“We want to open up access to the arts, create opportunities for young people, and inspire our next generation of writers, artists and performers.”
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.
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.”
Catering equipment firm changes hands in management buy out
More than 20 years after founding Denby Catering Equipment MD George Hartley is retiring and handing over the reins of the Wakefield-based business to former accounts and service manager Richard Garfitt following the completion of a Management Buy Out.
Richard, 29, joined the business ten years ago in an office administration/purchase ledger role, going on to manage client accounts, developing extensive product knowledge and becoming involved in all aspects of the business’ operations, including project quotations and design.
The £1.8m turnover business comprises a team of experienced kitchen designers and project managers who specialise in the design, supply and installation of catering equipment for commercial kitchens, from one-off replacements to total re-fits. Their expertise includes supply of prime cooking equipment, kitchen ventilation and extraction systems, bespoke stainless steel fabrication, refrigeration (cold rooms and freezer room installation), and repairs, servicing and installations by their in-house Gas Safe registered team.
Denby Catering Equipment has established a strong track record working with local authorities across the UK to supply commercial kitchens in schools, colleges, universities and hospitals, as well as in care homes and sheltered housing accommodation. Its clients include Derbyshire County Council and Wakefield Council.
The deal was supported by Calvin Dexter from Calvin Dexter Financial Solutions in Leeds who acted as fundraising adviser for the MBO. The deal was funded by an SME loan from Mercia, with the Mercia team led by Mike Rogers. Legal advice to Garfitt-Robinson Holdings Limited was provided by Nicola Cooper of Clarion; with financial advice from Mark Spencer of Beaumonts Chartered Accountants in Wakefield.
Founder and former managing director George Hartley said: “Having spent the last 40 years in the catering sector, I have passed on as much knowledge as I can to Richard who joined us early in his career with the appetite and potential to learn, and has demonstrated he has the versatility to flourish in a company like this. He knows the business inside-out and his skills now cover our entire process – I am happy to be leaving Denby in his capable hands.
“Given Richard’s strong client relationships, it will be a seamless transition as the business moves into the next era. Congratulations to Richard and I wish him every success for a prosperous future.”
Balfour Beatty prepares to start £43.5m transformation project in Bradford
Work on a £43.5m transformation of Bradford city centre and build on the city’s architectural legacy is set to begin on Monday as part of a scheme delivered by Bradford Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The works are being delivered through the Combined Authority’s Transforming Cities Fund programme, which is aimed at making it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
Balfour Beatty is the construction partner on the project. It’s Area Director Stephen Semple said: “We are excited to start transforming Bradford city centre, turning the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s vision into reality.
“Once complete, the scheme will leave a lasting, positive legacy for local communities and residents alike; providing additional green public spaces and new active travel routes which will significantly reduce air pollution in the City Centre.”
Set to deliver the perfect stage for the City of Culture celebrations in 2025, the progect will create a series of new public spaces through the pedestrianisation of some roads, while existing spaces will be brought up to a similar high standard. The new spaces will feature high-quality paving and landscaping, with new green areas, planting and seating, delivering the perfect spaces for public events or gathering to meet friends and family.
A new ‘linear park’ will be created to replace the majority of the existing road space on Hall Ings, featuring new trees and other types of planting. Demolition of the NCP car park is also due to start from late July 2023 to enable a new access point to the Interchange. Together, these elements will create a dramatically improved sense of arrival to the city centre for visitors and commuters alike.
The scheme will modernise the city centre to showcase it at its best, providing attractive new links for people walking or wheeling between the abundance of culture and entertainment venues as Bradford becomes a social city. The end result will provide the perfect setting for residents and the thousands of visitors due to descend on Bradford for the City of Culture year and beyond.
Alongside this, improved cycle routes will be created across the city centre connecting current and planned cycle routes, while enabling people to travel around and across the city in a more sustainable way.
Creating new attractive public spaces with greenery, reducing pollution and making it easier for people to get around the heart of the city centre without negotiating heavy traffic is seen as crucial to creating the right environment to boost the city centre residential population, attract new employers, and create an appropriate setting for the city centre as a thriving visitor destination.
Work will be in two phases; the first will see enabling works on road and pavements around the city centre, and the second will begin in 2024 and will create the new public spaces and walking and cycling routes in the city centre heart, with the vast majority of work due to be completed in time for the City of Culture celebrations starting in 2025.
The Council is warning that disruption and delays to journeys to and from the city centre are likely from the start of construction on 10 July, until the core elements of the works are completed in late December. Significant delays are inevitable at peak times, with the potential for delays at other times.
From January 2024, phase one works to the highway around the city centre will tail off, and bus services will move to their new routing, allowing traffic to flow more normally. While the second phase of works will see significant construction move to the heart of the city centre itself, pedestrian access will be maintained and vehicular access will remain largely unchanged apart from the removal of access to Hall Ings, which will be largely pedestrianised. As a result, disruption should thereafter be greatly reduced up to the scheme being completed in late 2024/early 2025.
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are ambitious for Bradford District, both in terms of driving the economy and seeing Bradford become one of the UK’s most vibrant and sustainable cities.
“Bradford has the potential to have one of the most attractive, accessible and dynamic city centres in the country and we are confident this scheme will deliver that. People will see a transformed city centre that they want to visit when the works are complete.”
Coney Street Riverside receives support of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has publicly pledged its support to Helmsley Group’s Coney Street Riverside masterplan.
The business support organisation, alongside its influential York & North Yorkshire Property Forum lobby group, have urged York City Council to approve the planning applications submitted by the York-based property specialist for the scheme.
The positive comments have been formally submitted to York City Council as part of the planning process.
Proposals for the major regeneration project include the creation of 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial, residential and extensive public realm.
The vision also supports the introduction of a boutique, independent retail experience, alongside the creation and rejuvenation of the historic lanes and passageways joining Coney Street and the River Ouse together, helping to make the riverfront accessible to all.
Laurence Beardmore, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As the Chamber of Commerce, and the York & North Yorkshire Property Forum, we would like to state our support for the exciting and innovative plans that the Helmsley Group is proposing for Coney Street.
“We believe these plans will help to regenerate this part of the city centre in a manner sympathetic to the environment and heritage of our city. It represents a major investment in York that will benefit residents, visitors and businesses alike.
“The new riverside access along with retail and leisure destinations will contribute to the continued improvement of York city centre and vastly improve the public realm in the area.
“These plans will also provide significant economic benefits to the city including the creation of both jobs and increased economic opportunities and will act as a catalyst for further investment and improvements throughout the city centre.
“They will also fully utilise currently underutilised buildings and we would urge York City Council to support these ambitious proposals and approve these planning applications.”
Max Reeves, development director at the Helmsley Group, said: “We are grateful to both York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and York Property Forum for pledging their backing and public support to our vision for Coney Street Riverside.
“Both are influential groups within York and across the wider region as well as being representative of hundreds of leading organisations and people.
“Their support, alongside the extensive consultation work we have undertaken, is further evidence of the positive way our proposals have been received in the community.
“As we have previously stated, Coney Street Riverside offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver the city’s long-held ambition to reinvigorate a loved but sadly under-appreciated area, reconnect Coney Street with its riverfront, create much-needed public realm of national standing and improve both connectivity and accessibility within central York. It builds on our vision to honour the area’s rich heritage while sensitively taking the necessary strides required to secure its long-term future.”
Coney Street Riverside is the latest project from Helmsley Group, which has been responsible for delivering landmark schemes across the city for the last 42 years, including the Old Fire Station, Westgate and Merchant’s Exchange on the Riverfront.
Andrew Jackson makes senior solicitor promotion
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has promoted Grace Moreton to the position of senior solicitor in the corporate recovery and insolvency team.
Grace trained and qualified as a corporate solicitor, gaining valuable experience of acting for a range of businesses across different sectors before specialising in restructuring and insolvency work for clients based in the UK and overseas. Her broad client base includes company directors, corporate stakeholders, financial institutions, and insolvency practitioners.
Grace’s work focuses on non-contentious insolvency and restructuring matters, which require specialist knowledge of company procedures including share allotments and transfers, and the preparation and completion of company documentation. She is particularly experienced in drafting and advising on asset sales and purchases, bank security reviews, insolvent property and real estate work, and commercial contracts.
Azher Quyoom, partner, and head of corporate recovery and insolvency at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, said: “Since joining the team, Grace has proven her ability to offer commercial, strategic advice to clients across a broad range of restructuring and insolvency scenarios, from company director disqualification matters, through to restructuring and turnaround assignments and refinancing work on behalf of financial institutions.
“Grace is committed to the provision of trusted legal advice in a commercial and practical manner, which is consistently recognised in our client feedback right across the firm, and there is no doubt that she is an asset to the practice.”
Plans unlocking the development of three empty Hull city centre sites to be considered
Hull City Council’s Cabinet will consider ambitious plans to unlock the development of over 1,000 new homes on three empty city centre sites.
Cabinet will decide whether to give the green light to bring forward development on brownfield sites at the East Bank, known as Eastern Quarter, at St Stephen’s Place on Colonial Street and at Myton City Gateway.
In the proposals, 850 new homes will be created in Eastern Quarter, with a further 200 at St Stephen’s Place.
These would offer the potential for high-quality apartments with activated rooftops, spaces for families, outdoor play and integrated green spaces, as well as private gardens and sports provisions.
The sites will also encourage enterprise, innovation and support the creative industries.
Myton City Gateway would be of mixed commercial use and, given its prominence and proximity to the A63 Castle Street improvements, could deliver an impressive entrance to the city centre with opportunities for retail, commercial and leisure developments.
The overall ambition of the projects is to offer new, inclusive neighbourhoods where people choose to live, work and play.
This would combine Hull’s unique features to create highly sustainable mixed-use urban developments, as well as balanced and diverse high-quality living which respects and reflects the history of each site.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “Like many other towns and cities in the UK, there is a huge housing shortage in Hull that needs to be addressed and cannot be ignored.
“Two of the three empty sites have the potential to provide hundreds of vital new homes and it’s important the council does all it can to build homes every bit on unused brownfield land in the city.
“All three sites are also key to regenerating Hull’s urban fabric, where placemaking and high-quality design can create dynamic and exciting places to live for all generations, foster new communities and unlock opportunities for personal and economic growth.”
Allenby Commercial plan could create 50 jobs at Barton
Work is expected to start later this month on the construction of new business units after Allenby Commercial was given planning permission to expand the Trade Yard brand at a site in Barton, creating up to 50 jobs.
The development at the Humber Bridge Industrial Estate is the latest in The Trade Yard series of sites which have been built by Hull-based Allenby Commercial across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
The company revealed that two national brands have already committed to take units at the site in Falkland Way. Interest in the remaining units is expected to be strong because of the success of the other locations.
In East Yorkshire, The Trade Yard Willerby is full, with businesses which include Toolstation, Screwfix and Easy Bathrooms. The Trade Yard Beverley, where tenants include Toolstation, Screwfix and Howden joinery, now has only one unit available. The Trade Yard Driffield was completed and sold on as a successful project.
The Trade Yard Scunthorpe is at capacity with MKM Building Supplies Ltd, Toolstation, Howdens Joinery, Valley Carpets, Motor Parts Direct and Hayley Group. Allenby Commercial is now working on plans for The Trade Yard Immingham.
At Barton, the three remaining units offer between 3,400 and 13,600 square feet of space and are being promoted as a prime opportunity for trade, warehouse and light industrial occupiers.
Charlie Allenby, Development Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Our vision is to develop a main trade hub with national names occupying some of the units and creating a one-stop-shop for businesses and DIY enthusiasts. We are aiming to break ground during the summer and the first tenants are expected to arrive in about six months.
“We have a varied portfolio of projects across the region from stylishly renovated historic properties to modern offices but we keep coming back to The Trade Yard concept because it is in demand as a format which really suits that sector. Based on our experience at the other Trade Yard sites this one could create up to 50 new jobs.”
Henton’s names new Director and Head of SME in South Yorkshire
Accountancy and advisory services company Henton’s has named Richard Munoz as its Director and Head of SME in South Yorkshire.
Richard’s extensive background includes training in local firms across Sheffield and West Yorkshire, with these ranging from top ten national firms to independent local practices. This diverse exposure has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges faced by businesses operating in various sectors.
Richard said: “I am truly honoured to join Hentons, a company known for its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering meaningful client relationships.
“I am eager to leverage my experience and work alongside a talented team to serve the vibrant business community of the South Yorkshire region.”
Nadeem Ahmed, Managing Partner at Hentons said: “Richard’s extensive experience and dedication to client service align perfectly with Hentons’ values and our commitment to delivering exceptional results. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will bring to our growing team.”
ABP CEO reflects on a ‘very special year’ for the company
In its Annual Review Associated British Ports has laid out the company’s ‘Ambitious for Britain’ agenda across areas such as handling £157 billion of trade, enabling the UK clean energy transition and catalysing growth in coastal communities and industrial locations across Britain.
The ABP Annual Review 2023 demonstrates how ABP has continued to adapt and innovate against a backdrop of evolving trade patterns, geopolitical challenges and climate change. The Annual Review illustrates ABP’s role as an ambitious business and sustainability leader in the maritime sector.
The central theme of the publication is ‘Ambitious for Britain’, as ABP continues to drive economic growth and prosperity, built upon strong foundations of safety, people and a determined sustainability mindset. Handing 27% of all UK port volumes in value, ABP is the UK’s number one ports operator, supporting over 166,000 jobs in industrial sectors nationally through the £13bn of manufacturing exports the group’s 21 ports handle.
In June this year, ABP won the ‘Innovation in Safety’ Award at Multimodal 2023, for its bespoke Virtual Reality (VR) health and safety training, demonstrating cross-industry recognition of ABP’s leading role in the ports sector. However, ABP has been on the forefront in safety innovation for many years, becoming the first UK ports company to introduce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) especially designed for women in 2019, leading the way for many other transport-related businesses.
ABP CEO Henrik L. Pedersen said: “This has been a very special year for us, as it saw the launch of our net-zero sustainability strategy, ‘Ready for Tomorrow’, which outlines our plan to invest £2 billion covering decarbonisation of our own port operations by 2040 and creation of port infrastructure supporting our customers’ large-scale green energy infrastructure projects.”
“Over the past 12 months, we have invested millions in our ports as well as supporting safety innovations and our people. I am proud of what we have achieved, working with our partners across industry and civil society. As we look towards the future, it is an important time to be ambitious for Britain.”
South Yorkshire sees surge in tech startups after birth of Team SY
The number of tech startups formed in South Yorkshire increased by 18 per cent following the introduction of TEAM SY, a pioneering project to boost the tech startup and investment ecosystem in South Yorkshire.
Analysis of information held at Companies House shows that 741 tech companies were started in South Yorkshire in the 19 months between October 2021 and June 2023, the time TEAM SY was fully operational. This compares to 629 startups in the preceding 19-month period.
Tech startup birth rates increased by 16 per cent (to 435) and 22 per cent (to 151), respectively, in Sheffield and Doncaster, and by 49 per cent in Barnsley, which saw the emergence of 73 new tech startups. In Rotherham, the number increased by three percent to 82.
Darren Balcombe, Deputy CEO at Capital Enterprise and TEAM SY lead, said: “South Yorkshire is known for entrepreneurship and innovation, but these qualities need nurturing to thrive fully. TEAM SY leveraged public sector funding and private sector investment to grow the early-stage tech ecosystem in South Yorkshire. Today, we are witnessing a promising recovery, a reversal in the decline of startups following the pandemic, and a resurgence of innovation activity in our region.”
“However, our journey doesn’t stop here. We are committed to supporting the ecosystem to grow even stronger. Our vision is to cultivate an environment where globally competitive tech companies can be born and thrive, right here in South Yorkshire.”
TEAM SY launched in late October 2021 to help digital and tech businesses across South Yorkshire explore new ideas and markets, set up or scale up their companies, and create high-value jobs. A key objective was to help entrepreneurs gain financial backing for their enterprises and attract private investment to the region.
Since its launch, TEAM SY has supported 290 cutting-edge businesses working in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and technologies to enable net-zero supply chains and industrial operations. Early-stage startups supported by TEAM SY have already created 100 new jobs and launched 90 new technology products.
Renewable energy company prepares to let the grass grow under our feet
Renewable energy company Ørsted and marine charity Ocean Conservation Trust have joined forces on an innovative scheme to help people avoid damaging precious seagrass meadows.
The Blue Meadows marker buoy initiative aims to address a principal problem of seagrass conservation – identifying the location of seagrass beds to swimmers, fishers and others using the water. By clearly signalling where seagrass beds are found, Blue Meadows is helping swimmers, divers and fishers and boat enthusiasts to avoid them and prevent damage from anchoring. The scheme will also raise awareness with as many people as possible about the existence and importance of seagrass.
Seagrass is a valuable solution to climate change, due to its huge capacity for carbon absorption. Similar to the way trees take carbon from the air, seagrass takes carbon from water – and can do this as least as efficiently as tropical rainforests. It also provides a biodiversity-rich habitat for several species – including commercially important fish species and charismatic, endangered seahorses – helps protect against tidal erosion and improves water quality.
This work builds on Ørsted’s long term commitment to environmentally responsible wind farm development and aligns with The Crown Estate’s accountability for enhancing marine biodiversity. Importantly to Ørsted, the Blue Meadows initiative presents an opportunity to deliver benefits to biodiversity at a sea-scape level and is another step towards achieving the company’s promise to deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact for all projects commissioned from 2030 onwards.
Leeds firm strengthens position in bidding industry with acquisition of Scottish company
Bidding Limited, a Leeds-based provider of bid consultancy and software solutions, has acquired AM Bid, a bid management company based in Edinburgh.
This strategic move solidifies Bidding Limited’s position in the industry and supports its long-term growth plan through acquisitions.
Building on the successful integration of contract management software company ContractsWise in April, the addition of AM Bid to the Bidding Limited family marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.
Brendan Fatchett, Group CEO of Bidding Limited, said: “We are thrilled to welcome AM Bid into the Bidding Limited family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy and strengthens our position as the leading choice for clients seeking exceptional bid management solutions. By combining the best talent and expanding our market presence, we are poised for significant growth and success.”
Andrew Morrison, founder of AM Bid, said: “The acquisition of AM Bid by Bidding Limited presents an incredible opportunity for our team and clients. We are proud of the success we have achieved at AM Bid, and this acquisition opens new doors for growth and collaboration. Together, we will deliver exceptional outcomes and provide strength and depth in our bidding expertise to our clients.”
Leeds’ 12 Greek Street acquired
Catella APAM (APAM), the specialist UK & Ireland real estate asset manager, has acquired 12 Greek Street in Leeds city centre from Epsilon Real Estate Partners on behalf of its Cape Town based client, New Property Ventures (NPV).
Comprehensively refurbished in 2016, Greek Street is a high quality and prominent multi-let asset. It has frontage to both Greek Street & Russell Street and is only 3 minutes’ walk from Leeds central train station.
The building totals c. 23,500 sq ft set over 7 floors and is fully let to eight tenants including Netcompany UK Ltd, First Intuition Leeds Ltd and Marstons.
Andrew Day, head of asset management (North) at APAM, said: “We are delighted to acquire 12 Greek Street as part of the continued expansion of NPV’s UK regional office portfolio, which now exceeds £70m. The asset is in an excellent location, based in the heart of the city’s CBD and high-end leisure pitch ensuring it benefits from the city’s vast transport network.
“12 Greek Street presents several asset management opportunities and, following the recent leasing success at APAMs One City Square and 2 Whitehall Quay assets, we will utilise our extensive knowledge of the local market and asset management expertise to reposition the asset as a best-in-class office provision to reflect the markets continuing demand for good value, high quality accommodation, which is complemented by a strong amenity offering and ESG strategy. It also typifies the ongoing investment we make into our assets throughout the portfolio.”
Scott Shufflebottom, director at Sixteen Real Estate, said: “Sixteen Real Estate are delighted to secure this off-market acquisition on behalf of APAM. 12 Greek Street is excellently located within the heart of Leeds central business district and offers a unique opportunity to quickly unlock reversionary investment value through proactive asset management.
“Whilst currently a fully let asset, the short-term nature of the occupier profile provides extensive opportunities to drive the asset forward through internal refurbishment and attracting new occupiers to the building.”
Scunthorpe manufacturer falls into administration
Scunthorpe-based Birkdale Manufacturing Group Limited has entered administration.
The company is an established manufacturer of garage doors and roller shutters, and in more recent years increased its range to include composite front entrance doors, window security shutters, awnings, pergolas, patios and fence panels.
The business had been experiencing trading difficulties which led to cash flow pressure, and in recent weeks was also subject to a winding-up petition from one of its creditors.
Prior to the appointment of James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators, the company ceased to trade.
The administrators are seeking interest in a going concern sale, and at this point, no redundancies have been made while this interest is explored.
James Lumb, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Companies across the sector have experienced significant difficulties in recent months, including softening demand, as well as rising input costs and interest rates.
“Unfortunately, these challenges proved insurmountable for Birkdale Manufacturing Group. However, we are presently working towards a solution which could see the business rescued as a going concern. We will continue to update workers regularly while this process unfolds.”
Clothing firm upsizes from Wombwell to Hoyland
Fashion brand Lucy and Yak has opened new premises at Barnsley’s Gateway 36 Business Park earlier today.
Created by Barnsley-born Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, the independent retailer has grown into a popular clothing provider with more than 800,000 followers across their social media platforms.
With shops in major cities such as Brighton, Bristol, Nottingham and a new store which will open its doors in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month, the heart of the business remains in Barnsley.
The new 40,000-square-foot site in Hoyland will see the company move from their previous home, a 10,000-square-foot unit in Wombwell, where they made scrubs, scrub caps and bags for frontline workers in local NHS hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It’s brilliant to see Lucy and Yak moving into a new site and staying in the borough. For such a well-known fashion brand to continue to operate from Barnsley demonstrates the potential and opportunities we can offer to businesses.
“Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business support team are proud to have paid their part by assisting the company in identifying local properties for their expansion as well as providing specialist business coaching support. We will continue to support the company for many years to come.
“It’s clear that Lucy and Chris have not forgotten their roots and are investing in Barnsley, giving something back by providing skilled job opportunities for local people. We look forward to seeing Lucy and Yak continue to grow their business operations in the borough.”
Lucy said: “I still can’t believe how far we have come in six years from our first distribution centre being in my parent’s basement in Kendray to now having this beautiful new distribution centre and providing so many jobs to people from my hometown. It feels weird seeing my name on such a huge building!”
Chris added: “We’re really proud to continue growing in Barnsley, Lucy’s hometown, and creating more jobs for the wonderful Barnsley locals!”
Huge question marks hang over steel industry’s future, warns manufacturers’ trade body
Without carefully thought through Government leadership, decarbonising costs will weigh down and suffocate this country’s steel industry, according to the Director of trade body UK Steel.
He’s Gareth Stace, who says there are huge question marks over if Government really wants to sustain steel, the backbone of British manufacturing, or just leave it to shrink and rely on other nations’ supply.
“Without a hawk-like vision, a carefully planned capital expenditure and a powerful decarbonisation strategy, we could simply close down steel plants and de-industrialise the nation.
“We are committed to decarbonising by 2035 if the right business environment is created, and ETS free allowance, the level of the cap and a CBAM will help this. Yet Government is plainly taking with one hand and not giving back with the other when it issues one-off policies without a strategic plan for capital expenditure and aligning ETS regulations with CBAM implementation.”
His comments come in response to publication of the Government’s response to its UK Emission Trading Scheme (UK ETS) consultation, announcing that the scheme will have a tighter limit on industrial, power and aviation emissions, maintaining the existing free allowances until 2026.
UK Steel, the trade association for the UK’s steel industry, warned that without thorough strategic support from government, retaining the sector’s free allowances until 2026 will not be enough to help decarbonise UK steel.
Gaps are evident in the ETS reform details, says Stace. “With 2026 less than three years away, and with only nine years to decarbonise the steel industry according to the Climate Change Committee, the lack of detail, strategy and financial long-term leadership leaves steelmakers in the dark.
“It is essential that Ministers shine a light of leadership by putting a robust Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in place by 2026, so that imported high-emission steel faces equal carbon costs to UK-made steel.
“To hit industrial decarbonisation targets, government policies need to be packaged together to help industry transition to new low-emission production methods. The UK’s ETS reforms should be introduced strategically with the CBAM and a long-term capital expenditure strategy to give steelmakers the financial support to decarbonise.”
Onto reveals plans for 96 bungalows in seven locations
Social housing organisation Ongo has announced plans to build 96 bungalows across Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Hibaldstow, Belton, Winterton, Manton and Skellingthorpe over the next two years.
These are set to include one, two and three-bedroom homes for affordable rent, social rent, shared ownership, rent to buy and outright sale.
Special features delivered in some homes include a dormer style three-bedroom layout and fully accessible wheelchair standards. Some will also be flexible one-bedroom bungalows, built large enough to divide the main bedroom, creating a second where needed.
Martin Phillips, Development Manager at Ongo said: “Housing Needs surveys and demand data provided by local authorities has consistently shown a need for smaller occupancy dwellings with one and two bedrooms. This was the case particularly for older people in locations where they have always lived, but are unable to secure a smaller home because of lack of supply.
“To address this, Ongo has incorporated a large number into their development programme. We’re very proud of is the variety we have. From social rent making homes more affordable than ever, to different options for people wanting to buy, that may have thought it wasn’t achievable for them without a large deposit.
“We look forward to watching these sites progress and handing keys over upon completion.”
Ongo also has plans to spend over £45million on major investments and decarbonisation work on existing homes in the coming years, along with building hundreds of new homes.
Poundland starts recruitment for 120 jobs in Darton
Poundland has today confirmed it has begun recruitment for around 120 new roles at its Barnsley chilled and frozen food hub in Darton.
The Darton centre, acquired when Poundland bought Fultons Frozen food to power the roll out of chilled and frozen food to hundreds of stores, has now been chosen to host Poundland’s second digital distribution centre.
In the course of the coming months, Poundland says it intends to significantly increase the number of roles at Darton from 77 today to almost 200 by December as the centre becomes a second hub for Poundland’s growing digital business.
Roles available include shift managers, team leaders and warehouse operators.
Poundland’s online business is growing rapidly after the 2022, acquisition of Poundshop.com and its picking and fulfilment operations centre in Wednesbury, West Midlands.
The expansion at Darton adds to Poundland’s commitment when it acquired Fultons, to grow employment at the site.
Poundland director of digital Tom Hill said: “We’re extremely proud to bring good jobs news to Barnsley and South Yorkshire. Since bringing Fultons into our family as we’ve built our food offer, we’ve made Darton a true centre of excellence in the buying and distribution of chilled and frozen ranges for a rapidly growing number of stores.
“We now look forward to building a team at Darton that can help us also expand our digital business as we offer our customers more ways to shop at Poundland.”
Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture at Barnsley Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Poundland investing into their Darton site and choosing to make it a second hub for the business, further proving that Barnsley is a great place for businesses to invest and grow.
“The variety of new, quality roles available provide excellent job opportunities for the people of Barnsley. We look forward to seeing Poundland expand their business operations in the borough and wish them every success moving forward.”
Poundland adds it is on track to add over half a million sq ft of new space this financial year as it opens and relocates stores.
Bradford Council prepares to make chief executive appointment
Bradford Council is poised to appoint Cheshire East Council Chief Exec Lorraine O’Donnell, pictured, as its Chief Exec to replace Kersten England who announced in January that she would retire this year.
The appointment will be recommended to full council on 11 July and, following council’s approval and standard background checks, a formal appointment will be made.
Lorraine has a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in a number of authorities in the north east before joining Cheshire East as chief executive in early 2020. She has been part of corporate management teams from 18 months into her career – helping Darlington become the highest performing authority in the country and Durham County Council become Council of the Year three years from its creation as one of the largest unitary councils in the country.
Prior to local government, she completed a doctorate in theoretical physics at Oxford University and as the first in her family to go to university and the first from her school to go to Oxford, she is passionate about ensuring that people from all backgrounds are able to realise their ambitions.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “I am delighted that someone of Lorraine’s calibre has been identified as our preferred candidate.
“The chief executive of Bradford Council is one of the biggest jobs in local government. The chief executive plays a very significant role in contributing to the delivery of the council’s priorities.
“Lorraine is an experienced leader with an impressive track record of delivering improvements and will be a real asset to us as we work to continue to drive forward with our ambitions for the district.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Kersten England for agreeing to delay her retirement while we completed a thorough and competitive recruitment process. I know Lorraine will build on Kersten’s legacy and bring new energy and focus to the job in hand.”
