Digital Innovation Grant support helps psychologist take the stress out of driving business growth
A Sheffield-based psychologist, who uses his knowledge of neuroscience to help his clients make better decisions has seen demand for his services boom after securing help from the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme to move his burgeoning business online.
Glenn Mead launched his business Face Value Performance in 2017 after calling on help from the Launchpad business support programme. Since launching his own company, the Sheffield-based entrepreneur has kept himself busy helping a wide range of senior business executives to learn how to improve decision making and their communications skills.
Glenn is no stranger to dealing with stressful situations. He served as an officer in the British Army for nine years, before going to forge a successful career in leadership and management where he worked across Europe. In recent years, Glenn developed a particular interest in understanding how being placed in stressful situations can impair judgement.
Drawing on his background in occupational psychology, over the past six years Glenn’s coaching businesses has successfully built a loyal client base, where he has supported lawyers, self-employed workers and senior executives. His business even counts the NHS and MOD amongst his growing client base.
With plans to scale and develop his business further, the experience of delivering his training sessions remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic inspired Glenn to expand his online support services. He recognised that the key to unlocking a digital training package was being able to help his clients enjoy a similar experience offered in a face-to-face setting, and to achieve that he needed to invest in new technology to improve the way his presentations were delivered.
To help him achieve his goals, Glenn decided to apply to the South Yorkshire Digital Innovation Grant scheme, a match-funded ERDF funded initiative designed to help businesses across the region to improve productivity by embracing new forms of technology. He decided to apply to the programme to help him fund the vital presentation equipment he needed to move more parts of his business online.
Glenn’s successful application helped him to invest in the vital new camera equipment needed to grow and develop his business. Unlike the web camera which he had relied upon previously, the new technology enabled him to improve the way in which his presentations were delivered. The new camera allowed Glenn to zoom in on specific areas, allowing him to display a digital screen, but crucially keep other areas of his workplace out of view.
Since implementing the technology, Glenn has been able to expand his online offering, helping him to secure a number of new contracts, which he would not have previously been able to support.
Glenn Mead, Founder, Face Value Performance Psychology, said: “Our body language can be just as important as the words we are speaking. Research has consistently shown that when a presentation is delivered in person, more information is retained. I realised that to expand my digital offering, I needed to invest in a system that could allow me to share the information I wanted to communicate in the presentation slides, but also show my face at the same time.
The funds I received from the Digital Innovation Grant scheme have been a genuine game-changer for my business. The technology I invested in has not only helped me to achieve greater flexibility when it comes to presenting information, but it has also given me the opportunity to record content and training sessions, allowing my clients to revisit the themes discussed outside of the sessions. It has helped me to secure and deliver work to businesses across the UK, something that would not have been possible previously. I am now hoping to grow the business further and gearing up to recruiting my first employee in the not-too-distant future.”
Christina Lima-Trindade, Business Growth Adviser, Business Sheffield said: “I’ve been working with Glenn since he first decided to launch his business and it’s been great to see how his business developed during that time. Like many businesses, Glenn was forced to adapt to a different way of working during the Covid-19 pandemic; however, he recognised that the technology that had helped him to navigate that difficult time could also provide a golden opportunity to open up new markets for the business.
The Digital Innovation Grant scheme was created specifically to help businesses harness new forms of technology to increase productivity and drive growth, and in Glenn’s case this has enabled him to service work that would have previously meant long journeys and lost working hours. Overcoming those challenges has enabled Glenn to maximise his working day, as well as using the technology to record new videos, and has generated additional sources of income for his business.”
The Digital Innovation Grant scheme was launched in July 2021 and helps SME businesses across South Yorkshire to access match-funded grants to help them embrace new ways of working to improve productivity and growth and enter new markets. The scheme is now closed to new applications.
The programme funded up to 50% of projects with costs totalling £2,000-£10,000. It is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered across South Yorkshire by Enterprising Barnsley, part of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
International rugby star turned commercial pilot tackles recruitment head on
Former international rugby player turned Emirates airline pilot Tony Underwood is to be the keynote speaker at an event in the city in October.
The event, organised by City of York Council’s Economic Growth Team, is called Recruitment and Retention Reimagined, and takes place in York’s Priory Street Centre on the morning of Thursday 5 October.
Tony now supports leaders seeking to nurture high-performing teams and will draw on his many experiences of teamwork and leadership to share his lessons with York’s businesses.
He said: “Recruitment and retention entail working hard to cultivate a culture where no-one wants to leave; an environment where you’ve earned commitment from your team, not just compliance – where you’ve engaged with them by talking to the heart not just the head.”
HR experts from across the region will join Tony to explore how York’s businesses of all shapes and sizes can improve their staff recruitment and retention processes in cost-effective and innovative ways.
Attendees will hear first-hand from local businesses, including the Grand Hotel, about the benefits of being inclusive employers, while Jenny Herrera, CEO of the Good Business Charter, will discuss how becoming a GBC-accredited business can help you attract and keep great staff.
Law firm’s sustainability initiatives – steps towards a greener future?
Climate conscious law firm Sills & Betteridge LLP are delighted to announce the introduction of a range of energy saving, carbon emission reducing initiatives.
Its largest undertaking is the recent installation of 79 solar panels to its central Lincoln Head Office with the aim of generating 1/3 of the site’s total energy usage – for 4 months of the year, solar energy will fully power the 4 floor office.
Derrick Denton, Director of UK Alternative Energy of North Hykeham in the city who managed the project said of the install “With Sills and Betteridge now occupying the whole of Aquis House, the challenge was to find a solar solution to help reduce the energy use within the building. A total of 79 x 405 W Canadian solar panels giving a system size 30.37kw, 3 x 10kw Solis inverters have been installed using a flat roof mounting system. This system has been equally split throughout the building and connected to the consumer units within the plant room. This system should see 25,000kwh of electricity generated each year and should see a saving of around six tons of CO2 every year. All the inverters are online, and the system can be displayed and monitored from anywhere in the world”.
Another investment has been the purchase of a new MG ZS Electric Hatchback car, bought to replace one of the firm’s diesel vehicles. It will be used by members of the firm to attend client appointments, external meetings and events. A charging point has been installed at Aquis House which clients are welcome to use when they are when visiting for appointments. The firm aspires to have a fully electric fleet by 2025.
Remote working and online video meetings are encouraged to help reduce avoidable travel across the region. Such methods became very popular with both clients and employees, further to their introduction during lockdown.
Digital and paper-light file management and document storage are another efficiency that the firm is embracing, to cut down on paper consumption and the cost of print and archiving. Document management system iManage is being rolled out across the firm to support its main practice management system.
Even the firm’s website www.sillslegal.co.uk is green, as verified by The Green Web Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation which tracks how much of the internet runs on green energy. Developed by DBS Internet Marketing, the site minimises the use of resources (and therefore energy) through quick download speeds and user-friendly navigation on all classes of device – and their hosting partner OVH used either renewable or low-carbon energy for 77% of its power last year with plans to increase it to 100%.
Chief Executive Officer of Sills & Betteridge, Martyn Hall said “Like many law firms, we are working hard to understand the impact of our operations and working methods on the environment and are actively seeking to reduce our overall carbon footprint with the initiatives and best practices outlined above. Our team have welcomed the new projects and we look forward to introducing more across the wider firm.”
Wykeland continues support for Hull’s Freedom Festival
Hull-based regeneration specialist Wykeland Group has again committed to being a major partner for the city’s Freedom Festival, which begins today and runs until September 3rd.
Freedom Festival Arts Trust brings other innovative arts projects, such as The Awakening and The Hull Vigil, to the city. As a charitable organisation, the Trust relies on backing from local businesses and generous individuals who contribute through in-kind support, partnerships and sponsorship.
As well as being a Freedom Festival Major Partner for many years, Wykeland’s commitment to the arts has extended to dozens of cultural organisations and events, including Humber Street Sesh, Pride in Hull, Hull Truck Theatre, the Amy Johnson Festival, Middle Child theatre company, Feral Art School, Beverley Puppet Festival and many more.
Wykeland MD Dominic Gibbons said: “Our support for culture and the arts in Hull and the wider region is something we’re wholeheartedly committed to and incredibly proud of.
“We believe passionately that physical, social and cultural regeneration are inextricably linked and that’s a key reason why we support cultural and arts organisations and events in so many ways.
“Freedom Festival is Hull’s premier cultural event and we have supported the festival and the organisation behind it since its earliest days. It’s one of the most significant ways in which we support cultural creativity, especially in Hull city centre and the Fruit Market where our business is based.”
Race Cottam Associates announce directors’ promotions
The board of directors at award-winning architectural practice, Race Cottam Associates (RCA) has been reorganised to lead the next phase of growth as the firm celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Paul Foster has been promoted from associate director to director while Laurie Cottam has become the practice’s MD after its current incumbent, David Speddings stepped into a senior design lead role. Pauline Lake’s role as director responsible for business development and David Cottam’s role as chairman both remain unchanged.
“This reorganisation of our Board has been carefully planned to implement our vision for growth but more importantly, to ensure business continuity,” explains Laurie Cottam. “David Speddings has been a familiar face for RCA clients for almost 30 years and will continue to act as our design quality champion, mentoring the next generation with his expertise in the advanced manufacturing, industrial and energy sectors.
“Similarly, as our work in healthcare has significantly accelerated, it was right to recognise and reward Paul’s substantial contribution with this promotion. A popular and proactive ambassador for the sector, Paul is best placed to lead this growth and ensure we remain a leading authority on design for health.
“Together with Pauline continuing to lead our education work and drive our sustainability credentials and business development, we’re confident we’ve orchestrated the best possible team to take RCA into its next 30 years,” concluded Laurie.
The directors’ revised roles follow a period of success for RCA. In healthcare, the recently completed new main entrance and paediatrics department at Hull Royal Infirmary won the Award for Design Excellence at the national Planning Awards 2023.
In education, RCA has secured a position on the University of Nottingham’s design consultancy framework, whilst both St Anne’s SEN School in Hessle and CAPA College in Wakefield are both shortlisted in the forthcoming Education Estates Awards.
The practice’s work on industrial and new infrastructure also continues to thrive, with planning permission recently gained for Smith + Nephew’s flagship manufacturing and R&D facility, and a fifth phase is nearing completion at AESSEAL’s precision engineering factory in Rotherham.
Laurie adds: “To record such a series of successes is a testament to the talent and creativity of our team. I am proud to be the custodian of the RCA brand and our recent Board changes ensure sustainable growth for future generations.”
Smart Works Leeds launches its inaugural ‘Fashion as a Force for Good’ Ball and Yorkshire Fashion Awards 2023
Smart Works Leeds, the charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for job and interview success, has announced a major fund-raising ball and awards ceremony this November.
The inaugural Fashion as a Force for Good Ball will take place at The Marriott Leeds on November 15, 2023. It promises to be a glamorous celebration of the best of Yorkshire fashion, hosted by a team of super-stylish Yorkshire personalities.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in an occasion outfit that makes them feel confident and tells a story. Smart Works Leeds co-chair of trustees Tracy Fletcher says: “We invite you to wear that outfit you never thought you would, that has perhaps been stored in your wardrobe for too long, or it might be a favourite piece that reminds you of a wonderful time.”
The evening will include eight awards, four recognising individuals and companies who have supported Smart Works Leeds, and four awards celebrating Yorkshire fashion designers, influencers, stylists and retail outlets, all promoting fashion as a force for good throughout their work. They will each be judged on their commitment to sustainable fashion, to their community, to diversity, inclusivity and innovation.
The four fashion categories are:
- Force for Good Indie of the Year – An independent fashion designer, shop or online boutique, based in Yorkshire, with community and/or sustainability at their heart as they deliver brilliant design and/or excellent customer experience and quality.
- Force for Good Retail Team of the Year – Open to all fashion stores, from small independents to large retailers with multiple stores and Yorkshire-based online retailers. We are looking for teams who strive to engage with and make a difference to their community and their environment. Is there a fashion store in Yorkshire that you love, where the staff always go that extra mile to make you look fabulous and feel confident?
- Force for Good Emerging Designer of the Year – For students, graduates and emerging designers, based in Yorkshire, who have a strong focus on sustainability and/or inclusivity challenges. Who has impressed you with their innovative portfolio, collections and projects? Who is the One to Watch?
- Force for Good Influencer of the Year – Which Yorkshire-based social media fashion icon do you admire most? Who wears it well, but also does so much more than that, highlighting issues of inclusivity, sustainability and ethics, championing others and striving always to use fashion as a force for good?
Flood defence plan costing £29m has begun on the Humber
A £29m project to manage the risk of flooding to people and major industry in north-east Lincolnshire has begun with improvements made to 4.5 kilometres of coastal defences along part of the Humber estuary’s south bank.
The defences will benefit 2,300 properties, nationally important infrastructure, vital industry, and areas outlined by North East Lincolnshire Council for future development.
This is the third phase of the Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme, which has repaired and strengthened sea walls between Immingham and Grimsby in stages over the last 15 years.
This latest stage of work will see the installation of large rocks called rock armour along three kilometres of the seaward side of the flood defence. The rocks will cover from the Middle Drain to the northwest to the New Cut Drain to the southeast. The remaining 1.5 kilometres of defences will be repaired. In addition, the four river outfalls will also be repaired and improved to make them more sustainable and resilient to flooding.
The majority of the work will be undertaken over 3 years, with pauses through the winter to reduce ecological impacts to the seaward side of the defence.
Dom Freestone, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Low-lying communities along the Humber are at high risk of tidal flooding and rising sea levels.
“Works to improve the flood defences are vital to manage that threat and will help drive business confidence and investment in the area. But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen.”
Rock armour is one of the most sustainable and low-carbon options available and minimises the potential impact on the area’s internationally important habitats. It will help fortify the walls and prevent the sea undermining them, ensuring they continue to reduce flood risk for at least a further 25 years, taking account of climate change predictions.
The work is expected to generate economic benefits valued at £1.1 billion over the next 25 years.
Councillor Stewart Swinburn, Cabinet member for the Environment at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our coastline is an incredibly important one to protect, not only for the wonderful natural habitat, but also for the economic and industrial growth on the South Humber shore.
“The Humber Estuary’s natural tidal flow is something we have to embrace and work with, but by providing this investment in flood protection measures, the risk to people and businesses in this area is significantly less.”
Stallingborough’s coastal walls were originally built following devastating floods in 1953. They are now at increasing risk of damage from rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
South Yorkshire grant enables Danuta to bring her business to Barnsley
A Tech Welcome Grant funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has allowed a civil engineer specialising in complex 3D modelling to move her business to Barnsley to expand into the UK market and deliver training in CAD design software.
Danuta Rak’s 3DR Design and Training Studio Ltd, is the first recipient of such a grant, and has used it to part-fund an office at DMC 01 in Barnsley.
Moving from Rzeszów, in Poland, Danuta plans to use her new base as a springboard for growth, delivering 3D digital model applications for clients in a range of sectors including design and construction, medicine and research. Danuta will also offer training in AutoCad software.
Tech Welcome Grants aim to encourage tech businesses to move to the region – and also start-ups already here, to move into their first physical office space.
The grants provide help with accommodation costs for up to a year, with the percentage of rent covered dependent on the number of jobs the business brings to the region. Qualifying companies can choose to move into any South Yorkshire workspace.
3DR is the first company to gain a Tech Welcome Support Grant, which will cover 40 percent of the company’s rent for a 209 sq ft office at DMC 01 in Barnsley for 12 months.
Danuta said: “I was very keen to move to the UK to explore opportunities here; and the Tech Welcome Grant was a big help in taking this decision. The application process was quick and easy and the DMC team have been very helpful and welcoming.
“Every new business needs some financial support to move forward and develop; and this grant has helped me follow my ambition to work in the UK.
“DMC is a very friendly place and is more than an office but already a second home. It is good to be among so many smart, enterprising people.
“I am impressed with Barnsley too as it is an up-and-coming town. I am passionate about my work and excited about my company’s move to South Yorkshire.”
Beal secures planning approval to complete £210m Goole development
Beal Homes has secured full planning permission to complete the award-winning housebuilder’s largest-ever development, The Greenways in Goole.
The planning approval from East Riding of Yorkshire Council is for 600 homes, giving the green light for Beal to continue to deliver the £210m development, which will ultimately extend to 806 properties.
Construction of the remainder of the development will represent a further £156m investment by Beal in one of Yorkshire’s fastest-growing towns.
East Yorkshire-based Beal has now sold more than 180 homes at The Greenways, with continuing strong demand from a wide range of househunters, including first-time buyers, professionals, families and downsizers.
Many have been local people achieving their dream of owning a high-quality new home in their home town, with the Beal investment addressing a shortage of new-build properties in Goole.
The Greenways is on a 73-acre site equivalent to almost 50 football pitches off Rawcliffe Road in Goole and is the largest housing scheme in the town for decades.
The development is a key element of an ongoing wave of investment in Goole, including Siemens Mobility’s £200m-plus rail village and a worldwide distribution hub for FTSE 100 company Croda, which are creating hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in the town.
Demand for The Greenways has been exceptionally strong, validating Beal’s confidence in the town.
Beal Chief Executive Richard Beal said: “We identified the rich potential of Goole many years ago now, as well as a pent-up demand for high-quality new homes in the town.
“The strong sales we have achieved and the continuing high demand we are seeing at The Greenways has justified our confidence.
“We’re now pleased to have secured full planning permission to continue our long-term investment and the critical contribution we’re making to Goole’s remarkable rejuvenation.”
The 600 homes that have now received full planning consent will comprise a selection of Beal’s most popular two, three and four-bedroom properties.
Beal Land Director Chris Murphy said: “The Greenways has transformed the quality and variety of housing in Goole, providing luxury, contemporary homes for local residents as well as attracting new people to the town.
“As the largest single development in our company’s history, securing full planning permission for the remainder of The Greenways marks another significant milestone in our delivery of this long-term scheme.
“It builds on our proud history of delivering high-quality developments that enhance local communities, provide desirable places to live, and support economic growth.”
Ex-BBC presenter Rod offers experience to Carrington Communications
BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s longest-serving breakfast show presenter Rod Whiting is bringing his 35 years’ broadcasting experience to businesses across the UK as professional media trainer for Lincoln-based Carrington Communications.
Rod, who has worked for the BBC, ITN and commercial networks for over three decades, provides media training through his own brand, Ultravox Media Training.
Now, Carrington clients are also able to access Rod’s media training, adding to the agency’s existing digital marketing services for clients in manufacturing, professional services and tourism.
It also means Rod – now a presenter on commercial station Boom Radio – has been reunited with his former BBC colleague David Sykes, who worked alongside Rod at BBC Radio Lincolnshire before joining Carrington where he leads the agency’s PR team.
Mr Sykes said: “I used to be a reporter and producer for Rod’s programmes on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, and he is a truly formidable interviewer who knows exactly how to get the best from an interviewee or put them on the spot.
“As valuable as media coverage can be, there’s a good reason why people find the prospect of speaking to journalists or appearing on TV and radio daunting because the consequences could be either fantastic or disastrous. Fortunately, good media training and preparation can help ensure interviews go the right way, helping organisations and individuals get their message across to large audiences while proving themselves as experts that people can trust.
“We’ve arranged for Rod to train spokespeople from a few of the companies we work with already, and the feedback has been excellent so I’m really excited that we’re able to go this next step further and join forces properly.”
Rod said: “It’s been an aspiration to collaborate with a high quality PR organisation for a while and it’s good to be working with David again.
“Ultravox began trading as Rod Whiting Communications in January 2021, but, having now grown the business from a stand-still, the time is ripe for the next stage of development for the Ultravox Media Training brand. This, for me, is a natural and sensible progression in what is likely to be a challenging economic environment where media communications will be a critical business function.”
Yorkshire Business Myth Drinks recognised as one of UK’s most impressive firms
Myth Drinks in Yorkshire has been selected as one of the nation’s 100 most impressive small firms by the Small Business Saturday UK campaign, as it kicks off its second decade in the UK.
Myth Drinks is already a multi-award-winning business, creating alcohol free rum for those who enjoy good taste and good times with friends and family.
Founded by Colette Safhill in 2022, it was designed to offer something a bit different that’s not available elsewhere in the market.
Following a nationwide search, it has been chosen as part of this year’s SmallBiz100 line-up, which showcases 100 of the most inspiring independent businesses from across the nation.
Colette commented, “It’s wonderful to be selected as a SmallBiz100 and to have all our hard work recognised alongside the other fantastic businesses across the UK. We launched Myth Drinks to offer something special to customers, because that’s what it’s all about isn’t it. Innovating and creating new products that customers will want to choose time and time again.”
Myth Drinks was profiled by the campaign on August 25th as part of the 100-day countdown to Small Business Saturday UK.
Small Business Saturday will return on 2 December 2023, with a mission to support and celebrate the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses. With small firms facing huge challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, the campaign is more vital than ever as it moves in to its second decade in the UK.
“It’s fantastic to celebrate Myth Drinks as part of this year’s campaign” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK.
“The impressive small businesses featured in this year’s SmallBiz100 sum up the phenomenal contribution that small firms make to our economy and local communities.”
Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.
The campaign was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010, and the brand remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK.
On Small Business Saturday customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, from independent boutiques and eateries to small service and b2b based businesses like wholesalers and digital marketers. Many small businesses take an active role in promoting the day by hosting events and offering promotions.
Over the time the campaign has run in the UK it has engaged millions of people each year and seen billions of pounds spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday attracts huge attention on the day itself, with an impact that lasts all year. Last year the campaign trended at number one in the UK on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the Prime Minister and the Mayor of London among those publicly supporting the campaign. Over 90% of local councils also supported the campaign
Businessmen plan cross-country cycle ride to raise charity funds
A group of business professionals from the Humber are gearing up to repeat the 250-mile three-day Bridge to Bridge 4 (B2B4) cycling challenge to raise money for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation ten years after the inaugural ride.
Eight riders will start their journey from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on Anglesey, riding over the bridge on the Menai Strait. The first leg of the challenge will see them take on a 120-mile route to Bollington, near Macclesfield. Day 2 will provide the riders with a challenging 60 mile trek over the Pennines, and their final day involves a 70-mile ride to the Humber Bridge.
The group is raising money for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. The eldest son of one of the riders contracted a virus on his spine, causing paralysis from the chest down. Following news from doctors that he would never walk again, thanks to his commitment and determination to rehabilitation and physiotherapy, he is now able to walk with sticks. The aim of this ride is to raise funds and awareness of the ground-breaking research work into a cure for spinal cord injuries being supported financially by the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
Participant and Chairman of Forrester Boyd Chartered Accounts, Mike Beckett, said: “This ride will be a real challenge of stamina and determination. I have embarked on a number of cycling challenges over the years but I am really looking forward to this one. Not only because of the route that we will be riding and the great group that I have as company, but also to try and raise much needed funds for this charity. With a firm belief that a cure for spinal cord injury is within reach, it is now more important than ever that we try to support the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation in reaching its goal.”
Other riders taking part in the challenge alongside Mike are, Andrew Cooney, Ronnie Fletcher, Mark Hague, Richard Hardy, Bobby Pye, John Pye, and Grant Stables.
South Yorkshire businesses urged to share employment experiences
South Yorkshire’s trio of Chambers of Commerce want to hear from businesses in their region about their experiences of recruitment and staff retention.
The Chambers are running a repeat of the People Survey to gauge whether or not the situation has improved much for employers over the past twelve months, and to observe any new trends that may be developing.
Among other things, the form asks searching questions about how long vacancies are being left unfilled, what strategies & incentives are currently being used to retain staff, and the necessity of increasing salaries for new starters.
Equipped with these insights, Chambers for Sheffield, Barnsley & Rotherham, and Doncaster will then be better placed to represent the business community on all of these pressing issues.
Feeding into the nationwide Quarterly Economic Survey, the poll also asks organisations a number of questions, about the state of the economy and overall business conditions, including sections on cashflow, turnover, capacity, and price pressures, all of which are repeated in every single iteration of the QES. Meanwhile, there is an opportunity for respondents to explain what more their local authority and national government could be doing to supporting them during these uncertain times.
Encouraging businesses to take The People Survey, the respective Chief Execs for the three South Yorkshire Chambers issued a joint statement: “Last time we ran The People Survey, we discovered that a staggering 89% of businesses trying to recruit at the time were experiencing difficulties. We know that this is a perennial struggle of course, which is why we have decided to circle back around and ask those very same questions again, in order to see if the situation has improved or worsened.
“With that in mind, it is important that organisations take the time to have their say here and to articulate their own experiences. The findings from this survey will enable us to understand the major obstacles that the private sector is facing right now and to really get under the bonnet of this complicated issue.
“As representatives of the business community, we always strive to amplify the voice of South Yorkshire employers and will lobby for meaningful change on their behalf.
“In fact, just last week we published our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which outlines 36 practical recommendations for how the skills system in our region can be changed to better meet the needs of employers. We were only able to produce that document with the help of businesses, who kindly shared their insights with us and engaged in the consultation process.
“Their input was instrumental in the creation of the LSIP, and we are asking for it again now with The People Survey, so that we can better understand the issues that organisations are facing when it comes to recruitment and retention. We need as many responses as possible to this questionnaire and it only takes about 10 minutes to complete, yet every single form completed counts.
“As part of the national Quarterly Economic Survey, the results will not only be analyzed by ourselves but also by our umbrella body the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) and will be closely watched by policymakers as well. So it’s important that they’re hearing from South Yorkshire.”
The People Survey is open from now until Monday the 18th of September. Businesse
Doncaster gets green light for second University Technical College
Doncaster is to have a second University Technical College by September 2025, it has been announced, with a focus on the Health & Wellbeing sector.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “After a number of high-profile setbacks in recent months, this is a much-needed win for our city and an encouraging sign that we can turn things around.
“The original UTC has been a real asset for us. Indeed, helping to get that off the ground — by chairing its bid, drumming up political support, getting buy-in from the business community and even getting into the granularity of its design— is one of my proudest achievements as Chief Exec of the Chamber.
“I am confident that this new college will open up doors for Doncaster’s next generation of talent, especially those who are determined to pursue careers in health and wellbeing.
“There is always high demand for talent in these areas and anyone who decides to hone the relevant skills will undoubtedly have bright futures ahead of them. Young people who enrol at this second UTC will therefore be in a very strong position when it comes to entering the workforce later in life.
“In terms of employment partners, the college — and by extension its students — will be working closely with the NHS and other big players in the health sector.
“These are certainly promising foundations to begin with but, in order for the new UTC to be every bit as successful as its forbear, we need the voice of business to be at its heart. That’s why I’d like to encourage any other employers who are invested in fostering the next generation of talent to similarly reach out and see what role they can play in the college’s future.
“Once again, I’d like to welcome this much-needed positive news for Doncaster and to congratulate everyone involved for making it happen, especially those at the Brighter Futures Learning Partnership Multi-Academy Trust, who have done so much to diversify Doncaster’s education offer and embed work readiness in what they do. If today’s news is anything to go by, it seems that our city is getting back to its winning ways. And long may it continue.”
Yorkshire-based gym club business expands into Nottinghamshire
The chain of gymnastics clubs named after Leeds-born Olympic medallist Nile Wilson is continuing to expand with the acquisition of a Beth Tweddle Gymnastics centre in Mansfield.
Established in 2019 with the vision of increasing participation in the sport at all levels, the first Nile Wilson Gymnastics Club opened in Dinnington, Rotherham, and was quickly followed by a second club in Bramley, Leeds, last year and a third club in Coventry in early 2023.
The acquisition of the Nottinghamshire gymnastics club enables the business to expand into the East Midlands as it pursues its vision of creating a network of gymnastics clubs around the UK that ‘change the game’ by delivering unique and more engaging activities, balanced against the requirements of gymnastics programmes. The clubs are suitable for all ages, offering pre-school programmes and recreational gymnastics for 4-16 year olds, through to adult gymnastics.
Beth Tweddle Gymnastics will be re-branded as Nile Wilson Gymnastics Mansfield and is already open at Portland Retail Park.
The acquisition completed earlier this month with Nile Wilson Gymnastics once again supported by Leeds law firm Clarion which also advised on its Leeds and Coventry sites. The Clarion team included Caitlin Hare (corporate) and Grace Allison (property).
Luke Sutton, director of Nile Wilson Gymnastics said: “As a group of people, led by Nile, we are laser focused on creating the best possible gymnastics experience for both gymnasts and parents at all our clubs. Our aim is for everyone to leave our clubs with a smile on their face.
“We have some major development plans for our club in Mansfield and it will become a centre point for gymnasts and coaches in the Midlands. Our overall business continues to go from strength to strength and this acquisition is another step forward in an exciting journey that we have mapped out.”
Caitlin Hare of Clarion adds: “It’s really satisfying to see such a successful Yorkshire-based business continuing to grow and expand beyond the region. We look forward to work alongside the Nile Wilson Gymnastics team as it pursues its ambitious vision.”
Hull businessman shortlisted for national industry award
Tony Prescott, the managing director of Hull-based GTS UK, has been shortlisted for a prestigious, national industry award.
The MD is in the running for Logistics Leader of the Year at the 2023 Logistics UK Awards for his work in founding the logistics firm and overseeing its subsequent growth.
Launched from his home office in 2015, Tony has evolved GTS UK into a team of 13 staff managing customs, intermodal transport, supply chain management and trucking divisions, now working out of its Springfield Way headquarters in Anlaby. The company also employs six HGV drivers.
Tony said: “I’m so proud to be shortlisted and get this acknowledgement from within my industry. The shortlisting should also be viewed as recognition for my incredible team; they are a key part of my success and the continued growth of GTS UK.”
The Logistics UK awards are one of the leading awards events in the industry and celebrate achievements in the road, rail, sea and air sectors as well as operators, manufacturers, logistics and support industries.
Nominees will be judged and selected by the Logistics UK Board and announced at an awards ceremony on 7th December in London.
Leeds’ 18-century Brookfield House receives half a million pound renovation
Tailored office providers, WorkWell, is celebrating 50% occupancy pre-let, following a £500,000 investment to redevelop the Leeds-based 18-century manor.
Purchased by the Corrigan family in 2002, Brookfield House has been the home to Leeds-based businesses for the last 21 years. Currently undergoing an extensive renovation, the office space is set to open in September 2023 and is already signing up new customers ahead of its launch.
Located next to Brookfield Court on Selby Road, the renovation of Brookfield House will create access between the two impressive red-brick office buildings, and will feature new office space, an open plan kitchen, a new reception and additional meeting space including two new meeting rooms and a 16-person boardroom available to the public for corporate bookings.
Oliver Corrigan, Managing Director at WorkWell, said: “Brookfield House has proudly been a part of the WorkWell portfolio for many years, and my family has personally farmed the area for 50 plus years, so we’re thrilled to be able to create a greater future for the building while respecting its incredible past.
“At WorkWell we’re proud to offer a different way of working with Leeds businesses. Our approach is not just about offering an office space with four walls. Each office park within our portfolio perfectly balances aesthetics with functionality, to create a purpose-designed office space which aligns with our member’s company values and purpose.”
Designed by northern-based creatives, Ekho Studio, the former manor house will combine impressive aesthetics with performance-enhancing technology and will feature 9,000 square feet of workable space set amongst 100 acres of accessible countryside.
Scunthorpe firm wins contract with offshore wind farm
Scunthorpe-based AMS Trenchless will undertake specialist works at the landfall site at Weybourne, North Norfolk where the offshore cables meet the onshore cables connecting the Ørsted wind farm to the National Grid.
Using Horizontal Directional Drilling – a method of installing ducting, pipes and cables beneath existing infrastructure without disruption – AMS Trenchless will install underground cable ducts that allow export cables to be pulled to land from a jack-up barge without using trenches or disrupting the existing sea defences.
This contract builds on the existing relationship between the east-coast firm and Ørsted following successful works for both Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 offshore windfarms.
Hornsea 3 will consist of up to 231 offshore wind turbines, located approximately 120 km off the Norfolk coast and 160 km off the Yorkshire coast. With a capacity of around 2,85GW, Hornsea 3 will be capable of producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power over 3 million UK homes. The project is currently working towards taking a Final Investment Decision.
Luke Bridgman, Hornsea 3 Senior Project Director, said: “After successful collaborations with AMS Trenchless on the Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects, we look forward to AMS utilizing their specialist expertise and understanding of gigawatt-scale projects to deliver further great work on Hornsea 3. Orsted and our key supply chain partners continue to engage with local suppliers to deliver this ground-breaking project, with this announcement today further testament to our commitment to support the further growth of the UK supply chain.”
Matt Waterson, AMS Trenchless Operations Director, added: “AMS has a long-standing relationship with Ørsted, having previously completed directional drilling works to land offshore cables on both Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects. We would like to thank Ørsted for the award and very much looking forward to working together again on Hornsea 3.”
Goole freeport tax site submitted to Government to unlock investment opportunities
The footprint for the freeport tax site in Goole has been submitted to Government, with the aim of unlocking prime inward investment opportunities.
The 200-hectares Goole freeport site, which is split into two plots separated by the M62 motorway, offers investors a range of highly-attractive benefits.
In recent years, Goole has established itself as an investment hotspot, attracting major developments by blue chip businesses including train builder Siemens Mobility and FTSE-listed chemicals specialist Croda.
It is expected confirmation of the Goole freeport tax site – one of three within the Humber Freeport area – will spark further significant investment in the East Yorkshire town.
Goole benefits from excellent transport links via road, rail and sea, with access within minutes to the M62 and onward to Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool, and across the UK via the national motorway network. It is also connected to global shipping opportunities via the Humber Estuary.
Simon Bird, Chair of Humber Freeport, said: “Submitting the footprint for the Goole tax site represents an exciting and significant milestone for Humber Freeport.
“Each of our three tax sites – in Hull, Goole and Immingham – offers something completely unique. The Goole tax site benefits from a strategically significant location, suitable for advanced manufacturing and other sectors, with easy access to the M62 motorway, excellent rail connections and port links to the Humber Estuary.
“Goole has seen major investment from global companies who have already seen the huge opportunity it presents. Freeport status further enhances that opportunity, opening up new corridors of development and economic growth.”
The Humber region was granted Freeport Tax Site Status in 2021, with a total portfolio of 600 hectares of land available for investment across the three sites.
The Goole tax site is a large, undeveloped plot of land adjacent to the existing Goole 36 Enterprise Zone. The Enterprise Zone is already home to Guardian Industries’ glass plant, a Tesco distribution centre and – following construction of the Tom Pudding Way link road to open up the remaining development plots – Croda’s new international distribution centre.
The University of Birmingham also recently announced plans to develop a £15m rail research centre, next to the RaisE business centre within the Enterprise Zone.
The formal boundary map for the Goole freeport tax site has now been submitted to Government.
Businesses investing in the tax site can benefit from accelerated capital allowances, stamp duty and land tax relief, business rate relief, and no employer National Insurance contributions for the first three years.
Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The Council has been working closely with the Humber Freeport Company to support tax site development. This is a major step forward in formally establishing the site at Goole.
“Once approved, the freeport will create a natural extension to the existing Goole Enterprise Zone, providing a wealth of opportunity for new job-creating investments.
“Such investments will not only be good for Goole, they will also have a positive impact on the growth of the wider UK economy.”
Humber Freeport’s mission is to drive hundreds of millions of pounds of investment and generate at least 7,000 new jobs.
Several companies have already announced plans to invest on freeport sites within the Humber region, including Siemens, rare earth exploration company Pensana and green hydrogen specialist Meld Energy.
Demolition starts for the UKs largest open-die forging line
Demolition has started at an iconic Yorkshire plant to facilitate construction of the UKs largest open-die forging line.
Parts of Sheffield Forgemasters’ site at the north of Brightside Lane, are undergoing controlled demolition to create space for a 13,000 tonne Heavy Forge, which will be housed in a new 12,700 sq m structure adjacent to the Sheffield to Meadowhall train line.
Sections of disused Forge and Foundry buildings, dating from the Victorian era, will make way for the new facility, creating one of the most efficient open-die forging operations in Europe and the largest of its kind within the UK.
Steve Marshall, Manufacturing Transformation Director at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “It has taken two years of planning and enabling works to bring us to this milestone, where we start to expose the footprint for our new forging line.
“Much of the structure earmarked for demolition has been out of use for some time. We have created a secure partitioning wall which fully isolates working parts of the site from the controlled, piecemeal demolition process.”
Remediation works for the site, have included dismantling internal steel structures, stabilisation of the ground, pile-driving to create a base for the segregation wall and meticulous identification and removal of any contaminants.
Steve added: “We have employed large numbers of specialist contractors to reach the point at which the proposed site is environmentally sound and meets all health and safety requirements for demolition, including creation of a new access road onto Brightside Lane.
“From this point, the work becomes much more measurable, as we begin to open up the space that the new Forge will fill.”
The recapitalisation team at Sheffield Forgemasters, responsible for the Forge project, estimates that more than 25,000m3 of spoil will need to be excavated for foundations to support the vast press, with 4,500m3 of existing concrete to be crushed.
Steve continued: “The whole project is working to the best environmental standards, so all spoil from the site will be graded and recycled as far as is possible.”
It is estimated that the multi-million GBP project will see completion of the foundations by 2025. The new facility will service defence and commercial work in sectors such as civil nuclear power.
