Investment supports data protection specialist’s expansion

Tess Egginton
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Investment supports data protection specialist’s expansion

Investment from Finance Yorkshire is supporting a company specialising in data protection to grow its portfolio of clients.

ProvePrivacy, based in Bradford, is a secure, digital platform designed for data protection and information governance professionals to manage data protection compliance in their organisations.

A £74,200 investment from Finance Yorkshire’s business loans fund has enabled the business to drive marketing to gain more public and private sector clients. The investment is also supporting further development of the platform.

ProvePrivacy founder Mark Roebuck developed the platform after a career in data protection consultancy, leading large scale organisational data-led projects for blue-chip clients. It was clear during this time that there was a need for a solution to help organisations manage and monitor data protection compliance.

The introduction of GDPR led Mark to concentrate on his expertise in data protection and how organisations assess and minimise risks in the use of personal data.

Mark said: “My work in advising on GDPR led to the creation of the ProvePrivacy platform – I was working with organisations who were improving their systems to cope with GDPR and the risks associated with it.

“The platform supports organisations in the management of data as well as assessment to identify and minimise risks and demonstrate compliance, removing the need for a multitude of spreadsheets and allowing data champions of all skill levels to complete the necessary information.”

Mark carried out a proof of concept at Bradford City Football Club where he was previously an associate director. The platform was developed through the Covid 19 pandemic and launched 18 months ago.

Mark added: “I have been focussed on developing the product and now is the time to drive our marketing and build up our work particularly in the private sector. Finance Yorkshire’s investment enables us to do this while at the same time continuing to develop and enhance the platform’s features and functionality in line with data protection requirements and user needs.”

Alex McWhirter, chief executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Mark has brought his wealth of experience in the field of data protection to develop an intuitive product which responds to the needs of organisations where the use and governance of personal data is paramount. We are pleased to support him in the development of his innovative platform and the growth of the business.”

Luxury homeware retailer expands at iPort

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Luxury homeware retailer expands at iPort
Verdion has leased a further unit at iPort to a luxury homeware retailer. Dusk has taken iP2f, a total of 174,381 sq ft including a 169,317 sq ft warehouse plus offices and welfare space, for immediate occupation. It took the adjacent 119,060 sq ft iP2g facility in April 2021. Jamie Young, development surveyor at Verdion, said: “Dusk’s decision to increase its space at iPort is great news. Creating a logistics hub where occupiers can easily expand as their businesses grow has been part of our vision from the start and our asset and facilities management teams work closely with tenants to understand their requirements. “This is the third company based here that has taken further space. At the same time, we remain focussed on bringing new names to Doncaster, with immediate opportunities and build to suit capacity.” Gent Visick, CBRE and Colliers are the retained leasing agents for iPort. Blacks Solicitors advised Dusk.

Agilio Software secures strategic growth investment

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Agilio Software secures strategic growth investment
Agilio Software, a Sheffield-headquartered frontline healthcare operations software provider, has secured strategic growth investment from Five Arrows, the alternative assets arm of Rothschild & Co., and TA Associates, a global private equity firm, to support the next phase of the company’s expansion plans. Founded in 2019, Agilio offers a suite of products that help healthcare professionals automate and optimise critical operational functions, such as workforce management, compliance and clinical assets tracking. “In the four years since our inception, with support from founding investor August Equity, we have realised our vision of introducing professional, integrated solutions into frontline healthcare settings,” said Dr. Sati Sian, Agilio Chairman. “We are now ready to scale up further and are delighted to welcome two world-class investors in the form of Five Arrows and TA to support us on the next stage of our journey.” “Our user-friendly, integrated systems are helping thousands of under-pressure frontline healthcare providers work more efficiently every day,” added Neil Laycock, Agilio CEO. “This partnership with Five Arrows and TA will help us deliver new products and services for our core UK and Netherlands markets as we continue to expand into new customer sectors. We also plan to expand into multiple new countries where we believe there is strong demand for our solutions.” TA and Five Arrows’ investment will support Agilio to bolster product development and innovation, expand into new verticals beyond primary care, dental and veterinary, and accelerate international growth, following its first expansion into Europe with an acquisition in the Netherlands in 2022. “We have tracked Agilio for several years and have been deeply impressed by the company’s journey thus far. Through several strategic acquisitions and a continued commitment to innovation, Agilio has built a market-leading software platform that improves patient care and meets the evolving needs of healthcare providers,” said Naveen Wadhera, Managing Director at TA. “Agilio is well-positioned to further strengthen its suite of solutions and expand its geographic footprint. We are delighted to support the company on the next chapter of its growth as it looks to further enhance its user experience,” added Kunal Pandit, Managing Director at Five Arrows. “The leadership team at Agilio has done a fantastic job in growing the business into the UK’s leading healthcare operations software provider,” said Mike Biddulph, Partner at August Equity. “It has been a privilege to support them on their initial journey and achieve such strong and dynamic growth. We are confident that the business will continue to thrive under the stewardship of Five Arrows and TA.”

New Leeds home for professional services organisation

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New Leeds home for professional services organisation
EY has chosen Wellington Place as its new Leeds home. The global professional services organisation will take over 25,300 sq ft in 12 Wellington Place. The move signifies the firm’s continued investment in its growing Yorkshire business following record UK revenues in 2023. It now employs over 480 people including 39 partners, and also welcomed 34 graduates and apprentices to the Leeds office in September 2023 as part of the firm’s student recruitment programme. EY’s new office at 12 Wellington Place will provide a modern workspace with more areas for both in-person collaboration and independent working, in support of the firm’s approach to hybrid working. EY’s move signals that a total of 228,986 sq ft of office space in 11 & 12 Wellington Place is now fully let just 12 months after the building completed in February last year. Lettings included Lloyds Banking Group, who took 124,400 sq ft of space, and marked the largest occupier deal to be completed across all of the major UK regional cities last year.

Plans lodged to transform Goole’s historic Market Hall

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Plans lodged to transform Goole’s historic Market Hall
Plans have been lodged seeking approval to transform Goole’s historic Market Hall into a food, drink and events venue. One of the eight strategic projects allocated a share of Goole’s Town Deal funding, the refurbishment of the Market Hall is seen as an ‘anchor’ project that will significantly increase footfall and spend in the town centre. It’s hoped that it can also become a central part of what’s considered to be Goole’s ‘cultural quarter’ by collaborating with Junction Goole and Goole Museum. As well a resident food and drink offering, the refurbished Market Hall would also provide flexible space for local creative and craft businesses and host events of both a commercial and community nature. A boxing event held there recently was just one example of the many different types of activities that the venue could host in the future. Subject to planning permission being granted, a third party operator will be appointed to run the site and manage the resident operators, as well as any pop-up stalls and events. The reinvention of the Market Hall has been made possible by a Goole Town Deal grant funding award of £3.6 million, some of which has already been spent on work aimed at making the building usable in the short-term. This involved repairing the leaking roof, levelling the floor and upgrading the electrics.

£2.3m support package for West Yorkshire’s creative sector rolled out

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£2.3m support package for West Yorkshire’s creative sector rolled out
A new initiative has been launched to help venues and event organisers in West Yorkshire become more accessible to disabled artists and audiences. It will be the first scheme to be rolled out as part of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, which aims to support and grow the region’s creative sector through a range of training and investment opportunities. Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “We’re on a mission to make sure that West Yorkshire’s world class culture offer is accessible to all. “This first investment is just the beginning. Everything we’re rolling out over the coming months is going to give our creative businesses, freelancers, venues and beyond the support they need to unleash their potential. “Thanks to devolution giving us the freedom to play to our strengths, we’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.” More ‘You Can Make It Here’ initiatives are set to be launched over the coming months, including business and skills training to support freelancers, help for creative businesses to increase their exports, and a music sector network to boost activity in the region. Opportunities for young people from disadvantaged groups to break down the barriers and secure employment in television and film production roles will also be introduced, through an extension of support for the Mayor’s Screen Diversity Programme, run by Screen Yorkshire. Delivered by Wakefield-based disabled-led organisation, Unlimited, the inaugural accessibility session took place in Halifax, where attendees learnt the basics of disability equality, how to make venues and events accessible, and how to support disabled artists and audiences. The new resource offers a one-stop shop for support and guidance, with grants of up to £10,000 also available to help make cultural venues more accessible. Jo Verrent, Director at Unlimited, said: “We’re excited to be bringing this bespoke programme of training, advice and guidance, along with small-scale capital grants that will support and empower arts organisations and those who programme arts events across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield. “We exist to support, and commission disabled artists and create change across the sector. So, I’m thrilled this work is happening in the North, our home, so we can really catalyse change that makes a lasting impact for disabled artists and disabled led work.” The ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme – approved by leaders in July – cements the Mayor’s pledge to deliver a ‘Creative New Deal’ for the region.

Work starts on expansion of £10m Leeds Private Hospital

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Work starts on expansion of £10m Leeds Private Hospital
Work has now started on site for a 10,000 sq ft extension to the Leeds Private Hospital at the 17th Century Red Hall House estate. Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr Fas Arshad and his wife Ms Sommiya bought the historic estate, by the East Leeds Orbital Route (ELOR) close to Roundhay Park, from the Rugby Football League in 2021. The couple self-funded £3m of Phase One of the development, which was completed in 2022 when Leeds Private Hospital became fully operational. Phase Two of the development will comprise an additional two state-of-the-art operation theatres, anaesthetic facilities, nursing ward, patient overnight rooms as well as outpatient consulting rooms. Dr Arshad said: “Since we bought Red Hall House in 2021, Leeds Private Hospital has gone from strength to Strength. We have almost doubled our staff and we are employing local NHS consultant surgeons and consultant anaesthetists to come and work with us to provide high standard surgical services. Our ultimate aim is to be able to process higher volumes of work to ease the heavy burden on the over-run NHS in the Yorkshire region.” The chosen contractor for the building works is Brookes Development Ltd, with Phase 2 of the project set to be completed next summer. Jonathan Erkulis, director of the Yorkshire-based E3 Architecture, is working closely with Dr Arshad on the transformation of the Red Hall House estate. He explained: “Our detailed plans have secured the restoration, sustainability and longevity of this important Grade II Listed Building, while creating sensitive and high-quality designed additions to create a prestigious state-of the-art medical facility. “It has been a pleasure working with Dr Arshad to secure the stunning redevelopment of Red Hall House itself and of the 10,000 sq ft extension. The project is an example of where conservation and commercial aspirations can work together through major investment.”

Small businesses get new champion in Shirley

Stuart Pearcey
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Small businesses get new champion in Shirley
Entrepreneur Shirley Cooper has taken up a key role to promote the needs of small businesses to government and ensure suppliers seize the benefits of the Procurement Act. She will lead on the overall relationship between the government and small businesses, making sure the government gets best value from SMEs, and that they in turn have the best possible opportunity to work with the government. She said: “I look forward to working with colleagues across Government to make sure small businesses can seize the fantastic opportunities available to them in the public procurement process.” She will also support the commitment to, and delivery of, increasing central government spend on SMEs. This spend has risen every year since 2016/17, and stood at a record £21billion worth of work in 2021/2022. The Government spends around £300billion every year on procurement. Ms Cooper is a former chair and president of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, and met Parliamentary Secretary Alex Burghart for the first time as Crown Representative for small businesses earlier this month. They discussed priorities for the next 12 months, with a focus on the implementation of the Procurement Act in October, which will see further benefits for start-ups and small businesses wishing to work with the government. These include simpler processes, greater transparency and access to opportunities, as well as strengthened payment terms which will maximise value for money and innovation in the government market.  

Manufacturing Festival starts on Thursday in Leeds

Stuart Pearcey
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Manufacturing Festival starts on Thursday in Leeds
The seventh Leeds Manufacturing Festival starts on Thursday designed to raise the profile of the industry in the city, promoting the wide range of careers on offer, and building relationships between employers and schools and colleges. Dozens of big-name manufacturing and engineering businesses are involved in this year’s festival, which has become a cornerstone of many firms’ new talent recruitment strategy. Ben Wilson, director of Leeds fibreglass moulding manufacturer MPM and festival chair, said: “Last year’s festival was a runaway success. A really engaging programme of events made a tremendous impact in boosting young people’s awareness of the vast range of career options that our vibrant manufacturing industry offers, and we now have more employers, schools and colleges taking part than ever before. “Building on the momentum we have created, this year our programme will be even bigger and better. With a focus on best practice, skills development initiatives, careers advice and apprenticeships, we’re aiming to go even further towards addressing the issue of recruitment and future skills which remains the primary challenge for manufacturing employers.”
West Yorkshire is home to around 5,600 manufacturing firms employing over 104,000 people and Leeds is the UK’s third largest manufacturing centre by local authority area. Leeds city region boasts the UK’s largest manufacturing employment base, generating £8.26 billion a year, 14% of the region’s economic output. This year’s festival will start at Leeds City College’s Printworks Campus on 22 February. High-profile keynote speakers, Steve Burnell MD of Boeing Defence UK, which employs over 2,000 people across its sites in the UK, and Fiona McGarry from manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, will top the bill at the event, with contributions from both employers and younger people working in manufacturing.

Goole and Howdenshire Business Award judges select their finalists

Stuart Pearcey
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Goole and Howdenshire Business Award judges select their finalists
Judges of the Hull and Humber Chamber’s Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards have chosen their shortlist of finalists from almost 80 entries. As in previous years, the independent judging panel was also tasked with selecting the recipient of the Overall Business of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Siemens, from the shortlisted finalists. Meanwhile, the organising committee has chosen an individual to receive the Tim Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award. Garrey Haase, Chair of the organising committee, said: “We received almost 80 entries, which is one of the highest numbers ever, and we’re very grateful to our judges for giving up their time to consider them for us. “It’s great to see so many businesses of all sizes and from such a broad mix of different sectors entering the awards, which are now in their 13th year and continue to go from strength to strength.” Winners from this shortlist will be announced at an event at Goole Academy in April 5th. Charity of the Year Award (sponsored by Jos Richardson & Son):
  • Goole Amateur Boxing Club.
  • Open Source Healing Initiative Community Interest Company.
  • Families In Goole.
Environmentally Friendly Business of the Year Award (sponsored by PA Media Group):
  • KRL Group Limited.
  • William’s Den
  • Biffa Waste Services.
  • FMG Repair Services.
Small Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Grotech):
  • Ideal Removals.
  • Accountancy Tuition Academy Limited.
  • Yorkshire Financial Planning Limited.
  • Circular Renewables Limited.
Large Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Chronicle Publications Ltd):
  • Fullers Quality Bakers.
  • Fisher Security Limited.
  • Drewton’s Farm Shop.
  • First Avenue Training Limited.
Contribution to the Community Award – Charity (sponsored by Link Agency):
  • 2357 (Goole) RAF Air Cadets.
  • Eastrington Sports Club.
  • Phoenix Community Radio, Goole.
New Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Danbrit):
  • Badger & Bean Limited.
  • Sign With Sarah-Jade.
  • Feast 78 Limited.
  • Ginger’s Ice Cream Parlour.
Training and Development Award (sponsored by Drax):
  • First Avenue Training Limited.
  • Extra Space Developments Limited.
  • Accountancy Tuition Academy Limited.
  • FMG Repair Services.
Self Employed/Micro Business of the Year Award (sponsored by Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce):
  • Betty’s Cleaning Services/Quick Response Yorkshire.
  • And Marketing Limited.
  • Sign With Sarah-Jade.
  • The E-Safety Office.
 Marketing Excellence Award (sponsored by Filstorage):
  • Drewton’s Farm Shop.
  • DCB Plumbing & Heating.
  • Footballerz Limited.
Team of the Year Award (sponsored by Fisher Security Ltd):
  • The Step Up Pre-School.
  • Phoenix Community Radio, Goole.
  • First Avenue Training Limited.
Hugh Walton Contribution to the Community Award – Business (sponsored by H Walton Ltd):
  • Our Goole.
  • Ideal Removals.
  • Footballerz Limited.

Five-year industry-led project seeks to boost planning authority skills

Stuart Pearcey
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Five-year industry-led project seeks to boost planning authority skills
The British Chambers of Commerce and founding partner Aviva are establishing a £3m five-year industry-led programme to increase skills and capacity in Local Planning Authorities. The programme will pay for at least 100 undergraduate and masters’ level qualifications for people entering the planning industry, and for people already working in LPAs who need to develop skills for more senior planning roles. It will pay for the learner’s training and will aim to facilitate work experience and jobs within LPAs. In return, at the end of their course of study, the learner must commit to work in a council planning role for at least two years. The BCC is asking businesses from all sectors to contribute to the programme’s fund with the aim of raising at least £3 million. Aviva is contributing £500,000 as the first UK firm to support the scheme. The BCC says members of all sizes are clear that limited resources and specialist skills within the planning system are delaying important investment that would promote growth across the UK. The programme aims to address this by increasing the pipeline of talent into the sector and expertise among existing planners. Whilst the programme is industry-led, ahead of the Spring Budget, the BCC is calling on the Government to commit to matching the £3 million contribution to ensure that LPAs can employ newly qualified graduates for at least two years . The Government is being urged to introduce a mechanism for those LPAs in greatest need of additional planning skills and resources to access dedicated funding. Baroness Martha Lane Fox, President of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The UK’s economy is being held back by a slow planning system, and we must address the lack of resource by giving local planning authorities some hope of support. “The Chamber’s membership is consistently telling us a slow planning system due to limited resource is blocking much-needed investment and halting growth. We want to work in in partnership with government to take concrete steps to support them to help unlock our planning system. “Investing in Talent, Building Communities is a five-year programme led by the BCC, with founding partner Aviva, to help local councils with endless delays in the planning system,get on with driving the British economy forward. It is vital that businesses of all shapes and sizes across the country contribute to this initiative. The Spring Budget offers the Chancellor an opportunity to match the industry’s commitment to unblocking Britain’s planning problem, he must seize it.” Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive of Aviva said: “Greater planning capacity is key to supporting more investment in UK housing, regeneration and infrastructure.  More planners and more specialist planning skills will allow businesses to invest with more certainty and greater speed, boosting economic growth and make a meaningful difference to communities across the UK.”

Further £2.5m promises to create more skilled workers for vital sectors

Stuart Pearcey
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Further £2.5m promises to create more skilled workers for vital sectors
A further £2.5m from the second phase of the HigherTechnical Education Skills Injection fund promises to help the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology support learners across Lincolnshire to achieve highly-valued qualifications within priority sectors, such as engineering, construction, manufacturing, health, science, agriculture and environmental technologies. Partners that are set to benefit from the funding include Boston College, Grantham College & University Centre, Lincoln College, Riseholme College, University Campus North Lincolnshire, and University Centre Grimsby. £1.5m of capital investment will go towards state-of-the-art equipment, which will ensure that students and employers have access to the latest technologies. The remaining £1m of resource funding will be invested in ensuring that LIoT partners can meet future employer and student expectations, including upskilling delivery staff in upcoming industry techniques. Mick Lochran, Director at Lincolnshire Institute of Technology, said: ”This additional funding couldn’t be more valuable to us. If Greater Lincolnshire is to tackle the county’s long-term productivity gap and train the highly skilled professionals modern industry needs, education providers must be able to invest in the latest technologies. “That being said, our work can only continue to succeed if more employers are investing in their workforce to build the higher level skills of the future. We’d  urge all firms within these industries to upskill and develop their employees. “I’m very excited to see what the next few years hold for all of the partners of Lincolnshire Institute of Technology – it’s fantastic to be a driving force in upskilling our area.”.

Stand by to watch chocolate prices rise, warns Lincolnshire manufacturer

Stuart Pearcey
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Stand by to watch chocolate prices rise, warns Lincolnshire manufacturer
Poor weather and activity by speculators have combined to push up the price of cocoa, and that’s going to have a knock-on effect on the price of our favourite sweet treats, according to a Lincolnshire manufacturer. Carol Oldbury, director of Skegness-based Hames Chocolates, says cocoa is trading a whopping 150% higher than it was 12 months ago, with prices having been climbing steadily over the last 12 months. “Given that cocoa accounts for up to 70% of your favourite chocolate treats, it’s going to be having a big impact on retail prices over the coming months.” She says warm and wet weather in cocoa-growing regions except Cameroon pose a significant threat to cocoa trees, which require specific climatic conditions to thrive. “The result is impaired cocoa yields and quality, while excessive rainfall can cause disease outbreaks and damage crops. “A shortage of cocoa beans will lead to a shortage of grindings, which will likely lead to a deficit of cocoa available for this current season. When global cocoa production falls short of demand, prices are driven upwards by the resulting supply-demand imbalance.” She goes on to say that since cocoa is a traded commodity, financial markets have a significant role in cocoa price volatility and trading amplifies price fluctuations. “Twelve months ago cocoa was trading at less than $2,500 per tonne; today this has broken through the $6,000 ceiling, meaning that the main ingredient in chocolate will have increased by more than 150% in one year.” The result, says Oldbury, is that manufacturers worldwide are going to have to pass on the cost to consumers. “We’ve left no stone unturned looking for efficiencies in the business but the large increased cost of cocoa means that we’re going to have to pass the increases on.” “We remain committed to trading fairly and sustainably and having a positive impact on all the lives of the people we work with.” says Oldbury. Consumers too are likely to gravitate towards brands who prioritise ethical and sustainable practices. She predicts a challenging time for the global chocolate industry. ”We believe private label product innovation and investment in efficiency and sustainability are the way through. We’ve recently invested in Solar for our factory. Not only is the energy renewable, but it is expected to provide more than 50% of our electricity usage.”

Yorkshire & North East administrations dominated by three core sectors as cases rise

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Yorkshire & North East administrations dominated by three core sectors as cases rise

Companies from building & construction, industrial manufacturing and retail sectors dominated Yorkshire & the North East administrations in 2023 as cases rose by 15%, according to figures from Interpath Advisory.

Analysis of notices in The Gazette by Interpath shows that there were 178 administrations in 2023 across the region representing a 15% increase from the 155 cases seen in 2022. The most impacted sectors were building & construction (31 cases), industrial manufacturing (29 cases) and retail (21 cases), covering just under half (46%) of cases.

The figures reflect the overall national trend with administrations rising 25% over 2023 to 1,307, up from 1,049 in 2022 as sluggish growth, persistent high interest rates, and fragile consumer sentiment continued to impact British businesses.

The analysis also shows that the region accounted for nearly 15% of total administrations across the UK in the first month of the year, with 11 cases recorded in January 2024.

James Clark, Managing Director and Head of the Yorkshire team at Interpath Advisory, said: “The number of administrations continues to rise as the financial challenges of recent years take their toll on businesses.

“For many companies in Yorkshire, 2023 was difficult, despite signs towards the latter end of the year that some of the prevailing economic headwinds might be starting to lessen. We’ve seen a steady and incremental uplift of insolvency activity over the course of the past 12 months and the start of 2024 hasn’t provided much cheer for management teams in the region.”

Looking ahead to the outlook for the rest of 2024, James Clark concluded: “With the confirmation that the UK has tipped into recession, the outlook for businesses remains precarious. But it’s not all doom and gloom out there.

“Inflation is proving sticky but didn’t rise as many had expected, we have a resilient domestic labour market and there’s a lot of liquidity in the debt market, which means borrowers continue to have plenty of options. Nevertheless, 2024 will likely remain a period of elevated interest rates by historic standards, and weak consumer confidence will continue to impact those sectors already feeling the pinch.

“To navigate this, Yorkshire businesses should look to recognise warning signs and cash pinch points early and seek appropriate advice. The more time that is available to deal with the issues at hand, the more options and levers are available to pull.”

More low-energy homes proposed for York’s Ordnance Lane development

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More low-energy homes proposed for York’s Ordnance Lane development

A new planning application is proposing an extra 16 low-energy, 100% affordable homes at the City of York Council’s Ordnance Lane site, to be set in even more green space.

Following Executive’s decision in November 2023 to build 100% affordable homes off Fulford Road, these zero-carbon in use homes are proposed to increase in number from 85 to 101. To create these extra 16 homes, the number of larger properties for mixed generation households will be reduced. The space will instead be used to create more in-demand 1 and 2 bedroomed homes, which will all be offered in a variety of affordable tenures. The 90 new-build homes are all designed to meet Passivhaus standards. This will reduce residents’ heating and cooling requirements by 75% when compared with average new builds. The 11 new homes in the Victorian married quarters building will be refurbished and retrofitted to a high environmental standard. Renewable energy will be generated on site using, for example, photovoltaic roof panels. Low-energy heating measures in the homes will include air source heat pumps. All help to reduce carbon footprint and residents’ energy bills. Across the development, wildlife and urban garden plots will help drainage and reduce overheating risks expected from climate change. A minimum 145 new trees – including fruiting varieties – will be planted and 4 existing mature trees will be kept. Residents will also be given planters and growing spaces on balconies and in shared gardens where they can meet and help build a thriving community. Work to clear the site and prepare the land to build on will start this Spring. Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, said: “These revised plans meet our commitment to give more residents access to high-quality, affordable housing which supports good health and our climate change ambitions across the city. “The original site proposals, co-designed with local residents, won the National Housing Design Award 2023. We hope you will continue your involvement and help us build a thriving new community by commenting on these plans before the end of March.” Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment, said: “All the homes on this exciting site will be zero-carbon in use. Residents’ low energy needs for heating, hot water and lighting will be met on site by renewable energy generation measures such as solar panels. “The new plans propose wide and car-free shared routes to connect with the neighbourhood. Increased cycle and cargo bike parking spaces will help promote healthier, cleaner and more affordable travel choices at this well-connected site. “Increased green space will support on-site drainage and create places to grow food, play outdoors and help build the community.”

Yorkshire linseed paint manufacturer expands

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Yorkshire linseed paint manufacturer expands

Environmentally sustainable linseed paint manufacturer Brouns and Co has relocated to new premises in Sherburn in Elmet to accommodate the firm’s growth, after reporting a 400% increase in export sales to the US in the last three years.

Brouns & Co, which moved production of its all-natural linseed paint to Yorkshire in 2022, has relocated from Garforth to a site at Bypass Park Industrial Estate in Sherburn in Elmet. The paint’s primary ingredient, flax seed, is harvested at nearby Collingham.

Designed for use on timber and metal as both a coating and a preservative, Brouns & Co linseed paint has seen a leap in sales both in the UK and the US, where it has taken off with owners and custodians of the historic and new timber-built properties that are a feature of the East Coast.

US sales have quadrupled to over £100,000 since 2021 and the business reported a record quarter at the end of 2023.

Brouns & Co CEO, property restoration expert Michiel Brouns, said: “Demand for linseed paint has really taken off, particularly in the US, where the problem of how best to preserve ageing timber buildings is a real headache for owners and conservation societies.

“Linseed paint was used for centuries before the advent of the modern plastics-based paints that we now see are having an environmentally devastating effect, polluting our waterways and oceans with microplastics.

“Linseed paint is vastly superior to plastic-based paints in its abilities to preserve wood, for centuries in many cases. It is absorbed by the timber and allows it to wick moisture out, ensuring it won’t rot, and we are really pleased to be bringing this product back to market.”

Brouns & Co’s relocation to its new Sherburn in Elmet unit will enable the business, which employs a team of seven, to manufacture the paint, and store raw ingredients as well as tins of the finished product, on one site.

“Now we have everything in one location which makes everything work better logistically and will enable us to grow as a business. We hope to be creating new jobs over the coming months,” said Mr Brouns.

Approval sought for Yorkshire affordable homes scheme

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Approval sought for Yorkshire affordable homes scheme
The development of dozens of affordable homes in a North Yorkshire town has been submitted for reserved matters approval following outline permission for the site received in January. The move would see North of England affordable house builder Adderstone Living  deliver a mix of 68 one, two, three and four bedroomed properties on a plot of land at East Cowton, near Hambleton in North Yorkshire. The 3.2ha site is being designed and developed by Adderstone Living for Karbon Homes, who will eventually manage the scheme. Close to existing residential housing, the project will see 40% of the overall site area retained as open space to retain the existing rural character of the area. Housing will also feature improved site access with a new road layout together with parking space for 139 vehicles, which include 14 visitor parking bays. A key element is the focus around a scheme designed to minimise the impact of the new homes on current residential amenities and the outlook of nearby housing, through the creation of buffer zones to the north and east of the site. North Yorkshire Council will review the reserved matters planning and on-site if approved construction work is expected to start in the Summer with the first phase complete the following year. The project comes as the Government continues to push for the delivery of new homes to meet the chronic housing shortage and arrest the decline in the affordability of home ownership. Adderstone Living Managing Director Stephen McCoy said: “This would be great news for local people keen to get on the housing ladder. We’re really excited about this project and very much look forward to bringing this much needed scheme, with its mix of property types and sizes to provide options for residents at varying stages of life, to fruition. “Indeed, the delivery of social housing has never been more important than at present and with the commercial pressures on the sector, to deliver high quality, added value schemes in places where people want to live and build communities.”

Sheffield company makes global leap in nuclear welding technology

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Sheffield company makes global leap in nuclear welding technology
Completion of the first full sized Small Modular Reactor (SMR) nuclear vessel demonstrator assembly at Sheffield Forgemasters has signalled a global leap in welding technology. Sheffield Forgemasters has pioneered the industrialisation of Local Electron-Beam Welding (LEBW), and complete weld-assembly of the vessel marks a pivotal moment in global welding development, taking less than 24 hours to complete four, thick, nuclear-grade welds, typically requiring a year of work to complete. With a diameter of three meters and a wall thickness of 200mm, construction of the vessel showcases the reliability and capabilities of LEBW, setting a dramatic new standard for weld-joining thick walled components, previously untrialled in a demonstrator model. Professor Jesus Talamantes-Silva, Research, Design and Technology Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “We are delighted to have reached a significant milestone in assembling a nuclear vessel demonstrator, using electron beam welding for the first time at this scale, with 100 per cent success and no defects.” Sheffield Forgemasters deployed specially developed parameters, meticulously fine-tuned during the welding development stage, including innovative sloping-in and sloping-out techniques to start and finish the weld, ensuring a clean and complete weld-join. It is the only company in the UK with the capability to manufacture the large forgings required for SMRs, and it now has years of developmental lead on global competitors in welding thick-walled assemblies. Dr Michael Blackmore, Senior Development Engineer and Project lead, said: “The implication of this technology within the nuclear industry is monumental, potentially taking high cost welding processes out of the equation. “Not only does this reduce the need for weld-inspections, because the weld-join replicates the parent material, but it could also dramatically speed up the roll-out of SMR reactors across the UK and beyond, that’s how disruptive the LEBW breakthrough is.” The demonstration of LEBW technology’s potential opens new horizons for more efficient, low cost and less time-heavy nuclear assemblies and also has far reaching implications for other projects which require thick walled welded assemblies. Dr Jacob Pope, Development Engineer and LEBW machine tool installation lead, added: “We thank the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for enabling the project through its Nuclear Innovation Program. “We also thank our esteemed partner, Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, for their invaluable support throughout this endeavour. Their remote and on-site assistance played an instrumental role in the success of this milestone, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives us forward.” Future company activities include an upcoming joint industrial project supported by key participants from the USA and UK. The objective is to initiate a code case or multiple cases to facilitate the deployment of this technology in accordance with the standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Yorkshire leather merchant secures funding for expansion

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire leather merchant secures funding for expansion
A Yorkshire leather merchant that is also a supplier of traditional Highland dress and menswear has secured a £265,000 loan for expansion from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. J Wood Leathers is one of the top leather wholesalers in the UK, supplying a wide range of skins and hides to customers including high street retailers and clothing manufacturers. Following a request to supply kilt straps over 18 years ago, the company has built a thriving trade selling highland wear ranging from sporrans to kilt hose and ghillie brogues. It also runs an online shop supplying skins and craft products to hobbyists. Based in Keighley, J Wood was established 25 years ago by Julian Wood and his wife Margaret. Their son Jack, who joined as a school leaver 15 years ago, took over as managing director in January this year. The funding will help him pursue his growth plans which include expanding online sales and product ranges. Jack says: “I’m proud to take over the family business which my parents worked so hard to build. J Wood Leathers is well established in the UK leather industry, however the internet is opening up new opportunities for traditional businesses like ours. “We are keen to raise the profile of our J Wood Highland brand and develop new product lines. With increased interest in crafts and hobbies, there is also potential for us to offer a one-stop shop to supply this market and build online communities.” Gary Whitaker of Mercia Debt added: “Jack is bringing fresh ideas to this established and successful family business, and has already succeeded in boosting sales through initiatives such as the launch of the online store. This funding will enable him to open up new markets and increase stock levels to keep up with growing demand.” Nicola Hudson of Walkers Accountants in Keighley and Taryn Preen of ABL Business provided fundraising advice to the company.

Chancellor urged to use budget to create climate in which businesses can grow

Stuart Pearcey
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Chancellor urged to use budget to create climate in which businesses can grow
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the Chancellor to use next month’s Budget to work in partnership with business to develop a sustainable growth plan. The organisation is calling for:
  • Government to match industry-led funding of £3m for planning qualifications to help plug the lack of local resource
  • Ministers should commit to fund business led Local Skills Improvement Plans beyond the current 2025 cut off point to at least 2028
  • The VAT registration review should be restarted with a view to removing the existing cliff edge
  • Government should reform business rates to make it a tax that incentivises growth
  • The Chancellor should introduce a new internationally competitive tax-free shopping scheme
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC said businesses wanted to work in partnership with Government to get the UK economy growing again. “The Chancellor has shown he is in listening mode. At the Autumn Statement we were pleased to see full expensing made permanent and business rate relief. The Budget is an opportunity to build on that good work and further accelerate help for business. “Our recommendations are solution focused. We’re actively working with industry to develop a UK-wide, private sector funded programme to train more planners to work in local planning authorities, to boost their planning skills and capacity. Alongside our fund, we’re calling for the Chancellor to provide more funding to LPA’s in greatest need of skills. That will support the authorities, to employ the additional graduates and upskilled professionals we are training. Unlocking our planning system is crucial to economic growth. “Our latest research shows that many SMEs are struggling because of business rates, and are limiting their expansion plans because of the VAT threshold.  The Chancellor should use his statement next month to announce plans to make rates fairer and restart the VAT registration review. “Attracting, retaining and developing people with the right skills is crucial for business. But far too many employers are struggling to do that. Business-led Local Skills Improvement  Plans (LSIPs) are key to resolving skills shortages. They are  already making a huge difference in communities across England. LSIPs need long-term commitment and funding, to ensure people can access the training they need for great jobs. “A new internationally competitive tax-free shopping scheme would help turbocharge the UK’s retail and hospitality sectors, bringing benefit to all corners of the UK through economic growth and tax revenue.  The Government must signal that the UK is open for business. “With the clock ticking before the General Election, next month’s Budget must outline the sustainable growth plan businesses are crying out for.”
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