Small firms urged to enter competition highlighting international trade
SMEs are being encouraged to enter the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards’ scene created by the Department for Business and Trade.
The awards, entry for which is open until March 9th, celebrate the international sales success of SMEs across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. This year, two new categories have been added: Digital & Technology, and ‘Export Services’ – the latter aiming to recognise the contribution of logistics and distribution businesses that facilitate UK exports.
Other categories cover Advanced Manufacturing & Construction; Agriculture, Food & Drink; Consultancy & Professional Services; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services & FinTech; Healthcare; Infrastructure and Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; Retail and Consumer Goods.
Lloyds Bank has joined as a partner for the 2025 awards, in addition to the founding partner, the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade. The winners’ package has been updated to include a year’s free business membership to the Chartered Institute; an export masterclass with a Lloyds Bank trade expert; professional photos of their business; and an invitation to the winners’ reception in London. They will also receive a trophy, certificate and digital badge, and bespoke promotion on the DBT’s channels. Those that are highly commended will also receive a year’s free membership to the Institute.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said: “When small businesses export, it opens a wealth of incredible opportunities. These awards are a testament to the innovation that British SMEs display day in, day out.
“As we enter the new year, our Plan for Change is about ensuring businesses across the country can thrive and grow. This will boost jobs and wages and firms that export are at the forefront of that growth. I encourage all those who have started on the exporting ladder to enter and showcase their success.”
Two of last year’s winners have since seen growth in revenue and expansion into new markets. Intralink, an international business consultancy and winner of the Consultancy and Professional Services category, has enjoyed 10% growth in revenue and expanded into Finland, Norway, China and South Korea. SimVenture, the winner of the Education & EdTech category, has seen 30% year-on-year growth and grown into the Middle East.
‘Reeves’ first budget weighs heavily on business,’ says Chamber Chief Exec
Hopes were high of a further cut in interest rates in December were dashed when the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voting to hold interest rates at 4.75%.
And with the realities of the Chancellor’s first tax raising Budget starting to hit home, there is much unrest in the business community about higher overheads which will show themselves more clearly in the results for the first quarter of 2025, says the Hull and Humber Chamber.
Chamber Chief Exec Ian Kelly said: “The quarter three figures showed a slightly improved picture with many indicators showing something of a bounce back, but our Quarter 4 results have seen the majority of those gains go into reverse.
“It is clear that increased costs caused by higher overheads and a substantial increase in the cost of employing staff thanks to Rachel Reeves’ first Budget are weighing heavily on the minds of business leaders across the Humber region.
“Most firms say they are now planning to increase their prices in the coming months, while at the same time cutting investment in training and equipment.
“Cashflow and profit expectations are also down as firms look for ways to reduce the impact of higher overheads in the midst of a tightening economy, not helped of course, by the Bank of England’s decision in December to delay a further cut in interest rates which had been hinted at by Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey when he met senior Chamber Business Leaders at a private lunch in Grimsby in October.”
Nationally, The British Chambers of Commerce said: “The worrying reverberations of the Budget are clear to see in our survey data. Businesses confidence has slumped in a pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes.
“Firms of all shapes and sizes are telling us the national insurance hike is particularly damaging. Businesses are already cutting back on investment and say they will have to put up prices in the coming months.
“The Government is rightly coming up with long-term strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. But those plans won’t help businesses struggling now.
“To help business we need to see quick action in three specific areas. Firstly, Ministers should accelerate business rate reform to create a system that incentivises investment.
“We also need the Government to speed up infrastructure investment, to help SMEs in supply chains across the country. Finally, it’s crucial to support exports, prioritising a better trading deal with the European Union.
“Without urgent Government action to ease the pain on businesses, the challenging economic landscape will get worse before it gets better.”
Survey reveals divide in business sentiment after the budget
As UK businesses prepare to implement the tax changes announced in the October Budget, new research from Simply Asset Finance reveals a divide in business sentiment and prospects for growth.
Mike Randall, CEO at Simply Asset Finance said: “The initiatives introduced in the recent budget are a silver lining for medium-sized businesses, with many of the measures evidently enabling them to pursue growth with renewed confidence providing the resources and stability needed for innovation and expansion. However, there is a pressing need to extend similar support to micro-businesses, as they continue to bear the brunt of unique challenges and uncertainties that threaten their ability to thrive.
“The reality is that there’s no ‘one-size fits all’ policy for SMEs – nor for their financing either. Policymakers, lenders, and industry leaders must work together to provide the necessary support to help businesses of all sizes thrive, creating a more balanced and resilient future for the UK economy.
“For finance providers, it’s about flexibility and trust. Whether it’s by offering debt restructuring, showing pathways to investment, or exploring ways to help businesses manage through seasonal fluctuations, there are concrete steps that can be taken to support SMEs and help them grow despite the current uncertainties. Only by leveraging the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of UK businesses, can we unlock the potential of businesses of all sizes, broadening support and fostering a balanced and thriving economy.”
Despite grappling with changes to NI and the minimum wage, the survey, carried out in the wake of the budget, shows that almost one in five businesses are more inclined to invest in their business now that there is greater clarity on the Government’s economic roadmap. In addition, over half of businesses questioned believed the recently-announced reduction in business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure will enable growth.
But a closer look at the data shows that smaller businesses and micro businesses are likely to fare much worse than medium-sized companies following Chancellor Reeves’ interventions, says the company.
The research reveals that medium-sized businesses are more likely to find that the announced policy changes will bolster their outlook and plans for 2025 than those at the other end of the spectrum. More than half see the business rate reduction as a growth opportunity, while 48% believe the fuel duty freeze will support their expansion. Infrastructure investments are also seen as key drivers, with 46% expecting transport spending to boost growth, and 43% viewing energy infrastructure improvements as essential. With these resources at their disposal, medium-sized businesses could be poised to leverage these policies for sustained success in the year ahead.
However, the mood among smaller businesses, especially micro-businesses, is much bleaker. Over half of micro-businesses believe rising national insurance contributions will hinder their growth, compared to 46% of small businesses and 40% of medium-sized businesses. Similarly, nearly half fear the impact of potential capital gains tax increases, a concern less pronounced among small (40%) and medium-sized (38%) firms. Adding to this, micro-businesses face the highest levels of uncertainty, with 7% unsure about their future—far higher than the 2% of small businesses and 1% of medium-sized businesses.
Farming organisations demand full consultation on inheritance tax changes
In the letter, farming leaders criticised the lack of consultation with the industry and professional practitioners prior to the announcement of the proposed changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief.
The Treasury has so far committed to only a very limited ‘technical consultation’ on one specific aspect of the proposals, relating to the policy on charges on property within trusts. That consultation will happen early this year. The letter urges the Chancellor to use this opportunity to carry out a far more comprehensive review of the proposals.
Part of the letter said: “We urge the government to extend this consultation to cover other aspects of the policy, to ensure that it does not have the many negative consequences we believe it will have, in its current form, on family farms, environmental land management and food security.”
Key areas of concern that the group is urging to be part of a bigger consultation include; the impact of the changes on farming profitability and the viability of farming businesses, the options for older individuals for whom, until now, the most effective tax advice had been to hold their farms until death, and the impact on the tenanted sector.
Farming organisations emphasised that expanding the consultation will ensure the reforms to APR and BPR “will better enable the government to meet its fiscal objectives, while ensuring that working farm businesses are not periodically broken up on death, and that land available for tenancies is not reduced, given the serious negative impact these outcomes would have on growth and employment in the rural economy and on the nation’s food security”.
Following the sending of the letter this week, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Farmers are at the heart of our rural communities, producing food and protecting the countryside for future generations, but the government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax put all that at risk.
“As a significant group of food and farming organisations from across the UK, we are urging the Chancellor to listen to our concerns.
“The government must extend its consultation on these reforms to safeguard the future of British farming. Without action, these changes risk tearing apart businesses that have been built over generations, undermining rural communities and jeopardising UK food security for years to come.”
Stone company fined almost £20,000 after failing to protect workers
A company that produces stone products and its director have been fined a total of just under £20,000 after repeatedly failing to protect workers from exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out several inspections on Warmsworth Stone Limited, which produces carved stone masonry products using limestone, sandstone, granite and marble, at the company’s site at Knabs Hill Farm on Clayton lane in Thurnscoe, starting in May 2023.
Following these inspections, the company was served with seven improvement notices, which covered several failures including exposure to stone dust, control of legionella bacteria and inadequate welfare facilities.
When HSE inspectors returned in September 2023, five of the improvement notices had still not been complied with – despite the company being given an extension to do so following another visit in August.
The company had shown reckless disregard of several health and safety issues including the assessment and control of respirable dust, and the company’s standard of health and safety management was far below what is required by health and safety law, leading to HSE’s proactive prosecution for failure to control the exposure of workers to RCS.
Stone workers are at risk of exposure to airborne particles of stone dust containing RCS when processing stone, by cutting, chiselling and polishing. Over time, breathing in these silica particles can cause irreversible, life-changing and often fatal respiratory conditions such as silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
After the hearing the HSE inspector Charlotte Bligh said: “The company management responsible for health and safety were neither informed nor competent enough to carry out their role under the law.
“Over time, the basic measures to secure the health of all on site had not been taken, there had been no attempt to assess health risks and existing control measures had not been properly maintained.
“The company failed to take the initiative in health and safety matters and seek guidance, instruction and competent advice on implementation and communication of those measures necessary to control the risks at the site.
“The provision of suitable protection for worker’s health is a basic requirement that this company has failed to meet. HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fail to comply with the requirements of enforcement notices.”
Warmsworth Stone Limited of 1-3 Sheffield Road, Warmsworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching section 21 of Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by failing to comply with an Improvement Notice, breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 by failing to adequately control employee exposure to a substance hazardous to health namely RCS and breaching Regulation 9(2)(a) the same Regulations by failing to have local exhaust ventilation subject to a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months.
They were fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,064.
Director Simon Jonathan Frith pleaded guilty to being a director of a company that had breached Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 by failing to adequately control employee exposure to a substance hazardous to health namely RCS and breaching Regulation 9(2)(a) of the same Regulations by failing to have local exhaust ventilation subject to a thorough examination and test at least every 14 months, those offences being committed with his consent, connivance or neglect.
He was fined £1,062, and ordered to pay costs of £3,782.
The HSE prosecution was brought by enforcement lawyer Iain Jordan.
Jonathan Oxley is to be the first Executive Director of the recently-formed Humber Energy Board Ltd, which is tasked with decarbonise the UK’s most carbon intensive region.
In the role he will refine and deliver the HEB’s strategy to transform the region into a decarbonised industrial cluster.
Last September, the HEB launched a report Delivering the Vision, which demonstrated that with the right Government support, decarbonising the Humber could unlock £15bn in private sector investment for the region and create tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs, protect UK energy security and help the country meet its ambitious climate targets.
Jonathan continues in his role as a Senior Manager in the CBI’s Net Zero team, but will be seconded from the CBI to the HEB for up to two days a week. He also continues in his role as a Commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.
He has a professional career spanning over 30 years, which includes substantial experience in industry, having worked in senior roles in the energy sector with bp and the World Energy Council. He has also worked in the public sector, including leading the UKRI-funded work to develop a roadmap to decarbonise Humber industry.
The appointment of Jonathan as the first paid role for the HEB is a significant moment for the organisation, and is part of its work to develop the structures, governance and processes required for it to be able to deliver on its mission.
It follows on from the HEB appointing eight board directors from Humber based companies including ABP, Centrica, Drax, Harbour Energy, Phillips 66, RWE, SSE and VPI.
Mr Oxley said: “The Humber is the biggest decarbonisation opportunity in the UK, and I look forward to continuing to play my part in helping protect and enhance our regional industry, whilst reducing the associated emissions.
“I am pleased to have the chance to work with partners across the Humber in business, academia and local government, to refine and deliver our strategy for its transformation. This could catalyse multi-billion pound investment in the region, create tens of thousands of jobs, help keep the country’s lights on and accelerate the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
Richard Gwilliam, Chair of the Humber Energy Board, said: “2025 will be a key year for the HEB and we are delighted that Jonathan has accepted the Executive Director role. Jonathan has the skill and experience needed to take the organisation into its next chapter, develop and deliver our strategy and ensure that we can seize the opportunity to decarbonise the Humber and transform the region into a thriving net zero cluster.”
The Humber produces around 4.4% of total UK industrial emissions, and emits 20% more carbon dioxide than any other industrial cluster, but has a critical role in providing energy security for the UK.
The region generates 20% of the UK’s total electricity, and around 33% of the total offshore wind power is generated off its coast. The Humber creates around one-third of the UK’s refinery products and around one-fifth of all gas imported into the UK enters via the region.
Yorkshire Building Society appoints Director of People and Culture
Yorkshire Building Society has appointed Kirsty Webb to be its Director of People and Culture.
She’ll join the mutual on 3 February, bringing 25 years’ experience in people and HR leadership roles, most recently HR Director Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Interim Head of Talent for the Retail Division at Barclays Bank, where she has been since 2013.
She said: “I am excited to be joining the team at Yorkshire Building Society as Director of People and Culture. Joining an organisation with such focus on making positive impacts to society and enabling customers to ‘make real life happen’ is a great honour.
“I am particularly looking forward to getting to know the team and working together to further develop our people plans to enable both colleagues and members to grow and be successful.”
Holly Rankin, Yorkshire Building Society’s Chief People Officer, said: “Kirsty brings a wealth of experience and I’m looking forward to working with her as we continue to strive to create an inclusive environment for all colleagues.”
Award-winning visitor attraction to be sold in North Yorkshire
Specialist leisure property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to sell an award-winning visitor attraction: Eden Camp Modern History Museum in North Yorkshire.
Originally a prisoner of war (POW) camp, Eden Camp was built on the outskirts of Malton in early 1942 to accommodate Italian POWs.
In 1985 the site was purchased by Stan Johnson and following an initial £750,000 investment, the world’s only Modern History Museum was created within what was the original camp, opening in 1987.
Today, the museum tells the story of The People’s War, the social history of life in Britain from 1939 to 1945, with realistic tableaux, moving figures, authentic sounds and even smells recreated to “transport you back in time.”
Over the last few years the business has invested over £1.25m in renovation and restoration works to the fabric of the buildings as well as adding a new ‘Blitz Experience’, a remodelled entrance, new exhibition spaces and the Heritage Exhibition Hall which provides an undercover display arena for Eden Camp’s collection of unique and rare military vehicles and equipment.
The business enjoys close collaboration with veterans groups, providing immersive displays that cover both social and military history and its archive has grown into a resource of national historical and educational importance.
Attracting around 125,000 visitors each year, the museum is a popular venue for school groups, with around 25,000 children visiting in 2023 and for many years in succession, the museum has received both TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice and Certificates of Excellence awards. In 2024 the centre celebrated a record-breaking year, with unprecedented visitor numbers drawn to its programme of experiences and events.
With the migration of the collection’s archive to a digital platform offering a free resource, to creating and hosting activity workshops themed around the KS2 syllabus, the museum aims to boost accessibility to history through various mediums aimed at the younger generation.
After nearly 40 years in the same family ownership the business is being offered for sale for the very first time due to retirement.
Christie & Co are seeking substantial offers for the business to include the valuable freehold property.
Howard Johnson, son of the late Stan Johnson, said: “Since our father passed away in 2015, my sister and I have continued as custodians of this incredible business.
“We have consistently invested in improving the facilities and customer experience and have a fantastic team we work with here, but we too are at that time in our lives where it makes sense to pass the reigns to new owners. I’ve been contacted a number of times over the years asking if we would sell and so this tremendous opportunity now becomes a reality.”
Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure & Development at Christie & Co who is overseeing the sale process, added: “There are many people, particularly those from Yorkshire, who will have visited Eden Camp as a child and returned with their own children, parents and even grand-parents as there is something here for everyone.
“With over 105,000 items of memorabilia we can see Eden Camp appealing to a national and even international buyer audience, such is the interest in the subject matter. From a tourist perspective, it also benefits from the vast majority of its displays being undercover and so would provide a great hedge against inclement weather for visitor attraction operators with primarily outdoor facilities.
“We can also envisage Eden Camp being of interest to other museums, collections and collectors and whilst not forming part of the operating business itself, our clients own a number of rare and valuable military vehicles outside the company structure on offer, which could be made available to purchase or lease by way of separate negotiation.”
New Government pledge promises help for farmers – but there’s no u-turn on inheritance tax changes
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed has set out the Government’s long-term vision to make farming more profitable and put more money back in the pockets of British farmers.
However, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said that while there were positives within the announcements, there had been a failure to recognise the industry was in a cash flow crisis, with the lowest farmer and grower confidence ever recorded.
He said: “Many are worried about making it to the end of 2025, never mind what happens 25 years down the line.”
The NFU President listed the devasting inheritance tax changes, along with hikes to employers’ national insurance, “crippling cuts” to direct payments and delays to environmental schemes as existing pressure points that meant many businesses wouldn’t survive to benefit from the ‘new deal’.
Speaking to farmers and landowners at the Oxford Farming Conference, Minister Steve Reed says the Government wants to work with farmers to deliver a profitable farming sector and unlock rural growth. This will include a cast iron commitment to food security while introducing reforms to help farmers diversify their income streams to support them during poor harvests.
As part of the Plan for Change, the Secretary of State announced a series of reforms (with no reference to changes to inheritance tax), including:
- Backing British produce: For the first time ever, the Government will monitor food currently bought in the public sector and where it is bought from. This is a significant first step to deliver on a manifesto pledge and make it easier for British farmers to win a share of the £5 billion spent each year on public sector catering contracts.
- Using planning reforms to support food production: Ensuring our reforms make it quicker for farmers to build the buildings, barns and other infrastructure they need on their farms to boost food production.
- Diversifying income streams: Helping farmers make additional money from selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines by accelerating connections to the grid and support them during difficult harvests and supply shocks.
- A fair supply chain: Boosting profitability through fair competition across the supply chain. New rules for the pig sector will come this spring, ensuring contracts clearly set out expectations and changes can only be made if agreed by all parties. Similar regulations for eggs and fresh produce sectors will follow with the government ready to intervene with other sectors if needed.
- Protecting farmers in trade deals: The government will uphold and protect our high environmental and animal welfare standards in future trade deals.
54North Homes secures £20m to help build new homes
54North Homes has secured a £20m loan under the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme (AHGS) to support its delivery of new affordable homes across Yorkshire.
Managed by ESR Group’s specialist investment manager Venn Partners on behalf of the UK Government, half of the loan will help 54North Homes deliver about 100 new homes, with the majority for social rent.
The remaining £10m will facilitate investment in existing properties, advancing improvement works and decarbonisation.
Managing Director Mark Pearson said: “We’re pleased to be benefiting from the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme, which will enable us to provide more good quality affordable housing across Yorkshire.
“We’ve an ambitious growth programme – and the loan will provide us with a welcome boost to develop a wide range of homes that will meet customer needs and strengthen local communities.”
54North Homes invested more than £26.5m in the delivery of new homes over the last 18 months.
The AHGS, which aims to provide lower-cost, fixed-rate debt to registered providers to increase affordable homes supply, will play a key role in 54North Homes’ delivery of around 150 homes over the next three years.
Loans under the scheme, which reopened in March last year with an additional £3bn, are funded by a bond issuance programme backed by a guarantee from the UK Government.
Yorkshire wine merchants toast prestigious new appointment
Yorkshire wine merchants Firth & Co have appointed Richard Pickles as a senior sales representative.
Richard rejoins Andrew Firth, the founder and manager director of Firth & Co, for whom he worked when Andrew ran the Thirsk-based wine merchants Playford Ros.
This is a key development in the continued expansion of Firth & Co.
After Playford Ros, Richard joined national wine suppliers Bibendum, becoming Director of Sales in The North and Scotland, before moving to another national wine merchant, Enotria & Coe, selling premium wine in the north and London restaurants.
Richard said: “This is a very exciting move for me and I am delighted to be working with Andrew again, one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable wine merchants in the UK. His drive and passion have established Firth & Co’s reputation as a formidable player in the wine and spirits sector in the north – and beyond.
“After many years working for successful national wine companies across England and Scotland, it’s now the perfect time to return closer to my North Yorkshire home and to join up with some of the great names of the Yorkshire hospitality sector.
“I will be assisting Andrew, his deputy William Tilling and the fantastic Firth & Co team to introduce exciting independently sourced wines to the best restaurants and bars in the north. Firth & Co already supply some of the finest hospitality venues in the region and I look forward to adding to the illustrious list.”
Andrew Firth said: “This is a crucially important appointment for us as we continue to expand across the north of England. It’s 10 years now since we moved to our spacious premises at Ainderby Steeple, near Northallerton, and we have grown steadily year on year. Richard’s appointment will take us to the next level.”
William Tilling added: “I’m delighted that Richard has joined our team. His experience and expertise, together with his enthusiasm, will make him a tremendous asset for us.
“We have established a strong reputation for being a niche supplier of excellent European wines at competitive prices. We pride ourselves on a swift and personal service and are proud of the fact that we supply some of the very best hotels and restaurants in Yorkshire and the North East.”
William added: “We also run a very successful bespoke private customer service, providing wines for clients across Yorkshire and the North East. Over the past decade, our flagship premises have enabled us to provide an ever better service, with a wider selection of quality wines, predominantly from Europe, but also from the New World, too.”
Richard Pickles has lived in Boroughbridge for 30 years and ran the popular Grantham Arms in the town between 1994 until 2006, before selling it and joining Playford Ros.
He was originally from Oxenhope in West Yorkshire, where his forefathers farmed the Haworth Moors, before the Brontës made them famous.
2025 Business Predictions: Alexis Krachai, President for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Alexis Krachai, President for Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Goodbye 2024. Hello 2025. What will you bring for businesses across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire?
On a global scale, welcome back Mr. Trump. He’s discussing making it harder for companies outside the U.S. to sell products and services there. The UK has a special relationship with the U.S., but if you’re exporting to America, stay in touch with your local Chamber of Commerce and inform your MP about tariffs that could impact your business.
Closer to home, the UK economy is either turning a corner or under pressure, depending on who you ask. The increases in national insurance and other tax rises were not well-received towards the end of last year. The government needs to act quickly to rebuild business confidence. Expect reassuring words but pay attention to the Spending Review in June. The government will set its big spending priorities for the coming years, and it’s crucial they support local businesses by not cutting business support.
Lastly, if you run a business, how can you navigate what is likely to be a challenging and interesting year ahead? Get out and about. Growing your network isn’t just about finding new customers and clients; it’s about getting the inside track on the wider economy, understanding political changes that can impact your business, and learning how to harness new technologies. If 2024 was the year we woke up to artificial intelligence, 2025 is likely to be the year many more businesses start using this technology to fuel growth.
We live in interesting times.
New project wins and new senior appointments for Zerum
Leeds and Manchester-based multi-disciplinary property and construction consultancy Zerum Group is starting the new year on a high after securing several new transpenine clients and announcing two senior appointments.
Following project wins in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, Zerum’s expansion continues with the appointment of Pheobe Threlfall as associate director in planning and the promotion of Luke Bishop to projects director in the project management team.
These additions to the team come after a successful 12 months for Zerum and a number of recent high-profile new contract wins including Blacklight’s recent acquisition of the Devon Street student accommodation scheme, in Liverpool; a 700-unit build-to-rent scheme in Leeds; Scarborough Development Group and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust’s new Health Technology Innovation Hub in Leeds; and several development opportunities in Manchester City Centre in conjunction with Relentless Developments.
Nikki Sills, planning partner, said: “We’re delighted to add Phoebe to the team, which strengthens our planning offering even further following several recent hires. Phoebe has an excellent background in delivering and assisting on major mixed-use schemes, which will be of great value to our wide and varied client base in the North of England and beyond.”
Andrew Duffy, partner, added: “Zerum enjoyed a hugely successful 2024 and we are very pleased to be starting the year with a whole host of high-profile projects and to be further strengthening our team.
“I’m delighted to promote Luke to the position of projects director in recognition for his hard work and dedication, specifically in leading the delivery of the prestigious St. Michael’s development in Manchester City Centre.
“Luke’s promotion reflects our drive to reward leadership and professionalism that is crucial to ensure we maintain the highest standard across the Zerum businesses.”
Unity Enterprise to make key appointment in anniversary year
Unity Enterprise (UE) is recruiting an Assistant Manager to play a leading role in its continued growth as it celebrates 25 years in business.
Set up in 2000 as a not for profit subsidiary of Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, UE provides 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses
Collectively, they deliver employment for more than 1200 people across UE’s three business centres in Chapeltown.
The Assistant Manager will help to manage the centres including the newly opened podcast studio at Leeds Media Centre which recently completed a £1.8 million redevelopment in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, creating 12 new business units and a bespoke enterprise hub.
Adrian Green, UE Manager, said: “The new position of Assistant Manager is a great opportunity to join a highly successfully and motivated team.“The role requires a blend of business skills with some technical expertise in audio and video production.“The successful candidate will support me in the day to day running of our thriving business centres, engage with potential clients, organise events and contribute to the growth of our business initiatives.“It is a particularly special year for us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary in modernised surroundings. There has never been a better time to come onboard.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “UE’s mission is to find, encourage, support and develop local people with entrepreneurial talent and aspiration to improve life chances and boost prosperity.“Alongside their other responsibilities, the Assistant Manager will have a pivotal part to play in helping people to succeed as entrepreneurs, grow their businesses and create new employment opportunities.”
Shepley residential development gets green light
Planning permission has been granted to Vivly Living for a residential development at Shepley, near Huddersfield.
Kirklees Council has given the go-ahead for 52 new homes at Knowle Grange, which will form Phase 2 at Vivly’s development in the village. Phase 1, comprising 31 homes, has completely sold out.
Oliver Bottomley, Associate Director – Land and Development at Vivly Living, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been granted planning permission for Shepley Phase 2. This means we can bring forward 52 fantastic new and much-needed homes to the community.
“These homes will be energy-efficient and offer additional garden space, providing comfortable and sustainable living for our customers.
“I’d like to say a personal thank you to Coun John Taylor, the Shepley ward member and deputy leader of the Conservatives on Kirklees Council, who has helped to ensure that we can build much-needed affordable housing for Shepley and allowed us to introduce the First Home Scheme, helping first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.”
Coun Taylor explained: “I’m glad that Kirklees Council has agreed to Vivly Living’s revised proposals. The new plan is much better, with more space and houses which have larger gardens than before which is much better for families. As Vivly’s first phase showed, there is a demand for well-designed houses like this here in the village.
“This plan includes some two-bed houses under the First Homes scheme which will be ideal for young people wanting to buy their first home. Being able to buy a home in the village you grew up in is an aspiration for many young people locally.
“So hopefully we’ll see spades in the ground soon and people moving in, as the first residents of this second phase before the year is out.”
Work on Shepley Phase 2 is due to begin this month (January). It should be completed within 12 months.
‘Double whammy’ for Yorkshire and Humber economy as insolvency-related activity rises and new start-up numbers fall
Yorkshire and the Humber’s economy was hit by a double blow last month, according to the latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3. The data shows a marked decrease in new business start-ups in the region, along with a small rise in insolvency-related activity, in a pattern that was repeated across the UK.
In Yorkshire and the Humber, insolvency-related activities, which include liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings, were up by 5%, from 220 in November to 231 in December. Business start-ups fell by 16% in the region, following a 16% decline in November, and taking the number of new start-ups in the region to 3,235.
Insolvency-related activity increased in December across every UK region apart from Scotland, which saw a 32% drop, and South East England where it fell by 4%. The North East and Greater London saw the largest hikes in insolvency-related activity, up by 60% and 25% respectively.
While insolvency-related activity was largely on the rise in December, R3’s analysis, which is based on data from business intelligence and credit checking provider Creditsafe, also revealed a decrease in the number of start-ups across the country.
Mirroring the falls in entrepreneurial activity in Yorkshire and the Humber, every UK region was affected by double-digit percentage declines in the number of new start-ups in the final month of 2024, from a 10% fall in the West Midlands, to 17% in the East Midlands.
Dave Broadbent, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and partner at Begbies Traynor in York and Teesside, said: “December’s double whammy of increased insolvency-related activity and the falling numbers of new business start-ups is extremely concerning and comes as we are also seeing levels of UK business confidence plummet to their lowest since the 2022 mini-budget.
“Rising costs and taxes are putting firms under immense pressure and unfortunately that increased burden looks to be already having a negative effect on hard-pressed businesses as well as deterring new start-ups.
“While there may be a period of readjustment to new measures such as the hike in employers’ National Insurance contributions announced in the Government’s Autumn budget, we always advise any businesses that have financial issues that are becoming a problem to seek professional help earlier rather than later to ensure the best outcome possible.”
Grantham day nursery sold to care home operator
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School is a well-established day nursery located in Ancaster, Grantham, Lincolnshire. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, the nursery provides care for up to 52 children at a time and operates from a purpose-built rural property.
The sale also included the successful 46 place ‘Out of School’ club which the company runs from the local village primary school.
The nursery has been owned and managed by Linda Lukies since 2007. After many successful years in the childcare sector, Linda made the decision to retire, prompting the sale of the business.
Following a confidential sales process with Jassi Sunner at Christie & Co, it has been sold to new market entrant, Kiddi Corporation Ltd, which is owned by Rupinder Sandhu, a former care home operator expanding into the childcare sector.
Linda Lukies, former owner of Ancaster Village Nursery, said: “I would like to wish Rupinder and Ancaster Village Nursery every success for the future. It has been an absolute pleasure running this wonderful setting with such a passionate staff team and I know that, with Rupinder’s vision and experience, I have left everything in the safest hands.”
Rupinder Sandhu, the new owner of Ancaster Village Nursery, said: “I am extremely committed to delivering high-quality care in the community, drawing on my background in residential care.
“Working with children has always been a passion of mine and, as a parent of young children, I understand first-hand the challenges faced by parents. This drives my dedication to ensuring that childcare settings are nurturing, supportive, and positively promote children’s development.”
Jassi Sunner, Associate Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, said: “With its excellent location, Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School has built a fantastic reputation over the years under Linda’s leadership.
“The rural setting is logistically well placed for parents and has become a key choice for local families seeking high-quality childcare in a ‘home from home’ environment. After a competitive marketing process, we secured an offer from Rupinder, an experienced care home operator, looking for a new challenge in childcare.
“This transition is a perfect fit, and I have no doubt that Rupinder will build on the strong foundations Linda has established.”
Ancaster Village Nursery & Forest School was sold for an undisclosed price.
Elevate your brand: unique ways to showcase your products creatively
Businesses need innovative ways to display their offerings that resonate with professional audiences, communicate value, and leave a lasting impression. Under current market conditions, how you present your products can determine the difference between capturing or losing interest. Focusing on strategic, visually engaging presentations can elevate your brand and strengthen connections with partners and clients.
Highlighting product benefits through contextual storytelling
Going beyond basic product features and diving into real-world applications is crucial when engaging with other businesses. Contextual storytelling enables you to frame your product in scenarios that resonate with your audience. Rather than simply listing benefits, create a visual narrative demonstrating how your solution solves common challenges. For example, if your product improves efficiency, illustrate its impact with data visualisations or diagrams comparing time saved before and after implementation. Consider creating a photo collage that showcases your product in various contexts, highlighting its versatility and effectiveness in real-world situations. Including case studies or testimonials within these stories makes the content more relatable and credible. Showcasing tangible outcomes builds trust and helps decision-makers envision how your product integrates seamlessly into their operations.Designing product overviews with professional simplicity
Simplicity is key when presenting to business professionals. A clean and professional product overview enables clients to focus on the essential aspects of your offerings without feeling overwhelmed. Focus on clear layouts that segment information into digestible sections, such as technical specifications, benefits, and pricing. Including high-quality visuals like diagrams, charts, or product snapshots helps break up text while maintaining visual interest. Use a structured hierarchy with consistent fonts, corporate colours, and logical flow to communicate professionalism. This approach reinforces your brand identity and caters to the time-sensitive nature of business clients.Showcasing products through interactive demonstrations
Interactive demonstrations add a dynamic layer to your product presentations, offering an experiential glimpse into how your solution works. Whether a prototype walkthrough or a clickable demo, interactivity allows clients to engage directly with your product. Consider integrating features like 3D models or animations that showcase product functionality in a detailed yet accessible way. For instance, a company manufacturing industrial machinery could create a virtual model that lets clients explore its components and features. Interactive content also works well during webinars, client meetings, and trade shows, where live engagement can leave a lasting impression. This hands-on experience gives clients confidence in your solution, positioning your brand as innovative and transparent.Custom visual layouts to highlight product versatility
A cohesive and creative layout ensures clarity and impact when presenting a diverse product portfolio. Custom layouts help organise multiple offerings in a way that underscores their unique selling points without sacrificing visual appeal. A business that offers various solutions, such as office supplies or software suites, might group complementary products with annotated highlights for each. This approach ensures that potential clients see how individual products fit into a broader solution tailored to their needs. Use design elements like grids, alignment, and whitespace strategically to maintain professionalism. These layouts can be applied across presentations, brochures, and online platforms, ensuring consistent communication.Personalising presentations for targeted audiences
Clients value tailored solutions that address their specific needs. Customising your product presentations to reflect the recipient’s industry, challenges, and goals is a powerful way to showcase relevance and expertise. For example, a packaging supplier pitching to a food company might emphasise its eco-friendly materials by including examples of existing partnerships with other food brands. Similarly, a technology provider could customise its demo to include industry-specific use cases, such as retail inventory management or manufacturing automation. Tailored content demonstrates a deep understanding of your client’s business and enhances your pitch’s persuasiveness. Keep templates adaptable and refine them for each interaction to achieve the perfect balance of preparation and personalisation.Leveraging visual data to strengthen impact
Data-driven insights hold significant weight in business decision-making. Infographics, charts, and graphs are excellent tools to present data visually compellingly, allowing you to back your product claims with concrete evidence. For instance, a cybersecurity company might use a bar chart to showcase how its solution reduces breach incidents over time, while a logistics provider might illustrate improvements in delivery times with a line graph. These visuals should align with your narrative, making it easy for clients to understand and remember your key points. Be selective with the data you present, focusing on statistics that address pain points and reinforce the value of your solution.Elevating brand identity with cohesive design
Consistency in design across all product showcases reinforces your brand identity, making it easier for clients to associate professionalism with your company. Branded design elements such as logos, corporate colours, and typography unify your messaging and create a polished image. This approach is particularly important in multi-channel presentations, where clients may interact with your content across brochures, digital presentations, and online platforms. Consistency builds familiarity, which can strengthen trust and brand recall. Incorporate subtle branding in all visual materials to maintain professionalism, such as watermarked logos or branded icons, without overshadowing the content.Financial services optimism falls
Optimism in the financial services (FS) sector fell at the quickest pace since September 2022, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. That is despite business volumes growing at a faster pace in the quarter to December.
The quarterly survey, conducted between 21 November and 9 December 2024, showed that FS firms expect a similarly quick pace of volumes growth over the next quarter. Investment intentions were mixed, with around two-thirds of firms reporting that “other” factors, mainly linked to the cost implications of Autumn Budget measures, were likely to limit investment over the next 12 months.
Key findings:
- Optimism in December, compared with three months ago, fell at the fastest pace since September 2022 (weighted balance of -28% from -13% in September).
- Growth in business volumes picked up in the quarter to December (+32%) after a modest increase in the three months to September (+6%). Firms expect a similarly quick pace of volumes growth over the next three months (+32%).
- Average spreads fell at a survey-record pace in the quarter to December (-62% from -55% in September) and are expected to decline at a slightly slower rate over the next three months (-57%).
- The value of non-performing loans increased in the quarter to December (+18% from 16% in September) at the fastest rate since March 2021. Their value is expected to rise at a broadly similar pace over the next quarter (+21%).
- Profitability fell at a more modest pace in the quarter to December (-14% from -43% in September). FS firms expect a significantly quicker drop in profitability over the next three months (-55%).
- Headcount declined at a quicker rate in the quarter to December (-25% from -15% in September). Firms expect headcount to fall at a similar pace next quarter (-26%).
- Firms expect to increase IT investment in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). However, capital expenditures on land & buildings and vehicles, plant & machinery are expected to fall.
- Around two-thirds of firms reported that “other” factors were likely to limit capital expenditure over the next 12 months (65%, near last quarter’s record high of 66%). Comments highlighted that companies are most concerned about the impact of substantial cost increases from the Autumn Budget on investment.
Options considered for future of Halifax stadium
A proposed multi-million-pound investment into Halifax could boost professional sports facilities in the town.
Calderdale Council has been discussing the future of the Shay Stadium in Halifax with FC Halifax Town, Halifax Panthers RLFC and other interested parties, including local Ward Councillors.
This comes after the Council agreed at Budget Council in February 2024 to stop running the stadium by 1 April 2025 to save £161,000 per year, and to remove the additional annual cost of up to £500,000 to meet the stadium’s health and safety needs.
The Council is due to consider two proposals for its future at the Cabinet meeting in March 2025.
Ken Davy, owner of Huddersfield Giants rugby league club, has expressed interest in buying the Shay so that the Giants can play there temporarily from 2026, while a new stadium is built for them in Huddersfield. Also, a group of FC Halifax Town supporters has submitted an initial business proposal to run the stadium.
If approved, Mr Davy’s proposal would see major investment in upgrading the Shay to Super League standard, and would ensure it could continue to be used by FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers in the long-term.
Upgrades would include a new hybrid pitch with improved surface and drainage quality, which would be more resilient to the weather and would increase reliability for games. The installation of the new pitch would be supported by the Premier League and external grants.
Further upgrades, funded by Mr Davy, would include essential health and safety works, improved toilets, new modern, energy-efficient LED lighting to replace the floodlights, a new electronic scoreboard and electronic digital perimeter advertising.
If Mr Davy’s proposals went ahead, the new hybrid pitch at the Shay would be constructed from summer 2025, and the potential impact of this on Halifax matches is being discussed with the clubs.
The Shay Stadium has been registered as an Asset of Community Value, giving community interest groups the chance to express interest in buying the site. The FC Halifax Town supporters’ group’s initial proposal to run the stadium would require an ongoing financial commitment from the Council, so the Council has asked for more detailed information from the group at this stage.
Detailed discussions between the Council, the clubs and the prospective buyers will be ongoing until the Cabinet meeting in March.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “We know how much local people value the Shay and the local football and rugby clubs. The Council is a strong supporter of sports, physical activity and the community spirit that comes from following local teams, so we are committed to the future of the stadium.
“Major financial pressures mean we’re having to make tough budget decisions and can no longer run the Shay.
“In the proposals we’ve received to take on management of the stadium, we’ve seen great commitment to the future of Halifax and professional sports facilities. We will be considering all options thoroughly before making a decision in March 2025, once the proposals have been worked up in more detail.”
Ken Davy, Chairman of Huddersfield Giants, said: “I am excited by the opportunity to work with FC Halifax Town, Halifax Panthers and Calderdale Council, on the potential upgrading of the Shay to make it into an outstanding Community Stadium facility for the benefit of all.
“I believe that bringing it up to Super League standard would dramatically improve the match day experience for spectators and encourage more fans to support both FC Halifax and the Panthers. From the Giants’ perspective, whilst the upgrading of the Shay would be costly, it could be the ideal interim solution for us whilst we progress plans for a new stadium in Huddersfield.”
Damian Clayton MBE, Chief Executive Officer, Halifax Panthers said: “At Halifax Panthers, we remain optimistic about the future of the Shay Stadium and are committed to working collaboratively with Calderdale Council, FC Halifax Town, and Mr. Davy to explore all opportunities.
“We believe the Shay has the potential to evolve into a vibrant community hub, securing the longevity of professional sport played here while promoting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
“Alongside these discussions, we are diligently working to fully substantiate the details within our own Business Plan, ensuring we have a robust contingency in place should further consideration be required. We are confident that through collective effort, a sustainable and mutually beneficial outcome can be achieved for the benefit of all.”
David Bosomworth, Chairman of FC Halifax Town, said: “News of potential significant investment in the Shay Stadium is very encouraging. Over the course of the next two months until the appropriate Cabinet meeting in March, it is expected more detailed discussions will take place when clarity on any proposals allows decisions to be made.
“Investment during these difficult financial times is hopefully a good news story for the Council, the two Halifax Clubs and the community as a whole.”
