Louise Longley and Ian Royle have been promoted to the position of partner in the Yorkshire region by rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor.
Having joined Begbies Traynor’s Leeds office in 2004 as an insolvency administrator, Louise qualified as an insolvency practitioner in 2011 and rose to the position of senior insolvency manager in 2016. She was promoted to insolvency director three years ago.
During her 19 years with Begbies Traynor, she has undertaken an 18-month formal secondment in the firm’s compliance and technical department with a focus on preparing the firm for the 2016 insolvency changes. Based in Leeds, she has also spent time working across other Begbies Traynor offices.
Louise has over 20 years’ experience in insolvency and restructuring and has dealt with all aspects of personal and corporate insolvency, working in a variety of sectors. She has a strong record in bank-led administrations and more complex insolvencies.
Ian has also specialised in insolvency for more than 20 years, having started his career with Wilson Pitts in Leeds in 2000, prior to the firm joining Begbies Traynor Group in 2006. He passed the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency in 2005 and the JIEB exams in 2008 to become a licensed Insolvency Practitioner.
Ian has extensive experience in corporate insolvency with specific experience in the SME market, working across a range of sectors. He also has excellent knowledge of bank-driven restructuring, recovery and insolvency having spent two years on secondment with a major clearing bank where he was responsible for accelerating the disposal of distressed properties.
Rising through the ranks, Ian was promoted to director in 2016 and heads up the firm’s Teesside office.
Begbies Traynor’s Yorkshire managing partner Julian Pitts said: “It is always genuinely gratifying to see talented, hardworking members of the team rise through the firm and progress their careers with us. This is a brilliant achievement and testimony to Louise and Ian’s dedication.”
Louise said: “After a period working as a legal secretary in a specialist insolvency department, I joined Begbies Traynor almost 20 years ago, and the firm has helped me to develop my skills, providing training, support and varied hands-on experience to enable me to rise to the position of partner.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with our talented team to build Begbies Traynor’s presence across Yorkshire and the North East as we support businesses throughout the region with a full range of corporate and personal insolvency services during a very challenging time.”
Ian said: “Having stumbled across insolvency over 23 years ago as a fresh-faced, 17-year-old office junior, I feel extremely privileged to have been able to forge a career with one of the UK’s leading professional services firms. I would like to pay tribute to Begbies Traynor which has enabled my progress on a clear career path and also to partner Dave Broadbent and regional managing partner, Julian Pitts, who have supported me every step of the way.
“And thank you to the team on Teesside – there is some incredible talent in the region and I feel lucky to share in our successes and now my appointment as partner.”
Begbies Traynor currently has ten offices and employs around 120 staff in Yorkshire, the Humber and the North East. It offers a full range of professional services including corporate recovery, investigations and risk, forensic accounting advice, corporate finance, property, funding, debt collection and personal insolvency.
£3m cultural capital fund and a new architectural competition announced as Bradford 2025 lays the foundations for UK City of Culture
One year on from Bradford winning the title of UK City of Culture 2025, preparations for the district’s year in the international spotlight are well underway with the announcement of new investment in venues, communities and creative projects.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director for Bradford 2025, said: “We may be 18 months away from the official start of our City of Culture year but we started work the day after we were announced, and the work to lay the foundations and deliver a show-stopping year is well underway.
“We’ve already supported 35 local artists and organisations to develop new work and with Bradford Council we’re encouraging more large scale commissions for this November’s ‘Bradford is LIT’. The biannual light festival is growing into a standout date in the cultural calendar and will be an important moment in our lead up to 2025.”
The leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “The last 12 months have been crucial in ensuring there are strong, solid foundations in place to ensure Bradford 2025 is a year of cultural success. The City of Culture team are committed to making the arts, culture, and heritage sectors sustainable, creating a long-lasting legacy across the Bradford District.
“The energy and partnership working we’ve seen so far is phenomenal. We are looking forward to continuing the collaborations with creators, communities, and stakeholders over the next 18 months.”
Cultural venues in Bradford district will benefit from a new £3m cultural capital fund to improve access and facilities for local people and the millions of visitors anticipated for Bradford 2025.
With funding from City of Bradford Metropolitan Council, Bradford 2025 will deliver two grant schemes for cultural venues: small scale of up to £5,000 each and larger scale for a minimum of £50,000. This investment will help improve venues to make them more welcoming and accessible for visitors in preparation for the district-wide celebrations in 2025.
A new temporary touring performance venue will be located in parks across the district during 2025, enabling larger scale events to take place in the heart of local communities. ‘Beacon’ will be a flagship project for Bradford 2025 and architects and designers will be invited to submit creative ideas to deliver a RIBA [Royal Institute of British Architects] feasibility study and early concept designs. The submission form will be open next week with a view to appointment in autumn 2023.
Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, said: “We want our year as UK City of Culture to create a lasting and positive impact on the people, artists and organisations across Bradford district. We are committed to ensuring the legacy of the year is felt in and across all our distinctive local communities.”
An important priority for Bradford 2025 is to significantly increase access to cultural activities amongst the diverse communities that make up the youngest city in Europe, in a District with a population that is now over 500,000 strong. Working alongside Bradford 2025, local organisation GiveBradford has been appointed as official grant making partner for Bradford 2025.
Inspired by the theme ‘City of the World’, a new partnership programme will kick start in early 2024 to help communities across the district create work and events in the build up to and during the year as UK City of Culture.
GiveBradford CEO Kate Hainsworth said: “With an average population of under 37 years, the lowest in West Yorkshire, Bradford is really coming of age in 2025.
“It’s terrific to be partnering with the Bradford 2025 team on building a legacy and creating opportunities for all, well beyond the year itself – testament to the positive impact of GiveBradford and the ongoing work of the local community organisations we support across the district.
“GiveBradford is going to be working hard before, during and after 2025 to bring in investment into our local communities: because that’s what the people of this city and this district deserve.”
Major capital development projects underway across Bradford – some of which have been in the works for years – are being accelerated, ready for the district’s celebratory year. Kala Sangam and the National Science and Media Museum – two of the city’s acclaimed cultural organisations – start work on substantial redevelopment projects in the next year. The much-anticipated transformation of the former Odeon cinema, into Bradford Live, a new 4,000 capacity music venue for the district, is due to open its doors in 2024.Pete Massey, director, Yorkshire and the Humber, Arts Council England, said: “It is fantastic to see the progress being made by Bradford Culture Company a year on from winning the UK City of Culture 2025 status. It is a testament to the excellent team it has in place that such swift progress has been made since the announcement.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see its commitment to engaging with both local communities and the cultural sector is continuing in the development and planning for 2025. We know what an impact participating in and experiencing a City of Culture can have on the people and communities who live, work and visit the city and we are incredibly excited for what Bradford can achieve.
“As with all UK Cities of Culture, Arts Council England will be working closely with Bradford Culture Company and other partners to ensure that Bradford 2025 can be the best year of culture ever.”
The best diskus padlock guide
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ITM Power wins Double-A rating for third successive year
Sheffield-based clean energy company ITM Power has achieved an AA MSCI ESG rating for the third consecutive year.
The rating measures a company’s resilience to long-term environmental, social and governance risks and identifies industry leaders and laggards. Companies are rated according to their exposure and how well they manage those risks relative to peers.
With the retained AA rating, the company now ranks within the top 11% of all companies in its sector, indicating the company’s ESG practices are well-aligned with shareholder interests.
A spokesman for the company said: “It also means we are a company leading its industry in managing the most significant ESG risks and opportunities. More importantly, as the MSCI ESG ranking is the primary research tool and most widely used benchmark by investors, our ranking will further help investors to understand the importance we place on being a business that is fit for the future.”
Almost 80 York businesses gather for skills training event
York’s medieval Hospitium played host to Google’s Digital Garage when almost 80 businesses gathered for a day of digital skills training.
Google’s expert trainers guided businesses through a range of innovative ways to attract new customers and take their brand to new heights. Attendees learned how to harness the power of video marketing, craft engaging narratives on social media and use Google Analytics technology to measure online engagement.
The event marked the end of a series of four free digital training events – three online and one in-person- that were organised this spring by City of York Council, in collaboration with Google UK. Further events are already being planned for autumn this year.
The Google Digital Garage is one of Google’s flagship investment programmes in the UK, helping businesses and individuals learn free digital skills through a range of courses and one-to-one sessions.
Google mentors and City of York Council Business Growth Managers were on hand throughout the day to offer personalised support and advice to businesses.
Between sessions, attendees networked over lunch, enjoying refreshments in the fourteenth-century Hospitium building and the surrounding Museum Gardens.
The support offered by this programme of events does not end with the sessions themselves; businesses that have attended any of the four training sessions have also been able to sign up for free one-to-one support from Google.
The Google Digital Garage is one of Google’s flagship investment programmes in the UK, helping businesses and individuals learn free digital skills through a range of courses or one-to-one sessions.
This event forms part of City of York Council’s business support offer, after the council received £130,000 for 2022/23 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is one of several initiatives using the funding to help businesses in the city thrive.
Neil Ferris, Corporate Director of Place at City of York Council, said: “The events we have run this spring alongside Google have empowered over 400 York businesses to build their brand online and grow their business.
“Given the success of our recent training events, we’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with Google and organising more events later this year.”
Debbie Weinstein, Managing Director of Google UK & Ireland, said: “Digital technologies are truly transformative and can help businesses and individuals across the UK to increase their earnings, boost their productivity and unlock their full potential.
“As a former business owner myself, I understand how tough it is to know where to turn to for advice. That’s why we’re providing hands-on support as part of our nationwide digital skills drive to help equip more people with invaluable skills that help to create jobs and economic opportunities.”
Mandate Systems moves into new West Yorkshire premises
One of the UK’s leading providers of independent pressure system examinations, Mandate Systems, has relocated to the newly-refurbished Woodvale House in Brighouse, courtesy of commercial lettings specialist and landlord, Towngate PLC.
The firm has committed to a five-year lease on the spacious ground floor suite, which comprises a 1,700 square foot modern, open plan office space and kitchenette facility.
Woodvale House itself forms part of a contemporary office development within a tranquil, landscaped setting, on the perimeter of the vibrant market town in Calderdale.
The family-run business, formed over 30 years ago, boasts a specialist team of highly-skilled engineers which undertakes site surveys up and down the UK — ensuring pressure system compliance on air, mixed gas, and steam systems.
Having carved a substantial reputation within the industry, Mandate Systems services companies of all sizes — from sole traders to global blue-chip organisations. The new Brighouse premises will offer the team increased space from which to operate.
Towngate PLC’s marketing manager, Julia Ford added: “We are delighted to welcome Mandate Systems as our new neighbours at Woodvale Office Park. This newly configured and refurbished space will, I am sure, work very well for the team. With excellent access to the motorway network and great amenities — including restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, gyms, and even a swimming pool — it is a fantastic place to work!
“The ground floor has been divided into two to accommodate the existing ground floor tenant, who had expressed a desire to downsize their premises, thus creating two carefully considered and attractive office suites. We wish the team the best of luck in the new space.”
Speaking of the move, Managing Director at Mandate Systems, Amy Kent noted: ”The Towngate team has been a pleasure to work with as we searched for — and moved into — our new home.
“The site will make the perfect space for our operation, and we’re very much looking forward to taking full advantage of the range of local amenities.”
YCC Charity seeking support as Network Rail commence Huddersfield train station redevelopment plans
Yorkshire Children’s Centre (YCC), which has its headquarters at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield has recently been impacted because of the redevelopment of Huddersfield train station.
The changes come from the Transpennine Route Upgrade plan. In the plan, Network Rail plans to invest in the railway that runs through Huddersfield to Leeds and beyond, to improve connectivity and help support economic growth in the North of England.
After a long period of planning and consultation, Network Rail officially commenced the redevelopment of the station on 8 May 2023. In doing so, YCC – situated next door to the station – has lost the use of Network Rail owned land to the rear of Brian Jackson House. YCC have used this land for over 35 years.
This move means that YCC have restricted rights to access the back of their building, for prearranged deliveries only. This access was previously used for deliveries, staff parking, and an entrance for service users amongst many other things. YCC ultimately only own and have a legal right to access the land which the building sits upon – and not an inch more.
CEO Mark Farmer said: “We completely support the upgrade to the railway service for Huddersfield, as part of the wider regeneration of the town and wider Kirklees. We have worked closely with Network Rail and its partners to maintain some access but are looking for alternative parking arrangements to help our employees and building users.”
YCC’s Head of Children and Family Services, Catherine McKenzie, explained: “In terms of service delivery, we have already been impacted by simple things such as access into the building which has affected delivery of our much-needed child safety equipment. This has resulted in precious staff time being utilised to make alterative arrangements rather than spending time supporting families.”
YCC continues to operate within Brian Jackson House including delivering services on site such as Stay and Play, Child Contact and Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme work.
YCC are appealing for any individuals or local organisations who may know of any free parking opportunities/may have a few parking spaces to spare close to the Brian Jackson House building, to please get in touch with YCC to support the delivery of the charity.
Catterick town centre set for £21m transformation
Ambitious plans to breathe new life into the heart of Catterick Garrison will be completed within two years.
They will provide a wealth of new facilities for the community, including members of one of the largest Army bases in the country.
The £21 million transformation project will see a new town centre created with a community and business skills centre, a town square and improved park facilities as part of the Government’s levelling up initiative to tackle regional inequalities.
North Yorkshire Council will work with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to bring the proposals to fruition by June 2025. The council have received £19 million from the Levelling Up Fund, with the remaining match-funding coming from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and the council.
The four-acre plot around Shute Road, which extends into the neighbouring Coronation Park, will be redeveloped to provide more community facilities, improve pedestrian access and pave the way for further improvements that will deliver extra retail and commercial premises. That in turn will drive further investment into the area and the wider town centre for both the military and civilian communities.
Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, told members of the authority’s executive that agreements for partnership working on the scheme were already being drawn up, and site surveys had been completed.
He said: “This exciting project will transform the current tired centre of Catterick Garrison and greatly improve amenities for the local community. Work will begin early next year with completion by summer 2025.
“It will benefit everyone living and working in communities around the garrison, as well as the service personnel and their families who are stationed at Catterick and who play a vital role in the life of our county.”
Catterick Garrison is home to one of the largest Army bases in the country with the town centre transformation bringing benefits to Armed Forces personnel and their families.
North Yorkshire has a proud history associated with the military dating back more than a century. There are 10,770 military personal in the county, one of the largest numbers nationally.
Major General Richard Clements CBE, Director of Basing and Infrastructure, said: “As home for many British Army units and the training centre for infantry soldiers, Catterick is an important garrison and this investment is very good news for our people.
“I am delighted that this transformative project is progressing at pace and we look forward to working with our local partners over coming years, to deliver improved facilities and services for military and civilian communities.”
The redevelopment plans include:
- Creating a new town square.
- Landscaping improvements, including upgrading Coronation Park and Shute Road by providing enhanced play areas and improved routes linking into the existing town centre.
- Enhancing key footpaths and cycleways through Coronation Park and on the approach to the town centre.
- Building a new community and enterprise facility with a glass pavilion and outdoor seating area.
Yorkshire launches new strategy to generate more tourism income for county’s businesses
A new strategy aimed at attracting more visitors to North Yorkshire will tackle long-standing issues affecting the tourism sector to boost the multi-million pound industry.
The first-ever countywide plan is currently being developed to promote the tourism industry and help attract an increasingly diverse range of visitors, while also dealing with a host of issues that have affected the sector.
The destination management plan will aim to promote a year-round visitor economy and will also investigate ways of addressing skills shortages and increasing wages as workers in the sector have traditionally had lower salaries.
Tourism officers, responsible for drawing up the destination management plan, are also hoping to work with key partners to improve sustainable transport links, such as bus and train services, to provide visitors with easier access to travel across England’s largest county.
Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “The visitor economy has long been one of the drivers of North Yorkshire’s overall economy, and we recognise the importance which the industry has in supporting thousands of businesses across the county.
“The opportunities that are now being provided with the new North Yorkshire Council are immense, and it will be the first time that we will have a countywide plan dedicated to promoting the visitor economy.
“This will not only support the industry and the tens of thousands of jobs it provides, but it will also help attract new enterprise and more visitors for the opportunity to enjoy locations in North Yorkshire that are already known across the world.”
A draft destination management plan is due to be finalised by the end of June, before a bid will go to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Support in September for North Yorkshire to become a Local Visitor Economy Partnership, which will involve private and public sectors and would need to follow a new national process to be eligible for support and potential funding from the Government.
Tourism officers in North Yorkshire are working closely on the project, pooling their knowledge and expertise to ensure the strongest possible proposal for a LVEP is submitted.
The North Yorkshire Water Park at Wykeham Lakes near Scarborough has carved out a growing reputation as a leading tourism attraction since it was launched in 2017.
The site underwent a £1.6 million revamp in 2021 and created a new café and changing rooms, as well as expanding the activities on offer, including land-based pursuits such as a 250-metre zipwire, bushcraft sessions and puzzle rooms.
General Manager Gareth Davies said: “We have such a varied offer for tourism in North Yorkshire, from the coast to the moors and the dales. There is a real benefit to now have a single organisation to develop a strategy for the whole of the county, as we have so much to shout about.
“For us at the water park, it is good to hear that there will be a particular focus on promoting outdoor activities, which is definitely an area that can grow for tourism in North Yorkshire.”
Contractor chosen to deliver 500-home Leeds BTR scheme
Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to construct a 500-home build to rent (BTR) residential scheme at Whitehall Riverside in Leeds city centre.
The £140 million project is being delivered by Glenbrook and backed by Legal & General following last month’s announcement of what is Leeds’ largest build-to-rent funding deal and the pair’s first venture together.
Danny Roberts, development director at Glenbrook, said: “With planning permission secured and the funding agreement with L&G now in place, we’ve immediately moved forward with the delivery of Whitehall Riverside and are working towards a completion date of April 2026.
“Given the scheme’s extensive sustainable credentials, it was vital that we had a best-in-class contractor in place with similar values. We have a well-established relationship with Bowmer + Kirkland and this appointment provides certainty to the market that we will be delivering a high-quality product and provide an even broader range of choice for people in the city.”
Paul Sykes, regional director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “After the undoubted success of High Definition at MediaCity, we are delighted to be continuing our successful partnership with Glenbrook to deliver an outstanding development that aligns with both Bowmer and Kirkland’s and Glenbrook’s values, and commitment to provide much more than just a building.
“Sustainability, social value, and placemaking are at the heart of what we collaboratively aim to achieve, leading the industry in delivering quality and attractive places that people will be proud to call home.”
The project team includes Sheppard Robson, Curtins, Abacus, Re-form, Crookes Walker Consulting.
New phase of business space delivered at Lincoln commercial park
A new phase of business space has been delivered at Lincoln’s premier commercial park, Leafbridge.
Lincoln-based construction contractor and developer, Stirlin, was appointed as lead contractor to deliver the new units on behalf of their client, PKS (UK) Ltd.
The new phase, named Parkes Way, provides 23,000 sq ft of employment space, split across six individual units – ranging in size from 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft.
The industrial units have been designed to accommodate a variety of business uses, with each unit benefitting from an electric sectional door, DDA compliant toilet facilities and ample parking.
Stirlin has delivered over 49,000 sq ft of commercial property on the 44-acre site so far, split across three phases, providing a mix of light industrial units and hybrid office and warehouse space.
Caroline Parkes, owner of PKS, says: “This is the third time Stirlin have delivered industrial units for PKS (UK) Ltd. These premises are ideally located, with great access to train and road links. Parkes Way offers a great mix of versatile commercial accommodation, available to let.
“Working with the team at Stirlin has been a professional and pleasurable experience from start to finish. The project was delivered on time and within budget, with high quality, desirable results.”
Tony Lawton, Managing Director at Stirlin, says: “Since the first units at Leafbridge were completed in 2021, we have seen a notable demand for new employment space in the area, so we are delighted to deliver this new phase of units on behalf of our valued client, PKS.
“Leafbridge is situated in a convenient, accessible location and is occupied by both local and national businesses, making it incredibly attractive to those seeking investment opportunities.”
Jasper Caudwell, chartered surveyor at Pygott & Crone, says “Leafbridge continues to perform as Lincoln’s Premier business park with the new Parkes Way bringing a much-needed extension to the already flourishing park.
“Parkes Way comprises over 23,000 sq ft of business space available to let and we are delighted to be acting alongside our valued clients in bringing these attractive units to market. We have already received a good level of interest and look forward to seeing these occupied by growing businesses.”
Business confidence in Yorkshire falls, but remains in positive territory
Business confidence in Yorkshire fell 11 points during May to 19%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
Companies in Yorkshire reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 21 points at 20%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down four points to 17%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 19%.
Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their offer (31%) investing in their teams (30%) and introducing new technology like AI (24%).The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.A net balance of 3% of businesses in the region expect to reduce staff levels over the next year, down four points on last month.
Overall UK business confidence dropped five points to 28% in May. Despite the dip, every UK nation and region report a positive confidence reading.
As the country celebrated the Coronation, London reported the highest levels of business confidence at 43% (down four points on last month), followed by the North East at 35% (down six points month-on-month). The West Midlands, South East and South West, also reported high readings in May, all at 30%.
Firms remain optimistic about their own trading prospects, with a net balance of 34% expecting business activity to increase over the next 12 months, down just five points on last month.
Steve Harris, regional director for Yorkshire at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Despite there being a slight dip in overall business confidence for the region this month, it’s encouraging to see that Yorkshire firms remain broadly optimistic and are looking at evolving their offer as an avenue for growth.
“To avoid any delays and to capitalise on opportunities quickly, businesses should ensure they have the working capital to help with short-term finance needs. We’ll be by the side of businesses as they target growth in the coming months.”
Confidence among manufacturers increased to a one-year high of 40% (up from 29%), while retail registered a more modest two point rise to 26%, and construction remained robust at 34% despite its monthly nine point decline. Services confidence, however, fell back to 26% from 36%, almost erasing last month’s rise. Overall, confidence across the broad sectors remains above levels at the start of the year.
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “As the economic environment remains challenging, compounded by stubborn inflation and higher wage pressures, business confidence has dipped slightly this month as firms feel cautious about the wider economy and their own trading prospects.
“However, while firms’ trading prospects and economic optimism both eased back, they still remain in positive territory as the UK has avoided an outright contraction in GDP – indicating a certain amount of underlying resilience in the economy.”
Humber shares vision for prosperous green future at Innovation Zero Congress
The Humber’s place promotion organisation has shared the region’s vision for a clean, green, prosperous future to an international audience.
Future Humber presented the Humber 2030 Vision at the Innovation Zero Congress, held at the London Olympia, alongside key partners in the region’s drive to a sustainable net zero economy. The Innovation Zero Congress is the UK’s largest event to drive businesses towards low and zero carbon solutions. It hosted more than 12,000 visitors and featured 200 exhibitors and 350 speakers across eight stages over two days. The Humber 2030 Vision is the prospectus of decarbonisation projects that represent a potential £15 billion investment in the UK’s Energy Estuary, including Humber Zero, H2H Saltend and Gigastack. It details how these projects can establish the UK’s first low carbon industrial cluster in the Humber by 2030, unlocking significant investment and creating tens of thousands of jobs. The vision also highlights why the Humber, as the UK’s largest carbon emitter, represents the single biggest industrial decarbonisation opportunity. Future Humber, alongside 10 partners including RWE, Phillips 66, Drax and SSE Thermal, created its own ‘Humber Pavilion’ to showcase the vision at the congress. The 16m by 6m pavilion featured nine separate stands representing individual decarbonisation projects under the Humber 2030 Vision. It also had a central networking area where members of the Future Humber team and partners were able to interact with thousands of visitors to the pavilion. Future Humber was launched last month to replace Marketing Humber, with a renewed strategy and focus on its powerful network of Bondholders that spans the private and public sectors across the region. The repositioning includes a refreshed and expanded Board of Directors to further strengthen Future Humber’s voice across all sectors and give the region national and international influence. The change to Future Humber more accurately reflects the organisation’s wide-ranging work to make connections, build partnerships to promote the Humber, and help secure investment to drive growth. The Future Humber team at the Innovation Zero Congress included Managing Director Dr Diana Taylor. She said: “The Humber has huge decarbonisation ambitions and we’ve made important strides on our journey to net zero – but we must grasp the opportunity before us. “Now is our time and, by working together under the shared messaging of the Humber 2030 Vision, we can achieve our ambitions of creating a sustainable, thriving green economy. “As a convenor, Future Humber, supported by the strength of our network of Bondholders, is helping unite the region and share its story to influential decision-makers. “There was an incredible amount of interest in the Humber 2030 Vision across the two days at the Innovation Zero Congress and visitors to our pavilion were fascinated by the level of activity, investment and potential for our region to lead the UK’s green economic recovery.” The Future Humber team were also joined by Henri Murison, Chief Executive of The Northern Powerhouse Partnership, who is also a member of the new Future Humber Board. He presented the collaborative voice for the industrial clusters of the North and amplified the narrative for the Humber as a major player at a session titled Regional Net Zero Regeneration: Future Growth Opportunities. He said: “We need to put real energy into collaboration across the North, not competition, to achieve our goal of a prosperous green future. “There’s been an incredible amount of work carried out across the Humber to get where we are, and significant progress has been made, but we’ll only get to where we want and need to be internationally by the scale of the prize for decarbonising industry on the Humber being secured. “The Humber 2030 Vision represents a potential £15 billion investment in the region, which would be truly transformative. We need government to move more quickly to secure this investment and gain the benefits to UK plc of it being spent.”Sustainability is not such a modern concept
As the chase for net zero gathers momentum SMEs are being increasingly challenged to not just create plans for sustainability but to achieve them.
According to some reports, 50% of businesses have ambitions to achieve net zero by 2050 but only 11% believe they have the right strategy to get them there.
The focus on the environment may seem like a relatively recent movement but for some it has been a philosophy for well over a century.
Known as Lincolnshire’s favourite coffee roaster, Stokes Tea & Coffee is an award-winning family business with more than 120 years of experience in sourcing, roasting, blending and supplying the freshest coffees, finest teas, equipment, servicing and barista training. The company also runs multiple destination cafés and hospitality spaces.
Stokes has built a reputation amongst its peers for leading the way in sustainable practices. This is in part, testament to some solid habits which are as alive today as they were when the company began back in 1902. The mantras of ‘make do and mend’ and ‘waste not want not’ together with an uncompromising commitment to world-class levels of quality, are not just standing the test of time, they’ve been instrumental for decades in delivering effective ethical and eco practices.
Emma Olivier Townrow, Business Development Manager at Stokes, is helping to co-ordinate the sustainable efforts, she describes the journey so far.
“Stokes has never been just about profit. The family has always given back to its communities, operated responsibly, ethically and sustainably. These are not just snappy sound bites. I can honestly say that these behaviours and values are quite literally built into the DNA of the company. Minimising waste, being efficient and valuing resources is the Stokes philosophy.
“The company has just got on with it for decades and never been interested in virtue signalling or labelling its efforts when it comes to environmental or community activities. This has presented a very different challenge, as unlike many other businesses where sustainability initiatives are being developed to meet the requirements of things like B Corp certification, Stokes has so much in place already that is just business as usual.
“The behaviours and practices require retrospective ‘labelling’ as it were, rather than having to start something new, it’s been a case of finding and formalising what’s already in place. I’ve been working on the B Corp application to help Stokes get formal recognition and certification for the amazing work it’s been doing.
“There’s a vast amount already in place including investment in new heating systems and eco-friendly coffee roasters that significantly cut down on energy usage and emissions and a clear focus on minimising waste through upcycling, recycling and re-purposing. Stokes is close to its supplier base at home and abroad to ensure every penny spent benefits communities near and far. The company demonstrates that a team focus and strong principles can make huge headway when it comes to the sustainability journey.”
Emma’s Top Tips for Achieving Net Zero Targets:
1. Don’t be overwhelmed by the prospect of driving sustainable agendas, the UN targets all ultimately lead to overall benefits for businesses including efficiency, savings and greater business/community engagement.
2. Start small, for example by finding 3 ways to reduce single-use plastic, switch to greener suppliers or support a community project to develop a fresh perspective and approach towards tangible and sustainable business practices. Once you start looking, you’ll be surprised by how many ways you’ll find to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Get your team onboard, share your ambitions and seek ideas from your people, better still create incentives or rewards for innovative ideas. Nothing breeds success like success, so find the wins and celebrate them.
4. Rethink how you dispose of your waste products – can they be reduced, reused or recycled?
5. Don’t be nervous about sharing your aims and ambitions with your customers, data shows consumers appreciate and value sustainable businesses. So, share your aspirations and seek collective solutions.
Find out more at: www.stokescoffee.com
New commercial director appointed at GNG
Experienced sales director Richard Gretton has been appointed as commercial director at GNG Group as the West Yorkshire business continues to drive the growth of its consumer, contract and medical mattress division.
With over 25 years’ sales experience, Richard’s long track record includes working within the furniture industry. He joins from Hypnos Beds where he spent almost six years as global retail sales director.
Prior to that, he was commercial director at Castelan Group where he launched new strategic services across the furniture, leisure and hotel markets. He also spent over three years as commercial development director at Homeserve plc as well as having been commercial director of Valspar UK.
A strong commercial and operational professional, Richard’s expertise includes marketing management, negotiation, business planning, market planning and operations management.
In his new role with GNG, Richard will lead the sales operation for the expanding mattress division which includes its Komfi vacuum-packed mattress brand, featuring recycled Ecofoam and luxury Sonlevo mattresses with unique TrueGel grid system technology.
“With his exceptional track record of success within the industry, Richard will play a pivotal role in spearheading the further growth of our mattress division,” says GNG Group Managing Director Darren Potterton. “Having increased capacity by over 300% with the opening of our Normanton facilities last summer, we have ambitious expansion plans to continue to build our customer base.
“Richard’s appointment comes at a crucial time as we embark on the next chapter of planned growth in the UK. His strategic vision and business acumen, together with his industry insights and ability to forge strong relationships, will be instrumental in positioning our company to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance our capabilities.”
Richard adds: “With a 40-year manufacturing heritage, GNG has become one of the leading names in British-made mattresses. Known for quality, service and product innovation, I am excited to be joining a fast-growing business where I believe I can make a real difference.
“While the company has made impressive progress in recent years, there are still new markets to be explored and I am looking forward to using my skills to bring GNG’s outstanding products to a wider audience.”
Future of North Yorkshire brewery secured
The future of North Yorkshire’s Black Sheep Brewery has been secured with its acquisition by Breal Capital.
The multi-disciplinary equity, lending and advisory services company has snapped up Black Sheep Brewery, its shop and visitor centre, and its estate of public houses.
Founded in 1992 in Masham, Black Sheep Brewery employs around 150 people, and this deal will secure significant local employment and the family-run business’s future growth.
Leading on the acquisition, law firm Freeths’ restructuring partner John Jeffreys said: “We are extremely pleased to have supported our client Breal Capital in this acquisition which represents an important addition to its existing portfolio.
“The future of this well-loved Brewery has been secured with Breal’s support and we wish them every success.”
Asda acquires EG Group’s UK and Ireland business
Leeds-headquartered Asda has confirmed its acquisition of EG Group’s UK and Ireland operations for an enterprise value of £2.27bn, accelerating its growth strategy in convenience, omni-channel retail and foodservice.
Asda – owned by the Issa brothers, investment funds managed by TDR Capital LLP and Walmart – is acquiring the EG UK and Ireland business, consisting of 350 petrol filling station (PFS) sites and over 1,000 food-to-go locations, through an affiliate of its parent company, Bellis Acquisition Company 3 Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Asda Group. EG Group will retain approximately 30 PFS sites in the UK for wider group development and which will not form part of the transaction.
The transformational combination of Asda and EG UK&I will allow Asda to “better serve” a combined base of around 21m customers each week.
Following completion of the transaction, Asda plans to invest more than £150m within the next three years to fully integrate the combined business. As part of the transaction the shareholders are providing £450m of additional equity to fund the transaction.
The acquisition will strengthen Asda’s financial profile with the contribution of £195m EBITDA after rents, with additional P&L synergies of £100m expected to be generated over the next three years. These synergies mainly arise through economies of scale of the combined entity, higher volumes and cross-selling opportunities from a large and highly complementary customer base. Asda also expects to realise over £100m of working capital benefits as a result of its enlarged scale.
Stuart Rose, chair of Asda, said: “Asda’s acquisition of EG UK and Ireland will create a consumer champion like the UK has never seen. Throughout my career in retail – one thing has always been true, that meeting the evolving needs of customers is the route to growth.
“This transaction is all about driving growth by bringing Asda’s heritage in value to even more communities and accelerating the growth of its convenience retail business.”
Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda, said: “Asda is committed to saving customers precious time and money across their shopping baskets and on the forecourt. The combination of Asda and EG UK&I will be positive news for motorists, as we will be able to bring Asda’s highly competitive fuel offer to even more customers.
“I would like to sincerely thank all colleagues at both businesses for their ongoing efforts to serve our customers during tough economic times, and I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues from EG UK & I and expanding the Asda family further.”
Gary Lindsay, managing partner at TDR Capital LLP, said: “The combination of Asda and EG UK&I creates a convenience and food retailing champion, with nearly £30 billion in annual revenues. The two businesses are highly complementary, bringing together Asda’s traditional focus on mid-to-large sized supermarkets and EG UK&I’s on convenience retail, foodservice and fuel.
“At TDR Capital we’re proud to play our part in bringing the businesses together. We invest for the long term and this transaction is the realisation of a shared vision which began with our investment in EG in 2016. We are committed to help Asda reclaim its number two position in UK grocery, strengthening its position as a much-loved British brand that delivers great value to millions of customers every week.”
The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2023.
Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa will continue to lead the business through its ongoing transformation programme and integration of the EG UK&I business.
Mohsin will continue to be supported by Asda’s existing leadership team, which includes Michael Gleeson as Chief Financial Officer, who took up his post on 24 May.
The business has also commenced a formal search of global talent to identify a new CEO of Asda with the relevant skills required to lead and grow Asda into the future. It is expected this search process will take several months.
Alongside existing board members, Asda will hire additional non-executive directors to its Board.
York launches mental wellbeing hub for local businesses
York employers and their staff can now access a free online resource hub to help create mentally healthy workplaces.
Thanks to funding support from City of York Council, mental health charity York Mind has launched the Knowledge Hub. This is a password-accessible website which will contain guidance tailored to different sizes and types of organisations, as well as a wide range of resources including short videos, webinars and blog posts.
The Knowledge Hub is York-specific, signposting a range of local help and resources available to organisations and their employees.
Once signed up to the Hub, business leaders will be able to access free leadership-specific content and advice, including step-by-step guidance on creating and implementing a mental health strategy for their organisations, as well as dynamic content to maximise employee engagement.
Staff members will also have access to the platform, where they will find resources to help them look after their own mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.
Users will be able to access the Knowledge Hub free of charge for an initial period of 6 months from their sign-up date. After 6 months of use, the Hub will become a paid service and users will have the choice whether to unsubscribe or pay for continued access.
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Transport, said: “We’re delighted to support York Mind in launching the free Knowledge Hub. Investing in employee wellbeing has been proven to bring about considerable economic benefits, from boosting staff retention rates to reducing the number of productive days lost annually to staff sickness.
“National research has shown that small businesses are aware of the importance of providing mental health support to their employees, but that, all too often, they feel they do not have access to the right resources and expertise to feel confident in implementing a mental health strategy and supporting employees.
“It can be difficult to fit employee support around the time-consuming demands of running a business. Through the Knowledge Hub, business leaders and their employees will be able to access expert guidance at the touch of a button, whenever and wherever they choose.
“We hope that this new resource will help York’s businesses of all sectors to confidently support their employees.”
Simon Taylor, Head of Corporate Wellbeing Services at York Mind, said: “We are excited to be launching our brand-new and innovative Knowledge Hub, which we are confident will support businesses by offering a single source of information on a range of mental health topics.
“The Hub will also help business leaders by offering a step-by-step guide to creating a mental health strategy which we hope will support businesses to develop a positive mental health culture in their workplaces.”
To express your interest, email: corporatewellbeing@yorkmind.org.uk.
Work gathers pace on new Pickering industrial park
Members of the newly formed North Yorkshire Council have toured a construction site in Pickering as work to create a major new industrial park gathers pace.
York-based Lindum Group hosted the visit to update councillors, officers and the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (Y&NY LEP) on progress at Pickering Park.
It comes two weeks after planning permission was granted for nine more industrial units at the site, which will form phase three of the Thornton Road Business Park. The council will buy and let the units once they are completed.
Site preparations and infrastructure work began in September 2022, after Lindum was awarded £880,000 from the Government’s Getting Building Fund via Y&NY LEP. Now detailed planning permission has been granted, construction work on units ranging in size from 1,500 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft will begin shortly.
Lindum development manager Andy Gardner said the site is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“It was fantastic to show everyone how work is progressing and for the LEP to see the site coming to life,” he said. “The land was contaminated, and so initial works have included remediation, as well as installing infrastructure to enable development of serviced units.
“This scheme would not be happening without support from the Council and the LEP and I would like to applaud their commitment to pushing ahead with this development.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “This development is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through collaborative working.
“Supporting new businesses and helping to grow North Yorkshire’s economy is a key aim of our new council and I am really pleased that in Pickering we will be able to provide purpose-built units for new and expanding businesses in the local area.
“It is my vision to see units like these developed across the whole county so we can give young entrepreneurs the chance to get on the workforce ladder in start-up businesses.”
David Dickson, chair of York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Place & Infrastructure Board, said: “We committed investment from the Government’s Getting Building Fund to this scheme to unlock the economic potential of the site. We’re really pleased to see the progress at Pickering Park, which will bring much-needed employment space to the area.”
Scanlans recruits property manager to further bolster Leeds team
Property management and surveying firm Scanlans has expanded its team in Leeds following further growth in demand for its services.
Neve Burnley has joined Scanlans as a property manager to manage sites at locations including Leeds city centre and suburbs, Wetherby, Ilkley and Selby.
In her previous role she was responsible for a large mixed portfolio of over 1,000 properties across 20 residential blocks, new-build estates and commercial buildings.
Neve’s appointment follows the recent arrival at Scanlans of Darran Ezard as a property manager looking after apartment blocks and other residential developments across North Yorkshire, including Harrogate, York, Ripon, Boroughbridge and Whitby.
Scanlans has secured new management contracts for a raft of apartment blocks and public open spaces in recent months, including sites in Leeds, Sheffield, Rotherham, Selby and Harrogate.
Nationally Scanlans manages a portfolio comprising over 20,000 units across more than 300 residential sites.
Alongside property management, Scanlans provides building surveying and LPA Receivership services and fire risk assessments from its Leeds operation, which is based at the Thorpe Park business and retail park.
Michael Willans, the head of property management for Scanlans in Yorkshire, said: “Neve has managed a variety of new-build properties, estates and commercial units and is a tremendous addition to our growing team. She is a customer-focused professional who builds excellent working relationships with a positive attitude.
“Her experience and attributes mean she is well-versed in dealing with the requirements of managed developments and estates.
“We are thrilled to welcome her to Scanlans, and her appointment is a further demonstration of our progress in the Yorkshire region. We hope to continue this growth with new exciting ventures throughout this year and beyond.”
Neve said: “Scanlans is a hugely respected practice with a high-quality portfolio, and takes a proactive and constructive approach to dealing with clients.
“It’s great to be working in such a varied role and alongside such a dedicated and capable team of professionals.”
