Willmott Dixon has been appointed for its latest scheme for the emergency services, a transformational headquarters, training centre and new fire station for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS).
Procured via the SCAPE framework, the company has moved onto a site in Birkenshaw, south east of Bradford, to demolish the existing buildings which will make way for the urban search and rescue training centre that will take firefighter learning into the 21st century when open in 2024.
The project forms part of wider modernisation plans for West Yorkshire fire stations, which will enable the service to deliver its vision to keep West Yorkshire people and communities safe. The old headquarters – currently based in the on-site Grade II listed Oakroyd Hall – will be sold once the new build is complete.
Assistant chief fire officer Nick Smith, who is leading the building programme for WYFRS, said: “Seeing the old buildings coming down and so quickly has made this transformation real to us all now.
“Discussions to build a new headquarters has been on the cards for well over a decade, so it is great to see this finally taking shape. This is an integral part of our aim to be a modern, efficient, and effective fire service, keep our communities safe.
“The Birkenshaw site redevelopment is part of a wider estates strategy to ensure all our stations across the region are modern and fit for purpose now and well into the future.”
He added the modernisation and transformation of the service is part of national framework to ensure all fire services are fit for the future.
Less than half of the overall spend is for the headquarters building, with the rest divided between the training centre, new fire station and to ensure the site is net zero in terms of its carbon footprint.
The green site will generate 50,000kWh of sustainable energy per year through solar panels and will reduce carbon consumption through heat pumps, hybrid ventilation and efficient building materials.
As part of its commitment to the local economy, Willmott Dixon has already created local jobs and training opportunities at the site and is on track to start building the new three-storey complex early next year.
Chris Yates, Yorkshire director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to support the modernisation of its estate, delivering a state-of-the-art environment for those who work around the clock to keep us all safe.
“This really will be a project delivered for local people by local people. To date, 44 per cent of our project spend has been invested with local businesses based within 10 miles of the development and we’ll deliver 24 weeks of apprenticeships and 465 hours of support to help get under 24-year-olds into work.
“We are also proud to support the customer’s net zero ambitions, which are critical to the success of our own 2030 ‘Now or Never’ sustainability strategy. By the end of 2030 all our new buildings and major refurbishments will achieve net zero operational carbon.”
Mark Robinson, group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “We are proud to have collaborated with Willmott Dixon to accelerate this project forward. At SCAPE, we strongly believe that every project should create a strong, sustainable legacy for the community and the delivery of these headquarters is a prime example of how this can be achieved, whether that be through creating jobs for local people or prioritising net zero initiatives.”
Yorkshire Building Society ranks in UK’s top ten employers dedicated to diversity
Yorkshire Building Society has been ranked tenth in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List 2022/23 in recognition of its continued dedication to workplace diversity.
The mutual climbed six places from last year’s ranking after building on inclusive initiatives such as new colleague networks, a development programme specifically for black, Asian and ethnically diverse colleagues and rolling out strength-based assessments for more inclusive recruitment.
Baljit Singh, talent resourcing and inclusion lead at Yorkshire Building Society, said:”This award reflects another great year of progressing our inclusion and diversity ambitions and we’re all really pleased and very proud that the Society’s commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity continues to be recognised externally.
“We’re committed to building a more inclusive and welcoming place for all to work. I’m looking forward to seeing what more we can achieve with the plans we have in place for next year and beyond, but for now, we celebrate how far we’ve come to make the Society a better workplace.”
Compiled by Inclusive Companies, the UK list acknowledges and ranks businesses which are most consistent throughout the whole tenure of their organisations and encompass all types of diversity. Now in its seventh year, it has become the definitive cross-industry index harnessing both best practice and innovation with the goal of driving inclusion for all.
Jobs saved as Grantham hotel sold out of administration
The Olde Barn Hotel in Grantham has been sold out of administration, seeing all jobs saved.
The sale to an unnamed buyer comes after the hotel fell into administration for the third time.
It had previously been rescued by Shepherd Cox Hotels (Grantham) Limited in 2020, part of the Shepherd Cox Hotel Group.
The Olde Barn Hotel has over 100 bedrooms, a leisure club, restaurant and function facilities.
Nicholas Barnett, administrator at Libertas Insolvency Practitioners, said: “I can confirm that following an extensive marketing campaign (that took place prior to my appointment), a sale of the business and assets took place shortly after my appointment as administrator of the company.
“I am pleased to report that all employees were transferred to the purchaser and as such there will be no redundancies.
“Furthermore, the purchaser is honouring all pre-paid future bookings, so the hotel continues to trade and customers will not be affected.”
Two join Nuclear AMRC exec team to get more UK firms into the sector
Two nuclear industry leaders have joined the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre executive team to help more UK manufacturers win work in the sector.
Liz Gregory has been appointed to the new role of Supply Chain & Skills Director following a key role in delivering the nuclear sector deal, while Tom Purnell joins as Business Development Director from Frazer-Nash Consultancy.
“I am really excited to have Liz and Tom join my team,” says Andrew Storer, CEO. “The Nuclear AMRC has been central to so many key subjects for the sector, and now is the right time to strengthen the lead team so we can provide the increased support needed to ensure UK companies win work.
“Liz and Tom have a huge amount of relevant experience and will be great assets to the organisation, which we have already started to benefit from. I really look forward to working with them.”
The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre helps UK manufacturers win work across the nuclear sector, in new build, operations and decommissioning.
Small firms resist move to cashless society, research discovers
Two in five small firms don’t want to see a move towards a cashless society, according to new research from iwoca, one of Europe’s largest small business lenders,.
The analysis finds that around half (46%) of small firms use cash each month, while a third use it every week.
While three in ten small businesses have reduced their use of cash since the start of the pandemic, the majority are using it to the same extent, with some even seeing greater demand from customers. Over half of SMEs say their use of notes and coins has remained stable despite the increase of contactless and online payments being rolled out during the pandemic, with more than one in ten companies seeing an increase.
SMEs still use cash for a variety of reasons, with flexibility for customers coming out on top. Nearly six in ten businesses back cash to promote consumer choice (57%), while a quarter are concerned that card payment costs remain too high (24%).While the use of cash has declined among many small businesses, iwoca says SMEs are evenly split on whether cash should be phased out in future. Two-fifths say that they want to keep using coins and notes with their customers, while the same proportion wants to stop using them entirely.
Colin Goldstein, Commercial Director at iwoca, said: “For hundreds of thousands of small businesses, access to physical money is still essential for the day-to-day running of their company. Yes – the pandemic has moved more businesses towards contactless payments, but the real story here is the strong resilience of cash. From coffee shops to hair salons, restaurants to construction sites, it seems that SMEs want to continue using coins and notes long into the future.”
Yorkshire entrepreneur rescues Joules subsidiary The Garden Trading Company from administration
A Yorkshire entrepreneur has rescued The Garden Trading Company (a subsidiary of Market Harborough-based Joules Group PLC) from administration, saving all 53 jobs.
Under the undisclosed deal, TIM Group Holdings (TGH) will work with the current management team to continue to deliver “exceptional quality” home and garden products.
TGH, founded by Yorkshire entrepreneur Tim Whitworth, is a private equity house that uses independent capital to invest in and partner with businesses of varying sizes.
Tim Whitworth, managing partner, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with a business with such great history and provenance, along with an unrivalled product range. We are extremely impressed by the management team and have great confidence in supporting and investing in their future.”
Ryan Grant and Will Wright from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators to The Garden Trading Company on 16 November 2022.
Founded in 1994, The Garden Trading Company takes inspiration from both the British countryside and city lifestyle trends to develop products for consumers and some of the world’s leading retailers.
Laurie Houghton, Managing Director of The Garden Trading Company, said: “I’m delighted that TIM Group Holdings shares our vision and commitment to both our customers and our team to support our ambitious plans in growing both the brand and product range in the future.”
Ryan Grant, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “The Garden Trading Company had grown rapidly to become a leading retailer of distinctive garden and homewares, so we’re pleased to have achieved this outcome which ensures the business will continue to trade, and which safeguards over 50 jobs. We wish the management team and TGH all the very best for the future.”
The Garden Trading Company was advised on the legal aspects of the deal by Eversheds Sutherland. The buyer, TGH was advised by Freeths LLP.
Bank of England announces ninth rate rise in a row
The Bank of England has increased the base rate from 3% to 3.5%, in the face of historically high inflation.
Marking the ninth rise in a row, it adds more pressure on businesses’ margins during the cost of doing business crisis.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chair Martin McTague said: “Today’s rise in the base rate was widely predicted, but there is also a sense in the air that the decision to go for an increase – with today’s the ninth in a row – may be less of a one-way bet in coming months.
“This time last year, the base rate was just 0.1%. The precipitous climb in borrowing costs in under 12 months has hit small firms hard, eroding their margins at a time when many are struggling with the very cost increases which prompted the Bank of England to increase the rate in the first place.
“Energy costs are by far the biggest driver of the inflation that businesses and consumers are experiencing, and interest rate increases are doing little to rein in energy bills, while making it harder for small firms to keep the lights on.
“SMEs are collectively carrying £33 billion extra in debt, much of it index-linked, compared to January 2020, before Covid hit. Every basis point increase means extra pressure for those on floating rates, and a disincentive to apply for finance for firms looking to grow and invest.
“Our Small Business Index found that in Q3, nearly two in five small firms applying for finance were offered a rate of 8% or higher, compared to a quarter of small firms in the same period in 2021.
“This was supposed to be the recovery period, where the economy got back into gear, with small firms providing the engine of growth. The cost of doing business crisis has knocked that plan off course, and many small businesses are wondering – amid strikes and disruption, near rock-bottom consumer confidence, and continued rises in input costs – how they will stay afloat.
“The Government’s forthcoming announcement on how it will support businesses once the Energy Bill Relief Scheme comes to an end must have a compelling offer for small firms, one in four of whom say they plan to close, downsize or restructure in the absence of a sufficient level of energy support after March.
“Many small businesses are struggling at the moment. They need certainty and support, to help them make the most of the festive season, and enter the new year in a spirit of optimism.”
Alpesh Paleja, CBI lead economist, said: “Another big interest rate rise from the Bank of England doesn’t come as a surprise, in the face of historically high inflation. However, with global price pressures starting to wane, along with the economy set to fall into recession, it is likely that we’ll see smaller interest rate rises for the foreseeable future.
“Nonetheless, high inflation and weakening activity will continue into 2023, putting strain on many households and businesses. With monetary policy focused on tackling inflation, the government must use economic levers to stem the severity of an oncoming downturn, but also to address the UK’s persistent weakness in investment and productivity. We cannot afford to have another decade where both are stagnant.”
Sustainable energy company teams up with marine farmers to explore environmental benefits of seaweed
Sustainable energy company Ørsted has teamed up with Yorkshire marine farming company SeaGrown to explore the potential of using seaweed farms to boost ocean biodiversity.
The new partnership aims to develop biodiversity monitoring and measurement guidelines for offshore seaweed farms.
SeaGrown already runs an offshore seaweed farm in the North Sea and, with the right species and setup, the partners believe seaweed farms could be provide a useful tool to help support native species and habitats.
Seaweed, also referred to as marine macroalgae, is becoming widely recognised by a number of international organisations to provide a huge range of benefits to the marine environment. SeaGrown and Ørsted have set out on a mission to establish data around the potential of seaweed as an ocean-climate solution by trialling a range of monitoring technologies including eDNA, remote cameras, and sonar.
Recently, seaweed cultivation has been explored as a carbon sink, with the potential to absorb significant amounts of carbon dioxide – perhaps even more efficiently than trees. Much of the utility of seaweed as a carbon sink, however, will depend on how the seaweed is used once it has grown. There are currently no internationally recognised approaches to measuring carbon removal by seaweed, but there is huge potential for this to be an important part of the carbon puzzle and unique role our oceans play to mitigate climate change impacts.
Farming seaweed is also being considered for its contribution to improving biodiversity in our oceans – not only does it remove carbon and produce oxygen, it can also provide a substrate for marine organisms to grow on and act as a shelter for juvenile fish.
Seaweed species such as kelp grow rapidly via photosynthesis, so they use only sunlight and the naturally occurring nutrients in the sea. Not only is it fast growing, it is also extremely nutritious and grows in most of our oceans. It is therefore no surprise that it has been collected in the wild by humans for thousands of years and cultivated actively since at least the 1600s.
In busy marine areas like the North Sea, multiple users depend on access to the ocean for their livelihoods and a number of areas have also been designated for the protection of marine species and habitats. Seaweed farming may have the potential to improve these ecosystems, but it must be sited in a way that works in harmony other sea-users – SeaGrown’s pilot seaweed farm off the coast of Scarborough has been carefully located with this in mind.
Wave Crookes, Operations Director at SeaGrown, said: “Through this forward-looking project with Ørsted we are seeking to establish the best way for seaweed farming to assist ecologically-conscious operators such as Ørsted to minimise their impact and work in harmony with the marine environment to generate the green, renewable energy we all need.”
College takes over Old Bakery to create Lincoln’s only not-for-profit fine dining venue
Lincoln College has taken over the Old Bakery on Burton Road and made it the only not-for-profit fine dining restaurant in the city, and help plug skills gaps in catering and hospitality across Lincolnshire.
Using a grant for the Lincoln Towns Fund, the College bought the restaurant and invested in a dining room and kitchen refit, before opening the doors to the public again this week.
Further Towns Fund money has been invested in the College training kitchens at its Monks Road campus to mark the launch of the Lincoln School of Hospitality and Catering.
Level three college students and apprentices will get the opportunity to work alongside the Head Chef Barry Dawson at the Old Bakery as part of their “Finishing School” preparation to enter the workplace.
Mark Taylor, Lincoln College Director of Business Development, said: “When the previous owner put this place on the market we saw it as the perfect partner to the Lincoln School of Catering and Hospitality.
“Our new Old Bakery manager Chris and Head Chef Barry will continue to serve the best fine dining food in the city, but we’ll all be working towards a much bigger training solution for the county.
“Our catering, front of house, barista and mixology students will get to learn from Barry and Chris and work in a real-life industry setting that has the highest standards. This will enable us to produce really experienced, productive apprentices for restaurants, pubs and bars across the county.
“We also want to work with local business to deliver new courses to their staff to ensure the county’s tourism and hospitality sector has the highest standards of delivery and customer service.”
Old Bakery Manager Chris Wilson said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for me personally and it’s really going to enliven the local scene. Every penny spent in the Old Bakery will be reinvested in education and training from now on – that’s a totally new concept.
NFU pressure gets government to commit to consult on saving land for food secturity
Following significant lobbying from the NFU, the Government has committed to a consultation on safeguarding agricultural land for food production.
The NFU has been working with Greg Smith MP to table amendments to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, which would require the Government to consider the impact of future legislation on food production.
The move is a crucial milestone for British farming as the NFU continues to urge the government to put in place a statutory underpinning of food production.
This would look to maintain current levels of self-sufficiency alongside an international trade strategy that enables agriculture to achieve the NFU’s ambition of growing our food and drink exports by 30% by 2030.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Felicity Buchan MP, has written to Greg Smith outlining the department’s intention to consult further on the basis of protection in national policy for agricultural land.
The consultation plans will ensure the importance of food security is recognised alongside imperatives such as energy security.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “This consultation is a much needed step in ensuring food security is factored in to all local plans, and shapes the future of agricultural land use.”
Racing driver fuels Yorkshire motorsport business with significant investment
Racing driver Rupert Laslett, who competes in Great Britain’s acclaimed Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge, has become the latest director at Yorkshire-based Hype Motorsport, after acquiring a stake in the business.
Hype Motorsport is the first company offering corporate customers and motorsport enthusiasts the opportunity to have a positive impact on the environment, whilst racing sports cars around top UK and European circuits.
Laslett will have an active role in the business, overseeing several exciting new projects that are planned for 2023, as well as promoting Hype’s events and track day car hire to his network in the world of motorsport and the Porsche community.
Hype Motorsport is the brainchild of Leeds-based Ben Hyland, who has spent two decades working in motorsport, and Southampton-based co-founder Mike Jarvis. The pair launched the business earlier this year and it’s designated as ‘ClimatePositive’ thanks to carbon offsetting through SCB, the low-carbon commodity company, which redresses and improves on the carbon footprint left by businesses and individuals.
Prior to launching Hype, Hyland previously ran Pole Position Indoor Karting in Leeds before joining forces with Jarvis to launch want2race, which became the UK’s biggest novice racing driver competition. In 2019, want2race was acquired by Ginetta and Hyland spent the next two and a half years continuing to develop want2race under the sports car brand’s umbrella, which is where he met Rupert, who was Ginetta’s 2021 G40 Cup Am Champion, before he made the switch to Porsche.
Laslett, who lives near Canterbury, previously ran a California-based management consulting business, specialising in the oil, gas, chemicals, technology and pharmaceutical sectors, before selling the company in 2014.
He returned to the UK in 2019 and started racing in Ginetta’s competitions, renewing a love for the sport that he’d last been involved in 25 years ago. He has just completed his rookie season in the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge, finishing in an impressive second place, in a race car that now displays Hype’s distinctive branding.
Laslett explained: “I met Ben through Ginetta and have always been impressed with his racing knowledge and ability to organise and host superb motorsport events. When he launched Hype with Mike, I immediately knew it would be successful.
“Partnering with ClimatePositive and making Hype’s events climate positive by at least 25 per cent, was a very shrewd move. It also mirrors what’s happening at the very forefront of motorsport, with F1 aiming to become net-zero by 2030 and developing a 100% sustainable fuel that will soon be used in its cars.
“In addition, Hype’s BMW M2 Competition, Porsche Cayman GTS and Alpine A110 all offer a superb motorsport pedigree and are perfect for drivers of all abilities, when combined with the professional guidance of Hype’s instructors. Six months after launching, Hype has already hosted countless events for hundreds of drivers at circuits including Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Spa in Belgium, and I’m really looking forward to helping the team build on this impressive start.”
Ben Hyland said: “Rupert is passionate about motorsport, has enjoyed a successful business career and is a superb racing driver, which all made him a perfect fit for Hype and we’re very pleased to welcome him to the team.
“With Rupert on board, we’re also looking forward to offering tailored corporate partnerships as the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge races exclusively alongside the British Touring Car Championship from next year. This will mean millions of viewers on ITV, as well as tens of thousands of spectators at each event, and we can now offer brands exposure on the car and hospitality at race events, in addition to corporate track day event options, which is another exciting prospect.”
The ClimatePostive label assesses that each event Hype Motorsport hosts will emit approximately 1.66 tonnes of CO2. This includes Hype’s team travel, accommodation and electricity, as well as guest’s racing, travel and accommodation. These emissions are offset and another 25% of is also added to give back more to the environment than is emitted. Plus, everyone attending Hype’s events will benefit from offsetting the carbon from their road car for 12 months.
Henry Boot Construction donation brings Christmas cheer to care leavers
South Yorkshire construction firm, Henry Boot Construction, has donated £1,000 to help care leavers in Barnsley celebrate this Christmas.
The donation was made to dedicated volunteers who help organise The Christmas Dinner – an annual project now in its fifth year in Barnsley.
The Christmas Dinner is a national idea founded in 2013 by the poet Lemn Sissay MBE and now runs across the UK. It is not a charity, or a social enterprise, and each dinner event is an independent project.
The Barnsley Dinner is organised by a local steering group of volunteers, who come together to ensure no care leaver aged 18 to 25 is left alone on Christmas Day. The volunteers arrange a venue, presents, a chef, food, transport, volunteers and often so much more.
After restrictions caused by the pandemic in the past two years, volunteers are looking forward to delivering a face-to-face event in Barnsley and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Beth Goodliffe, chair and lead for The Christmas Dinner Project Barnsley, said: “Our team is determined that no young person in Barnsley – unless out of choice – will ever spend Christmas alone. Being without family is hard enough but to be a young person alone on Christmas day is something that no one should have to experience. Our project strives to ensure this doesn’t happen and that young people experience an amazing Christmas day.”
Tony Shaw of Henry Boot Construction added: “This is an incredible grassroots community project. The volunteers make an enormous difference to the lives of young care leavers, and it is an absolute privilege to be able to support them.”
The Christmas Dinner Project Barnsley is also seeking additional volunteers to help at its present ‘Wrapathon’ on 17, 18 and 19 December. If you’d like to get involved and help young people have a fantastic Christmas then email tcdbarnsley@gmail.com for more information.
Volunteers have also set up a crowd-funding page to raise funds for the event. Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-christmas-dinner-barnsley to donate.
Henry Boot Construction has been involved in Barnsley’s Christmas Dinner project since 2018 – with the company leading on the transformational Glass Works development in Barnsley town centre at the time.
Last month, the firm also raised £1,500 by taking part in the tenth annual Sleep Out for Roundabout in Sheffield. Going back to basics in Meadowhall Car Park, the team braved the cold to raise vital funds for the youth homelessness charity.
Cost of living crisis denies 2.5m the chance to retire, says Legal and General
Research from Legal & General Retail has found that 2.5 million pre-retirees will have to delay their retirement as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Among those planning to delay, 1.7 million expect to have to keep working indefinitely in either part-time (19%) or full-time (9%) roles.
Pre-retirees who plan to delay their retirement say they will need to push it back by almost three years on average, with nearly two thirds (64%) unable to afford the loss of income whilst costs are so high.
The cost-of-living crisis is another in a series of setbacks that have seen pre-retirees reconsider their retirement plans. The findings suggest that 46% of workers aged 55+ have had their plans impacted by external factors such as the pandemic, Brexit and rising living costs.
Over one in seven pre-retirees (16%) are also presently looking for additional work in order to boost their income, and one in 10 (10%) are concerned about the stability of their job in light of the current economic conditions.
However, while a need for income remains a priority for many who plan to delay, a desire to stay in the workplace is also driving many people. Other reasons for pushing back retirement include people simply enjoying their jobs (26%). A further one in four (25%) say they don’t feel ‘old’ enough to retire yet, while a fifth (20%) worry they will be bored if they retire.
Lorna Shah, MD of Retail Retirement, Legal & General Retail, said: “Retirement can be tricky to navigate even without the backdrop of rising living costs, so it is understandable that those approaching retirement aren’t sure what they want to do next. While many choose to retire later because they enjoy their work, there are millions of people who are making this decision based on necessity, rather than personal choice.
“But retirement isn’t a once and done decision. Before concluding their retirement needs to be delayed or forgotten indefinitely, I’d urge people to think about the role different products and assets can play and make use of the free, impartial support available offered by the likes of MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice Bureau. It’s crucial to have a strong understanding of the options available before making any long-term decisions.”
Expansion of private hospital in historic Leeds building set for approval
Planning approval is set to be granted for the second phase of a private hospital in one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings.
Leeds City Council planners are ready to give the green light to a brand-new 6,500 sq ft extension at the 17th century Red Hall House estate near Roundhay Park.
Phase One of the £8m development is complete with the multi-disciplinary Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall now fully operational.
Phase Two will comprise a large day case surgery unit with full operating theatres as well as examination, treatment and consulting rooms, which will create 40 new jobs and ease the heavy burden on the over-run NHS in the Yorkshire region.
Dr Fas Arshad, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon and the lead surgeon at The Hair Dr – Hair Transplant Clinic, explained that the new single-storey annexe at Red Hall was absolutely crucial to the private hospital’s success.
“The news that planning permission for Phase Two is set to be granted is tremendous. The new £5m annexe will house the rest of the clinical areas on site, including the two operating theatres, where non-emergency cases such as cataract surgery, arthroscopies and ear, nose and throat procedures will be carried out.
“The new annexe will also allow the latest sustainable and medical technology to be integrated seamlessly with the grade II listed Red Hall House.
“My wife and business partner Ms Sommiya and I are absolutely passionate about creating the finest private hospital in Yorkshire. The stunning transformation of Red Hall House itself has seen us achieve Care Quality Commission (CQC) approval, enabling us to use the building as a first-class medical facility.
“We have invested £3million of our own money already in Red Hall House, turning the old and rather neglected headquarters of the Rugby League into the one of the finest private hospitals in the north of England. This is a long-term investment in the Leeds region, creating new and sustainable jobs and providing a timely boost to the region’s economy.”
Jonathan Erkulis, director of the Yorkshire-based E3 Architecture, is working very closely with Dr Arshad on the transformation of the Red Hall House estate. He said: “Our detailed plans have secured the restoration, sustainability and longevity of this important Grade II Listed Building while creating sensitive and high-quality designed additions to create a prestigious state-of the-art medical facility.
“It has been a pleasure working with Dr Arshad to secure the stunning redevelopment of Red Hall House itself and of the 6,500 sq ft annexe. The project is an example of where conservation and commercial aspirations can work together through major investment.
“E3 Architecture have also worked closely with Leeds City Council planners ensuring a unified approach to maintaining the setting and integrity of Red Hall, via careful and innovative design, preserving the landscaped grounds and approach securing the Red Hall Estate’s long-term preservation, enhancement and future viability.”
Dr Arshad and his wife bought Red Hall House from the Rugby Football League last year for over £1.65 million.
Dr Arshad explained: “The Hair Dr Clinic had expanded quickly and we outgrew our previous premises. The majestic Grade II Red Hall, close to the brand-new East Leeds Orbital Route, has proved absolutely perfect and it is humbling to have moved into such a magnificent building with such an illustrious history.”
The building is set in over three acres of landscaped grounds ensuring patient welfare, comfort and discretion have been at the forefront of design.
Ms Sommiya said: “The main focus of our work at Red Hall is offering up-to-date and state-of-the-art treatments, which include surgical and non-surgical treatment. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that everyone who comes here for surgery will also receive the very best psychological and emotional support.”
The founders of Red Hall Private Hospital have strong links to the region having both graduated from the University of Leeds. Dr Arshad, who is a Consultant Head, Neck and Facial Plastic Surgeon and Ms Sommiya, who is a Practice Manager and Audiologist with a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, are now ready to implement their plans to expand the repertoire of surgeries that will be offered in Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall.
Systematic appoints three new directors
On the back of its most successful trading year to date, design, print and marketing business Systematic, based in Caistor, Lincolnshire, has appointed three new directors.
Following their promotion Ben Crossfield, Jacqui Vear and James Walker will work alongside finance director and MD Sharon Robey to help take the business to the next stage of growth.
Despite suffering the tragic loss of Sharon’s husband and Managing Director Chris Robey earlier in the year, the firm has exceeded its targets and turned over more than £4m for the first time in its 47-year history.
“It has been our ambition to reach the four million pound-mark for many years and I’m pleased to say we have finally achieved it,” explained Sharon.
“As a second-generation business, family values are embedded in everything we do. Our team embodies these values and when Chris and I took over the company from his parents, we wanted to put the staff at its heart.
“Promoting the management team to directors is the first step towards giving our employees a greater and more meaningful stake in the running and success of the business.”
Operations director Jacqui Vear added: “This year has been hard for the whole team, but especially Sharon, and I’m proud of the way we’ve supported each other and not only managed to survive but thrive.
“Our clients, partners and suppliers have been hugely supportive and of course we couldn’t have reached this fantastic milestone without them. With Chris very much in mind we’re looking forward to the future of Systematic full of optimism in the knowledge that together we can achieve great things.
“We’ve already got some exciting developments in the pipeline for 2023!”
Systematic’s positive trading results will also enable it to continue supporting local charities and good causes. At Christmas every year the business donates hundreds of pounds to charities chosen by the staff.
Commercial director Ben Crossfield said: “We’ve lost count of how much we’d donated over the years, but we know that we’ve passed the £50k milestone!
“We make donations wherever we can – in fact, earlier in 2022 we made an impromptu pledge of £5,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for the benefit of people who continue to face the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
“Our record turnover this year will mean we can continue founder Nick Robey’s Christmas tradition and build on Chris’ legacy of making a positive difference, for our clients, suppliers, team, and community.”
Other key achievements during the last financial year include a rebrand in November 2021 to reflect the increasingly diverse ways Systematic support its clients.
IT director James Walker said: “Systematic was originally a printing company but we’ve since expanded to incorporate mailing and marketing services and we have our own dedicated design and animation studio. We’ve also launched a new range of sustainable corporate gifts.
“In fact, sustainability is another cornerstone of the business and we’re aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025. For the first time we now have an all-electric fleet and we’ve installed solar panels at our headquarters in Caistor which means we’re well on the way to achieving that.
“So, although we have experienced great sadness this past six months there are also a lot of reasons to celebrate, and we know Chris would have been the first to pop the champagne!”
For more information about Systematic or the range of services it offers please visit www.systematic.uk
Doncaster firm’s expertise helps to create bottle tops for more than 50 countries
Doncaster-based Agemaspark has used 3D metal printing solution to help an international drinks company produce the bottle top of the future.
The firm has made mould tools for long-term customer Silgan Closures, which sells its closures in more than 50 countries across the globe. Their closures are used on liquid cartons and plastic sports drinks bottles, and need to be suitable for hot or cold drinks, be tamper-proof and resealable.
Paul Stockhill, MD of Agemaspark, said: “We have worked with Silgan Closures for more than 18 years on conventional moulding tooling for their plastic injection moulding components.
“Following an EU directive to change to tethered caps for drinks cartons we discussed making new mould tools with a view to improving the manufacturing process.
“We ran a number of trials of the moulds and have now delivered a product that enables these drinks caps to be manufactured in a more environmentally friendly way.”
Paul added: “We are extremely proud to have created the mould tool design concepts and tooling designs for Silgan Closures. It is fantastic to be working with them in partnership on their wide range of caps and closures.
“We are continuing to test moulds and designs and are now working on two new prototype tools for the company converting existing conventional tools to conformal cooling tools.
“It is great to see companies investing in improving the environmental impact of manufacturing and being innovative in their approach to delivering their product.
“Our techniques can be used to help industries from oil and gas to aerospace and from medical and clinical to tooling. We are looking forward to using this application to help more sectors improve their environmental foot print.”
Skegness firm moves towards ‘diesel-free’ future with van acquisition
Skegness-based Micronclean has added two ‘diesel-free’ vans to its fleet, saving as much as 3,000 gallons of diesel in their first year.
Initially they will be based in Baldock and Grantham delivery duties across the South and West Midlands.
Ricky Sheen, Transport Manager at Micronclean said: “The two new Maxus EDELIVER 9 vans represent a major step forward as we work towards reducing the carbon footprint of our transport fleet. Historically we have always optimised our delivery routes to improve service levels, minimise fuel consumption and reduce costs, yet whilst this will continue, these vans also offer us a step change in our journey.
“The trials we undertook proved that as the technology stands currently these vehicles are ideal for local delivery routes, yet we will need to use internal combustion engines for some duty cycles. Where this is the case, we are looking to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) which will reduce net carbon emissions by up to 90%. In this way as we constantly renew our existing transport fleet at the end of their economic life, we have options to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Sophie Harris, QSHE Associate Director at Micronclean added: “These vans are the first tangible elements of our MicronGreen agenda as we start setting a bold pathway to zero carbon emissions.”
Arco donation helps build next generation of cyber security experts
Hull-based safety company Arco is donating IT equipment and sharing the expertise of its colleagues as part of a new employer-led project to mentor students at Ron Dearing UTC and offer them ‘hands on’ learning in cyber security.
Following an upgrade of systems across its network of safety stores, Arco will be donating several of its firewall units and a number of network switches to allow the students to learn using real-world technology. Arco colleagues Josh Thorpe, Cyber Security Analyst, and James Swinburne, Apprentice Cyber Security Analyst, both former pupils of Ron Dearing UTC, will be delivering presentations as well as mentoring students as part of the project. Richard Martin, Arco Non-Exec Director and Chair of Governors at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “As one of the college’s employer partners, Arco is proud to be working with Ron Dearing on this exciting project, which will be the first of many of its type, to inspire the next generation of cyber security experts. “At Arco, we specialise in health and safety and many lessons carry over well to cyber security, such as the need for appropriate protection, training and compliance. “By providing a hands-on learning experience, we aim to nurture the students understanding of cyber security and develop the skills required to help promote cyber security as a potential career.” Mike Hudson, Cyber Security Manager at Arco, said: “Arco has an excellent relationship with the students and staff at Ron Dearing UTC and this project will strengthen that partnership even further. “It is exciting that we can involve Josh and James, as former students of Ron Dearing, in this project and help demonstrate clearly how their education at Ron Dearing has supported them in starting and developing their careers at Arco.” Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “This is an amazing project led by our very own alumni at Arco. “The project will enable our computer science students to apply their skills to a real-world cyber security scenario with the guidance of industry professionals. This is another excellent example of world class employer-led learning.”Wakefield Council decides not to purchase shopping centre due to ongoing challenging financial environment
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet have confirmed that no plans will be progressed to purchase The Ridings Shopping Centre, and instead the Council will seek to work in partnership with any potential third-party buyer.
A report was considered by the Council’s key decision makers, which explored the potential for the Council to take a financial interest in the shopping centre, as part of its wider long-term regeneration plans for the city centre.
Due to the ongoing challenging financial environment for the Council, however, Cabinet have decided it is not the right time to pursue this and instead have instructed officers to explore different models for delivering the Wakefield City Masterplan, which guides future development and economic growth in the city centre.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It has become clear that the impact of the huge financial challenges we are facing will be far greater than we have encountered before, with huge pressures on our budget and our ability to deliver services. Therefore, making this decision is a significant financial risk that we cannot take at this time.
“This site still remains a key area in our long-term regeneration plans for Wakefield and we want to support any potential buyer to help realise our ambitions for the city centre.”
The Council now seeks to work in partnership with any potential buyers, sharing it’s due diligence information to support a sale and to help influence any future development plans to ensure the best outcome for the city centre and long-term regeneration plans – in line with the Wakefield City Masterplan.
Cllr Jeffery added: “We will be exploring different options to help deliver our ambitious Masterplan for Wakefield and we are continuing to work with external funding partners and agencies in an effort to support the future of the Ridings site.”
Kirklees Council seeks approval to move forward with Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor
At next week’s (21 December) cabinet meeting, Kirklees Council officers will ask for approval to move to the next stage of development and to include wider consultation for the Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor.
In February 2022, the council revealed that they were in the first stages of planning for the Station to Stadium masterplan.
The scheme represents one of the most exciting economic development opportunities in the Yorkshire region and beyond. It aims to grow and attract good quality jobs and businesses in Huddersfield, for the benefit of the whole district which will encourage and support businesses to grow and expand into the area.
Investment from the Transpennine Rail Upgrade will make Huddersfield one of the best-connected places in the North of England. The University of Huddersfield’s investment in the Health Innovation Campus at Southgate will put the town on the map globally in terms of translational health and wellbeing research and applied applications. The Station to Stadium scheme will build on the above assets and will act as a key investment creating a corridor for enterprise, which combined will ensure a greater long-term impact.
Research that Kirklees Council commissioned, found that there is a demand for good quality employment sites that stimulates private sector investment in commercial office, research, development, and residential use. The scheme will help to identify potential spaces by increasing the utilisation of either empty or underutilised properties within the area.
Councillor Graham Turner, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Regeneration, said: “The Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor Masterplan sets out an exciting long-term vision for Huddersfield. The Transpennine Rail upgrade coming through Huddersfield, the University of Huddersfield’s new Health Innovation Campus and the John Smiths Stadium are each enormous economic drivers but this plan allows us to plan how they are linked together to have an even greater impact. The plan sets out several projects that public and private sector partners will now work together to develop.
“The Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor is a strategically important development for the area and I would urge the public to be involved as and when they can. Our work with key stakeholders for this scheme has been building over the last few years as we are determined to bring forward something that our local community can be proud of.
“This is an exciting next step for an ambitious long-term project that will bring potentially transformative benefits to Kirklees and the wider region in terms of jobs and investment.”
If the current proposals are approved by cabinet, the next stage of development including stakeholder consultation will move forward in early 2023.
The five core principles of the project.
- Innovative and high-value employment – supporting the local economy by attracting new innovative businesses whilst increasing productivity
- Connected and integrated – build on and develop opportunities for residents, workers, students, and visitors to use active travel routes
- Raised aspirations, skills, and education – create a mix of inclusive spaces for Kirklees and beyond to support people into employment, strengthen entrepreneurship, increase skill levels and raise aspirations
- Attractive and vibrant environment – revitalise the area and the routes between Huddersfield Rail Station and the John Smiths Stadium by enhancing the local natural and historical environment whilst re-connecting with key assets of the distinctive landscape setting
- Sustainable and clean growth – create a network of green corridors to connect to other areas of the town, encourage biodiversity net gain, support mental well-being, and maximise natural assets
