Leeds-based exec cars business grows thanks to acquisition
Leeds-based Privilege Executive Cars has acquired Elite Voyager Chauffeur Travel, further increasing it presence in the industry whilst expanding our client base, executive fleet, and chauffeurs.
Paul Watson, Privilege Executive Cars Founder and MD, said: “We look forward to working with all our new clients and chauffeurs alike as they become part of the Privilege Executive Cars family.”
With the acquisition of Elite, Privilege has added eight more chauffeurs to its team of over 30 and 6 more vehicles to the fleet.
Mr Watson added that the latest addition to Privilege would not be have been possible without the support of Leeds City Council Licencing Team, the hard work of company employees, and the continued support of customers.
Doncaster Chamber appoints Jade Dyer to new role as COO
Doncaster Chamber has appointed Jade Dyer to the new role of COO, which means she’ll assume greater responsibility as she will be coordinates most of the Chamber’s day-to-day operations.
She said: “The team here at the Chamber have accomplished so much over the past few years and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them in service of the ultimate goal of making Doncaster a truly great place to do business. It’s a mission that is close to my heart and one that I am deeply invested in.
“With that said, I cannot wait to take this to the next level in my new role, as we strive to find new ways to better represent our members, champion their interests and amplify their collective voices.”
Chamber Chief Exec Dan Fell added: “As representatives of the business community, we take people development very seriously and know how crucial it is to nurture great talent, so I am delighted that Jade will be stepping up to this role. She has an exemplary track record in this area, has worked diligently throughout her time at the Chamber, and I know that she can always be counted on to be a staunch advocate for the private sector here in Doncaster.
“What’s more, secure in the knowledge that our day-to-day operations are now in a very safe pair of hands, I will be in a better position to look at the bigger picture. Indeed, I am looking forward to having capacity for focussing on the policy and advocacy issues that I know are so important to our members.”
On that note, Doncaster Chamber will be launching a Business Manifesto at its flagship conference in June, which will outline an ambitious new vision for the city going forward. More information about the event can be found below.
Rurl Business Grant adds all-weather dimension to farm and creates new job
Adam and Kelly Richardson have added a 150-square metre barn to their family business, Lower Coates Farm, at Silkstone Common, allowing them to create a new job and expand their programme of educational animal experiences and events.
Adam and Kelly estimate the new windproof and watertight barn will enable them to increase business activity by at least ten percent and create a new full-time job within the next few months.
The new indoor space will allow more activities for schools, farmyard events and animal experiences; extend their programme of fitness and wellbeing classes; and begin hosting community events, parties and private functions such as weddings. All without the risk of being rained off.
Kelly said: “The response we’ve had from the public and local community since we started offering farmyard experiences of all kinds 18 months ago and has been amazing and we’ve already grown every aspect of the business in response to demand. But, it’s been so frustrating having to say no to some enquiries because we just haven’t had a large enough weather-proof space to cater for them.
“Our new, secure and accessible barn gives us loads of potential to do much more and we are excited to get going and grow the business further.”
Adam said: “If we hadn’t got the Rural Business Grant support, we would still have had to invest in a barn as we needed a fit-for-purpose indoor space to sustain our visitor attraction and venue offer. But, we would’ve had to settle for a smaller barn because that’s what we could have afforded. That would’ve restricted our opportunities; and we almost definitely wouldn’t have expanded so much that we needed to recruit to a new job. The big, new barn gives us a much better return on investment and puts us in a stronger position for the future.”
Rural Business Grants aim to fund capital projects for small rural businesses that will help them grow through improving productivity, developing new products, accessing new markets and/or new customers or visitors. The grants provide up to 50 per cent funding for projects up to £25,000.
The Richardsons’ Rural Business Grant covered half the cost of their new build, delivered by Barnsley-based contractors Nicholson Roberts Ltd.
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Rachel Fletcher said: “Lower Coates Farm is a great example of a rural family business diversifying to create new income streams and boost the local economy. The Rural Business Grant has enabled Kelly and Adam to invest in growth in a way they just couldn’t have afforded alone. We look forward to seeing the business use its new asset to help achieve its targets for expansion and job creation.”
The couple’s investment has been backed by a Rural Business Grant delivered by Barnsley Council through the Enterprising Barnsley programme and supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. This project is part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund via its integrated Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Lindum completes £21m homes project for Yorkshire Housing
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has finished work on a £21 million housing development for Yorkshire Housing to help ease the housing crisis.
Lindum has built more than 150 affordable homes at the Silsden development in Bradford. The scheme is part of Yorkshire Housing’s commitment to build 8,000 new affordable homes across Yorkshire.
Lindum York MD James Nellist said: “We are thrilled to be handing over the last 10 affordable plots to Yorkshire Housing on what has been a very challenging but rewarding project.
“This new development has been built during one of the most challenging periods for our industry, through Covid complications and supply chain difficulties caused by the war in Ukraine and of course unprecedented inflation. Despite these challenges, by working in collaboration with Yorkshire Housing we have still been able to deliver 156 quality homes for the people of Silsden.
“This is such an important housing scheme for the Silsden area, helping to ease the growing demand on affordable housing in the area and we are now looking forward to seeing the new community develop and thrive in their new homes.”
Yorkshire Housing had already received 122 homes in previous phases last year, with the last 34 now ready for residents to move in.
Yorkshire Building Society welcomes new Chair
Yorkshire Building Society has welcomed its new chair Annemarie Durbin at its AGM at the Met Hotel in Leeds.
Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of all resolutions, including the appointment of board members, and in so doing raised £25,000 for FareShare, the mutual’s charity partner. The Society donated 20p for every vote by post and 35p for every vote online.
It was the last AGM led by John Heaps, who has been chair of the mutual for the past nine years and has overseen balance sheet growth from £38.2 billion in 2015 to £61 billion.
Annemarie joined the board as Chair Designate in December last year. She has 35 years’ international business and banking experience, and most recently held positions on the boards of Cater Allen Private Bank, Santander UK, Persimmon and Petershill Partners.
She said: “It was a joy to attend my first AGM and speak to members who care so much about their Society and speak so highly of it and the commitment of our colleagues.
“I am proud to join a Society that is making a difference in helping people find a place to call home and improving financial wellbeing.
“The Society has a rich and long heritage and over the last few months I have seen it is an organisation with a special spirit, operating across the country but with strong Yorkshire roots and values.
“I will use all my experience to ensure the Society goes from strength to strength, serving in members’ long-term best interests and developing to stay relevant to the next generation of members and customers.”
Outgoing Chair John Heaps said: “It has been a great pleasure and privilege to serve the Society over the last nine years and to see what we have collectively achieved for the benefit of our members. I will look forward to seeing the Society continue to grow and prosper under the stewardship of Annemarie and Susan.”
Susan Allen, the Society’s Chief Exec, said: “John has been an outstanding leader and ensured the Society remained successful, delivered its purpose and paid higher than the market average savings rates for our members in every year of his tenure – despite that being a period of significant volatility in the financial services sector.
“I’m delighted to be working with Annemarie to build on these strong foundations, and ensure we deliver even more for our members and customers in the years ahead.”
Levelling Up funds mean Hull’s Whittington and Cat can be turned around
Hull’s Whittington & Cat pub on Commercial Road, opposite the Marina, has been granted almost £70,000 from the City Council’s government-backed Levelling Up Fund allocation.
The money will support restoration to the building’s exterior, which has fallen into poor condition. Roof, brick and chimney repairs are all part of the project which help to not only restore the building, but to ensure that it is also watertight.
Works will also enable The Whittington & Cat to bring back into use vacant rooms which have been deemed unsafe due to exterior damage, whilst also providing further employment opportunities as a result.
The estimate project costs are £167,199.05, meaning almost £100,000 of private capital is being invested.
Garry Taylor, assistant director for major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “The Whittington & Cat is a popular and well-known pub in a prime location, alongside Hull Marina.
“The building requires some restoration works and I am pleased that the council has been able to support this project through LUF.”
Farmers fear changes aimed at speeding planning process will have opposite effect
The NFU is opposing Government proposals aimed at speeding up the planning service, believing the proposals to be unsympathetic to resourcing and workload pressures already experienced by local authorities, which it says have suffered major budget reductions since 2011.
A spokesman for the NFU said: “It may at first seem strange for the NFU to oppose reforms to reduce determination time in the planning system, but the impacts, if proposals are implemented, will be far reaching.
“The proposals will lead to local authorities refusing more applications to produce a decision in time, in turn leading to more appeals, which are often expensive and controversial. There is no assurance that the quality of decision making will be protected, as corners may have to be cut with authorities pressured to work at speed.
“Local authorities simply do not have the budgets or resources to properly ensure that they can deliver their required planning services. The government’s current proposals will not offer local authorities the support they need.”
Bradford Chamber’s Annual Dinner marks city’s status as UK capital of food and drink
The Business of Food was the theme as Bradford Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Annual Dinner by marking its status as the UK’s food and drink capital.
The event heard from several leaders of the food and drink industry in Bradford including Younis Chaudhy, Zulfi Karim, Allan Wilkinson, David Kerfoot, Isabel Gordon and Shezad Gordon.
For the first time in decades, the formal black tie was dropped in favour of business casual.
Chamber President Mark Cowgill said: “It was a great honour for me to be elected as President of the Chamber. I have been involved in business in this city for many years and am passionate about this city, its economy and, of course, its people.
“In just a few short months, Bradford will become UK City of Culture, an massive endorsement of this city’s values, standing and importance. The excitement is mounting across the district as we prepare to take centre stage for the year. Tonight, we will hear from Shanaz Gulzar from the Bradford 2025 team and, as the BD25 branding begins to spread around the district, it really does feel like the party is about to begin.
“Bradford is a proud and resilient city. Its people and its business leaders will ensure that we come out of this period of uncertainty better and stronger than ever.”
The event also heard from Craig McHugh of One in a Million, the Chamber’s chosen charity for the year.
Top of the class: Hull College wins two education awards
Hull College celebrated a double win at this year’s Educate North Awards 2024 in Manchester – including the prestigious title of Further Education College of the Year.
And out also scooped the Innovation Award for its ground-breaking AI Academy initiative. Recognising the demands of the fourth industrial revolution, the college developed a comprehensive programme addressing the pressing need for AI-focused digital literacy. Now in its tenth year, the Educate North Awards celebrate excellence, world class achievement and improvement across the University, Higher Education, Further Education, and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England. Judges, drawn from across business and academia, highlighted the college’s remarkable transformation over the past 18 months and its unwavering commitment to excellence as key factors in securing the College of the Year award. Spearheaded by a new leadership team, this impressive turnaround has seen a significant improvement in teaching, learning, and overall student experience at the college. Notable achievements include a top 25% national ranking in student success, along with a ‘Good’ Ofsted grade – including ‘Outstanding’ adult provision and ‘Strong’ for addressing regional and national skills – which represented its best Ofsted result since 2008. The AI Academy had three distinct strands: one for students, another for staff, and a third catering to businesses, impacting over 2,000 individuals and more than 150 organisations through innovative technology, enhancing their proficiency and creativity with AI tools. In addition, training has been delivered to support 16 South African colleges, 45 further education and skills providers, and two local authorities. Debra Gray, CEO & Principal of Hull College, said: “Being named FE College of the Year is a truly wonderful achievement for the college, and it means a great deal to our entire college community. It is a fantastic recognition of all of the hard work that our staff and students have – and continue to – put in. “These awards are a testament to all of the fantastic work that is taking place in our college, as well as the ongoing contribution we make to our local community, and it is fantastic to be recognised in this way. Excellence and high standards sum up the college perfectly, and I am extremely proud to lead such a dedicated senior leadership team, along with our inspirational teachers and support staff.”Leeds ESG specialist appoints new head of partnerships
Leeds-headquartered ESG specialist Ahead Partnership has appointed Andy Clarke as its new head of partnerships as it expands its operations with a national focus.
Andy, an engagement specialist, most recently worked for Manchester Airports Group as head of corporate affairs at Manchester Airport. He brings a decade of experience working for a range of public and private sector organisations including Asda and Transport for the North. He also assists campaigning organisation FreedomToDonate as their head of parliamentary and corporate engagement.
In the newly created role, Andy will assume responsibility for leading business development in new regions and enhancing the impact of Ahead Partnership. His mandate includes the expansion of existing programmes and the establishment of new initiatives, with a particular focus on spearheading Ahead Partnership’s growth into Manchester and the broader North West region.
The appointment comes following the business’s expansion from its Leeds headquarters to now operating programmes across the UK, from Glasgow to Portsmouth.
Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “We are so excited to welcome Andy to the team. He has a wealth of knowledge and will be pivotal in driving collaborative growth and building strong relationships.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, we are looking to strengthen and expand our position to ensure as many employers as possible can benefit from our programmes. We are passionate about the role that employers can play to create strong talent pipelines and enable all young people to understand the opportunities now available to them. Andy’s experience will be a great asset for us as we move forward.”
Andy said: “ESG and social mobility are incredibly important to me and were key factors in my decision to join Ahead Partnership. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s continued growth and success, and I look forward to building public-private partnerships that enable young people reach their full potential.”
Multi-million-pound refurbishment project to transform historic Barnsley College building
A multi-million-pound refurbishment project will transform an historic Barnsley College building into a centre of innovation and world-class technical education for South Yorkshire.
The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT) (SYIoT), one of 21 IoTs nationally, will see one of its key facilities fully renovated to house the SYIoT in the College’s University Centre on Church Street in Barnsley town centre.
The art deco building – formerly Barnsley Mining and Technical College – will be sensitively transformed into a modern, technology-rich IoT to retain and enhance the classic architecture inside and out complemented with the latest innovations in construction and technology.
Funding for the project is a combination of Department for Education (DfE) regional investment, and College capital funds. The College was also successful with a Salix decarbonisation capital bid for sustainability upgrades throughout the building – which will become one of its most sustainable campuses once works are complete.
Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive Officer David Akeroyd said: “This is a real landmark moment for higher-level education in Barnsley and the wider region, and we’re pleased to get contracts signed and now be able to deliver on our vision.
“The building work is set to start in earnest in May. What’s particularly important to us is that we retain our original concept of completely transforming the inside of the building into a future-focused learning environment for our Level 4 and Level 5 technical provision.
“This is an exciting time for the College and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT – as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.
“It’s particularly special for us that this important IoT site will be right here in the centre of Barnsley. This is really strong proof that our College continues to go from strength to strength as an educational standard-bearer for the region.”
Originally the Barnsley Mining and Technical College, the Church Street building cost a total of £110,012 to build and furnish in 1932. It has had various uses but has maintained an educational focus throughout its lifespan – coming full circle as the new building will house higher level technical qualifications in engineering, construction and IT/digital subjects.
The heart of the project is the new atrium, and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three new mezzanine floors with a new glazed roof above and a modern café and breakout area at ground floor level.
GF Tomlinson have officially been appointed as the main contractor for the project and construction will commence in May. The College is currently carrying out preparation works ahead of the firm’s arrival on site. Consultants AECOM have been retained as a key partner to support the College’s Major Projects Team as lead Technical Advisers through the construction phase.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at GF Tomlinson, added: “We are delighted to be appointed as the main contractor on the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT) (SYIoT).
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide students at Barnsley College with a first-class, modern learning environment, whilst breathing new life into a well-known historical building in the heart of the town.
“Through our collaboration with the Client team, we look forward to turning Barnsley College’s vision into reality, transforming the site into one of their most sustainable campuses and delivering a world class technical education centre the whole region can be proud of.”
Yorkshire recycling company fined £1.2m after worker hit by a wagon
A Yorkshire metals recycling company has been fined £1.2m after a worker was injured after being struck by a wagon at a processing site.
On 10 August 2020 an employee of CF Booth Limited was walking across the site yard in Rotherham when he was struck by a moving 32-tonne skip wagon. The man was not wearing his hi-vis jacket and did not see the wagon approaching.
The wagon driver did not see the employee prior to the collision due to concentrating on manoeuvring the vehicle around some low-level skips which had been placed on the corner near where the employee was crossing the yard.
Following the incident, the man sustained a fractured skull and also fractured his collar bone in two places but has since made a full recovery.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that at the time of the incident the site was not organised in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles could circulate in a safe manner. A suitable and sufficient workplace transport risk assessment was not in place for the segregation of vehicles and pedestrians. The company had failed to take steps to properly assess the risks posed by the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. The incident could have been prevented by adequately assessing the risks and implementing appropriate control measures such as physical barriers and crossing points.
At Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on April 25 CF Booth Limited of Clarence Metal Works, Armer St, Rotherham, pleaded guilty of breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They were fined £1.2million and ordered to pay costs of £5,694.85.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Kirstie Durrans said: “If CF Booth Limited had assessed the risks and ensured vehicles and pedestrians could circulate in a safe manner, this incident could have easily been avoided.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyers Karen Park and Kate Harney, and supported by paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.
Asbestos service provider acquires Leeds consultant
BGF-backed Environmental Essentials has completed its third acquisition, as its buy-and-build growth strategy continues at pace.
The company, the asbestos service providers, has acquired Callidus Health & Safety Ltd for an undisclosed sum, providing a significant route into untapped markets, including health and safety and asset management. The deal follows the acquisitions of Adams Environmental and Quality Environmental Services Ltd.
Leeds-based Callidus is a consultant in health and safety, project management, asset management, environmental services and training. Employing 18 people, the company works across education, retail, healthcare, and infrastructure, with clients including Marks & Spencer, the University of Leicester and NHS Lothian.
As part of the deal, Managing Director Steve Allcoat and his team of consultants will remain with the business, bringing a wealth of health and safety-related expertise to Environmental Essentials.
James Riley, executive director and co-founder of Environmental Essentials, said: “The acquisition of Callidus makes perfect sense for Environmental Essentials, adding health and safety capabilities to our existing services of water hygiene, air hygiene, and asbestos management. As major areas of compliance, they are all highly complementary from a business perspective and create a compelling proposition.”
Alex Sleeth, executive chairman at Environmental Essentials, added: “By incorporating the wealth of expertise and capabilities of Callidus into our business, it allows us to diversify our offering and, with it, gain national coverage.
“Not only does it allow us to cross-sell our existing services into new and untapped markets, while providing our workforce with a fantastic opportunity to upskill in the area of health and safety, but it also strengthens our compliance proposition.”
In total, BGF has invested £5.6 million in Environmental Essentials, as it looks to cement its position across the UK as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for key compliance services, including asbestos management, water hygiene and fire risk management.
BGF investor, Jon Earl, added: “The acquisition of Callidus is yet another demonstration of the team’s ambition and desire to build a company that has the strength and depth, in personnel, services and technological capabilities, to meet the growing needs of customers across the compliance landscape.”
Beswicks Legal and Dains Accountants advised Environmental Essentials on the acquisition. DJP Legal advised Callidus.
Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant views steelmaking at Scunthorpe
Lincolnshire’s Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis has visited British Steel for a full-day tour to see how the plant produces rails and wire rod for a host of applications.
A full day’s schedule culminated in a formal presentation about British Steel, followed by an open floor Q&A which focused on the manufacturer’s proposed £1.25-billion transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking.
The Lord Lieutenant said: “It was a fairly obvious choice really to visit British Steel. We have only one annual meeting with all of the Lieutenants where we try to get around the county to see different aspects of what is active in the county of Lincolnshire. We felt it would be good to come to Scunthorpe and come to British Steel to see how the modern way of making steel is progressing.
“We have been very well guided through the initial process of where the raw material are required and what is needed to make steel, first impressions for me are the gigantic size of the site, it is quite amazing. “
An exchange of gifts closed off the day, with Lord Lieutenant Toby Dennis presenting British Steel Chairman Li Huiming with a specially frame picture of King Charles III.
Approval granted for Harrogate College’s campus redevelopment
Harrogate College’s £22 million redevelopment has gained approval.
Replacing its main building, the scheme will upgrade the campus with an electric vehicle workshop, mock hospital ward, and a renewable energy technology hub.
The main college building will be demolished and replaced with a new teaching block and a workshop building.
Principal of Harrogate College, Danny Wild, said: “Gaining confirmation that we can proceed is great news for the college, the town and the county.
“This £22 million redevelopment will enable us to upgrade our campus to enhance our industry-standard training facilities, including an electric vehicle workshop, mock hospital ward, and a renewable energy technology hub.
“It will help us provide even more targeted support for local employers by tailoring our training to produce the skilled workers they need to plug gaps and prosper.
“The main building phase of our project is set to be completed for the 2025-26 academic year and we look forward to welcoming students, parents and guests into our new campus. “To minimise any impact in the local area we are instructing staff not to drive to college but to switch to public transport instead, and we will be covering the parking costs of all colleagues who do so. We will also be employing staff to patrol the local area to ensure things go smoothly, and disruption is kept to a minimum, during the construction.“We’ll be formalising those details, and other arrangements including those for our contractors, as part of the conditions attached to the planning permission.”
Spencer Group reaches achieves half its annual charity fundraising target in just three months
Employees of engineering specialist Spencer Group have raised more than half of the company’s £5,000 charity fundraising target in just three months.
Fundraising efforts this year have been accelerated by the introduction of dedicated volunteer “Charity Champions” across the Hull-based business, who have responsibility for generating ideas and organising new activities and events.
Teenage Cancer Trust, which offers specialist care and support for young sufferers of cancer and their loved ones, was nominated for support by a staff member who witnessed first-hand the care it provided for his friend’s son, including care at its dedicated wards at Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham.
Heather Bowen, Senior Relationship Manager at the charity, delivered a series of talks to explain what it does to support teenagers diagnosed with cancer, their family and friends. Staff working on sites across the UK were able also to access the talks via video link.
Spencer Group has now arranged for Heather to visit Ron Dearing University Technical College to speak to students. The business is a Founding Partner of the school, from which it has recruited 50 apprentices in just five years.
Charity Champion Emily Marshall, Administrative Assistant at the group, said: “I’m really enjoying helping raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. The people affected are a similar age to me, so it’s given me a different perspective on life.
“It’s been great to meet Heather and hear about the work they do to support not only the teenagers, but their families as well. Since the symptoms are not always obvious, knowing more about the charity’s work and the symptoms to watch out for has helped us raise awareness.”
HR Director Yvonne Moir said: “It’s really important for us, as a business, to engage with the communities where we work and to raise money for good causes that are important to our staff. We always try to have a positive impact, and its gives colleagues the opportunity to give something back, whilst having a bit of fun at the same time.
“Teenage Cancer Trust does incredible work, and the team have done a wonderful job so far to raise so much money for this important charity. This is just the start; however, and we have so much more planned.”
Fundraising activities and events held this year that have already helped raise more than £3,000 include bake sales and an Easter raffle.
Spencer Group will be holding sponsored walks, a darts tournament, pub quiz night, ale trail and Wimbledon-themed table tennis competition throughout the year. Staff are also taking part in a “Total Warrior” obstacle course to raise money.
In addition, watercolour paintings by talented artist Lucy Grierson, Spencer Group’s Systems Director, will be presented in a gallery and auctioned off.
Spencer Group’s regular charity fundraising contributed to it being named the Best Place to Work at the 10th annual HullBID Awards earlier this year.
Fancy that: Highland Carbon rallies round to boost Tickhill community
Carbon credit supplier Highland Carbon is planning a fancy dress sponsored walk-cum treasure hunt in the village of Tickhill.
It’s to be called ‘Tickhill Tipple’, and is the brainchild of MD Richard Clarke, who was inspired to support his community having met the Trustees of beneficiary charity Tickhill Community Connections: Nicola Saunders, Paula Thomas, Jo Rowland, and Vicki Beevers.
He says: “Whilst fancy dress is not required, it may add to the fun if you wish to dress up. Consider wearing fancy dress or simply an eccentric hat, wig, comedy gasses or feather boa! Each team is welcome to wear a sash with their team’s name on it if they wish.”
There are four pubs, a wine bar and Cricket Club along the route, and with treasure hunt answers to be found both indoors and in the village.
Richard added: “This is a family friendly event and drinking alcohol is not required. Both alcohol and non-alcohol options will be available in each venue. And you can choose not to have a drink at all in any given venue. There will be a barbecue set up at the Scarbrough Arms for the participants.”
The starting time for the walk is flexible on June 22nd. “That said, we suggest starting around 5pm. You can start wherever you like along the route. In fact, we prefer this to avoid one large crowd in any given pub at a time.”
The revenue from the BBQ will support the Tickhill Lions. The revenue from the entry fees will support Tickhill Community Connections. This local charity hosts social activities for people living in isolation. This is a volunteer run charity, so 100 of the proceeds will support its work!
High-tech Lincolnshire agricultural initiatives win financial backing from Government
Two high-tech agricultural businesses in Lincolnshire have been offered funding from a national £7.5 million pot to support innovation and growth.
An automated blueberry harvesting project led by Eyre Trailers in Coningsby, in partnership with the University of Lincoln, and a daffodil harvesting scheme at C Wright and Son in Gedney have each been offered around £300,000 as a share of £1.84m awarded to 12 projects across the east of England.
The money has come from the new Launchpads programme managed by Innovate UK which offers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grants from £25,000 to £300,000 for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agrifood.
The Eastern England Launchpad is being supported by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
Ten other successful projects across the area include novel biological defences against aphids, enhancing the fibre content of food and drink products, enhancements in crop breeding, and creating new types of plant-based food packaging.
The objective of the Eyre Trailers automated blueberry harvesting project, which stands to secure £299,693, is to develop and demonstrate a fully automatic machine for harvesting blueberries, one of the UK’s most important soft fruit crops.
The proposed machine will be fully automatic and will feature new berry removal and bush gripper systems. It will be designed to remove berries from the bush by the use of innovative shaking systems and should be available for widescale deployment by UK growers next year.
Blueberries are now the second largest soft fruit sold in the UK, with the industry expanding to meet demand, but still only has a 7% share of the market.
“We’re very privileged to have been offered the grant and to be working with the University of Lincoln, and we’re looking forward to bringing the project to fruition,” said Bob Eyre from Eyre Trailers. “Without this grant it would be difficult to bring this product to market, so we’re really grateful.
“Blueberry harvesting is very labour-intensive as growers are completely reliant on hand-picking. Finding the workers to do it is difficult and expensive, so everybody is looking to reduce the labour costs and make the job more viable. Currently lots of fruit is left unpicked because the growers can’t find the labour for the harvest.
“By the end of the project we aim to be manufacturing a machine that’s fit for purpose and that satisfies the blueberry growers. It will be quite a big growth area for us and it could really rejuvenate our business.”
The daffodil harvesting project, which has been offered £299,985, is being led by Autopickr in Cambridge with Lincolnshire grower C Wright & Son as a partner.
Horticulture has traditionally offered growers high incomes from small areas of land, but the total land area used for horticulture has declined by 15% since 2020.
To combat shortages of labour and high labour costs the project will develop a multi-functional robotic platform capable of horticultural tasks that cannot be automated using simple machines like tractors or harvesters.
An asparagus harvester has already been developed and will launch in the next three years, and growers have highlighted the fact that flower production, specifically daffodils, is another promising area in which to develop robotic capabilities.
The daffodil picker will feature a sophisticated robotic arm, a platform weighing less than 45kg, and an artificial vision system to recognise picked flowers for the arm to collect and transport.
Success in this project will lower labour costs for English growers and reduce barriers to the growth of daffodil production, which is a lucrative export market for growers.
“We are very pleased to have received funding for this project,” said Adam Cunnington from C Wright & Son. “Labour is getting hard to come by and any method of automating our harvest has to be the way forward. We have every faith in the project delivering automation to a much needed harvest operation.”
Suicide prevention charity launches The Workplace Pledge to save lives
National suicide prevention charity The Baton of Hope will launch The Workplace Pledge at its first national conference later this month, aiming to mobilise businesses, organisations and individuals across the UK to take action.
The organisation, whose aim is to facilitate a zero-suicide society, says The Workplace Pledge is a comprehensive and practical guide for leaders and HR professionals about what organisations can and should be doing to help prevent death by suicide.Each year more than 6,000 people across the UK take their own lives – one person every 90 minutes. It is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK. The World Health Organisation estimates that 135 people are affected by each death. That means more than 800,000 people every year in the UK are affected by suicide.
The Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy, who tragically lost his son Ross to suicide in 2021 said: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the national catastrophe of suicide any longer. If a similar death toll were caused by any other physical illness, it would rightly trigger a national outcry.
“Unlike the openness surrounding conditions such as cancer or heart disease, ‘admitting’ to thoughts of suicide is often met with shame and stigma. While physical ailments are accepted without question as valid reasons for time off work, mental health struggles are still concealed behind fabricated stories.
“While organisations and individuals are overwhelmingly keen to help address this complicated issue, they are often hesitant to act for fear of making things worse. The Workplace Pledge gives organisations a toolkit to enable them to take action.
“Suicide IS preventable and every one of us is capable of generating hope.”
The Workplace Pledge offers a framework to guide organisations toward comprehensive suicide prevention. This involves raising awareness, providing support resources, and prioritising mental wellbeing within the workplace.
It’s six key principles are:
- Prioritise suicide awareness, prevention, and support in the workplace.
- Provide clear messaging on suicide in communications and training.
- Offer suicide prevention resources and early intervention support.
- Champion those with lived experience of mental health challenges.
- Promote crisis services and support resources.
- Actively spread the message of the pledge to amplify its impact.
Leeds-based recruiter secures £45m invoice facility with Metro Bank
Leeds-based specialist recruitment business Mach Recruitment has agreed a £45m invoice finance facility with Metro Bank.
As a specialist recruitment business working in the ecommerce and food sectors, Mach Recruitment will use the financing to support its acquisition ambitions and continued desire to grow and diversify. The invoice finance package from Metro Bank will provide the additional funding it needs to meet the long-term needs of this entrepreneurial and market-leading business.
Mach Recruitment was advised by Mazars Debt Advisory. Metro Bank was advised by European Valuation and Shoosmiths.
Tom Zyzak, Chief Executive Officer at Mach Recruitment, said: “These are exciting times for the business and we greatly appreciate the professionalism and approach of the Metro Bank team to meet our requirements and put the facility in place. We believe we have found the right financiers and partners to help Mach drive our already successful business further forward and allow us to be more dynamic and opportunistic in our marketplace.”
Alan Austin, Head of Asset Based Lending at Metro Bank added: “We were delighted to work with the team at Mach and provide them with a bespoke and tailored facility to meet their specific needs, both now and in the future. We look forward to a long and successful partnership, and Mach can rest assured knowing they have a committed and supportive partner to match their aspirations.”
