Channel 4 launches permanent news base in Leeds
Channel 4 has launched a permanent news base in Leeds, with the daily bulletin set to be delivered from two national newsrooms as the broadcaster expands its commitment to nations and regions coverage.
The move will also see journalism students able to hone their broadcasting skills on a TV set used by Channel 4 News presenters, thanks to a special collaboration with the University of Leeds, with the programme donating high-performance equipment and technology from its temporary studio in Leeds to the School of Media and Communication.
The old set with its distinctive purple and white colouring will now be disassembled and brought onto campus where it will be given a new lease of life as a TV studio for undergraduates studying for a BA in Journalism.
Kristyn Gorton, head of the School of Media and Communication, said: “We are very grateful for Channel 4 News’ kind donation, and would like to thank Head of Regions, Sunita Bhatti, and the rest of the Channel 4 News team in Leeds for the opportunity to utilise such a well-recognised TV set.
“It will be put to good use by students and staff within the School of Media and Communication and I know they’re already looking forward to using it on the BA Journalism newsdays.”
Channel 4 News has been operating in Leeds since early 2022, with daily programming from its temporary studio.
It says the new studio will serve as a reminder of the programme’s commitment to and investment in regional production, contributing significantly to the rapidly evolving local, cultural economy in the city.
Esme Wren, editor of Channel 4 News, said: “We’re delighted to be forging this partnership with the University of Leeds as we continue to invest heavily in the region with the launch of our permanent studio in Leeds.
“Our industry is only as good as the talent we develop and the opportunities we create, so we hope this donation will support the University in continuing to shape some of the country’s brightest young journalists.”
Streets Chartered Accountants shares expert insight in latest news update
Streets Chartered Accountants has released its latest news update, sharing expert insight.
Tax-free allowance on trading and property income
A reminder that there are two separate annual £1,000 tax allowances for property and trading income. If you have both types of income highlighted below, then you can claim a £1,000 allowance for each. Read more.
Losing your personal income tax allowance
If you earn over £100,000 in any tax year your personal allowance is gradually reduced by £1 for every £2 of adjusted net income over £100,000 irrespective of age. This means that any taxable receipt that boosts your income over £100,000 will result in a reduction in personal tax allowances. Accordingly, your personal Income Tax allowance would be reduced to zero if your adjusted net income is £125,140 or above. Read more.
Rent-a-room relief
The rent-a-room scheme is a set of special rules designed to help homeowners who rent-a-room in their home. If you are using this scheme, you should ensure that rents received from lodgers during the current tax year do no exceed £7,500. The tax exemption is automatic if you earn less than £7,500 and there are no specific tax reporting requirements. If required, homeowners can opt out of the scheme and record property income and expenses as usual. Read more.
Full expensing started 1 April 2023
The new 100% first-year capital allowance for qualifying plant and machinery assets known as full expensing came into effect on 1 April 2023. This measure is expected to help boost business investment and growth. Read more.
Tax when you sell property
The annual exempt amount applicable to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) has been reduced to £6,000 (from £12,300) for the new 2023-24 tax year. Read more.
Letting relief
In general, there is no Capital Gains Tax (CGT) due on the disposal of a property which has been used as the main family residence. This relief from CGT is commonly known as ‘private residence relief’. However, where all or part of the home has been rented out the entitlement to relief may be affected. Homeowners that let all or part of their house may not benefit from the full private residence relief, but may benefit from letting relief. Read more.
Stamp Duty on shared ownership property
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) is payable whether you buy a freehold property, a new or existing leasehold property or a shared ownership property. Read more.
VAT guidance for overseas sellers
New simplified VAT guidance for overseas sellers has been published by HMRC. Read more.
Take advantage of new pension tax reforms
The new pension tax reforms that were announced in the recent Spring Budget took effect from 6 April 2023. Read more.
Mobile phones and tax
When an employer incurs costs for the provision of mobile phones to employees it is important to understand the correct tax treatment of these expenses. Read more.
Paying tax by credit or debit card
HMRC has not accepted personal credit card payments since January 2018 when credit card surcharges on personal credit cards were banned. However, HMRC continues to accept payments by corporate credit card or corporate debit cards. The use of these cards is subject to a fee. Payment by personal debit cards is currently fee-free. There is also no charge for payment by Direct Debit, bank transfer or cheque. Read more.
Tax Diary May/June 2023
1 May 2023 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 30 July 2022.
19 May 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 May 2023 (if you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 May 2023).
19 May 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 May 2023.
19 May 2023 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 May 2023 is payable by today.
31 May 2023 – Ensure all employees have been given their P60s for the 2022/23 tax year.
1 June 2023 – Due date for corporation tax due for the year ended 31 August 2022.
19 June 2023 – PAYE and NIC deductions due for month ended 5 June 2023 (if you pay your tax electronically the due date is 22 June 2023).
19 June 2023 – Filing deadline for the CIS300 monthly return for the month ended 5 June 2023.
19 June 2023 – CIS tax deducted for the month ended 5 June 2023 is payable by today.
Read more
Work hits major milestone on new Leeds tower
Construction of a new landmark 20-storey residential tower in Leeds city centre’s Arena Quarter has hit a major milestone after a topping out ceremony was held to mark it reaching its highest point.
Known as Live Oasis St Albans Place, the scheme on Wade Lane is being developed specifically for the city’s burgeoning student market, by Infinity Construction Enterprise Limited, part of the YPP Group.
The development will consist of 212 furnished apartments, complete with their own kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and living areas, as well as first-class amenities.
Principal contractor, Farrans Construction will complete work on the development this summer and the apartments will be ready to move into in time for the start of the 2023/24 academic year. The scheme will be managed by YPP Lettings, under the company’s Live Oasis brand.
A spokesperson for YPP said: “The topping out of this development is a major milestone. This is YPP’s biggest development to date and from the outset our ambition has been to push the boundaries of what we do both as a developer and in terms of student accommodation in Leeds.
“The result is a landmark building, in a really exciting area, that will genuinely offer the wow factor, complete with spectacular views from the upper floors and an amazing eighth storey roof terrace for residents to enjoy. This is in addition to all the amenities that make our Live Oasis developments so popular including numerous study areas, residents’ lounges, private dining facilities, concierge services and a fully equipped gym with separate workout studios.
“As a result, we’re already receiving enquiries from students who want to live in what promises to be the city’s hottest student address and we’re really looking forward to work completing in the coming months.”
Cathal Montague, regional director for Farrans Construction, said: “The topping out milestone, particularly on a building of this size, is a good moment for the team involved to take a step back and take stock of what has been achieved so far. It has been a challenging year for the construction industry and we are pleased to be on programme with this project. It is a testament to the hard work of the project team and the excellent collaboration that has been taking place between our client, architects, supply chain and YPP.
“The cutting-edge design has relied exclusively on precast construction from the first floor upwards with a façade design and high-quality material palette. We have been able to optimise the speed of construction using innovative technology without compromising on the luxury finish. The precast panels offer a more sustainable approach to construction delivery as well as working well in a tight site footprint by minimising the lorry deliveries. We have a lot of experience of delivering technically challenging projects of this nature, in a central location, with a small site footprint and using Modern Methods of Construction.”
In addition to Live Oasis St Albans Place, this year YPP will also complete work on another 168-apartment scheme in the Arena Quarter, known as Live Oasis Merrion Street Gardens and a 133-apartment scheme, called Q Three Residence, on Westgate.
Get a team together and make a splash for LIVES this summer!
Only a few weeks to go until the 6th Lincoln annual Dragon Boat Race will be taking place on the Brayford Waterfront.
The spectacular event, taking place on Saturday 17th June, has become one of the biggest in the City’s event calendar, attracting hundreds of spectators and competitors on the day.
This year the event is raising money for Lincolnshire’s first responders LIVES and already nearly 20 teams have signed up to take part on the day.
There is still plenty of time to raise a team and join in the fun! So, get your team of up to 10 paddlers, plus a drummer, together and get ready to battle it out in ornate 30-foot Chinese dragon boats.
The event promises to be colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit!
As well as the boat racing there will also be plenty of family activities, food and drink stalls along the Brayford Waterfront for the whole family to enjoy.
Teams will be encouraged to raise money for LIVES through sponsorship and fundraising.
Kirsty Raywood from LIVES said: “We are delighted to have received such an excellent response to our call for crews from local businesses across the region. The Dragon Boat Race promises to be a great day out and will entice some healthy competition between local businesses in order to raise these vital funds to keep our Emergency Responders on the road and continue saving lives in Lincolnshire.”
For further information and details of how to become a participating team contact Alex Bennett alex.bennett@ringroselaw.co.uk or visit https://www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/lincoln-dragon-boat-race/
New apprenticeship opens route for nuclear industry careers
Aspiring nuclear engineers and scientists have a new route into careers in low-carbon energy, with the launch of a degree apprenticeship delivered by the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre.
The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship will produce graduate professionals who can work across the UK’s current and future civil nuclear programmes. It has been developed with the support of the Nuclear AMRC and industry partners including UKAEA, Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce, Sellafield and Jacobs.
The course has been designed to provide the engineering and management skills needed to ensure that nuclear systems and equipment can be operated safely and efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way. Specialist modules include the principles of nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing and materials for nuclear applications, and industry codes and standards.
Depending on previous experience, the course will take up to five years to complete. Graduates will qualify with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons), and be well suited for roles including design, operational management, project management, plant performance enhancements and maintenance of safety standards.
The Nuclear AMRC and the AMRC Training Centre worked together to ensure that the course meets industry needs, coordinating input from employers in the nuclear supply chain and supporting development of the curriculum.
Liz Gregory, Supply Chain and Skills Director at the Nuclear AMRC, says: “We are committed to supporting our supply chain companies to obtain suitably qualified personnel to meet today’s challenges and those of the future. There is a real shortage of staff in the nuclear sector, so we are working hard with our partner organisations to meet their needs for high-quality training and to give young people the best possible start in the industry.”
Apprentices will be employed by a company working in the nuclear supply chain throughout their training. Their employer will pay the course fees plus a basic salary, either with support from the apprenticeship levy or via co-investment with the government if the employer doesn’t pay the levy. As part of their final year of study, the student will carry out an industrial project to tackle a real engineering challenge for their employer.
For people who want to work in nuclear but are not currently employed in the sector, the AMRC Training Centre can match applicants to a suitable employer.
Nikki Jones, Director of the AMRC Training Centre, says: “The nuclear sector is a rapidly-developing high-value sector in the UK with immense growth opportunities. With the new Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, we want to feed into the skills bank for industry employers and also provide our apprentices with quality training and knowledge needed to get a head-start in the industry.
“Building on the AMRC Training Centre’s remarkable track record in apprenticeships in other high-value sectors, we’re confident that the new degree apprenticeship will be an excellent first step towards plugging the existing skills gap in the nuclear industry and will open up exciting, new opportunities for young people looking to get into the industry.”
VetPartners continues Netherlands expansion
One of the Netherlands’ best known veterinary groups has joined VetPartners.
Dierenartsen Groep Nederland (DGN) is VetPartners’ second acquisition in the country after welcoming DierenDokters to its expanding European portfolio in February 2023.
The growth of DGN, which has 26 clinics in 33 sites across the Netherlands, has been supported by private equity firm Standard Investment.
Their decision to join VetPartners gives the group a strong base of practices in the Netherlands.
VetPartners owns some of Europe’s most trusted and respected veterinary practices and animal healthcare companies, with 11,000 employees working across more than 700 sites in the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.
VetPartners was founded in October 2015 by CEO Jo Malone, a small animal vet and director at The Minster Veterinary Practice, in her home city of York, where it has its headquarters.
Mrs Malone said: “DGN is a highly respected group of practices and we share common values of putting people first and ensuring our vets have the autonomy to make their own decisions for their patients.
“Right from the outset, the aim of VetPartners was to bring together like-minded practices who wanted to work together and ensure a bright future for the veterinary profession. Our culture is one of warmth and belonging and we believe DGN are a great fit for our family of practices, and we look forward to working with them.”
DGN Chief Operating Officer Mischa Weijers will lead the group’s expansion in the Netherlands.
Mr Weijers said: “We have joined VetPartners so we can continue our growth and continue to improve veterinary care in our local, well-known clinics that are so familiar to our clients.
“Putting employees, patients and clients at the centre of our business decisions is the basis of our success, and VetPartners lives and breathes that philosophy as well, so that makes them a great fit for us.
“Combining VetPartners’ industry leading experience with our love for working together and having fun promises a bright future. Our vets, nurses and other team members very much welcome being part of VetPartners because they see the group as a great cultural fit.”
Marnix van der Feltz, partner at Standard Investment, said: “When we started building our group of Dutch veterinary practices, we focussed on having entrepreneurial vets/owners who wanted to continue running their own practice and provide the best possible service for clients. Combined with working with Standard Investment to facilitate further growth, this has led to great success.”
DGN was advised by Lincoln International and Stek. VetPartners was advised by VBK, Mills & Reeve and PWC.
Willmott Dixon Interiors to deliver hospital’s new endoscopy suites
Willmott Dixon Interiors have been chosen to deliver two new endoscopy suites at Mexborough’s Montagu Hospital.
As part of the works, the project team will reconfigure and refurbish more than 9,000 sq ft of space within the hospital’s endoscopy ward and rotunda building on behalf of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The £4.3 million project will provide new staff and patient facilities, a discharge lounge and recovery ward, and new consultant and ancillary rooms. There will also be a new reception and waiting area, staff room and toilets.
Willmott Dixon Interiors has begun early on-site activities, with the full 30-week project expected to be completed later this year.
It follows the contractor’s recent completion of a similar project to refurbish the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Montagu Hospital.
Phil Crowther, director at Willmott Dixon Interiors, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to deliver important new facilities for local people.
“The creation of a new endoscopy suite builds on our recent refurbishment of the CDC at Montagu Hospital and will improve patient experience by providing faster diagnosis and treatment.
“We are highly experienced in the delivery of healthcare refurbishment projects and will be working to a fast-paced programme, with minimal disruption to hospital staff and patients.”
Willmott Dixon Interiors is delivering the refurbishment of the endoscopy ward and rotunda building at Mexborough Montagu Hospital alongside a project team that includes P+HS, WT Partnership, CAD 21 and Alan Johnston Partnership.
Leeds-based Brand8 PR appointed by water and energy efficiency company Cenergist
Brand8 PR has been hired by water and energy efficiency company Cenergist to advise on its corporate and business-to-business communications.
The Leeds-based agency is undertaking media relations, social media, content marketing and search activity on behalf the business to help support the delivery of its growth plans.
Cenergist enables its clients to reduce carbon emissions and water consumption to meet sustainability goals and comply with regulation using its energy, district heating and water management services.
The Washington, Tyne & Wear, headquartered business’s clients include water companies, local authorities, social housing providers and property developers.
One of the company’s projects is delivering Leeds City Council’s ‘Clustering for Warmth’ initiative. This involves Cenergist designing and installing low carbon ground and air source heating systems into 26 housing blocks across the city.
Julie Keogh, head of consumer marketing at Cenergist, said: “Brand8 PR won the pitch due to the agency’s clear strategic approach and track record of successfully advising a range of businesses operating within the sustainability and property sectors.
“We have ambitious growth plans both within the UK and internationally and look forward to working with Brand8 PR to help us achieve our objectives.”
Founded in 2010, Brand8 PR’s clients include Norway-based global sustainable technology company TOMRA, housebuilder Avant Homes and urban logistics property developer and asset manager Chancerygate.
Brand8 PR managing director, Rob Smith, commented: “With the requirement for private and public sector organisations to achieve sustainability goals continuing to gather pace, Cenergist is ideally placed to advise within this rapidly expanding market.
“We are working alongside the company’s senior management team on communications activity which will raise awareness and create demand for the company.”
Lincoln-based chartered surveyors snapped up
Begbies Traynor Group, the business recovery, financial advisory and property services consultancy, has acquired BLC No1 Limited, which trades as Banks Long & Co, for a maximum consideration of £3m.
Banks Long & Co is a firm of chartered surveyors employing 38 staff in Lincoln and operating throughout Lincolnshire and Humberside. The business will integrate with Eddisons, the group’s property division.
The Banks Long & Co team provide commercial property agency, property management, building consultancy and valuation services to a wide range of regional clients including public and private sector organisations, which aligns with the group’s current service offering and strengthens its regional presence across Eastern England and South Yorkshire.
In its financial year ended 31 August 2022, Banks Long & Co generated revenue of £2.6m (unaudited) and normalised pre-tax profits of £0.4m (when reported on the same basis as the group). Trading is projected to at least maintain this level in the current financial year to date. It had net assets of £2.1m (including £1.4m cash) as at 31 August 2022.
Anthony Spencer, director at Eddisons, said: “I am very pleased to welcome the Banks Long & Co team to Eddisons, which extends our footprint into Lincolnshire and enhances our existing presence in Eastern England and South Yorkshire.
“The Banks Long & Co team are highly experienced with a proven track record in delivering high quality professional advice to public and private sector clients. We continue to seek further opportunities for expansion across the UK.”
Ric Traynor, executive chairman of Begbies Traynor Group plc, said: “The acquisition of Banks Long & Co is in line with our strategy to develop our property advisory and transactional services division, by increasing both its scale and market position, as well as the scope of its service offering and geographical coverage.
“Banks Long & Co has excellent relationships within its local market place offering its clients a broad range of real estate services which they have developed over many years and we are very much looking forward to working with them.”
Farmers’ confidence slumps to lowest point since Covid began, says NFU
Spiralling costs of production faced by farmers and growers have driven down the confidence of people in the industry to the lowest levels since the start of Covid, with almost 90% saying they are being negatively affected by input costs such as energy, fuel and fertiliser.
An NFU survey shows that the phasing out of current farming support payments is negatively impacting farm business confidence with 82% of farmers citing farm support payments as a major cause.
Horticulture, livestock and poultry sectors is having the greatest impact on confidence. The evidence of this was shown on supermarket shelves with shortages of some produce including, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
Despite the knock to confidence, British farmers’ intention to invest in renewable energy generation and energy efficiency has increased rapidly.
This demonstrates a real ambition to future-proof farm business resilience and reach British farming’s net zero by 2040 target, as well as the importance of energy security to the nation’s food security.
But, the investment needed to increase climate-friendly farming capabilities is being hindered by the low levels of short- and medium-term business confidence.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “It is shocking but not surprising that our farmer confidence survey is reporting the lowest levels in three years. During this time, we have experienced a global pandemic, a war in Europe, tumultuous political change and extreme weather. If this lack of confidence and uncertainty is allowed to continue during such challenging times, it has the potential to lead to further shortages on supermarket shelves.
“We know from experience that low confidence indicates that farmers don’t have the means to invest in their food producing businesses, which could result in little to no growth in our domestic food security at a time when we need it most. It is also at odds with the government’s own plans for growth, and the commitments made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last year to support British farming by setting a target for the nation’s food security, with a statutory duty to report on domestic food levels.”
Future farming support is needed, Minette Batters said. “As well as food security, energy security is crucial to our nation, and currently 38% of British farmers are using or producing renewable energy. As an industry we have a huge ambition to increase this but confidence in the future is deterring farmers from making this important investment.
“Farmers need to know that government is supporting them through policies that build profitability and resilience into farm businesses to allow us to unlock a thriving food and farming industry. For this we need to see clarity on future farming support policies, including the Environmental Land Management schemes, which will help farmers plan ahead and build financial resilience into their businesses.”
Manufacturing software specialist joins Sheffield’s Nuclear AMRC
Manufacturing software specialist Kaizen PLM has joined the Nuclear AMRC to help develop new capabilities for automated welding, inspection and additive manufacturing.
Kaizen PLM specialises in product lifecycle management systems allowing manufacturers to manage product data throughout the entire lifecycle from ideation, design, and manufacture to service and disposal. It is a smart expert partner for Siemens Industry Software in the UK and Ireland, with a focus on additive manufacturing and virtual commissioning applications.
The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, based at the University of Sheffield and part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, collaborates with companies of all sizes to help them innovate and win work in the nuclear supply chain.
As part of its tier one membership, Kaizen PLM will support the deployment of new robotic platforms for welding, inspection and additive manufacturing of metal components for the nuclear sector and other quality-critical industries.
John Crossley, NDT technology lead for the Nuclear AMRC, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kaizen PLM to the Nuclear AMRC, as their expertise in Siemens software can significantly improve the efficiency of our welding and inspection projects. One big benefit for us is that we carry out all our modelling in Siemens NX, and Kaizen’s solutions allow us to easily drag and drop our models into additive manufacturing software rather than having to reprogramme everything.”
Anthony O’Riordan, MD for Kaizen PLM, said: “With our advanced technology and expert services, we enable manufacturers to continuously improve their processes and products, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency. By working with the Nuclear AMRC to virtually commission large additive robotic cells, we demonstrate that manufacturers can test and optimise their processes before physical implementation, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
“Through our partnership with the Nuclear AMRC, we are able to leverage both parties’ expertise in advanced manufacturing and software solutions to help manufacturers in the nuclear sector overcome their unique challenges. With our combined focus on supply chain development and skills training, we empower manufacturers to stay competitive and drive innovation in the industry.”
Customer demands mean ABP switches from coal to cars at International Terminal
ABP has invested in new vehicle handing facilities at the Port of Immingham to meet customer demands.
The half-million-pound infrastructure in the Humber International terminal will mean when cars are discharged off the vessel, they are sent to a first point of rest facility near the berth. The terminal was originally built to handle coal, but as the UK coal usage rightly declines, so ABP have looked to plug gaps in the shipping schedule with car ships, to help meet customers’ needs.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “We have taken on this stevedoring role and have proven we can handle it and very much look forward to expanding our automotive services.
“It’s part of ABP’s commitment to helping our customers and we continual look to invest in our infrastructure to accommodate growing industry demand. The Humber is a major player in the automotive market, and we continue to invest to ensure we can handle larger vessels.”
Kia UK Supply Chain General Manager Awais Ajmal said: “A big thanks to ABP for stepping in at short notice on several of our recent deliveries. This has allowed Kia UK to maintain deliveries to our valued customers during a critical time for new registrations. Due to a high level of back orders for Kia vehicles ABP prevented disruption in our time sensitive supply chain.”
The ports of Grimsby and Immingham serve the European and Far East automotive markets being ideally placed in the middle of the UK and central to serving the north and south of the country.
In 2025 it will be fifty years since Grimsby was chosen as the base for the first vehicle imports with Volkswagen. Since then, the Humber has grown to be the UK number one automotive distribution centre in the UK. The £26 million Grimsby River Terminal (GRT) is a two-berth facility capable of handling vessels carrying up to 3,000 vehicles.
Over 800,000 cars a year pass through our Humber ports reducing transport time and costs by streamlining the process. The addition of ABP stevedores offers customers a complete supply chain solution should it be needed.
Leeds manufacturers team up with university to achieve strategic growth plans
Leadership and marketing experts at Leeds Beckett University have teamed up with a Leeds-based manufacturing company to bring academic knowledge and innovation into the business – supporting them in their ambition to enter new markets and achieve continued long-term, sustainable growth.
A team of Leeds Business School academics will work with Moulds, Patterns and Models Ltd (MPM) on the two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), which is part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK.
Founded in 1978, MPM is a family-owned business specialising in manufacturing and supplying composite fibreglass tooling and products to key sectors including automotive, leisure and renewable energy. The company has a strong reputation for quality and reliability.
Dr Julia Morgan, Head of the Leadership Centre at Leeds Beckett and project supervisor, explained: “MPM’s leadership team is very forward-thinking and highly motivated – they have already achieved impressive growth and made many operational changes over the last ten years, and they are now looking to work with us to achieve the next stage of their ambitious growth plan.
“The KTP will support MPM in their goals to enter new markets and develop new products and services. We will do this by using innovative solutions to challenge their existing practices and create strategic change in the business.”
The KTP will focus on two areas: sales, marketing and strategic insights to grow market share; and strengthening leadership skills and ensuring a high-performing and engaged team are retained within the business to facilitate this growth.
Ben Wilson, Managing Director of MPM, said: “Sometimes, you don’t know what you don’t know, and we’re excited to have a fresh pair of eyes, ears and insight into our plans and vision whilst developing the team and business for a more successful, sustainable and enjoyable future.”
Dr Julia Morgan has 20 years’ experience of working in Human Resource Management and Leadership Development consultancy. Project leader, Dr Catherine Ashworth, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, has extensive experience of working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on knowledge exchange projects and has led multiple KTP projects.
A skilled graduate will be recruited to carry out the project, as a full-time member of staff within the business, and with the full support and input of the academic team at Leeds Beckett.
MPM’s relationship with Leeds Beckett University began in 2021 when Ben Wilson took part in the Small Business Leadership Programme – the government’s pilot course which has now become the successful Help to Grow: Management programme – supporting senior managers of SMEs to boost business performance, resilience, and long-term growth.
Through the partnership with Leeds Beckett, MPM staff members will have access to a range of development opportunities through the University’s wider business support programmes and services, including Help to Grow: Management, the #WECAN (Women Empowered through Coaching and Networking) programme – building the leadership skills, capabilities and opportunities of women in SMEs in the Leeds City Region, and student consultancy projects and placements.
Jo Griffiths, Head of KTP at Leeds Beckett University, added: “The team at MPM are very engaged and want to scale their business sustainably for the benefit of their employees as well as the regional economy. This aspiration aligns directly to the UK government’s Build Back Better and Levelling Up agendas, which are focused on economic growth, improving skills and spreading opportunity more equally across the UK.”
Lewis Silkin expands in the North with new Leeds office and partner hire
Lewis Silkin LLP is opening a new office in Leeds and has appointed James Keogh as a partner in the firm’s employment law group. He will lead what will initially be a new three-strong team based in the city.
Having studied, trained, and worked in Leeds throughout his career, James is well known in the region as a trusted employment and HR law advisor to some of the largest corporations in Yorkshire.
A specialist in complex change/restructuring projects, industrial relations and trade union issues, sensitive investigations, and TUPE matters, James’ clients include household name brands in retail, luxury, hospitality, and manufacturing including FTSE 250 and AIM businesses.
James will be joined (in early summer) by managing associate Gemma Woodhead. Previously an in-house employment counsel at Warner Brothers, Gemma spent 8 years supporting various businesses across the entertainment group and helping to manage their workforces across EMEA.
James and Gemma will be supported by associate Breesha Loughran, who brings expertise in workplace investigations and Employment Tribunal litigation.
The new office marks the latest step in the growth of Lewis Silkin’s national presence, following the firm’s launch and rapid growth in Manchester last year, and adding to its offices and regional hubs in London, Oxford, Cardiff, Belfast, Dublin and Hong Kong.
James Keogh, partner at Lewis Silkin, said: “I’m over the moon to be joining Lewis Silkin and helping to build our new presence in Leeds. We’ll be a part of the UK’s leading specialist employment team, providing the firm with a strategically important base in Yorkshire and adding to the strength of its offering across the North of England.
“It’s an exciting period of growth for Lewis Silkin and our new footprint means we are perfectly placed to support the ever-changing needs of our clients. I look forward to our Leeds team making a valuable contribution to the continued success of this fantastic firm.”
Richard Miskella, joint managing partner at Lewis Silkin, added: “I’m delighted to welcome James, Gemma and Breesha to Lewis Silkin. James is a real rising star with a well-earned reputation in the region and beyond for advising on complex employment issues at the highest level, for a range of both national and Yorkshire-based clients. The combined team bring both depth of local market knowledge and breadth of expertise in our core and high growth sectors.
“Their appointment, and the opening of our new office in Leeds – hot on the heels of Manchester – is an important step forward to establish a strong and joined up presence in the North that will work alongside Lewis Silkin’s other offices. We are constantly adapting to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are now able to deliver local access to the highest-quality teams and advice through our regional hubs – including in the North of England, one of the most dynamic and innovative economic regions in the UK.”
Chamber expresses concern at Humber being overlooked in BECCS announcements
The Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce has urged Secretary of State for Energy Grant Shapps to rethink omission of the Humber in the Government’s bioenergy with carbon capture and storage announcements.
Alongside Council leaders, the Chamber is concerned that there is now a serious risk that the £15-billion investment planned for the Humber’s Carbon Zero agenda may now be spent elsewhere, leaving the Humber, which should be leading the world on the carbon capture and storage agenda, adrift.
The Chamber welcomes the announcement by Drax’s Chief Executive, Will Gardener, that the Government has now opened a dialogue with this important Chamber Patron and hopes there will be further Government announcements shortly on other Humber Carbon Capture proposals which were submitted to Government by other leading Chamber members such as Equinor and Phillips 66.”
External Affairs Director David Hooper said: “The shock that the Humber missed out completely in these announcements is palpable among the region’s business leaders and puts the Humber’s leading role on this agenda in serious peril.
“The Chamber’s view is that the UK should go green through the Humber, and the country cannot go green without the Humber!
“We urge Energy Secretary Grant Shapps to reconsider the Government’s stance on the Humber proposals and do the right thing by advancing these largely privately funded schemes which are ready to go!”
Gravity moves to mixed-use development in heart of Wakefield
Gravity Fitness Ltd, the global active entertainment company, has opened a new head office at Merchant Gate, the mixed-use development in the heart of Wakefield.
Gravity has taken 6,683 sq ft of office space at 2 Burgage Square at Merchant Gate on a five-year lease. This deal means that the office space at Merchant Gate is now fully let.
Merchant Gate has been delivered by The English Cities Fund, a strategic joint venture between national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England, working collaboratively with Wakefield Council and Network Rail.
The Leeds offices of global property consultancies Knight Frank and JLL advised the landlords, while Savills advised Gravity.
Victoria Harris of Knight Frank explained: “The decision by such an innovative and successful company as Gravity to move their head office to Merchant Gate is a ringing endorsement of this magnificent development.
“The regeneration of Merchant Gate has provided a timely boost to Wakefield’s economy and has underlined the city’s importance and attraction as a strategic location for prime office, retail and leisure occupiers.
“Gravity’s move will drive economic and social prosperity in this proud and historic city, and be a boost to the local community, which is massively important right now. Merchant Gate, and strategic schemes like it in the city, are changing people’s perceptions of Wakefield.
“The city is benefitting from substantial investment, a proud history and an excellent location, which means Merchant Gate is fast becoming one of the region’s premier mixed-use destinations,” she said.
Harvey Jenkinson, the co-founder of Gravity, who are relocating from Colorado Way at the Junction 32 development in Castleford, said: “Wakefield is the perfect base for a head office from a recruitment and logistical standpoint. Our new offices are about 50m away from Wakefield Westgate, which is on a main arterial route from Leeds to London.
“Merchant Gate is a very up and coming location, with good food and drink for the staff at lunch and after hours on a Friday.
“We are also expanding. This move will help our drive for growth. We currently have 50 staff and hope to recruit a further 10 by the end of this year.”
Gravity, which launched as a trampoline park operation in 2014 next to the indoor ski slope Xscape at Castleford, have just secured a £30 million investment to help the business grow.
The company now has a turnover of £27 million, bringing a host of indoor leisure activities to 17 prime locations nationwide. It has completed a finance deal to drive the bar even higher. The new investor is Sculptor Real Estate, the property arm of New York Stock Exchange listed Sculptor Capital Management Inc.
Revenues of £50 million are now being eyed for 2024, with karting, mini-golf and bowling key offers.
Mr Jenkinson explained: “This funding has come at a pivotal and exciting time for Gravity with the launch of our Gravity Max brand at Liverpool One and London Westfield Stratford this year. We are thrilled to build our relationship with Sculptor on this investment.
“This backing will help us realise the full potential of the Gravity brand, ensuring the rollout of our business plan and achievement of strategic objectives. We look forward to further establishing Gravity as the international name in active entertainment and providing our customers at every site with the best possible experience.”
Live voting will select People’s Choice winner at Innovate North Awards
Guests attending the University of Hull’s first ever Innovate North Awards next week will be asked to determine who should win the hotly contested People’s Choice category in a nail-biting live vote on the night!
Taking place next Tuesday, the Innovate North Awards celebrate business innovation, growth, talent and progress towards reducing carbon emissions among the hundreds of businesses from across the Humber and North Yorkshire regions that the University of Hull has supported in recent years. Almost 700 businesses received European Union-funded innovation support through University programmes such as Aura Innovation Centre, SparkFund, the Flood Innovation Centre and the Humber Internships Programme. This support has resulted in 170 new products being launched, a 400-tonne reduction in carbon emissions, the creation of 195 jobs and increased sales of around £85 million for the small to medium enterprises involved. The three business nominated for the People’s Choice Award are: • Fitmums & Friends, a charity affiliated to England Athletics that started life in East Yorkshire and now runs a series of volunteer-led, community fitness groups for people across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Fitmums & Friends successfully applied for match funding from the University of Hull’s SparkFund, which allowed them to develop an innovative information management system and accompanying app for both members and volunteers to use. • iParcelBox, an East Yorkshire-based tech firm responsible for creating secure, weatherproof drop-boxes, allowing customers to receive parcels securely when they’re not home. Keen to understand whether it’s better for the environment for deliveries to be sent to people’s homes or to a pick-up point, the developers worked with experts from the University of Hull’s Aura Innovation Centre to develop a carbon calculator capable of mapping the emissions from various different delivery options. • HFR Solutions is a Hull-based Community Interest Company founded in 2012 that uses seconded, retired and operational personnel from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service to review and test safety procedures and planning, and deliver workplace safety training. Having identified a knowledge gap around supporting parish councils and other community-based organisations with the creation and implementation of flood plans, HFR Solutions worked with the University of Hull’s Flood Innovation Centre to develop a ‘Flood-in-a-Box’ product that can be used to deliver flood resilience training. Sarah Clark, Operations Manager at Aura Innovation Centre, said: “Through the various European Union-funded programmes that the University has been running in recent years, almost 700 businesses from the Humber region and North Yorkshire have been able to access a broad range of funding and support, providing them with exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. “From accessing academic research and specialist facilities to helping them connect them with the right partners to deliver their innovative ambitions, the University of Hull is proud to have played a part in their success stories and we’re very much looking forward to celebrating their achievements at the Innovate North Awards on 9 May.” Sarah added: “The fact that the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be chosen by guests attending the awards ceremony in a nail-biting live vote only serves to add to the excitement for everyone involved. All of our nominees are incredibly deserving, we’re looking forward to seeing who wins the popular vote!”Employers told it’s now illegal to withhold employee tips
Millions of UK workers will take home an estimated £200 million more of their hard-earned cash, as employers are banned from withholding tips under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which has received Royal Assent.
Many hospitality workers rely on tips to top up their pay and are often left powerless if businesses don’t pass on service charges from customers to their staff.
This Bill makes it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive the tips they have earned. The measures are expected to come into force in 2024, following a consultation and secondary legislation.
This overhaul of tipping practices is set to benefit more than 2 million UK workers across the hospitality, leisure and services sectors helping to ease cost of living pressures and give them peace of mind that they will keep their hard-earned money.
Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “As people face rising living costs, it is not right for employers to withhold tips from their hard-working employees.
“Whether you are pulling pints or delivering a pizza, this new law will ensure that staff receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – and it means customers can be confident their money is going to those who deserve it.
“I want to thank Dean Russell MP, Virginia Crosbie MP and all the campaigners who have helped make the Tipping Bill a reality and improved the lives of workers across the UK.
UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “Fantastic hospitality experiences don’t happen without a huge effort from our teams, both front and back of house, and tips are a generous way of customers showing their gratitude, while providing a welcome boost to employees’ earnings. Tips are just one part of what makes working in hospitality a great job and career.“We’re pleased to support this new piece of legislation as it comes into law today and look forward to working with Government and other stakeholders on a code of practice that ensures a fair distribution of gratuities amongst all who contribute to providing great hospitality.”
Bureau Technical Services wins new accreditation from UKAS
Bureau Technical Services has been granted accreditation by UKAS to ISO/IEC17020:2012 for its statutory inspections.
This internationally-recognised standard specifies the requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspections, including their activities’ impartiality, independence, and consistency. Achieving this accreditation involved a significant effort by the Bureau Technical Services team to integrate the requirements of ISO/IEC17020:2012 into its existing quality management systems. While it is possible for inspection bodies to operate without this standard, conforming to it can improve the effectiveness of their management system and assure customers of the high level of service they can expect. As a condition of accreditation, Bureau Technical Services undergoes an annual assessment by UKAS, which includes on-site witness assessments of inspection activities conducted by competent engineers. MD David Blanchard said: “This is a huge achievement for our team. Quality and assurance have always been at the heart of our delivery, and since launching our Inspection Division in 2022, we have worked hard to achieve this highest accolade from UKAS”. The organisation will undergo a comprehensive reassessment every four years, with reports and results peer-evaluated and reviewed by an independent UKAS decision-maker before accreditation is renewed. These measures provide customers with added confidence in the accreditation process and in the quality of the services provided by Bureau Technical Services.Bank opts for offices in Leeds alongside London, Manchester, and Tallinn
LHV Bank has been authorised as a credit institution by the Prudential Regulation Authority, becoming the first institution to receive a banking licence without restrictions in this year.
It’s part of the Estonian retail bank AS LHV Pank, which decided to pursue a UK banking licence in 2021, and LHV submitted its application in March 2022. It has 130 employees in Leeds, London, Manchester and the Estonian capital Tallinn.
Madis Toomsalu, Chairman of LHV Bank, said: “Receiving the licence without restrictions in just over a year since submitting our application validates the exceptional work of our team and the professional operation we’ve built. We expect LHV Bank to achieve profitability by the end of our first year of operations. Our ability to generate additional capital internally positions us strongly for further growth in the dynamic UK banking market.”
Erki Kilu, the bank’s CEO, added: “In addition to our existing Banking Services and SME Lending activities, we plan to start accepting retail deposits later this year and expand our banking solutions offering to e-commerce businesses, maintaining the same level of convenience, reliability, and security that our existing clients have come to expect.”
Last year LHV Bank acquired Bank North’s SME Lending business line and received regulatory clearance from the FCA to start issuing SME loans. SME Lending has been a key strength of LHV Group, which has delivered 15 years of consecutive growth in this space. LHV Bank offers commercial real estate investment loans and trading loans starting from £0.5m to SMEs in the UK, with loan brokers serving as the primary sales channel for SME loans. LHV Bank’s strengths lie in its faster lending process, loan managers’ long-term experience, and understanding of local entrepreneurs’ needs. Leveraging its expertise, strong balance sheet and the proven demand for SME loans, LHV Bank plans to establish a robust lending business quickly.
