Investment in health tech research and training by Google unveiled for South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are working with Google to invest in groundbreaking research, apprenticeships and digital skills training across the South Yorkshire region.
These academic, medical, and local government institutions have come together to form the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, a digital innovation centre that will use this investment to help tackle the health inequalities in the region and drive economic growth.
As part of this, the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub will work with Google on a series of pioneering research opportunities. The first of these – the PUMAS study – aims to understand whether Pixel smartphone sensors that detect light, radar, and electrical signals from the heart could aid the detection of common conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease. Early detection of these conditions could help people to make informed lifestyle choices which could slow down, and even in some cases prevent their progression.
The first of its kind study, which looks at how digital technologies could transform the way that people interact with their health, has the potential to save lives, improve health outcomes and alleviate NHS pressures. Google will also provide 500 Fitbits for a separate study on post-surgical rehabilitation.
Tim Chico, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Sheffield and Director of South Yorkshire’s Digital Health Hub, said: “We launched this health hub because we know that the more information we have about patients’ health as early as possible, the more opportunities we will have to make a difference.
“With partners like Google, we are able to look at how we harness technology to support that information gathering to support patients and medical professionals to make decisions together earlier leading to better outcomes. Bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, researchers and companies creates a community of practice – it’s the future.”
The research will take place through the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, a £4m partnership led by the two universities alongside partners in health and business, to drive the development of innovative digital technologies to improve the way diseases are diagnosed and treated.
The Hub is hosted at Sheffield Hallam’s world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), which is dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through innovations that help people move.
Steve Haake MBE, Professor of Sports Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University and Deputy Director of the Digital Health Hub, said: “Our vision is to develop digital health tools that incorporate information from daily life to help patients and healthcare professionals make the right decisions at the right time.
“I am delighted to be working collaboratively across the region and with industry partners like Google whose expertise and support will be invaluable to the success of the Digital Health Hub and its ability to improve people’s health outcomes across South Yorkshire.”
To ensure that the region is equipped with the digital skills needed to harness these new technologies and unlock growth opportunities, The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University will also have access to 500 Google Career Certificate scholarships for their students and people working or aspiring to work in digital health across the region.
These scholarships will cover the cost of Google Career Certificates, training which provides learners with job ready, entry level qualifications in subjects such as cybersecurity, data analytics, project management, user experience and IT support.
The three-year long partnership will see the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority work with Google to fund 30 digital apprenticeships for small businesses in South Yorkshire.
The funding will be made available to local businesses for both upskilling existing employees and supporting new apprentices. This will enable businesses across South Yorkshire to retain and develop employees as well as expand, creating high-impact job opportunities in the region.
VP & Managing Director for Google UK and Ireland, Debbie Weinstein, added: “We’re proud to be supporting South Yorkshire’s academic, medical and local government institutions as they explore how technology could improve quality of life, alleviate NHS pressures and drive economic growth.
“Technology has the power to transform the nation’s health and we recognize the need for an approach that unlocks both the innovative tools and the skills needed to implement these solutions. That’s why we’re excited to have this opportunity to invest in this cross-sector collaboration which we hope will drive lasting change and serve as a proof of concept for other regions across the UK.”
Rule-breaking by poultry farmer results in costs of £28,000
A poultry farmer in East Yorkshire must pay £28,000 after bring found guilty of breaches of rules about bird flu and operating a slaughterhouse without approval by the Food Standards Agency.
Daniel Mathison, a partner in Mathison (Farmers) Leven at Southfield Farm in the village, supplies the meat under the brand Yorkshire Ducks and Geese. At Beverley Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty to four offences relating to the Avian Influenza outbreak on the premises, and to operating a slaughterhouse without Food Standards Agency (FSA) approval.
Mathison was fined £4,000 per offence, and ordered to pay an additional £6,000 towards costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge, totalling £28,000 to be paid within 12 months.
The court heard how, despite nationwide preventative compulsory housing, biosecurity and record keeping measures, officers from the Animal and Plant Health Agency found the end of the duck rearing shed was fully open, and no records of bird deaths had been kept when they visited the farm last April to investigate a possible bird flu outbreak, which was confirmed within 24 hours.
Follow-up investigations by officers from Public Protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council found slaughtering and meat production activities had expanded such that they were greatly in excess of the permitted limit above which approval and on-site supervision by the Food Standards Agency is required.
During sentencing, the magistrates said the farmers’ actions could have had wide-reaching and serious consequences for other farmers, health and the local community. They considered this to be in the high culpability bracket, as Mathison carried on despite warnings and should have known what was required.
Angela Dearing, director of housing, transportation and public protection at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It is highly likely this Avian Influenza outbreak would not have happened if compulsory housing measures to ensure separation from wild birds had been complied with. It is fortunate the outbreak did not spread further when the disease control restrictions were breached.
“In addition to the catastrophic consequences for this business, the measures required to control the outbreak and prevent it spreading further significantly impacted on other local livestock keepers and the community. The outbreak also resulted in substantial financial and resource costs for DEFRA, APHA, the council and other partner agencies involved.
She added: “It is therefore vitally important that all livestock keepers play their part and adhere to animal disease control regulations, which are in place to protect against potentially devastating effects on their own livestock and businesses, animal and public health, and the economy.”
Daphne Steele Building celebrates key milestone at National Health Innovation Campus development
Construction of the University of Huddersfield’s new National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC) has celebrated a key milestone with a topping out ceremony held at the Daphne Steele Building.
This first building on the Southgate site, close to the main university campus, is named after the UK’s first black matron. Daphne Steele emigrated to the UK from Guyana in the 1940s and the ceremony was attended by her son, Robert Steele, who unveiled a plaque watched by members of the Steele family and friends.
The building named in Daphne’s honour is the first of the exciting project that will help to improve health outcomes and lead innovation in healthcare for the North of England.
It will bring together public-facing facilities including award-winning student-led clinics, and be a focus for entrepreneurial academic activity, serving the regional and wider health economy in strong public-private partnerships. Specialist clinical teaching facilities will provide unparalleled support for workforce development.
The ceremony was attended by University of Huddersfield Vice-Chancellor Professor Bob Cryan CBE and guests included James Wimpenny, Executive Director of construction partners BAM Construction, Anthony Langen, Managing Director of architects AHR and Russell Green, Project Manager of construction consultants Gleeds.
Completion of the Daphne Steele Building, which also received a grant of £5.8m in capital funding from the Office For Students, is expected in September 2024.
James Wimpenny, Executive Director – Construction, at BAM, said: “This milestone marks not only the highest point of the build but also the culmination of the collaborative efforts of the client, design, and construction teams.
“At BAM we are passionate about building inspiring spaces that empower learning and enrich the University experience, and that is exactly what we are delivering here at the University’s new National Health Innovation Campus.”
Plans for more construction on the site adjacent to the Daphne Steele Building are well under way, with a reserved planning application for the second NHIC building having been submitted late in 2023.
Skills Bootcamps get £3m Government funding
The Department for Education has given South Yorkshire £3m to continue and expand Skills Bootcamps provision across the region.
Fliss Miller, Director of Skills at the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “This next set of funding we are announcing today is a huge achievement in helping to address the skills requirements of South Yorkshire.
“This £3m in funding will help to deliver skills development for people across the region who have a keen interest in specific career areas.
“It is essential that we continue to be able to offer full-time, part-time, and short courses that develop the skills and knowledge of all learners, no matter where they are at in their career.
“This is just another step for us to help meet skills gaps in the region and help with industry demand in the future.”
Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Skills for Life strategy, designed to help those aged 19+ onto the career ladder, get back into work or progress in work while also helping employers meet skills needs across the region.
The courses are flexible and can last up to 16 weeks, whilst providing individuals with the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and an offer of a guaranteed interview with a local employer upon completion of the course.
Skills Bootcamps are a great opportunity for South Yorkshire residents to upskill and explore new careers opportunities in a variety of sectors.
Designed with employers, Skills Bootcamps courses are aligned to industry needs, bridging the gap between the regional skills demand and its supply.
This funding allows the SYMCA to offer accessible, life-changing opportunities that will enable individuals to:
• Learn new skills, setting them on a path to a rewarding career
• Kickstart their careers or transition back into the workforce
• Progress further in their career
From April 2024 those eligible for the Skills Bootcamps will be able to apply directly to the providers who will be delivering across the following areas:
• Digital
• Green Skills
• Construction and the Built Environment
• Business and Administration services
• Creative
Airport funding is available, Transport Secretary tells Mayor
Government Transport Secretary Mark Harper has told South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard that millions of pounds in funding is available for Doncaster Sheffield Airport if that’s what he chooses to spend it on.
In a letter to the Mayor, Mr Harper said: “The Government is supporting South Yorkshire through Gainshare funding, making £900m available through £30m funding per year over 30 years. This is exactly the funding which the Mayor of Teesside used to support Teesside Airport and is consequently very likely to be suitable for your needs.
“I am sure we can both agree that it is excellent news that there is clear Government grant available that you can choose to use to support Doncaster Sheffield Airport.”
But Mr Harper says he’s frustrated that a letter sent to him in December by the Mayor had found its way into the press before he had been given a chance to reply. He wrote: “It is frustrating to see your letter has found its way to the press and was used as the basis for inaccurate political adverts before I have had an opportunity to reply.
“This will cause some to question whether your priority here is doing what’s best for your area, or scoring political points. Given the significant effort of Members of Parliament in particular in raising the importance of this issue, I am, nonetheless, responding as positively as possible.”
HulBID reveals awards entry shortlist
HullBID has announced the shortlists for its awards, which are now in their tenth year.
Exec Director Kathryn Shillito said member businesses have again submitted high-calibre submissions for the 10 categories, with independent judges also facing the task of selecting a special recognition winner from a competitive field.
Kathryn said: “We’ve had another fantastic response which shows the value business place on the HullBID Awards. We’ve seen more entries this year particularly from professional services firms and we still have the usual mix of retail, leisure, hospitality and culture which reflects the great variety in the city centre business community. The contenders range from recent start-ups making their mark in new industries to traditional firms dating back nearly 200 years.
“The vast majority of finalists are local independent businesses, and it’s encouraging to see how they have survived and are now thriving. Some have nominated themselves and others have been put forward by staff and customers. We’re looking forward to seeing them all at the celebration dinner.”
The awards night will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ferensway, Hull, on Friday February 23.
Adam Barnes, director of sponsors Prestige Recruitment, said: “Prestige Recruitment chose to enter the BID Awards in 2022 primarily to support the event. We felt the Contribution to the Community Award was the most relevant to the business especially as it marked our thirtieth year of trading.
“We are over the moon to be this year’s main sponsor, as the HullBID Awards have a great place in the business community and allow us to share in the success of every nomination.”
The shortlist
Innovation Award sponsored by Bridge McFarland
- Kicks Bar & Grill
- Princes Quay
- Rubicon Bridge LimitedWelcoming Premises Award sponsored by Hull City Council
- 19.4
- Artisan Flowers
- Lili + Mila’s Empawrium
Outstanding Employee or Team Award sponsored by AaGlobal
- Mike Glover (St Stephen’s)
- Hannah Hartley (Smart Temporary Solutions)
- Superbowl UK
Longevity Award sponsored by Allenby Commercial
- Bob Carvers
- B Cooke & Son Ltd
- Rollits LLP
Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Clearanswer
- Blacks Outdoor
- Hull Museums and Gallery
- Pepperells Solicitors
Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner
- Central Library Big Malarkey Festival
- Good Things Market
- Hull Freedom Quarter
Commitment to Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by Bryce Mennell
- 360 Chartered Accountants
- Rollits LLP
- Sadofskys Chartered Accountants
The Best in Food and Drink Award sponsored by Hull Trains
- Koffee Lab
- Milchig
- Stretch Pizza
Best Place to Work Award sponsored by St Stephen’s
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Hinks
- Spencer Group
Outstanding Contribution Award sponsored by Prestige Recruitment
- The Deep
- Ferens Art Gallery
- Hull College
Judges’ Special Recognition Award sponsored by East Yorkshire Buses
To be presented to a HullBID member business or organisation selected by the panel, irrespective of whether they have entered the awards, for their work to enhance the status of Hull city centre.Major childcare recruitment campaign begins today
A new national recruitment campaign under the banner of ‘Do something Big’ is being launched today by the Department for Education alongside a trial of £1,000 cash sign-on bonuses, to give nurseries and early years providers the workers they need and offer more childcare places for parents.
The recruitment drive comes as the latest data shows that more than 102,000 children have been registered on the system, reflecting the strength of demand across the country before the first phase of the largest ever expansion in free childcare kicks in from April.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between a career and a family and our expanded childcare offer is going to make sure of that.
“From April, hundreds of thousands of parents of two-year-olds will get 15 funded hours. This is good for families and good for the wider economy – ultimately putting more money in parents’ pockets at the end of the month.
“The fantastic nurseries, childminders and professionals across the childcare sector are central to the success of this rollout and our new recruitment campaign will support them in continuing to deliver the flexible and high-quality childcare parents need.”
The “Do Something Big” recruitment campaign is to encourage people to start a career working with small children – one part of this government’s ongoing sector support to ensure providers are in the best position to deliver the places parents need from April and September this year and next. A £1,000 sign-on bonus for childcare workers is also being launched today to increase capacity, tackle unemployment, and offer more childcare places. The trial – which will cover 20 local authorities across the UK – will give new-starters and returners a tax-free cash payment shortly after they take up post.Sheffield Hallam given almost £500k to boost degree apprenticeships
Sheffield Hallam University – the home of the National Centre for Excellence in Degree Apprenticeships – has been awarded £459,000 in the first wave of the Office for Students’ Degree Apprenticeship Funding Competition.
The competition has been launched to boost the capacity and equality of opportunity within degree apprenticeship provision in higher education. It will see the OfS distribute a total of £40 million to universities in the next 18 months.
Sheffield Hallam will use the grant to provide additional capacity to support four existing apprenticeship courses, aiming to boost recruitment by enhancing engagement with local and national employers. It will also support one new discipline – an accounting finance management apprenticeship – specifically selected to respond to regional economic demands.
The investment will also be used to support local SME employers to improve equality and inclusion, and to recruit a diverse group of degree apprentices which is representative of South Yorkshire communities. More than 80.9% of Sheffield Hallam degree apprentices are from one or underrepresented student groups, something which it will help employers across the region to reflect.
Sam Moorwood, Head of Work Based Learning at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Sheffield Hallam is proudly a standard-bearer for degree apprenticeships in the UK, and this funding will help us to improve and expand our award-winning provision.
“This award will help us to expand recruitment, offer a new apprenticeship standard in accounting finance – a key sector for the regional economy – and to support local businesses to take on more people from a range of backgrounds. Degree apprentices provide a vibrant and skilled workforce for South Yorkshire – something that will be crucial to the region’s future and its growth.”
British Steel seeks planning permission for Scunthorpe’s electric arc furnace
British Steel has submitted a planning application to North Lincolnshire Council for its proposed Electric Arc Furnace in Scunthorpe.
The company says the proposed furnace, like the one at Teesside, is central to ambitions to transform British Steel in to a clean and sustainable business by adopting electric arc furnace steelmaking at both sites.
The company says Electric Arc Furnace technology is the only solution to significantly reducing its carbon emissions in a relatively short period of time. A spokesman said: “It is prudent to evaluate different operational scenarios to help us achieve our goals and we are continuing to assess our options. However, we firmly believe electrification will provide a rapid and sustainable solution to our decarbonisation challenge.
“Our proposals remain subject to the appropriate support from the UK Government with whom we remain in talks.”
Lindum Group starts work on £6.5m project in Loughborough
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has started work has started on £6.5m Institute of Technology building at Loughborough College, advancing the East Midlands as a major tech learning hub.
It’s to be a three storey building, which will include nine new classrooms, four science labs, two open plan working spaces, and three offices. The company’s Construction Manager Mark Robertson said: “It is fantastic to be starting work on what will be a significant addition to the offering at Loughborough College, helping to boost the East Midland’s standing as a leader in digital skills and critical engineering.
“This project will eventually help to train the next generation of forward thinkers who will advance our understanding and practical appliance of greener technologies and artificial intelligence.”
The IOT is a joint partnership between Loughborough College and Loughborough University, and will be the latest addition to the East Midlands growing tech and skills learning portfolio and forms part of the East Midlands Institute of Technology partnership.
The completed building will focus on levelling up the critical engineering, manufacturing and digital skills required by local and national employers to address the ambitious engineering challenges of clean growth. The IoT will also embrace the advanced skills required for an Artificial Intelligence and data-driven economy.
Initial ground works and site set up has already begun, with plans to finish the project in March next year.
Golf day secures hole in one for air ambulance
Lincoln-based Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 accountancy practice, hosted their tenth annual Charity Golf Day raising a record amount of more than £8,000 for the Air Ambulance.
The total amount fundraised will be divided between three regional charities; East Anglian Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The winning team on the day was Varley Orthopaedics with Civil Recovery Solutions coming in second and The One Group in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Adam Aisthorpe and Paul Ward respectively.
Streets would like to say a huge thank you to all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible.
The event received fantastic support with 23 teams taking part and more than 30 local businesses sponsoring the day. There were Stableford team prizes as well as competitions such as Longest Drive, Nearest the Pin, Beat the Pro, All four hit the Green and Hole in One.
Commenting on the day, Streets Partner Mark Bradshaw said: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £8,063 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”
Streets’ 11th Charity Golf Day will take place on Friday 5th July 2024 at Lincoln Golf Club, Torksey. Once again this will be in aid of the three Air Ambulances for which Streets have raised nearly £70,000 for over the last ten years.
Join Business Link Magazine at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo
Join Business Link Magazine at the Property & Business Investment Lincolnshire Expo on Wednesday 20 March, an event offering a plethora of valuable networking opportunities.
Taking place at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln, the free to attend event is aimed at the construction, property, business, investment, finance, professional services, and related B2B markets, and will offer everything you require for a great day of business generation.
A network breakfast will start the day for exhibitors, at 8:00, with the exhibition opening at 9:00.
The opportunity will then arise at 11:00 to join Lee Marshall, Managing Director of Viridis, for a complimentary Nespresso Coffee and the latest updates on Net Zero.
Speed networking will kick off at 11:30, hosted by Lincoln Business Club, providing a chance to share knowledge and build partnerships with local businesses, while the Lincolnshire Chamber’s Construction & Property Network will begin at 13:00.
And don’t forget to visit Business Link’s stand at the event, before the expo closes at 14:00.
Register to attend the event here.
For information on exhibiting at the event click here.
Interest rates held at 5.25%
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5.25%, for the fourth time.
With aims to meet the 2% inflation target, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%.
Two members preferred to increase Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5.5%. One member preferred to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25 percentage points, to 5%.
A statement from the Bank of England says: “The Committee voted to maintain Bank Rate at 5.25%. Headline CPI inflation has fallen back relatively sharply. The restrictive stance of monetary policy is weighing on activity in the real economy and is leading to a looser labour market. In the Committee’s February forecast, the risks to inflation are more balanced. Although services price inflation and wage growth have fallen by somewhat more than expected, key indicators of inflation persistence remain elevated.
“As a result, monetary policy will need to remain restrictive for sufficiently long to return inflation to the 2% target sustainably in the medium term in line with the MPC’s remit. The Committee has judged since last autumn that monetary policy needs to be restrictive for an extended period of time until the risk of inflation becoming embedded above the 2% target dissipates.”
The Bank is anticipating a temporary fall to 2% for inflation in the second quarter of 2024, but note that it is likely to rise again after.
Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “The decision by the Bank of England to hold interest rates at 5.25% will come as a relief to households holding back on spending and businesses that have pressed pause on investment.
“While inflation is following a downward trend towards the 2% target, it’s not clear whether rates will follow suit. Relatively high wage inflation alongside an uptick in services inflation in December means that a rate cut before the summer is increasingly unlikely to materialise.
“However, that won’t stop pressure piling onto the Bank of England to reduce rates as weakness in the economy persists. A rebound in growth in November following the previous month’s decline is encouraging but masks the overall picture of a flatlining economy, still at risk of technical recession.
“The stakes are high for business bearing the brunt of higher borrowing costs and soft demand. They desperately need certainty on monetary policy alongside a package of measures from government to kickstart productivity and growth.
“The Spring Budget in a General Election year is the perfect opportunity for politicians to support credible solutions. The CBI’s Budget recommendations have the potential to unlock business investment, including a Net Zero Carbon Plan, a globally competitive R&D Tax Credits scheme as well as capping the increase in the business rate multiplier in England for another year.”
Five win promotions at Dacres
Dacre Sons & Hartley has made five promotions across its residential, agricultural and customer service divisions, as well as a director level promotion in the specialist commercial division.
Laura Nicholas and Zoe Harrison have both been promoted to associate, Anita Rydings is now a senior sales negotiator, Will Shakeshaft-Gee has become a sales negotiator and Ed Pawley has been made a director of Dacres Commercial.
Ed joined Dacres Commercial in 2021 as a senior associate. He now carries out valuations, rent reviews and lease renewals, as well as advising on investment transactions, spanning all types of healthcare property including GP surgeries, medical centres and pharmacies. He covers an extensive area spanning Yorkshire and into the North West, Midlands and down the M1 corridor.
Laura joined Dacres in 2015 as a customer services representative and is also a qualified mortgage advisor, which further enhances her understanding of the property market. In 2022 she was promoted to head of Dacres’ customer services centre, leading the team and working with clients at all stages of their property journey. She also provides internal training across the firm’s 20 residential offices, located throughout North and West Yorkshire, on best practice requirements and software systems.
Chartered surveyor Zoe has worked as a land agent in the agricultural division since 2019. Zoe, who is a RICS member and registered valuer, handles the sale, valuation and management of agricultural and sporting property throughout the North of England. Based in the firm’s Harrogate office, Zoe works across a wide portfolio of clients from single farms to some of the finest country estates in the region.
Anita joined the company’s Knaresborough office in 2018 and has a proven track record in sales and strong focus on high standards of customer service. She is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents and has almost 20 years’ experience working in the property sector, after starting her career in commercial property in Leeds, before becoming property manager at The Harewood Estate and then moving into residential sales.
William Shakeshaft-Gee joined the Burley-in-Wharfedale office in 2022 as a sales assistant and after developing in the role for the last 18 months he’s enjoyed numerous sales successes throughout Burley and the surrounding area, as well as being a hit with clients.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacres, said: “Ed, Anita, Laura, Zoe and William are all integral members of our team, with their own specialisms, who work across different divisions and areas within the business. They’re all very hardworking and go above and beyond to deliver the best results for our clients, and therefore they thoroughly deserve their promotions.”
Start of work on site heralds new chapter for iconic Harrogate buildings
Work is now underway to convert the iconic ‘Herald Buildings’ in Harrogate town centre into a new retail and apartment scheme.
Yorkshire-based property company Rushbond has appointed Ashfield Projects to undertake the careful renovation of these significant heritage buildings. Originally built in the 1850s, they were the headquarters of the Harrogate Advertiser for much of the last century until the newspaper company moved out in 1990.
Most recently, the building operated as a bar for nearly 30 years before closing in 2021. Rushbond acquired the development in 2021 and work is now underway to transform the buildings into four high quality ground floor retail units and five apartments including a penthouse, designed by SPX Architects.
Richard Gough from Rushbond said: “We are excited to have begun work on this iconic local landmark. The renovations will create a sustainable, long-term use for these significant buildings, offering future generations of people the opportunity to live and work in this locally designated heritage asset.
“We hope that by breathing new life into this historic building, the much-loved Montpellier neighbourhood in Harrogate will be further enhanced with new retail spaces to be enjoyed by a growing community of residents.”
The renovations will include a full fit-out and remodel of the interior spaces, as well as careful restoration of the buildings’ exterior to further enhance the streetscape of this heritage quarter of the town centre, which is a designated Conservation Area. The wider project team also includes Richard Boothroyd & Associates Ltd, Topping Engineers and HG Consulting Engineers.
Yorkshire renewables firm makes tenth strategic acquisition
Fast-growing cleantech business Green Building Renewables’ tenth acquisition sees it surpass the £40m turnover milestone as it continues its rapid expansion across England at the start of 2024.
Crawley-based Doré Woodman has joined Green Building Renewables’ nationwide network of renewable experts, allowing the company to expand further into Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
Since 2021, Green Building Renewables has increased its turnover more than tenfold from £3m to over £40m. At the same time, staff numbers have risen from 18 in its York office to over 200 across its fourteen regional offices in England.
Green Building Renewables aims to be the largest installer of domestic renewable technology by 2025 with a turnover of £100m.
Managing Director of Green Building Renewables, Chris Delaney said: “Our tenth acquisition and surpassing the £40million turnover mark is a double milestone for the company and a great start to the year. Everyone within the business can be extremely proud of our achievements in the last two years.
“We have grown our reach and expanded our coverage across England. Our ambitions for 2024 are even bigger as we aim to have full coverage of England. We welcome Ben Freeman and the team at Doré Woodman to ours.”
Ben Freeman, founder of Doré Woodman, said: “From the outset of our discussions, it was clear that Green Building Renewable is creating something unique. Its model of a nationwide network, based on local installers, is exactly what this market needs and aligns with our own core-beliefs.
“Unlike conventional heating systems, heat pumps require extensive design, installation and commissioning capabilities coupled with a supportive, customer-driven mentality. Our full-system approach links the many different renewable systems into one bespoke solution, thereby ensuring a streamlined, efficient process to deliver the perfect outcome and a best-in-class customer experience.”
Doré Woodman serves residential clients in Kent, Surrey and Sussex and specialises in heat pump installations.
Green Building Renewables recently appointed Chris Joubert as its new Merger and Acquisition Director to lead further growth of Green Building Renewables through the strategic acquisition of reputable renewable installation companies across England.
Chris said: “Doré Woodman is the perfect example of the calibre of company that we want to join Green Building Renewables and to help expand its network. While I can’t take responsibility for bringing this acquisition on board, it is a perfect blueprint for the type of business I will be looking for and aiming to get into the company’s nationwide network.
“I am looking forward to working alongside Chris and the team at Green Building Renewables to help reach its ambitions of becoming the largest domestic renewables installer in England and to reach its £100million turnover.”
Work completes on office development in landmark Bradford building
Work is complete on a brand-new serviced office development within a Grade II listed former Victorian mill building in Bradford city centre.
The 19 Grade A office suites range in size from 150 to 600 sq ft and form part of the Conditioning House development.
The multi-million-pound mixed-use scheme has been developed by Yorkshire-based Priestley Group and also includes 166 luxury residential apartments, a gym and café, with a grand covered atrium at the heart of the development that creates a unique break out area.
The serviced ground floor offices will be managed by Priestley Group’s ‘Worx’ office brand. Every suite benefits from a communal reception area and meeting rooms, free use of the on-site gym, and overnight security.
Georgia Nicholson, asset manager at Priestley Investments, said: “We’re thrilled to complete work on this latest phase of Conditioning House. Brand-new Grade A office suites in and around Bradford are few and far between and especially in historic Grade II listed buildings that have been sensitively restored to such an exceptional standard.
“Crucially, the development is also in a highly sought-after location, with all Foster Square Retail Park’s shops and amenities on the doorstep. Bradford Forster Square railway station is an easy eight-minute walk away and there’s the added advantage of free on-street parking right outside the building.
“As a result, we’re already attracting high levels of interest from businesses that want a genuine statement office space, in a creative and entrepreneurial environment, where they can grow and thrive.”
West Lindsey offers free advice for leisure and tourism businesses
Leisure and tourism businesses in West Lindsey are set to benefit from a series of free workshops designed to maximise the visitor economy offer in the district.
West Lindsey District Council is engaging with Unmissable England, who specialise in working with businesses to develop new bookable experiences that tell the story of the people and the place.
Two new free workshops are now available, via funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for West Lindsey businesses which are aimed at the leisure and tourism sector. A further two will be planned for the autumn with more details to be confirmed.
Cllr Lesley Rollings, Chair of the Leisure, Culture, Events and Tourism Group at West Lindsey District Council welcomes the news of the free new training series. She said: “These workshops are a great opportunity for any businesses looking to further develop their offer, adding value, and stimulating the growth and development of the district’s visitor economy.
“West Lindsey has a great visitor offer with its rich heritage within the market towns, to the breathtakingly beautiful countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. I look forward to seeing how businesses can take advantage of the fantastic opportunity.”
Chris Brant, Director & Experiential Tourism Advisor at Unmissable England said: “I’m really excited to be back in Lincolnshire and supporting businesses in the West Lindsey District to develop new bookable visitor experiences for domestic and international markets.
“Globally, there’s been a big uplift in experiential travel. Visitors are no longer looking to simply just visit a place; they want to experience it. They want to go where the locals go, go off the beaten track, listen to the stories of a place, learn something new and create lasting memories.
“Unmissable England has worked all over the country supporting businesses to design authentic experiences, creating new collaborations and new products for a range of markets. We are now about to do the same in West Lindsey in partnership with the District Council.”
Experience Maker Workshop
Thursday 29 February, 11am to 2pm (includes lunch) at Rand Farm Park, Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
How to Attract Walkers and Cyclists WorkshopThursday 14 March, 10.30am to 12.30pm followed by a networking lunch at The Bistro Bar & Kitchen, 55 Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EN
Contractors move in to regenerate site of Sheffield’s former castle
Contractors Keltbray have moved onto the former home of Sheffield’s Castle Market to set up a site compound and start clearing the area, kickstarting a regeneration project which will oversee a public open space once home to a 12th-century castle, the birthplace of Sheffield.
Once planning conditions are agreed, this phase is expected to continue until July and will include the demolition of concrete structures (remnants of the Castle Market) as well as various cut & fill earthworks. The archaeological excavation of the Castle’s Gatehouse and Moat as well as 19th century steelworks will also start.
Keltbray Highways’ MD Louise Pavitt said: “We are thrilled to work with Sheffield City Council on a project with such a rich cultural history. Our site teams have extensive experience of working with Sheffield City Council and are delighted to start works on the Castlegate scheme, providing an exciting open space for the public.”
The first phase is said to be important to develop and inform the of the site, allowing visitors to see the remains of Sheffield Castle including the Gatehouse. Apart from the excavations of the 1950’s, this will be the first time the gatehouse will be opened up since the Castle was demolished in the late 1600’s.
As part of Phase 2 of works, further nods to the city’s history will be created with the development of a 500 people capacity events space, reminiscent of the ‘bowling green’ believed to have occupied the area in the 17th century and heritage interpretation boards and public art throughout the site.
The site is also the place where the river Sheaf, which gave the city its name, and the river Don meet. Phase 2 will include opening up the Sheaf, making it visible in the City Centre for the first time since the Victorian age and create the Sheaf Fields area of the park.
Hannah lands place with British Art Network’s Emerging Curators Group
Beverley Art Gallery Curator Hannah Willetts has been selected as a member of the British Art Network’s Emerging Curators Group 2024.
As part of the group, Hannah, pictured above, will take part in a series of workshops between January and September, both online and in person, and has been awarded funding to pursue her personal research.
Her research question is: ‘What role can a local authority Art Gallery play in a town community? Exploring ways of creating an active space for engagement with a collection and exhibition programme’.
She said: “In my research, I’m looking to capture the playfulness and enthusiastic participation I’ve seen from our visitors here at Beverley Art Gallery and translate it into meaningful activities and engagement with art. This research will shape and feed into a new collection display and the future exhibition programme at the gallery.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, the council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Congratulations to Hannah on this well-deserved and highly prestigious accolade! I am very much looking forward to seeing the fruits of her research reflected in the future programme at Beverley Art Gallery”
The Group is a supportive forum for the next generation of curators in the UK, enabling peers to come together and share experiences and thinking around curating British art.
The British Art Network awards bursary funding to fifteen emerging curators each year. The Network aims to connect the group with expertise in the field of British art through a variety of events and resources.
