Work starts on new Health, Well-being and Community Campus in Shipley
Work has started on Shipley’s new multi-million-pound Health, Well-being and Community Campus (HWCC) at The Old School building on Farfield Road.
The £3m project which has been Government funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, will transform the way mental health and well-being services are delivered in Shipley so that people can easily access tailored, holistic support which meets their needs, provided by a range of organisations including statutory and VSCE partners.
The former school building will be transformed with a complete refurbishment of the old building with the work carried out by local contractors, Whittaker and Leach. It will include a new atrium, communal space and gardens for both building users and local people to enjoy.
A variety of health and well-being activities, along with early help and prevention support for all age groups, will be available at the state-of-the-art centre, in an inclusive, welcoming and accessible environment.
The new facility will continue to be run by well-established founding member charity, The Cellar Trust. Its mission will be to provide health and well-being support by working with a range of services from the voluntary sector, public sector and social enterprise all in one place.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s no understatement to say that this new community facility will be invaluable, delivering improved access to a wide-range of mental and physical health services. It will change the way people can access support and will ultimately help to change people’s lives for the better.”
The Cellar Trust CEO Kim Shutler said: “Our objective is to work in partnership to enhance health and well-being services in Shipley, improving access for local residents. The new centre will also serve as a hub for skills development, training, and enterprise through its support for new voluntary, community and social enterprises so they can innovate, collaborate and grow. By bringing people together, we also believe the centre will benefit other local businesses and services in Shipley.”
Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund Board, Adam Clerkin added: “The Shipley Towns Fund board is thrilled at the progress made and excited to see the new facility take shape over the coming months.
“As a result of Government funding, with full support from Bradford Council, The Cellar Trust team are delivering on their mission to improve mental health support for Shipley and beyond.”
Services will be available for the whole community and will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable people. There will be large rooms for groups and events, smaller activity rooms, consulting rooms for clinical and non-clinical interventions as well as a multi-faith and contemplation space. Office and co-working space has also been set aside for health and well-being providers and social enterprises.
The new facilities are expected to open in Summer 2025.
Early designs revealed for Huddersfield housing scheme replacing high-rise blocks
Kirklees Council has been working alongside architects to develop early designs for a new housing scheme which will replace two high-rise blocks, Bishops Court and Holme Park Court in Berry Brow.
The proposals have been shared with the tenants living in the blocks and residents in the surrounding area with hopes to receive their views, to help shape further design development.
This follows the decision made by the council’s cabinet in summer 2021, that the flats will be demolished following consultation with tenants who said that this was their preferred option. Existing tenants continue to be supported by dedicated housing officers to find new homes.
Early plans show around 135 new sustainable and affordable homes over three blocks, with the layout designed to respond to the existing site constraints including site levels, surrounding trees and landscaping.
This new development has been designed to fit in with the surrounding area and will drastically reduce in height from 16-storeys to 6-storey blocks to positively change the view of the local landscape.
Proposals have been created to connect residents with nature and the local area, and provide design elements such as natural lighting, ventilation and natural landscaped areas. Improvements will also be made to the existing landscaping to create safe, accessible spaces focusing on ease of movement through the site.
The designs at this stage are not final and are likely to change throughout the design development stage.
Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court are part of the wider fire safety programme that the council have been carrying out over the last couple of years.
Naz Parkar, Service Director for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “It’s great to see we are moving on to the next phase of regenerating Berry Brow flats and concept designs have been put place.
“Having input from our tenants and local residents will be a crucial step to making sure we can create a housing scheme that will benefit everyone.
“As a council, we are committed to improving housing standards and this project will contribute greatly to our ambitions through the various design elements proposed.”
Next steps will see the council continuing to work with architects to develop the proposals in preparation for a planning submission later this year.
Eminox names Adam Woolgar as new Finance Director
Adam Woolgar has joined Gainsborough-based Eminox as Finance Director.
He has more than 20 years’ experience in steering the financial strategy of large corporations in the industrial, financial and telecoms sectors. Most recently, he worked at Genuit Group in its Water Management Solutions Divisions which manufactures and supply’s products to the construction industry in the UK and Europe.
In his role at Eminox, Adam works alongside fellow SLT members and Hexadex directors managing budgets, setting strategic objectives and supporting the business to maximise its financial performance.
Adam said: “I first visited Eminox around 20 years ago to attend a year-end stock count and I was excited when the opportunity arose to join the business at a senior level as it entered a new chapter.
“I was further impressed by Hexadex’s focus on the businesses core values and how this shaped all activities within the Group. It has been clear to me from the start that there is a clear passion to drive our business forward from everyone I have met. This is key to our future success, and I am very much looking forward to continuing to be part of shaping that future.”
Eminox MD Jonathan Griffith said: “Adam has a lot of experience in working at senior level in a financial capacity and his calm, knowledgeable advice and guidance is essential in helping us to continue the success of Eminox.”
Leeds United secure Red Bull deal
Leeds United Football Club has announced a new deal with Red Bull which will include branding on the front of next season’s shirt and a minority ownership stake.
Beginning in the 2024/2025 season, Leeds United will feature Red Bull branding on the front of Leeds United men’s and women’s first team kits. Red Bull will also become the club’s Exclusive Energy Drink Partner with branding featured inside Elland Road and during the club’s official media appearances.
“I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club,” said Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United.
“As Chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future. Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO Corporate Projects and Investments, said: “We are delighted to be an important element and partner of Leeds United. A club that is certainly one of the biggest in England and has a rich and successful history.
“The ambition to bring Leeds United back to the Premier League and establish themselves in the best football league in the world fits very well with Red Bull. We look forward to the partnership and are optimistic and energized about the future.”
The deal brings in new commercial revenues as well as additional capital investment for a minority ownership stake that will further enable the club to compete on and off the pitch as the club seek promotion next season.
Yorkshire business confidence grows
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose 11 points during May to 45%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire and the Humber reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 16 points at 50%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up five points to 39%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 45% (vs. 34% in April).
A net balance of 29% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up eight points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire and the Humber businesses identified their top target areas for growth as entering new markets (41%) and evolving their offering (31%). A quarter (25%) said they planned to introduce new technology or to invest in sustainability.
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. The data for this edition was collected between 1–16th May, before the UK general election was announced.
National picture
In May, overall UK business confidence reached its highest level since 2015 – rising by eight points to a net balance of 50%.
Businesses showed increased optimism in both their trading prospects (up nine points month-on-month to 54%) and the economy (up seven points to 46%). Firms’ trading outlook was the most optimistic in seven years, while economic optimism was the highest recorded since September 2021.
Scotland and the South East of England were the most optimistic of the UK nations or regions in May (both 57%), followed by the West Midlands (56%).
Sector insights
Similarly, there were particularly strong results reported in the construction and services sectors this month. Prospects in the construction sector jumped to 58% (up 20 points), the highest for 14 months, while in services, expected output increased to 57% (up 12 points). On the latter, it is the highest level since the survey was expanded in 2018. Expected business activity in the retail sector also improved to 49% (up three points).
Although trading prospects in manufacturing eased slightly to 49% (down three points), the underlying trend over the last three months remains positive.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It’s no surprise that Yorkshire’s firms are so confident in their own prospects – this is a region with huge adaptability, resilience and a deep pool of skill and insight.
“As businesses look at how they can drive further growth on the back of such a positive outlook, we’ll be by their side with our backing and insight to help them ensure they’re equipped for whatever lies ahead.”
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “These results highlight a notable improvement in business confidence. Optimism about the economy increased to 46% this month – the highest result since September 2021, when the country was emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, but before the energy crisis after the invasion of Ukraine.
“The regional picture has also improved – we’ve now seen increases in seven of the UK’s 12 regions, where there was previously a more mixed picture. Results in the South East, Scotland and the West Midlands were particularly strong. Across the sectors, there were strong, broad-based improvements in services and construction.”
Melissa joins Private Client department at AWB Charlesworth
Melissa Butler has joined AWB Charlesworth Solicitors as paralegal in its Private Client department dealing with Wills, Trusts and Probate.
She has almost a decade of experience in estate administration, the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, and in dealing with applications to the Court of Protection.
Jenny Barron, Head of Private Client said: “Our wills and probate business is going from strength to strength and we have an urgent need to expand our team to cover the large quantity of work and maintain our excellent standards of service. Melissa’s extensive experience is a great advantage to us as we increasingly take on complex inheritance work and help families with multiple assets.”
Melissa said: “AWB Charlesworth is a long-established firm with a great reputation, progressive in its approach to the law, and yet maintaining the strong values of a family firm.”
AWB Charlesworth’s Private Client department is split across three offices to service the needs of clients in Skipton, Keighley, Bradford, and the wider area of the Aire Valley and the Yorkshire Dales.
Food entrepreneur urges manufacturers to share in donating five million meals a year
2 Sisters Food Group owner Ranjit Singh Boparan has urged other manufacturers to join him to help tackle the continuing food insecurity crisis gripping UK households by donating up to five million meals every year.
He intends to increase food donations from his food manufacturing empire, which has premises in Scunthorpe, following his announcement last November to work in partnership with charity FareShare and retailers.
He said: “We have a moral responsibility to do the right thing. It cannot be right that in the UK in 2024 people are struggling to feed themselves. No-one should go to sleep on an empty stomach at night, especially not children.
“I have previously committed to supporting the King’s Coronation Food Project and in partnership with M&S, we are working to boost Fareshare’s distribution efforts. However, I do feel it is time for individual companies who make food to step up and help alleviate this problem.
“This also requires a big effort from our supply chain and it’s fantastic to see so much goodwill and support. Without the support of companies like Magnavale who are storing these products for us, this entire distribution effort wouldn’t be possible.”
Millions of people – including one in five families with children – have gone hungry or skipped meals in recent weeks because they could not regularly afford to buy groceries, according to new food insecurity data.
According to the latest Food Foundation tracker, 15% of UK households – equivalent to about eight million adults and three million children – have experienced food insecurity in 2024, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit the pockets of low-income families. It is estimated this figure has doubled in the last three years.
In November 2023, Ranjit met The King in support of the Coronation Food Project following his pre-Christmas donation of one million meals, donated in partnership with M&S.
£20k grant helps Driffield business cut its carbon footprint
Driffield-based engineering company Shields has significantly reduced its carbon footprint with the help of a £20,000 grant secured with the help of the Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support team.
The grant has been invested in a large solar panel installation at the company’s premises on the town’s Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate.
Carey Kelly, a Director at Shields, said: “We have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Invest East Yorkshire Business Support team. As the business has grown and our plans have changed, we have worked closely with them, not just in relation to financial assistance but also for ongoing advice and guidance. We are very appreciative of this support and look forward to this relationship continuing as we grow as a business and create more skilled jobs for Driffield and the surrounding area.”
Business Advisor Chris Moore said: “Following a review of the business and a discussion about its growth plans, we arranged for Shields to have an independent energy assessment by a specialist company that we appointed. This was fully funded and highlighted a number of energy saving measures they could take as part of their commitment to becoming more environmentally sustainable.”
Shields is a family-owned mechanical engineering and bulk processing company established in 1984. It now employs more than 50 people and works with customers across the UK.
Shields first worked with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Team more than ten years ago and, since then, has benefited from the advice, support and knowledge of its team of advisors on several occasions, helping to further fuel its growth and development.
Most recently, the company worked with Business Advisor Chris Moore to access a £20,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This enabled Shields to achieve its goal of drastically reducing its carbon footprint by investing in a large solar panel installation project at its headquarters in Driffield.
Vacant space in Hull to be brought back into use as leisure and social venue
Dozens of city centre jobs will be created at a new, modern leisure and social venue in Hull.
Hull City Council has allocated £400,000 of external funding to Federation of Sport Limited to bring back into use over 1,500sqm of vacant floor space at Unit 7, King William House.
The unit has stood empty for an extended period but will now see a brand-new facility as part of the Lowgate building’s overall regeneration in recent years.
The project will involve the installation of high-grade sports technology, including audio-visual equipment, as well as two bars and communal areas and a fully-fitted, commercial-grade kitchen.
The overall cost of the works is projected to be almost £2m, meaning more than £1.5m of private capital is being invested into the city centre.
There are 43.5 full-time equivalent job vacancies expected to be created as a result.
Garry Taylor, assistant director of major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “King William House has seen significant regeneration in recent times and it’s pleasing to see another plan come to fruition.
“City centre grants have unlocked so much potential for Hull and I’m delighted that the council has been able to provide further support.”
New chair for Keighley Town Board
Bradford Council has welcomed a new chair to the inaugural Keighley Town Board.
As part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda, Keighley was awarded £33.6m via the Towns Fund for its Town Investment Plan in 2021, and has since has been allocated up to £20m to deliver a Long Term Plan.
The Keighley Town Board has been set up to deliver both plans and is made up of representatives from local businesses as well as charitable and voluntary organisations, with support from Bradford Council.
The newly-elected chair Tim Rogers is the CEO of Future Transformation, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to close the digital divide and reverse climate change. Born and raised in Keighley, Tim is a fellow of the University of Bradford as well as chair of the Digital Makers Operational Board and sits on various boards across the region with a STEM focus. Tim is also on the DSIT Cyber Security Board advising on policy and skills provision.
Tim said: “Keighley has some of the most recognisable and important cultural assets of the whole district with the Worth Valley Railway, the heritage of the Brontë’s, our buildings such as Cliffe Castle, incredible local businesses like Timothy Taylors and so much more.
“My vision is to use this multi-million pound investment from the public purse to create an environment where the private sector can see a sustainable return on any investment – allowing Keighley to realise it’s potential in its economy, skills, heritage, creativity and transport aspirations.
“In order to do that we all need to be on the same page and we need to work together in a truly collaborative way. I want to hear from people in all Keighley’s communities, and from businesses, schools and colleges in Keighley on what they want to see. This really is our time to shape our own future over the next ten years and beyond. And it will happen with everyone supporting it.”
Tim will oversee the delivery of some of the board’s pivotal projects such as the Providence Park development, the Community Grants programme, the Town Centre Infrastructure project and the Capital Assistance to Business Growth grants.
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The previously-established Keighley Towns Fund board has already been successful in delivering some excellent work. With the additional funding through the Long Term Plan, the vision for Keighley will now be developed further and this will of course take previous plans for the town into consideration.
“We are pleased to welcome Tim as chair to drive the work of the Keighley Town Board. With his experience, he will be an asset to the team. These are exciting times for Keighley. The level of investment in the town is significant and it will be transformative.”
My Pension Expert acquires financial adviser
Doncaster-based My Pension Expert has acquired Tenet&You.
Tenet&You is a financial adviser that provides tailored advice to ensure clients’ finances are in the best possible place to match their circumstances and aspirations. It was appointed as a representative of the Tenet Group.
This is My Pension Expert’s first acquisition. Tenet&You has £490 million assets under administration, taking the combined entity to approximately £1 billion assets under influence.
As part of the acquisition process, Tenet&You will operate as an appointed representative of My Pension Expert. Then, in due course clients will be moved across to My Pension Expert systems as they become part of the My Pension Expert group.
My Pension Expert CEO, Andrew Megson, said: “We’re delighted to conclude the acquisition of Tenet&You; a business that shares our ambition to empower all UK consumers to achieve their financial goals, and build our organic growth model. This exciting move will ensure My Pension Expert can deliver high-quality, independent financial advice to more people nationwide.
“Throughout this entire process, our focus has been on ensuring the best possible outcomes for the existing Tenet&You customers. Much work has gone into making sure the move is seamless, and My Pension Expert is perfectly positioned to provide our new clients with outstanding service and care.
“This marks our first acquisition, and we look forward to continuing our growth and strengthening our offering in the future. We’re an ambitious business, and the entire team are excited to continue driving My Pension Expert forward in the years to come.”
Music hub vision takes major step forward with £1.6m Canada House purchase
Harmony Works Trust has reached a key project milestone following its purchase of the 35,000 sq ft Grade II* Listed Canada House in Sheffield City Centre.
The £14m Harmony Works project will restore and revitalise Canada House, one of Sheffield’s grandest buildings. The building will be transformed into a new, central music education hub for young musicians from across the city and region.
Harmony Works will be home to every genre of music and music-inspired culture offering spaces for teaching, practising, rehearsing and performing.
The Trust, which was awarded charitable status in August 2023, has bought Canada House from retail brand Panache for £1.6 million. The Harmony Works project and Canada House refurbishment is backed by multiple funding initiatives, including Government Levelling Up Funds secured by Sheffield City Council to support the regeneration of Castlegate.
Canada House’s city-centre location means it can be reached by public transport from all parts of South Yorkshire ensuring that the very best music education is accessible for all.
Founded by Sheffield Music Hub, Sheffield Music Academy, Brass Bands England, and Music in the Round, the project is also backed by Sheffield City Council, major public funders, the Sheffield Culture Collective, and the universities.
Commenting on the project’s progress, David Hobson, Chair of Harmony Works Trust, said: “Our goal is to foster growth and transformation through the power of music. We are incredibly excited to announce that Canada House is officially ours. This is a huge milestone moment for our project.
“We, alongside all our partners, collaborators and funders, have worked incredibly hard to get this far, and we want to say a massive thank you to them for all their help and support to date.”
Emily Pieters, Harmony Works’ Project Director, added: “While we’re one step nearer to achieving our long-term goals of creating a more accessible and inclusive musical pathway for the young people and their communities across the Sheffield region, our work here is just beginning.
“With significant support from the public sector secured, we now need the help of our private sector to get this project over the finish line.”
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Skills and Development Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “As well as creating an educational and inspirational space in Sheffield, the Harmony Works project will be a major catalyst for change in our city, particularly the Castlegate area.
“It will also help to preserve one of our city’s finest historic buildings and bring forward a plan to transform music provision in the region.”
An Italianate Renaissance-style building, Canada House was built in 1875 for the Sheffield United Gas Company. Over the past few decades, the building has taken many guises, from nightclubs to restaurants, and has more recently been home to specialist lingerie brand Panache.
The funding support to date has been provided by the Architectural Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the UK Government, and local Trusts and Foundations.
International law firm CMS LLP has also provided pro-bono legal support for the project since 2018.
Harmony Works Trust is now applying for additional funding support from Arts Council England and Trusts and Foundations for its next phase of the project.
Keighley businesses share in almost £1m to boost business and create new jobs
More than 20 businesses in Keighley have been awarded more than £973,000, and 15 businesses in Shipley have received more than £604,000 with the expectation of 151 jobs being created across both areas as a result.
The money has come from the Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds, with more still available.
The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is part of the Government-funded Towns Fund and there is £4m available to support local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, with approximately £2m allocated to each.
Grants are allocated by the Towns Fund boards for each town, made up of private sector representatives, with support from Bradford Council. Businesses can use the grant to invest in premises, machinery, equipment or property to fit out and bringing disused buildings back into use.
Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.
“Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.”
Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. This kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible, has access to it.”
Chair of Keighley Towns Fund Tim Rogers, added: “Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to support them. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.”
Major open die forge project enters second phase
A demolition programme at Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane base has opened the site up for the next phase of construction for the UK’s largest open die Forge.
With a footprint of 150 metres by 84 metres, the location is now undergoing piling works for the foundations and base, which will support a 13,800 sq m building containing a new 13,000 tonne heavy forging press, furnaces, quenching pits and cranes.
Partnered by Vinci Building, who have secured a £138 million contract to deliver the Forge building, Sheffield Forgemasters is undertaking a site-wide recapitalisation programme to produce a new level of technological advancements and production facilities in support of the UK’s defence programmes.
Craig Fisher, Recapitalisation and Transformation Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We are now at a notable milestone in our Forge project, with the site fully cleared and processed so that piling works can proceed.
“This moves the project into its next phase, which is where the pace of delivery ramps up.”
Demolition and remediation works have been underway for the past seven months, including removal of internal steel structures, stabilising the ground, removal of any contaminants, processing more than 25,000m3 of spoil, and crushing 4,500m3 of old concrete to clear the site.
Chris Winspear, from VINCI Building, said: “We are delighted that we have now completed the demolition and prepared the first areas of site ready to receive the substructure works for the new building. We are looking forward to the next phase of the project working in collaboration with our supply chain partner, Cementation Skanska, appointed to undertake piling and ground engineering package of works.”
Working closely with VINCI Building, piling specialist Cementation Skanska will construct a 200 metre long secant pile wall for the new forge, between eight and ten metres deep. In total, 1,500 piles will be required for the project.
The forging line is set to be operational in the summer of 2027 and will be complemented by a new machining facility, which is currently being scoped, containing multiple versions of the world’s largest, most advanced, five-axis vertical turning lathes and creating an unparalleled manufacturing facility.
Craig Fisher added: “The scope of what we are undertaking at Sheffield Forgemasters is unmatched since the Victorian era, with facilities which will work to create a new standard of large-scale engineering accuracy, innovation and speed for complex, nuclear-grade components.
“An uplift in defence contracts has meant that we need the capacity of our facilities to be able to match increased throughput.”
The forging line and proposed machine shop will service defence and commercial work in sectors such as civil nuclear power, creating a new generation of engineers and designers, trained to work with Industry 4.0 technologies.
Turner & Townsend is also a supporting partner for the Sheffield Forgemasters project, alongside Tetra-Tech.
Agreement safeguards £300m regeneration of RAF Scampton
West Lindsey District Council has reached an agreement with the Home Office to explore temporary dual use of Lincolnshire’s former RAF Scampton site, marking a significant step forward in securing the council’s vision to deliver its regeneration plans for the site through collaboration. Under the agreement, outstanding legal action will be withdrawn.
The Home Office, which has planning permission awarded through a Special Development Order can use the site for a fixed period of time, up to October 2027 and has agreed to house a significantly reduced number of asylum seekers.
The agreement also allows the council to use a portion of the land to pursue the regeneration of the site with preferred development partner Scampton Holdings Limited. The Home Office will retain just 10% of the site to temporarily house up to 800 asylum seekers – compared to the original 2,000.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young said the agreement is the culmination of weeks of negotiations with the Home Office and the result provides the community and investors greater certainty for the long-term future of the site. He said:“The specific details of the agreement are still being finalised, but this agreement paves the way forward for the short-term and long-term use of the site.
“The council have always been clear that whilst it is our view that the site is unsuitable for large scale asylum accommodation, protecting the investment and regeneration plans for the site is a priority. This agreement provides the principles by which we can collaborate to unlock our investment and regeneration plan by working with the Home Office through a shared use proposal.”
Cllr Young thanked the community for its continued support and said the council will focus its scrutiny and challenge to ensure the impact of asylum accommodation on the local community is as little as possible.
The Home Office has committed to working with the council and Historic England to protect the heritage of the site, which is the former home of the Dambusters.
Two listed hangars, the listed officers’ mess and Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s dog’s grave will be transferred to West Lindsey District Council once a legal agreement is in place, with the remaining listed hangars being transferred in 2026.
As previously announced, the £300m of investment into the regeneration of the former RAF Scampton will preserve, protect, and enhance the site by providing aviation heritage, business, aerospace, space and education opportunities.
Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council said: “This marks a turning point in the council’s journey to protect the £300 million investment and regeneration plan. Our strategy to challenge every detail and hold the Home Office to account has successfully delivered the conditions in which the opportunity to collaborate and deliver a temporary, shared use of the site now exists.
“This includes a significant reduction in operating capacity of the asylum accommodation centre, a vastly reduced Home Office footprint, and a suite of conditions on the Special Development Order designed to mitigate the impact of the development.
“I am confident that over the coming months we can continue to use our energy and passion to protect this site and to develop an innovative and creative shared use proposal which allows for the kickstarting of plans to bring significant investment into West Lindsey and Lincolnshire.”
BCC sets out wish list for post-election Government
The British Chambers of Commerce has set out a five-point wish list for immediate action to present to the post-July4th government.
It wants to see:
- An Industrial Strategy with green innovation at its heart.
- Better skills planning, bringing businesses and training providers together.
- Business rates reform to encourage growth and investment.
- Improved relations with the European Union to cut the costs for business.
- A Government appointed AI champion for SMEs to spearhead uptake of new technology.
English Touring Opera to quit London and move to Sheffield
English Touring Opera is to move from its long-term base at the Hackney Empire and establish itself in Sheffield, with temporary offices opening in the city by October this year.
The office move, part of the Arts Council England Transfer Programme, will be complete by spring next year with rehearsals and opening in Sheffield from spring 2026. and it’s hoped it will strengthen ties with the city, where it has built a strong following as a result of regular visits.
Robin Norton-Hall, ETO’s General Director, said: “We’re really excited about making Sheffield our new home. We have had such enthusiasm and warmth from so many people and organisations in the city.”
Cllr Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield is a city of culture and creativity. We have a vibrant music and arts scene, our grassroots offer is exceptional and we also have nationally acclaimed venues and institutions within our culture sector.
“Outside London, we have the largest regional theatre district and earlier this year we hosted the MOBO Awards. There is so much going on in the city in the way of arts and creativity and we are delighted that English Touring Opera will be part of this going forward.
“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to them on behalf of the Council and the city.”
Leeds eCommerce agency acquired
Velstar Ltd., a Shopify Plus development and marketing agency, has acquired 9xb, a B2B eCommerce agency based in Leeds.
Founded in 2004, 9xb specialises in the development of complex and bespoke eCommerce solutions utilising its proprietary software platform Peracto.
Dan Sheard, the Co-Founder and CEO of Velstar, said: “The acquisition of 9xb is a major step in Velstar’s continued journey of client centric growth.
“While Velstar has traditionally focused on the Shopify Plus website development and marketing services for direct-to-consumer brands, 9xb is truly complementary to Velstar through its main focus on B2B clients. Velstar will ensure a smooth transition for customers and colleagues, with a tireless focus on client satisfaction and exemplary service.”
Rob Burns, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of 9xb, added: “Our partnership with Velstar marks an exciting chapter in our journey of growth, diversification, and innovation.
“It aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients. We are thrilled to complement our service offerings with the additional resources, capabilities, and scale of the Velstar.”
After the acquisition of 9xb, Velstar is expected to generate around £9m of annual revenue. After the merger, the combined business will count over 100 employees.
Streets Chartered Accountants covers property finance, charitable support, restaurant cash flow and more in new news roundup
Streets Chartered Accountants covers property finance, charitable support, restaurant cash flow, and more in its latest monthly news roundup.
This month’s office focus
In the first of a series of videos to promote Streets’ growing number of offices and their teams, Nathan Bignell who heads up the Banbury office shares his insight into the local business community, the clients they look after and the services they provide. Watch Now.
Podcast: There is so much more to the Fringe 24…
In this Brighton Fringe 2024 special episode of The Streets Sessions, Streets talk to Duncan Lustig-Prean, Chair of Brighton Fringe, about this year’s festival and the highlights, along with its importance for the entertainment industry and the wider community.
Streets also look at the business side of running the festival and the support provided by Streets through its Brighton based media and entertainment practice Mark Carr & Co. Listen Now.
Property finance – unlocking opportunities with confidence and support
Exploring, navigating and understanding the complex landscape of property finance options can not only be time consuming, but hard to understand with the diverse range of financing options that are available in the market.
It is essential from the outset for business owners to carefully evaluate their financing and find the right finance option for success and making informed decisions within the business. Read More.
Podcast: It’s more than an Open Road when it comes to charitable support…
This episode of The Streets Sessions features Claire Beacham, a regional manager with Open Road – a drug and alcohol recovery charity in Essex and the Medway, which is Streets Whittles, Streets’ Colchester practice’s, nominated charity.
In conversation with Claire, Streets not only find out more about Open Road’s important work, especially around wellbeing in the workplace, but also what it means to them to work with and to have the support of businesses, in particular Streets Whittles. Listen Now.
Boost your restaurant’s cash flow with these top tips!
Maintaining a healthy cash flow is crucial for the success of any restaurant. Here are five key strategies to get you started. Read More.
SmartMoney
SmartMoney is the bi-monthly magazine from Streets Financial Consulting Ltd, Streets’ independent financial planning arm, full of news and helpful information on personal financial planning. Download Now.
Planning permission granted for new school for pupils with additional needs
Plans to build a new special school in Deighton, Huddersfield, have taken a step forward.
The plans – in a partnership between Kirklees Council and Wellspring Academy Trust – will see Joseph Norton Academy rebuilt and relocated, leading to a high-quality learning environment for pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health difficulties.
Joseph Norton Academy is currently based in Scissett, however the buildings are dated, it offers only 63 places and there is limited scope for expansion.
Planning permission has now been granted for the new-build to go ahead. It will create a total of 132 places in a more central location which better suits the needs of children and young people.
The site is on land that was formerly home to the Deighton Centre. This will reduce the significant distances that some children are currently travelling to school.
The next step will be appointing a contractor to carry out the building works.
David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth and Regeneration, said: “We have worked closely with Joseph Norton Academy and the Wellspring Academy Trust in designing high-quality facilities, both indoors and outdoors.
“The new school will help pupils to fulfil their potential in an environment that’s especially tailored to support them.”
A spokesperson for Wellspring Academy Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news that planning permission has been granted. This is a significant step forward for our pupils.
“We look forward to working closely with the local authority to progress the build and ensure a fantastic new learning environment for future generations.”
