AAB Wealth acquires Scots company
AAB Wealth, which has offices in Leeds, has acquired central Scottish Synergy Financial Planning.
The move means AAB Wealth will have assets under advice of more than £800 million. The combined team of 37 are spread across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland, all of whom are dedicated to helping families and individuals plan for their future.
The Synergy Financial Planning business led by David Neely, supports over 200 families across Central Scotland and shares the same evidence-based approach to investing as AAB Wealth.
Andrew Dines, Head of AAB Wealth, said: “Synergy Financial Planning is a fantastic addition to our expanding team. David has been instrumental driving the growth of the business and his approach to financial planning and client support match perfectly with our philosophy. I look forward to welcoming David and his team to AAB Wealth to continue delivering the very best financial planning advice for our clients.”
Deal not sealed for small business voters, as poll reveals over half could still be swayed in election
Millions of voters who run their own businesses are still to make a final decision on who they will back on polling day, according to a snap general election survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
It reveals that 96 per cent of small business owners intend to vote, but one-in-five (20%) have yet to decide which party they will choose, while a further one-in-three (33%) have a good idea who they will vote for but could still change their mind.
FSB’s research found 90 per cent of small business owners are concerned business taxes could rise under the next Government, while 92 per cent of small employers said they were concerned a future Government could increase the costs and risks associated with employing people.
More than half (53%) say they are concerned about small business energy costs over the next five years; more than six-in-ten (61%) are concerned about the level of inflation over the next five years.
The findings come as FSB publishes a manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed – a blueprint for whoever forms the next Government aimed at driving economic growth and increasing the small business community from 5.5 million back to its pre-pandemic size of six million within the next Parliament.
FSB’s Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie, said: “Small business owners and the self-employed are a shrewd and motivated part of the electorate.
“They’re used to weighing up competing offers when running their businesses, and it’s clear from our research that when it comes to the election they’re looking for which of the parties has the most compelling pro-small business offer.
“Small businesses are the key to securing economic recovery, driving innovation, and creating jobs in all parts of the UK.
“Our small business manifesto sets out the measures needed to create the conditions for that to happen, many of which do not involve additional spending.
“We’re looking to all of those seeking to form the next Government to show their commitment to the millions of hard-working voters who run their own businesses, including through a Small Business Act so we have new legislation to protect small businesses on crucial issues such as late payment.”
MANIFESTO PROPOSALS
FSB’s manifesto for small businesses and the self-employed sets out more than 150 specific proposals to cover the period of the next Parliament. These include:
Committing to a Small Business Act, legislating to help small firms by:
- Enshrining in law measures to clamp down on big businesses with poor payment practices towards their smaller suppliers.
- Improving small businesses’ ability to access finance, including closing loopholes in protections for those giving personal guarantees.
- Making a 33 per cent SME statutory public procurement target, increasing the involvement of small businesses in taxpayer-funded projects.
- Fundamentally reform business rates to help small businesses in all sectors.
- Rule out increases in tax on dividends for directors of limited companies and National Insurance for the self-employed.
- Restore the small profits threshold for corporation tax to the previous level of £250,000 and pledge not to increase the small profits rate.
- Automatically increase the employment allowance with the National Living Wage.
- Maintain current co-investment rules to back small business apprenticeships.
- Reintroduce universal work experience into secondary schools.
- Increase the number of start-up loans offered by 5,000.
- Create a new ‘new enterprise allowance’ for those out of work looking to start a business.
- Make it easier for people working for themselves to get a mortgage and save for their retirement.
- Introduce a new Small Housebuilder Strategy, to ensure sufficient capacity to achieve ambitious housebuilding targets.
- Commit to a target that at least half of all direct Government funding of private Research and Development (R&D) goes to SMEs.
- Provide consumer-style protections for smaller businesses when it comes to the energy market.
CBRE makes changes to Northern leadership team
Global real estate advisor, CBRE, has made strategic changes to its Northern leadership team. John Ogden is now responsible for all UK Regional Markets, while Joe Rigby has been promoted to Managing Director (MD) of the North, overseeing CBRE’s Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds offices.
Based in Manchester, Ogden will continue to have an active role in overseeing the Northern region but will also take on greater responsibility across CBRE’s wider regional UK business, with overall responsibility for Scotland, the North, and the Midlands & South, and all the sectors and service lines in these locations.
Rigby, who joined CBRE in 2014, has held several leadership roles within the company including Head of Occupiers Services for the North in 2019, before a promotion to Head of Office Agency for the North in 2022.
Rigby will now transition to Managing Director of the North, supporting Ogden, while remaining laser-focused on client solutions in the region. The news follows Colin Thomasson’s recent appointment as Head of UK Investment Properties.
John Ogden, Head of UK Regional Markets, CBRE said: “Joe is regarded as a market leader by clients, as well as the wider industry across the North, so he is well-placed to step up and drive the growth of our Northern business going forward.
“Simultaneously, it’s more important than ever that we are delivering a cohesive and integrated offering to our clients, across all our service lines and sectors. I look forward to continuing to work with Joe, as well as with all the teams across CBRE’s wider regional business, to deliver best-in-class, holistic solutions for our clients.”
95 redundancies confirmed as administrators appointed to financial services group
Redundancies have been made at a Leeds-headquartered financial services group following the appointment of administrators.
Ed Boyle, Howard Smith and Rob Spence of Interpath Ltd have been appointed as joint administrators of Tenet Group Limited (TGL) and Ed Boyle and Rob Spence have been appointed as joint administrators of its subsidiary companies Tenet Limited (TL), TenetConnect Ltd (TCL) and TenetConnect Services Ltd (TCSL) by the companies’ directors.
Tenet Network Services and TenetConnect are both trading styles of TenetConnect Ltd and TenetConnect Services Ltd.
Tenet Mortgage Solutions Ltd and Tenet Compliance Services Limited have ceased to trade but these entities have not entered into administration.
Tenet Financial Services Limited (TFSL) has ceased to conduct regulated activities and it has also not been placed into administration.
Tenet Employee Benefit Solutions, a non-unregulated service within Tenet Financial Services Ltd, and Paragon Insurance Company (Guernsey) Limited continue to operate as normal.
Companies within the Tenet Group provided a range of financial services to private individuals, as well as providing support services and facilities to firms of financial advisers.
In the recent past, the Group has substantially wound down its operations by selling various businesses within the Group, and also by the transfer out of its network of independent financial advisers.
This included the sale of TenetLime Limited, the mortgage and protection advisory network, to LSL Property Services plc on 2 February 2024, the transfer of financial advisers of TCL and TCSL to 2plan Wealth Management Limited which has been ongoing in recent months, and the sale of Tenet & You Limited, a national IFA practice, to My Pension Expert Limited on 28 May 2024.
The Group employed approximately 147 staff across the UK at the date of the appointment of the administrators.
While the joint administrators have retained 52 staff to assist them while they manage the wind down of the businesses, 95 redundancies have been made. The joint administrators will be working with the employees affected over the coming days to provide them with any and all support they need.
Howard Smith, Managing Director at Interpath and joint administrator of Tenet Group Limited, said: “We’re now focused on winding down the business and we are in contact with the FCA, FSCS and stakeholders to ensure an orderly process.”
Council adopts new conservation area for Hull
Hull City Council has adopted the new Paragon Conservation Area. The council’s cabinet approved final changes to the former Jameson Street Conservation Area last month.
This included boundary extensions, which now contains additional areas of Jameson Street, King Edward Street, Prospect Street, Ferensway and Waltham Street, as well as renaming it Paragon Conservation Area.
A new Character Appraisal and Management Plan (CAMP) has been adopted, whilst additions have been made to the Hull Local Heritage List.
The new conservation area is part of the council’s project to update and adopt CAMPs for all 26 of its conservation areas in a bid to preserve and enhance them, and to provide guidance on future planning applications.
It is aimed at creating quicker and well-balanced planning application decisions, as well as promoting the heritage values of the council and the importance of the city’s architecture.
Paragon is the first conservation area to have been completed as part of this.
Alex Codd, the council’s assistant director for economic development and regeneration, said: “It is pleasing that the council has been able to adopt the new Paragon Conservation Area.
“This is the first step in improving our city’s 26 conservation areas and ensuring that they receive the respect they deserve.”
Public consultation on the changes was undertaken in 2023 and notification of the adopted changes is currently being made to property and business owners, residents, stakeholders and prospective developers within the former Jameson Street Conservation Area and the extended Paragon Conservation Area.
Seven million people have used GenAI for work
Over 18 million people in the UK have now used Generative AI (GenAI), according to new findings from Deloitte’s 2024 Digital Consumer Trends research, based on a survey of 4,150 UK adults aged 16-75.
In the UK, three in five (60%) people are now aware of GenAI and over a third (36%) have used a GenAI tool, an increase of 26% (13 million people) from May 2023. However, notable gender and age gaps were apparent in the findings with 43% of men having used GenAI, compared to just 28% of women. The technology is also primarily used by younger groups, with 62% of people aged 16-34 having actively used it, compared to only 14% of 55-75 year olds.
GenAI in the workplace
One in seven people (14%) have used GenAI for work, equating to around seven million people, increasing from four million a year ago. Of those using GenAI for work, three in four (74%) claim a productivity boost of either ‘a fair amount’ or ‘a great deal’. However, just 27% of those in work claim that their employer encourages the use of GenAI, suggesting that the majority may be doing so without their employer’s official endorsement.
Among those who have used GenAI for work, the most popular reasons are generating ideas (44%) and looking up information (41%), followed by creating written content (39%), writing/editing emails (38%), and summarising text (37%).
Paul Lee, partner and head of technology, media and telecommunications research at Deloitte, said: “Employees are moving faster than their employers when it comes to adopting GenAI to transform how they work. While workers are signalling that GenAI can boost their output and save them time, many employees may not be supported, encouraged, or explicitly endorsed to use the technology by their organisation.
“While the most popular uses tend to be generating ideas and looking up information, these may not be optimal applications of GenAI, given known issues such as hallucination. Employers need to step up and invest in tools and governance to better support their staff in using this technology. Additionally, usage has to thrive among all types of employees, not just certain demographics, if the tools are to be most effective.”
Improving AI fluency is vital for businesses
The survey also demonstrates that the frequency of use of GenAI is variable. Amongst those using the technology, one in three (36%) do so either daily or weekly, whereas two in five (41%) use it less than monthly. Of these low-frequency users, 23% did not find it helpful, 19% were not satisfied with its answers and 18% claimed they did not know how to use it well.
Meanwhile, many of those aware of GenAI are not familiar with its risks, including potential inaccuracies and biases. Among those aware of GenAI, 25% believe it is always factually accurate, and 26% think it is unbiased. Those who have used GenAI are even more likely to be unaware of risks, as 36% of users believe it is always accurate, and 36% think it is unbiased.
However, among those aware of GenAI, more than half (59%) would be less inclined to trust an email if they knew it was created with GenAI. Similarly, 56% would be less inclined to use a customer service if they knew they were conversing with a GenAI assistant.
Costi Perricos, partner and global Generative AI lead at Deloitte, said: “Whether organisations have supportive or strict policies on the use of Generative AI, it is clear that improving business AI fluency is vital.
“GenAI deployment should be accompanied by a thorough learning and development programme, including training on ethics and responsible use, and guidance on how to get the most value from GenAI tools. HR leaders have a key role to play, creating a clear framework in which their workforce can operate.”
Lee concluded: “In 2024, companies ought to be asking what they should do with GenAI, rather than focusing purely on everything it could do. The C-suite is increasingly looking for proof of return on investment in technologies before funding large scale deployment across their workforce. However, there are barriers to this, as quantifying employee productivity can be difficult, particularly in knowledge-based roles.
“Businesses are also exploring customer facing GenAI tools but should be aware that they may face some initial hesitance as fluency improves. Customers may be more welcoming of GenAI if they can be convinced that it enables a better, faster experience, with higher quality answers. Business leaders must fund and drive this education.”
City Council awards £370k for property renovations in Hull
Hull City Council has £370,000 to property renovation company Giroscope to bring as many as ten empty homes back into use as social housing.
Martin Newman, Giroscope Coordinator, said: “Giroscope is pleased to continue its partnership working with Hull City Council. This grant will assist our work in bringing back empty and dilapidated properties into use as social housing. The demand for housing in the city at the moment is greater than ever and we are proud to be working with the council to develop new homes”
West Hull-based Giroscope, which specialises in buying and renovating long-term empty homes, has received the funds from the Right to Buy Replacement Programme Fund.
Mark Nearney, Assistant Director for Neighbourhoods and Housing said: “It’s imperative that we use every tool at our disposal to provide as many houses as possible for social rent. As well as building our own houses, it makes sense that the council works with partner organisations like Giroscope when opportunities such as this arise.
“Empty homes blight local communities. Bringing them back into use not only provides much needed, quality homes for rent, it improves the look of the area and reduces the problems that attract anti-social behaviour and pest infestations.”
Groundbreaking ceremony marks realisation of dream for Rob Burrows MND centre
The ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease has taken place at Seacroft Hospital
The event was attended by many of the project’s supporters, including clinical staff, fundraisers, architects, patients and their families, Rob’s parents and sisters, and Kevin Sinfield.
With the build expected to take around a year, work has now started. This news is joined by an update from Leeds Hospitals Charity that there is now £1 million left to reach the £6.8 million fundraising target.
Rob left this message: “Today marks a significant milestone not just for me, but for everyone battling motor neurone disease in Leeds and the surrounding region. This care centre, named in my honour, stands as a beacon of hope and support. It’s a place where patients will find not only medical assistance but also the compassionate care and understanding they deserve, for them and for their families. Our journey with this disease is challenging, but together, through this centre, we will create a community that uplifts and empowers each other. My dream is that every person who walks through these doors feels supported, understood, and never alone. This centre is for all of us, our shared sanctuary.”
Dr Agam Jung, Consultant Neurologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, who leads the MND team at Seacroft Hospital says: “I can’t believe that we have reached this moment. It has been an incredibly fast-paced journey from my initial idea and discussions with Rob and Lindsey Burrow in 2020 to breaking ground now in 2024! I have so many emotions at present, gratitude being the foremost and of course immense pride as well. What we thought was a pipe dream in 2020 will soon become a reality taking us a step forward for our patient care and MND services.”
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust announced a plan to build a new centre for MND patients and Leeds Hospitals Charity launched their fundraising appeal in September 2021. During this time, Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield have taken their awareness-raising and fundraising activities for the MND community to the highest heights, referrals to the Leeds MND service have doubled and technology and research have moved forward.
The new building represents a flagship centre in the North of England, where MND patients can be seen, their families and carers can be supported and where clinical specialists can work together and agilely adapt to the ever-changing advances of the condition.
Grimsby good factory works with M&S to fight food insecurity
A food factory in Grimsby owned by manufacturer 2 Sisters Food Group is taking part in the second phase of a ground-breaking partnership with customer M&S and FareShare, the food charity, with a further 1.5m meal servings donated to those in need.
It’s one of three 2 Sisters’ factories across the UK which will be involved in producing vegetable curry, carrot & coriander soup and pizza meals using surplus ingredients which might otherwise go to waste, such as fresh vegetables.
The meals are nutritionally balanced to serve between two and four people and all meals will be freshly prepared with a guarantee of four days life from the day of donation. The meals are made at company factories in South Wales (RF Brookes), Nottingham (Pizza Factory) and Grimsby (Recipe Dish).
According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to approximately eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years.
Ranjit Singh Boparan, founder and President of 2 Sisters Food Group, said: “We continue to do the right thing by partnering with our customer M&S and creating these nutritious meal servings to help those that need it most. This second phase utilises surplus ingredients and what a better way to bring some good from this by creating quality food that have the M&S seal of approval. Helping to feed everyone in need with a nutritious meal is central to how we now think at our business and I am delighted to be leading on this with our partners.”
Water speed record attempt aims to inspire new generation of engineers
The University of Bradford is helping to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators as part of a world water speed record attempt.
The university has joined forces with ThrustWSH, the team behind the future world record attempt, to encourage youngsters into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Partnering with The Manufacturer, Michael Page Recruitment, Bloodhound Education and the University of Leeds, staff in the University of Bradford’s School of Engineering have created The ThrustWSH: STEM Education Survey to get the industry’s perspective on subjects including the STEM skills gap, recruitment challenges, emerging trends and what skills youngsters will need to have to fulfil future roles.
Sent to engineering and manufacturing companies across the UK, the survey findings will help to inform an inspirational education programme linked to the science and technology used for ThrustWSH in the water speed record challenge. The survey aims to create a legacy around the project and help inspire the next generation of engineers, manufacturers, designers and record breakers.
The University of Bradford will analyse the survey’s results and produce a final report later this year, helping to guide the creation of the ThrustWSH Education Programme.
The project features Alan Banks, Chair of Composites UK, an award-winning engineer from Ford Motor Company, who studied for a Master’s at the University of Bradford. He was awarded a Doctorate of Engineering at the University of Bradford in July 2023 in recognition of his leadership and innovation within the engineering industry.
Janet Street Porter to appear at Women of Achievement event
Janet Street-Porter CBE has been announced as the guest speaker of this year’s Women of Achievement Awards on Hull.
Organised by Women in Business Hull, the Women of Achievement Awards is the region’s biggest celebration of women in business, and champion the achievements of women who either run their own business or hold a leading role in their profession, industry, organisation or charity.
Known for her straight-talking and no-nonsense attitude, Janet Street-Porter’s vast career has spanned across print, radio and broadcast media for over five decades. A regular panellist on ITV1’s Loose Women, she has a regular column on the MailOnline and has written for newspapers and magazines from the Daily Mail to Vogue.
Caroline Neadley, chair of Women in Business Hull, said of the announcement: “We are so pleased to welcome Janet Street-Porter as our guest speaker at this year’s Women of Achievement Awards, sponsored by Wilkin Chapman solicitors.
“She is a brilliant example of how, with drive and determination, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. One of the few women to edit a national newspaper – The Independent on Sunday – Janet has also written seven books as well as produce numerous television series from This is Your Life to Fantasy Football League and devised award-winning series for young people. We can’t wait to hear all about her experiences and insights.
“Janet is known for her opinions on every subject and I am sure she will be an entertaining speaker at the awards.”
The event is on Friday November 15th.
Vice-chairmanship of ethics committee awarded to East Midlands accountant
East Midlands accountant and ethics adviser Stuart Brown from Duncan & Toplis has been appointed as vice-chair of the Ethics and Advisory Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for the next three years.
Mr Brown, who has been a member of the ICAEW’s Ethics Advisory Committee since 2021 and the organisation’s Members and Commercial Board since 2023, is also a Director and Head of Technical and Compliance at Lincolnshire-based Duncan & Toplis.
He said: “Over recent years the accountancy profession has justifiably been under intense scrutiny because it is essential that accountants are reliable, honest and trustworthy professionals with absolute integrity. I believe that ethics is the foundation of being a Chartered Accountant and we must all play our part in upholding the reputation of our profession.
“It is a great honour to be selected as the vice-chair of this committee, helping to maintain the standards for accountants around the world.”
Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “It says a lot about Duncan & Toplis and our commitment to accounting ethics when a leading member of our team is appointed as the vice-chair of the Ethics Advisory Committee at the ICAEW, one of our profession’s most respected membership bodies.
“We pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and we’re passionate about doing right by our people, our clients and our communities. I’m sure Stuart will make an excellent vice-chair of this committee and I’d like to congratulate him on his appointment.”
Money launderers get jail terms after probe by Yorkshire trading standards officials
Five money launderers who ran a £1m fraud involving bogus computer service companies have been sentenced to 9 and a half years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court after after work by tiding standards officers in York and North Yokshire.
The fraudsters had laundered money conned from victims, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable. The sentences were handed out yesterday (3 June 2024).
The sentences follow an investigation led by the National Trading Standards eCrime Team, based at City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council, supported by officers from West Midlands, Staffordshire and Wiltshire police services.
Between May 2015 and November 2019, Amanda Grigg (66) of Truro, Cornwall, Jose Kuriakose (50) of Deal, Kent, Gena Harrington (39) of Handsworth, Birmingham, Bindu Devasia (49) of Deal, Kent, and Nicholas Alcide (40) of Birmingham, transferred over £1,289,837 to two India-based brothers behind a network of companies posing as well-known firms (including HP, Microsoft Norton, and Epson) to defraud consumers.
The fake companies posted adverts online to lure victims before leading them to believe there were issues with their computers, when in fact there were not. Victims were told that false problems could be fixed for a fee and were persuaded into allowing remote access to their computers.
The group laundered the money via a series of UK-based firms which existed only to receive payments from consumers, before forwarding it on to the fraudsters in India. They set themselves up as company directors and, in return, kept a percentage of the money for themselves.
One victim paid a total of £4,427.96 to people who he believed worked for HP to resolve a supposed issue with his computer. Someone calling himself Henry, posing as an HP representative, informed him that his computer had been hacked and demanded an immediate payment of £803.98 to fix it. The victim agreed to send a cheque the next day. Despite not noticing any other issues the victim received numerous calls informing him there were further issues with his computer and he was persuaded to make additional payments. The cycle of calls persisted for several months until he grew suspicious and made a report to Trading Standards.
The sentences handed down were as follows:
- Amanda Grigg – 3 years imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director for 6 years.
- Jose Kuriakose – 50 months’ imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director for 6 years.
- Gena Harrington – 30 months’ imprisonment, disqualified from being a company director for 6 years.
- Bindu Devasia – 8 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. Disqualified from being a company director for 6 years and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
- Nicholas Alcide – 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years. Disqualified from being a company director for 2 years and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Yorkshire insurance broker makes Scottish acquisition
TL Dallas, the independent insurance broking and risk management company, has reached an agreement to acquire Marsh Commercial’s business in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in August 2024, were not disclosed.
Bradford-headquartered TL Dallas is a fourth-generation family firm, owned by its management and staff, and it has been in business for more than 100 years. The company has a team of over 165.
As part of the agreement, TL Dallas will acquire Marsh Commercial’s teams in Elgin, Inverness and Kirkwall, adding to its existing business in the Highlands and Islands.
Polly Staveley, Group Managing Director, TL Dallas, said: “The acquisition of Marsh Commercial’s business in Elgin, Inverness and Kirkwall represents a significant milestone for TL Dallas, as we continue with our strategy to serve local businesses with local teams, whatever their size. We see this as a major growth region for our business.”
Alistair Fraser, CEO, Commercial and Corporate, Marsh, added: “I am pleased that TL Dallas, with its strong presence in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands where it serves personal customers and SMEs, will be the new custodian of our offices there.
“As the UK’s leading risk and insurance specialist serving SME clients in over 40 offices, Marsh Commercial will continue to serve SME clients in Scotland through its offices in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban, and Perth.”
Businesses called to commit to arts and culture with Creative Charter pledge
Businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to pledge their commitment to arts and culture by signing up to a pioneering Creative Charter.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, connecting businesses and other organisations to the power of cultural creativity.
Cultural partnership HEY Creative has issued a rallying call to leaders of private, public and third sector organisations to commit to supporting arts and culture by signing the Charter.
Arts and culture contribute over £35m to the economy in Hull and East Yorkshire and bring together communities in more than 250 venues around the region.
The Creative Charter aims to build on this and provide a long-term boost to the region’s vital culture and arts sector, which was energised by Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017 but has been impacted by the pandemic and economic pressures in recent years.
HEY Creative Chief Officer Max May launched the Creative Charter on the opening day of the region’s annual celebration of business and enterprise.
He announced that several leading businesses and organisations had become Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter and urged others to follow their lead.
He said: “We passionately believe in the power of arts and culture to unite people from all corners of our region, driving growth, sparking ideas and innovation and promoting wellbeing.
“The arts sector delivers so much for our region, but it can’t do it all on its own. That’s why we’ve launched the Creative Charter, to encourage businesses and organisations to support and advocate for culture.
“Collaborating with the creative sector can spark fresh ideas which unlock growth opportunities and change the way companies approach challenges. We’re fortunate to have a rich and varied cultural scene across the region and the Creative Charter opens up opportunities for businesses and other organisations to tap into it.”
There is no cost or direct financial commitment required to join the Creative Charter. It is simply a declaration to collaborate with the arts sector for collective good.
Signatories can work with arts and cultural groups in a wide variety of ways, from simple acts like displaying local artwork on office walls to celebrating culture on their social media channels.
Other suggested actions include hosting a business breakfast to connect with arts and culture, donating staff time to support events, sponsoring activities and offering spare training course spaces to creatives free of charge.
Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter include Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the University of Hull, Hull College, Future Humber, For Entrepreneurs Only, the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, HullBID, Rollits LLP, The Deep and Hull Truck Theatre.
Dominic Gibbons, Chair of HEY Creative and Managing Director of Wykeland Group, another of the Founding Signatories of the Charter, said: “Together, through the power of arts and culture, we can unleash valuable potential for individuals, communities, businesses and the wider region.
“Arts and culture make us happier, healthier people. It brings our communities together, attracts and retains talent for business, and generates upwards of £35m a year for the region.
“We’re asking businesses and organisations, through the Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter, to join us in championing our region’s incredible arts and culture, for the benefit of everyone.”
Keyland expands team with Land and Development Manager appointment
Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has continued its growth plans with the appointment of Joe Boothman as Land & Development Manager.
Joe joins from Yorkshire Water where he was a Lead Surveyor in the Land and Property Team, having initially joined Keyland on secondment to cover maternity leave in January 2024.
Joe will work closely with Yorkshire Water to identify and promote development opportunities within their portfolio, looking at traditional developments as well as newer Renewables opportunities.
This will be done alongside a focus on further growing Keyland’s successful Planning Promotional Agreements (PPA) initiative, which is designed to enable both private and public sector landowners to maximise the development potential from their land risk free.
Joe has gained a strong understanding of the Kelda Estate after spending over six years working for Yorkshire Water’s Land and Property team. During this time he gained specialist knowledge on utilities and specifically Telecoms, which he will bring to this role.
Luke Axe, Land & Planning Director, Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “Joe has become a valued member of the Keyland team during his recent secondment. His appointment aligns with our growth strategy and his sector specific expertise is a great addition to our collective skillset.”
Joe Boothman commented on his appointment: “This role will enable me to bring value to Kelda’s wider estate and grow the promotion side of the Keyland business.”
Staff vote to strike at Sheffield Hallam University
UCU (University and College Union) members at Sheffield Hallam University have voted to strike over what it calls “drastic cuts” and the “erosion of terms and conditions.”
87% of members who voted have supported industrial action, on a turnout of 53%. Dates for strikes will be announced in due course.
UCU has accused the university of pushing ahead with expensive building projects and satellite campuses, while launching a wholesale attack on staff and students through an unprecedented cuts programme, severely breaching the post-92 contract and national framework, and destroying working conditions.
The university has said a further 400 professional services jobs will be axed, with staff facing compulsory redundancy. Around 140 academics have already left following the opening of a voluntary severance scheme in December (2023) and the university has gone ahead with further job losses.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Our members do not take the decision to strike lightly but Sheffield Hallam staff have voted for action because they cannot stand by and let management force though these outrageous cuts which would see teaching, research and academic standards torn to shreds.
“It is disgraceful to see that rather than reviewing its spending on new buildings and a satellite campus halfway across the country, management would rather slash jobs, jeopardise academic standards, and tear up our hard-won terms and conditions. If university management do not stop these attacks on staff, they will face unprecedented disruption.”
A university spokesperson told the BBC that external pressures had led to “tough decisions.”
“We are disappointed UCU has voted to take action,” a spokesperson added. “Our priority during any industrial action will be to do everything possible to minimise the impact on our students and wider community.”
Cash boosts for Shipley and Keighley businesses
Cash boosts for businesses from the Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds are still available and have already made a huge difference across the district.
Up to March 2024, 22 businesses in Keighley have been awarded more than £973,000, and 15 businesses in Shipley have received more than £604,000 with the expectation of 151 jobs being created across both areas as a result.
The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is part of the Government-funded Towns Fund and there is £4m available to support local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, with approximately £2m allocated to each.
Businesses can use the grant to invest in premises, machinery, equipment or property to fit out and bringing disused buildings back into use.
Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.
“Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.”
Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. This kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible, has access to it.”
Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, Tim Rogers, added: “Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to support them. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.”
The Towns Fund Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme Funding is available up to March 2026.
BCC launches digital revolution report to enhance secure future for UK firms
The British Chambers of Commerce has launched its Digital Revolution report outlining a framework to create a connected, dynamic and secure future for UK businesses.
Among the recommendations are:
- Government should appoint an AI champion for SMEs who will help spearhead a programme to improve business use of artificial intelligence.
- Government should explore social tariffs for lower-income areas, to enable more people to access broadband services – including small businesses.
- Wireless Network infrastructure should be strengthened through a pro-investment policy framework supported by a planning regime that unlocks the UK’s 5G ambitions.
- The government should work with the insurance industry to create a reinsurance pool that underwrites cyber risk for business.
Scunthorpe United splits ownership
Scunthorpe United has announced a split of ownership between four of the club’s Directors.
Chairperson Michelle Harness has allocated shares to Roj Rahman, George Aitkenhead and Ian Sharp, with the quartet now assuming equal joint ownership of Scunthorpe United Football Club with immediate effect.
Speaking about the decision to divide the club, Michelle said: “Nine months ago, I took 92% of the shares of the football club from the previous owner and had Roj, George and Ian at my side from day one.
“Since September, we have all worked extremely hard to battle the debt we inherited and work towards a more sustainable model. We’re not there yet, but we have made significant strides, and are on course to achieve this in the coming months.
“While we are at the stage where we can run from day-to-day on this sustainable model, I simply cannot grow the football club on my own, and I must also look to safeguard the business should anything happen to me, and should the football club need some additional support.
“Roj, George and Ian have shown a massive amount of commitment to this football club, and have made a big impact in helping us get to where we are today. Having them in joint ownership with myself will only help us progress further as we look to grow our reputation back to the well-run business that we can remember from years gone by.
“I’d also like to thank all the staff at the football club for their tremendous work ethic, determination and drive to bring us through the last nine months, and to the other members of my Board of Directors, who have all done some incredible work in assisting us to get to this stage.
“I have no doubt you will show your unwavering support to Roj, George and Ian, like you have shown to me so far.”
Vice Chairman Roj Rahman added: “What Michelle has achieved in the last nine months is nothing short of sensational. She will always be our Iron Lady, and everyone associated with Scunthorpe United will forever have the upmost admiration for what she has done to ensure there is, and will always be, a football club within our community.
“We’re all just custodians of this football club at the end of the day, and nothing will change as a result of this joint ownership. Scunthorpe United is a club that will always be for the supporters, for the community, and that will not change, regardless of who has the majority of the shares.
“Having had to go through an awful lot in nine months, Michelle wished to further safeguard the future of Scunthorpe United by welcoming George, Ian and I as joint owners. It’s something we’re all delighted to accepted. The hard work doesn’t stop, it only continues to grow, as we work to provide a football club for us all to be proud of.”
Following the splitting of the club’s ownership, Michelle Harness will continue as the club’s Chairperson, while Roj Rahman will continue as Vice Chair.
