Major work under way to renovate Keighley’s Sangat Centre
Major work is ongoing to renovate a long-standing community organisation in Keighley, after almost a quarter of a million pounds worth of funding.
The Sangat Centre received £230,000 from the government-funded Keighley Towns Fund for essential refurbishments to its Marlborough Street premises and work has been ongoing since Summer last year.
The centre has been based in the old Victorian building for more than 20 years and the venue was in urgent need of modernisation. Structural work has already been undertaken including the replacement of a section of the roof, the installation of a new floor as well as a new heating system.
Riasat Ali, Sangat Centre Manager, said: “The electrics are currently being upgraded and work has now started on the installation of the new mezzanine level and refurbishment of the toilets.
“Previously, the building needed constant repairs and we were continually having to patch up leaks such as water pouring through the roof, as well as dealing with ongoing heating, boiler and electrical issues. We are so grateful for the funding which means we can do the work at once, instead of piecemeal and we’ve been using local tradespeople, to put the money back into the area.”
The redevelopment will enable the association to continue to offer social day care, adult education activities, youth activities, holiday play schemes and other services to the hundreds of people it sees each week.
Liz Barker, Acting Chair of the Keighley Towns Fund board, said: “Keighley residents deserve a building that reflects the character of the local community – a building which works well and which people can be proud of for years to come.
“This renovation means the Sangat Centre can function more efficiently and effectively for the people it serves. Supporting the community in this way is a vital part of the work of the Keighley Towns Fund.”
Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, said: “Money from the Keighley Towns Fund means the Sangat Centre will be modernised so it’s energy efficient, meets the digital and online needs of service users and means it can provide an accessible, practical environment for an extensive range of crucial community services.”
The Sangat Centre has also received £140,000 of match funding towards the refurbishment from the Community Ownership Fund.
Nuclear industry launches recruitment campaign to fill critical skills gaps
The UK’s nuclear sector is launching its first sector-wide initiative to attract and recruit people over the next two decades, as it enters a new era of government-backed expansion.
The Destination Nuclear campaign brings together government, sector organisation, suppliers and education institutions – including the the Nuclear AMRC at Rotherham – with the shared aim of attracting and recruiting more people into the industry to help fill critical skills gaps.
The UK’s nuclear sector is growing, with the civil and defence nuclear workforce forecast to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80,000 additional skilled jobs across the UK. Growth is driven by the government’s ambition for nuclear power to generate a quarter of the UK’s electricity by 2050 as part of the national decarbonisation programme, as well as the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership.
Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear, said: “To meet our ambitions, we need to rapidly ramp up recruitment in the sector, making sure we have enough people from engineers to welders to design and build new nuclear. Nuclear has fantastic career opportunities, and we want people of all ages to consider joining a key industry of the future.”
The campaign will target those considering a career change with transferrable skills, as well as supporting a commitment to apprenticeships and graduate schemes and increasing the opportunity for PhD students. The campaign will also benefit national and regional employment, as well as supporting broader equality, diversity, inclusion and social mobility goals through reaching a much broader audience.
Lynne Matthews, head of Destination Nuclear, said: “Destination Nuclear has provided a focal point where the sector has come really come together to deliver this vital campaign programme. To deliver our nuclear ambition, we need to significantly grow the workforce. Many potential candidates may have not considered nuclear as a career. Destination Nuclear will help show the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer and help a broader range of people explore and venture into a career that is challenging, rewarding and sustainable.”
North Yorkshire ground protection products supplier snapped up
Origin UK Operations Ltd, part of Ireland-based Origin Enterprises PLC, has acquired North Yorkshire ground protection products supplier, Groundtrax Systems as part of its diversification strategy and to increase the range of services it offers to its agricultural and groundworks customers.
Groundtrax Systems was founded in 2011 by Simon Adams and provides a range of permanent and temporary ground protection and ground reinforcement systems for applications such as pedestrian access, roads, car parks, storage areas and commercial sites with the capabilities to support heavy goods vehicles and construction plant equipment.
With its storage and distribution facility based in Ripley, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, the business has experienced strong growth in recent years.
Led by Simon and supported by director Laura Tyrrell and sales manager David Marsh, Groundtrax Systems has built a UK-wide customer base of high-profile organisations that operate in the construction, hospitality and transport sectors, amongst others.
As a result of the acquisition, Groundtrax Systems will be integrated into Origin Enterprises PLC as it diversifies its presence in the amenity, environmental and ecological markets. Dublin-based Origin Enterprises provides a range of agricultural advice, services and products to arable, fruit, vegetable growers amenity and landscaping professionals in the UK, Europe and Brazil.
It also operates amenity, environmental and ecology services, providing a diverse range of consultancy and technical solutions in areas such as sports turf management, landscaping and environmental conservation.
Groundtrax Systems will join a portfolio of nine businesses already operating within Origin’s amenity, environmental and ecology service line.
Following the completion of the transaction, Simon will remain with the business to support Origin’s plans to accelerate Groundtrax’s growth and assist with integration into the wider group operations.
Advising Simon, who was 100% shareholder of Groundtrax Systems, was North-East based RG Corporate Finance (RGCF), led by corporate finance partner Nick Johnson, CF manager Adam Tindale and CF executive Max Woodhouse.
Tax due diligence was provided by RG’s director of taxation services, Simon Hopwood and corporate tax partner Simon Whiteside, with financial accounting support provided by BFE Brays, led by partner Laurence Bentley and senior Jamie King.
Legal advice to Groundtrax was provided by Leeds-based LCF, led by head of corporate, Susan Clarke, corporate law solicitor Brad Stewart, and trainee solicitor, Sara Coleman.
Origin UK Operations received advice and due diligence support from KPMG with a team including associate director Domhnaill Drumm, manager, Conall McNally and partner Gavin Sheehan. Tax due diligence undertaken by Sara Hamill, tax partner and Helen Morgan, associate director at KPMG.
Legal advice was provided to Origin UK Operations by in house counsel, Aaron Vickery, along with Boyes Turner led by Pearse Connery.
Simon Adams, founder of Groundtrax Systems Ltd, said: “I am exceptionally proud of what we’ve built at Groundtrax Systems with a prestigious portfolio of customers and a reputation for quality and service.
“As part of Origin, the business will experience the next stage of its growth, benefiting from the strong presence the group has in a diverse range of industries, supplementing where we already operate. I’m excited to support the Origin team as we integrate into the group and deliver new opportunities for the business.”
Chris Clark, Managing Director of Origin Amenity, said: “Groundtrax Systems is a welcome addition to our amenity and landscaping operations as we accelerate the diversification of the group beyond our core agricultural business.
“There are strong synergies with our existing amenity businesses and its products and distribution capabilities will add value to our expanding offering to our key sector client base.”
Nick Johnson, partner at RGCF, said: “Simon, Laura and David have created a brilliant business, which has an exciting future ahead of it as part of Origin. Groundtrax has an exceptional reputation for quality of product and service, and the potential market for its products is huge.
“It is a great fit for Origin and the transaction will provide a springboard for further growth and expansion, and the opportunity to benefit from access to the existing Origin customer portfolio.”
Grant for labelling machine more than doubles chocolate factory’s daily output
Top chefs say restaurants have a vital role in boosting North Yorkshire’s visitor economy
Leading chefs have spoken of the importance of North Yorkshire’s hotels and restaurants in helping to boost the county’s £1.5 billion a year visitor economy.
With the Good Food Guide having declared Helmsley and the Howardian Hills, between the Yorkshire Wolds, the North York Moors National Park, and the Vale of York, as the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ for 2024.
The owner of the Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome, Andrew Pern, said: “Having so many exceptional pubs, restaurants and all-round eateries in our area is great for our local economy. “One Michelin-starred restaurant might be worth a day out, but three is worthy of a few nights away, with time to visit attractions such as Castle Howard or Rievaulx Abbey, for example.
“Visitors from outside the area bring in money that allows us to employ people from the area, support suppliers and use local tradespeople in this lovely part of the world.”
Tommy Banks, who runs the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead, Abbey Inn at Byland and Roots in York, accepted the award along with Howardian Hills National Landscape manager, Ellie Hook.
He said: “I have always been very proud that people come from all over the world to visit our beautiful pocket of North Yorkshire. “In recent times the food scene has really evolved and now you are spoilt for choice for great award-winning pubs and restaurants in the area.”
The hospitality sector is seen as a key element of a new plan that is being drawn up to entice more visitors to the county. North Yorkshire Council’s Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman said restaurants and the businesses they supported were crucial in growing the county’s economy.
“When people eat at any of our restaurants and cafes they are not only supporting that location, but a wide range of other businesses across North Yorkshire as well, thereby securing jobs and ensuring future investment,” he said.
Yorkshire Building Society appoints Chief Risk Officer
Yorkshire Building Society has appointed Richard Bowles as Chief Risk Officer to lead its compliance, risk and legal teams, ensuring the Society continues to be a well-governed home for members’ savings and mortgages.
Richard joins from Coventry Building Society, where he was Chief Risk Officer. His career in financial services spans 20 years, having worked in various risk roles at many of the major banks, including Lloyds, TSB and Barclays.
The appointment comes as Richard Wells, who has been with the Society since 2010, prepares to retire in the spring. Richard Bowles’ appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Susan Allen, chief exec at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Richard to the organisation. He is a forward-thinking and commercially-focused Chief Risk Officer, with broad experience and a proven track record for delivering major transformation.
“At a time when our risk function is looking to develop and deliver major change, his knowledge and experience will be invaluable to ensuring the next chapter of our success
Richard Bowles said: “Living in Yorkshire and having worked in financial services all my professional life, I’ve always taken a keen interest in the successes of Yorkshire Building Society, an organisation with a strong brand and heritage.
“I’m looking forward to driving the organisation’s risk strategy and playing a key role in continuing to provide a top-class function for our colleagues and customers.”
Government plans to abolish ‘tiresome bureaucracy’ to create new homes faster
The government wants to help property developers to overcome what it calls ‘tiresome bureaucracy’ by slashing red tape that stops derelict sites and unused buildings being turned into new homes.
Legislation laid in Parliament today will extend current permitted development rights, so that commercial buildings of any size will have the freedom to be converted into new homes – this means shops, offices, and other buildings all quickly repurposed, resulting in thousands of quality new homes by 2030.
The announcement is part of a major shake-up to planning rules to boost housebuilding while protecting the Green Belt.
As part of its long-term plan for housing, the government has announced today that every council in England will be told that they will need to prioritise brownfield developments and instructed to be less bureaucratic and more flexible in applying policies that halt housebuilding on brownfield land.
The bar for refusing brownfield plans will also be made much higher for those big city councils who are failing to hit their locally agreed housebuilding targets. Planning authorities in England’s 20 largest cities and towns will be made to follow a ‘brownfield presumption’, if housebuilding drops below expected levels. This will make it easier to get permission to build on previously developed brownfield sites, helping more young families to find a home.
A consultation on these proposals launched today and will run until Tuesday 26 March, and the government will look to implement these changes to national planning policy as soon as possible.
The government plans to introduce these changes in London as a result of poor housing delivery in the capital, putting rocket boosters under brownfield regeneration projects.
Millions of homeowners will also be empowered to extend their homes outwards and upwards, as the government is today launching a consultation on proposals that would see more new extensions or large loft conversions freed from the arduous process of receiving planning permission.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “We pledged to build the right homes in the right places – protecting our precious countryside and building more in urban areas where demand is highest. Today’s package is us delivering on that.
“We are sticking to our plan and are on track to meet our commitment to deliver one million homes over the course of this Parliament, and the changes announced today will deliver the right mix of homes across England.”
Logistics solutions firm to open first office in the region in Leeds
Leeds-based Westcourt Property Group are seeing continued letting success at their Grade A office building at Airport West, Leeds, following completion of a comprehensive refurbishment program.
Logistics solutions and supply chain specialist Emerge Global, who are opening their first office in the region, have taken a lease at Altitude 4, Airport West, located opposite Leeds Bradford Airport.
Robin Beagley, partner at letting agents WSB, said: “The completion of this letting is testimony to the quality and appeal of the contemporary working environment that has been created through the comprehensive refurbishment of Altitude 4.
“It goes to demonstrate that businesses are not looking for conventional office space, they want space that offers a fresh, inspiring working environment for their teams.”
Luke Dawson, property director at the building’s owners, Westcourt, said: “Our aim with the refurbishment of Altitude 4 was to create an office environment of the highest standard whilst ensuring that it provides efficient, flexible and affordable accommodation that meets occupier’s needs.”
The letting of the office space is being dealt with by joint agents WSB Property Consultants and Harvey Burns & Co with Farooq Zar of Schofield Sweeney solicitors representing Westcourt in documenting the leases.
Sheffield metrology firm secures funding
A Sheffield supplier of metrology equipment has secured a £200,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to help it open a new demonstration centre.
Digital Micrometers (DML) supplies precision measuring equipment used in industries such as medical, aerospace, construction and manufacturing to ensure that products are made to the right size and specifications.
The company, which has tripled its turnover in the past two years, has just moved to larger 5,000 sq ft premises in Sheffield to accommodate its growth. The funding will enable it to increase its stock levels and create a new demonstration centre within the building that will be the largest of its type in Yorkshire.
Digital Micrometers was founded in 2009 by engineer Allen Bentley, the current finance director. His son Alex took over as managing director two years ago and is now spearheading its growth plans.
The company, which currently employs six staff, supplies equipment from leading brands such as Mitutoyo, Bowers, TESA and Sylvac and sells through its online shop and its sales team. It plans to create three new jobs in the year ahead.
Alex Bentley said: “Metrology plays a key role in industry and demand is increasing rapidly, as more companies choose to manufacture in the UK or invest in new technologies and metrology equipment.
“The funding will support our long-term growth plans by enabling us to carry more stock to meet demand, and showcase larger and more complex items of equipment.”
Andy Tyas of Mercia Debt added: “Digital Micrometers has built a thriving online business that is going from strength to strength, however customers buying costly items still like to see a demonstration.
“The new demo centre will enable the company to sell more expensive equipment and give Yorkshire companies the chance to see the latest metrology systems from all the leading brands.”
Warehouse investor sells duo of sites
Warehouse REIT, the multi-let industrial warehouse investor, has sold two assets in separate transactions for a total consideration of £13.4 million.
Pellon Lane, a 20,000 sq ft multi-let asset in Halifax acquired in 2017, where Warehouse REIT has successfully secured new lettings or renewals on nearly all the available space since acquisition, has been sold for £1.8 million.
Meanwhile Warrington South Industrial Estate, a 106,000 sq ft single-let asset acquired in 2019, where Warehouse REIT delivered a ten-year lease renewal in 2020, has sold for a total consideration £11.6 million.
Simon Hope, Warehouse REIT, said: “Strengthening our balance sheet and earnings position by releasing capital from assets which are low yielding or where we have successfully executed our business plan is a key priority for us. As these disposals show, we continue to evaluate all opportunities to do that.
“While the investment market remains subdued, we have sold into pockets of demand, above book value, enabling us to crystallise value for shareholders and increase the portfolio weighting to multi-let assets where we see the most attractive opportunities.”
New purpose-built facility for Food Grade Lubricants and Greases to open in Leeds
Vickers Oils is to formally open a purpose-built facility for the manufacture of Food Grade Lubricants and Greases this month (February).
The new site is 2 miles from its main ‘Airedale Mills’ factory in Hunslet, Leeds. It is not a food manufacturing site, nor a typical lubricants manufacturing plant, but something in-between.
It is also believed to be the only such large-scale facility in the UK. Being self-contained, all raw materials and finished products on site will be Food Grade only, thereby significantly eliminating the risk of any cross-contamination with the type of non-Food Grade chemicals that would typically be present in abundance, were the site multi-purpose.
Whilst personnel will move between the two sites in Leeds, the manufacturing team will have dedicated clothing for the new site as another example of contamination avoidance.
As is often said, “we are what we eat” and consumers are increasingly concerned about the provenance, quality and safety of what goes in the shopping basket. “That is the primary reason for building a dedicated manufacturing site,” says Paul Vann, Managing Director for Vickers Oils.
Beyond the manufacturing equipment and infrastructure, the development includes a quality control laboratory and training suite. With a modular design to easily enable increased scale with business growth, the mains electricity supply from renewable resources will be complemented by a full array of roof-mounted solar panels.
80% of new Piccadilly line trains to be assembled in Yorkshire
Siemens Mobility is in the final stages of fitting out its new train factory in Goole, where it has now been revealed up to 80% of the new Piccadilly line Tube trains will be produced, up from a figure of 50%.
The factory, which is due to open this spring, is part of the wider rail village where up to £200 million is being invested, up to 700 jobs will be created along with up to 1,700 opportunities in the supply chain. This increase represents a larger pipeline of work on the first project for the factory, extending security for the Goole rail village.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility, said: “For the first time Siemens Mobility will assemble trains here, in Britain. This is a truly exciting milestone not just for us but the industry and local economies as a whole. And the fact that we will be increasing the amount up to 80% of Piccadilly line Tube trains being assembled in Goole is a testament of our manufacturing capabilities.
“We are proud to be assembling these trains here in Yorkshire, which will transform rail travel for commuters and visitors to our great capital city. These next generation of walk-through, air conditioned, energy efficient Tube trains for Britain will be put together right here by the next generation of engineers.”
Stuart Harvey, TfL’s Chief Capital Officer, said: “Producing more Piccadilly line trains in Goole will support local supply chains, clearly demonstrating how investment in transport in London benefits the whole of the UK.
“We have ensured that this development will not impact when the first train arrives for testing in London later this year, ahead of entering service in 2025, nor the planned timetable uplift in 2027.
“Subject to long-term certainty on Government funding, the factory in Goole is also expected to deliver a replacement fleet for the Bakerloo line, which at more than 50 years old is the oldest train in passenger service in the UK.”
Masterplan laying out £1.5m of investment in Heckmondwike launched
Kirklees Council has launched the Heckmondwike Blueprint – a masterplan that lays out £1.5m of investment in the town centre over the next decade and beyond.
Heckmondwike is the latest local town where Kirklees Council is taking a ‘blueprint’ approach to development. It means that it is looking at the town as a whole, with plans spread across the town centre, encompassing lots of different changes to improve safety and footfall.
The Heckmondwike Blueprint is all about creating a healthy, vibrant town centre where people can live, work and relax.
The council will also be working with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to upgrade the Bus Hub to a full bus station, building accessible indoor facilities, improving the outdoor spaces and adding more bus stops.
By making public transport a more viable option – not just in Heckmondwike but across Kirklees – the council is aiming to reduce traffic congestion, thereby improving air quality and journey times. This should help meet a target of reducing Kirklees’ carbon emissions to zero by 2038.
At the heart of Heckmondwike, Kirklees Council will be creating a new public square away from the noise and irritation of traffic. New Square will be an informal, intimate and versatile space for local people and visitors to enjoy, with attractive seating to encourage people to spend time and socialise.
Market Square, with its iconic Listed clock and former drinking fountain, will be completely rejuvenated – providing a beautiful new public space with greenery, seating, footpaths, and space for outdoor market stalls.
Parking will be moved to Oldfield Lane, though there’s potential to keep some accessible parking bays on the square itself.
Heckmondwike has multiple well-loved parks, and Kirklees Council wants to better connect these spaces with the town centre and create safer thoroughfares for pedestrians and cyclists.
Kirklees Council is going to reroute traffic off Northgate to allow Green Park to be extended, creating a safe and inviting space for walkers and shoppers, and new footpaths and cycleways will be added.
Algernon Firth Park will be linked by new pedestrian crossings from Green Park, and well-lit walkways will connect the whole area – naturally improving safety and encouraging more people to use these routes.
A key part of the blueprint will improving the town centre’s connectedness to Spen Valley Greenway – a well-used walking and cycling trail, which connects Heckmondwike with Cleckheaton, Dewsbury Moor and beyond. The link between Heckmondwike town centre and the Greenway could be made a lot better, and Kirklees Council will be investing in creating better access and signage plus new cycle paths.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance & Regeneration, says: “Heckmondwike is a beautiful town with so much potential, and we want to celebrate what local people most love about the town centre whilst also looking to the future.
“Rather than focusing on one single development, what we’re doing across Kirklees is focusing on town centres like Heckmondwike as a whole, and approaching local issues from every angle. Kirklees is one of the most varied districts in the UK, so developing our towns has never been one-size-fits-all.
“It’s all about knowing a place, engaging with local people, looking at what that specific area needs, and creating a masterplan – a blueprint – that takes into account the whole picture.
“It will be wonderful to see all the most beloved elements of Heckmondwike connect through this work, and to see more people able to enjoy them. We hope this will bring more people into the town, naturally improving safety and also driving more footfall for local businesses.
“I’m thrilled with all the work that’s gone into this project, and excited to start delivering later this year. Over the next decade and beyond, these developments will create a greener, safer and better connected town centre for future generations.”
Yorkshire & Humber business activity returns to growth for first time since last July
The headline NatWest Yorkshire & Humber PMI® Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – moved into expansion territory for the first time in six months during January.
Up to 51.2, the headline index rose from December’s neutral reading of 50.0 to signal a modest improvement in private sector business activity across Yorkshire & Humber.
Nevertheless, Yorkshire & Humber firms performed weaker than the national benchmark, with the comparable index for the UK as a whole (52.9) indicative of a solid upturn that was the fastest for eight months.
Private sector companies in Yorkshire & Humber recorded a ninth successive reduction in new business during January. Slowing market conditions and less demand from existing clients led sales performances to worsen, according to anecdotal evidence.
Although the deterioration in new orders was the slowest since June last year, Yorkshire & Humber was the second-worst performer of the 12 monitored UK areas, with only neighbouring North East seeing a sharper decline.
The Future Activity Index was firmly inside optimistic territory, signalling strong projections of higher output in the next 12 months, but it fell to a three-month low and was below its long-run average. Subsequently, this pointed to weak growth expectations by historical standards.
Investment plans, new product development and expected market share gains were reasons given by optimistic firms, although persistent weakness in demand warranted a cautious view, according to others.
The seasonally adjusted Employment Index rose, but held close to the 50.0 no-change threshold at the beginning of the year, indicating a fractional uplift in workforce numbers across Yorkshire & Humber’s private sector. Recruitment efforts were broad, with both permanent and temporary staff hired, according to respondents. Some companies opted to not replace voluntary leavers.
Compared to the UK aggregate, Yorkshire & Humber slightly underperformed, as employment growth recovered to a six-month high.
Private sector businesses in Yorkshire & Humber reduced their backlogs of work again in January, extending the current sequence of depletion to nearly a year. The pace of decrease matched that seen in the previous month, and was therefore the joint-softest since last July.
Operating expenses faced by private sector businesses in Yorkshire & Humber rose at a steep pace during January. Higher shipping costs were mentioned by manufacturers, while service providers linked inflationary pressures to greater wage bills. The overall rate of increase in input prices was slightly softer than the UK average, but nonetheless the fifth-strongest of the 12 monitored parts of the UK.
Yorkshire & Humber companies lifted their prices charged for goods and services during the latest survey period. Higher charges often reflected the passing on of higher costs to clients. That said, the overall rate of inflation was one of the slowest recorded since the end of 2020 and was much weaker than seen for the UK as a whole.
Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said: “The local economy in Yorkshire & Humber is on an upward path. All in all, it seems the slump in the region’s activity was short-lived, and business conditions are now steadily improving.
“Although growth in January was only modest and business confidence remains historically weak, incremental improvements in the underlying data for activity and new business suggest that momentum is at least picking up.
“Heavy job losses have also been averted, in part supported by backlogs of work. Cooling price pressures and the prospect of falling borrowing costs this year will add further upside for local business.”
Landlords get access to advice on changing legislation
Two new forums to forge closer bonds with landlords in North Yorkshire are to take place in the county over the next two months.
Advice and legislation updates will be given at the landlord forums in Selby on 29th February and Harrogate on 12th March.
The initiative aims to give private landlords, letting and managing agents, estate landlords and people involved with private sector housing a forum to gather information and updates on changing legislation.
The Selby forum – at 3.45pm at Selby Civic Centre – will include representatives from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, The Energy Doctor and the National Residential Landlords Association.
The Harrogate forum – at 4pm at Harrogate Civic Centre – will include presentations from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Council and the National Residential Landlords Association. There will also be advice on tax planning, wealth management and general information.
North Yorkshire councillor Simon Myers said: “These forums are a great way for us to support landlords across North Yorkshire. They provide news on important information and any changes to legislation as well as updates from us and partner agencies.
“I encourage everyone to attend and take advantage of this great networking opportunity.”
Getting it all together: DFDS buys Stallingborough land for new office complex
Shipping company DFDS has bought seven acres of land on Stallingborough’s Pioneer Park as the first stage in developing a new combined commercial office.
The company plans to create a modern and more sustainable building which will consolidate several of its office-based colleagues from various functional sites across the Humber into one central location.
Fran Williams, DFDS HR Director for the UK and Ireland, said: “The building will be much more energy efficient and less environmentally impactful than our existing facilities, and we hope to create a modern and collaborative environment to make working for DFDS even more attractive.
“The new facility will be accessible by public transport and a new bicycle route, and for many of our colleagues it reduces the journey distance and time, all of which help our mission to become a net-zero company.
“We are now at an advanced phase with this project, and we are working with architects and designers to finalise the building concept and design. Incorporating green spaces, relaxation, and recreation areas, are examples of the features this building will have that differentiate it from our existing facilities. It will offer an environment that will allow us to attract some of the best talent from surrounding areas as well as helping us to retain the highly skilled colleagues that we already have. It’s exciting to think we will have a building that will look and feel as good as our professional values and vision.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “This is great news and we’re really pleased to welcome DFDS to the Pioneer Park development having chosen North East Lincolnshire for their new office. We welcome the investment in our local economy which will support jobs and growth in the area.”
The 1,000 people employed by DFDS on the Humber include office-based staff alongside those working in the company’s terminal, warehouses, cold stores and trucks.
Chamber highlights music’s contribution to UK economy
The massive contribution to the economy made by the music industry was the theme of this year’s Leeds Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.
The theme of the Business of Music was chosen by the Chamber owing to its sitting President Chris Black being MD of Sound Leisure, a world-leading manufacturer of jukeboxes.
Mr Black praised the contribution that music made to the city and country, not only in terms of delivering economic output, but also in bringing joy into people’s lives and the benefits it brings to people’s health.
He said: “The music industry generates around £6.7 billion to Britain’s economy every year. It has been one of our principal cultural exports for decades and music produced from our country is listened to and loved all over the world.
“And our great city of Leeds has made an enormous contribution to this heritage and achievement. Whether it is Corrine Bailey Rae, Marc Almond, Mel B, the Kaiser Chiefs or the Utah Saints we remain a factory for brilliant music.
“But music does something more important than make money and encourage trade. There are fewer things in this world that can impact our mood than music. It touches us in ways that nobody can describe. The songs you loved as a child stay with you your whole life. Whether listening to music at home or alongside thousands at a gig is a wonderful experience.
“But it also has an impact on peoples’ mental state. It brings people together and creates a common sense of purpose and joy.
“As a city, Leeds has it all and represents the UK economy in one destination. Financial and professional services, tech, property development, food and drink, hospitality – we have got it all here and we are first class in every department.
“We have much to be proud of but also much work still today. The scrapping of HS2 was a bitter blow for us following years of warm words and promises. As a Chamber we continue to press for the transport connectivity we need to raise our productivity and attract inward investment.
“There will almost certainly be an election this year and we will making it known to whoever wins power on their first day in office is made clearly aware of what is needed.”
Princes Quay chosen as venue for inaugural Hull Business Expo
The Business Culture Hull and East Yorkshire is organising its first ever Hull Business Expo, which will take place inside Princes Quay Shopping Centre on Wednesday 10th April this year.
It will be held in the shopping centre’s 7,690-square-foot ground floor event space as well as the downstairs foyer.
Tony Bowler, MD at The Business Culture HEY, said: “Our newly launched expo has been in the pipeline since our organisation was founded in 2016. We believe now is the perfect time to bring it to life and what better venue than Princes Quay. The event’s focus is to bring together businesses from across the region to raise brand awareness and create valuable relationships in vibrant surroundings.”
The Hull Business Expo will host 60 exhibitors from various sectors promoting their products and services. The event has been designed to facilitate pure networking and collaboration, without any distractions or time-sensitive agendas. Visitors can simply turn up any time between 10am and 4pm to explore what the region’s business community has to offer and have a chat with local business owners.
Mt Bowler added: “Princes Quay has multiple large-format promotional screens on the ground floor and inside the event space that we have access to on the day,” said Tony. “We’re looking for local businesses who are interested in advertising on these screens during the event. Simply get in touch at hello@thebchey.net and we’ll create a bespoke advertising package to suit your marketing strategy and budget.”
First of its kind partnership to help employers support sustainable commutes
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is to partner with sustainable travel organisation, Modeshift, in a first of its kind partnership.
The two organisations will work together to support more people to walk, wheel and cycle and take public transport as part of their journey to work and help to create a happier, healthier, and wealthier South Yorkshire for all who live here.
As part of the partnership Modeshift will work across the region to help employers support employees to travel differently to work, with a specific focus on healthcare settings – the biggest employers in South Yorkshire.
Organisations who sign up will benefit from support on how they can best influence a travel and transport behaviour change within their workforce; easing congestion, increasing individuals’ health and wellbeing and lower carbon emissions.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We’re building a happier, healthier South Yorkshire. That means giving our communities more and better choices about how to travel and move. That’s why this partnership with Modeshift, because we’re helping people live healthier lives through everyday physical activity.
“I’ve taken a leading role on tackling health inequalities in our region as part of my role as the chair of South Yorkshire’s Integrated Care Partnership. And this new partnership is just another step on our journey to making South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.”
The programme will also help individual authorities to make informed decisions on planned and future travel and transport infrastructure developments.
Any workplace organisations based within the region regardless of size or complexity are eligible for the programme.
Tom Murray, Modeshift STARS Programme Manager (Business), said: “What a great time to be working with SYMCA. Together we’ll provide workplaces across the region with the chance to develop, deliver and monitor effective travel plans.
“This programme will provide employers with the opportunity to support their employees to travel more effectively; helping to create happy, healthy, and motivated individuals. It will contribute to lowering the carbon emissions produced by regular vehicle commutes across the region too.”
The travel plans will be Modeshift STARS accredited, which is part of the national travel plan scheme.
Flexible office provider expands at Wellington Place
Flexible office provider Cubo has expanded its offering at Wellington Place after seeing high demand for space.
After achieving 100% occupancy 12 months after opening, Cubo has taken an additional 7,613 sq ft at 6 Wellington Place.
Cubo offers private office spaces of different sizes, as well as hot desks and designated desks in its coworking space. It provides flexible memberships on short or long terms to smaller companies right up to larger corporates, meaning they can meet the needs of a variety of organisations.
The expansion takes its total space at the building to 27,423 sq ft, giving it greater flexibility to meet demand, welcome more businesses and offer additional space as required to existing occupiers.
It currently hosts a range of businesses at 6 Wellington Place including global automotive technology provider Keyloop, multi-campus summer school Summer Boarding Courses and technology talent acquisition specialists SPG Resourcing.
Chief Executive of Cubo Marc Brough said: “Since opening at Wellington Place last year we have seen high demand resulting in this expansion. The Leeds office market is positive, and the expansion has given us the opportunity to welcome even more exciting businesses and entrepreneurial talent.
“This move to increase our footprint at Wellington Place is reflective of our wider growth as we continue to roll-out the Cubo brand to major cities across the UK.
“It reinforces our commitment to being based in the very best locations with excellent proximity to transport connections and like-minded organisations for the thriving businesses based in our co-working spaces.”
Paul Pavia, Commercial Director at MEPC, the developer and asset manager behind Wellington Place, said: “Cubo has enjoyed great success since opening at Wellington Place and we are pleased the business has committed its future in Leeds with us.
“The confidence businesses have displayed by committing to workspace at Wellington Place demonstrates our belief that the office remains an absolutely key part of the economy and society.”
