 21,000 sq ft of industrial accommodation spread across three buildings. The whole site covers more than 3.6 acres, including a large concrete yard.
The site is being marketed by our Leeds-based commercial property agent, Dacres Commercial, which is seeking offers in the region of £1.25million. The vendor would also consider letting the site with an initial rent in the region of £130,000 per annum.
Hedley Steel, from Dacres Commercial, said: “Industrial sites within the Yorkshire Dales National Park are very rare so we’re anticipating high levels of interest in Langcliffe Mill.”
BCC survey highlights the ‘add-ons’ that could help employers fill vacancies
A survey of 1,300 businesses has revealed how employers can set themselves apart to attract the best job candidates.
The survey, undertaken by the British Chambers of Commerce, found that although there were almost 890,000 job vacancies, there were more than nine million people who not looking for jobs.
Meanwhile, BCC research shows 62% of businesses report they are experiencing skills shortages, rising to 74% for manufacturing firms. To attract and retain diverse talent fit for the future, it’s clear that businesses need to adapt their workplaces for the modern economy.
It also shows 63% of businesses have no specific recruitment, training or retention plan for specific groups of workers like under 25s, over 50s, disabled or neurodiverse people, or diverse ethnicities.
So, what can an employer do to make their workplace more attractive?
Introducing flexible working can help employees balance work with other commitments. 14% of businesses reported they were unable to hire or retain people specifically because of childcare responsibilities, while 34% see decreased staff morale due to skills shortages. More and more firms are recognising that flexible working makes good business sense. Working from home, compressed hours and job sharing are all examples of flexibilities that could help attract and retain staff.
Health and wellbeing support in the workplace is also now increasingly important to prevent illness becoming a barrier to work. BCC’s 2024 Workforce Survey showed employee uptake of occupational health provision is rising, but fewer than 4 in 10 businesses offered health and wellbeing services. For many SMEs already struggling with rising costs, reducing the tax on workplace insurance and health plans would encourage more employers to offer these services. Taking a more proactive approach to maintaining good health and supporting people back into work when they experience illness makes sense for business and the economy.
Finally, what role does CSR play? Just 1 in 10 businesses told us that they have seen any requests from employees or candidates for evidence of their organisation’s social impact. This suggests the initial focus for businesses looking to attract and retain staff should be on employee benefits and flexible working practices. Nonetheless, there’s no doubt these important commitments could play a greater role going forward.
Hannah Larsen, Policy Officer, British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Employees must be supported to find and thrive in work in order to build a resilient workforce fit for the future. In a tight labour market and under high cost pressures, employers can look to non-pay benefits such as flexible working and health support to set themselves apart.
“The government should also play a role in removing barriers to work, including better access to occupational health services, to help SMEs and their workforce take advantage of these benefits.”
Global sporting event set to bring boost for North Yorkshire businesses
Businesses and local communities have spoken of their pride at showcasing North Yorkshire through a major sporting event that is aiming to boost the county’s vital visitor economy.
The Long Course Weekend will be hosted next month, the first time that the internationally recognised multi-sport event has been staged in England.
The event is based on the principles of the triathlon but is tailored to open up the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running to as wide an audience as possible.
It is hoped that the sporting competition will bring in as much as £2 million to North Yorkshire’s economy and will attract thousands of competitors and visitors.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Long Course Weekend, which has grown a reputation around the world as being an extremely successful sporting event.
“We know how important the visitor economy is in North Yorkshire, especially in areas such as the Yorkshire Dales.
“The Long Course Weekend will give us the opportunity to showcase Masham and North Yorkshire to thousands of people who will be visiting, bringing a welcome economic boost for local businesses.”
The Long Course Weekend will be held in Masham from Friday, 6 September, to Sunday, 8 September.
The Long Course Weekend’s founder and chief executive, Matthew Evans, said: “We are extremely excited to bring the Long Course Weekend to North Yorkshire, and we are hoping that all the local communities will embrace the opportunities it will bring.
“We have a proven track record of staging these major events around the world, and it will help raise the profile of North Yorkshire even further and show what a wonderful place it is to live, work and visit.”
New figures released in July revealed that tourism contributed more than £4 billion to North Yorkshire’s visitor economy last year, attracting in excess of 31 million people to the county.
The data also highlighted how the local tourism industry supports 38,486 jobs through direct and indirect employment making up 13 per cent of all employment across North Yorkshire.
