Yorkshire Building Society joins Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network
Yorkshire Building Society has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, showing its support for customers and colleagues with non-visible disabilities.
Branches and offices will display “We Support the Sunflower” stickers and colleagues have taken part in training. Colleagues with non-visible disabilities themselves can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard or pin badge.
Wayne Measor, the Society’s Director of Retail Distribution, said: “We are driven by our purpose to provide real help with real life, so it’s important that all our members and customers feel able to be themselves when interacting with us and in a manner that suits them. I am proud we are supporting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower by providing training and visibility through our amazing colleagues.”
Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, said: “In the rapid acceleration of digital finance, it’s essential that the public can gain access to support on a local level as technology can present barriers to many people with non-visible disabilities. Yorkshire Building Society demonstrates that they put the customer and their colleagues at the heart of their strategy by becoming Sunflower-friendly. Sunflower wearers can access their finances, advice, and guidance when they visit branches with the confidence that they will be recognised and supported with extra time, understanding, and patience.”
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was launched in 2016 to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding for those with conditions that are not immediately obvious to others.
The Sunflower is a simple, discrete way people can choose to make their disability visible, and share that they might need more help, understanding or time.
The Society joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower has been championed by a colleague network tasked with making the organisation more accessible for customers, members and colleagues.
Called to the colours: Haworth firm’s £5m seven-year contract leads to mill refurbishment
A seven-year £5million contract under which Haworth-based Wyedean Weaving will replace all British Armed Forces’ Standards and Colours with the King’s insignia and the Tudor Crown, has helped to fuel the company’s recent investment in a £300k refurbishment to futureproof its 150-year-old Grade II listed mill building.
The fourth-generation family firm is currently putting the finishing touches to the Irish Guards regimental King’s Colour which will be carried at the Trooping of the Colour ceremony on June 15th.
Next Monday four generations of the Wright family will be celebrating Wyedean’s Diamond Jubilee alongside invited guests and guest of honour, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson. The event includes a special recognition presentation to Norma Wright, Wyedean’s 99-year-old chairwoman.
MD Robin Wright said: “60 years ago my parents set up shop here in Haworth with a fledgling business. Since then, Wyedean has employed over 1,000 people with many local family members working here over two and three generations.
“Sixty years on we are Haworth’s oldest employer and also one of its largest, and we wanted to host a celebratory event to say thank you to our team and our customers and to showcase our recent refurbishment alongside the ceremonial regalia for His Majesty’s Forces and His horses that we create every single day. We are also offering a unique opportunity to see our team’s hand embroidery work on the regimental Colours and Standards ahead of the King’s Birthday Parade in June.”
Wyedean was founded as a manufacturer of braid and military uniform accoutrements in 1964 by David Wright who ran the business with his father Frank, a former textile machine designer who was awarded an MBE in recognition of his invention of a new yarn spinning technique called centrifugal spinning.
Robin added: “Our Diamond Jubilee is a very proud moment for all our family, our team and our village, whose rich heritage is a fitting backdrop to the historic and ground breaking manufacturing that happens behind our mill’s walls every day of the week.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the road we have travelled and of the exciting future ahead as we continue to bring our Yorkshire expertise to the creation of royal and military regalia which forms part of our nation’s most ancient ceremonies and traditions.”
Import charge decision angers British Chambers of Commerce
The British Chambers of Commerce organisation is angry at Defra’s stance on the ‘common user charge’ – a bill for importing certain goods.
The organisation’s Head of Trade Policy William Bains said: “This is an extremely disappointing decision by Defra. The level of import charges shows scant regard to the interests of both businesses and consumers.
“A flat rate fee for bringing most animal and plant products into the UK is a hammer blow for small and medium sized importers. It’s also deeply concerning for retailers, cafes and restaurants.
“Importing a small consignment of goods with only five different meat, poultry, egg, milk or some fish products in the medium risk category will now face a bill of £145 per package under these proposals.
“The clock is ticking to 30th April when these charges will come into force. We urge the Government to reconsider their import charge plans in the coming days. Failing to do so risks higher prices for us all, at a time when we should be bearing down on business costs and food price inflation.”
Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire 2024: A Resounding Success
On March 20th, 2024, Lincolnshire experienced a remarkable convergence of visionaries, investors, and innovators at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo. The occasion served as a beacon of opportunity, showcasing the region’s potential for growth, development, and prosperity.
The day kicked off with an exhibitor breakfast that set the tone for all of the exceptional business opportunities awaiting attendees. Networking over a breakfast roll, exhibitors laid the groundwork for fruitful partnerships and collaborations.
One of the highlights of the event was the informative Netzero update by Lee Marshall of Viridis. Lee’s insights into sustainable practices and their integration into business operations left attendees inspired and equipped with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of environmental responsibility. It underscored Lincolnshire’s commitment to sustainability and its pivotal role in shaping future business endeavours.
The fast-paced and fun speed networking session with Lincoln Business Club provided a unique opportunity for participants to expand their networks and forge meaningful connections in a dynamic environment.
Additionally, attendees had the privilege of accessing the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce March Construction & Property Network free of charge, further enriching their experience and providing valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the industry. It exemplified the event’s commitment to providing attendees with unparalleled opportunities for learning and professional development.
The Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire event would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Team Lincolnshire & Invest East Midlands, whose continued sponsorship ensured the event’s success. Their unwavering commitment to promoting business excellence and economic growth in the region is commendable and deserves recognition.
As we reflect on the success of the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo, be sure to add to your diary the big East Midlands Expo on November 11th, 2024, held at EMCC, Nottingham.
Exhibitor space bookings are now open, and we encourage you to secure your spot early to avoid missing out on preferred position. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships within the Property, Construction, Investment, Financial & B2B environment. For further information visit https://businessshowsgroup.co.uk/nottingham/ or email office@businessshowsgroup.co.uk
Transformed former South Bank brewing site fully let
Carter Towler has let The Small Mill, a converted 19th century brewery warehouse on Chadwick Street, South Bank, Leeds.
Acting on behalf of their client Yorkshire Design Group, Carter Towler has secured two new tenants who between them will occupy the entire 17,000 sq ft remodelled and extended building which was once part of the Tetley complex.
Mental health charity Northpoint has secured a 15-year lease for 10,500 sq ft of space and luxury furniture company Dusk.Com occupy the remaining 6,500 sq ft.
Commenting on the deals, Carter Towler Director Rick Fraser said: “The Small Mill is an exceptional property and is a fantastic example of Yorkshire Design Group’s commitment to revitalising historical properties for modern use.
“Located adjacent to Leeds Dock, on the fringe of the city centre, these offices not only provide excellent access to all the amenities the South Bank and the city has to offer but also have direct links to the motorway network. It will provide both companies with an excellent base from which to expand their operations.”
Rob Noble of Yorkshire Design Group added: “We are really pleased to welcome Northpoint and Dusk.Com to The Small Mill. We are proud of the investment we have made in repurposing the mill and its particularly rewarding to see others appreciating all the property has to offer.”
The three-storey brick-built property, including its distinctive steel grain silos, has been sympathetically transformed into contemporary offices complete with a roof terrace, meeting rooms, breakout areas, client-focused spaces, showers and cycle storage. The interior features include exposed brick walls, original oak trusses and exposed structural steelwork.
Duncan Pearse, Chief Executive of Northpoint, concluded: “Due to the consistent growth we’ve seen as an organisation over the past few years, we’re thrilled to now expand our services at The Small Mill.
“This move will further support us in providing good quality mental health provision across the city by improving client experience, as well as creating an environment that promotes the wellbeing of our clients and staff.”
JLL acted as joint agents with Carter Towler.
Approval secured for low carbon hydrogen production facility in Bradford
Hygen’s plans for one of the UK’s largest hydrogen production facilities have been approved in Bradford.
The clean energy pioneers are working in partnership with N-Gen to deliver the hydrogen production facility, with the aim of producing enough hydrogen to replace 800 diesel-fuelled buses a day with zero emissions hydrogen buses, on the West Yorkshire roads.
Plans for the Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen development, on the old Birkshall gas storage site on Bowling Back Lane, were approved by Bradford Council. Once complete, the scheme will produce low carbon hydrogen which can be used to decarbonise vehicles and industry.
At the end of last year, the the Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen facility became the biggest scheme to be awarded funding through the government’s Hydrogen Production Business Model, with the plant having the capacity to produce around 12.5 tonnes of hydrogen per day. The hydrogen will be produced through a process known as electrolysis, using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Jamie Burns, Director at Hygen, said: “The granting of planning permission is a significant step in the development of a facility which will provide enormous benefits to the people of Bradford and the surrounding area.
“Along with our partners, we have worked tirelessly to develop these plans, which will provide a blueprint for how complex projects like this can be delivered, boosting the hydrogen and green economies of the UK.”
Gareth Mills, Managing Director at N-Gen, said: “We are extremely proud to be bringing a flagship hydrogen production facility and significant investment to Bradford. The site was once home to gas holders, which stored natural gas used by the residents and businesses in Bradford, so it is fitting that the site will continue its heritage and now be used for the production and storage of hydrogen, a cleaner fuel.
“We expect the facility to be a valuable addition to the Bradford economy, providing a viable way for local businesses to decarbonise, as well as attracting new companies and jobs to the area, by placing the city at the forefront of the transition to clean energy.”
Businesses and other users in West Yorkshire will be able to use the refuelling facilities on site, with distribution experts Ryze delivering hydrogen to industrial users across the region.
100% exam success for Verner Wheelock Ethical Team
Verner Wheelock are delighted to reveal that every member of their Ethical Team has recently passed their IRCA Social Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor examination. This qualification is seen as the industry standard for social auditors and is recognised worldwide.
MD Alison Wheelock explains, “Our Ethical Team, including myself, is responsible for organising and co-ordinating all our audits. We liaise with both customers and our team of experienced APSCA social auditors, providing pre and post-audit support, to ensure that the whole process runs smoothly.
We decided to take the training, which is based on the international SA8000 Standard, so that we all had a really good, detailed understanding of all elements of carrying out an ethical audit from an auditor’s point of view. For example, the pressures facing companies and auditors; the legal context under which they are operating; standards, codes of conduct, specifications, social issues, the benefits of a social management system etc.”
The intensive 5-day course was delivered by SGS at Verner Wheelock’s training centre in Skipton, North Yorkshire. Verner Wheelock’s Ethical Team have now proved themselves capable of planning, conducting, reporting and following up an audit of a social system against SA8000, or the ETI Base Code on a SMETA audit.
“We aren’t planning to carry out any ethical audits ourselves, we’ll leave that to our team of professional ethical auditors,” adds Alison. “However, we do review Audit Reports and Corrective Action Plans within the team before they are published on the Sedex platform. This training will help us to answer even more customer and auditor queries and has given us a sound understanding of what our auditors do and the challenges they can face on a typical audit.”
Perhaps better-known for outstanding results in HACCP, Food Safety, Auditing and specialist training for the food industry, Verner Wheelock has been delivering ethical audits for almost 20 years. Last year the company undertook 270 SMETA ethical audits for growers and manufacturing sites in the UK and Ireland. Verner Wheelock is an Affiliate Audit Company (AAC) with Sedex and a member firm of APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors).
“We are extremely busy and always looking for more social auditors to join our nationwide team,” says Alison. “If there is anyone out there who has experience in this field and is interested in working with us, or becoming an auditor, please get in touch.”
Contact details can be found on Verner Wheelock’s website: www.vwa.co.uk
Humber Business Weeks gears up for 20th anniversary celebration
Humber Business Week intends to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of its programme for the year at an event next month.
The annual ‘festival’ of business events returns in the first week of June, and new chair Pat Coyle says time will be taken to reflect on how businesses across the Humber region have made the week a success, and envied from afar.
The week is not backed by any public funding or private sponsorship, and has been driven by businesses themselves over the years, with the vast majority of events staged at no cost to attendees.
Mrs Coyle said: “We know our Business Week model is envied in other areas of the country as we’ve managed to support and grow what has become a successful event in the local business calendar each year with no access to major funding or major pots of money.
“Humber Business Week was established in 2004 with five events and has been built on the willingness of our business community to come together for the good of the region, and to support one another.
“We’ve had fantastic support from so many businesses and organisations who specifically plan and earmark an event for Business Week. They want it to be part of the week and that has ensured, over the years, that we’ve had some landmark moments.
“We’ve had major announcements of new investment in the region and the week has also often coincided with extensive national media coverage about emerging industries such as the digital and renewables sectors.
“I am thrilled that as part of the week this year Future Humber will be detailing the new Humber Place Narrative, a collective new branding and messaging for our region to collectively send out the right messages, drive strategic investment and foster a unified voice of the Humber.
“It is about the collective strength of the Humber region, and that is what Business Week has always been about.”
I&G wins contract to build UK’s first centre for motor neurone disease
Yorkshire-based Sewell Group construction firm I&G has been appointed by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to build the new Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds; the first of its kind in the UK.
The new facility, on the Seacroft Hospital site, will bring a much-needed resource to the region and see all MND services housed under one roof for the first time. Named after rugby league legend Rob Burrow, who campaigns for MND after being diagnosed with the condition in 2019, the new centre will be funded by Leeds Hospitals Charity who have been fundraising to bring Rob’s vision to life. The building has been made possible through fundraising efforts across the UK and will be constructed using modern methods of construction, with structurally insulated panels (SIPs) being manufactured offsite and erected in position, allowing a quicker, more efficient and more environmentally friendly process than a traditional build. The design of the building is intended to create a sense of community and an environment that meets the needs of patients, families and staff. As well as clinical areas and treatment rooms, the building will include a central space where people can come together, along with reading and quiet spaces, as well as activity, dining and outdoor areas. I&G have a track record of delivering high quality schemes in live hospital environments and the project is the next in a series that the company are delivering in conjunction with Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, which includes the new Seacroft Community Diagnostic Centre. I&G MD Christopher Carline said: “We’re extremely proud to have been entrusted to build this new centre for motor neurone disease; it’s a life-limiting condition that has a profound effect on people diagnosed, as well as their friends and family, so we’re delighted to be able to deliver a centre that puts their needs at the heart of the local community it will serve, alongside the dedicated charity who have worked tirelessly to get to this stage.” Richard Noble, Associate Director Estate Strategy and Development at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We’ve worked with I&G on several projects over recent years and we know they have a track record of delivering high quality schemes at pace, so we can’t wait for them to get started and see this much-needed facility come to life.”Karl joins Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee
Yorkshireman Karl Oxford has been appointed to the Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee.
Karl’s experience in strategic community regeneration, policy design and business development has been instrumental in uplifting Black businesses and communities in the region. His extensive career includes current roles such as Director of African and Caribbean Business Ventures, an Executive Director at Palm Cove Society CIC, Vice Chair of the BAME Committee at the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Co-founder of Voice 4 Change England and Co-founder of the former African Caribbean Westminster Initiative.
Karl said: “This role enables me to support Black entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on addressing the unique challenges they face across the North. I look forward to working with the committee to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced in the region and ensure our support is as impactful and inclusive as possible.”
Claudine Reid added: “Karl’s unique blend of expertise and dedication to community development makes him a valuable addition to the committee through his strong connections with businesses and community leaders in Yorkshire. His perspective will be instrumental in our continued efforts to build equity for Black business owners nationwide.”
Abandoning second class post is too much for small firms to bear, says FSB
Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “Taking the axe to daily deliveries for second class would be a drastic cut which would hit the many small businesses which rely on it, and will in all probability leave some with no choice but to fork out for first class.
“However, Royal Mail’s concession to retain a six-day-a-week service for first class letters is a good step in the right direction, compared to its original dire proposal – voiced via Ofcom – to torpedo daily deliveries altogether. The Government rightfully said it was committed to keeping the six-day service as it is, and that is something that would have required legislation to change.
“We do recognise that savings need to be made, therefore the idea that bulk business mail, like bills and statements, will arrive within three working days instead of two is a difficult but sensible way to make savings without causing an enormous amount of disruption.
“It’s good that Royal Mail has listened to us on some parts of its consultation response. We hope that Ofcom will reflect on the detrimental impact of diminishing six-day-a-week deliveries, and remind itself that its role is to protect consumers rather than be a cheerleader for service cuts by an organisation it’s supposed to regulate.”
Government plans to get tough with failing social housing providers
Failing social housing providers are being told the must raise standards to ensure all tenants live in decent homes and are treated with fairness and respect by their landlords under the threat of unlimited fines.
In the most significant change to the regulation of social housing in a decade, landlords will now be routinely inspected and held to account to make sure they provide their residents with quality homes and services. Those who do not abide by these new rules face a range of potential sanctions, including appointing new management or unlimited fines.
New powers mean the Regulator can drive up standards and take action where providers fall short. The rules now require landlords to:
- Have an accurate record on the condition of every home, based on checks of properties so landlords can understand any problems and take action.
- Set clear timelines for the completion of repairs, maintenance and planned improvements, communicating them clearly to tenants.
- Give tenants opportunities to influence and scrutinise their landlord’s services such as through meetings with tenant organisations.
- Provide tenants with information about their rights and how to make complaints.
- Publish the new tenant satisfaction measures to make it clear how tenants feel their landlord is performing and hold them to account.
British Steel waits for North Lincolnshire to follow Teesside’s lead with electric arc furnace permission
With Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council having just granted permission for British Steel to build an Electric Arc Furnace at its Teesside plant the company is now eagerly awaiting a similar approval for the Scunthorpe site from North Lincolnshire Council.
The manufacturer’s £1.25 proposed transformation – its biggest in more than a century of steelmaking – is subject to appropriate support from the UK Government.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission to build an Electric Arc Furnace at our Teesside site, and thank everyone who has supported our proposals to bring steelmaking back to the region.
“The proposed installation of EAFs in Scunthorpe and Teesside is central to our journey to a green future as they would help us reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 75 per cent. However, it is crucial we now secure the backing of the UK Government.
“Our owner, Jingye, is committed to the unprecedented investment decarbonisation requires and our desire to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint, coupled with challenging market conditions, means it is imperative swift and decisive action is taken to ensure a sustainable future for British Steel.
“We started talks with the UK Government in 2022 about the timely support we require on our journey to net zero, including the need for the British government to adopt the correct policies and frameworks now to back our drive to become a clean, green, and successful company. We are committed to working with the UK Government and need to reach an agreement quickly so we can achieve our ambitious goals, secure thousands of jobs and keep making the steel Britain needs for generations to come.”
Significant preparation works, including environmental and technical studies, and equipment selection, are underway to ensure the company’s ambitious proposals can be delivered at the earliest opportunity while discussions with the UK Government continue.
Both proposed EAFs would replace the aging iron and steelmaking operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site which are responsible for the vast majority of its CO2 emissions. The company proposes maintaining current operations until a transition to electric arc steelmaking.
British Steel has started preliminary talks with trade unions about electrification, and has promised to support employees affected by its decarbonisation plans.
Xijun said: “We are confident our proposals will help secure the low-embedded carbon steelmaking the UK requires now and for decades to come.”
Brothers to share Chairman’s role at Lindum Group
Construction company Lindum Group says it’s ‘business as usual’ after this week’s appointment of brothers Freddie and Edward Chambers as Co-Chairmen to lead the Board.
They have taken over from their father David, who had been at the helm since 1991 and will remain as non-executive director of Lindum, which has offices in Lincoln, York and Peterborough.
Freddie and Edward will be supported by an experienced Executive Board as well as a strong team of divisional directors and employees.
Both brothers were keen to stress they would continue to lead with the same principles which have been at Lindum’s core for decades. This includes valuing practical work, common sense and teamwork while fostering a culture of tackling problems together and sharing successes with all employees.
Freddie said: “While this marks the next step in the Lindum future, it really will be, we hope, a case of ‘business as usual’ for our people, partners, and clients, whilst we focus on continuing to try to improve what we do and keeping competitive for clients, with a geography east of the M1 in the main.
“We run a family business, but the Lindum Family is a broad cross section of energetic people who have been with us, some for a short time and others longer, often with several generations of the same families, and we have always encouraged full involvement by every employee, as it makes such a difference to our service, the teamwork and the manner in which we deliver our work.
“What’s more, 500 of our 600 employees own shares in Lindum, which means that everyone has a direct share and interest in the future of the business. The difference really is our people! In a sometimes-difficult industry, we try and look after our employees well, who then look after our clients.”
The brothers will share the duties of the Chairman role, as Co-Chairs, which include presiding over board meetings, representing Lindum in the community and leading the company’s strategy, as well as being jointly responsible for more operational CEO-type duties, such as business plans, troubleshooting and communications.
Edward added: “This announcement is part of the company’s ongoing succession planning process and will help, we believe, secure the future of Lindum as a good quality and local employer for another generation.
“Freddie and I are very lucky to have the support of a fantastic team of 600 people who want to do a good job for our customers and want Lindum to do well as a business. I’ve no doubt there will be plenty of advice coming our way!
Hotel overlooking North Yorkshire coast sold
On behalf of Coast & Country Hotels, specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold The Royal Hotel Whitby in North Yorkshire.
Located in the seaside town of Whitby, the 115-room hotel boasts ocean views and is just a 5-minute walk from the town’s harbour and Whitby Abbey, which is famously mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The hotel is an ideal destination stay for tourists looking to explore the area, and enjoy the charm of the historic building which features a grand reception hall, a large ballroom for functions and events, a substantial restaurant and dining rooms.
Mark Worley, Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, says: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of The Royal hotel in Whitby, which will continue as a hotel for ongoing hospitality use under its new ownership.
“The hotel is one of the 33-assets put to market as part of the Coast & Country Portfolio. The hotels have received very strong interest to date, and a very limited number of these assets remain available, so we invite any interested parties to get in touch.”
Private equity-backed housebuilder secures £12.2m for Yorkshire schemes
OakNorth, the neobank for entrepreneurs, has provided a further £12.2m loan to SME housebuilder, honey, to part fund the acquisition and development of two of its latest major residential schemes.
Founded in October 2022 by former Avant Homes CEO, Mark Mitchell, the business is also backed by private equity provider, Alchemy Partners.
The new housing schemes located in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire and Maltby, South Yorkshire, will provide a combined total of 252 new homes for the region.
The Maltby site, consisting of 185 detached and semi-detached homes, will also include 46 affordable units and is situated close to Maltby’s town centre.
honey’s new Huddersfield site will consist of 67 detached and semi-detached homes, including 13 affordable units and is situated in Fenay Bridge.
Mark Mitchell, founder & CEO of honey, said: “With the launch of honey just under 18 months ago, I’m delighted my vision of building new homes that deliver a combination of style, substance and sustainability continues to be realised.
“We’ve seen a constant high demand on all our sites to date and given the high quality of the units and the close proximity to major commercial towns and cities, we expect demand for our new schemes in Maltby and Huddersfield to be no different.
“Having now worked closely with OakNorth on six separate occasions, they’ve really cemented themselves as a funder of choice that continues to provide all the solutions to the pain points we normally face when working with the larger lenders.”
Damien Hughes, Senior Director of Property Finance at OakNorth, added: “Despite only launching in October 2022, Honey has quickly built-up an impressive reputation for offering a unique way to build homes that successfully combines style, substance and sustainability for the benefit of all its customers.
“We continue to believe in the vital role that SME housebuilders play in benefitting local communities and economies, and are thrilled that we were able to provide honey with six individual bespoke debt facilities.
“We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Mark and his team moving forward and also look forward to supporting honey on more residential projects in the future.”
Pepperells sets up criminal defence law department
Pepperells Solicitors has set up a department specialising in criminal defence law at its West Parade office in Lincoln. This department will cater to the increasing demand for expert legal representation in criminal matters.
Led by criminal defence solicitor Sonia Bhalla, the department brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a proven track record of successfully defending clients across a spectrum of criminal cases, Sonia Bhalla is dedicated to upholding the rights of individuals and ensuring fair legal proceedings.
Joining her is Jan Povada, an esteemed police station representative renowned for his comprehensive understanding of police procedures and protocols. With his profound knowledge of the criminal justice system, Jan Povada offers invaluable support to clients during police interviews and investigations, ensuring their rights are protected at every step of the process.
Nigel Sloane, Head of Department at Pepperells, said: “Our expansion into criminal defence law in Lincoln reflects our firm’s unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive legal services to our clients. With Sonia Bhalla and Jan Povada at the helm in Lincoln, we are poised to deliver unparalleled representation to individuals facing criminal charges in Lincolnshire, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded and their voices are heard. Sonia and Jan join a well-established team of professionals supporting clients with their criminal proceedings across East Yorkshire, Humberside and Lincolnshire.
Firms to be offered free funding support advice at Hull event
Businesses can discover a range of funding support whilst sampling the latest offer from Hull Adventure Centre at The Hull Business Expo next week.
Hull City Council’s business support team will be available to discuss the assistance they can provide, such as through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Advisors can facilitate access to grants for business growth, creating new jobs and implementing energy saving measures.
Hull Adventure Centre will also be in attendance showcasing its two-seater karts with a track in the car park on Princes Quay, plus the opportunity to try your hand at tag archery.
Alex Codd, assistant director for economic development and regeneration at the council, said: “The Hull Business Expo is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to engage, connect and support each other. Our business support team will be on hand to provide expert advice on the day.
“To complement this, my wider service includes Hull Adventure Centre, which is an exciting new facility in east Hull and visitors to the Business Expo can race around the car park in karts, which is a brilliant addition to the day.”
This year’s event is free to attend and will be held on Wednesday 10 April at Princes Quay from 10am to 4pm.
New scheme could mean thousands of jobs at former Hedon Aerodrome
Hull City Council has today given the green light for a multi-million-pound innovative scheme at the former Hedon Aerodrome with is expected to create thousands of new jobs.
The land, now known as Yorkshire Energy Park, is allocated as part of the Humber Freeport to the east of Hull.
Cabinet’s decision means that implementation of the £200m scheme can go ahead which will act as a catalyst for the Humber ‘Energy Estuary’ provision and green energy storage.
The council previously established an agreement for the land to support its future development, with up to a million square feet of business space, green technology education and sports facilities proposed.
The revised scheme will help to deliver renewable energy, battery storage and state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, as well as space to facilitate research and development in sustainable energy.
This is expected to create around 4,500 jobs, both on and off site as part of the construction phase, for which a target of 80 per cent would be recruited through local employment, bringing a wider impact on the economy.
The commercial arrangements will increase the level of financial benefits to the council in terms of capital receipts and long-term revenue income share.
It will also support the progression of a successful £22m bid to the Green Heat Network Fund for the city’s second district heating scheme which will make use of waste heat from Saltend Chemicals Park.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This decision will provide significant opportunities at the Yorkshire Energy Park. It will help cement Hull’s status as a leader in renewable energy, whilst also creating large-scale local job opportunities in the area.”
Although the site falls outside of Hull’s administrative boundary, public engagement with residents of Hedon was conducted, as well as with sports clubs and statutory service providers and bodies.
The project also involves the relocation and enhancement of the sports facilities in the area, with hundreds currently using the pitches during football and rugby seasons.
More than 2,000 jobs could be created at Saltend Hydrogen plant
Plans for a hydrogen and carbon capture plant which could create more than 2,000 jobs have been approved for a site at Salt End.
Norwegian energy company Equinor is behind the plans for “H2H Saltend”, with the objective of cutting emissions at the Saltend Chemicals Park by up to a third.
The plant is being described as “one of the UK’s key decarbonisation projects”. It is understood that work could begin between 2026-30 and, once operational, around 2,200 jobs could be created.
Project Director Derek Ho said: “This key project could help to kick-start multiple decarbonisation initiatives in the Humber. It is an important first step in creating a low-carbon hydrogen economy and achieving net zero in the Humber, safeguarding local industries and creating greater opportunities including new jobs and skills, whilst helping the UK to tackle climate change.”
Equinor says the site will be one of the UK’s first on this scale, to be approved in the UK. Plans envisage building a 600-megawatt, low-carbon hydrogen plant at Saltend Chemicals Park, with the hydrogen being used in chemical processes by companies based nearby. It would also directly replace natural gas in a number of industrial facilities, reducing the carbon intensity of their products.
The site would also include a carbon capture and storage facility. Almost 900,000 tonnes of CO2 would also be captured and sent for storage below the North Sea, equivalent to taking around half a million cars off the road.
The Humber region produces about 12.4m tonnes of CO2 every year. Saltend Chemicals Park produces roughly the same amount of emissions as the whole of Merseyside, and Equinor estimates that the H2H project would help cut emissions here by up to a third.
H2H Saltend could also form part of an “East Coast Cluster” carbon capture transport and storage network. Operators such as Equinor will soon be able to bid to be a part of this cluster.
Pipelines would run from Easington in the East Riding and across northern Lincolnshire, including to a carbon capture power station at Keadby, which was approved in 2022. Pipelines would also run to Drax power station, near Selby, and transfer CO2 out for sub-sea storage. Equinor says these proposals could make the Humber, the UK’s most carbon-intensive industrial region, net-zero by 2040.
