Roy Bailie, chairman of Leeds-based Bailie Group and significant contributor to public life and civic society in Northern Ireland, has been awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the economy and opera in Northern Ireland during this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
The CBE has in part been awarded to recognise Roy’s contributions to the economy throughout his career. As a Harvard Business School graduate, Roy is a successful entrepreneur and business leader, with over 60 years of experience in senior management and governance in public, private and community organisations.
Roy’s services to the economy are extensive, with previous notable non-executive director roles including on the Court of Directors for the Bank of England, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, chairman of Northern Ireland Confederation of British Industry (CBI), among others.
Through the success of his own business ventures, including growing his company Baird Group, now known as Bailie Group, to become the fifth biggest privately owned printing group in the UK, the growth of the organisation led to Roy being awarded the Officer of Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to printing in 1996, followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award from The British Printing Industry in 2007.
And now, with the rise of the digital age, the printing industry has contracted, but Roy has led a change in direction of group strategy to focus on communication consultancies and agencies, initially with the acquisition of digital transformation agency, CDS, with others acquired thereafter.
Further to his achievements in business, the CBE has also been awarded for Roy’s contributions to the opera, having served as chairman for Northern Ireland Opera for 14 years, building the organisation from the ground up to widely respected on the global stage, winning international acclaim for productions.
He has been a key influence in developing the talent and education of the opera community, with the board providing the space and tools for individuals to explore their creative skills, to widen the demographic and age range of the audience.
Roy Bailie said: “I feel greatly honoured to have been recognised for my services to the economy. The transformation of Bailie Group over the years is truly astonishing, starting as a technical printing company and expanding into a modern, highly efficient group of agencies and consultancies with the collective mission to improve people’s lives by sharing knowledge.
“My son, Fergus Bailie is the CEO of the group and has recently been appointed the Yorkshire and Humber regional chair of the CBI. I’m exceedingly proud of the success of Bailie Group which Fergus continues to drive forward, by striving to innovate and exceed growth targets for every company in the group. This year, we’re aiming for an ambitious three-year target — £60m turnover and £5m profit.”
Fergus Bailie, CEO of Bailie Group and son of Roy Bailie, said: “It’s fantastic to see Dad’s incredible lifetime achievements recognised in this year’s honours. We’re all extremely proud of him and the work he continues to do both within the industry and for the opera in Northern Ireland.”
Cameron Menzies, NI Opera’s Artistic Director, said: “Roy’s impact on opera in Northern Ireland is almost immeasurable. His extensive business expertise, visionary thinking and dogged determination have resulted in an opera company of which Northern Ireland can be justly proud.”
Roy concluded: “Lastly I’d like to express gratitude to my family, including my wife Paddy, my two children and their partners, and my five grandchildren. I couldn’t have achieved all I have without their support.”
Hull City Council’s cabinet will consider whether to progress to the next phase of two of its green energy projects.
The cabinet will hear plans on both Hull District Heat Network (HDHN) and the decarbonisation of corporate buildings.
Plans for HDHN include progressing with procurement activity associated with the delivery of Phase 1 of the network, which includes connections to Great Thornton Street and Cambridge Street flats as well as internal upgrades to heating systems.
Permission will also be sought to progress the feasibility of Phase 2 of the network, focusing on additional social housing sites to the south of Anlaby Road, at Albert Avenue Pools and any other viable connections on route.
Cabinet will also consider the delivery of decarbonisation initiatives to the Treasury building, Streetlife Museum and Western Library and whether to procure a number of these activities through a Strategic Partnering Agreement with the Clear Futures Framework.
If approved, procurement to complete the decarbonisation measures will progress during 2024, with a further report submitted to cabinet later this year to consider whether to progress with the construction activity.
This is with a view to commencing on site in early 2025.
These projects support to the council’s commitment to decarbonisation and achieving carbon neutrality and net zero.
Passenger experience at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) this summer is transforming with the deployment of new, cutting-edge security scanners.
The introduction of the latest Next Generation Screening technology enables passengers to leave both liquids and large electronic items, such as laptops, iPads and tablet devices, in their bags whilst passing through security. As per latest DFT guidance, all liquids are required to be in containers not exceeding 100ml but an unlimited number of these containers can be taken.
These advanced systems enable a smoother and more efficient security process for all passengers, significantly reducing hassle and reducing queues for departing travellers.
The next generation security technology is now in full operation at Leeds Bradford Airport. LBA is one of the first airports in the UK that has deployed the very latest technology for the entire operation which improves security staff effectiveness, detects prohibited items with greater accuracy and enhances passenger safety.
With all four security lanes now fully operational, Leeds Bradford Airport passengers will experience a smoother, faster, and more convenient journey through security.
Vincent Hodder, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “As Yorkshire’s international gateway, we are committed to ensuring passenger safety, whilst also providing a seamless, quick and efficient experience for those travelling through the airport. The introduction of the C3 scanners will enable our security staff to operate with greater accuracy, prioritising passenger safety while minimising unnecessary delays .”
CPP Group, a Leeds-based provider of real-time, digitally delivered assistance products to insurance and financial services’ clients, has disposed of its legacy operations in Italy through the sale of its wholly owned subsidiary, CPP Italia Srl (CPP Italy) to IGS EMEA SL for a cash consideration of €0.5 million.
CPP Italy is said to be non-core to the Group following the announcement of a revised strategy to withdraw from its legacy operations and to transform the Group to a digitally focused parametric business led by Blink Parametric and supported by CPP India and CPP Turkey.
For the 2023 Financial Year, CPP Italy contributed EBITDA of £0.2 million to the Group’s overall EBITDA of £4.8 million and recorded a profit before tax of £0.1 million. As at 31 December 2023, CPP Italy had net assets of £0.1 million.
The disposal marks the final step in the Group’s withdrawal plans from its legacy operations, with Spain and Portugal closed, Italy and Mexico sold, and the UK in active run-off.
Simon Pyper, Group CEO, said: “The disposal of CPP Italy is consistent with our stated strategy and is another positive step as we simplify the Group and transform to a digitally led parametric business.”
HMRC is said to be stepping up compliance checks on the construction industry – using its powers to investigate payments for off-payroll labour and gross payments to net paid subcontractors for plant and materials.
Bridlington-based Hudson Contract says it has seen a noticeable increase in HMRC activity and the deployment of what it cals ‘more aggressive tactics’ in recent months, with twelve companies seeking its support in the last six weeks alone.
The company’s Compliance Director Dan Davies said: “The firms concerned are groundworks, joinery, scaffolding and surfacing contractors located across England with turnovers ranging from £2m to £18m.
“HMRC has written to the companies with demands for information including schedule of payments to ‘all workers on a self-employed or off-payroll basis, a description of work undertaken by each worker, sample contracts and company handbooks, information used to determine employment status, details and costs of all materials supplied, evidence of third-party plant hire costs, and supply chain compliance
“In some of the correspondence, HMRC also enclosed an in-depth questionnaire, probing employment status and the categories of off-payroll workers engaged directly, through limited companies or via agencies, umbrella companies and managed service companies.”
Mr Davies said company directors often found the level of questioning to be invasive, ambiguous and a cause for concern, even when their books were in order.HE said: “The costs of getting it wrong can be significant. In one recent case involving a roofing company that engaged between 15 and 20 labour-only sub-contractors, HMRC hit the firm with a statutory income tax notice for more than £330,000 for just one financial year, another was handed a VAT assessment totalling £900,000 because of a tax loss in his supply chain.
“These cases show that HMRC is stepping up the enforcement of off-payroll working rules known as IR35, VAT compliance and general CIS and PAYE compliance issues such as paying net paid subbies gross amounts for plant and materials.”
Hospitality workers on precarious contracts are most likely to experience workplace sexual harassment, according to a new report.
The report reveals how a combination of precarious contracts, sexualisation of service work and the workforce’s demographics have contributed to making hospitality workers more vulnerable to workplace sexual harassment.
Dr Bob Jeffrey, lead author of the research from Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’ve all seen the headlines over the last year about issues of sexual harassment in the fast-food industry. Our research helps to explain why it’s such a problem, not just in fast-food, but across the hospitality sector.
“Part of the reason for this is the hospitality industry having the largest percentage of zero-hour contracts, which makes it too easy for perpetrators in positions of authority to cut the hours of those who try and speak out.”
Researchers interviewed hospitality workers from South Yorkshire, as part of a wider study on low paid and precarious work. Sexual harassment and unwanted sexual attention were mentioned by a significant number of interviewees.
The report highlights how the hospitality workforce is disproportionately young, female, from a minoritised background, on zero hours contracts and on the lowest rates of pay.
All of which make them more vulnerable to sexual harm, with workers on precarious contracts 60 per cent more likely to report being a victim of sexual harassment, and women generally reporting sexual harassment rates twice as high as men.
Findings showed that several of the women interviewed were harassed by their manager or supervisor, who used their position of authority and responsibility for their working patterns to harass them and control their working lives.
A series of free online support sessions for businesses in Boston, East Lindsey and South Holland is now under way.
PAB Sema4 is running the funded workshops, which are designed to equip local businesses in these areas of Lincolnshire with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in a competitive market.
By participating, they will gain valuable insights into effective communication, cultural awareness, and community engagement, all of which are essential for business growth and development.
The workshops are part of a broader initiative to boost economic growth and community development in the region, funded by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) People & Skills Programme via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The following Global Gateway Training workshops have now been arranged and are being delivered online for ease of access:
Tuesday 18th June at 10am – Workplace Communication Training, which aims to foster an inclusive and effective communication environment, enhancing team collaboration and productivity in a culturally diverse workplace.
Wednesday 26th June at 10am – Website and Content Localisation, training which will provide strategies to effectively adapt digital content for international audiences, ensuring messages are culturally relevant and accurate, which enhances global brand appeal and market penetration.
Thursday 27th June at 10am – Sales Communication Training, focusing on learning how to effectively communicate across diverse cultural backgrounds, increasing the potential for successful market expansion and improved client relationships in new geographical markets.
Tuesday 2nd July at 10am – Build Real Relationships in your Community and learn how to effectively engage with members of your community.
Thursday 4th July at 10am – Multicultural Marketing for Community Engagement, which concentrates on learning to connect authentically with diverse communities through targeted marketing strategies that reflect cultural sensitivities and preferences.
Industrial landlord Towngate PLC has welcomed household name in the process industry, Lokring UK, to its growing client portfolio, with the signing of a five-year tenancy contract for 3,900 sq ft Unit C at Copley Hill Trading Estate in Leeds.
Founded over thirty years ago and operating in 30 countries worldwide, the Ohio-headquartered company offers an extensive range of design-patented weld equivalent pipe and tube fittings, including couplings, flanges, elbows, adapters.
At its new premises, Lokring will benefit from a spacious warehouse unit with modern ancillary offices, access via a single ground level door, yard and loading area, along with parking.
Speaking on the move, Lokring’s office manager, Zak O’Neill said: “This strategic move to Towngate’s Copley Hill site has come at the perfect time for us as a business — ensuring continuity and stability for Lokring UK and allowing us to continue delivering high-quality products and services to our valued customers. We look forward to further growth and success in our new location.”
Lokring UK joins fellow occupants Crown Decorating Centre, Howdens, Carpetright, Lincs Electrical Wholesalers Ltd (LEW), BAPP Industrial Suppliers Limited, Wolseley UK, The BSS Group Ltd, and Nicholls & Clarke Ltd.
Towngate’s property manager Tom Lamb also commented on the new let: “We are pleased to welcome Lokring UK to the Copley Hill Trading Estate and are confident that the location — offering close proximity to the motorway network and arterial routes — will be the perfect fit for the team.”
Leeds-based property consultants, GV&Co, advised Towngate alongside joint agents Carter Towler.
Senior surveyor Jonathan Jacob added: “We are delighted to have completed this letting on behalf of Towngate. Copley Hill Trading Estate is widely regarded as South Leeds’ premier trade counter estate, and we are pleased to welcome Lokring to the impressive list of national occupiers there.”
Lincolnshire-headquartered global airfield and runway specialist Jointline has made its largest investment since the establishment of the 37-year-old business, to enhance its runway grooving capabilities.
The £1m of new plant and machinery will help drive sustained growth for the privately-owned company, which currently has 120 employees.
Gary Massey, Managing Director of Jointline, said: “The current demand for runway refurbishment and development is the highest it’s been for the past decade. In order for us to fulfil the demand from existing domestic customers – while expanding our overseas operations – we have deployed company funds to purchase multiple new sets of specialist plant and machinery.
“We have also invested in the training and development of long-serving employees and increased our skilled workforce by 20% to 120 employees. This is setting us apart from our competitors, while keeping the team and our customers safe as we carry out grooving assignments on live airfields. I am proud to be leading a business that is set up for the future and able to continue to grow sustainably and profitably.”
Jointline’s investment in the expansion of its grooving division includes the purchase of five ride-on pavement groovers, a bespoke 30-ft articulated trailer and two 44-tonne DAF XF Super Space tractor units. The firm has also invested in the remanufacture of its 30,000-litre capacity water tanker, which has additional safety features, Chapter 8 requirements, and full 360-camera coverage.
Estate agents Zenko Properties, digital marketing agency Perfect Storm and recruitment, training and coaching services provider Back2Work have all relocated to Graphical House, a creative workspace in the heart of Leeds.
The property was brought to market at the beginning of the year by strategic property advisors Fox Lloyd Jones and Carter Towler and spans over 7,000 sq ft in total, offering offices over four floors.
Located in The Calls district of Leeds, the building has undergone a significant refurbishment to offer some of the city’s best creative space. Graphical House is now largely known for its distinctive contemporary artwork on the building’s exterior – a project completed by Bristol-based artist Mr Penfold as part of the In Good Company project, commissioned by King & Co.
Zenko Properties, founded in 2015 by managing director Tobias Duczenko, has expanded its presence with a new branch on the ground floor of Graphical House. The 1,215 sq ft space, secured on a 6-year lease, marks the company’s second Yorkshire location adding to its branch in Silsden.
The second floor is occupied by digital marketing agency, Perfect Storm. The agency recently announced a record £3m turnover for the 2023/24 financial year and has acquired one of the larger suites at 2,100 sq ft on a 5 year lease.
Back2Work now occupy 1,720 sq ft at third level, on a 3 year lease. With its focus on workforce development and skills training, Back2Work plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy and community.
Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “Graphical House is an iconic landmark in the centre of Leeds and a unique creative environment, with the high levels of interest it has received paying testament to its vast appeal.
“The businesses that now make it their home are great examples of the diverse and innovative enterprises we aimed to attract. We’re just one suite away from filling the building with an impressive lineup of established businesses, and it’s not hard to see why it is so popular.”
Clem McDowell, director at Carter Towler, said: “Its location is ideal for travel with rail, bus and motorway links close by and the presence of all three businesses within Graphical House creating a dynamic and collaborative environment that promotes growth and innovation.
“Being situated in the heart of The Calls district, it is also surrounded by an abundance of local amenities which just adds to the many reasons so many businesses are looking to call this area of Leeds their home.”
Colleagues from Aon’s Hull office have donated used office furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice – ensuring the items did not instead go to landfill.
After relocating its 50-strong Humber team to a new, fully serviced office at Redhill Court in Hull, global professional services firm Aon has donated the office furniture to the charity, which provides hospice care to adults in North East Lincolnshire and children across Lincolnshire, Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
By giving the furniture a second life at St Andrew’s Hospice and furnishing the charity’s new building in Grimsby, Aon has ensured that the items have not ended up in landfill and avoided the associated carbon emissions. It also means that instead of spending money on new office furniture, the charity can divert more funds to providing hospice care for adults and children living with life-limiting conditions, as well as to their families.
Julie Smith, Head of Retail and Trading at St Andrew’s Hospice, said: “We cannot thank Aon enough for the incredibly generous donation of office furniture.
“The timing of the donation was absolutely perfect as we were looking to furnish our new 15,000 sq foot online sales department and logistics warehouse in the centre of Grimsby. As a result of this donation, Aon has saved St Andrew’s Hospice thousands of pounds and the savings can now be used to deliver patient care.
“Once again we want to send a heartfelt thanks and in particular we want to mention Olivia and Michelle who have been instrumental in ensuring that the hospice received this donation and support.”
Olivia Cammack, client service specialist at Aon in Hull, said: “St Andrew’s Hospice makes a huge difference to adults and children facing life-limiting conditions, providing them with specialist care in a supportive and comfortable environment.
“Aon is not only committed to making a positive difference in the local community but as part of our ESG strategy, it is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, through pursuing sustainable business solutions.
“By donating the used furniture to St Andrew’s Hospice, we have reduced our carbon emissions and helped the charity save money.”
Aon, which employs around 50,000 people worldwide, has agreed a 10-year lease for the entire first floor of Redhill Court. The move is part of Aon’s investment in the region and brings the whole Humber-based team together in one space, providing a flexible, collaborative and open working environment for all colleagues.
Sheffield-founded activewear retailer, Lucy Locket Loves has entered voluntary liquidation, owing just under £900,000.
It follows supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that impacted margins, and the cost of living crisis hitting revenue.
The Dronfield-based business was also affected by a change from monthly to quarterly rent payments for its warehouse, which it was unable to meet.
Founder Lucy Arnold said: “Firstly, I want to apologise to everyone impacted by this, especially our customers and the LLL Team. Despite everyone’s hard work, the challenges of the past 18 months were overwhelming, leading us to enter voluntary liquidation on May 28, 2024.
“Supply chain issues, warehouse floods that caused downtime and lost stock, rising import costs that slashed our margins, and the ongoing cost of living crisis hit our revenue hard and disrupted our operations. These essentially made our traditional business model obsolete.
“In December 2023, we managed to negotiate monthly rent payments for our warehouse, but by May 2024, the owners insisted on reverting to full quarterly payments, which we couldn’t meet. This led to their abrupt decision to take control of our warehouse on May 10th with no notice, disrupting our operations and leaving us without working capital.
“Facing no operational ability and mounting financial obligations, we made the difficult decision to enter voluntary liquidation.
“This has been incredibly distressing, particularly for our team, who were reluctantly made redundant. We deeply regret the impact on our staff and their families and I can never say sorry enough for how abruptly this happened. This has personally been the most upsetting part of this process.”
The business aims to relaunch the Locket Loves website in Summer with a new look, operational hub, and new leggings designs.
In 2020, Arnold was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Hull City Council has appointed Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates to work on design, repair, and strengthening of Drypool Bridge.
In preparation for the physical works on site, Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates have been appointed to lead on the preparatory phase. Their teams will undertake detailed investigations of the bridge’s condition and prepare the schedule for the main repair and strengthening project.
Alongside these works, Mason Clark Associates will also be overseeing the design phase, ensuring that the bridge’s historic character and charm is preserved while meeting modern safety standards.
Garry Taylor, Assistant Director of Major Projects, Culture, and Place, said: “The appointment of the principal contractors is a significant milestone in the repair of Drypool Bridge, and it will be great to see work progress in the coming months.
“The bridge has been a part of Hull’s history for generations, and its repair is not only about improving its structural integrity but also about maintaining a safe and reliable transport link for residents, commuters, and visitors.
“We hope that this early contractor involvement will ensure the bridges longevity, and that the structure continues to be accessible for many generations to come.”
The early contractor involvement phase, with both Esh Construction Limited and Mason Clark Associates, will determine the start date for physical works on site.
In the meantime, the bridge retains sufficient loading capacity to operate safely and will continue to be open to all traffic until the major repairs start.
Following a routine inspection in April, it was discovered that several of the load-bearing columns under Drypool Bridge had significantly deteriorated. As a result, the historic structure on Clarence Street must undergo major repairs to ensure its safety and longevity.
Rogue business owners who sell vapes to underage children have been warned that they will be brought to justice after two people were fined following undercover trading standards operations.
Scarborough magistrates heard that a 15-year-old was used as a test purchaser under supervision of council officers at two locations in the town last year.
The teenager was sold vapes on both occasions, including one that contained almost twice the legal amount of nicotine-containing liquid.
Dean Anthony Mitchell, the owner of Save a Lot in Castle Road, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
In a separate case, Marta Monika Olejarcz, manager of Marta’s European Food, of Victoria Street, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to selling a vape to a person under 18, contrary to the Children and Families Act 2014.
Magistrates were told that on 11 November the volunteer was sold an illegal vape by Mitchell. The grape flavoured vape contained 9,000 puffs and 18 millilitres of nicotine-containing liquid.
The maximum quantity of nicotine-containing liquid allowed by law is two millilitres, about the same amount as in a standard packet of cigarettes.
Officers returned to the shop 10 days later and seized 230 illegal vapes, 214 of which contained more than the permitted amount of nicotine-containing liquid. Some were found to contain 10 times the permitted amount.
A further 16 vapes were not marked with information required by law, including the name of the producer and the amount of nicotine in each puff.
A test purchase was also made on 11 November at Marta’s European Food. In that case, while the volunteer was sold a legal vape, it should only have been available to over-18s.
Mitchell was ordered to pay a total of £769, including fines, a court surcharge and prosecution costs, while Olejarcz, must pay a total of £361.
Magistrates said Mitchell’s offences were aggravated by the fact he continued to sell the products even after being visited by trading standards officers.
North Yorkshire Council’s orporate director for environment, Karl Battersby, said: “These cases follow a successful prosecution in Skipton last week and show our determination in cracking down on offences like this.
“We are pleased the court recognised the harm that can be caused by the availability of vapes to young people, especially when they contain such huge amounts of nicotine.
“There are very simple steps a retailer should have in place to ensure they do not sell age-restricted products to a young person. No such precautions were followed in these cases and, in one, the sale was made far worse by the fact that the vape was illegal.
“The regulations set strict limits for the amount of liquid in these devices in order to limit the risks associated with nicotine, a toxic substance harmful to health. It is hugely concerning that some of the vapes contained 10 times the amount of nicotine found in a packet of cigarettes.”
Services continue to perform particularly well among UK exports, with solid increases in the past three months. Goods exports performed less well in April, as in recent months, says the British Chambers of Commerce.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The BCC’s election manifesto and our recent Global Britain report set out clear options for policymakers to improve UK trade performance.
“Goods import volumes (excluding inflation) rose by 7.8% in April, with similar increases for both the EU and the rest of the world. Imports from the EU rose by 7.7% (£1.6bn). This was led by rises in machinery and transport equipment, and food. Non-EU imports volumes rose by 7.9% (£1.3bn) driven by higher miscellaneous manufactured goods and fuels.
“Goods export volumes fell by 2.8%. For the EU, they fell by 1.4% (£0.2bn), after adjustment for inflation – the main decline being in crude oil sales to Germany. Non-EU goods exports volumes fell by 4% (£0.5bn), driven by chemicals exports. This was offset to some degree by higher fuel, machinery and transport equipment exports.
“UK services trade showed another month of consistent growth in both import and exports. In the month of April, services exports increased by an estimated 0.6% (£0.2bn) on values measure. At the same time, imports increased by 0.9% (£0.2bn) on the values measure.”
To celebrate today’s Social Mobility Day, Yorkshire Building Society has joined Progressive Together, a network of organisations aimed at making sure colleagues can progress in their financial services careers, regardless of background.
The society is one of more than 100 employers in the Progress Together network, aiming to create a financial services sector where people from all socio-economic backgrounds can fulfil their career potential.
Tina Hughes, Director of Marketing and Digital Channels at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “At Yorkshire Building Society, we have colleagues with different beliefs, ages, cultures, outlooks and more – just like the communities we serve.
“Social mobility is a key part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out our vision to build a Society where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued, empowered and supported.
“We’re proud of that and we’re working hard to create an environment that’s welcoming and inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to develop and progress.
“We want everyone to have the chance to show their full potential – it’s about what they can bring to the business, not where they were brought up or the school they went to.
“We can always go further and do more, and that’s why we’ve joined Progress Together.”
Sophie Hulm, CEO of Progress Together, said: “As a member of Progress Together, Yorkshire Building Society has demonstrated commitment to improving socio-economic diversity at senior levels. By working together we are making changes in UK financial services, ensuring that employees from all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their career potential. This benefits individuals, business and the wider economy.”
PIB Risk Management and PIB Insurance Brokers come together in new offices in Chesterfield for the company, which already has bases in Leeds, York, Halifax, and Lincoln.
The company says the expansion not only underscores its commitment to growth, but also reflects dedication to fostering professional development through the latest training facilities.
Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, said: “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.
“The new branch is a testament to our company’s vision of creating dynamic spaces that blend functionality with innovation. Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.
“Moreover, the facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes for our colleagues and the businesses we support. Our external training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to our clients’ requirements.
“The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand our footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens our ties with the community.
Doncaster Chamber is celebrating the St Lager racing festival, and what its its considerable impact means for the economy of the city.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The St Leger has been going strong since 1776 and has become synonymous with our city. It’s one of our biggest claims to fame and a major attraction that reliably drums up business while also showcasing Doncaster on the world stage.
“We are proud to be a part of it once again with our Ladies Day marquee and would like to thank our sponsor, Orb Recruitment, for making it possible. This always proves to be a hit with our members; giving them an opportunity to relish in the glamour of the occasion, network with one another and enjoy the various entertainment offerings of the festival.
“As highlighted in our recently published plan, Doncaster ’35: Manifesto for a Winning City, the ambition for Doncaster is sky high, and the business community is eager to see it unlock its full potential.
“While there is a long journey ahead of us in that regard, the continued success of existing attractions like the St Leger — which already contributes so much to our economy — will be instrumental in getting us to where we want to be. I am greatly looking forward to this year’s event, and cannot wait to see all of the good that it will do for Doncaster.”
The Leger is the oldest of the five British classics, and is now in its 248th year. The festival continues to draw in thousands upon thousands of racegoers each and every September and still remains ones of the most important dates in the sporting calendar. One that puts Doncaster firmly in the international spotlight.
With spectators flocking in from all over the country, it also has the welcome effect of stimulating economic activity. Those in the hospitality sector feel the benefits of this most of all, as visitors end up frequenting our bars, dining at nearby restaurants, spending at local shops, and staying at conveniently-placed hotels.
Stewart Olson, MD of Orb Recruitment, added: “It’s always a pleasure to help create an electric atmosphere for our fellow businesses and I am sure this year will be no different! The event is not only a highlight of the city’s calendar but, with Doncaster Chamber’s input, becomes a valuable opportunity for the business community to come together, network and celebrate shared successes. We are honoured to support an occasion that fosters growth and partnerships in this way.”
Premier Inn has signed a 25-year lease with CBRE Investment Management, on behalf of CBRE UK Property PAIF, on a 188-bed property in York in York.
Built by main contractor Clegg Construction, the four-storey building on a one-acre plot, formerly a retail warehouse leased by Carpetright on the city’s Foss Islands Road.
The development features multiple energy-saving technologies, such as air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation systems, LED lighting, photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging points. Accordingly, the building has achieved an EPC A rating and is due to achieve a BREEAM rating of “Very Good”.
Jamie Philips, Fund Manager for UK Property PAIF at CBRE, said: “We expect growth in the hotels and catering sector to outpace the wider economy during the next five years. Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in York and given the strength of the city as a destination for tourists, combined with its current undersupply of hotel beds, the addition of a new modern and sustainable hotel will help to bolster York’s businesses and economy. This project sits firmly within the Fund’s strategy, providing a great opportunity to thoughtfully invest in and repurpose an existing asset, in order to create a long and sustainable cash flow for our investors.”
Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims added: “The site is a historically-sensitive city centre location in York, and I am delighted with how the Clegg Construction team conducted themselves with minimal disruption to local businesses and residents. The scheme achieved consistently high Considerate Constructors Scheme scores in audits taken throughout the contract. More than 80% of the workforce travelled 30 miles or less per day to reach the site – demonstrating our commitment to supporting the local community and to sustainability.”
“As a company, Clegg Construction is very happy to have now handed over this new development which I am sure will be an asset to York and its tourism and business communities, along with the local economy.”
Ramsdens Solicitors is continuing to recognise and reward colleagues with two recent associate promotions.
The 150-year-old firm’s clinical negligence and personal injury team has been further strengthened by the appointment of Ian Miles to senior associate, while Ramsdens’ private client practice sees Kirsty Dunn promoted to associate.
Based at Ramsdens’ Leeds office, Ian Miles joined Ramsdens in 2022 as a litigation executive, having previously worked for a number of sector-leading international law firms. With 20 years’ experience, he has expertise in handling complex injury claims, including brain injury. Mr Miles’ specialisms cover employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and road traffic accident claims, as well as claims involving clinical negligence against medical and healthcare providers.
An associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and a ‘recommended lawyer’ in The Legal 500, 2021 edition, Mr Miles is known as a skilled litigator and is an active member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Kirsty Dunn, a chartered legal executive and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) probate practitioner, joined Ramsdens in 2021 having predominately worked in litigation before transferring her skills and expertise to specialise in wills, lasting powers of attorney and the administration of estates. She is now based at the firm’s Edgerton office. Her expertise includes advising on the severance of jointly owned properties to enable families to put in place protection from care fees, when making a will.
Kirsty Dunn
Paul Joyce, managing partner of Ramsdens Solicitors, said: “It’s extremely satisfying to see talented members of the team like Ian and Kirsty developing their legal skills with us. Both are technically adept lawyers who consistently put their clients first and deliver outstanding service in their respective niche areas of the law.
“We are pleased to celebrate these promotions with Ian and Kirsty as we pride ourselves on providing a supportive, nurturing environment where up-and-coming lawyers can flourish with the support of more senior colleagues.”
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