Bringing together service leavers at the Gen Dit Network event
Forces Cars Direct recently had the honour of attending the Gen Dit Network event at the unique ABC Building in Manchester, where service leavers and ex-military met to discuss transition, veterans in business and to offer help to those that may need it.
The Gen Dit Network is a group based on LinkedIn that is very simply a safe space for anyone that is leaving the Military to find help and advice. In the group are veterans that have been through the resettlement process, recruiters and veteran-friendly businesses that offer employment, and a whole range of other people that simply want to help the ex-forces community. Follow and join the group here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12642379/
Forces Cars Direct attended the North West meet up for this group organised by Chris Shaw and Jim Holland, with people attending from further a field too. Inspiring talks were delivered by Andy Reid MBE, James Wilthew and Dr Andrew Steele.
Comments from attendees included:
“What a fantastic day it was. A really valuable demonstration of how the network works.”
“Great afternoon. Good to swap stories and to make some really useful connections.”
“A highly useful afternoon. Great venue. Great food. Great company.”
“What a fantastic event. Looking forward to being part of more.”
There are some exciting times ahead with the Gen Dit Network and Forces Cars Direct are proud to be able to support this important group.
Click here to find out more about the Gen Dit Network and join future events.
Incoming tenant could spark 100 jobs at new business park in Beverley
The owners of a new Beverley business park are confident the £10m development could create up to 100 jobs having secured a prestigious national tenant and fielded a huge number of enquiries from a wide range of businesses.
Capital Park, a modern 80,000sqft development within the Grovehill Industrial Estate, is a speculative industrial development that has been designed by Brooklands Property Holdings Ltd to meet market demand. The site recently welcomed the arrival of national brand Euro Car Parts on a ten-year lease and two local SMEs are also moving in to occupy Units 7a and 7g during September. Already home to Cumberland Comms, a local telecommunications infrastructure company, the remaining units are attracting a buzz of enquiries, from well-known national names and local SMEs. Brooklands Property Holdings CEO Debbie Barbor said: “There is a massive shortage of hybrid units like this available in the Beverley area, so we expect the development to prove very popular. The site has been developed to align with the increased demand for high-quality semi-industrial spaces. “We are obviously thrilled to have secured such a well-known national name like Euro Car Parts and our projections indicate that the development could create at least 100 new full-time jobs, which is a great boost for the local labour market.”Video games label sees record revenue while pre-tax profits slide
The CEO of Team17, the Yorkshire-based video games label, is “pleased with the group’s first half performance” as strong growth delivered record revenue levels.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2023, revenues increased 31% to £69.7m, up from £53.2m in the same period of 2022, driven by a diversified portfolio of games, apps and strong new release profile.
Profit before tax, however, slipped at the business, to £8.1m, decreasing from £11.2m in H1 2022.
Debbie Bestwick MBE, CEO of Team17, said: “We are pleased with the group’s first half performance, with strong growth delivering record revenue levels, against a backdrop of one of the most competitive years for high quality launches and deep peer discounting that I can remember.
“The strength of our results illustrates the success of our diverse portfolio strategy, expertise in lifecycle management and franchise building, disciplined approach to discounting, and the tireless commitment of our people across the group.
“We are mindful that the gaming environment remains highly competitive, and we continuously review cost efficiencies to ensure we have the right balance between internal and outsourced resources in our service areas. We believe that this will enable us to remain agile and cost effective to deliver the best results for our partners and stakeholders over future years.
“astragon and StoryToys continue to deliver strong revenue growth, high quality content and synergy opportunities. In the current environment, I believe our strong balance sheet and M&A track record puts us in an excellent position to pursue further opportunities which can support our strategy of enhancing the group’s reach across genres, platforms, and customer demographics.
“We are being presented with more new content opportunities of quality than ever before and will remain as highly disciplined in our approach as ever to ensure we maintain our track record of delivering exceptional games to our customers.
“I have been impressed with the passion, insight, and leadership that Steve Bell has already brought to the group in his role as CEO designate and am delighted with Frank Sagnier’s appointment as Chair designate. So finally, as I enter my last few months as CEO, I can confidently say I have never been more excited about the group’s leadership and future.”
Northern Gritstone invests in designer of chemical processes for carbon dioxide removal
Northern Gritstone has invested in C-Capture, the designer of chemical processes for carbon dioxide (CO2) removal, as part of a funding round of up to £10 million alongside existing investors bp Ventures, Drax and Kiko Ventures, with the potential for additional investors to follow.
Based in Leeds, C-Capture was formed in 2009 as a spin-out from the School of Chemistry at the University of Leeds with initial funding from IP Group. The company has since won backing from private investors and from the UK Government to develop its innovative carbon capture technology, which can prevent CO2 emissions from industrial processes from entering the atmosphere.
C-Capture’s next-generation solvent technology offers a sustainable solution to decarbonisation, using up to 40% less energy than currently available approaches. C-Capture uses new, proprietary solvents to remove carbon dioxide emissions at source, offering a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective alternative to current technologies based on traditional chemistries.
Making carbon dioxide removal significantly more economically viable from a wider range of large-scale processes, such as power generation from coal, gas and biomass, and the production of cement, steel, and aluminium is central to C-Capture’s vision. In this way, it offers these industries a route to decarbonisation. The company has already delivered around 20 feasibility studies with end customers across a wide range of sectors and use cases.
The investment by Northern Gritstone will support C-Capture’s technology commercialisation strategy which includes further testing of its one tonne per day, fully-integrated carbon removal pilot plant that is currently operating at Drax power station in Yorkshire. The funding will also be used to scale up C-Capture’s technology through the delivery of a commercial demonstration plant which will capture around 100-200 tonnes of carbon dioxide per day.
Tom White, CEO of C-Capture, said: “There has never been a more critical time to take action – decisive action – against climate change than right now. This investment brings us one step closer to realising our mission of mitigating climate change by allowing our team to focus on scaling our technology.
“From our first meeting with Duncan and his team, we knew that our priorities and values are very much aligned so we’re very pleased to welcome Northern Gritstone as an investor. With their expertise in backing visionary companies in the North of England, I see a very bright future ahead of us.”
Duncan Johnson, CEO of Northern Gritstone, said: “Carbon capture is critical for the energy transition and C-Capture’s unique technology has the potential to be applied at scale around the world as part of the global drive to tackle climate change.
“The company is a testament to how the world-leading science in the North of England could shape the world for the better. We look forward to joining forces with Tom and his team, and the company’s existing shareholders, as C-Capture looks to further scale its technology, helping global efforts to address climate change.”
South Yorkshire Mayor announces new Citizens’ Assembly to tackle climate change
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has announced a Citizens’ Assembly to focus on the region’s response to the climate crisis.
The Assembly will be a key driver in devising policies to feed into the Mayor’s goal of having an entirely Net Zero economy across the region by 2040. These include deciding how to make homes more energy-efficient, creating new green job opportunities, and making communities healthier.
30,000 residents of South Yorkshire will at random receive letters inviting them to join the Assembly, with 100 members representative of all local authorities – Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley – making up the final membership. The 100 members will be focusing on one overarching question: “The way our climate is changing will impact us all. How should we respond, to build a thriving and sustainable future for South Yorkshire?”
The Mayor has pledged to abide by the decisions of the Assembly, placing decision-making directly into the hands of his constituents.
This innovative approach has one aim: to take control out of the hands of unknown, external forces, and instead give South Yorkshire the opportunity to forge its own path forward in the race to beat climate change.
Oliver Coppard said: “Citizens’ assemblies are a new way of doing politics that put people at the heart of the way we make decisions. We’re now launching the South Yorkshire Citizens Assembly because I’m determined to do politics differently, particularly when it comes to the biggest challenges we face.
“We already know that the way in which the climate is changing is going to have an impact on all of us. We are going to have to change how we live, work and travel. But we simply can’t tackle those big questions without listening to and learning from everyone who lives in Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield. That’s why I’m clear that the changes we make to tackle climate change have to be done with people, not to people.
“Because if we get this right it’s not just a huge challenge, it’s also a huge opportunity; an opportunity to create good, new jobs for everyone, working in the industries of the future, and to build a cleaner, greener, happier and healthier South Yorkshire.”
The process will consist of a learning phase, a deliberation phase, and a decision-making phase, spread across 31 hours and 9 in person sessions. The final Assembly makeup is due to be confirmed in mid-October, and all Assembly members and those providing evidence or expertise will be compensated for the time spent.
Plans to transform Adelphi Cinema in Attercliffe take step forward
Plans to transform the unique Adelphi Cinema in Attercliffe are one step closer with the building now out to market.
Sheffield City Council acquired the former cinema earlier this year as part of the Attercliffe Levelling Up project and aims to develop the much-loved building into a vibrant and cultural hub, supporting the local community and wider.
The Council is now seeking occupiers to run the building as a mixed-use space – comprising of leisure, arts and music as well as supporting the health and wellbeing of residents.
The Grade II listed building provides the opportunity to create a cultural space in the area and breath life back into Attercliffe High Street.
As well as the purchase of the building, the Levelling Up funding is being used to carry out building works to bring it up to an occupiable state.
All interested parties will need to submit their proposal by December 8th, 2023. Following this, the Council will shortlist a number of operators and request a more detailed proposal from the successful parties.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “We’re thrilled to announce the Adelphi Cinema building in Attercliffe is now on the market and we’re eager to hear from interested parties. The building forms one part of our ambitious plans for the area which will all come together to breathe new life into the community.
“For many years Attercliffe High Street has been in decline and it is fantastic to see projects such as this coming forward to breathe new life into the High Street for the benefit of local residents. It will provide a much-needed, and I’m sure much-welcomed, local facility and also serves to reuse a popular historic building in the city.
“As a Council we are committed to changing perceptions of Attercliffe and injecting new life and a sense of pride back into the area. I look forward to seeing the positive changes that are sure to come from this project.”
In October 2021, Sheffield City Council successfully bid for Levelling Up funding for two projects: Attercliffe and Gateway to Sheffield. The city was awarded £37m, with £17m allocated to Attercliffe and the other £20m to Gateway to Sheffield – encompassing the Castlegate site.
The £17m focuses on joining up investment in employment, travel and quality of life to strengthen the sense of community, create a welcoming environment and transform the perceptions of Attercliffe.
As well as the transformation of the Adelphi building, the proposals also focus on the Centre for Child Health Technology at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park which sees Sheffield City Council working in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Scarborough Group International and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, to create the world’s most advanced and integrated healthcare system for children.
In addition, the funding will be used to contribute to improving connectivity in the area, including creating better connections between Attercliffe High Street and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, a new cycle hub at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and improvements to streets to make them more welcoming.
Tradeglaze names new head of sales
Lincolnshire glass and glazing product fabricator Tradeglaze has named Jonathan Brewer as head of sales.
A Lincoln Law School graduate who joined the business in 2019 as trade sales rep, Jonathan was voted Lincolnshire’s Rising Star of the Year and is Lincolnshire’s 30 Under 30 award recipient from 2022. He has now been elevated to lead both trade and retail sales departments of the fast-growing manufacturer of bespoke Aluminium and uPVC window, door and curtain walling solutions for new builds, commercial and domestic projects.
Tradeglaze MD Jeremy Wetherall said: “Jonathan has been a driving force for innovation since he joined Tradeglaze. He has a great entrepreneurial mindset, has provided steady leadership for our trade sales team and delivered growth during challenging trading conditions of the recent years.
“We have made huge strides as a business with considerable investments in our people, new products and in machinery in the past 24 months. With Jonathan as head of sales it’s a very exciting time for our group of companies.”
Jonathan said: “I am proud to lead an experienced sales team driven by exceptional customer service and high quality, locally manufactured products. I plan to continue innovating Tradeglaze and our retail subsidiary includes Jackson Window Systems by focusing on customer requirements, ensuring we offer market leading products with a service that is unmatched locally.
“Our teams aim to change perceptions in an industry with a historically poor reputation. We know we are different. The fenestration industry has experienced significant change in the recent years, driven by the Government’s commitment to achieve Carbon Net Zero by 2050. We have already taken the necessary steps to offer the most innovative, thermally efficient products available. We will be soon adding a Passivhaus-certified ‘Zero 90’ system to our portfolio. This will enable us to supply new products needed to support construction and renovation projects in the region that increasingly require sustainable, low-carbon, energy-efficient solutions.
“Earlier this year we earned the national title of the UK’s 2023 Commercial Installer of the Year and have a hard-working, friendly team who all share the same common goals. This makes our business an attractive prospect for those looking for work opportunities. I aim to continue building on this culture ensuring we consistently provide a professional, stress-free and enjoyable experience for our customers.”
Bradford-based Business Enterprise Fund boosts regional economy by £64m
A Bradford-based social enterprise has increased the value of the regional economy by £64m as the result of investing £16m in its businesses.
The Business Enterprise Fund, with its HQ in Bradford and offices across Yorkshire, Humber and the Tees Valley, has launched its latest social impact report which reveals it has helped create 396 UK businesses and generate or safeguard 1,885 jobs in the regions between 2022 and 2023, as well as adding six new investment managers to its roster.
Specialising in providing flexible finance to businesses who need it most – and those who have a positive impact on their community – BEF is a delivery partner for the government’s Start Up Loans Programme and, alongside Finance For Enterprise, delivers the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund’s Microfinance Loans via the British Business Bank.
The social impact report also reveals that 66% of lending was to businesses within the most deprived areas of the UK while 490 loans were issued within the lowest 35% of LSOAs (Lower Layer Super Output Areas) in the Index of Multiples Deprivation.
Business services, retail, hospitality and construction were the industries which received the most investment, with retail and hospitality demonstrating growth of 58% and 21% respectively when compared to 2020-21, while £4.4m was invested in businesses run by young entrepreneurs (aged 18 – 35) and £5.7m invested in women led businesses.
CEO Stephen Waud said: “As a social enterprise it’s imperative our work leaves behind a positive impact; we want to change communities for the better through innovative use of finance.
“We’re incredibly proud to have invested £16m in businesses across the North – to have helped launch exciting new businesses and future-proof those who are already doing good in their communities. The impact of £64m to the regional economy is huge and a testament to our dedicated team who immerse themselves in clients’ businesses to help drive them forward.”
BEF is also celebrating a raft of new appointments with Antony Nicholson joining the North East team as investment manager while Grant Williamson joins as associate investment manager. The Humber team is further bolstered by Duane Walker, Gillian Pickard and Jane Cusse with the individuals working across BEF and Start Up Loans, alongside Abbey Bickerdyke who has joined the team as Start Up Loan Administrator and is based at the company’s head office in Little Germany, Bradford.
Stephen added: “Our report demonstrates the increasing need to provide responsible, flexible finance to businesses who aren’t receiving the help they deserve elsewhere. By growing our team of passionate investment managers, we’re strengthening our position in areas where we’re needed most to help budding entrepreneurs and well-established businesses alike.”
Huddersfield-based accountancy firm sold
Accountancy firm Revell Ward has been acquired by private equity-backed DJH Mitten Clarke in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.
Revell Ward offers a complete commercial solution, providing bespoke financial and business support services to companies and private clients across Yorkshire.
The firm was founded in 2008 following a management buyout of Mazars’ office in Huddersfield and over the course of 15 years has cemented itself at the forefront of the regional financial sector.
Revell Ward is managed by directors Karen Borowski, Jennifer Davies and Lesley Sutton, who instructed KBS on the sale of the business as part of the firm’s long-term growth strategy.
Richard Stocks, Senior Research Analyst at KBS Corporate, managed the buyer outreach process and was excited to present the opportunity to the financial M&A space.
“Revell Ward has a strong market presence and high-quality client base,” said Richard. “It was an attractive prospect for potential acquirers as a regional firm with a one-stop-shop service.
“The company generated multiple offers that presented Karen, Jennifer and Lesley with varying valuations and structures. We were in a suitable position to positively negotiate and advise on different opportunities that could fulfil their eventual exit.
“The financial M&A industry is observing increased private equity interest as major investors look to enter the market and consolidate.”
The successful offer came from DJH Mitten Clarke, an award-winning accountancy firm with offices in Stoke-on-Trent, Chester, Leeds, Manchester and Walsall.
DJH Mitten Clarke recently received backing from private equity investor Tenzing Capital, an investment specialist focused on high-growth SMEs in the UK and Europe.
The acquisition of Revell Ward facilitates DJH Mitten Clarke’s long-term vision, benefitting from the synergies presented by high-quality regional firms while enhancing the organisation’s geographical reach.
Scott Heath, CEO of DJH Mitten Clarke, said: “Our partnership with Revell Ward further strengthens our foothold in the North, ensuring clients across the region benefit from exceptional services and business advice.
“Our aim is to further solidify our commitment to developing top accountancy talent through investment in training and providing tailored solutions that empower businesses to succeed.”
Karen Borowski added: “The alignment of values between Revell Ward and DJH Mitten Clarke will ensure the seamless integration of our technology, services and teams. We are extremely excited about the future and the opportunities the partnership will create for both our team and our clients.
“We are proud to be Huddersfield’s trusted accountancy firm and will remain at the heart of West Yorkshire’s business community.”
Jay Singh, KBS Corporate Finance Director, who oversaw the sale, believes the professional services market is primed for consolidation, with KBS benefitting from strong relationships with key acquirers and investors.
He said of the deal: “It was a pleasure to advise Revell Ward’s shareholders and see the business pass on to a larger group that secures the long-term future of the firm.
“Whilst we generated significant interest and multiple offers, the key for this transaction, and identifying DJH Mitten Clarke as the preferred bidder, was to ensure the businesses were strategically and culturally aligned, which ultimately facilitates a smooth integration process.”
Approval secured to construct energy centre in Bradford
1Energy, the company behind the £40m Bradford Energy Network, has reached a further milestone in its plans to deliver a low carbon future for Bradford with confirmation of planning permission for the construction and operation of its Energy Centre.
The Energy Centre – which will be located on the southern section of a cleared site located at the junction of Thornton Road and Listerhills Road in Bradford city centre – is pivotal to the Bradford Energy Network. It will house the Air Source Heat Pumps that will offer low carbon heating for key buildings across the city centre, providing an alternative to current forms of heating which rely on burning fossil fuels and have a much higher carbon footprint.
The Energy Centre will distribute heat through a network of underground pipes that connect to key buildings. The pipe network is already under construction.
Supporting Bradford’s transition to net zero, it is said the Bradford Energy Network will offer the most cost-effective way for businesses and organisations in the city centre to decarbonise their heating and hot water.
The project aligns with Bradford Council’s goal of being the UK’s leading clean growth district and achieving net-zero by 2038 (12 years ahead of the national target). Each building connected to the Network will see up to a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
It will also support the Council’s efforts to improve local air quality in its Clean Air Zone. When Phase 1 of the network is complete, there will be up to an 80% reduction in the emission of nitrous oxide – a gas known to contribute to a range of health issues, and to aggravate existing respiratory diseases such as asthma.
Commenting on the planning approval for the Energy Centre, Jeremy Bungey, co-founder and director of 1Energy, said: “The Bradford Energy Network will be a landmark project not only for Bradford, but also the UK. Bradford will be the country’s first major city centre to have a low-carbon heat network that utilises an air source heat pump at this scale.
“While the construction of the underground pipe network is already well underway, this decision will allow us to press on with the Energy Centre, which will be a statement building, designed to reflect the proud industrial heritage of the location.
“We are delighted to have found this well located site from where we can deliver this key piece of low carbon infrastructure that will prove so vital to the future of the city centre. Investing in Bradford’s development is at the centre of our company’s aims. Delivery of the Network will continue to progress at pace and we expect construction of the Energy Centre to begin later this year with a planned completion date of late 2025.”
1Energy was also recently granted permission to make minor alterations to its Phase One Network Route, which will enable more organisations to connect to their buildings in the Network’s initial years of operation.
The operation of the Energy Centre and the process of connecting customers to the network is expected to create five full-time and five part-time jobs in the area.
City expects more than 50 firms to attend digital careers fair
A free digital careers fair hosted by Leeds City Council on September 26th will bring together more than 50 organisations including xDesign, Leeds City College, Cognizant, British Library, and BAE Systems.
In addition to having access to some of the north’s biggest digital employers, attendees can also speak to a range of training providers offering courses such as T-levels, apprenticeships, boot camps and degree courses.
The event inspire zone will also host fascinating talks from industry leaders and have an interactive area for attendees to get involved throughout the day, offering insight into the vast range of digital career pathways.
Whatever age, academic level or background, Leeds Digital Careers Fair aims to inspire and inform all visitors about the range of digital career opportunities available to them.
Leeds City Council executive member for economy, culture and education, Councillor Jonathan Pryor,said: “As an innovative and forward-thinking city, the digital economy in Leeds is booming and full of opportunities.
“With a wide range of companies and training providers and insightful talks from industry leaders, this year’s Leeds Digital Careers Fair is set to build on the success of last year in showcasing the many opportunities available in this fast-growing sector.
“The event is free, and everyone is welcome, so I encourage anyone interested in a digital career to book tickets today.”
The Leeds Digital Careers fair is part of Leeds City Council’s Future Talent Plan. The aim of Future Talent Leeds is to be influenced, created, and owned by the city and be adaptable and resilient to thrive in the face of change.
The Leeds Digital Careers Fair takes place at the Leeds first direct arena on 26 September 2023, between 2 -7pm.
Yorkshire puts in a robust performance as insolvency-related activity increases across much of UK in August
As the economy continues to cool in the face of higher interest rates and sticky inflation, much of the UK has seen a double-digit increase in insolvency-related activity month-on-month, however, businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber remained stalwart with a rise of just 6% in August 2023.
The latest research from insolvency and restructuring trade body R3, which is based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, shows that while insolvency-related activity again rose in Yorkshire and the Humber last month, the region saw less of an uplift since July than many other regions and nations with just 267 businesses affected here.
In August, there was an increase of more than 10% in insolvency-related activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings) in the North East (+21.8%), the South East (+17.9%), Scotland (+16.7%), East Anglia (+14.9%) and Northern Ireland (12.5%).
In contrast, Yorkshire and the Humber, along with the South West, the North West, and the West Midlands saw a rise of around 6% since the previous month. The regions performing most strongly last month were the East Midlands (-19.6%), Wales (-11.8%) and London (-0.9%).
However, another indicator of economic wellbeing, the number of new businesses launching, showed a less rosy picture in Yorkshire and the Humber with a slight fall since July, from 4,452 to 4,367 (-1.9%) – the only region in the UK to see a drop in start-ups month-on-month.
Of the 12 regions and nations surveyed, those with the greatest month-on-month rise in new businesses were Northern Ireland (+15.8%) and Scotland (+13.5%), while the other nine all saw single figure increases.
Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds, said: “There’s no doubt that businesses across the UK are feeling the impact of falling consumer spending and confidence as the economy continues to suffer the effects of higher energy and fuel costs, along with rising salaries.
“However, it is somewhat reassuring to see that businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber are among those proving most resilient with levels of insolvency-related activity lower here than in many other regions and nations.
“As we approach the winter, pressures are likely to continue with high interest rates continuing to push up debt repayments and stifle demand, increasing the likelihood of the UK entering recession.
“Directors must remain alert to the riskier economic environment in which they are operating and turn to insolvency professionals for expert advice as soon as any financial problems emerge.”
York invites employers to student apprenticeship taster
City of York Councillors are inviting the city’s employers to sign up to showcase their businesses and inspire employees of the future at two, free, local events.
York employers will be able to meet their potential future workforce and share inclusive employment approaches with students with Special Educational Needs and their families on Wednesday 25 October at the annual Opportunities Event at Askham Bryan College between 3.30pm and 6.30pm.
Employers are also being invited to ‘host’ year 11 students for a day on Thursday 18 January so they can experience a day in the life of an apprentice.
Apprenticeship Taster Days are offered each year to help students understand the local jobs market and make the best possible decisions for their future. A total of 14 employers offered ‘taster days’ as part of the scheme last year and the council’s apprenticeship team is appealing for more businesses to get involved in 2024.
Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Executive Member with responsibility for Skills Development and Apprenticeships, said: “The annual Opportunities Event and Apprenticeship Taster Day are a great way for local employers to showcase their businesses to the next generation of York’s workforce.
“Ensuring high quality skills and learning opportunities for everyone is a key priority and these popular annual events help match businesses with future employees who have the skills and positive attitude they need.”
The deadline to get involved in these events is Monday 2 October. Employers don’t need to have vacancies in their workforce to take part.
Hornsea to get banking facilities after five banks agree to hub plan
Five high street banks will operate from a new banking hub in Hornsea, which has been without banking provision since the closure of its last two bank branches in 2018.
Barclays (Monday), Lloyds (Tuesday), HSBC (Wednesday) NatWest (Thursday), and Santander (Friday afternoons) will open for business at a banking hub at Unit 2, Newbegin, a site formerly occupied by Poundland.
The hub will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions.
It will also offer a Community Banker service, where customers can talk to their own banking provider about more complicated issues.
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, portfolio holder for coastal communities, said: “With bank branches closing across the country, we must make sure people still have access to cash and banking services in their communities.
“Not everyone has access to the internet, and even if they do, they may not wish to do their banking that way, so it is wonderful that we are now able to bring in-person bank services back for the people of Hornsea.
“I am very much looking forward to this Banking Hub opening for the people of Hornsea and I’d like to thank everyone who has made this possible.”
Gareth Oakley, CEO of Cash Access UK, said: “Following anticipation from the local community, I am glad that we are able to confirm the location of the forthcoming Banking Hub in Hornsea.
The Banking Hub will greatly improve access to cash services for individuals and small businesses in the Hornsea community.”
Lincolnshire gets £2m to launch new raft of skills bootcamps
The Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership has been awarded £2m by the Department for Education to develop another wave of Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.
There are courses available across a wide range of subjects including, electrical engineering, skills for the care sector, digital marketing, management and more.
Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses for adults lasting at least 60 hours. They can help learners fast track to a new job, take on more responsibility in their role or gain new contracts if they are self-employed. The courses are typically at level 3, 4 or 5.
Employers can send members of staff onto a Skills Bootcamp to fill skills gaps within their business; in this case the courses are heavily subsidised with only a small contribution to pay.
Employer can also help develop a Skills Bootcamp focused on the skills needs of your business or help out with existing bootcamps by offering interviews to the newly qualified people who have completed one of the courses.
Two hundred and seventy-two learners attended previous Skills Bootcamps in Lincolnshire and Rutland and over 94% have taken on new or additional responsibilities within their current employment, or (where unemployed) have gained new jobs.
Ewan Cruickshank, Technical Support Manager at Foodclean, took part in a Skills Bootcamp in Food Safety and Compliance and said: “The course was very helpful for anyone involved in food manufacturing or food production.
“The facilities at the NCFM are fantastic and the breadth and depth of knowledge that the tutors have is absolutely phenomenal. I’d definitely recommend it 100%.”
Simon Telfer, Chair of the LEP’s Employment and Skills Advisory Panel, said: “Thanks to our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and funding from the Department of Education, we are able to offer a wide range of Skills Bootcamps that we hope will help to fill skills gaps in Greater Lincolnshire.
“They will also help individuals upskill and take on more responsibility in their current role or gain the skills needed to fast track into a new role.”
Most adults over the age of 19 who are living in England are eligible to take part in a Skills Bootcamp as long as they are prepared to take on a new job or new responsibilities.
Seafood industry boosted by Lincolnshire organisations’ research
Two Lincolnshire-based organisations have joined forces to identify a fresh and sustainable approach to the freeze/thaw process of seafood produce, which could transform the global seafood industry.
The University of Lincoln, UK, has partnered with New England Seafood International (NESI), through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). Designed to link forward-thinking businesses with the expertise of academics, KTPs provide schemes to help organisations innovate and grow. This KTP project will research and develop a brand-new fish thawing process, combining ecological, environmental and sustainable business outputs.
The UK seafood industry relies on a large quantity of frozen and raw ingredients as part of the food manufacturing process. Currently, seafood thawing remains an under-researched area of the food chain, bringing many costly processes relating to timescales, cost efficiencies and retention of produce quality.
In addition to identifying new and sustainable practice in the seafood industry, the initiative will also aim to tackle the skills shortage gap. The project will be based at NESI’s North East Lincolnshire facility in Grimsby, and the team at NESI will have access to a team of the University’s industry experts at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), who will assist on the project and impart their knowledge and expertise.
The KTP will use a blended approach across manufacturing and scientific disciplines, in which they will challenge established industry practise, advancing the understanding of the freeze/thaw process and creating opportunity for wider industry adoption.
Martin Davies, Group Operations Improvement Manager at NESI, said: “New England Seafood are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the University of Lincoln to improve one of the most complex and critical manufacturing process steps.
“The academic expertise the University will provide, combined with many years of seafood industry experience in New England Seafood, a recipe to optimise this process for the long-term in a balanced way, across people ergonomics, food hygiene, environmental, and operational efficiency factors.”
Janey Bellamy, Associate Professor in Food Robotics and Process Automation at NCFM, said: “This is a great opportunity to challenge established industry practices and to advance the understanding of the freeze/thaw process with clear and validated data. This work will have a positive transformational impact on the food supply chain across multiple sectors.”
The project is funded by Innovate UK and will last for 2 years.
Six join Drax at Selby as apprentice engineers
Six new employees have joined Drax Power Station at Selby to start a four-year apprenticeship to turn them into engineers.
The apprentice engineers have won places on the technical apprenticeship scheme at Drax Power Station near Selby in North Yorkshire – the UK’s single-largest generator of renewable power, which produces enough renewable electricity for four million homes.
The four-year programme gives new recruits the opportunity to gain expertise working alongside the world-class engineers at the plant. Drax Power Station has been transformed over the last decade as part of Europe’s largest decarbonisation project, swapping coal to generate renewable electricity using sustainable biomass.
Drax has ambitious plans to go even further in the years ahead, aiming to become carbon negative by using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology. Its plans would see the site capture up to 8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
Sean Barry, Head of Decommissioning and BECCS Operations, said: “It was fantastic to welcome our new group of apprentices to Drax Power Station. Providing these young people with the skills required for a successful career in engineering is not only essential to the success of our business, but it is also an incredibly rewarding part of what we do.
“Giving our apprentices the opportunity to work on the cutting-edge, environmental technologies of the future will ensure we’re nurturing our in-house talent and creating opportunities for people here in Yorkshire to lead the green energy transition to net zero.”
Sheffield internet services provider snapped up
GI Partners, an investor in critical data infrastructure businesses, is set to acquire ASK4 from Bowmark Capital. ASK4 will be GI Partners’ first data infrastructure investment in Europe.
Sheffield-based ASK4 provides managed Internet, IT and IoT services across 12 European countries supporting over 320,000 customers.
“ASK4’s purpose is to support people and communities to be connected, allowing them to live life and work productively in their homes and workspaces,” said Andrew Dutton, CEO of ASK4.
“We have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with Bowmark over the last 5 years and we are excited about the future with GI as we continue to develop the ways we support existing clients and expand the delivery of our services into multi-tenant communities across Europe and North America.”
“ASK4’s core proposition is the delivery of fully managed Wi-Fi connectivity within multi-tenant buildings serving students, working professionals and people in retirement. We are delighted to partner with Andrew Dutton and the ASK4 team to execute a focused geographical, sector and service expansion effort,” said Matt Barker, Managing Director and Head of Europe for GI Data Infrastructure.
“ASK4’s technical and service excellence is uniquely positioned to provide real estate investors and operators with market leading services that drive retention, re-bookings and improved net operating income.”
Mark Prybutok and Brendan Scollans, Co-Heads of GI Data Infrastructure, added: “We are pleased to be announcing our first European investment for GI Partners’ Data Infrastructure strategy.
“We have tracked the development of ASK4 for many years, and our teams in Europe and the US worked closely together to execute on this investment. ASK4’s balance of high-quality contracted revenues and attractive value-add growth prospects makes it a very well-suited addition to the GI Data Infrastructure portfolio.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
Leeds surveyor goes back to school
A Leeds surveyor went back to school over the summer holidays to make sure children across the north of England can continue getting a first-class education.
Trident Building Consultancy, based in Carlton Tower, St Paul’s Street, was appointed to carry out contract administration and project management services on five schools during the summer break by the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, along with construction works worth more than £500,000.
Works at the schools, which included Bramley St Peter’s C of E Primary and Cookridge Holy Trinity C of E Primary, both in Leeds; Austwick C of E Primary in Lancaster; Bowes Hutchinson C of E Primary in Barnard Castle; and St John’s C of E Primary in Golcar, consisted of flat and pitched roof refurbishments, roof light replacements, boiler replacements and re-routing flues, and installing security fences and audio/visual intercom systems to enhance child safety.
Jamie Clark, director of Trident Building Consultancy and public sector lead for the business, said the works were part of a scheduled maintenance programme that ensured the schools were in the best possible condition to provide quality education to hundreds of children.
He said: “The Diocese of Leeds is an extremely conscientious landlord that understands well maintained school buildings are integral to providing a high quality education in a safe environment.
“As a result, they have a planned, proactive approach to building maintenance and repairs, and one that ensures all their buildings are fit for purpose throughout the school year.
“It is an honour to work with the Diocese and to survey and maintain buildings that are so important to parents and to the development of the generations to come.
“As a new school year dawns, teachers, parents, and pupils can be confident they have access to the best possible learning environments to help give them the best start in life.”
Kevin Matthews, School Buildings Officer, said: “Having well-maintained school buildings is a vital part of ensuring all of our schools can deliver the best education experience possible to our pupils.
“Integral in achieving this is trust; trust in the partners we select to assess and maintain our building stock.
“Trident Building Consultancy provided an honest appraisal of the work needed to be undertaken and managed that work effectively and efficiently, enabling us to continue supporting pupils and parents to the best of our abilities. It is a pleasure to have Trident Building Consultancy as part of our consultancy team.”
Network Rail and TRU Alliance select Leeds SaaS firm to help deliver £10bn programme
Leeds-based SaaS company eviFile has been selected by Network Rail and the TRU Alliance to power its digital project management and progressive assurance approach for the multi billion Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) programme after a pilot that improved project efficiency by over 20% and reduced hours spent in possessions reporting by over 50%.
The transformative programme aims to improve connectivity on the 122km line between York and Manchester – via Leeds and Huddersfield – which served up to 29 million passengers between 2019-2020 and stops at 23 stations.
The upgrade will include full electrification between Manchester and York, upgraded signalling to increase tracks from two to four in places, as well as other upgrades which will improve line speed – resulting in more and shorter journeys for passengers.
To complete the works successfully within the scheduled time and budget, eviFile has been working in close collaboration with Network Rail and the TRU Alliance partners to align its real-time Field-to-Control Room insight solution to overhaul railway possession activities. Including how it tracks completions management, quantities and volumes as well as progress on site.
This new contract award is designed to provide a rolling programme of digitalisation, with the aim of providing the East, West and Central delivery teams a real time view on programme progress. Alongside completions management for every discipline, eviFile will be deployed to provide real time possessions and blockade reporting, daily shift reporting and time management, Close Calls data capture as well as a single solution for Quality Check Sheets and Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) management for all the contractors working across the TRU footprint.
In the first 18 months of eviFile’s deployment workforce productivity has increased by up to 20% through better data capture, reporting, quality and performance tracking. Saving an average of 2.5 hours in each 24 hours of the possession – coming from quicker and better-informed decisions, faster management of defects and real-time visibility of the impact on the programme.
eviFile has delivered over 100 possessions to date, with this number set to increase dramatically as the new contract enables over 1200 users to manage all work digitally.
Moving from traditional processes to a digital approach is a huge cultural shift for the rail industry. Automating possession management streamlines the message from site, forming the single source of the truth, while providing crucial metrics that enable agile decision-making immediately.
Utilisation of eviFile allows data to be collected and processed in a clear, concise way, which further facilitates the use of business intelligence to feed the management team the information they require without any manual intervention.
Luke Allen, Managing Director of eviFile, said: “Our vision of better project control to improve construction performance through increased transparency has come to fruition with the TRU programme. For the first time, clients, Alliances and primary contractors can track all works and activities in real-time, hour-by-hour, from anywhere.
“We are extremely glad to see that engagement with the solution is high, resulting in significant reductions in time, which provides a clear return on investment (ROI).
“The ability to centralise a huge programme like TRU into a consolidated eviFile platform across regions, alongside other platforms and workstreams to provide real-time data into PowerBI to deliver completion, will be one of best examples of rail project digitisation we’ve engaged with to date.”
