Manufacturing company fined after workers injured by explosion
A manufacturing company in West Yorkshire has been fined £200,000 after workers were injured by an explosion.
Three workers at Weir Minerals Europe Limited sustained burns while operating a furnace at the firm’s site on Halifax Road in Todmorden on 25 February 2020.
They had been melting a large amount of steel before an explosion took place in the furnace. It had most likely been caused by water entering the furnace while the workers were adding in the scrap metal.
The three men suffered burns to their faces, heads and backs. There was also resulting damage to the surrounding equipment.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that Weir Minerals Europe Limited was aware of the risk associated with wet scrap metal being added to the furnace. However the protection from rain that was in place at the time of the incident was not adequately implemented and maintained.
Weir Minerals Europe Limited, of Halifax Road, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £6,095 in costs at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court on 5 September 2023.
HSE inspector Jackie Ferguson said: “This was a serious incident that could so easily have been avoided. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
This HSE prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Matt Reynolds.
NFU angry that farmers won’t be paid as promised, says President Minette Batters
Payments for the new scheme should have been ready to deliver by December. However, critical delays in the roll-out of the new scheme has meant that farmers are unable to access it in that timescale – and this coincides with major reductions in payments under BPS, leaving farmers facing a double whammy in the run-up to Christmas.
“We now know that farmers will not be paid this year, despite assurances that they would be,” said NFU President Minette Batters. “With farm input costs through the roof and interest rates soaring, this leaves farmers in a perilous place.
“The old scheme goes, the new one’s not ready, and farm businesses are caught in the middle. That’s not fair and we are calling on ministers to recognise that and make it right.”
Wednesday 13 September 2023 marks the NFU’s annual Back British Farming Day – a celebration of our farmers and growers, our great food and the countryside, and of the people who make a huge contribution to the UK economy. “It would be great if government could have some good news on this for farmers then,” Minette added.
The NFU says problems with SFI do not only affect farmers. The government has legislated for environmental targets through this new scheme, known as “public money for public goods”, and farmers have embraced that concept. With the scheme delayed a lot of on-farm environmental work it is designed to pay for cannot begin.
Therefore, the organisation are calling on ministers to halt any further reduction in existing farm payments – due to fall by £720 million this year alone – until delivery problems with SFI are solved.
“All we’re asking for is government to bridge the gap it has created by taking away one set of payments, but not delivering access to their replacements on time,” said Minette.
Ministers had previously committed that SFI 2023 would be open in August, with payments coming in December. But it will now only be partially open and not until mid-September. It takes some months between a farmer being accepted on to the scheme and payment being made.
Farmers were able to register “an expression of interest” on 30 August, with a handful then expecting “an invitation to apply”, meaning the scheme was “technically” open but the reality is very different.
Payments farmers were relying on will now not come this year and will come to only a handful of farmers in the early part of 2024.
The Sheffield College secures £2.6m cash injection to expand facilities
The Sheffield College has secured a £2.6 million cash injection to expand facilities for apprentices and students who study and train at Olive Grove Campus.
Based on Olive Grove Road, the campus specialises in engineering, motor vehicle, gas fitting and plumbing courses and qualifications.
Now the campus estate is set to expand following the approval of £2.6 million from the Department for Education’s Post 16 Capacity Fund for 2023/24.
Upgrading the facilities is part of wider college plans to transform Olive Grove Campus into an Advanced Technology Centre for the city.
Andrew Hartley, Deputy Chief Executive, The Sheffield College, said: “This is fantastic news for our college community as well as the city and beyond.”
He added: “Investing in the latest facilities to provide our apprentices and students with the best possible learning experience for their future careers is our top priority.”
Current automotive and engineering workshops will be expanded with a two-storey building extension.
The new facilities, involving industry standard training spaces, will include:
- five motor vehicle bays including three ‘clean’ bays for electric/hybrid cars.
- two motor vehicle body and paint bays.
- ten welding bays.
- five new classrooms.
- enhancements to the learning resource centre and reception area.
- additional digitally enabled quiet learning and student social spaces.
Drax announces chair designate to take over at year’s end
Drax has appointed Andrea Bertone as a non-executive director and Chair Designate of the Company to take over when Philip Cox steps down at the end of December after nine years in the role.
Will Gardiner, Drax CEO said: “Andrea’s extensive executive experience in the international energy sector will provide Drax with a deep understanding of global markets and their underpinning regulation, as well as invaluable experience in leading transformative change in multinational businesses. In addition, the breadth of Andrea’s non-executive roles in diverse and global businesses will further enhance the experience and capabilities of our Board.”
The appointment of Ms Bertone in the role of Chair Designate allows for a managed handover from Mr Cox before she takes over the position.
Ms Bertone is the former President of Duke Energy Corporation’s (“Duke”) international division. She spent 15 years at Duke, including seven years as President of DEI with executive responsibility for a portfolio of c.4,400MW of hydro and thermal assets. Prior to serving as President, Ms Bertone held senior legal positions between 2001 and 2009 at DEI, including as associate General Counsel from 2003 to 2009, as part of which she oversaw legal and regulatory matters for the Group’s business in Latin America. Ms Bertone left Duke in 2016. Prior to Duke, Ms Bertone’s roles included Latin America counsel with Baker McKenzie.
Ms Bertone, who lives in Houston, Texas, earned a Bachelor of Law from the University of Sao Paulo Law School in Brazil and a Master of Law in International and Comparative Law from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Ms Bertone is a member of the Brazilian Bar Association.
Metro Mayor pledges to use UK-made steel in his region
West Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street has signed the UK Steel Charter, committing to using UK-made steel from companies such as Scunthorpe-based British Steel wherever possible in key projects in his region.
The UK’s steel sector employs about 40,000 people directly and supports a further 50,000 in supply chains. Andy will throw down the gauntlet to challenge construction companies, businesses and other mayors to explore where the steel they purchase is made and if they are supporting homegrown jobs.
Mr Street is proving his commitment too. Under his leadership, the West Midlands Combined Authority is mounting an 860-tonne order for UK-made steel in the expansion of the Metro Rail for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill scheme.
Mr Street said: “By signing the UK Steel Charter, we’re signalling our commitment to back British steel – supporting well paid and highly skilled manufacturing jobs and training opportunities that will benefit local people right across our region.
“This initiative can help to increase the amount of high quality steel manufactured in Britain and increase the supply of British made steel contributing to key West Midlands projects.
“I very much hope our decision will encourage others to follow suit – impacting positively on the supply chain, our region and indeed the wider UK economy in the months and years ahead.”
Nick Haycock, General Manager, Mecegaglia UK, said: “We are proud to be the UK’s leading providers of precision carbon welded tubes, having been founded over 30 years ago. With year-on-year investment, Marcegaglia UK now produces 110,000 tonnes of welded tubes. With the recent and more substantial investment, Marcegaglia UK is making is a great opportunity for the UK and our local West Midlands region to boost jobs and economic growth as we develop our capacity.
“On top of this, Marcegaglia acquired upstream manufacturing facilities in Sheffield this year. This primary stainless steel making asset is worth several hundreds of millions to the UK economy. The investment in this facility means a return to full capacity of 500,000 tonnes of steel.
“The UK has now become the second most important country for the Marcegaglia Group.
Producing our steel tubular products here means UK-made steel is supplying national projects like HS2. It is now crucial to create a robust UK industrial strategy to support the competitiveness of the UK steel industry, to preserve and develop production and increase employment, also in view of the export flows requirements.”
Phase two starts on Doncaster warehouse development
Yorkshire developer Marshall CDP has started construction at phase two of its new business park in Doncaster.Marshall CDP developed three warehouse units totalling 48,000 sq ft at Kestrel Court in 2020, complete with fitted office accommodation, securely fenced service yards and car parking, which were let to NCM Auctions, Price Transport and Dual Inventive.Now two new units, offering 21,000 sq ft and 17,000 sq ft, are under construction at phase two, named Peregrine Court, and are due to reach practical completion in December 2023. The units are for sale or to let.Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of the Yorkshire industrial team at Knight Frank, and agent for Peregrine Court, said: “Peregrine Court offers high quality and secure industrial accommodation in an area easily accessible to J3 M18. Offering excellent connectivity and a strong labour pool.”Cllr Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing & Business at the City of Doncaster Council, added: “We are delighted to see the incredible amount of progress being made on Peregrine Court. It is excellent to see Marshall CDP once again show great confidence in the Doncaster economy by building this major speculative industrial development scheme.“Our Business Doncaster team is working closely with the letting agents, Knight Frank, to market the development and help find tenants for the two units, which will bring further quality investment and employment opportunities into Doncaster.”
Kirkgate Market scheme takes another step forward
Plans for a new hotel development at Leeds’ Kirkgate Market have reached another important milestone with submission of a full planning application.
If the application is approved, then work could start next year on a development that would drive further footfall into the market, which is already pulling in more than 400,000 visitors a month on the back of a multi-million pound investment programme.
The site earmarked for the scheme is owned by the council and is currently occupied by a number of vacant low-rise shop units.
The hotel would fill the top five floors of the new six-storey building and would have around 140 rooms as well as a bar and restaurant for guests.
The ground floor, meanwhile, would be home to commercial units and a state-of-the-art council-run gym that would improve the local ‘fitness offer’ for people living in the city centre and nearby communities.
The scheme would be developed by the council, with a pre-let lease in place with the proposed hotel operator.
A high-quality approach to design is planned, with the aim of creating a suitably-attractive new neighbour for the Grade I listed market building.
The hotel would also sit close to landmark locations such as the Victoria Gate retail destination, the refurbished Leeds Playhouse and Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus, all of which have helped power the regeneration of the eastern side of the city centre.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We’re determined to do everything we can to deliver a bright and busy future for Leeds Kirkgate Market while also driving forward the regeneration of the surrounding area.
“These hotel proposals are designed to help us achieve that twin aim, and we have been encouraged by the response we have had to them over the last few months.
“The submission of the planning application marks another important step in a process that we hope will have a positive and transformative effect on George Street and the rest of the eastern side of our fantastic city centre.”
Telescope acquires Clearsilver Brand Marketing
Leeds-based print, direct and digital marketing agency, Telescope, has acquired specialist communications agency, Clearsilver Brand Marketing.
The recent investment combines Clearsilver’s PR and strategic marketing skills in the education, mother and baby, and charity sector, with Telescope’s team of specialists in website design and build, catalogue production, direct marketing and design for print.
Louise Leach, former director of Clearsilver Brand Marketing, said: “Clearsilver and Telescope have worked in partnership on numerous projects over the last ten years, and there isn’t a closer fit to maximise success for both parties.
“Clearsilver was established in 2006, and since then has delighted in numerous award-wins, as well as becoming a recommended provider for schools and academy trusts, and brands specifically in the charity, wellness and parenting space.
“Existing clients can expect the same level of consistent and responsive service as always from the Clearsilver team, with a new, enhanced package of support.”
Carl Garnett, CEO at Telescope, said: “This merger provides a fantastic opportunity to further Telescope’s core proposition in print, design and digital, and combine it with Clearsilver’s unprecedented reputation across key sectors.
“We are looking forward to increasing and enhancing our service offering and the opportunities this brings for all our clients and both staff teams.”
The newly formed partnership will work as one team at new offices close to Leeds Dock. Ian Leach – co-founder of Clearsilver and current MD at Telescope – will lead in the day-to-day management of both companies, supported by both companies’ employees.
Mike returns to Spencer Group as MD for rail division
Spencer Group has appointed Mike Halliday as Managing Director for its rail division, which means he’s back at the company he worked for between 1996 and 2007.
Mike joins the multi-disciplinary engineering specialist from Network Rail, where he has served as a route delivery director for the last six years.
In his new role, he will drive Spencer Group’s rail division forward as it delivers transformative projects across the UK, and said: “I’ve spent the last six years with Network Rail, developing supply chain strategy and delivering projects – and will draw on this experience to grow and align Spencer’s rail division.
“My focus will be on the upfront development side of the business, and on realising the full potential of its internal design capabilities. I’m committed to ensuring that we truly align with and understand our clients, avoiding change and unnecessary delays in delivery.
“I’ve spent most of my career as a contractor – but, after joining Network Rail, I gained invaluable client-side experience. Six years later, I’m confident that I understand the organisation’s requirements – and the needs of other rail clients. I began my rail career with Spencer Group and know that meeting these needs is in its DNA. Now, I’m really looking forward to shaping and building our rail offering with the help of my team.”
With 27 years of industry experience, qualified engineer Mike is well-equipped to lead Spencer Group’s rail division – a business he first joined in 1996. Over the course of 11 years, he helped to grow it into a Tier 1 contractor and was made a main board director.
During this time, Mike drew heavily on the skills he had acquired as an engineer on complex heavy civil engineering projects. Helping to deliver highways and bridges, he also developed a solution-driven style and straight-talking approach.
After leaving Spencer Group in 2007, Mike became a private consultant – and was later offered the role of rail director at Story Engineering. By 2015, the business had become a well-established Tier 1 contractor and increased its turnover by 300 per cent. During Mike’s tenure, it was also named Supplier of the Year by Network Rail.
He joined Network Rail in 2017, after a stint as infrastructure division lead at Wood Group. Serving as a route delivery director for the UK’s infrastructure owner and manager, Mike was responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of major projects.
Spencer Group MD Gary Thornton said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to Spencer Group as our Managing Director of rail and to help drive forward our ambitions in the sector. Mike brings with him decades of valuable experience both contractor and client-side working for Network Rail and in his previous experience with Spencer Group.
“His strong engineering background places him ideally to lead our team and build on our already fantastic reputation for project delivery in the rail industry.”
Steelmakers lobby Parliament to get ‘Buy British’ message across
British Steel representatives were among a delegation from the industry who attended the Houses of Parliament this week for a reception entitled Steel in the Spotlight.
The event focused on UK steel procurement and marked six months since the implementation of the revised Public Procurement Note, which states that the origin of steel used in public projects is reported.
Trade body UK Steel also presented the renewed UK Steel Charter, asking MPs to show their support for it.
The change to the PPN has been aimed at encouraging public bodies to increase their uptake of British ‘melted and poured’ steel in publicly-funded projects, with the aim of strengthening national resilience, creating and protecting jobs and reducing the environmental impact.
Previously the origin of steel was not considered in public procurement decisions, as steel typically sits several tiers down the supply chain and did not directly bid into procurement processes.
Lisa Coulson, British Steel’s Strategy and Marketing Director, said: “We have very much welcomed the change that has been brought about by the amended PPN. There are compelling reasons for public sector organisations in the UK to buy steel manufactured in Britain. Above all, the quality is unrivalled worldwide and it meets the regulations set out for public infrastructure projects.
“Buying British steel is not only a boost for the economy and jobs, it also helps strengthen our manufacturing base.”
Gateley sees another year of growth
Gateley, the professional services group, has continued its unbroken record of year-on-year revenue and underlying profit growth.
In audited results for the year ended 30 April 2023 (FY23), the firm hailed a “strong financial performance…through its diversified and resilient business model, benefitting from a full year’s contribution from the prior year’s acquisitions, Adamson Jones Limited and Gateley Smithers Purslow Limited.”
Underlying group revenue hit £162.7m, growing from £137.2m in the year prior, while group underlying profit before tax reached £25.1m, increasing from £21.6m.
Reported group profit before tax however slipped to £16.2m from £26.8m as a result of the IFRS 3 related acquisition accounting treatments.
Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “I am very pleased to report another year of growth for Gateley. This is a strong performance, set against a challenging macro-economic backdrop throughout the second half. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of our people allied to a long-term commitment and adherence to the successful execution of our growth through our diversification strategy, building in resilience through design.
“During the year under review, both our legal services teams and consultancy teams performed strongly and we have made further progress in adding breadth and strength to our group, expanding the patent and trade mark attorney offer on our Business Services Platform through the acquisition of Symbiosis.
“Post-Period end, we have added legal services lateral hires to strategically broaden our Business Services Platform dispute resolution teams and have further enhanced our Property Platform with the acquisition of RJA Consultants. Our M&A pipeline for FY24 is encouraging and we will seek to strengthen our Platforms further as opportunities arise.
“Looking forward, we are mindful of ongoing macro-uncertainty and it is difficult to predict market conditions for the rest of FY24. However, our diverse and resilient business model, combined with our proven and consistent track record of delivering strong growth across all economic cycles, means that we have entered FY24 with a positive mindset and cautious optimism.”
Plans to bring mainline train services back to Rotherham set to take step forward with property negotiations
Plans to bring back mainline train services to Rotherham are taking a step forward with Rotherham Council looking to buy land which could form a suitable location for the station.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet members will be asked this month for approval to start negotiations to buy properties, located in the Parkgate area.
Cabinet will also be asked for permission to investigate the potential use of powers for a Compulsory Purchase or Transport and Works Act orders to acquire the necessary land, although negotiation remains the preferred option.
Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have already drawn up proposals to return mainline train services to the borough for the first time since the 1980s.
If successful, the proposals would see new direct services into York and Birmingham, with faster services to Leeds, Sheffield, and Doncaster than currently offered.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy Cllr Denise Lelliott said: “Taken together with a new tram train stop, a new mainline station would radically improve the town’s connectivity, significantly improving local, regional and national rail connections for residents and businesses, offering greater access to employment, whilst helping to grow local businesses.”
Funding to acquire the properties has been secured by Rotherham Council through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Council has also secured funding to draw up an outline business case to progress the proposal.
Preparation of the masterplan is underway and focuses on the station, the location of facilities and key connections to the tram train and beyond. It also sets out a longer-term vision for the surrounding area in order to capitalise on the benefits that significantly improved connectivity to the national rail network could bring to the town.
The masterplan has also identified a preferred location for the station building and a layout for supporting facilities including car parking, a pick up/drop off area and space to accommodate rail replacement bus services.
Contractor appointed as York Station Gateway project progresses
City of York Council has appointed John Sisk & Son to deliver the transformative York Station Gateway project, following a successful, competitive procurement process.
The £25.73m project is to be delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and Network Rail.
John Sisk & Son has been awarded a contract for the £7.8m York Station Gateway highway works, including the removal of Queen Street bridge, realignment of Queen Street, creation of Station Square and improvements to the cycle and pedestrian routes. Project partner LNER will go out to tender for the remaining station works phase of the project later this year.
The York Station Gateway project aims to:
•improve access to the station, by providing an easier and safer experience for people walking, cycling and using the bus, as well as new spaces for taxi drivers
•introduce welcoming new public spaces for everybody to enjoy, including Station Square
•showcase the city’s heritage sites at their very best by creating an improved setting for the City Walls and other heritage buildings in the area, as well as improving the walking and cycling routes underneath the City Walls.
Over the past year utilities companies have been carrying out enabling works around Queen Street Bridge ahead of the main works starting later this year. These enabling works are now complete and John Sisk & Son will begin their pre-construction activities with the aim of starting work on site in the coming weeks.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Transport and Economy at City of York Council, said: “Today’s announcement is a milestone for this transformative project which will create a fitting gateway for our beautiful and historic city.
“York Railway station has welcomed visitors and business to our city since 1877 and this project is among the most significant of many changes since then. As well as the transport improvements and welcoming, world-class public spaces, York will see major economic and social benefits, alongside the development of York Central.
“There are still some issues to be resolved, most notably around Blue Badge parking, but I am hugely grateful to everyone involved in the project who has helped us get to this point. We will be doing the work with our partners, as well as our new contractor, and continue to engage with local residents to try and minimise disruption.”
Andrew Langley, Major Projects Director UK Civil Engineering for John Sisk and Sons, said: “We are really excited to be continuing our involvement in delivering key infrastructure projects in the City of York.
“It is fantastic to be involved in this transformative scheme, opening up the area around the station to help create a new gateway to the city. We will engage closely with the travelling public, business owners and residents of York to minimise disruption, and continue our engagement with local schools, employment providers, and community projects in York.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “This scheme is a good example of how we are working in partnership with others to make it easier for people to travel between York and West Yorkshire.
“It is more important than ever to invest in a modern, accessible transport network that supports economic growth by connecting more people with jobs, training and education.”
Paul Rutter, Route Director for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “This is a positive step forward on this key scheme, which will create an improved transport interchange and make the area around York railway station more welcoming.
“We’ll continue to work closely with our industry partners on this project, and we look forward to passengers reaping the benefits once the scheme completes.”
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with colleagues at City of York Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail to deliver this key scheme to make York Station even more welcoming.
“This project will significantly improve access to the station for everyone and create a much-improved gateway for visitors to the beautiful and historic city.”
£50k loan energises Leeds solar energy firm
Leeds-based solar energy firm Solec Energy Solutions has invested in stock and people following a £50,000 loan from Business Enterprise Fund.
Solec Energy Solutions, owned by husband and wife Robert and Gaye Wilmot, was established in Leeds in 2011 specialising in design, supply and installation of renewable energy systems for homes and businesses.
The loan has come from the and NPIF – BEF & FFE Microfinance, managed by BEF and FFE Microfinance, and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and will be used as working capital and staff investment.
Gaye Wilmot said: “When we launched there was a steady uptake in renewable energy systems – Robert was amongst the first solar installers in Leeds with electrician credentials which gave people additional peace of mind when moving to a different energy source. At the time there was a range of subsidies available for both residential and commercial properties which meant business was booming.
“As business interest in ESG has increased in recent years, the market has certainly picked up but government support for the sector has been inconsistent; the Feed-in Tariff for Solar closed in 2019 and different schemes to encourage the switch to renewable heat have come and gone without addressing the skills shortage of young engineers needed to install the technology.
“Various global issues in recent years have also greatly impacted the supply chain. Thanks to the BEF NPIF loan our new offices, with a small warehouse space, have allowed us to start buying stock upfront, allowing us to be ready to install for customer’s orders rather than leaving them with a long waiting period. We’re a small, family business and pride ourselves on being agile to customer requirements – it’s crucial we have the stock to do so.”
As well as enabling Solec Energy Solutions to invest in stock, the loan has also helped the company create and safeguard jobs.
Robert Wilmot said: “I trained as an apprentice electrician at the start of my career, so it’s always been important for me to create the same opportunities for people who want to join our industry. Thanks to the loan from BEF we’ve been able to take on a new apprentice to bolster the team. There are five of us in total now as well as a reliable group of sub-contractors meaning we’re well equipped in terms of both staff and stock to support our customers through their renewable energy journey.”
Gaye added: “The team at BEF have provided wonderful support – we’ve truly felt like a name, rather than another impersonal number. We weren’t able to get approval for a bank loan due to the perception of renewable energy being high risk to investors and our variable profits, but thanks to BEF’s belief in us and our plans we’re able to grow our work with property developers, eco self-builders, community projects and businesses.”
Mark Iley, investment manager at BEF, said: “Robert and Gaye have a strong vision for Solec Energy Solutions, and with their renewable energy systems, they’re initiating a positive impact when it comes to ESG which we’re proud to support. As a family-run business they’re also creating job and training opportunities in the local area in an increasingly important industry, we’re looking forward to seeing the business go from strength to strength.
Debbie Sorby, Senior Investment Manager at British Business Bank, said: “Solec Energy Solutions is an excellent example of entrepreneurial innovation within the renewable energy sector. The business’ contributions to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of sustainable energy solutions aligns with the increasing consumer demand for environmentally conscious products and services.
“The NPIF investment has not only supported the company’s working capital needs and staff investments but has also empowered them to adapt to changing market dynamics, contributing towards a more sustainable future.
“Beyond supporting Solec’s capacity to address the demand for renewable energy solutions, this loan has played a crucial role in job creation and retention within the Yorkshire region. By allowing the company to invest in stock and maintain a ready supply of products, the loan has not only improved the customer experience but also generated employment opportunities, supporting the local economy.
“Solec Energy Solutions’ growth story serves as a testament to the potential of targeted financial support in fostering sustainable businesses and driving economic development within the Northern Powerhouse region.”
Brewery’s Growth Hub boost leads to six-fold increase in turnover
Family-owned Harrogate Brewing Company has achieved a six-fold increase in turnover with comprehensive support provided by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Director and co-owner Joe Joyce put the growth down to assistance from Strive Live and Made Smarter, highlighting the significant impact these initiatives have had on their operations.
Joe Joyce and his wife Julie took the reins of Harrogate Brewing Company early in 2020, and received a fresh persepctive on business operations after an eight-week Strive Live course. It allowed them to re-evaluate various aspects of the company, from marketing strategies to production planning. The supportive community offered invaluable insights, giving them a renewed sense of direction and motivation.
With the guidance of the Growth Hub’s Mike Pennington through the Made Smarter programme, leading to a £7.5k grant to implement cutting-edge Enterprise Resource Planning systems and production process monitoring technologies, with potential for a further £2k to fund new energy sensors. This move is poised to revolutionise the company’s efficiency and productivity, while enabling targeted product development and strategic expansion.
Mr Joyce said: “The Growth Hub has provided us with a vital leg up in accelerating our business. The comprehensive guidance from Strive Live and Made Smarter has not only bolstered our operational capabilities but also instilled the confidence to pursue our growth ambitions.”
Mike Pennington, business relationship manager representing Made Smarter through the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, said: “We are committed to empowering smaller enterprises with the tools and resources they need to flourish. The success stories we have witnessed thus far underscore the tangible benefits of our programmes.
“Harrogate Brewing Company’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for businesses seeking to thrive amidst challenges. The Growth Hub’s multifaceted approach, blending educational initiatives like Strive Live with tangible grants and technological support from Made Smarter, has propelled the company towards a future of growth and innovation.”
Training organisation denied government funding calls on region to ‘go it alone’
The head of a leading engineering training organisation has called for businesses to create their own “local powerhouse” after welcoming employers and learners to a new £5.5m skills centre.
Iain Elliott, CEO of Humberside Engineering Training Centre, revealed that the new facility at Pioneer Business Park in Stallingborough hs been paid for using reserves and a bank loan in the absence of any funding or support from government. He added that the “homegrown” nature of the project reinforced HETA’s commitment to ensure as much work as possible went to the local and regional business community. He said: “The financial investment by HETA should not be overlooked. We did this at a time of no grant funding, no public funding. We relied on our reserves that we have built up over the years and on borrowing. Santander have again been very supportive. “The bank and our trustees recognised that a project like this is vital for building the educational needs of the region and for the employers.” Hull-based construction company Hobson & Porter built the new facility, adding to its wealth of experience across the Humber region supporting skills in the energy and engineering sectors. Figures collated by HETA show that of the total build cost of £4.2m, just over £3m was for works carried out by businesses within 30 miles of the site, £3.4m was spent with businesses withing 40 miles and £3.97m with traders within 50 miles. Just over 42 per cent of the work was carried out by trades local to Grimsby and Immingham and 37.4 per cent of work was completed by trades local to Hull. With the addition of the land purchase price, fees and VAT the total cost of the project hit £5.5m and was on budget. Iain said: “We were only two weeks late and we’re not too worried about that given the impact of exiting Covid and war in Ukraine, with material costs soaring and supply of materials and labour both major issues. When the learners were ready to come in, we were ready to open.” He added that HETA is now eager to welcome other businesses to its location at the heart of North East Lincolnshire Council’s £42m South Humber Industrial Investment Programme (SHIIP) area, which is being promoted as a major industrial development opportunity. He said: “Hopefully we will start seeing construction activity on some of the nearby sites. I really do want to see these pockets of land transformed and generating that local investment. “People talk about the Northern Powerhouse but we need to build our own local powerhouse because the spend will stay within the area. Our figures from this project show how we used the local supply chain.”Farmers will need photo ID to buy certain kinds of fertiliser from October
That’s when a widening of the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 will affect sales of AN fertilisers with a nitrogen content of 16% or more from the beginning of October.
The photo ID doesn’t need to be a passport or driving licence, and farmers will need to record the type of business and VAT number if the business has one.
At this stage, the NFU doesn’t believe farmers will have to present photo ID in person – sending via email, text or another app will suffice – as long as it matches the name of the person placing the order or account holder if an individual.
The ID provided can be of anyone in the farm business doing the buying, and verification will be kept on record and will need to be updated every 18 months in the case of professional users, or if there is a change to a usual order.
After raising concerns about the potential for this to be another barrier to placing an order in a fertiliser market which is still in a state of flux, the NFU says it has had assurances that there should be no requirement to provide the ID to place the order – it can be sent over afterwards.
If there are multiple people in a farm business, it should only need one person to provide the ID on behalf of that business. As there are many and varied scenarios where this could apply, we cannot give comprehensive examples of how this will work, but if someone is seeking to buy fertiliser on behalf of others, the key test is likely to be who is acquiring the fertiliser on delivery. If you’re buying on behalf of a group, a photo ID belonging to someone from the farm the fertiliser will be delivered to is likely be required by the merchant.
NFU Crops Board Chair Matt Culley said: “The NFU has stressed the importance of ensuring additional measures such as this do not put barriers in place that disrupt a grower’s ability to purchase important crop nutrients, especially during times of urgency to get fertiliser on farm and applied within the appropriate timeframe.
“Farmers need to be aware of this new regulation so that they can work with their suppliers to ensure it doesn’t cause problems with purchases after 1 October.”
The changes have been the subject of considerable lobbying from fertiliser trade association the Agricultural Industries Confederation, which has said that ‘tens of thousands’ of farmers could be caught out by the change.
AIC Head of Fertiliser Jo Gilbertson said: “While we will always support efforts to further minimise the public safety risks of fertiliser falling into the wrong hands, the government has failed to understand how ammonium nitrate products are bought and sold within agriculture.”
Work to transform Elland town centre takes step forward
Work to transform Elland town centre has taken a major step forward, with Calderdale Council appointing the contractors to deliver the projects.
Over £6million of funding from the Future High Streets Fund is being invested in the centre of Elland, supporting improvements to public spaces, the main shopping areas around Southgate and the refurbishment of the community Cartwheel Club. This significant funding will help to create a thriving market town which is vibrant, safe and a great place to spend time, for the businesses, residents and visitors to Elland.
There are four parts to the work in the town, and following a thorough tender process, two contractors have been appointed to deliver different elements of the project.
Work to transform the look and feel of the town centre will be delivered by Eric Wright Civil Engineering. This work will include:
- Improvements to the Market Square area – Over £1million of funding will enhance the area which hosts the market, recognising its long history. This will include surface improvements, as well as significant work to the adjacent Victoria Gardens and the lower part of Elizabeth Street.
- Improvements to the Heart of the High Street – In response to local feedback, work is taking place to improve signage, lighting, and the street environment around the high street area, making it feel safer and look more attractive.
- Improvements to Southgate – Southgate will be pedestrianised and a new seating area will complement the proposed improvements to Southgate Square, with planting and trees.
Henry Boot secures buyer for Sheffield head office
Henry Boot has completed on the sale of its current head office, Banner Cross Hall in Sheffield, to Davison Property Investment. The new owners will sensitively restore the Grade II listed building to provide modern workspace to cater to its range of business activities including recruitment, training, payroll, clinical insourcing and property investment.
The new owners intend to transform part of Banner Cross Hall into dedicated serviced workspace, for local Sheffield businesses to use on a flexible basis. Davison Property Investments currently operates successful serviced offices in the Grade ll* listed Globe Works at Kelham Island in Sheffield. Alongside the workspace, there are plans to create an artisan restaurant and café, which will be open to the public, providing an opportunity for the local community to enjoy this historic building.
Banner Cross Hall dates back to 1821 and has been used by Henry Boot since 1932. Henry Boot announced in March 2023 that they would be relocating their headquarters to the Isaacs Building in Sheffield city centre. Henry Boot’s new head office aims to support the company’s ambitious growth plans by providing its people, clients and partners with a contemporary, sustainable and more collaborative workspace.
Tim Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Henry Boot, said: “Banner Cross Hall has been home to Henry Boot for over 90 years and has facilitated the successful growth of the company throughout this time.
“We are pleased that the building will retain its core function as an office space, while the new owners also have plans to open up the building to the public, who will be able to benefit from the fantastic grounds that the Henry Boot team have been fortunate to enjoy for many years.
“The sale of Banner Cross Hall represents the next exciting part of Henry Boot’s story, and we are looking forward to the move in November this year to help strengthen the links we have with the city and our partners. Our founder Henry Boot originally based the business in premises on Moore Street in the city, so in a way, it feels like we’re coming home.”
Matthew Davison, CEO of Davison Property Investment, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Henry Boot as preferred bidder to take over the custodianship of such an important local landmark. We look forward to working with Sheffield City Council and the local community to help shape the next exciting stage in Banner Cross Hall’s history.”
Knight Frank advised on the sale of Banner Cross Hall.
Series of health wins for strategic brand consultancy
Strategic brand consultancy — The Engine Room — has scooped a series of health briefs, as the 21-year-old firm’s presence in the sector continues to grow.
The Yorkshire-headquartered agency has been re-appointed by medical diagnostics specialist, 2San. Having experienced significant expansion through the sale of Covid tests, the global firm approached The Engine Room, post-pandemic, with a range of new ‘at home’ wellness and female health kits. With a packaging design project already complete to accelerate 2San’s B2B routes to market, The Engine Room has now turned its attention to the launch of a consumer-facing brand.
This adds to the strategic rebrand — including renaming — of NHS healthtech firm, Mizaic (formerly IMMJ Systems). Having already provided electronic document management technology to a number of Trusts nationwide, the business — under the steer of a new CEO and senior leadership team — approached The Engine Room to help consolidate and reposition the brand, as it advances its support to digitise the NHS.
Former client ADL Smartcare — trailblazers in the provision of evidence-based data, research and intelligence on age-related decline — has engaged The Engine Room to rebrand The Lifecurve. The LifeCurve is a simple idea and an app-based toolkit, specially developed to empower people to take better care of their bodies as they approach key markers in their life, and consequently reduce pressure on the NHS as the population ages.
Meanwhile, Leeds GP Confederation — who originally approached The Engine Room to develop its training offer — has undertaken a values-based positioning project. Acknowledging the organisation’s range of services and complex cross-sell potential across 92 different practices, The Engine Room advised the firm to take a step back.
The brief has therefore morphed into a project to redefine its purpose, principles and personality, review its brand architecture, and map its full service offering. By helping GP Confederation visualise its multifaceted structure — a vast comms challenge in itself — the goal is to drive greater advocacy and understanding of the organisation’s work, in turn better supporting the GPs they are here to serve.
The launch of a new online magazine created by surgeons, for surgeons, completes the five-strong project line-up. Surgery International — a digital resource rich with insights, trends and thought leadership articles — represents a new brand that The Engine Room has built from the bottom up, with the potential for it to become a revenue-generating asset with real estate for commercial sponsorships and ad placements, moving forward.
Commenting on the influx of work in the health sector, The Engine Room’s founder and design director Darren Evans said: “We have long been passionate about using brand to drive change when it comes to the health, wellness and social care in society, and our extensive credentials in this complex field — not to mention deep-rooted understanding of global terminology, regulatory landscape and societal challenges — now see us support a growing number of public and private sector brands with important change agendas.
“Innovation is continually bringing new products and services to market, and brand naturally plays its part. But as the needs of the general public — and pressures on the health service — further evolve, it’s also important to redesign processes and propositions too.”
Based in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, the team is no stranger to the health and medtech sectors, having long worked alongside global scalp cooling pioneers Paxman, CareFusion — which went on to be acquired by BD. An additional two projects — yet to be publicly disclosed — are also in the studio’s pipeline.
