A training business which helps people take confidence from crises is reporting record growth after steering clients through Covid and economic decline.
Debbie Kuhr-Jones, Director of K2 Training Services, said her workload has doubled from the combination of increased demand for remote training and recurring interest in her long-term specialist area of re-training after redundancy. Debbie was driven to setting up the business after experiencing redundancy twice herself. In 1998 she lost her job as a typist so used her pay-off to upskill herself while also picking up various jobs it pay the bills and learn about technology. That commitment led to her becoming training manager at a Hull-based IT company and when that closed in 2007 she decided to go it alone offering specialist Microsoft tuition. As a one-woman business Debbie provides regular work for two freelance trainers with a client base which includes such major employers as the NHS, a number of global businesses with operations in the East Yorkshire area and her own landlord – The Deep Business Centre in Hull. As she delivers services to clients as far afield as London, India, Singapore and the United States, Debbie says she noticed two big changes in the use of technology by big businesses as a result of Covid. She said: “The obvious one has been the use of Teams. Some of my clients are in sectors which never stopped at all during lockdown and they had to have all their training delivered remotely rather than in person in our training suite or at their offices. “I wasn’t sure it would work because sometimes you couldn’t see the people, just their initials on the screen. It’s important to watch them to make sure they are picking everything up, but we got there. In 2020-21 about 75 per cent of our work was on Teams. It’s still big, but now about 85 per cent has gone back to face-to-face work.” The second stand-out change has been a stronger commitment by businesses to train their staff. Debbie’s work for The Deep highlights two scenarios. She said: “We have been doing training for staff at The Deep, filling some of the gaps and training in Excel, Word and Outlook specific to their roles rather than including things that aren’t relevant for them. “We also trained a chef who wanted to move into a different role and suddenly needed to develop his IT skills to work on things like training plans and product contents, dietary requirements and other procedures and policies. “The Deep is one of the majority of businesses which have always been serious about training, but elsewhere there were some employees who had never received formal training on computers. It was just assumed that we all knew how to use them. “If someone’s laptop breaks a company has no qualms about replacing it but when technology changes they rarely show the same commitment to help people use it properly. That changed as a result of lockdown because IT became more important than ever in terms of keeping a business running.”More than 100 Yorkshire creatives attend free seminar about latest trends in digital advertising
Cutting-edge trends and techniques in digital advertising pulled in professionals from a wide range of sectors as the latest edition of a free pan-Yorkshire forum focused on creativity.
The seventh of the Power Hour sessions presented by Hull-based agency 43 Clicks North was the first to attract a full house of over a hundred to Social in Humber Street, Hull.
Industry experts from Leeds, Middlesbrough and the hosts tackled the challenges around effective use of creativity in digital advertising. Contacts and clients from sectors including work space design, law, managed IT support and business membership organisations told of their takeaways from the event.
Mike Ellis, Managing Director of 43 Clicks North, announced plans to post the presentations online and develop a podcast service for people who missed out on tickets.
Dave Ellis, co-founder of Leeds-based agency Everything’s Fine, spoke about the quest to delivery thumb-stopping creatives – the ads that make people pause, grabbing the attention when the average user scrolls 300 feet of content a day.
Tom Berridge, Head of Paid Media at 43 Clicks North, underlined the importance of innovation. He said: “There’s no such thing as too much creative. Platforms evolve, companies grow, consumer behaviour shifts. There are a lot of challenges to overcome and the only constant is change. You need to revisit strategy as often as you can.” Power Hour was launched by 43 Clicks North as a post-pandemic initiative to put top tech talent from East Yorkshire alongside some of the key players from bigger cities. All seven sessions have taken place at Social, with interest snowballing among people who work in digital marketing and the businesses they serve. Georgina Barkworth, Marketing Manager at Chameleon Business Interiors, said: “This was my first Power Hour. I am very keen to develop my knowledge in marketing and specifically in advertising and this was a great opportunity to hear three industry experts from across the region and get their insight. “It’s been fantastic listening to them, hearing things we already do and also picking up new ideas that we can try. I left with a bunch of ideas that I can take and run with, and that’s exciting.” Joanne Brady, Digital Marketing Executive at Future Humber, added: “We like to support local events and marketing collaborations and from a personal point of view I always learn something new. It’s a good opportunity to reassure myself that we are doing the majority of it right which is never a bad thing! We knew a lot of the people here and many of them are Bondholders and it’s good to see them working together to expand their own knowledge.” Mike said: “It’s all about building the digital community in East Yorkshire by connecting with top agencies across Yorkshire and beyond, bringing their expertise here and showing what we can do for them. There’s plenty of evidence that businesses in other sectors are applying the knowledge from Power Hour to develop their own digital marketing capabilities, and that’s a great outcome.” The next Power Hour will take place at Social on Friday 7 October.New online service seeks to support company directors by raising awareness of potential pitfalls
The Insolvency Service has launched a new online information hub to help company directors push their business forward by being more aware of potential pitfalls.
It is specifically designed for directors of micro, small and medium-size limited companies, although it will also be useful to others. Directors of limited companies, unlike sole traders, must comply with certain statutory obligations. These can range from hairdressers and builders with their own companies to directors of mid-sized companies in the IT sector, for example.
Examples of the kind of advice available on the information hub here, include:
- understanding company finances, director duties and obligations.
- how to recognise early warning signs of financial distress.
- how and when limited company debts can become personal debts.
“We hope this new one-stop shop provides the solution and helps directors take their companies in a positive direction.”
Jonathan Cooper from The Directors Helpline said: “The launch of the Directors Hub is a welcome tool in the current climate for Directors of all types and sizes of businesses. We have been pleased to be recognised by the Insolvency Service as an important part of its development, due to the number of Directors we help on a monthly basis and will continue to support its ongoing development.”Scheme attempts to get ex-offenders into work with household name companies
Hundreds of prisoners are being encouraged to take jobs in the retail and logistics sector on release to plug skills gaps in entry level roles, helping reduce reoffending while supporting businesses.
‘Unlocking Retail and Logistics’ events were held in over 30 prisons across England and Wales with the aim of helping British businesses fill some of the estimated 1 million vacancies in the UK by employing qualified prison leavers.
Events were run by businesses including supermarket giants The Cooperative and Iceland plus well-known retailers and logistic companies such as Oliver Bonas, Greggs, and DHL.
The campaign is part of a wider drive from the government to get more prison leavers into work as evidence shows it grows the economy and cuts crime.
Ex-offenders in full time employment are up to nine percentage points less likely to reoffend when released and more than 90% of surveyed businesses who employ prison leavers report they are motivated, have good attendance and are trustworthy.
Not only does this grow the economy but by keeping prison leavers on the straight and narrow it also helps tackle the £18 billion annual cost of reoffending and cut crime.
Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said:
There is a golden opportunity right now for companies working to fill vacancies by taking on prison leavers. Not only does it help grow the economy but it is proven to cut crime.Over 90% of businesses employing prison leavers report they are motivated and trustworthy – making them prime candidates to plug some of the current skills gaps in the UK.
Red Arrows fly-past marks opening of newly built dye bay facility
The Red Arrows staged a fly-past over RAF Waddington to celebrate the opening of a new £3.6m facility to help prepare the aircraft for the team’s exciting displays.
Eight of the iconic Hawk T1A jets flew over their home station to mark the opening of the new Dye Bay facility, built on behalf of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) by VIVO Defence Services and Henry Brothers Construction.
The facility, which is next to RAF Waddington’s runway, formed part of a pre-planned aerobatic training flight at their home base on Thursday.
The 260m2 facility is the first of its type built to enable an aerial display team to carry out the critical maintenance required on the aircraft’s dye pods. It features a purpose-built plant to create the famous red, white and blue plumes, cleaning and washdown areas, a maintenance workspace, storage for spare parts and office space.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, formed in 1964, recently completed its move from RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire, to nearby RAF Waddington.
Wing Commander Adam Collins, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “Colourful smoke trails are a vibrant feature of displays and flypasts by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. The trails have an important flight safety role too. They allow the pilots to judge wind speed and direction and to locate other aircraft when different sections of the team’s formation are several miles apart.
“Responsible for replenishing the Red Arrows’ smoke pods are two dedicated dye teams. Working to tight timescales, these engineers ensure the red, white and blue trails look the part when Red 1 calls ‘Smoke on, go!’.
“The official opening of the new dye bay marks a step change in the quality of infrastructure and working environment for dye team personnel. The new bespoke facility allows the critical processes of smoke-pod maintenance and servicing to take place in better surroundings, increasing efficiency and safety.
“The project is a real team achievement between VIVO, Anderson Green, Henry Brothers, DIO and RAF Waddington Works Services and ensures that the Red Arrows’ signature red, white and blue trails will delight and inspire global audiences for years to come.”
Adell Vass, DIO Regional Delivery Central Region Head, added: “The Red Arrows are such a beloved element of our national identity that to provide support to their 2023 Display Season, on their relocation to RAF Waddington is to be celebrated.
“This team came together, to successfully deliver both a temporary and permanent complex Dye Bay solution, at short notice and to tight timescales. The collaboration and engagement by all parties was key to this success and I am very proud of their achievements.”
VIVO Defence Services acted as the Principal Designer and Contractor on the £3.6m project and Henry Brothers were contracted to carry out the construction. Other members of the team included lead designers Anderson Green, whose team included CBP Architects, civil and structural engineer Hexa and Fuels consultants BPS Ltd.
Jerry Moloney, VIVO Managing Director, said: “Everybody loves the Red Arrows and to be able to watch them carry out a fly-past over something your organisation has been involved in is just incredible.
“We at VIVO led the construction of this building with a number of partners and the Red Arrows are so pleased with what has been produced they wanted to mark the occasion in this way, that is amazing and well done to everyone involved.”
Ian Taylor, Henry Brothers Construction Managing Director, added: “The Red Arrows are famous around the world, and we were very excited to have been appointed to build a maintenance facility at the new home of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. The dye pod facility is absolutely crucial in helping the display team to create the famous plumes that we see in the air when the Red Arrows perform their amazing aerobatics.
“Henry Brothers has strong links with RAF Waddington, having worked on several different schemes at the base, and we are proud to have supported the Red Arrows in the team’s next chapter, helping them to continue to provide the breath-taking air displays that they are renowned for.”
As the new home of the Red Arrows, RAF Waddington will receive further investment under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) AIR Programme. The project will deliver refurbishment and modernisation of over 8000 m2 of existing infrastructure including space for aircraft parking and runway access as well as maintenance capabilities, a refurbished aircraft hangar and office space.
Plans also include new, modern Single Living Accommodation (SLA) to replace the existing life-expired accommodation as part of a wider scheme to deliver replacement SLA across a number of projects. The uplift in facilities will see about 150 additional personnel operating from the site once complete.
Greener future ahead for cleaning product manufacturer following £175,000 investment
A West Yorkshire cleaning product manufacturer which supplies the hospitality and leisure sectors has secured £175,000 investment from Finance Yorkshire.
The Proton Group was established more than 50 years ago and specialises in cleaning products for the hospitality sector. Known for innovation they work closely with many of the UK brewers and have unique product and educational offerings.
The Proton Group employs more than 25 people at its manufacturing plant which includes warehousing and distribution facilities. The business is targeting £5m turnover this year.
Managing Director Murray Angus says the investment from Finance Yorkshire’s Business Loans Fund will support the company’s growth strategy as it develops new, innovative products which are more environmentally friendly.
He said: “The investment gives us a cash boost to invest in our plant and equipment while also working on new products for our customers. Innovation is important to us, and we have just seen the launch of a new specialist product range that will be used by technicians within the trade, aimed at saving money and time for the brewers.
“We have a focus on sustainability and currently pursuing how we can support this both with alternative packaging solutions and less harmful chemicals.”
Alex McWhirter, Chief Executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “The Proton Group is a well- established Yorkshire business with a strong track record of innovation and product development which has been integral to its success over the last five decades.
“We are pleased to support the company as it continues to innovate and win new contracts in its target markets.”
West Yorkshire business joins forces with university to revolutionise water monitoring
Leeds Beckett University has joined forces with Aquatrust Water and Ventilation Limited on an innovative new project to create a bespoke remote system to monitor water for Legionella bacteria.
Aquatrust are a water hygiene and treatment business employing around 40 staff, based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. They will work with academic experts in water quality, robotics, and artificial intelligence at Leeds Beckett on a 32-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK.
Aquatrust are experts in the field of water hygiene, water treatment, water regulations and Legionella control. They currently provide on the ground services to local authorities, housing associations, the care sector, schools, and the private sector across the UK. Reducing Legionella is the responsibility of every building owner and manager and Aquatrust are a key part of the process that mitigates risk against this potentially fatal form of pneumonia.
Dr Martin Pritchard, Reader in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing and project lead, said: “Aquatrust are a visionary business who want to revolutionise the current industry practice of on-site measurement services to clients.
“Through the KTP, we will create a novel remote management capability to enable Aquatrust to remotely monitor conditions to prevent the formation of Legionella in water pipework systems – but with the opportunity to expand into other monitoring areas. Using their own bespoke hardware monitor devices and integrated software, they will be able to report and analyse results and proactively mitigate risk for clients. This remote solution will be more cost-effective, less labour intensive, and far better for the environment.”
As part of the KTP, new skills and capabilities will be introduced into Aquatrust, including hardware and software development and transitioning colleagues from on-site monitoring roles to more consultancy-led opportunities.
Dr David Love, Course Director for Electronics and Robotics Engineering in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing, said: “Importantly, all current Aquatrust staff will be retained and will be upskilled. Supporting life-long learning is at the heart of what we do at Leeds Beckett University and this is a great example of a local company investing in the long-term skills of its staff as new technologies change the way an established business works.”
The KTP aims to create a new, more sustainable business model for Aquatrust, where they become a solutions provider as well as a service provider, developing their own in-house products and services.
Paul Kenny, Sales Director at Aquatrust, said: “I’ve been enthusiastic about introducing new innovations and improvements within the business for some time – for example, I’ve been introducing Internet of Things remote solutions for our compliance checks on water systems, and have been setting up a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to help support our sales team to be more dynamic.
“I took part in the Help to Grow: Management programme delivered by Leeds Beckett last year. This really supported me with the ideas and know-how to improve the business further and develop my skills as a director. I was also connected to the KTP team and academic experts in our field through taking part in the programme.”
Dr Pritchard has more than 20 years of experience working in water quality in industry and academia. His research includes the application and monitoring of novel water purification systems for developing countries.
Jo Griffiths, Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University, added: “There is high demand for innovation in this field and this project directly aligns to the UK government’s agenda to foster a robust economy, boost innovation and productivity and for levelling up regional economies.”
The KTP will begin with the recruitment of a full-time KTP Associate, who will be an experienced graduate, and will be embedded as a full-time member of staff at Aquatrust for the duration of the project. The Associate will lead the project, with the full support and input from the academic team at Leeds Beckett.
Future of Leeds law firm secured, safeguarding 540 jobs
The future of Plexus has been secured following a sale of the business and certain assets out of administration to Axiom Ince Limited.
James Clark and Rick Harrison of Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Plexus Legal LLP and Plexus Law Limited, and James Clark and Blair Nimmo of Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Plexus North LLP on 7 July 2023.
Headquartered in Leeds, Plexus is a defendant law firm with a national footprint which specialises in the handling and litigation of insurance claims. Plexus Legal LLP operates via six offices in Chelmsford, Evesham, Leeds, London, Liverpool and Manchester and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Plexus North operates from one office in Edinburgh and is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland (LSS). Plexus Law is the limited company set up under the Alternative Business Structure as part of the 2007 legal reforms which allow law firms to be owned by non-lawyers.
The group was incorporated in 2017, acquiring certain business and assets of the former legal business Paribas law. Following the acquisition, a new management team was introduced to the business which thereafter detected financial irregularities in relation to historical financial performance. After a forensic review, it was discovered that contingent fees were over-recognised in the group’s accounts leading to an overstatement of profits in FY20 and FY21.
Filing of the FY21 statutory accounts was delayed as a result of the forensic investigation and the arising adjustments reduced previously reported profits to a loss-making position. This prompted a significant cash requirement which was then further exacerbated both by the impact of COVID-19 and declining sales in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As a result of this, Interpath Advisory was approached to examine the options available for Plexus including new investment or sale. A number of parties expressed an interest in the business, including Axiom.
Immediately following their appointment, the joint administrators concluded a sale of the businesses and certain assets to Axiom. As part of the transaction, 520 employees and 20 fixed share partners have transferred to Axiom.
James Clark, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Undoubtedly, it has been a very difficult few years for Plexus, and so we’re pleased to have been able to conclude this transaction which not only secures the future of the business, but importantly secures 540 jobs without any need for redundancies.
“Right from their initial expression of interest, Axiom were determined and committed to acquiring the practice, safeguarding jobs and importantly, helping to protect client interests.”
James Clark added: “We’d like to thank all stakeholders for their work in delivering this complex transaction, and wish everyone at Axiom all the very best for the future.”
Administrators appointed to bingo business
Tim Bateson and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory have been appointed joint administrators to Majestic Bingo Limited.
Majestic Bingo is an independent operator of retail bingo, operating eight clubs across England and Wales and employing 143 people at the time of the appointment of the administrators.
Historically profitable, the company was adversely impacted by lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic which caused significant reductions in admissions which have since failed to fully recover.
In May 2021, the company’s bingo hall in Spalding, which was a profitable venue, suffered a serious fire as a result of an electrical fault and subsequently never reopened.
More recently, the cost-of-living crisis and the fall in disposable incomes seen across the UK since late 2021 has also adversely impacted the business.
Consequently, the financial performance and position of the group has declined in recent years, leading the company to experience cashflow challenges. As a result, the directors resolved to place the company into administration.
Following their appointment, the joint administrators will continue to trade the business and all eight venues as a going concern while they explore options for a sale of the business and its assets. All members of staff have been retained by the administrators to enable trade to continue.
The joint administrators have confirmed that they will honour customers’ Electronic Bingo Terminal (EBT) funds and any valid gift vouchers for the period whilst trading continues.
Majestic’s online business, Majestic Bingo Online Limited, is a separate entity which is not in administration and continues to operate on a solvent basis as usual.
Tim Bateson, director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Majestic is one of the UK’s most recognisable independent bingo operators, but in recent years has seen trading adversely affected by the impact of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the cost-of-living crisis.
“We will continue to trade the business in the immediate term while we seek a buyer for the business, and would encourage any interested parties to make contact with us as soon as possible.”
Yorkshire Building Society pays way for change at the helm
After nine years at the helm of the Yorkshire Building Society John Heaps is to step aside to be succeeded by Annemarie Durbin, who will join the Board as Chair Designate by the end of the year.
Annemarie is currently Chair at Cater Allen Private Bank and a non-executive director and chair of remuneration committee on the boards of Santander UK, Persimmon and Petershill Partners.
With over 30 years’ experience in retail, commercial, corporate and institutional banking, she is a qualified lawyer with expertise across general management, operations, HR, legal and compliance, as well as being an executive coach and mentor.
Annemarie is relinquishing her roles at Santander and Cater Allen to take up her role as Chair Designate at the Society during her handover period with John Heaps. Her appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
Susan Allen, chief exec at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Annemarie’s expertise in the financial services sector and beyond will be invaluable to ensuring we continue to build on our strong heritage with the future in mind.”
Annemarie said: “It’s a privilege to join the Board of such an established and purposeful organisation. As the organisation continues to grow, the mutual values Yorkshire Building Society holds so dear will remain central as we evolve in the best interests of our members.”
Music events boost Sheffield economy by more than £4m, says City Council
Arctic Monkeys’ two huge hometown gigs brought an estimated £4.1million economic benefit to b businesses in the city, new figures from Sheffield City Council reveal.
The gigs saw 74,000 people visit Hillsborough Park for two nights of shows from the band, which became Sheffield music royalty after releasing five albums. Money spent on hotels, food and drink, and transport contributed to a boost for Hillsborough and Sheffield as people travelled from across the world to visit the city for the gigs.
Councillor Martin Smith, Economic Development and Skills Committee Chair, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Arctic Monkeys home for two gigs at Hillsborough Park earlier in June.
“The boost for local businesses is huge, with an estimated £4.1 million pumped into the city over the weekend. Businesses in Hillsborough, particularly food and drink venues, benefitted from fans enjoying the day and in the city centre, and we saw an uplift in hotel bookings and footfall during the weekend.
“These events go to show how beneficial large-scale shows can be for Sheffield, bringing both entertainment and economic benefits to the city. It was brilliant to have the band back in the city and we’re looking forward to Tramlines at Hillsborough Park next month.”
Janine Lawson from the Hillsborough Tap and the business group Hillsborough Together, said: “The recent concerts in the park were a great boost for us at Hillsborough Tap during what is historically a quiet period in the Hillsborough area. It’s great to see so many new visitors to the area and it allows us to showcase what an amazing area Hillsborough is. The feedback we received from visitors was fantastic and it was great that so many people loved our little business as much as we do! We hope that this will create repeat business for us in a time that is very difficult for independent businesses like ours.”
South Yorkshire company expands into Germany with opening of new premises later this year
The all-new ITM Power Germany GmbH will officially open its doors in Linden, north of Frankfurt, in October this year.
ITM Power, the Sheffield-based green hydrogen company, says this expansion further strengthens its position as a leading manufacturer of large-scale electrolysers for active projects in Europe today, as well as for future projects which are now in bidding stage.
In its initial fit-out, ITM Power Germany’s new facilities will have office space for more than 50 employees, and a warehouse with special equipment for storing our state-of-the-art stacks in lightweight skids ready for quick deployment as after sales spares. It will also house facilities for repair and maintenance, as well as for training of customers and partners.
As ITM is increasingly deploying stacks into the field in active customer projects, the firm says a rapidly growing amount of real-world performance data will enable it to drive advancements in the areas of core technology and product improvements, development of new business models around remote monitoring/operations and predictive maintenance, as well as commercial certainty around tightened system performance guarantees. These activities will be led by our new global Data and Industrial IoT team which will be based in Linden.
ITM Power Germany will also be home of ITM’s global business development function, of various engineering disciplines, aftersales technicians, field engineers, procurement and other functions.
Dennis Schulz, CEO, said: “This expansion in Germany will not only support responsive aftersales in the heart of the EU as our core market today, but will also be home for various business functions that are enablers for ITM’s accelerated growth. As we are scaling our operations, this is a major step in gearing up for an increasing degree of local content creation in the EU.”
Green energy firm wins SME Employer of the Year
Green Building Renewables has been named as SME Employer of the Year at the first-ever North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.
As well as winning the best SME in North Yorkshire, the company also had two nominations in the Engineering/Manufacturing Apprentice category with Charlie Shipley, a second-year apprentice at York College and Curtis Ball, a first-year apprentice at Selby College.
The North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards recognise and reward the apprentices and their employers excelling across the region. The award ceremony was hosted by TV and Radio Presenter Rich Williams.
MD Chris Delaney said: “We are humbled to receive the SME Employer of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of our industry and supporting the next generation of talent. Our apprenticeship scheme not only equips young people with invaluable skills but has also contributed to the growth and success of our company.
“Renewable energy installation is going to be essential to the UK economy over the next few years, and we are confident of the role that we can play in helping to create the skilled workforce that is needed to ensure that technologies like solar and heat pumps are installed correctly across the UK. We pride ourselves on our technical expertise, and it doesn’t matter if our engineers have 20 years’ experience or one year’s experience; we will train them to the highest level.”
Angela Jones, People Manager at the company, added: “Our commitment to providing opportunities for young people aligns with the government’s wider agenda of fostering apprenticeships to address the skills gap and drive economic growth. The need for skilled renewable energy installers will be paramount as the country aims to meet its future carbon emission and environmental commitments. By nurturing local talent through our local offices and promoting renewable and low-energy solutions, we are actively contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Sheffield Hallam enters Knowledge Transfer Partnership with charity supporting ex-offenders into employment
Innovate UK has backed a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Sheffield Hallam and the charity Tempus Novo, with six-figure funding to continue the work of the charity working with serving prisoners and ex-offenders looking to change their lives by breaking the cycle of crime through employment.
Tempus Novo is a charity based in Leeds set up to support ex-offenders into jobs after their release to reduce re-offending rates. The charity, founded in 2014 by two former senior prison officers at HMP Leeds with a combined experience of almost 60 years, mentors prisoners in the run up to their release and help to secure roles, and to date have secured jobs for 800 ex-offenders.
This is the first Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme where Sheffield Hallam University has partnered with a charity or social enterprise.
Sheffield Hallam’s contribution in this project is to embed financial modelling expertise and behavioural economics methodology to design and implement a novel revenue model supported by a scalable business model to help Tempus Novo achieve financial sustainability and successfully expand.
Jia Liu, academic lead on the Tempus Novo partnership, said: “I think this project is necessary because of the massive societal benefits of Tempus Novo’s work. Scaling up Tempus Novo’s work (placing more ex-offenders into sustainable employment) leads to more savings on prison cost, less benefit payments, more national insurance contribution, more tax collected, safer streets, positive impacts on ex-offenders and their families. This project fits perfectly well with Sheffield Hallam’s civic agenda.
“I’m keen to work with Tempus Novo because I share their view that people deserve a second chance, especially those who have never had a first real chance in life. Tempus Novo has achieved remarkable successes in a challenging area. We hope to build on the success and take it to the next level. There is a huge potential for Tempus Novo to grow to do more good.”
Tempus Novo are the only prison officer-led charity in the UK, and the only charity that fills the void by focusing on employment working with both service users and employers simultaneously. Over 70% of service users placed into work with Tempus Novo retain that job for over a year and do not re-offend, and of the 800 service users placed so far, only 33 have been returned to custody (4%).
Steve Freer, co-founder of Tempus Novo, says: “We are confident the KTP programme will assist with the growth of Tempus Novo, and this has the potential to unlock so many more opportunities both here in the UK and beyond.
“We hope to have a lasting relationship with Sheffield Hallam and see this as the first step of a journey that will create many more life-changing opportunities for many disadvantaged people. Using the power of good quality jobs is a successful model that reduces crime, creates safer streets and more prosperous communities.”
Entrepreneurs to benefit from support helping them launch West Yorkshire-made products
Entrepreneurs across the region will benefit from a new multimillion-pound fund to help them launch services and products made in West Yorkshire to sell to the world.
As part of the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s £6 million fund for entrepreneurs, a third round of support has been launched.
The programme aims to find the best and the brightest minds in the region, nurture their entrepreneurial skills, and turn their ideas into global businesses.
With access to nine months of tailored support, coaching and mentoring, 75 creative minds will develop fresh business ideas and grow the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I’m committed to providing opportunities for everyone in West Yorkshire to pursue their goals, whatever their circumstances.
“We have already helped thousands giving them the skills they need to start and run their own successful business.
“Now, we will focus on best and the brightest minds in the region, catapulting them to the next level and turning their entrepreneurial ideas into the global businesses of the future.
“Our talented entrepreneurs are absolutely central to our vision for a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council and Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business, Economy and Innovation Committee, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to provide support of this quality to individuals and businesses who have the potential to drive forward their innovative ideas.
“Equipping the entrepreneurs of West Yorkshire with the skills they need to succeed will not just improve their personal circumstances. It will boost our regional economy through the creation of more high-skilled jobs and greater inward investment.
“We’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire where everyone can reach their full potential, and that includes our brilliant entrepreneurs with local solutions to global challenges.”
This support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will be delivered in partnership by a twelve member-strong group of businesses and learning organisations from across the region.
Of these, Nexus and the University of Leeds will head the group, using their world-class facilities and expertise to incubate the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. Together, they will focus on tackling the regional, national and global challenges of the future.
The programme builds on the success of the previous two support packages, which helped over 2,000 people to develop and pursue their ideas. The first supported people to turn their ideas and hobbies into fully fledged businesses, and the second helped entrepreneurs to focus on scaling up their start-ups.
Of these cohorts, 58% were women, 38% were of an ethnic minority, and 10% identified as having a disability.
The Mayor is now looking to find entrepreneurs with ambitions for rapid growth, to help bolster their resilience, boost their skills, and build businesses that could change the world.
Dr Martin Stow, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Business Engagement and Enterprise at the University of Leeds, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching this programme, an initiative that demonstrates our firm commitment to making a positive difference to our region.
“The programme is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate the start of their innovation-based, purpose-driven new ventures by drawing upon the wealth of knowledge and experience of successful entrepreneurs and enterprises.
“We’re excited to be working with local communities and their leaders to ensure this initiative is accessible to as broad a range of people as possible and are keen to work with more as we move forward.
“Nexus and the University of Leeds are immensely proud to be leading this consortium, inspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business ambitions and build a better tomorrow.”
Boston Energy receives significant investment as private equity investor backs MBO
LDC, the private equity investor, has made a significant investment in Boston Energy, a technical services provider to the wind energy industry, as it targets further international expansion.
Based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Boston Energy employs and trains specialist technicians to support the build and maintenance programmes of onshore and offshore wind farms across the globe, including in Europe, APAC and North America. Boston Energy’s client base includes the world’s biggest OEMs and Wind Farm Operators.
LDC’s investment will enable Boston Energy to take advantage of opportunities to grow in all of its core markets globally to support the transition to a clean energy economy. LDC is backing Boston Energy’s CEO Julian Cattermole in a management buyout from the wider group of Bostonair companies. Mark Parkes, who founded Bostonair Group in 1997, will remain involved in the business as a major shareholder and non-executive director.
Mark Parkes, founder of Bostonair Group, said: “It’s remarkable to reflect on how much the industry has evolved since we started the business over a decade ago. During that time, we’ve maintained our commitment to our customers and, with LDC’s support, we’ll continue to provide them with the very best tailored service.
“LDC’s heritage of supporting the growth of Yorkshire-based businesses combined with being part of Lloyds Banking Group – one of the UK’s most active supporters of the UK offshore wind industry – make it the ideal partner and means we’re perfectly positioned to start this new chapter.”
Julian Cattermole, CEO, Boston Energy, said: “The wind energy industry is growing rapidly and there are more opportunities than ever for our business to expand our offering on the back of rising demand for our services.
“Our partnership with LDC will help us to respond to the growing demand for our services at pace and continue to invest in our expert technicians, whose exceptional service is the foundation of our customer relationships.”
The investment was led by Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire at LDC, investment director James Marshall and investment manager Anthony West.
Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire at LDC, added: “Boston Energy is a high-quality service provider in a sector that will play an essential role in the global transition towards net zero.
“The business’s success is also a great example of a homegrown company with international reach that is raising the profile of the Humber as a global renewable energy hotspot. We’re looking forward to supporting Julian, Mark and the rest of the team as they continue to drive the business forward in the years ahead.”
Boston Energy and the sellers were advised by KPMG, who provided Corporate Finance (led by Christian Mayo and Jordan Raiye), Legal and Tax services.
LDC was advised by Clearwater International (Corporate Finance and Debt), Grant Thornton (Financial and Tax DD), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), and Calash (Commercial Due Diligence).
A regional HSBC team led by James Scholes is supporting the transaction with senior debt and working capital facilities.
Estate agency names new sales negotiator for York office
Estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has appointed Mindy Pearson as a sales negotiator in its growing York office.
Mindy, who lives in Malton, has previously worked for a national estate agency group as well as marketing and managing holiday lets. In her new role she is responsible for liaising with both buyers and sellers, as well as hosting property viewings and supporting the office’s branch manager and wider team to ensure transactions run smoothly.
Dacre, Son & Hartley opened in York last summer and moved into its double fronted Micklegate showroom in April. The office is in a prime position within the city walls, and offers highly visible display facilities, as well as valuable support for the firm’s other 19 offices across North and West Yorkshire.
Mindy said: “Moving to Dacre, Son & Hartley is an opportunity to join a very reputable and independent business and be part of its growth in York, which makes it both a challenging and exciting role.
“York has a gem of a property market, which is largely insulated from what happens in other areas of the country, in terms of prices and activity levels, which are currently buoyant. This comes down to lots of factors including its leading universities and historic city centre, which is a global tourist hotspot. In addition, its central location in the UK, which offers regular direct rail links to the likes of London and Edinburgh, adds to its popularity.
“We’re currently marketing a mix of homes, from a stunning riverside four-bedroom terrace just off Marygate and the Museum Gardens in York city centre, to a newly refurbished four-bedroom family home with large gardens, that’s full of energy saving technology, at Linton on Ouse. We’re now looking forward to building on this further over the summer months.”
Chambers see ‘tentative but promising’ signs of easing financial pressures for firms
A new survey by Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce suggests that financial pressures are easing for businesses.
In a joint statement about the survey’s findings, the CEOs of the Chambers have issued a joint statement. They say: “Our survey results show promising, albeit tentative, signs that financial pressures are beginning to ease for businesses, though this still remains a pressing issue across all sectors.
“It’s encouraging to see that, for the third consecutive quarter, expectations of both improved turnover and profitably have increased, suggesting that there is a broader feeling of optimism for the months ahead. Better still, we are pleased to report that 93% of firms that were polled agree that South Yorkshire is a fundamentally good place to do business. This suggests that businesses feel that there are opportunities available to them locally and that organisations are doing what they can to promote a positive business environment. There is, of course, always room for improvement.
“While some key areas are stronger than they have been in recent quarters — such as those relating to cash flow positions, price increases and capacity — it is worth stressing that indicators of financial pressure do remain.
“Concerns about inflation might be lower than they have been since the end of 2021, but that’s only a relative drop from a historic high. Meanwhile, subdued economic activity continues in South Yorkshire, with weak growth being reported in terms of both domestic sales and overseas orders.
“Not to mention, hiring conditions are still proving to be a massive challenge for businesses. A staggering 94% of firms told us that they have experienced recruitment difficulties this quarter, which is a worrying jump from the 87% that was recorded this same time last year. In particular, businesses are struggling to attract skilled manual & technical workers, as well as professional & managerial talent. Of course, the tight market is, in and of itself, a significant contributor to the runaway inflation that is presently bedeviling the economy.
“As for how South Yorkshire employers are being affected by The Cost of Living Crisis, we learned that the vast majority have discussed the prices of either utilities (85%), food (76%) or petrol (61%) with their staff in the last six months. In an effort to try and support employees with these strains, 70% of businesses said that they have increased wages, and nearly half are now offering mental health support. This acts as yet another reminder of the civic and social commitments exhibited by our employer communities.
“All in all, this latest QES highlights positivity in some areas, and persisting concerns in others. As Chambers, we will of course be advocating for any measures that might help to restore business confidence — whether that’s a rethinking of business rates or the campaign to save Doncaster Sheffield Airport. We have also been working closely with employers, training providers and other key stakeholders on a Local Skills Improvement Plan for the region, which will help address those recruitment difficulties that so many firms are encountering right now.”
Bradford gets £10m cash injection to help create almost 7,000 jobs
Bradford is to be given £10m to kick off its year as City Of Culture, which it claims will generate almost 7,000 jobs in the city.
The investment will support the delivery of Bradford’s programme of cultural activity over the year – ranging from live performances in existing cultural venues to pop-up experiences in a bespoke touring venue, Beacon.
About 1,000 performances will take place in 2025, developed with local artists and creatives. They are expected to attract 15.5 million visitors and bring an additional visitor spend of £136.9 million into the local economy over the course of the year.
The increased cultural and economic activity is expected to deliver up to £389 million of growth for Bradford as UK City of Culture 2025.
The funding boost will also help Bradford with its ambition, set out in its bid to host the event, to create 6,845 new jobs and opportunities right across the city by 2030.
In addition, Arts Council England is allocating £5 million in National Lottery funding to support Bradford’s programme during its tenure as UK City of Culture.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund also confirms today it is awarding £4.95 million specifically to develop a programme of activities to bring the diverse heritage of the city to the fore during 2025’s celebrations.
Culture Minister Stuart Andrew said: “With its unique culture and young and vibrant population, Bradford will be a fantastic host for the UK City of Culture 2025. We are investing £10 million in the city this year to help prepare for the event so we can make sure it stimulates new jobs and growth in the local economy through culture.
“We want to open up access to the arts, create opportunities for young people, and inspire our next generation of writers, artists and performers.”
Barnsley leads the nation to extended childcare provision by nurseries
Barnsley’s local authority is one of 16 nationwide selected by the government to help it work towards the ambition for all parents of primary school aged children to access childcare in their local area between 8am and 6pm.
The announcement came as it was revealed that nurseries are set to receive a £204 million cash boost as part of the Government’s promise to deliver the largest ever investment in childcare.
The plans are designed to remove significant barriers to support parents to return to work and help to grow the economy by making childcare more accessible.
Every area across the country is getting a share of the government funding which childcare providers can use to ease cost pressures such as staffing costs, training and bills. Funding rates per child paid from September will increase from an average of £5.29 to £5.62 for three and four-year-olds, and from an average of £6.00 to £7.95 for two-year-olds.
From April 2024, eligible working parents of two-year-olds will get a new offer of 15 free hours per week of free childcare. From September 2024, eligible parents will get 15 free hours from nine months until their children start school, and from September 2025, they will get 30 free hours from nine months until the start of school.
All local authorities will start to receive their share of £289 million in funding from January 2024 to support their delivery of the programme, with parents expected to see an expansion in the availability of wraparound care from September 2024.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt said: “I know the cost of childcare can be a real struggle for parents and can become a barrier to work. That’s why we announced the largest ever expansion of free childcare at Spring Budget, and today we’re increasing hourly funding rates to make sure the system is ready to deliver, including uplifting rates for a two-year-old by a third.”
