Sophie joins Richardsons in interior design role

Stuart Pearcey
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Sophie joins Richardsons in interior design role

Bradford-based office design firm Richardsons has appointed Sophie Powell as a new graduate interior designer.

Thornton-based Sophie will be supporting the company on day-to-day activities including space planning, interior design, creating technical visuals and offering customers design solutions at varying budgets.

Sophie said: “I was looking for an interior design job and keen to stay local to Bradford, so I was thrilled to come across the opportunity at Richardsons.

“It’s such a positive workplace, I’ve already gained so much experience from the team around me and had the opportunity to visit client sites, create design plans and learn about all of the different pieces of the puzzle that come together when we’re creating a space that is entirely tailored to the client’s needs. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into more projects and supporting the team at all the different stages of design.

“Everyone here embodies going above and beyond whether that’s sourcing a niche fabric from a specific manufacturer or working historic or nostalgic artefacts into modern design spaces – it’s a really exciting company to have started my interior design career with.”

Richardsons has designed spaces for organisations including Bradford Grammar School, Professional Security, Slimming World and Emerald Group, working closely with clients to manage design, fit out and furniture supply, creating welcoming, practical areas.

MD Steven Richardson said: “Sophie has already proven to be a wonderful asset to the team, bringing with her impressive design skills and a real aptitude for creative design proposals and ideas.

“We’re always keen to hire local talent and having Sophie join the team at such a pivotal time in the industry has been an incredible asset, as we continue to grow and develop our offerings. The common workplace has changed in so many ways over the last few years that it’s imperative we innovate alongside it and growing the team is an integral part of that.”

Wastewise signs ten-year contract with council to turn garden waste into compost

Stuart Pearcey
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Wastewise signs ten-year contract with council to turn garden waste into compost
Hull-based Wastewise has signed a ten-year contract worth about £4.5m with North Lincolnshire council to collect about 17,500 tonnes of garden waste a year and convert it into compost. This is the eleventh municipal contract signed by the company, and will involve kerbside collection and processing activities run in partnership with Biowise, Down to Earth Recycling Ltd and Brier Hills Recycling Ltd. Anything that can’t be converted will be sent for energy generation. Cllr Neil Poole, the council’s cabinet member for environmental operations, said: “This is another step forward in our plans to eradicate landfill waste. “This new partnership is with a company that shares our vision for a cleaner, greener future for everyone in North Lincolnshire. “This is all part of the bigger picture of A Green Future for North Lincolnshire, where everyone can make a difference, from companies like Wastewise to residents swapping their own bins for composters.” Bob Wilkes, MD of Wastewise, said: “We look forward to working with North Lincolnshire Council in helping them achieve their waste management goals. “The long-term contract will ensure that, together, we create clear, efficient processes to ensure an effective waste service for residents where as little as possible is wasted.”

Incommunities appoints new executive director of finance

Tess Egginton
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Incommunities appoints new executive director of finance

Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed John Wright as its new executive director of finance.

John joins from River Clyde Homes, where he is the executive director of group services overseeing finance, HR, communications, IT, governance, and procurement.

With more than 20 years of experience in the housing sector, John has extensive experience in finance, governance, and change management.

His previous positions include director of finance at landlord and developer Thirteen which manages 35,000 homes across Teesside and other parts of the North East and Yorkshire, and various other senior roles.

He is a board member and audit and risk committee member at Ongo Homes, and a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Chief Executive of Incommunities, Rachael Dennis, said: “I am delighted John is joining us. He will bring extensive experience in finance and leadership, along with an unwavering dedication to social housing, which will be of immense value as we continue on our journey to grow, drive change and improve services for our customers.”

John Wright added: “It is an exciting time to be joining and I am thrilled to embrace this new challenge at Incommunities. I am looking forward to working with the team and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to Incommunities’ mission of building thriving communities and enhancing lives.”

John will begin his new role in August 2023.

South Yorkshire becomes UK’s first investment zone with promise of 8,000 new jobs

Stuart Pearcey
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South Yorkshire becomes UK’s first investment zone with promise of 8,000 new jobs
South Yorkshire is to be the first Investment Zone in the UK, creating 8,000 new jobs and attracting £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030. Using government support worth £80m, the new Investment Zone will use the region’s success in advanced manufacturing and will help make South Yorkshire the best place to start, scale or relocate businesses from around the world, boosting the UK economy. The first investment announced is a more than £80m Boeing-led research project into manufacturing lightweight structures for aeroplanes – a key part of making aviation more sustainable. Compass will be built as an extension to the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050.  It will be built with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield City Council and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Our Investment Zone will help put South Yorkshire back where we belong; at the forefront of this country’s manufacturing-led growth. “Technology created in South Yorkshire built the modern world. Because in South Yorkshire we have always known how to deliver practical solutions to big challenges. Yesterday it was stainless steel and our coal industry, today it is AI, Robotics and creating lighter, stronger materials for Jet Zero. “That’s why this new Investment Zone status is so important. Because with the support of partners like Boeing, and working with the government, we’re showing we have the tools, the technology and the confidence to build on our strengths as not just the world’s first, but the world’s best Advanced Manufacturing District.” The Investment Zone – the first of 12 such zones built around universities and high-growth industries – will build on the success of South Yorkshire’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, expanding it to incorporate Rotherham town centre and Sheffield city centre, with Opportunity Sites across Barnsley and Doncaster. Investors, developers and start-ups will be offered a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses including: •    Help with relocating through funding for capital, infrastructure and feasibility work. •    Help unlocking barriers to planning, with support from dedicated Investment Zone planning officers throughout the process. •    Skills support schemes to upskill workforces and boost opportunities for graduates whilst tackling issues around economic inactivity. Supply chain funding to build the capability and competitiveness of suppliers to access regional, national and international growth markets. Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Leader Sir Stephen Houghton said: “Although the focus of the project covers Rotherham and Sheffield, the Investment Zone will bring strong benefits to the whole of South Yorkshire. The wider programme will provide us with new opportunities for growth and development in our borough. “It will enable us to attract new businesses, provide scale up support to those already here, and create new jobs, which will bolster our local economy through opportunity sites at J36, J37 and in Goldthorpe. “South Yorkshire’s Investment Zone will bolster the already attractive offer for innovative businesses looking to make the most of our pre-existing cluster of digital and tech companies and strengthen the growing reputation for Barnsley as a destination for digital businesses.”

Cash boost sees major renovation at long-standing Keighley community organisation

Tess Egginton
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Cash boost sees major renovation at long-standing Keighley community organisation
A major renovation is underway at a long-standing community organisation in Keighley, after almost a quarter of a million pounds worth of funding. The Sangat Centre received £230,000 from the Keighley Town Deal Board for essential refurbishments to its Marlborough Street premises. It has been based in the old Victorian building for more than 20 years and the venue was in urgent need of modernisation. The redevelopment will enable the association to continue to offer social day care, adult education activities, youth activities, holiday playschemes and other services to the hundreds of people it sees each week. Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, Councillor Alex Ross–Shaw, said: “Keighley residents deserve a building that reflects the character of the local community. “Through the Towns Fund, the Sangat Centre will be modernised to be energy efficient, meet the digital and online needs of service users and be an accessible, practical environment for an extensive range of crucial community services.” Ian Hayfield, Chair of Keighley’s Town Deal Board, said: “This renovation means the Sangat Centre can function more efficiently and effectively for the people it serves. It also means the building will be a sustainable, productive place for many years into the future.” The work is expected to take about two years and the centre will remain open as usual throughout. Refurbishment is already underway, with new flooring installed and a new roof having been fitted. The modernisation also includes some big projects such as a new IT suite and a mezzanine floor. Riasat Ali, Sangat Centre Manager, said: “The building needed constant repairs and we were continually having to patch up leaks such as water pouring through the roof, as well as dealing with ongoing heating, boiler and electrical issues. “It was so difficult and costly to make repairs on a piecemeal basis and we are so grateful to have this opportunity to properly upgrade the building. We’ve been using local tradespeople to do the work, to put the money back into the area. “The improvements we are undertaking have come from the feedback of our service users and our community, which is truly at the centre of our vision for the future. The refurbishment means we can expand our provision and welcome even more people to make use of our services.” In addition to this funding, the Sangat Centre has also received £140,000 of match funding towards the refurbishment from the Community Ownership Fund.

Leeds is first city outside London to join Open Finance Coalition

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds is first city outside London to join Open Finance Coalition
Leeds has become the first city and local authority outside London to support a new coalition to open up financial data that, it’s claimed, will deliver better outcomes for SMEs and consumers. Launched this week by the Centre for Finance, Innovation and technology, it’s said the new Open Finance Coalition will demonstrate the power of leveraging financial data to deliver better outcomes and financial awareness for SMEs. The first coalition partners who have committed to progressing Open Finance in the UK have also been announced. Leeds is the first city and local authority outside of London to be involved with the project, working closely with others on the list including: the Association of British Insurers, Allen and Overy, Amazon Web Services, Experian, the City of London Corporation, EY, HSBC, IBM, Innovate Finance, iwoca, KPMG, Leeds City Council, Lloyds Banking Group, Mastercard, MBN Solutions, Monzo, Open Banking Limited, the Open Finance Association, Revolut, the Smart Data Foundry, and Zopa Bank; with the support of the FCA. The main focus for the coalition will be demonstrating the power of financial data to deliver better financial awareness for consumers and SME financing, giving SMEs the ability to better manage their savings, cashflow, investments, pensions and insurance and in turn lead to a positive outcome for the nation’s financial health. The idea comes from recommendations originally put forward as part of the Kalifa Review of UK Fintech, launched in Leeds earlier this year, which seeks to unblock barriers to growth for financial technology and position the United Kingdom as a global leader in financial innovation. Leeds was identified in the report as being part of one of the most established FinTech hubs in the UK. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said: “The ethos and work to be done as part of this project feeds perfectly into our inclusive growth ambitions, and therefore we were keen to take this opportunity to further work within the city to increase financial awareness and knowledge in collaboration with our thriving Fintech community.” Leeds is the UK’s second strongest financial and legal centre, with a flourishing FinTech sector and a GVA standing above £700m, having doubled in the last three years. The foundation for the flourishing FinTech sector is the region’s long-standing strength in financial services, combined with a vibrant and fast growing tech sector. More than 60 established financial services organisations have bases in the region, with recent additions including the Financial Conduct Authority, UK Infrastructure Bank, and Bank of England. In tech, 17 of the 100 fastest-growing tech companies in the North of England are based in Leeds , which is also home to Leeds Digital Festival, one of the largest and highest profile digital events in the UK.

Doncaster company secured accreditations and qualifications

Stuart Pearcey
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Doncaster company secured accreditations and qualifications
Doncaster-based Signum Facilities Management has passed its NICEIC assessment for the 11th year in a row and has also become the only accredited RPZ Valve Tester in Doncaster after securing WIAPS accreditation. The latter is one of the largest six UK approved contractors schemes and administered by Water Regs UK on behalf of the 15 UK Water Undertakers. Supporting the successful team accreditations are some important individual qualifications that have been achieved by Signum staff so far this year. Matthew Johnson, lead engineer/supervisor, has passed the Site Management Safety Training Scheme, which is a Construction Industry Training Board qualification. The course is part of his development to taking on more responsibility with team supervision and project management. Ryan Daines, engineer, has achieved the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment which focusses on portable appliance testing and is part of a long term plan to develop Ryan’s skills and expertise as a multi skilled engineer. John Booth, senior electrical engineer and qualified supervisor, has also completed the NICEIC Electric vehicle charging installation course which means he is now qualified to complete installation and servicing of vehicle charge points. Steve Egbury, operations manager, has gained the NEBOSH General Certificate. MD Jill Wood said: “2023 has been an incredibly busy year for Signum as we look to continue to grow the business and develop our client base which now stretches across the country. “The commitment our team has made to our health and safety standards has been fantastic and we are all really pleased to have achieved the national accreditations we have as well as support our team members with their own qualifications as they look to develop their careers. “It really is an exciting time for Signum and the hard work of everyone involved has played a massive part in this success.”

Government increases pay for NHS doctors and dentists, and cranks up Immigration Health Surcharge

Stuart Pearcey
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Government increases pay for NHS doctors and dentists, and cranks up Immigration Health Surcharge
Most eligible dentists and doctors will receive at least a 6% pay rise, the Government has announced, which will see pay for junior doctors up by an average of around 8.8% backdated to April this year. Acceptance of the independent pay review bodies in full mean about 130,000 full-time equivalent doctors and dentists, including junior doctors and consultants, will see their pay rise in line with the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration’s (DDRB) recommendations. Pay for junior doctors will be increased by 8.8% on average. The agreement means pay for a first year junior doctor will increase by 10.3%. Pay for the most experienced junior doctors will increase by 8.1%. For consultants, this means a rise of 6%. As recommended by the DDRB, most dentists and doctors will receive at least a 6% pay rise. Junior doctor pay will be increased by 6% plus £1,250. Average basic pay for a first year junior doctor will increase from £29,300 to £32,300 and for a junior doctor in core training with 3 years’ experience it will increase from £40,200 to £43,900. For consultants and SAS doctors on pre-2021 contracts, this is on top of the 4.5% pay rise they received last year. Some staff will also benefit from performance pay, overtime, pay progression and pay rises from promotion, alongside the pay uplift. The government says it has been clear about the need for pay awards to recognise the hard work of the public sector whilst meeting the Prime Minister’s priority to halve inflation and managing public spending effectively. The government plans to increase the main rate of the Immigration Health Surcharge – to ensure it covers the full healthcare costs of those who pay it to at least £1,035, and the discounted rate for students, their dependents, those on Youth Mobility Schemes and under-18s to £776. The government will fund this pay award through prioritisation within existing departmental budgets, with front line services being protected. Last month a million NHS staff, including nurses and paramedics, received a 5% pay rise worth at least £1,065 to full-time staff as well as two one off payments worth at least £1,655. The pay announcement comes weeks after the NHS published its first ever NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, backed by over £2.4 billion government funding, will deliver the biggest training expansion in NHS history and recruit and retain hundreds of thousands more staff over the next 15 years.

Auctioneer Pugh appoints residential valuations specialist for Leeds office

Stuart Pearcey
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Auctioneer Pugh appoints residential valuations specialist for Leeds office
Residential valuations specialist Chris Jackson has joined property auctioneer Pugh as associate director and will be based in the firm’s Leeds office. With a decade’s experience in the Yorkshire property auctions market, Chris will take on a lead role in growing the auction business in the region. Pugh MD Paul Thompson said: “We are really pleased to welcome Chris on board and his appointment is a great strategic hire for us in Yorkshire. “We are seeing growing demand for auction services in Yorkshire as rising interest rates cool the market and increasing numbers of homebuyers and sellers look to auctions for a secure sale. Chris brings a wealth of experience as well as a great network of contacts across the region.”
Chris Jackson said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Pugh, which is a dominant force in the northern auctions market and has a well-earned reputation for customer service matched with strategic market insight and impressive geographic reach. I am looking forward to bringing my experience of the Yorkshire market to expand Pugh’s customer base in the region still further.”

Yorkshire Water to give £235,000 to Wildlife Trust after pollution incident

Stuart Pearcey
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Yorkshire Water to give £235,000 to Wildlife Trust after pollution incident
Yorkshire Water has agreed to give £235,000 to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust after polluting a Harrogate watercourse, following an investigation by the Environment Agency. The company breached its environmental permit with an unauthorised sewage discharge from Stray Road combined sewer overflow, which polluted Hookstone Beck. It submitted an Enforcement Undertaking to the Environment Agency, which has now been accepted. An Enforcement Undertaking is a voluntary offer made by companies and individuals to make amends for their offending, and usually includes a donation to a wildlife charity to carry out environmental improvements in the local area. Stray Road combined sewer overflow has an environmental permit which allows a discharge into the beck when the storm sewage facility is full due to rainfall or snow melt. On 27 August 2015, it discharged illegally during dry weather and sewage fungus was evident on the bed of Hookstone Beck. As part of the Enforcement Undertaking requirements Yorkshire Water has upgraded its telemetry to allow continuous monitoring of the storm overflow. Claire Barrow, Environment Agency Area Environment Manager, said: “Sewage pollution can be devastating to human health, local biodiversity and out environment. Storm overflows must only be used under strict permitted conditions that control their environmental impact. “We are holding the water industry to account like never before and while we will always take forward prosecutions in the most serious cases, Enforcement Undertakings are an effective enforcement tool to allow companies to put things right and contribute to environmental improvements. They allow polluters to correct and restore the harm caused to the environment and prevent repeat incidents by improving their procedures, helping ensure future compliance with environmental requirements.” Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will use the donation on environmental improvements in North Yorkshire including native crayfish conservation and reed bed management at Ripon City Wetlands.

Anti-scam squad to be formed to crack down on online fraud

Stuart Pearcey
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Anti-scam squad to be formed to crack down on online fraud
A Joint Fraud Taskforce is discussing the development of an online fraud charter with the tech sector to respond to the growing volume of fraud originating on social media platforms. The charter will ensure that tech firms take action to block scams, make it easier to report frauds and ensure that fraudulent content is removed swiftly. The Security Minister has also called on tech firms to implement stronger measures to tackle fraud on their platforms ahead of the introduction of the Online Safety Bill. The latest meeting of the Taskforce is the first since the publication of the government’s Fraud Strategy which set out a whole system response to tackling these crimes in the light of how they have evolved through modern technology. This included the creation of a new National Fraud Squad to overhaul how these crimes are investigated by taking a proactive, intelligence-led approach, backed by 400 new specialist investigators, working with local forces, international partners and the UK intelligence community to shut down fraud cells. Other measures in the strategy include:
  • banning cold calls on all financial products such as types of insurance or sham crypto currency schemes
  • working with Ofcom to use new technology to further clamp down on number ‘spoofing’, so fraudsters cannot impersonate legitimate UK phone numbers
  • banning the use of so-called ‘SIM farms’ commonly harnessed by scammers to reach thousands of people at once
  • reviewing the use of mass texting services
  • rolling out tailored support to victims at a local level across the whole of England and Wales through the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit
  • launching an independent review of the challenges in investigating and prosecuting fraud to speed up the justice process, punishing more scammers and ensuring sentences match the severity of the impact on victims
  • deploying the UK intelligence community to identify and disrupt more fraudsters overseas
  • publishing regular data on the volume of fraudulent content hosted on different websites and platforms to incentivise companies to root these out and better protect users.
Anti-Fraud Champion Anthony Browne said: “Collaboration with industry is key to blocking fraud at source. Since stepping into my role, I’ve worked at pace with industry to ensure we are delivering on our commitment to cut off the channels fraudsters use to target us and protect people’s hard earned money.

“I will continue this conversation with tech sector bosses to ensure they are doing everything in their power to disrupt the callous fraudsters operating online and better protect their users.

“Previous Joint Fraud Taskforce meetings have overseen the development and agreement of charters covering sectors such as retail banking and telecoms. The telecommunications charter has already resulted in massive action by the operators, with over 600 million scam texts blocked and vast numbers of scam calls filtered out before they can reach the public.” Representatives also discussed the development of a cross-government anti-fraud public awareness campaign to streamline and simplify messaging to the public. The Security Minister encouraged partners to collaborate with government on the preparation and delivery of the campaign.

Village to lose historic footbridge during refurbishment work

Stuart Pearcey
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Village to lose historic footbridge during refurbishment work
North Nottinghamshire-based Universal Coatings UK is to carry out refurbishment work on Saxilby footbridge near Lincoln. The company has a range of experience in bridge refurbishment working for the rail network and for the canal and rivers trust and we are pleased to have secured their services on this project. MD Philip Bingham said: “Even though we’ve been involved in some truly iconic projects in the past, nothing beats working locally and being able to say “we did that” every time you pass.” Also working in partnership with the Council is John Peberdy Partnership, Quantity Surveying; Emprocom, Health and Safety Consultants; and Peter Cole Consultants, Structural Engineers. Saxilby footbridge, which crosses the Fossdyke will be removed from its location in the picturesque village to undergo much-needed refurbishment. West Lindsey District Council has notified residents and businesses in the village that the refurbishment works it has commissioned will take place Tuesday 25 July 2023. The steel footbridge, given to the village by British Rail in 1986, will need to be lifted by crane and taken to a workshop for the work to be carried out. The refurbishment work includes shot blasting; rust treatment; steel repairs and bolt replacement; and re-painting with a railway grade paint system to ensure a long life and minimise the length of time between maintenance.

Sheffield businesses taught how to handle begging in the city

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield businesses taught how to handle begging in the city
A new guide will help Sheffield’s city centre businesses to address begging, engage with people who are begging and share information about how enforcement is tackling anti-social behaviour in Sheffield. Developed by the Community Safety Team, the Sheffield City Centre Business and Retail guide aims to empower businesses to take the best action when faced with anti-social behaviour or begging on their premises. It informs businesses of the support available to them and to people who are begging and explains how businesses can report anti-social behaviour to the police through a dedicated crime portal. The guide is part of a series of interventions that aim to reduce anti- social behaviour in the city centre. It was launched at a special event for businesses in the Winter Garden with the Safer Sheffield Partnership. Business representatives met with council officers, South Yorkshire Police, charities including the Archer Project and Ben’s Centre, and Sheffield’s Business Improvement District. The guide includes advice for businesses on what they can do if they are affected by anti-social behaviour, particularly begging. Advice includes:
  • Show compassion: treat people on the streets as humans and speak to them without judgement
  • Spread awareness: let people know about the Help Us Help campaign and the guidance it provides to businesses and the public
  • Direct to services: the Help Us Help website has lots of information that can help people living on the streets, including where to find support services. Make sure you signpost them to helpful information.
  • Report anti-social behaviour: businesses can report anti social behaviour and crime through a dedicated business portal.
One business that has benefited from the work of Community Safety Partnership is the Maida Vale bar on West Street. The late night venue had issues with begging which was having a negative impact on both customers and staff. Gavin Richards, Managing Director of GJG Bars Group of Companies, said: “Prior to the help and guidance we received from Sheffield City Council, we always struggled with how to deal with anti-social behaviour near and around our premises. Sometimes intimidating, sometimes aggressive. My staff and management often felt uncomfortable and even at times, threatened, which often led to their responses and reactions being blunt, dismissive, and unsympathetic. “Through working with the council, we received guidance on how to deal with these situations of anti-social behaviour, drug abuse and particularly begging, whilst also giving us a greater insight into the wider problems and causes, we began to adopt new approaches and responses. “We found that this not only helped the people causing anti-social behaviour, but also made our staff and management feel safer and more empowered at handling these difficult situations. We found that non-judgemental empathy was always preferable to unconcerned sympathy.” With support from the council, Gavin and his staff gained confidence and felt empowered to help their customers better understand how to behave when faced with anti-social behaviour. The venue now displays posters from the Help Us Help campaign to advise customers on how to support people begging on the streets.

Hull technology company acquires training provider

Tess Egginton
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Hull technology company acquires training provider
Hull technology company Connexin has acquired Encompass Training, one of UK’s largest training providers. The acquisition will see Encompass Training merge with Connexin Academy – Connexin’s training and development arm, as 30 additional staff join the team to accelerate employment opportunities for over 600 learners each year. Connexin Academy was launched in 2021, with the aim to boost digital skills and enhance employability for the community. Founded in 2009, Encompass is a Centre of Excellence with The Leadership Pipeline Institute (LPI). Several FORTUNE 500 companies, including Wren Kitchens, Stonegate Group, Eurocell and Diageo, have all chosen Encompass and LPI as the leadership model for selecting and growing leaders across all levels. Adam Rhodes, director of commercial operations at Encompass, said: “At Encompass, we are immensely proud of our achievements so far, in training thousands of learners and working with some of the biggest companies in the region. Encompass and Connexin share their roots in the city of Hull and our equally strong commitment in upskilling the country’s workforce. “Digital skills are absolutely vital in today’s economy and keep our businesses thriving. Uniting with the Connexin Academy is the next big step of many more to come.” Encompass’ legal advice was provided by a multi-disciplinary team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, led by corporate partner, Philip Ashworth, who was supported by Nicole Waldron (corporate), Fiona Phillips (tax) and Nick Wilson (employment). Philip said: “We are delighted to have advised the shareholders and board at Encompass on this complex transaction and we have every confidence that the business has a bright future ahead as part of Connexin.” Heidi Greaves, Managing Director of Connexin Academy, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Encompass and its brilliant team will become part of the Connexin family. Encompass is a fantastic business and one that has received a number of great accolades. “Connexin Academy shares the same values as Encompass for transforming lives through learning. This alignment in ethos and culture will bring huge benefits, not just to learners, but to employers across the region. “Through this acquisition, we’re able to expand our offering with a range of extra courses, bootcamps and apprenticeships. We are thrilled to further cement our position as a leading digital skills and training provider.”

Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm gains development consent

Tess Egginton
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Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm gains development consent
Development consent has been granted by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for the Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm, approximately 69km off Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire Coast. The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Orsted Hornsea Project Four Limited on 29 September 2021 and accepted for Examination on 27 October 2021. Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 22 November 2022. Orsted is planning to create a 180 turbine wind farm, which, if built out to full capacity, could provide enough power to meet the average daily need of over 1 million UK homes, producing up to 2.6GW of electricity. The decision on the site was initially expected in February.
Hornsea Four is Ørsted’s fourth project in the Hornsea Zone. It will be located to the west of Hornsea One (now fully operational), Hornsea Two (now fully operational), and Hornsea Three (granted development consent). The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Paul Morrison said: “The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. “Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination. “The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”

Real estate advisor instructed to market largest available warehouse in Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Real estate advisor instructed to market largest available warehouse in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire industrial and logistics team at global real estate advisor Knight Frank has been instructed by Legal and General Investment Management to market Sherburn 550, the largest immediately available warehouse in Yorkshire and the North East of England. The substantial 556,598 sq ft distribution / manufacturing facility is located off Junction 42 of the A1(M) to the east of Leeds and benefits from Grade A specification including 56 loading doors, 16.2m eaves height, three service yards, quality offices and generous power provision. Iain McPhail, partner at Knight Frank’s Leeds office, said: “There has already been strong early interest in the building due to its quality specification and excellent connectivity. There continues to be a lack of existing large-scale warehouse availability both regionally and UK-wide, which is why the building has such a national significance. “Its strategic position between Leeds, York and Wakefield means that occupiers can benefit from a large labour pool as well as easy access to the region’s motorway network via the A1(M), M1, M62 and M18.” Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of Knight Frank’s Sheffield office, added: “The property offers the market a unique product because of its scale, power supply and being able to offer flexible lease terms. Occupational take-up in the region has been affected by the dearth of available existing stock and Sherburn 550 is able to accommodate the pent-up demand.”

Sheffield shares £1.24m amongst businesses to revitalise city centre street

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield shares £1.24m amongst businesses to revitalise city centre street
Sheffield City Council is giving £1.24 million to businesses to help transform Chapel Walk into a vibrant city centre destination. Two organisations will receive grants to improve shop fronts and increase accessibility to the upper floors of property on Chapel Walk, whilst small or new businesses will be able to apply for funding to move into empty shop units. The funding comes from the Fargate Front Door Scheme, a £4m investment in shop fronts, access, and environmental improvements to make the area more attractive and fill empty shops. It forms part of the Future High Streets Fund plan to regenerate Fargate and surrounding streets. Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “This is further positive, welcome news for the city centre. These latest investments will play a key part in continuing the regeneration story of the wider Fargate, High Street and Chapel Walk area. “Anyone who has visited this part of the city centre recently will have seen that the whole area is going through a rapid period of change as the city centre continues to adapt to changes in visitor and consumer behaviour. The businesses in and around the area continue to deliver a first-class retail experience during the works on Fargate. We’re confident that the end results will speak for themselves and Chapel Walk will once again be a ‘must visit’ destination for city centre visitors. These are exciting times for the city centre and, as funding partner to ReNew Sheffield, we’re delighted to be playing a direct role in this transformation.” The Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust will receive £250,000 to improve its shop fronts and support works to improve access inside the building to create new workspace in the empty upper floor. Whilst the Foundry Sheffield will receive £650,000 to improve its shop fronts, improve ground floor access and reconfigure upper floors at Victoria Hall. £90,000 will be made available to help small and new businesses with fit out costs if they’re moving into a vacant property. Another £250,000 will be used to install public art to make Chapel Walk a pleasant and interesting place to visit. The funding is part of plans to regenerate Fargate into a lively and vibrant place to meet, eat, shop, work and play. The Future High Streets Fund project also includes plans to turn 20 – 26 Fargate into an events and cultural hub, and investment in public realm to create space for events, reduce crime and improve walking and cycling routes. Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said: “Chapel Walk has a proud history as one of the city centre’s most loved shopping streets and this funding will give a new lease of life to the area, attracting new visitors and providing a boost for businesses. “By enabling local organisations to upgrade their shop fronts, installing new public art, and providing grants to encourage small and new businesses to move into empty units, this funding will transform Chapel Walk into a fantastic place to visit in the city centre.  

York businesses commit to ’emergency grab bag’ scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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York businesses commit to ’emergency grab bag’ scheme

Four central York businesses have agreed to hold emergency grab bags to give immediate support in York city centre should a major incident occur.

The bags are at McDonald’s in Blake Street, Marks & Spencer in Pavement, Yates York pub in Church Lane, and the Popworld night club in Hudson Street.
The emergency grab bags have been designed to assist in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack or major incident. Each bag contains information and equipment that will aid the early response to an incident before the emergency services arrive . The new bags help to bolster the current emergency response provision and have been funded by Safer York Partnership, York’s statutory Community Safety Partnership). A further bag will be held at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross on the outskirts of the city. Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police said: “Working with local partners and colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing, North Yorkshire Police supports the installation of Emergency Grab Bags in York. “The public should be reassured and not alarmed by this initiative; it is a precautionary measure to ensure that York is prepared for a major incident. Although there is no specific threat to York and North Yorkshire, the current UK threat level remains at substantial meaning an attack is likely. “I thank members of the public for their continued support, and I would urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.” This project builds on a number of proactive initiatives to protect those visiting, living and working in the city. This includes installing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures, providing first aid trauma kits, delivering protective security advice and training in Counter Terrorism awareness for local businesses. Multi-agency partners are also taking part in regular CT training exercises, the most recent being the live national exercise held at York Racecourse in March. The new grab bags were delivered to the identified locations by Counter Terrorism Security Advisors from Counter Terrorism Policing North East, alongside Project Servator staff from North Yorkshire Police. Both teams maintain regular contact with local businesses and partners across the city centre and have engaged extensively with them as part of ongoing work around protecting public spaces. Guidance has been given to management and staff explaining how to store the bags securely and use their contents.  

Yorkshire construction firm at the heart of hospital project

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire construction firm at the heart of hospital project

The full refurbishment of Castle Hill Hospital’s MRI suite in East Yorkshire is now complete. Run by the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the hospital, which is located west of Cottingham, has made a significant investment in a new state of the art scanner as part of the refurbishment.

Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has carried out the four-month programme of construction work. The project has included stripping out all the existing fittings and fixtures from floor to ceiling and the management of the specialist removal of the old MRI scanner, before thoroughly cleaning and making good all internal areas.

New flooring, walls, reflective ceiling panels, internal doors and screens have all been installed, along with a new mechanical and electrical system. A specialist radiofrequency (RF) Faraday shield enclosure was built to block electromagnetic fields, before the new MRI scanner was installed alongside a smart new control room for staff, complete with a smart glass system for viewing patients and virtual dimmable windows.

The £500,000 programme of works by Hobson & Porter is one of several projects the firm is working on in the heath and care sector. As well as working on projects for the NHS, Hobson & Porter also works for a number of medical technology businesses and is delivering several large-scale care homes across the North of England.

Sam Robertson from Hobson & Porter said: “We have built up an impressive portfolio of works for NHS Trusts, medical centres and care operators over the years. We adapt our work schedules to take into account the fact that we are operating in fully functioning medical environments and work hard to deliver our projects on time and within budget, which is key to our success in this specialist area.

“This new state of the art MRI suite will enable Castle Hill Hospital to continue providing the best possible levels of patient care and it’s an honour to be part of this development, which will ultimately help to save lives in Hull.”

JLL makes seven promotions in Leeds

Tess Egginton
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JLL makes seven promotions in Leeds

Global real estate consulting firm JLL has made seven promotions within its Leeds office in its latest round.

JLL has promoted the following team members across Yorkshire and the North East:

  • Lee Conroy, Lease Advisory, Regional Lead
  • Zach Mehdizadeh, Strategic Asset Management, Associate
  • James Hendry, Residential Land & Development, Senior Surveyor
  • Sue Oliver, Capital Markets, Executive Assistant
  • Molly Orviss, Bewonder*, Senior Marketing Manager
  • Holly Pickard, Bewonder*, Marketing Manager
  • Bethany Robinson, Bewonder*, Operations Manager

Tom McWilliams, head of Yorkshire and North East region at JLL, said: “These promotions are incredibly well-deserved and reflect the hard work and dedication of our teams that continue to deliver joined-up real estate solutions across Yorkshire and the North East.

“Retaining and developing our talent is a key tenet of our business strategy. We are committed to helping our people grow and forge fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

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