Opportunity Goole, one of eight projects that make up the Goole Town Deal regeneration programme, has launched a grant funding scheme that both individuals and organisations can apply to.
Grants of up to £50,000 are now available for projects designed to enhance the local economy in some way, and that they wouldn’t have been able to access the funding elsewhere. The grant scheme will be open to organisations initially and will then begin to accept applications from individuals soon afterwards. Opportunity Goole Project Manager Dawn Redfern said: “The eligibility criteria is deliberately very broad and the grant scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 in the Goole area. The main requirement is that the grants should be used to boost the local economy in some way. So, for example, an organisation may want to apply for grant funding to pay for some training for its workforce. “Meanwhile, an individual could apply for funding towards transport costs to help them secure employment or give them access to training. However, if applicants can access the funding they need elsewhere, we’ll signpost them to that instead. The idea is that the Opportunity Goole grant scheme provides financial support that people can’t find elsewhere.” Phil Jones, Chairman of the Goole Town Deal Board, welcomed the launch of the Opportunity Goole grant scheme, adding: “Since its launch earlier this year, Opportunity Goole has already delivered some really positive outcomes for both individuals and employers. The launch of this new grant scheme is a really positive step because it has been designed to fill a gap in existing provision so the criteria is very broad and flexible. Even if you’re unsure whether you’d be eligible to apply, it’s well worth emailing the team or popping in to Goole Library to see them and talk your ideas through.” Members of the Opportunity Goole team are also be able to help and advise applicants with their grant funding applications. Anyone who would like to apply or find out more is asked to email the team at: opportunity.goole@eastriding.gov.uk. Members of the Opportunity Goole team are based within Goole Library on Carlisle Street in the town centre and both local residents and businesses/employers looking for free support are welcome to drop in and see them or can email in advance to pre-book an appointment. Billed as a ‘one-stop shop’, Opportunity Goole provides easy access to information about local job opportunities, training provision, business support and more to anyone over the age of 16 years, regardless of whether they’re employed, unemployed or retired. The team can also help people to access information about Goole Town Deal and workforce development, helping individuals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to secure employment and ensuring that employers can recruit local people with the skillset that they’re looking for. For more information about Opportunity Goole and the other projects funded by Goole Town Deal, visit www.gooletowndeal.co.uk.Pudsey site sold for new homes
Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has sold a site in Pudsey, West Yorkshire to Leeds Federated Housing Association for the delivery of 54 new homes.
Keyland secured outline planning consent from Leeds City Council for the new homes under a Planning Promotional Agreement (PPA) with a local landowner in 2021. The site was marketed with the benefit of outline planning permission and a suite of technical information by Keyland and the Leeds office of Cushman & Wakefield.
The transaction represents Keyland’s first completed PPA sale in which they acted as Land Promoter as well as joint owner with the neighbouring landowner. The PPAs involve Keyland working with independent landowners, corporates, and regulated bodies to overcome obstacles to development on strategic sites to facilitate development by securing planning consent for future use. The Pudsey PPA followed on from agreements with landowners in Wakefield, Leeds, and Calderdale.
The 5.5-acre site is located in an established and popular residential area mid-way between the centres of Leeds and Bradford, adjacent to Owlcotes Reservoir on Owlcotes Road.
Matthew Turnbull, land & planning manager at Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have completed our first PPA sale with this site.
“The purpose of our PPA agreements is to align our interests with those of the landowner, and it enables landowners of any scale to maximise the potential from their sites without incurring any risk or cost to themselves.
“The planning consent and subsequent sale to Leeds Federated Housing Association has facilitated new homes to contribute to the local authority’s long-term housing targets.”
Phil Roebuck, partner at Cushman & Wakefield who acted for Keyland in the land sale, said: “The unlocking of this site in a highly sustainable location has enabled the delivery of new homes at a time when regional shortages are well documented. The new development will complement its surroundings and benefit from nearby amenities, services, and transport.”
Two new deals complete at historic Yorkshire mill complex
Two new deals have been completed at Sunny Bank Mills, the historic Yorkshire mill complex between Leeds and Bradford.
During the past 11 years Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use complex for the 21st century, creating nearly 500 sustainable new jobs.
The two new companies moving into Sunny Bank are PQS Tech Solutions, formerly based in Pontefract Lane, Leeds, which is taking space in No 10 The Mending Rooms, and David Yeadon Ltd, which is relocating from Bagley Lane, Leeds to the iconic 1912 Mill.
Andy Brooke, Managing Director of PQS Tech Solutions, explained the reasons for the company’s move.
“We like the mill, basically because it’s such a nice place with a great sense of community. The extra parking spaces were a big selling point, as was the option of having anything from shared Wi-Fi to a direct fibre Internet connection.
“Landlords William and John Gaunt have been great. They are very accommodating when we have wanted to look round and they went the extra mile to find the ideal office for us.
“As a business we have been going for 11 years. We run alongside the PQS Survey hire business and have previously just had space in their depots. The PQS Tech business model has changed quite drastically over the last 12 months and more of our staff are office based.
“Because of this, I wanted a nicer environment for them to be in every day. It’s important for me that my staff are happy at work, and I do think that having such a friendly environment to work in every day is very positive for all of us.”
Meanwhile David Yeadon, owner and Managing Director of David Yeadon Ltd, explained that he had chosen Sunny Bank Mills for its sense of community and its facilities: “I live locally and was aware of the history of Sunny Bank and its connection with the arts.”
John Gaunt said: “We are delighted to welcome PQS Tech Solutions and David Yeadon to Sunny Bank Mills. These deals are a resounding endorsement of the quality of our flagship 1912 Mill and of the historic Mending Rooms.
“Both companies have had a successful track record in recent years and we look forward to helping them to build on their success. They are joining a vibrant business and cultural community here at Sunny Bank, where I’m sure they will thrive.”
Guernsey’s oldest veterinary practice joins York’s VetPartners
Guernsey’s oldest veterinary practice is entering a new chapter in its 104-year history after joining VetPartners.
Isabelle Vets, which has been looking after Guernsey’s pets, farm animals and horses since 1919, is the first veterinary practice from the island to join VetPartners.
Some of Europe’s most respected and trusted small animal, equine, mixed and farm practices and animal healthcare companies are part of VetPartners, which was established by vets in 2015 and has 11,000 employees working across 700 sites.
New Era Vets in Jersey became VetPartners’ first Channel Islands practice in November 2019.
Because no two practices are the same, VetPartners encourages its practices to embrace their independent spirit, while supporting them by investing in people, facilities, equipment and latest technology so they provide outstanding care for patients and an excellent service for clients.
While Isabelle Vets’ long-serving clients will still be able to see all the same familiar faces at their main practice in Route Isabelle in St Peter Port and branch surgery in L’Islet in St Sampsons, the practice is excited about fresh opportunities for investment, career development for colleagues and expansion of facilities that will come with being part of a larger veterinary group.
Isabelle Vets directors Doreen Munn-Litten and Sarah-Jane Heathcote have run the practice in joint partnership for the last three years. Doreen, a surgeon, graduated from Glasgow University in 1995, and holds a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. She has been a director of the practice since 2012.
Sarah-Jane graduated from Liverpool University in 1999, and primarily focuses on looking after Guernsey’s horses. She joined as a director in 2015, and holds a Certificate in Equine Dentistry.
They will remain as practice leaders with their established team of 45 colleagues, including 11 vets.
Doreen said: “What makes Isabelle Vets so special is that we are the longest established practice in Guernsey and generations of islanders have used our services so everyone feels we are a big part of the community.
“Having provided more than 100 years of service for the animals of Guernsey, it is important to us that we continue to progress for future generations with the practice in safe hands. We look after all the dairy herds on the island, most of the horses and many small animals, and partnering with a larger veterinary group will provide huge benefits.
“Through VetPartners, we will be able to access greater resources and expertise covering all species. We can tap into the knowledge of specialists who are part of VetPartners, which will be beneficial in an ever-changing environment when medicine and surgery are moving on as we want to stay at the forefront of excellence.
“VetPartners is clinically focused and our vets will have access to top-quality education and CPD. They can then put new knowledge and skills into practice in the service we deliver daily. Everything will look and feel the same for our clients but it will enable us to remain at the leading edge of premium veterinary care.”
VetPartners was established by CEO Jo Malone in November 2015 with three practices in the North of England. It has its headquarters in York.
Jo said: “We are excited to welcome our new colleagues from Isabelle Vets. They are a highly respected practice and are rightly proud of their reputation for providing outstanding care for the animals of Guernsey. We will support them to continue to deliver the best possible care for their patients and an excellent service for their clients, as well as being a great place to work.”
Following European expansion in 2019, the group now has practices in Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the Channel Islands.
New raft of skills bootcamps aims to help up to 800 people
The York and North Yorkshire LEP is partnering with specialist providers and leading employers to deliver a programme of 30 Skills Bootcamps, supporting more than 800 individuals.
For learners, Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving those who take part the opportunity to build up specific skills and – if they are unemployed or seeking to change career – a fast-track to an interview with an employer looking to recruit new talent. The current raft of sessions, running until next spring, builds on a similar programme last year, involving 1,000 people.
This current programme of Skills Bootcamps offers a range of courses in areas such as cyber security, game design, programming, forestry, rail engineering and care, and reflects the diverse needs of our local economy.
Peter Emery, Chair of York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Skills and Employability Board, said: “Skills Bootcamps offer a great way for learners to progress their careers and for employers to gain additional expertise. This latest menu of courses offers an exciting range of opportunities and can be tailored to a company’s actual needs thus making them a very attractive option to many SMEs and micro-businesses.”
Partners delivering Skills Bootcamps in collaboration with Y&NY LEP include Learning Curve Group, City of York Council, Calderdale College, Coders Guild, Corecom Technology Academy, Northern Regeneration CIC, Wakefield College, Hybrid Technical Services, Luminate Education Group and Craven College.
Last year Third-based steel construction company Severfield put five employees onto a metal fabrication Skills Bootcamp led by Derwent Training, in Malton.
Luke Malton, a steel fabricator and one of the Severfield employees who took part, said: “I really enjoyed this course. The tasks that we completed over the 12 weeks were very hands on, so it felt like we were thrown in at the deep end at first, but that’s exactly what was needed to make sure we got the most out of the time. I already feel like I have a broader skill set that I can continue to build on during my time here and that will allow me to work on a wider range of jobs.
“Some people might be put off by the idea of taking part in something like this, because it feels like you’re going back into education. But because we were able to complete the training sessions during work hours, it felt a lot more like professional development than teaching.”
To find out more about Skills Bootcamps, please email: emilie.bjorndal@ynylep.com
HEYLEP to support Hull businesses with Export Growth Grant funding programme
Hull City Council have announced the successful awarding to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEYLEP) of UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UKSPF) to support local Hull based businesses with its Export Growth Grant (EGG) project.
The Programme aims to provide revenue grants to Hull-based exporters to support business growth through exporting to new markets.
Grants to a maximum of £5,400 are available to SMEs trading in a Hull Postcode (HU1 – HU9).
Companies applying will be expected to evidence the availability of 40% match funds of their overall project cost.
The overall objective of the EGG Programme is to assist businesses looking to participate at UK, European and International Trade Shows, thus enabling them to enter new markets following their exhibition stand at the Show.
Applications are now open – please contact funding@heylep.com for more details.
Bradford banking group acquires money-saving app
Bradford-headquartered Vanquis Banking Group has acquired money-saving fintech uSnoop Limited (Snoop).
Snoop provides its customers with personalised insights to help them better understand and manage their finances. The Snoop app uses AI and open banking data to help people save on household bills and targets savings of up to £1,500 per year for customers.
Snoop also helps businesses understand emerging consumer spending trends by analysing customer spending habits and transactions on its platform, enabling businesses to be better informed about their customers.
The acquisition will provide Snoop with significant scale, allowing access to Vanquis Banking Group’s 1.7 million customers who will benefit from the app, as well as with capital to grow the Snoop proposition.
This acquisition marks an important step for Vanquis as a specialist bank, bringing a money management and saving app into its customer proposition.
Ian McLaughlin, incoming Chief Executive Officer, Vanquis Banking Group, said: “Vanquis Banking Group is uniquely positioned to become the leading lender to underserved consumers.
“Snoop’s technology will enable the Group to provide a differentiated proposition to its customers with tools enabling them to manage their finances better and save them money.
“I am delighted Snoop is becoming part of our Group and am confident that the combination of our customers and scale, with Snoop’s market leading technology, will allow us to go from strength to strength.”
John Natalizia, Chief Executive Officer, Snoop, said: “Snoop’s ambition is to make everyone better off, and we believe that personalisation is the most powerful way to empower people to take control of their finances and make a real difference to their spending habits.
“Our cutting-edge technology, which leverages Open Banking, allows us to do just that. Today’s announcement strengthens our purpose, and Vanquis Banking Group is the perfect partner to help the business grow.”
Coatings firm secures funds for expansion
A third-generation family business that provides specialist paints and coatings to industry has secured £200,000 from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to step up its nationwide expansion.
New Guard Coatings, which is based in Wetherby and had an existing warehouse in Leicester, has expanded nationally in recent years with the addition of sites in Glasgow, Hull, Warrington and Crawley. The funding will enable it to roll out trade counters or collection points at all the existing locations and create four new jobs in Wetherby and Hull.
The company, which currently employs 38 staff, also plans to increase exports to the US via its existing office in Houston.
New Guard was established in 1977 by father and son team Alan and Paul Cooper and since 2014 has been run by Paul’s son, Ben Cooper. It is the second loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance. A previous loan received in 2019 has helped to support its expansion to date.
Ben Cooper, Managing Director, said: “At New Guard, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer top brands and rapid local service while maintaining our family business ethos.
“We set out our national expansion strategy seven years ago and, with the support of NPIF and Mercia, have already achieved most of our original goals. This latest funding will help us to complete our national network with the launch of a South West office and strengthen our footprint in the existing regions.”
Andy Clough of Mercia added: “New Guard is an example of a third-generation family business that is continuing to grow and has expanded well beyond its Yorkshire heartland. Thanks to its extensive stock levels and rapid service, it has become the ‘go to’ supplier for commercial coatings. This latest funding will enable it to firmly establish its position as a national operator.”
West Yorkshire towns join forces to maximise region benefits from tourism sector
Towns and cities across West Yorkshire have joined forces to form a Local Visitor Economy Partnership to maximise the potential of the region’s visitor economy.
It will involve councils in Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Bradford and Wakefield alongside West Yorkshire Combined Authority. An interim board has been appointed which includes key tourism partners across West Yorkshire who will help shape the future or tourism for the region.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “Local Visitor Economy Partnerships are at the heart of transforming the visitor economy landscape in England and we are delighted to welcome West Yorkshire onto the programme.
“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with West Yorkshire as the LVEP is established, providing ongoing support including a dedicated VisitEngland regional development lead.
“Having the right national and local infrastructure in place to grow our visitor economy, in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable way, will ensure England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.”
Currently, each of the five West Yorkshire districts manage tourism activity for the region’s 65 million annual visitors individually.
The new LVEP programme, developed and administered by VisitEngland, will see districts come together, sharing ideas and resources while they collaborate on ways to grow the visitor economy, attract more visitors and inward investment and create job opportunities across West Yorkshire.
The West Yorkshire LVEP will also be able to access expert advice, dedicated toolkits and training programmes as well as getting support for applications for important national funding.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Through this new partnership, we can drive forward West Yorkshire’s tourism offer and give the sector the vital support it needs. Combining our strengths to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire, we’re ready to show the world why it’s the place to be.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are delighted to have secured LVEP status and excited that we will now be working more closely with our neighbours so that together, we can showcase the very best West Yorkshire has to offer.
“Our region is a completely unique, vibrant and beautiful place which deserves an international spotlight. By working more collaboratively and sharing ideas, we can support each other in highlighting what makes our districts so remarkable individually whilst also collectively showing just how special West Yorkshire is as a region.”
Significant progress made on Sleaford industrial park
Work by Smith Construction to build plots one and three on a new industrial park in Sleaford is going well, with significant interest in the properties.
The units in these plots in the Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park are on track for expected completion in the coming weeks, ready for handover to the first businesses which will call the enterprise park home.
Contractor Smith Construction in Heckington is building the phase one units along with the civils and spine road, while Harlaxton Engineering in Grantham is delivering site-wide utilities connections.
Members of the North Kesteven District Council project board and officers met onsite with representatives from Smith Construction and biT Group in late June to see the progress.
North Kesteven District Council Leader Councillor Richard Wright said: “Our flagship Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park is taking great shape and I’m so pleased that the boost it will bring for our local economy is already being reflected in enquiries, with all of the units in plot three under offer and positive conversations with interested parties for units within plot one.
“The units look incredibly smart and some of the features to help save energy in use, such as skylights, can already be seen. I look forward to sharing more news soon on the build progress and of course the first occupiers to take up home at Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park, demonstrating that North Kesteven is the place to be.”
Eddisons inc. Banks Long & Co Director William Wall said: “Marketing of the phase one units is going very well as occupiers have been attracted by the high-quality build and green credentials. We look forward to announcing the first round of occupiers shortly.”
Sleaford Moor Enterprise Park is close to Pride Parkway in the town and visible from the roadside along the A17.
Carbon capture in the Humber gets green light from Government alongside new oil and gas licences
Government will today grant hundreds of new oil and gas licences as the UK Government continues to work towards making Britain more energy independent.
And the announcement includes the prospect of thousands of jobs in our region in what’s described as a ‘new industry’ – carbon capture.
Project Viking in the Humber and Project Acorn in North East Scotland and have been chosen as the third and fourth carbon capture usage and storage clusters in the UK.
The Government has already committed to deploy CCUS in two industrial clusters by the mid-2020s – the HyNet cluster in North West England and North Wales, and the East Coast Cluster in the Teesside and Humber – and a further two clusters by 2030.
Together, these four clusters will build a new thriving carbon capture usage and storage industry, which could support up to 50,000 jobs in the UK by 2030.
The UK has one of the largest potential carbon dioxide storage capacities in Europe, making the North Sea one of the most attractive business environments for CCUS technology. The Government has committed to provide up to £20 billion in funding for early deployment of CCUS, unlocking private investment and job creation.
The Government and the North Sea Transition Authority are today announcing a joint commitment to undertake future licensing rounds, which will continue to be subject to a climate compatibility test.
By adopting a more flexible application process, licences could also be offered near to currently licensed areas – unlocking vital reserves which can be brought online faster due to existing infrastructure and previous relevant assessments.
With the independent Climate Change Committee predicting around a quarter of the UK’s energy demand will still be met by oil and gas when the UK reaches net zero in 2050, the Government is taking steps to slow the rapid decline in domestic production of oil and gas, which will secure our domestic energy supply and reduce reliance on hostile states.
This will increase the UK’s energy security and reduce dependence on higher-emission imports, whilst protecting more than 200,000 jobs in a vital industry as we grow the UK economy. As part of a visit to a critical energy infrastructure site in Aberdeenshire today, the Prime Minister will highlight the central role the region will play in strengthening the UK’s energy independence and meet the next generation of skilled apprentices key to driving this work forward.
The NSTA – responsible for regulating the oil, gas and carbon storage industries – is currently running the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round. They expect the first of the new licences to be awarded in the autumn, with the round expected to award over 100 licences in total.
Future licences will be critical to providing energy security options, unlocking carbon capture usage and storage and hydrogen opportunities – building truly integrated offshore energy hubs that make the best use of the established infrastructure.
This comes as new analysis shows that the carbon footprint of domestic gas production is around a quarter of the carbon footprint of imported liquified natural gas. As the UK is a rapidly declining producer of oil and gas, new oil and gas licences reduce the fall in UK supply in order to ensure vital energy security, rather than increase it above current levels – so that the UK remains on track to meet net zero by 2050.
Rishi Sunak said: “We have all witnessed how Putin has manipulated and weaponised energy – disrupting supply and stalling growth in countries around the world.
“Now more than ever, it’s vital that we bolster our energy security and capitalise on that independence to deliver more affordable, clean energy to British homes and businesses.
“Even when we’ve reached net zero in 2050, a quarter of our energy needs will come from oil and gas. But there are those who would rather that it come from hostile states than from the supplies we have here at home.
“We’re choosing to power up Britain from Britain and invest in crucial industries such as carbon capture and storage, rather than depend on more carbon intensive gas imports from overseas – which will support thousands of skilled jobs, unlock further opportunities for green technologies and grow the economy.”
The UK’s oil and gas industry are also vital to driving forward and investing in clean technologies that we need to realise our net zero target, like carbon capture usage and storage, by drawing from the sector’s existing supply chains, expertise and key skills whilst protecting jobs.
British Steel gets BSI approval to sustainability standard
British Steel’s commitment to sustainable practices has been recognised by the British Standards Institution with approval to the BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing standard.
The award comes after three days of auditing, and is said by the company to be a significant achievement.
Simon Walker, Senior Environment Specialist, said: “This standard is much more than a piece of paper – it’s integral to all our futures. The recertification is independent verification that we have effective systems in place to ensure responsible sourcing and is an important achievement for our business.”
The BES 6001 certificate covers all steel products made in Scunthorpe, Teesside and Skinningrove. The audit was both demanding and comprehensive, investigating a wide range of areas including material traceability and environmental management systems in our supply chain as well as our greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, waste prevention and waste management.
Simon said: “Sustainable practices remain hugely important to us, our customers and stakeholders. They enable us to improve our social and environmental performance, meet regulatory requirements and meet our customers’ expectations.
“Allowing customers to demonstrate they’re sourcing products from a responsible supplier and being able to benchmark our performance is particularly important, so it’s excellent news that we’ve maintained our score as a ‘good’ rating in this year’s audit.”
Chris Vaughan, Director for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality, added: “Retaining this standard takes a lot of hard work from many people within British Steel and requires strong coordination. Thank you to all those who have contributed to maintaining this important certification for the business.”
Short run printing and booklets for changing customer needs
Lincoln Print & Copy Centre has continued investing in new equipment and recently bought new booklet making equipment to be able to offer folded and stapled booklets and brochures with many more pages.
This has been used straight away for a customer needing booklets with many pages, as low a cost each as possible and a quick turnaround. They were able to offer exactly what the customer needed.
It is particularly useful for short runs on brochures, catalogues, instruction manuals, information and training booklets. It allows clients to change the details and information regularly.
Other new equipment meant a supplier to the NHS could have wire bound training manuals of 300 A5 pages or more, again in short runs to suit the numbers on their training courses. They are also able to produce small A6 booklets, landscape and square brochures.
Particularly popular at this time of year are leaflets and posters advertising upcoming events and brochures for commercial companies going to trade shows.
Lincoln Print & Copy Centre work with their customers to ensure the printing fits their needs and budget, and keeping their printed information up to date.
Axiologik bolsters leadership team with hat-trick of hires
Leeds-headquartered digital transformation specialist Axiologik has made a trio of senior hires as the business pursues further growth.
Finance director Ross MacGregor is the first addition to the leadership team. While new to the tech sector, he joins Axiologik with almost a decade of experience in CFO and FD roles within fast-growth businesses across Yorkshire. A Yorkshire Finance Leaders award winner, his background spans supply chain, retail, construction, and manufacturing industries, to name a few, with his most recent role being to support an ambitious start-up in Australia.
Newly-appointed head of people Sarah Bright is another critical hire, as Axiologik’s total headcount now tops 110 colleagues nationwide. Sarah’s impressive CV spans almost 25 years in a variety of HR roles — including a 13 year stretch at renowned brand, Hallmark. More familiar with the tech sector in recent years, this piqued her interest when this fresh position became available at Axiologik.
Commercial director Rob Smith completes the line-up. A Yorkshireman who has lived in London for 30 years, his background spans a range of senior positions. His maths degree took him into technical roles, first into a systems developer role for Kodak, and later to European Engineering Director for Sila Communications — a Reuters’ company.
Since then, his career has seen him become increasingly commercial, including MD of the pioneering agile consultancy IndigoBlue, which he led from inception through growth and subsequent sale. He has remained immersed in the strategic technology space, and has now returned to work alongside familiar and highly-respected faces at Axiologik.
Commenting on joining the team, Rob said: “Axiologik’s reputation for delivering significant transformational change projects, is now well established — particularly in the North. As our capabilities continue to improve with growth in the team, this is the perfect time to position the business as a strategic change enabler, nationally, whether we’re helping a private or public sector client create impact, build resilience, or drive value.”
Sarah added: “This is a fantastic time to join our business. Axiologik has quickly earned its stripes as a disruptive founder-led brand that is really starting to be recognised across a range of industries.
“With an ambitious growth trajectory — and passionate about the employee experience — the board has empowered me to quickly evaluate our people strategies, ask questions, gain insights, identify opportunities, and lead on the delivery of our future plan — a fulfilling challenge where I know I can add value to colleagues and associates.”
Ben Davison, Axiolgik’s director, concluded: “Welcoming Ross, Sarah and Rob to the team, is a signal of the calibre of people within our business and continued growth. We are being increasingly invited to partner with some of the country’s most well-known organisations as they embark upon mission critical projects, and with such an exciting growth trajectory, the strength in our leadership team is key.”
Training company takes 10,000 sq ft for new learning hub in Morley
Springfield Training have signed up for a long-term lease of 10,000 sq ft at Business Hub, Howley Park in Morley.
The new facility will be used to facilitate the Yorkshire company’s growth plans and offer more education options for young people across the region.
The property has recently been comprehensively refurbished, achieving an EPC A rating with air source heat pump heating and cooling, modern suspended ceilings and LED lighting throughout.
Bruce Strachan, property director at J Pullans & Sons, said: “We are delighted to agree a new long-term lease with Springfield Training following the refurbishment of the property. We look forward to a long relationship with them and hope their business continues to flourish.
“We are pleased to play our small part in their provision of providing apprenticeships and training to young people, which is so important helping secure jobs and launching careers for the students and for the benefit of the wider economy and society generally.”
LSH acted as joint agents alongside Carter Towler on behalf of J Pullans & Sons.
Matt Procter, office advisory at LSH, added: “We are delighted to have secured a new tenant on behalf of our client, whilst also helping to facilitate growth for Springfield Training so that their further education offering continues to bring wider education options for young people across the North and beyond.”
Flourishing creative sector sees West Yorkshire job growth
West Yorkshire’s creative and cultural industries have seen rapid growth over the last 12 months, with more jobs in the sector being created thanks to the Mayor’s commitment to deliver a Creative New Deal.
New figures published by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority reveal that almost 48,000 creative, cultural and sport roles were advertised in the region during the 12 months up to June 2023 – a 17 percent rise on the previous year and almost three times greater than the national annual increase of six percent.
And West Yorkshire’s creative industries is set to benefit from further investment, with a new £1.7 million package to help boost the sector announced.
The ‘You Can Make it Here’ support package will support people into the region’s growing creative industries, upskilling them through a bespoke range of initiatives, including training accelerators and mentorships.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said: “Our creative industries are booming with thousands of job opportunities for people across the region and today’s investment will give everyone a chance to get the skills they need to do a well paid job that they love.
“The support we’re providing is key to creating a greater, more diverse pool of talent and opportunities to help drive further growth and innovation throughout the sector. It’s going to help us to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that will make a real difference to the lives of people in our communities and beyond.”
The £1.7 million investment will further support the Mayor’s ambition to increase economic benefits for the region through culture, helping to boost recovery for creative industry businesses and freelancers, as well as tackling the lack of diversity within the sector.
One of the schemes is an extension of support for the Mayor’s Screen Diversity programme. Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, it aims to increase opportunities in the screen industries by providing training and work placements for young people in under-represented groups. Of the last cohort, 43% identified as disabled and 38% were from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee, said: “West Yorkshire has a strong and diverse creative heritage. It’s fantastic to see the progress our region is making to harness the opportunities which stem from that.
“We’ve got huge potential. The Mayor’s You Can Make It Here support package will help Wakefield and everywhere else in West Yorkshire to realise that potential. Helping to create more new employment opportunities for local people, creating the right environment for business growth, and placing this vital sector at the heart of our region’s economy.”
Leaders approved the £1.7 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ scheme at a meeting of the Combined Authority yesterday (27 July).
Barnsley sensory slime sensation sets sights on international expansion
A self-confessed accidental entrepreneur, who became one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of colourful sensory putty, has secured a match-funded grant from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme to help her unique business target future growth in international markets.
Ruby Sheldon launched her Carlton-based business Slime Party UK in 2018. Inspired by her daughter, who wanted to celebrate her birthday by inviting her friends to make slime together, Ruby decided to take matters into her own hands and began developing her slime making workshops.
The party proved to be an instant hit, and Ruby started receiving requests from other parents to host similar events. Sensing a small business opportunity Ruby decided to advertise her unique slime parties on a social media platform.
Within just a month, Ruby had secured party bookings for a full 12 months. As she began experimenting with new ways of making colourful, scented and sensory slime, she started selling her products online. When the Covid-19 pandemic forced Ruby to suspend her slime parties, she spent time developing her own unique compound, a sensory putty with a butter-slime texture designed to be thick and easy to hold, but also the perfect texture for stretching, squashing and encouraging sensory play.
Her unique products quickly caught the eye of national retailer Toymaster, and today Slime Party UK produces over 4,000 tubs of Ruby’s unique sensory putty each week. With demand for her services growing quickly, Ruby expanded her business, combining a manufacturing facility and colourful shop in Barnsley which opened its doors earlier this year.
With plans to expand her business internationally, Ruby knew that she needed to re-think the way her sensory putties were manufactured, enabling her to increase production to meet future demands and she decided to contact Enterprising Barnsley for help.
Working with key account manager Paul Johnson, Ruby secured funds through the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme, a match funded ERDF grant scheme, to enable her to automate her packaging processes. The funds helped Slime Party UK to invest in a labelling machine, allowing labels to be added to her pots of sensory putty automatically, rather than relying upon members of staff physically labelling her products.
The machinery helped to free up the time of two of her 13-strong workforce, enabling production capacity to increase, and since installing the new equipment, Slime Party UK has started to forge an international distribution network and even exhibited at trade shows in North America. The additional capacity created within the business has also enabled Ruby and her team to start developing a new range of sensory putties, and the company is also planning to release a range of gift sets in the near future.
Ruby Sheldon, Managing Director, Slime Party UK, said: “When my daughter started getting interested in slime, I thought it would be a fairly short-lived fad, but I was genuinely amazed by the reactions my parties received and just how much they were in demand. As I delved more into the science behind slime, I began to realise the importance of sensory play in childhood development.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unable to host the regular parties that I had built my business around and so I began developing my own sensory putties. We launched them in 2021 and since that time the business has gone from strength to strength. We’re planning to expand internationally later this year, but our products were already in high demand, so I wanted to explore ways of improving the way our manufacturing processes.
“From my very early days of trading, I’ve worked closely with the Enterprising Barnsley team: initially, through the Launchpad business support programme, which helped me to understand how to run a business, and they have also provided help and assistance as the business has grown and evolved.
“One of the barriers we faced was the way each tub of slime was packaged. I knew that automating part of the production process could help, but the costs of purchasing the machinery were inhibitive. Paul suggested that I should apply to the Business Productivity Programme, and since securing the funds, it has helped to transform the business. I’ve really enjoyed working with Paul and he’s been very supportive of our plans and he always goes the extra mile when it comes to helping us.”
Paul Johnson, key account manager, Enterprising Barnsley, said: “Although there are very few businesses out there who specialise in making sensory putties, like many businesses working in the manufacturing sector, Slime Party UK realised that to increase production, additional investment was required.
“Ruby realised that employing two members of staff to stick labels on her completed products was causing something of a bottleneck in her production line and realised that if the process was automated, her workforce could be used more effectively.
“Ruby has worked closely with Enterprising Barnsley since she first began developing her ideas, and it’s great to see how the business has grown and evolved over the past five years.
“The Business Productivity Grant scheme was developed to help businesses across South Yorkshire to overcome barriers to growth, and for Slime Party UK this meant being able to free up staff, which will help the business to increase its current production levels. Through the distribution network Ruby has forged, children across the world are enjoying Slime Party’s unique products, and I am looking forward to seeing how the business will develop in the future.”
Insolvency specialist quits Sheffield for move to the north east
Insolvency director Claire Dowson is to leave the Sheffield office of rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor and return to her roots in the North East.
With 18 years’ experience in insolvency, Claire joined Begbies Traynor in Sheffield in 2015 having already passed the JEIB exams to become a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. She has been taking appointments for the last six years and has extensive knowledge of all aspects of corporate insolvency, including administrations, solvent liquidations and Creditors Voluntary Liquidations, working across a wide range of sectors.
Claire, who was born in Darlington and still has family in the region, said: “After eight years working for Begbies Traynor in South Yorkshire, the continued growth of our Teesside office provides a great opportunity for me to help bolster our offering to the North East market, while also returning to live and work in a region I know and love.
“I’m excited to be joining the team here in Teesside, adding capacity and knowledge to further grow our offering to businesses across the region at such a challenging time.”
Chemical and ingredients distributer expands with office and lab space at Lawnswood Business Park
Hillview Real Estate, the UK regional office investor, has signed a lease agreement with Brenntag UK for 6,260 sq ft of office and lab space at Lawnswood Business Park in Leeds.
Brenntag UK, a subsidiary of Brenntag SE, a global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, has taken the ground floor of Alexandra House on an eight-year lease. The lease agreement represents an expansion of Brenntag UK’s space at Lawnswood Business Park – it already occupies 14,000 sq ft at Alpha House for its UK headquarters.
Lawnswood Business Park was acquired by Hillview Real Estate in December 2018 for Hillview Partners Property Fund II. Located in North Leeds, it provides 150,000 sq ft of office accommodation.
Dom Ketteringham, asset manager at Hillview Real Estate, said: “The expansion of Brenntag’s lease at Lawnswood Business Park demonstrates the sustained strong occupier demand for high-quality and strategically located workspace near Leeds city centre and endorses our regional office strategy.”
Hillview Real Estate was advised by WSB and JLL.
Barnsley gets ready to take applications under new grant schemes
From next month Barnsley businesses will be able to apply for grants under new regional business support projects.
Barnsley Council’s Enterprising Barnsley team will lead the delivery of two new regional business support projects: Business Productivity and Digitisation Grant, and Launchpad – Business Start Up Programme, as well as delivering a new Rural Business Support Grant, all funded by UK Shared Prosperity Funding
The council will also collaboratewith the South Yorkshire Local Authorities and The Business Village to deliver a Low Carbon Project for SMEs across the region, that will provide support to help businesses decarbonise their operations.
Cllr Robert Frost, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “We’re delighted to approve these new business support projects, which Barnsley will play a key role in delivering on behalf of the wider region.
“It’s brilliant we can facilitate access to finance and support for our SMEs. It’s great we can boost our town’s entrepreneurs, increase productivity and provide better employment opportunities for all.
“The success and reliability of our Enterprising Barnsley team over recent years in delivering these projects through European funding has now been rewarded, by having our teams deliver and evolve these grants going forward through UKSPF. Recently, we have developed a new website and brand for Enterprising Barnsley, setting in place a robust system for handling these grants and delivering the best possible resource in terms of support for businesses in our borough.”
Business Productivity and Digitisation Grant
The Business Productivity and Digitisation grant project will address the productivity gap with grants up to £12,000 to support SMEs by providing access to grant support that will directly help them to increase productivity.
Launchpad
The Launchpad Project will address the start-up deficit. Starting a business isn’t easy. Those first steps can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Launchpad provides one to one support for you to build up your knowledge, develop your ideas and build the confidence you need to take your business forward. It is accessible to individuals looking to start a business, SME’s that have been trading for less than three years and for micro businesses with 10 staff members or less of any age.
Rural Grant
The Barnsley Rural & Visitor Economy (capital) Grant Project will support those rural areas that often face specific challenges, specifically lower productivity rates. The Rural Fund supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It will provide small grants for capital projects that will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
Low Carbon Grant Project
Supporting SMEs to decarbonise. The NetZeroBarnsley/Low Carbon Grant project will be a collaboration between the Council, The Business Village (BBIC Limited) and Sheffield City Council, who will be the lead partner. The project will offer free and intensive support, designed exclusively for businesses based in the Barnsley area, which have high-impact potential for contributing to the Net Zero carbon emission targets. Support will include in-person and peer-to-peer advice, this will be underpinned with a grant offer for businesses to invest in products that will help reduce their carbon footprint.
Information on each grant will be made available on the Enterprising Barnsley website – the grant application will go live in August once details have been agreed.
