Sheffield’s still the real ale capital of the world as brewing industry drives tourism, says report
A new report has found the brewing scene in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority area is bucking the national trend for closures, despite the challenges of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.
The region is now home to 58 breweries, more per head of population than anywhere else in the country, producing around 1,800 different beers every year according to a new report by the University of Sheffield.
A strong culture of traditional pubs that “feel different” to elsewhere in the country, and which see over 600 different beers being served every day on its bars, means Sheffield is experiencing a beer tourism boom, the report found. Dozens of events, from the Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival, to the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival, are taking advantage of, and supporting, this pub culture.
Breweries are also helping to regenerate run-down areas, often being the forerunners of other indie and like-minded businesses that turn an area into the next hip hot-spot.
First conducted in 2016, the new report has once again been written by award-winning beer writer Pete Brown, who was born and raised in Barnsley. The report surveyed breweries across Sheffield and the wider region about the state of the industry in the area. Key findings included:
Sheffield is home to four breweries per 100,000 head of population, while the broader Mayoral Combined Authority has three. Either measure is many times higher than cities such as Edinburgh (1.1), Manchester (0.2), London (0.4) or Dublin (0.6), which are often cited in surveys of the best beer cities in the world that use high numbers of breweries per capita.
Brewers across the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority produce a total of around 1,800 different beers every year, with around 780 of those being brewed in the city of Sheffield itself.
Almost 70 per cent of the beer brewed by local brewers is drunk within the local region. The report also found 70 per cent of cask ale brands sold in the city of Sheffield are brewed within 20 miles of the city centre.
Approximately 300 different real ales are on sale in Sheffield every day, with around the same number of craft keg beers also available.
The city and region’s breweries and pubs are still predominantly cask (real) ale focused, again bucking a national decline which has seen sales volumes half in the last decade, but a wider variety of beers can now be found than in 2016. With cask beer being almost exclusively a British product, Sheffield can again claim to be the real ale capital of the world.
The Visit Sheffield website lists 362 beer attractions – second only to the outdoors, which has been Sheffield Tourism’s key priority in recent years.
Report author Pete Brown said: “Sheffield’s prowess as a beer city won’t come as a surprise to anyone who drinks here. But it’s fascinating that when you do the research and generate the numbers, the claim of being one of the best beer cities in the world really stands up. Sheffield is having a bit of a moment just now, punching massively above its weight, culturally. And its brewing scene is the glue that holds that culture together.”
But the report also notes that while breweries in the region have been resilient and adaptable thus far, they are in “survival mode”, with no capacity to expand. In 2016, two-thirds of the breweries surveyed said that they were planning significant expansion over the next twelve months; today that figure has dropped to around one in five. There is also a lack of support from local authorities which means that while Sheffield in many ways out-performs its brewing rivals, it could do even better with more active, broader involvement and promotion.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City Culture and Public Engagement at the University of Sheffield, said: “Sheffield has always been a city of makers and what makes the report’s findings really interesting is the added value this industry of modern-day little mesters are bringing to the region. They are not just brewing beer; they are providing a huge tourism pull for people from far afield, while also regenerating neighbourhoods in organic, unplanned ways.
“To anyone living in Sheffield and visiting its pubs, it will come as no surprise that this new report has reaffirmed what we discovered in 2016; that Sheffield really can lay claim to being the ‘real ale capital of the world’.”
Sheffield seeks operator for glasshouses at Norton Nurseries
The glasshouses at Norton Nurseries in Sheffield’s Graves Park are to be restored and a new operator will be commissioned to grow food in the space.
Currently the glasshouses are underused and at risk of further deterioration. but at a Charity Trustee Sub-Committee meeting this week, a license was granted to commission an operator for up to five years to take over the running of the facility.
The new operator must make use of the facility for food growing and develop a plan to enable fairer access to affordable food for local people.
When selected, the new operator will be responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the space and contribute to the outcomes identified in the Food Strategy to the benefit of Sheffield.
British Business Bank launches Midlands Engine Investment Fund
The British Business Bank has launched its £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in Lincolnshire prosper and thrive.
The fund will drive sustainable economic growth by supporting new and growing businesses across the whole of the Midlands, through investment strategies that best meet the needs of these firms. It includes a range of finance options with loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses start up, scale up or stay ahead.
British Business Bank CEO Louis Taylor said: “Small businesses are at the heart of The Midlands’ economy. Since launching in 2017, the first Midlands Engine Investment Fund has so far created more than 4,000 jobs across the region by backing 739 smaller businesses.“The first Midlands Engine Investment Fund provided a blueprint for how we can support entrepreneurs and founders, whoever they are and wherever they are in the region, to access the funds and support they need. This new fund will allow us to continue supporting business owners across the Midlands, whether they’re at the start of their journey or are already running an established firm.“Promoting growth by ensuring entrepreneurs can access the finance they need regardless of where and who they are is one of the Bank’s strategic objectives, and vital to unlocking the full potential of the UK’s smaller businesses.”
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II aims to build on the success of the inaugural Midlands Engine Investment Fund), a £300m fund which has already supported 299 smaller businesses in the East and South East Midlands since its launch in 2017. The new fund will help hundreds more businesses to achieve their potential and further increase the supply and diversity of early-stage finance by providing options to firms that might otherwise be unable to secure investment. Funding is designed to help businesses with activities including expansion, product or service innovation, new processes, skills development, and capital equipment.
Three fund managers have been appointed to manage the fund in the East and South East Midlands. First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans will manage the smaller loans part of the fund (£25,000 to £100,000), Maven Capital Partners will be responsible for larger loans (£100,000 to £2 million), and Mercia Ventures will manage equity deals (up to £5 million).
Hull launches grants scheme for city’s SMEs
Hull businesses can apply for loans from Hull City Council through a small business loan scheme set up with a £1m pot of funds.
The Business Loan Scheme will be aimed at SMEs in the which have capital spend projects only, and will focus on what is known as syndicated lending, offering loans alongside other lenders.
Loans will generally range between £60-150,000, with loan terms between three and seven years.
Under the Business Loan Scheme, the LUP grant is not repayable, meaning funds will be available to support more businesses in the future on a ‘revolving basis’ following successful repayment of the loans, further facilitating business and economic growth in the city.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “It’s great that the council is now able to offer these loans to small and medium sized businesses in Hull.
“The council is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes and this is another example of that, using the funding received from the government last year.
“It’s important that the Business Loan Scheme is managed carefully and diligently so it can grow and continue to provide financial support to local companies for many years to come.”
The initial Business Loan Scheme is open for applications until March 2025.
Lincolnshire IT support firm becomes part of Air IT
Lincolnshire IT support firm SCS is now part of Air IT, the Nottingham-based Managed Service Provider (MSP) for SMEs.
Matthew Stead, Managing Director of SCS, says: “We’ve spent the last 30 years developing and growing SCS into a successful regional business with an enviable local reputation.
“By joining Air IT, we’ll be able to offer additional technical expertise, skillsets and new exciting capabilities, whilst continuing to deliver the highest levels of service to our clients. We are very much looking forward to continuing our journey of growth and establishing Air IT as the IT partner of choice for SMEs in Lincolnshire and beyond.”
James Steventon, CEO at Air IT, said: “I’m delighted to welcome SCS to Air IT. They’re a great addition to our team, sharing a similar approach, culture, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients.
“With a strong focus on our core services including managed IT support and Microsoft technologies, we’re looking forward to combining our joint knowledge, skills and experience to deliver even greater results for our valued clients.”
SCS will be operating from the same premises with the same staff as before.
FSB calls for changes to education system to protect small firms
With the development of Artificial Intelligence small firms need protection from deepfakes and improvements to the education system to allow it to live up to its true potential, a new report by the Federation of Small Businesses shows.
Redefining Intelligence: The Growth of AI Among Small Firms, published today, emphasises that while the technology can work in tandem with human intelligence and creativity, it should not replace human judgement entirely.
It also highlights the importance of Intellectual Property rights, over fears that allowing AI to sidestep IP could disincentivise small firms from coming up with new, creative ideas.
Figures show that small firms are adopting AI at a rapid pace, with one in five already using it, and 11 in 20 recognising its potential benefits. Similarly, three in five aiming for rapid growth plan to use it – but these figures are likely to grow rapidly as the technology gets smarter.
But while AI will bring many benefits, the risks must not be glossed over as the AI debate gains more traction, with the 73 per cent yet to embrace it worried about:
- 46% not having the knowledge to use it correctly.
- 31% their ability to manage security risks.
- 24% the impact of deepfakes.
- 20% the abuse of their IP rights.
- 12% whether it will reduce the long-term viability of their business.
- Make it illegal to use deepfakes with the intent to cause commercial damage, with legal recourse available for victims.
- Request the Law Commission conduct a review into the use of AI and how it relates to IP, and how best to update existing laws to make it clear that copyright can only sit with a human author.
- Broaden the remit of Ofcom so it regulates cloud infrastructure in the same way as utility providers, ensuring cloud infrastructure remains affordable.
Lincolnshire timber firm to be sold
Saint-Gobain has signed a binding agreement for the sale of its treated timber products (utility poles, fencing and railway sleepers) manufacturing brands.
Iivari Mononen Group is to take on Lincolnshire-based Calders & Grandidge, as well as PDM in Ireland.
The divested assets generated revenues of €50 million in 2023 and employ 80 people.
The divestment of PDM completed on 1 March, and the sale of Calders & Grandidge is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, subject to competition authority clearance.
Established for over 100 years, Calders & Grandidge is headquartered in Boston, Lincolnshire.
The company noted that the divestments “are part of Saint-Gobain’s continued business profile optimization strategy, in line with its ‘Grow & Impact’ plan.”
University of Bradford launches new programme to support SMEs
A £1.9m project aimed at giving SMEs access to scientific equipment at the University of Bradford has been set up.
Project SIBLING – Scientific Instrumentation for Business Leadership in Innovation and Growth – will aid the research and development of SMEs based in West Yorkshire through the use of advanced scientific instrumentation at the University of Bradford.
Firms will be given access to equipment in the University of Bradford’s Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis and Advanced Manufacturing Laboratories in its Faculties of Life Sciences and Engineering and Digital Technologies.
The SIBLING project is being delivered by the University of Bradford and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority leads the implementation of the Fund as part of the Mayor’s ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live.
SIBLING will deliver 45 fully-funded research and innovation projects between September 2023 and March 2025. It will see SMEs given access to six cutting edge instruments including X-Ray diffraction, metal/composite 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and thermal analysis instrumentation.
Experts at the University of Bradford will offer help to participating SMEs with free research and innovation projects on its new and existing instruments. The services on offer in the project will also be tailored to the individual requirements of the participating firms.
Professor Richard Telford, Director of the Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis at the University of Bradford, said: “We are targeting under-represented firms in the region, such as female and BAME-led SMEs.
“It is a brilliant opportunity for West Yorkshire SMEs to access equipment and expertise that we have at the University which will allow them to innovate. This in turn will hopefully see their companies develop new products and processes and provide a significant benefit to their operations.”
Dentists offered more government cash to take on NHS patients
Dental practices are being offered up to £50 extra for every new NHS patient they take on in the latest milestone in the government and NHS’s plan to make millions more dental appointments available.
The new patient premium will mean that participating NHS practices can benefit from payments of either £50 or £15, depending on care, for each new patient treated. This will apply for any patient who has not seen an NHS dentist over the past two years. The level of the payment will depend on the complexity of the treatment required and is on top of existing funding the practice receives for treating patients.
Through the scheme and wider measures in the dental recovery plan – which is backed by £200 million – the government and NHS aim to deliver an extra 2.5 million appointments for patients over the next 12 months.
The plan builds on existing work to improve access to dentistry, with the government investing more than £3 billion each year to support the sector. Last year, 1.7 million more adults and around 800,000 more children saw an NHS dentist compared to the previous year.
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “I want to make access to dentistry faster, simpler and fairer for patients – particularly those who have not been able to see a dentist in the past 2 years.
“This scheme is good for patients and good for dentists. It will see millions more appointments made available for those who need them, while also rewarding those dentists who are taking on new NHS patients.
“It’s all part of our plan to put NHS dentistry on a sustainable footing for the long term and ensure that good oral health is a reality for everyone.”
Sheffield gets £67m to build 1,300 new homes in two districts
Homes England has agreed a £67m funding package to support the creation of two new communities at Furnace Hill and Neepsend in Sheffield.
The funding will support vital land assembly and enabling works across five hectares of brownfield and underutilised land, enabling new homes and commercial space to be built, as part of wider regeneration activity.
Peter Denton, Chief Executive of Homes England, said: “This funding will kickstart the transformation of Furnace Hill and Neepsend, paving the way for 1,300 new homes and 4,000 square metres of commercial space, and, ultimately, the creation of two new vibrant communities.
“A core part of our remit is to use all the tools at our disposal to help places to achieve their vision for their area. Our work with Sheffield City Council over the last two years is a prime example of what this looks like in practice. We’ve worked in partnership with the council and other local stakeholders to create a viable action plan, and now we’re providing the funding to help make it happen.”
The proposals to transform Furnace Hill and Neepsend have been spearheaded by the Sheffield Together Housing Growth Board, which includes Sheffield City Council, Homes England, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the Sheffield Property Association and the South Yorkshire Housing Partnership. Cllr Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This major investment will help to create two new city centre neighbourhoods on brownfield land. It will help to breathe new life into Furnace Hill and Neepsend and create great neighbourhoods with 1300 new homes.”Pace of AI adoption means Government and education system have to catch-up fast, say small firms
Small firms need protection from deepfakes and improvements to the education system to allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) to live up to its true potential, a new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows.
Redefining Intelligence: The Growth of AI Among Small Firms, published today, emphasises that while the technology can work in tandem with human intelligence and creativity, it should not replace human judgement entirely.
It also highlights the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) rights, over fears that allowing AI to sidestep IP could disincentivise small firms from coming up with new, creative ideas.
Figures show that small firms are adopting AI at a rapid pace, with one in five (20%) already using it, and 11 in 20 (55%)recognising its potential benefits. Similarly, three in five (60%) aiming for rapid growth plan to use it – but these figures are likely to grow quickly as the technology gets smarter.
But while AI will bring many benefits, the risks must not be glossed over as the AI debate gains more traction, with the 73 per cent yet to embrace it worried about:
- 46% not having the knowledge to use it correctly.
- 31% their ability to manage security risks.
- 24% the impact of deepfakes.
- 20% the abuse of their IP rights.
- 12% whether it will reduce the long-term viability of their business.
- Make it illegal to use deepfakes with the intent to cause commercial damage, with legal recourse available for victims.
- Request the Law Commission conduct a review into the use of AI and how it relates to IP, and how best to update existing laws to make it clear that copyright can only sit with a human author.
- Broaden the remit of Ofcom so it regulates cloud infrastructure in the same way as utility providers, ensuring cloud infrastructure remains affordable.
- Creating a GCSE and A-Level qualification in applied computing, that focuses on the practical use of AI.
- Specific new programmes to help make small business owners make the best possible use of AI in their business, including to better assess training and to make sure take-up of new technology is supported.
British Steel invests in £1.1m in specialist forklift trucks for Scunthorpe site
Acquisition of two more forklift trucks for completes a £3.1-million investment in mobile plant at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site.
The SVE 52120-60 forklift trucks have a maximum lifting capacity of 52 tonnes and will be used to transport and load semi-finished steel products.
This latest £1.1-million investment replaces older machines that had come to the end of their working lives, and follows the recent addition of seven other vehicles to modernise the heavy mobile fleet.
The forklifts have the latest engine control system that allows for better performance through improved fuel efficiency and improved emissions control.
Mark Ding, Manager – Workshop Services, Plant Infrastructure and Assets for British Steel, said: “This is a significant investment in our mobile plant which will assist operational performance as well as reducing maintenance costs and improving our environmental performance.”
The trucks, supplied through West Midlands-based Cooper Specialised Handling, run on modern diesel engines and have a lifting height of up to five metres.
They will be used to transfer hot steel stock bars, which are placed into packs of varying lengths and amounts and loaded according to grade and customer needs. They are also being used to load cold stock from stocking areas onto mainline external wagons, internal mill deliveries and loading slab caster for customers via road and rail.
David Cooper, Executive Director of supplier Cooper Specialised Handling, said: “SVE Truck forklifts have been used on the British Steel Scunthorpe site for more than 25 years during which time they have built a unique reputation for strength, quality and operator comfort in what is, widely accepted, a heavy-duty handling environment. We are naturally delighted that this tenure continues with this supply contract.”
Chancellor announces pension scheme reforms
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced pension fund reforms in a move he anticipates will boost British business and increase returns for savers.
The changes mean:
* By 2027 DC pension funds will disclose their levels of investment in British businesses, as well as their costs and net investment returns.
* Pension funds will be required to publicly compare their performance data against competitor schemes, including at least two schemes managing at least £10 billion in assets.
* Schemes performing poorly for savers won’t be allowed to take on new business from employers, with The Pensions Regulator and Financial Conduct Authority having a full range of intervention powers.
Mr Hunt says that by ensuring pension funds publicly disclose where they invest and the returns they offer, it will make it possible for employers and savers to compare schemes and make informed choices. The government is embarking on Value for Money pension fund reforms to improve outcomes for savers and consolidate the DC pensions market. The reforms will ensure that pension managers are focused on securing good returns for savers.
The plans are subject to a consultation by the Financial Conduct Authority and build on the Government’s Mansion House compact, that encouraged pension funds to invest at least 5% of their assets in unlisted equity.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “We have already started on a path to drive growth, unlock capital for our most promising companies and improve outcomes for savers – and these new rules mean employers and savers can see how their money is invested and how the returns compare to other schemes.”
Gelder Group boss uses silver spade for ceremonial start on cinema
Gelder Group Chief Executive Officer Steve Gelder has used a silver spade to break the ground in a symbolic gesture, signalling the start of work on a £9m Savoy cinema in Gainsborough.
He said: “Having been born and brought up in Gainsborough, I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded the contract to build the exciting new cinema.”
West Lindsey District Council and Savoy Cinema announced that local construction company the GelderGroup have secured the contract to build the state-of-the-art complex in the Market Place.
The development will deliver a four-screen cinema complex, restaurant, retail units and car parking provision in Gainsborough Town Centre. It is funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the governments Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.
“I am passionate about seeing the town develop and grow in prominence in the years ahead. I am confident that the new cinema will provide an important focus point in the Market Place and have the power to bring many more visitors into the town.”
Savoy Cinemas MD James Collington said: “Today marks a significant milestone in developing our new state-of-the-art cinema, bringing us a step closer to unveiling the Savoy Experience in Gainsborough. We are looking forward to delivering excellent films, entertainment, and cutting-edge cinematic technology in the town centre for the local community and surrounding areas to enjoy.”
Leader of West Lindsey District Council Trevor Young and Gainsborough ward member said: “Today we are not only breaking ground on the physical construction of the site, but together with Savoy Cinemas, we are looking forward to working with Steve Gelder and his team, an award-winning construction company based right here in West Lindsey.
“The cinema is the anchor project in our Thriving Gainsborough 2024’ regeneration programme and it demonstrates our continued commitment to deliver for the people of loop Gainsborough and surrounding area. This will bring a much-needed leisure offer to the town centre and significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend.”
Morgan Sindall starts work on Freshney Place healthcare project
Contractor Morgan Sindall has started converting five units in Grimsby’s Freshney Place Shopping Centre into a bespoke Community Diagnostic Centre that will help to transform healthcare in North East Lincolnshire.
Once complete, the centre will offer around 150,000 additional diagnostic appointments a year to patients at a convenient, central location, rather than travelling to a hospital site.
Due to open to patients in autumn this year, it will be able to offer a range of services, including ophthalmology, non-obstetric ultrasounds and a mix of pathological and physiological tests, such as ECGs and X Rays.
Now the demolition phase is under way, and details of the plans are on display within the shopping centre, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Cllr Philip Jackson and Deputy Leader Cllr Stan Shreeve, who is also the Portfolio Holder with responsibilities for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, joined NHS project leads for a tour of the facility.
They were guided around the site by Ivan McConnell, Group Director Strategy and Partnership at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Mark Edgar, the Trust’s Associate Director of Estates Projects; and Helen Kenyon, North East Lincolnshire Place Director for Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Mr McConnell said: “It’s been a pleasure to take Cllr Jackson and Cllr Shreeve around the site today and explain more about our exciting plans for the site.
“It was also great to see so many members of the public stopping to read our information boards and find out more about the benefits this new centre will provide.
“Having this new facility and the capacity to conduct so many additional tests will be incredibly beneficial to the health of people across the area, as it will help us to detect and treat serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.”
Pet treat supplier secures additional £850k in private equity backing
Pet treat supplier, Sniffers Pet Care, has secured £850k in follow-on funding from Traditum Private Equity, following an initial investment of £1.75m by the West Yorkshire-based private equity house in September 2022.
Sniffers, which is based near Halifax, supplies natural pet treats for customers including Pets at Home and Jollyes under its challenger brand NAW, which was successfully launched in 2023.
The funding will enable Sniffers to accelerate production at its site in Elland and deliver an incremental uplift of £3.3m in annual revenue.
The business has experienced rapid growth in the past 24 months, with a 40% year-on-year increase in turnover and an 85% growth in headcount in the last 12 months, taking full-time employee numbers to 37.
The first round of funding enabled Sniffers to expand operationally and scale manufacturing and distribution capabilities. It also invested heavily in building its own IP through the re-brand of its natural dog treat brands, Buffalo and Walter Smith, to NAW, which stands for No Animal Wasted.
The range is made from 100% air-dried animal parts which would usually go to waste and is now stocked in large chains such Ocado, as well as a range of independent and specialist retailers. The brand will be showcased at Crufts next month in front of 250,000 entrants.
The latest round of funding has been supported strategically by Sniffers’ senior leadership team, which includes chief financial officer Peter Harrison and non-executive directors Tom Page, and George Page. The brothers were appointed in 2023 to provide both marketing and operational expertise, drawing on their extensive industry experience acquired at family firm, Inspired Pet Nutrition.
Speaking about the investment, Simon Brown, CEO of Sniffers Pet Care, said: “The follow-on funding from Traditum is a real endorsement of our plan and the launch of our brand NAW last year.
“It will enable us to accelerate our growth in 2024 and make a real impact in the pet market with some exciting launches ahead.”
Iain Marlow, head of investments for Traditum, said: “Following on from our investment into Sniffers in 2022 the business has successfully launched the NAW brand, expanded the senior management team and entered into new distribution channels, which have delivered transformational growth for the business.
“At Traditum we seek to invest in and support exceptional management teams and we could not be prouder to support Simon Brown and his whole team at Sniffers. We are delighted to be able to provide further funding to the business to support continued growth in what are exciting times for the business.”
Traditum was supported with legal advice from Paul Johnson and Nina Latham of law firm Mills and Reeve. Jonathan Simms, Hitesh Tailor and Jonathan Schneider from Clarion Solicitors supported Sniffers Pet Care.
Community, Arts, Heritage and Future Technology Centre approved for historic Saltaire
“Once in a generation” plans have been unanimously approved for a new £6m Community, Arts, Heritage and Future Technology Centre in the heart of Saltaire.
The new centre, which is being Government-funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, will benefit both local people and visitors, and is being delivered by Shipley College and the Saltaire Collection.
The building, which will be located at the corner of Victoria Road and Caroline Street on land provided by Bradford Council, will provide additional classroom and administration space to support Shipley College, for technology-based teaching and learning.
It will also become the new home for the Saltaire Collection – a large collection of historic artefacts and documents. There will be a public exhibition space and community classroom to enable people to learn more about the history of Saltaire.
Alongside five modern new classrooms, the plans include a civic garden to the front of the building and a publicly-accessible rooftop exhibition garden – intended to be open during the daytime.
The new building reinstates a civic function where Saltaire’s now demolished Sunday School’s building once stood. It has been designed to complement the sensitive historic context of Saltaire without harming the heritage attributes that make up the World Heritage Site’s outstanding universal value.
It will add to the ensemble of civic buildings and spaces on Victoria Road and create a welcoming and accessible exhibition pavilion and gardens. The design has been developed to retain key views to Salts Mill and most of the new accommodation is set below street level around a sunken courtyard.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to enhance Saltaire for the future. It is important it is done to an extremely high standard and in a sensitive way which respects the history of this very special place, and the plans certainly reflect that.”
Adam Clerkin, Chair of the Shipley Towns Fund, said: “We are thrilled the Towns Fund has been able to support this incredible project which will deliver so many development opportunities for local people and visitors alike.
“The approval of this the latest Towns Fund project, again underlines what can be achieved when public-funded projects are considered from a local viewpoint.”
The design and development ran alongside public engagement and consultation, as well as guidance from the Council’s planning authority and Historic England, to ensure the plans protect the Outstanding Universal Value of Saltaire.
Diana Bird, Principal at Shipley College, said: “The new building will provide modern teaching facilities to teach local people in-demand technological skills. It will create new public green spaces, and a permanent storage and exhibition space to tell the story of Saltaire to visitors – something that our village does not currently have.”
Maggie Smith, Trustee of the Saltaire Collection, said: “Our collection provides a unique insight into the lives of Saltaire residents and workers since its foundation in 1853, covering the many dramas and changes from the village’s early days until today. We are so excited that, after many years of commitment from our marvellous volunteers and researchers, we will soon be able to share these stories with everyone.”
The plans also include new modern public toilets and changing facilities, which were a core requirement of Shipley Town Council, one of the project stakeholders.
Premier Technical Services Group makes first overseas acquisition
Niche specialist service provider, Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG), has acquired Flame Control, a large fire solutions firm that operates across the Netherlands.
Flame Control, which is based in the municipality of Harderwijk, specialises in fire alarm systems, first aid, evacuation, extinguishing systems and extinguishing agents. With a team of 40 specialists, the company works extensively across the Netherlands, seven days a week to improve fire safety in businesses and residential properties.
Paul Teasdale, Executive Chairman at Castleford-based PTSG, said: “We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the ongoing growth of PTSG as we embark on our first overseas acquisition.
“This strategic move represents a major step forward in our expansion efforts and underscores our commitment to creating an even stronger platform for growth. It aligns seamlessly with our long-term strategic vision and allows us to expand our market reach into Europe as well as offering our other services in a wider geographic context.”
PTSG works on buildings in all industry sectors nationwide and overseas to keep them fully operational, accessible, safe and compliant. The company’s specialist services solutions include façade access and fall arrest equipment, lightning protection testing and electrical compliance, building access cleaning and maintenance, fire and security solutions and water hygiene and treatment.
Nikhil Varty, Chief Executive at PTSG, said: “Through our 2,700 highly trained people, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, technological innovation and customer service. The addition of Flame Control to our fire solutions portfolio further reinforces our growth ambitions as we aim to deliver excellence in all aspects of our business.”
PTSG Netherlands will be overseen by Flame Control’s founder and CEO, Rodny Bosma, who believes that the collaboration is “a smart first move into Europe by PTSG,” with legislative systems and requirements being very similar and in a country that has a population of more than 17 million people of which up to 93 per cent speak English.
As part of the deal, Rodny has invested back into the newly formed business and is charged with driving the company’s growth in the Netherlands, across Europe and in the Nordic regions.
Nikhil concluded: “We extend a very ‘warm welkom’ to Rodny and his very talented team and we look forward to collaborating closely with them as we embark on this exciting journey. Together, we are poised to achieve new heights of success, keeping people safe as well as creating unparalleled value for our customers, our people and our stakeholders.
“We express our gratitude to all who have contributed to this milestone achievement and remain committed to driving sustainable growth and success in the years ahead.”
Sheffield graduate named as rail industry’s Young Professional of the Year
Sheffield Hallam University degree apprentice Fran Coult has been awarded Young Professional of the Year at the Rail Business Awards 2024.
Now working as a Supply Chain Apprentice at Alstom, Fran, pictured above, won the award which recognises the most outstanding employee under 35 within the UK rail industry.
Despite being the youngest entrant in the category, the judges commented on both the breadth and depth of Fran’s work, along with her willingness to adapt, learn and inspire. Fran works across multiple facets of the rail company’s supply chain including logistics, customer service, improving working practices, and driving efficiencies. During her time at Alstom, she has developed a new operational strategy that led to the company investing £3 million to improve delivery performance.
Fran said: “I am honoured, and it is a fantastic recognition of the achievements I have made since I joined this amazing industry. Dealing with different challenges and stakeholders, my personal and professional development with Alstom throughout my apprenticeship has been vast. I look forward to continuing to shape my career in rail and push for further positive changes across equality, diversity and inclusion within the industry.”
Alison Knight, Head of Talent at Alstom, said: “Fran’s thirst for knowledge, passion for rail, ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex challenges, and dedication to creating positive change is truly inspiring. She has already achieved much more than is expected from an apprentice and is a great role model to those around her and to future cohorts of trainees.”
Drax reveals operating profit of £796m
Drax Group made an operating profit of £796m in the year to December 31st 2023, according to figures just out, up from £78m in the previous year/
Will Gardiner, CEO of Drax Group, said the company performed strongly in 2023, remaining the largest single provider of renewable power by output in the UK, creating a business playing an essential role in supporting energy security.
He said: “Policy support for our UK BECCS project continues to progress and we remain in formal discussions with the UK Government to ensure Drax Power Station can play a long-term role in UK energy security, creating thousands of jobs during construction and helping the country reach Net Zero.
“We have made further progress in our ambition to be a world leader in carbon removals and have visibility of high-quality, long-term earnings to 2042 and a strong balance sheet which supports returns to shareholders and investment in growth, both in the UK and internationally.”
