- LEP Growth Hubs are successful, and proven to work, especially for SMEs and have “a strong reputation for reliability and independence among stakeholders, partners, and businesses”.
- They reached 8% of all businesses in England – higher than the 2.5% ambition set in BEIS reporting.
- Growth Hubs simplify the business support landscape, undertaking significant stakeholder engagement and management, enabling local businesses to access the support and help available in their local areas.
- National and regional stakeholders saw Growth Hubs’ as having a unique understanding of local needs and strengths. This local strength and insight reaches local businesses where national programmes may not.
- Engagement with LEP Growth Hubs boosted employment levels for supported businesses – beneficiaries demonstrated an average 14% increase in employment one year after first engagement and an average 22% increase in employment after five years.
- In terms of turnover, there is clear sustained growth. Relative to the baseline, beneficiaries report an average increase of £782k one year after the first intervention, compared to £294k for non-beneficiaries. The equivalent increase five years post GH engagement is higher, at £953k.
- Businesses see the ‘human centred’ approach being of “immense value”, in terms of both dealing with partners and business beneficiaries, business felt this was “essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty”.
- In conclusion LEP Growth Hub outcomes increased business R&D, access to finance, turnover, and job creation for local businesses
LEP Growth Hubs work for business, report finds
An independent evaluation of LEP Growth Hubs between 2015 and 2020, commissioned by the government, concludes that LEP Growth Hubs increase turnover, business R&D, access to finance, and job creation.
The report has been welcomed by LEP Network Chair Mark Bretton, who said: “This report confirms what local businesses experience on the ground – LEP Growth Hubs are successful and proven to work. But, as the report makes clear, two things make that happen – a strong reputation for reliability and independence and a ‘human centred’ approach. These are essential and advantageous, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty. That uncertainty is more acute than ever, hence the role of LEP Growth Hubs has never been more valuable in enabling and supporting local businesses to start up, scale up, invest and export.
“But as the report states, increased consistency of the Growth Hub offer across the network, and improved resourcing, can enable LEP Growth Hubs to retain their high value staff and work even more effectively – this resonates with the Chancellor’s intention to maintain “a more consistent landscape” during LEP integration into local authorities. We simply cannot risk a patchwork of local business support in areas where LEPs are not able to integrate or where local leaders cannot reach agreement. I trust that this independent assessment of their performance will positively inform government as they consider their final decision on LEPs and LEP Growth Hub funding”.
LEP Growth Hubs, are currently funded to March 2024 with a final decision on future funding yet to be decided. The report, conducted by Technopolis and published on the government website, seeks to consider how LEP Growth Hubs operate at national, regional, and local levels, and to inform future decisions about policy and funding. The report shows that:
Water companies must go further and faster on environmental improvements, say authorities
Of the water companies serving our region only Yorkshire Water companies showed an improved environmental performance last year, climbing from a two-star to three-star rating.
Severn Trent and Anglian stayed the same, at four stars and two stars respectively, but it was noted that Anglian sat alongside Thames Water as together being responsible for more than half of serious pollution incidents. The Environment Agency has taken enforcement action against both companies.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell said: “Regulators, water companies, government, eNGOs and many others all want the same thing: better environmental outcomes, including cleaner rivers and seas. We need to work together and take collective responsibility to achieve it.
“While there have been some modest improvements, it is unacceptable to still be seeing this level of pollution. We have seen a distinct culture shift from the water industry in recent months and that is welcome – but that must translate to profound, long-term change.
“The Environment Agency will play its part by transforming the way we regulate the sector. We welcome this week’s announcement on unlimited penalties which will also improve our enforcement powers.”
Ratings takes into account performance on environmental commitments such as pollution incidents and treatment work compliance. Last year, an updated reporting approach was introduced, with revised metrics and tightened performance thresholds.Whitby now out of the running for ‘hydrogen village’ trial scheme
Plans for Whitby to be part of a ‘hydrogen village’ scheme have been shelved.
The North Yorkshire location had been under consideration as one of three potential trial sites for using hydrogen to heat homes, but has been discounted along with Ellesmere Port, leaving Redcar as the sole contender.
The government continues to develop the proposal for a hydrogen village trial alongside Northern Gas Networks, and a decision on whether to proceed will be made by the government later this year.
The government intends to make policy decisions in 2026 on what role hydrogen should play in decarbonising heating. The hydrogen heating village trial will provide essential evidence for those decisions.
Pharmaceutical packaging firm placed into administration
Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd has ceased trading and been placed into administration, with Mark Hodgett and Phil Pierce of specialist business advisory firm FRP appointed as joint administrators.
Based in Holbeck, Leeds, the firm used cutting edge technology to create bespoke labels for a range of national and multi-national organisations.
Due to the impact of rising supply costs and supply chain inflation, the firm was no longer able to meet its financial obligations. The firm has now ceased trading and has been placed into administration, with 21 employees made redundant.
Five employees will stay on to help FRP carry out an orderly wind down of the business over the next few weeks.
Mark Hodgett, restructuring advisory partner at FRP and joint administrator of Pharmaceutical Packaging (Leeds) Ltd, said: “Pharmaceutical Packaging had operated in the local area since 1878 and unfortunately, mounting external pressures, most notably rising costs, made the business financially unviable.
“Regrettably, this meant 21 staff were made redundant on appointment. We’re now supporting the individuals affected and preparing for an asset sale.”
Employers have a role in supporting mental health, says HR consultant
HR Consultant Laura Reilly, is urging Lincolnshire businesses to support the Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” awareness day on July 24th.
She says that as mental health continues to be a pressing concern in the workplace, the day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about mental health struggles among employees.
According to recent statistics, mental health problems affect one in four people in the UK, with employees experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Laura owns and runs Taurus HR Solutions. She said: “Employers have a key role to play in promoting good mental health in the workplace. The Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” Awareness Day provides a great opportunity for businesses to show their support and raise awareness about this important issue.”
To support their employees, Laura recommends that business owners take simple steps such as sending a quick email to their team on the 24th of July, highlighting the Samaritans’ “Talk to Us” campaign and providing links to support resources.
These resources can include mental health helplines, employee assistance programs, and mental health first aid training. Laura added: “Small gestures can make a huge difference. By showing their support and providing access to resources, employers can help to reduce the stigma around mental health and create a culture of openness and support.”
Laura is available to provide guidance and support to businesses looking to promote good mental health amongst their employees and is a Mental Health First Aider.
BCC hopes tiny unemployment rise is merely a blip
Despite unemployment remaining low, the British Chambers Of Commerce organisation hopes the latest 0.2 percentage point increase is a blip rather than a sign of a deeper trend.
Says Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC: “We remain concerned about the persistent tightness in the labour market, adding to the costs and difficulties facing businesses.
“Staff shortages continue to damage growth and business activity. Our research shows that three quarters of firms are facing skills shortages, and in some cases, this means turning away new business.
“Fierce competition for skills, wage demands and candidates’ expectations leave many businesses with job vacancies they can’t fill. All of this, on top of rising interest rates, and stubbornly high inflation, makes it a perilous environment for business.
“The Government must support more people back into work and create the right conditions for employers to invest in staff training and development, which takes time.
“Firms need action now to fix the short-term issues they face in staff recruitment and retention. If employers cannot recruit and train from their local or national labour market, a flexible, efficient and affordable immigration system is crucial and must be a priority to stop wage inflation and get the UK back to healthy growth.”
IT and telecoms company secures £1.4m to complete MBO and support growth
A Hull company which provides managed IT and telecoms services has secured a £1.4m debt funding package to enable it to complete a management buy-out and support the next phase of its growth.
The One Point has secured funding from Mercia’s SME Loans fund and NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.
The deal will give the company’s founder Martin Lauer a majority shareholding and enable Spectrum, a Hull-based managed print and digital services firm which has been a partner in the business since 2014, to exit the company and focus on its new digital growth strategy.
Founded in 2005, The One Point provides a single point of contact for businesses seeking IT services and support, cybersecurity, digital services, CRM systems, apps and internet-based phone systems, data and mobile solutions. The company, which has its headquarters in Hull and offices in Newcastle and Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire, has grown overall turnover by around 65% in the past five years.
Demand for outsourced IT services is particularly strong, with revenues for its managed IT division up by 79% in the past two years. The One Point currently employs around 40 staff and expects to create an additional 20 jobs by the end of 2025. The SME Loan from Mercia was used to complete the buy-out while the NPIF funding will support the company’s further growth.
Martin Lauer, founder and CEO, said: “With an increasing number of companies outsourcing IT services, our business has been growing rapidly. With the backing of Mercia and NPIF, we can now focus on meeting this growing demand and strengthen our presence in the region, particularly in Yorkshire and the North East, to take the business to the next level.”
Mike Rogers and Rebecca Pickering from the Mercia team worked on the investment. Rebecca Pickering said: “The One Point enables businesses to access a full range of services from just one phone call rather than dealing with different suppliers.
“Martin and the team have built a great business with a strong regional presence. The funding will allow him to take full control of the business and allow both parties to pursue their separate growth strategies.”
Independent consultant Richard Townsend provided fundraising advice to The One Point.
West Yorkshire truck and van parts supplier sold to Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed company
West Yorkshire-based motor and engine parts supplier ImexPart has been sold to a South African industrial consumables group in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.
ImexPart, located in Castleford, is an independent truck, bus and engine parts specialist which has served the automotive industry since 1986, employing over 70 staff working from purpose-built depots in northern England and the Midlands.
KBS Corporate was instructed to facilitate a sale of the company and, under the guidance of Joe Norris, associate corporate director, the successful acquirer was Invicta Holdings Limited.
Based in Johannesburg, Invicta listed on the JSE in 1989 and the Group has expanded over the subsequent decades with acquisitions of companies not only in South Africa but also Asia and Europe. It controls and manages assets of over 10 billion rand (£421 million) and employs over 4,500 people worldwide.
“This was my first dealing with Invicta, but their record of growth and profitability across several sectors speaks for itself,” said Joe Norris.
“They are also a publicly listed company which means they are extremely transparent, so both ImexPart and myself could get a good idea of the company ahead of our initial discussions.
“They plan to partner ImexPart with their existing automotive parts businesses across South Africa and Europe to create a stronger presence in the UK market.”
Joe Norris also described the appeal of ImexPart to the acquirer, with the company, which trades under the name of Imex Automotive Parts Solutions, supplying over 15,000 customers with replacement truck parts and enjoying continued growth with hundreds of calls each day received at its main office and warehouse.
“ImexPart stood out from the rest of the market due to its level of profitability and healthy growth projections, along with strong client relationships resulting in a high level of repeat business,” explained Joe.
“The shareholders were looking to start the process of stepping back from the business, while also making sure the company was in the right hands to take it forward into the future and achieve its full potential.”
In announcing the acquisition to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Invicta said their “strategic focus is to diversify into new geographical areas, in the industries and markets in which Invicta has significant experience and strong management capabilities.”
The statement added: “Imex is operating successfully in the British and Irish aftermarket parts distribution industry and its acquisition provides a platform for Invicta to grow its global RPA (Robotic Process Automation) business.
“We aim to realise synergies through Invicta’s procurement capabilities, sourcing inventory for Imex’s clients on a more cost-effective basis and providing access to a broader range of products.
“In addition, Imex has product ranges which can be cross pollenated into Invicta’s existing operations.”
Legal services for ImexPart were provided by Schofield Sweeney.
Significant deal completed at Leeds office and retail complex
A significant deal has been completed at The Bourse, an office and retail complex in Leeds city centre.
Award-winning recruitment consultancy The Prospero Group has taken 2,701 sq ft of newly refurbished office space on the ground floor of Sterling House, one of the three self-contained buildings which comprise the Bourse. The rent is £21.50 per sq ft on a five-year lease.
The Bourse is a building on Boar Lane less than 100 yards from Leeds Station and features 50,000 sq ft of space over three buildings, overlooking a central courtyard.
Each of the buildings, Equity House, Sterling House and Bond House, has its own designated entrance with an NCP multi-storey car park to the rear. The Bourse has undergone a comprehensive multi-million pound refurbishment.
The Prospero Group, which was founded in 2000, specialises in the teaching and health and social care sectors with offices throughout the UK and abroad. The group has doubled in size every year for the last three years.
Associate director Ed Brewer said: “Our Leeds office opened in September 2015 and has contributed significantly to the overall success that the company has had, helping to build our presence in the city and surrounding areas.
“With Prospero’s Leeds division continuing to go from strength to strength, there is now a need to have premises that can cater for our growing team, allowing us the ability to scale at pace.
“The Bourse very much aligns with our vision, providing an office space that is clean, spacious, well-designed and maintained and a working environment our staff can be truly proud to work in.
“Its close proximity to Leeds’ mainline station provides easy access to staff, particularly employees who will be travelling from our many different office locations across the UK.
“With new offices opening up across the UK and further expansion plans in place, there is a focus to increase headcount across our core divisions.”
Victoria Harris, senior surveyor with global property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds, who advised landlords Paloma Capital on the deal, said: “We are delighted a company of the calibre and reputation of Prospero has taken quality space at the Bourse. This deal underlines the Bourse’s reputation as one of the finest office buildings in central Leeds.
“It is worth noting that we had plenty of interest in this Sterling House suite because of its large windows, high ceiling and period feel, coupled with the fact that it is self-contained with a dual aspect on to the Bourse Courtyard and Trevelyan Square.
“Space is now at a premium at the Bourse, with Bond House now full. There are now just suites on the third floor of Sterling House left, which are available either individually or as a whole (617-1,875 sq ft). Given the high-quality of the space in this special building, together with its magnificent location, these offices should prove very popular, especially to up-and-coming creative firms which are starting to thrive in Leeds.
“The extensive renovation works have transformed The Bourse into a welcoming and attractive environment. Meanwhile the vibrancy of the immediate area, with the new bars and restaurants, as well as the brilliant Trinity Leeds shopping centre, gives occupiers exactly what they want. The Bourse is a hidden gem in the centre of the city.”
Building phase complete at revamped Leeds Media Centre
Building work has been successfully completed in a major redevelopment of Leeds Media Centre to create extra business space and new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the city.
The £1.8 million scheme is being delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council.
It has been part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund including support for a professional adviser to mentor young businesses, particularly those in the creative, digital and media sectors.
The construction phase began last autumn with scaffolding erected around the perimeter of the building in Chapeltown in preparation for the installation of a new roof and windows.
Extensive internal works have also been undertaken to remodel the ground and lower ground floors to facilitate up to 12 new business units and a specially designed business hub with modern virtual facilities.
The completion of the refurbishment programme will be celebrated at a community gathering in September with a separate event planned for the following month focusing on the new business hub.
Leeds Media Centre is owned by Leeds City Council and managed by Unity Enterprise on a long-term lease.
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “It is incredibly satisfying to see the building phase of this transformational project completed on time and on budget. Anticipation is already building around what the new facilities will achieve for enterprise in Chapeltown and beyond.
“As a housing association rooted in the local community, Unity is passionately committed to helping individuals improve their life prospects by setting up their own business, finding employment or accessing training and education. The brand new facilities at Leeds Media Centre will play a huge role in enabling us to achieve these goals.”
Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “We are grateful to our key partners, Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, for working closely with us to get this innovative project across the line.
“Having been onsite almost every day since building work commenced, I feel greatly inspired by the potential that Leeds Media Centre now offers to aspiring entrepreneurs to develop themselves and their business ideas.
“I also want to thank our existing tenants who have been so supportive and patient over the past few months. Exciting times lie ahead.”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education at Leeds City Council, said: “It’s great to see the building phase complete on these fantastic new facilities at Leeds Media Centre.
“The centre will be an excellent resource for local, new and aspiring entrepreneurs in the city, and we are very much looking forward to seeing the building open for business.”
The World is not enough for Doncaster engineering company
The World is not enough for Doncaster-based precision-engineering company Agemaspark which wants to develop its specialist services into the space sector.
MD Paul Stockhill said: “We don’t believe that the world is our oyster, we believe the opportunities go beyond that. We see the space sector as a great opportunity, opening up a realm of extraordinary engineering possibilities. With our extensive expertise and commitment to innovation, Agemaspark aims to play a key role in the space industry, offering specialised components and solutions.
“We are keen to explore the opportunities to collaborate with key stakeholders in the space industry, providing unmatched expertise and cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving demands of this dynamic field,” he added.
The company has already played its part in a mission to Mars, having done specialist work on four engine casings that required 1.2mm diameter instrumentation holes created in 150 positions. The components were then sent some 33.9 million miles from Doncaster to the Red Planet.
More money means more railway innovation at Goole
A new world-leading railway research and innovation centre is to be established at Goole by the University of Birmingham, supported by Siemens Mobility, which has been awarded £15 million by the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund.
The investment will mean the University of Birmingham, working with the University of Huddersfield, be able to establish a new Centre of Excellence for Railway Through-Life Engineering alongside the major new Siemens Mobility train manufacturing facility in Goole, due to open in 2024.
The funding is part of £30m announced through the UKRPIF fund to establish two new world-leading railway research and innovation facilities, with the other being a new Centre of Excellence for Railway Testing, Validation and Customer Experience in South Wales.
The funding bid includes a wider commitment from the rail industry to co-invest £60m, with a further £16m being invested by the University of Birmingham. In total the package represents a £106m boost for UK research and development.
The new Centre of Excellence for Railway Through-Life Engineering in Goole will be next to the Rail Accelerator for Innovation Solutions and Enterprise business centre and within the major new Siemens Mobility rail village.
This Centre will provide cutting-edge facilities to support the build, service, maintenance, and modernisation of railway rolling stock with a focus on robotics, sensing, and automation.
Siemens Mobility is investing up to £200m in Goole, a site that spans 67 acres. The new train manufacturing facility will create up to 700 skilled jobs, as well as up to 1,700 in the supply chain and 250 during construction. In April 2023 the components facility opened, this is where gearboxes, traction motors and other parts for trains and tram fleets across the UK are maintained. Trains for the UK market will be built at the new factory, starting with new Piccadilly line Tube trains for London, with manufacturing due to begin in Goole next year.
Professor Clive Roberts, BCRRE Director, said: “With the new factory and centre of excellence underway we are determined to build, grow, and innovate the UK railway system.
“As a global leader in railway research and education, we work with partners across the world to develop their workforce and their technical and operational capabilities and it starts on our doorstep. We champion SMEs and work closely with supply chains to introduce new ideas, new ways of working and cross sector collaboration.
“With this new funding our aim is to have the capabilities and tools for through life engineering from conceptual design all the way to end of life with a focus on robotics, sensing and automation, coinciding with our Centre of Excellence in Digital systems.”
Sambit Banerjee, MD Siemens Mobility UK Rolling Stock and Customer Services, said: “This is fantastic news, not just for Goole but the rail industry as a whole. Our vision was always much more than just building a train factory, we want to have a full rail village for the industry and to create a lasting skills legacy in Goole. Bringing academia, with the University of Birmingham and University of Huddersfield, and industry together in one site is exactly the kind of opportunity that will continue to foster collaboration and innovation across the UK rail industry as well as support the economy.”
Farmers to get more powers and security over dairy pricing
Regulations set to come into force later this year will ensure supply contracts in the dairy sector are fair and transparent, with farmers being paid a fair price for their produce.
The regulations will mean:
- Farmers have clearer pricing terms, with contracts setting out the factors which generate the milk price and allowing them to challenge prices if they feel this process isn’t being followed. This is a major advance in transparency, which ensures fairer pricing and addresses historical discrepancies in the dairy industry.
- Changes to contracts can’t be imposed on farmers without their agreement. This will encourage dialogue between the parties where changes do need to be made – improving trust within the supply chain.
- Farmers’ contracts will all include a straightforward way to raise concerns about their contracts, promoting accountability and timely issue resolution.
- There will be clear rules put in place on notice periods and contractual exclusivity, protecting the rights of both buyers and sellers. This will remove any ambiguity from contracts and protect the rights of both buyers and sellers.
- An enforcement mechanism is created to guarantee the regulations are followed, ensuring a fully fair and transparent dairy industry on a solid foundation to thrive in the future.
Huddersfield printers complete epic loch row to raise over £4,000 for Yorkshire charity
The Aura Print team has successfully completed an awe-inspiring rowing challenge across the Scottish Highlands, defying unforeseen obstacles and raising over £4,000 for The Howarth Foundation.
With determination and shared commitment to support their local community, the team embarked on this epic adventure, showcasing resilience, camaraderie, and a passion for making a difference.
The row, which took place over 2 days at the end of June 2023, brought together Aura Print employees, friends, family, and business sponsors who generously supported the fundraiser.
Originally planning to row Loch Ness, the team were forced to adapt to adverse weather conditions (gale-force winds being of primary concern with the tides and white-capped waves of Loch Ness) and expertly navigated their way to Loch Ness instead, via slightly more sheltered Lochs.
The team navigated Loch Arkaig, Loch Lochy, the Caledonian Canal, and Loch Oich instead, covering roughly the same distance. Despite the challenges, including torrential rain, gusty winds, and relentless midges, the team’s spirit remained undeterred.
The fundraising efforts were dedicated to The Howarth Foundation, a local charity committed to rehabilitating the homeless and empowering them through meaningful training and employment. Aura Print’s support of THF aligns with their corporate responsibility to uplift their community and create lasting change.
By raising over £4,000, Aura Print and their sponsors have directly contributed to providing essential services, including mental health support, medical expenses, training opportunities, and occasional living support. The funds will help THF continue their invaluable work in providing individuals with a second chance at life fostering a safe and healthy future.
Reflecting on this extraordinary journey, team members shared their personal insights and heartfelt gratitude. John from Aura Print expressed: “Rowing the Lochs surrounded by the amazing beauty of Scotland really helped me clear my mind, reset, and push myself physically. All for a great cause, of course!”
Zoey from Aura Print added: “Shoulders ached, mosquitoes bit and kits got wet, but it was amazing to turn off my phone for a few days and sink my teeth into something truly different for an incredible cause.”
Aura Print extends their sincere appreciation to River to Sea Scotland for their guidance and support in the lead-up and throughout the row, ensuring a memorable and rewarding experience. The team also thanks their brave adventurers and the community for their donations, sponsorships, and encouragement.
The Aura Print team’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for individuals to take action, get involved, and make a positive impact on their communities. To support their fundraising cause and learn more about their adventure, please head to their GoFundMe page.
Window supplier expands into new premises with help of £1.2m deal
South Yorkshire-based business New Design Windows, which supplies and installs windows and doors to the new build sector, has secured a £1.2 million finance package with NatWest and Lombard to drive further growth.
The investment has enabled the firm, which trades from the North East down to Birmingham, to buy a new 20,000-square-foot warehouse in Mexborough.
The acquisition will treble the firm’s production area, enabling the fast-growing business to expand and meet demand from housebuilders.
Managing Director Lynne Darwin founded New Design Windows in 2019 after working for more than 25 years in the industry. Along with her management team, Lynne has grown the business to turnover more than £6m in the last financial year and is now setting her sights on £10m turnover once the new production site is fully up and running.
Similarly, from starting out with five staff, Lynne has grown the firm to employ 45 local people, with an additional 12 roles to be recruited to as part of the next phase of expansion, which will also see trade sales offered for the first time.
Lynne, who decided to buy the new premises after her NatWest relationship manager Michael Bettinson highlighted its availability, attributes the company’s success to a commitment to giving good customer service.
Lynne said: “While it’s important to be competitive in terms of pricing, our success over the last few years is down to our focus on building relationships and giving all of our customers the very best service we can.
“Customer service is vital to us and we know that it’s valued by our customers too, as much of our growth is down to larger orders from repeat customers, which is a fantastic testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone in the team.
“Our growth has been absolutely phenomenal over the last few years and I’m so excited to be in our new premises with the help of NatWest and to begin direct selling to the trade for the first time too.”
To mark the deal NatWest staff from the bank’s North Regional Board visited the company to meet with Lynne, see the new site and learn about the growth of the business.
Michael Bettinson, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said: “It’s been fantastic to support Lynne and the team at New Design Windows with a flexible finance package that has allowed them to buy a new premises and will help them expand their production capacity and increase their turnover. Their growth to date has been fantastic and I look forward to seeing them thrive in the next phase of the journey.”
The finance package with Lombard will also enable the purchase of equipment that will allow automation of some elements of the manufacturing process, further adding to production capability. While the new premises will also be equipped with solar panels to reduce energy consumption and the firm’s carbon footprint.
Ben Tomlinson, relationship director at Lombard, said: “It’s great to continue to support a local business that we’ve supported from day one. To see the growth achieved to date is a testament to Lynne and her colleagues at New Design Windows. To hear the plans for the new premises and how our facility is going to assist in the future, is something we’re looking forward to being a part of.”
Halifax leisure centre plans back on track
Plans for the new Halifax Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool have moved a step closer following a review of the leisure services offered by Calderdale Council in the town.
In November 2022 the Council was forced to pause the development of the new Leisure Centre at North Bridge after rising inflation meant the anticipated cost of delivering the project had become unsustainable.
The review which followed covered the options available to the Council for providing leisure services in Halifax in the future. It examined the cost of the new Leisure Centre and Pool scheme and whether, as an alternative, it would be possible to reopen the former Halifax Pool building in Skircoat Road.
Working with an Architect and a Cost Consultant, the Council has adapted, simplified and tested the plans for the scheme, removing some of the facilities, such as the Wellness Suite, steam room and sauna, to make sure it can be delivered using the available project budget.
Cllr Jane Scullion, leader of the Council, said: “This is very encouraging news and gives us real grounds for optimism. We made the very difficult decision in the Autumn to pause the programme because the financial risk to the Council was too great. It’s essential that this project, which is so important to the town, is sustainable.
“Since then, Officers have been working hard to rationalise and refine the proposals, reducing costs wherever possible but still making sure that we will have fantastic new leisure facilities which are accessible and affordable.”
The team has already reduced the total project costs by an estimated 6-10%, bringing it close to the approved budget for the scheme. Work will continue to identify further cost savings as the plans are developed.
The new design for the leisure centre and pool should be finalised by early 2024, with contractors invited to submit cost proposals in the Spring.
The leisure services review also explored the possibility and potential cost of refurbishing Halifax Pool in Skircoat Road. A survey in January 2023 examined the condition of the building which has continued to deteriorate since it closed in 2021.
There is significant evidence that the concrete has failed and there is corrosion of the steelwork within the structure of the building; the roof is unsafe, and it is likely that the cladding system on the external walls has also failed.
The pool tank requires significant repairs and many of the doors and windows would need to be replaced.
The pool opened in 1966 and it’s clear from the survey that large parts of the building’s structure are now no longer safe and that the extent of the refurbishment required to bring it to modern standards would not be economically viable.
The building will now be demolished, and the site made available for redevelopment.
Calderdale Council was awarded £12.2 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the development of the new leisure centre and swimming pool.
Mining company backs ‘Made in Whitby’ event for town’s businesses
Mining company Anglo American has funded two days of stalls, talks, demonstrations and live music in a celebration of “Whitby’s creative spirit” businesses.
The event, taking place at Whitby Brewery in East Cliff and supported by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, was organised by a collective of Whitby businesses.
Darren Archibald, Director, Whitby Sea Salt, said: “The idea for the Made in Whitby Festival came from conversations with local producers and manufacturers with a view to showcase their skills, ingenuity and entrepreneurship that runs alongside and supplements the already very successful tourism industry.
“The festival has been a great success for all involved, with both stall holders and festival goers happy and smiling. We had interest to be involved from many businesses but could only accommodate a small number within the courtyard of Whitby Brewery. We are looking into the possibility of increasing the numbers of stall holders and festival goers at the next event with the help of very passionate organisations and businesses.
“We were looking at doing the festival at the back end of summer 2023 or early summer 2024 but with the support and energy of Anglo American and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub we were able to bring it forward to July 2023. We have had amazing help from both these organisations.”
A variety of Whitby businesses took part in the festival, with some using the event to launch new products.
Vicky Bolton, Anglo American’s Social Programmes Manager, said: “Anglo American wants to support local economic growth and connect people to opportunities, supporting the creation of new businesses and supporting existing businesses to expand, develop and innovate.
“Made in Whitby is a fantastic opportunity for businesses from the local area to showcase their world class products and increase awareness of their offering, and Anglo American is delighted to have supported it.”
Harriet Stainton, Business Relationship Manager at York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, said: “Made in Whitby Festival has been a fantastic showcase of the town’s businesses, local produce and creativity. At the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, we connect businesses of all sizes to what they need to drive success and manage growth, so we were pleased to support the festival. It’s brought many businesses together and we look forward to working with them further to build on this success.”
Businesses invited to shape policy for Lincolnshire’s tourism economy
Businesses across Lincolnshire are being invited to feed into to new strategic plan for tourism and the visitor economy in the county.
Six workshops are to take tak place across the county in an initiative organised by Destination Lincolnshire, with support from councils across Greater Lincolnshire.
This new plan will be the roadmap that underpins these collective ambitions and will feed in to Visit England and national Government.
There will also be an option to join a virtual workshop online for anyone who is unable to attend, plus an online survey that everyone can fill out to give people the opportunity to be included.
More information and booking links can be found by following this link – Destination Lincolnshire.
UK’s largest-ever electricity ‘superhighway’ will connect Drax to Scots wind farms
National Grid Electricity Transmission and SSEN Transmission have formed a JV company that will ultimately build a 270-mile electricity ‘superhighway project’ which will be the UK’s single largest-ever electricity transmission project.
The ‘Eastern Green Link 2’ (EGL2) project will see the creation of a 525kV, 2GW high-voltage direct current subsea transmission cable from Peterhead in Scotland to Drax in North Yorkshire.
The subsea HVDC cable system is approximately 436km in length with new converter stations at either end to connect it into the existing transmission network infrastructure. HVDC technology provides the most efficient and reliable means of transmitting large amounts of power over long distances subsea.
The EGL2 link will support the growth of new renewable electricity generation, creating jobs and delivering a pathway to net zero emissions targets, as well as helping to alleviate existing constraints on the electricity network.
Eastern Green Link 2 is part of the significant amount of new network infrastructure required for net zero and will play a critical role in supporting the UK’s future security of supply, reducing dependence and price exposure to volatile global wholesale gas markets.Carl Trowell, President of UK Strategic Infrastructure at National Grid said: “The government ambition of 50GW of offshore wind by 2030 demands unprecedented scale and complexity of action. It’s essential that we find new ways to work and unite as a sector to rise to this challenge and this joint venture with SSEN is a prime example.
“Eastern Green Link 2 is part of our Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the grid in generations. This new infrastructure will connect more clean, renewable energy from where it’s generated to where it’s needed, helping contribute to lower energy bills over the long-term and make the UK’s energy more self-sufficient.”
Sewell Construction wins award for sustainability achievements
Hull-based Sewell Construction has won the sustainability category at the Constructing Excellence in Yorkshire and Humber Awards.
The judges were impressed by the company’s commitment to net zero goals, the innovative approaches taken to decarbonising its work, and dedication to delivering social value.
Sewell Construction Joint Managing Director Mark Boothby said: “This includes using electric diggers and plant equipment, solar powered cabins on site, maximizing digital technology and replacing diesel with vegetable oil-based fuels.
“We also divert 97% of waste from landfill, and have created a community project where over 100 school children created their own bug hotels to enhance biodiversity in their back gardens.
“The Sewell Construction team also uses a sustainability tracker, which monitors the benefits to the community from each project. This includes opportunities for young people to be involved, either in apprenticeships and graduate schemes, or through school engagement, volunteering by staff, support for charities and training.
“We’re thrilled to have won this award, as it demonstrates the commitment we have to making a difference in the community.
“Our whole team is working really hard to make sure every part of our business is as green as sustainable as possible, delivering a positive impact and legacy in our communities wherever we go.
“Over the last year, we’ve created over £90 million of socio-economic impact in the Yorkshire region, and we’re not stopping there. We’re determined to keep on making every effort to bring our emissions down, continue creating value in our communities and be at the forefront for sustainability in the construction industry.”
