Heb Group expands with new Leeds office
The Heb Group, a provider of mechanical, electrical, facilities management as well as cleaning services, has expanded with a new office in Leeds.
Located at Viscount Court, 243 Leeds Road, Rothwell, the new office marks a significant step in the company’s strategic expansion across Yorkshire and the broader UK as it heads towards a group turnover of £40 million.
The opening of the Leeds office follows a series of significant developments at Heb Group, including a recent full rebrand from the HE Barnes brand and the launch of additional offices in Liverpool.
Martin Womersley at Heb Group said: “We are excited to expand our footprint in Leeds, a vibrant and growing city. This new office will enable us to better serve our clients in Yorkshire and beyond, while also providing a base for further growth in the North of England.
“Last year we celebrated 100 years in business, which showcases our longevity as we now look to the future and expand to meet the changing needs of our clients both regionally and nationally.”
Bridge-to-bridge bikers gear up to establish annual charity challenge
The organisers of a bridge-to-bridge cycle challenge are bidding to make it an annual event reinforcing the Sailors’ Children’s Society’s nationwide reach with the backing of growing numbers of businesses.
Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, completed the inaugural event in 2023 as the sole cyclist covering 212 miles from the Severn to the Humber in one day.
For this year’s event he will be joined by three more businesses and seven new riders. Plans are coming together to increase the peloton to 20 or 25 next year, and then the brakes will really come off!
Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, said: “We’re already looking at another step up next year because more businesses are showing interest, and not just locally because we are a national charity with supporters all over the country.
“The vision is to grow it year on year. The more riders we get, the more prestige we will build and the more money we will raise to help the families who rely on us. It will become a key fixture in our calendar and it started as a fantastic gift from Adam.”
The Society, which is based in Hull and is 203 years old this year, works nationally to support disadvantaged children from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways.
Adam took up his post in 2022 and was hooked by the links between the charity and a business whose founder first went to sea in 1813, became master of his own ship in 1826 and opened his chandlery in the Old Town of Hull in 1833.
Adam said: “We are steeped in maritime and the work of Natasha and her team resonates so strongly with the heritage of the group. Our business relies on those seafarers, and the work the Society does to support families aligns so closely with what we do.”
This year John Good Group has partnered with Boluda Towage SMS Ltd, Drax and MS3 to assemble a team of eight who will set off from the Severn Bridge first thing on Saturday 14 September and aim to reach the Humber Bridge on the afternoon of Sunday 15 September. Sponsorship has come from Eastern Airways, DFDS, Spectrum and Ken Ellerker Cycles.
Among the riders will be Simon Clarke, commercial director of Boluda Towage SMS, and Martin Coffey, the firm’s operations manager.
Martin said: “I got involved because the company is closely associated with John Good Group and we have always been strong supporters of the Society. We also have some keen cyclists and it seemed a good opportunity for us as a business to raise some extra money for the charity.”
Angie Rawson, an accounts assistant at Boluda SMS, will also be taking part and has recruited husband Geoff as a guest rider. Both are members of the Hull Thursday Road Club, which dates back to 1908, and Geoff is the current president.
Geoff said: “We do a lot of cycling every weekend and in the evening. We ride all over East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and the furthest we have done is Newcastle and back in two days. That was 135 miles.
“We also have cycle holidays. We will be in Mallorca in October and we’ve completed the Paris Roubaix, a one-day ride from the north of Paris to the border with Belgium. It’s said to be the hardest sportif in Europe and is known to cyclists as ‘the Hell of the North’.”
Adam sees the ride as a test for the team and for the route, which will take them past Gloucester and Cheltenham, round the south of Birmingham, past Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham and then via Newark and Gainsborough to the Humber Bridge.
He said: “Last year it was just me in one day. A few people said they would have come with me if they’d known I was doing it so this year there are eight of us. We’re pretty confident. All but two of the riders are pretty accomplished and have decent miles in their legs. The two new ones have been putting the work in. They’ll find it tough but I’ve no doubt they will get through.
“One of the things we’ll be doing is considering whether the route works as well for more riders, so it’s a big fundraiser and a test event for the future.”
Natasha added: “What they are doing is amazing. It’s a phenomenal challenge that would be beyond so many people physically and mentally. They are going to be pushing themselves to the limit and giving it everything they have got.
“The whole idea is to build up an events calendar that people all over the country can take part in because we support families nationwide. We want more cyclists, and Angie will be helping us to recruit more women!”
To support the Bridge2Bridge fundraising ride please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/johngoodgroup
Lego displays boost footfall by 27,000 views in Harrogate
Businesses in Harrogate have said this year’s Lego Trail from the BID had an important impact on driving footfall and spend into the town, with models visited almost 27,000 times.
More than 26,900 visits were made to the designated QR code pages and the BID website during the Lego Trail, which is more than double the last time the trail was held in 2022. But, as the Lego Trail was mainly completed by families and groups of two or more, the figure of those that took part is likely to be closer to the 50,000 mark say organisers.
Feedback from BID Members has been highly positive and encouraging, with one stating: “It definitely increased our footfall and our income, so thank you for making such a difference to our work!”
Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman said the team was incredibly pleased to have brought another hugely successful Lego Trail to the town centre.
He said: “As the BID, we host a series of footfall and spend increasing campaigns and events across the year – and the Lego Trail has done just that!
“We’re so pleased it has brought such a positive feel to our town and we really appreciate all of the lovely feedback we’ve had so far.
“The Lego Trail is always a massively popular event in our calendar – and it seems this year definitely didn’t disappoint!”
Sale of Lincolnshire agricultural machinery business saves 68 jobs
Sixty-eight jobs in Lincolnshire have been saved following the pre-pack sale of the Burdens Group.
Headquartered in Boston, the company supplied a wide range of farm and groundcare machinery from leading manufacturers including New Holland, Horizon, Amarzone and JPM Trailers. From tractors and combine harvesters to trailers and mowers, its customers included farmers, groundcare professionals and potato growers across the UK.
The Burdens Group offered both new and used agricultural machinery for sale from its depots in Sutterton, North Kyme, Louth and Brigg. It also had a division providing agricultural machinery for hire.
The company began to experience financial difficulties due to the pressures facing the farming sector following poor weather during 2023 and 2024, resulting in poor crop yields, and this was exacerbated by changes to EU subsidies. These issues resulted in farmers reducing their investment in new machinery which had a significant impact on the company’s turnover.
Joint administrators Gareth Rusling and Robert Dymond of Begbies Traynor were subsequently appointed as joint administrators on 19th August and a sale of the business and assets was immediately completed to Russell’s (Kirbymoorside) Limited in Malton and Stevenage-based Ernest Doe & Sons Limited, representing the northern and southern sales respectively.
The sales secured 68 jobs therefore reducing total creditor claims.
A significant amount of tangible assets which were not sold to either purchaser will be disposed of by Eddisons Commercial Limited and are likely to be sold via auction.
“Having traded successfully for more than 40 years, the Burdens Group was a victim of problems hitting the farming sector with bad weather and changes to EU subsidies resulting in its key customer base reducing their spend,” explains joint administrator Gareth Rusling of Begbies Traynor. “We worked hard to quickly conclude a sale to two experienced agricultural businesses, and it’s fantastic that the sales have saved the jobs of 68 people.”
Ancora Law moves into former tannery premises in Beverley
Ancora Law has become the newest occupier of Minster House in Beverley after its refurb by property developer Wykeland Group.
The move is the latest milestone in Ancora’s journey with Wykeland, and means Minster House is now fully occupied for the first time.
Matt Hudson, Founder and MD of Ancora Law, said: “We have grown year on year since our inception at the beginning of 2020 and, until now, our office moves have always been fairly reactionary – with each new hire, we have moved to a slightly bigger unit.
“We felt that now was the time to recognise our growth and invest in an office space that is fit for the future.”
Minster House was built in 1816 as a warehouse used for the former Hodgson Tannery, which remained one of Beverley’s largest employers until its closure in 1978. The building was used as offices in the following years, but was vacant for more than a year before Wykeland began a restoration and reconfiguration scheme in 2019.
Wykeland invested more than £550,000 in bringing Minster House back to life, equipping it with a new entrance lobby, atrium and glass lift, making the building fully accessible for the first time, as well as adding new toilets and showers, and secure cycle storage.
The refurbished Minster House now offers over 9,000 sq ft of offices over three floors and forms part of Wykeland’s thriving Flemingate centre, which combines retail, leisure and commercial space.
South Yorkshire manufacturing supply chain event returns for 2024
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo returns on 9th October at the Holiday Inn in Rotherham, attendance is completely free for visitors.
Organisers says the event will offer a unique opportunity for manufacturing contacts to explore a wide range of suppliers, creating a place for networking and contact building in a key industry for the Rotherham and Barnsley region.
Shane Young, Operations Director of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said “We are thrilled to host the Manufacturing Supply Chain Expo once again. This event is crucial in connecting local businesses, enhancing collaboration, and driving growth within our region’s manufacturing sector.
“By bringing together key players from across the manufacturing supply chain, we aim to create an event where partnerships can form, and local businesses can meet valuable new contacts.”
Call to establish taskforce to safeguard jobs in North Sea energy transition
The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for an independent taskforce to urgently examine energy transition in the North Sea and safeguard tens of thousands of UK jobs.
It comes after a new BCC report, published today, found a careful balancing act will be needed to reach Net Zero and protect the huge oil and gas sector workforce, alongside thousands more jobs linked to the industry across the UK.
The report recognises the UK must achieve its climate commitments, but says current fiscal plans for the oil and gas industry risk reducing investment and impacting current energy security.
The independent taskforce should bring together the experience and expertise of all the sectors impacted by North Sea operations, including the energy sector, economists, environmentalists and the unions. It would produce recommendations for the Government on the pathway to an accelerated North Sea transition while maintaining jobs, skills and employment. Crucially, it should also examine the fiscal regime for the industry for the long-term.
The report calls for a “national conversation” about the North Sea as a “critical asset”. It highlights recent estimates that 200,000 direct and indirect jobs across the UK are reliant on the oil and gas industry.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The imperative for Net Zero is ratcheting up daily as fresh evidence of the damage caused by climate change emerges. But it’s equally important that we manage this process to avoid catastrophic harm to our economy and workforce.
“We need an effective energy transition which does not cut adrift the tens of thousands of highly-skilled people across the UK who rely on the sector for their livelihoods.
“It must also balance the diversity of our power supplies, so that the UK’s energy security is not put at risk, and we do not become over-reliant on imported fuels.
“This means having a clear and integrated plan in place as soon as possible. Politicians cannot keep kicking the can down the road. It is in everyone’s interests to get round the table and find pragmatic solutions.
“There also need to be honest conversations about how this can be financed. Plans to reduce capital and investment allowances will undermine business confidence in the sector and jeopardise a successful transition.
“If private investment in the sector is put at risk, then the repurposing of infrastructure and the pathway forward are also put in doubt.
“We are therefore calling for the establishment of an independent taskforce to further our research and support the new Government. A partnership approach can create a future for the North Sea which preserves the investment and skills needed for the green economy and safeguards thousands of jobs.
“Last week’s announcement that Government will consult on new environmental guidance for the oil and gas sector, provides an opportunity for all parties to shape the fair and just future everyone wants to see. This report provides the framework for this to happen.
“Independent recommendations from a taskforce will help create a route towards the certainty and confidence that businesses, the workforce, unions and environmental groups can all believe in.”
Firm sells poultry business in deal worth €200m
Boparan Holdings Limited’s European Poultry business is being sold to the Boparan Private Office in a deal worth more than €200m.
A spokesman said the deal was significant and transformational, and unlocked many opportunities for the future.
The sale strengthens BHL’s 2 Sisters Food Group’s balance sheet, enabling it to reduce debt levels to the lowest point in over a decade. It also activates radical plans for its ‘next generation’ investment programme.
It means the European poultry business, under the BPO, will have a dedicated regional focus on its European markets, unlocking undoubted growth opportunities through a focus on quality, animal welfare and sustainability.
The deal is subject to Polish anti-trust approval with an anticipated completion date this month.
Further investment plans will be announced in due course as this change is embedded and its potential is fully realised in the coming months.
Sheffield BID moves to new offices in Tenter Street’s Pennine Five
Sheffield BID, the not-for-profit company behind many of Sheffield city centre’s celebrated events and business services, has moved to a new office at Spaces in Pennine Five.
The move will provide Sheffield BID with a modern, flexible city centre space to continue delivering its crucial services to local businesses and creating an improved environment for trading. The BID’s services include extra safety and security measures, cleaning and environmental services, and a full programme of city centre events – aimed at driving more footfall into the city centre.
Sheffield BID joins a growing catalogue of businesses calling Pennine Five home, including the likes of Aztec Construction, The Sheffield College and Phlux Technologies.
Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “We are excited to announce our relocation to Spaces @ Pennine Five. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the business environment and supporting local enterprises.
“Our new space is designed to foster greater collaboration and innovation, with dedicated areas for meetings, events, and community activities. The new office is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. It also provides us with the space and infrastructure needed to accommodate future growth and expansion of our services.”
Businesses assured they’ll be part of government plans to ‘make work pay’
Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds have hosted a business breakfast to talk about planned legislation designed to ‘make work pay’.
It follows a meeting last month with business representative organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, CBI and Make UK as well as trade unions to discuss the Bill.
This meeting provided an opportunity for Ministers to set out the ambition for the Employment Rights Bill and wider Make Work Pay programme, which will modernise the world of work by ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, extending day one employment protections on unfair dismissal and delivering a genuine living wage.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We will work with all partners as we shape our plan to Make Work Pay, so we get the win-win of greater productivity and a fairer working environment for staff.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Our plan to make work pay will always be unashamedly pro-worker and pro-business and I’m determined to work in partnership with businesses and trade unions and ensure their voices are heard every step of the way.
“The central driving force behind our plan to Make Work Pay is to deliver growth. Our Bill will modernise the world of work to create a better supported workforce, which will boost productivity and in turn create the right conditions for businesses to grow.
“The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets compared to our international partners. It’s time to work together to deliver meaningful reforms that will transform the world of work for the benefit of businesses and workers.”
Competition and Markets Authority clears sugar deal
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared T&L Sugars Limited’s (TLS’) deal to buy Tereos UK & Ireland’s retail sugar business, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation led by an independent inquiry group.
The clearance comes after the inquiry group explored concerns that the deal could reduce competition in the UK. Only three businesses (including TLS and Tereos’ UK retail business) supply the large majority of sugar to customers such as supermarkets and restaurants.
However, having conducted a thorough investigation, the inquiry group found that, without the deal going ahead, the most likely outcome would be that Tereos’ UK retail business would close. Since closure would also result in a loss of competition absent the merger, and the evidence showed that there was no other alternative and less anti-competitive purchaser for the business besides TLS, the group has decided to clear the deal.
Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the Phase 2 investigation, said: “Having reviewed a wide range of evidence – including detailed financial information on Tereos’ UK retail business and the efforts they have taken to try and improve its performance – we believe that the right outcome is to clear this deal.”
Largest floor snapped up at 10 South Parade in Leeds
IDHL, the digital marketing agency, has almost doubled its office space in 10SP at South Parade in Leeds.
Having occupied 5,600 sq ft on the ground floor since 2019, IDHL is now relocating to the entire first floor of 10SP at South Parade, occupying 9,600 sq ft on a new 10-year lease. The suite has been fitted out to the highest quality in a contemporary design by IDHL’s contractor TSK.
The bespoke office has 100 desks and has been designed with collaboration at its heart. Features include communal space for breakouts, refreshments, social connections and celebrations; ten meeting rooms, including a training facility and theatre style space; podcast room; phone booths; business lounge and client meeting suite.
Those based in Leeds also have access to amenities such as lockable bike storage, club quality changing facilities and electric car charging.
Ben Wood, CEO at IDHL, said: “We’re making significant investments in our IDHL offices across the UK this year, as part of our mission to provide the very best working environments for our 400-strong workforce.
“The move to our new 10,000 sq ft Leeds office marks a really exciting moment for our business, as we continue to focus on attracting and retaining the very best digital talent alongside delivering best-in-class service for clients.
“Fitted out with the very best technology, it offers a state-of-the-art environment to support our hybrid working approach. Leeds is our busiest office, located on the doorstep of many of the city’s professional and financial business and in close range to exceptional amenities, so it’s a pivotal moment for IDHL.
“We recognise that people want to work flexibly and also have the chance to work in a relaxed workspace. The move has been well received and we look forward to seeing it continue to thrive as a popular location. Our thanks to TSK and Wilton Developments for their support.”
Wilton Developments extensively redeveloped the original building in 2010, on behalf of the owners East Parade Limited. Existing tenants in the building include Armstrong Watson, DB3 Architecture, Odgers Berndtson and SCP.
Jason Stowe, managing director of Wilton Development, said: “10SP remains one of the most populated buildings within our office portfolio. We have sought to constantly evolve the building to meet the changing needs of occupiers, and we are particularly pleased that we were able to work with the team at IDHL to facilitate its next stage of growth in Leeds.”
Hannah Snell, account director at TSK, said: “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with IDHL to design and deliver their state-of-the-art, people-focused Leeds office. The goal was to create a destination workplace that prioritises the experience of both their employees and visitors, enhancing their ability to attract and retain top talent and clients.
“This office, which unites all their brands under one roof, plays a key role in defining their current business identity. As Leeds serves as their central hub, it was essential to design a space with diverse work settings to foster effective collaboration and offer flexibility for future needs. We’ve loved being an extension of the IDHL team, and look forward to working with them in the future.”
The Leeds offices of CBRE and Knight Frank acted on behalf of the building’s owner, East Parade Limited, with Fox Lloyd Jones representing IDHL in the letting.
Clair McGowan from CBRE said: “It’s been great to work with the team in getting this deal over the line. Retaining IDHL as an occupier is testament to the quality of the office space on offer at 10 South Parade. The building is centrally located with amenities on your doorstep. Watch this space for further building updates.”
Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield team moves to the heart of the city
Yorkshire law firm Lupton Fawcett has moved its Sheffield team to a new space in the city centre.
The firm is now based in the Cubo building on Carver Street – in the Heart of the City development.
Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield-based employees moved from their previous base on Bank Street at the end of last week and started September in their new location.
James Richardson, managing partner, said: “Our move to the vibrant and modern Cubo Sheffield marks an exciting new chapter for the firm in the city.
“Cubo offers a great workspace designed to foster collaboration, creativity and productivity. The serviced offices will allow greater flexibility, and we are in a better location for colleagues and clients.”
Partner Sarah Sargent, who heads up the firm’s Sheffield office and its residential property team, said: “The team are very excited to be in our new space and are looking forward to welcoming all our clients – old and new! Our new home will certainly help us push forward in the Sheffield legal world.”
Cubo is a flexible, shared working space and Lupton Fawcett has a private office within the building. Benefits for the team and visitors include a roof terrace and onsite barista.
The office, which offers space for further growth, will run on a fluid hotdesking system and people from the other Lupton Fawcett offices will also be able to work there.
Prime Leeds office rents continue to break all records
The prime rent for Grade A office space in Leeds continues to break all records, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank.
In Knight Frank’s latest research, it is revealed that city centre rents have increased by three per cent over the past 12 months to £38 per sq ft. Significantly, prime office rents have risen by 19 per cent since the onset of the Covid pandemic.
Overall take-up of office space reached 349,332 sq ft in the first six months of 2024, buoyed by a particularly strong first quarter of this year. Underpinning occupier demand was the finance, banking, insurance and professional services sectors, which accounted for half of total office space leased this year.
However, the largest occupier deal to complete was the 43,713 sq ft letting of Joseph’s Well to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Eamon Fox, partner and head of development at the Leeds office of Knight Frank, explained: “With strong occupier demand and supply-squeezed market, forecasts indicate that prime rents will reach £40.00 per sq ft by the end of 2024.
“We have several transactions agreed and progressing through legals at £39 psf, with £40 psf being the next milestone. The market is such that transactions are no longer rent sensitive, but amenity and quality is scrutinised more than ever by our occupier customers. When we get this right, we see growth in rents.”
He explained: “Grade A availability fell to 192,841 sq ft at the mid-year point, a figure 18% below that in the first six months of last year 2023 and 28 per cent lower than the 10-year average for Leeds. The total market vacancy rose marginally to 6.8 per cent, from 6.3 per cent recorded at the equivalent period last year.
“There is now 428,489 sq ft of speculative office space under construction across seven buildings in the city. Comprising both brand-new builds and comprehensive refurbishments, delivery is scheduled throughout the rest of 2024 and during 2025-2026.”
Meanwhile investment volumes totalled £24.75m between January and the end of June this year. Comprising four major deals, the total is 25 per cent higher than in the first half of 2023. The largest deal was 7 Park Row, which was bought by financial services firm Firefly Capital Limited for £8.35m. Prime yields remained stable at seven per cent.
According to Knight Frank’s report, the strong occupier market will mean that investors remain largely bullish on Leeds offices. With prime office yields unlikely to soften further, although secondary yields are more difficult to predict, it appears they have reached a level at which investors are more comfortable to deploy capital, all of which is hoped to foster market activity for the rest of this year.
The report concluded: “A clear election result brought much-needed political stability, whilst the ONS confirmed that the UK recorded positive economic growth in Q1. Inflation is also seemingly under control, which has allowed for the first interest rate cut since 2020 and improved the likelihood of further cuts ahead. Moving forward, each of these will support the desired stable backdrop for businesses and consequently, commercial property activity in the latter half of 2024.”
South Yorkshire reflects on a year of progress in tackling skills challenges
The last year has seen significant improvement in efforts to overcome South Yorkshire’s pressing skills challenges, according to a new report on the subject.
Taking stock of the most notable developments from the past twelve months, the South Yorkshire LSIP Progress Report assesses how far our region has come since the publishing of its Local Skills Improvement Plan in August 2023, and also considers what interventions should be prioritised next.
Chief Execs for the Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham Chambers of Commerce, who led the LSIP’s development, issued the following joint statement:
“It is incredibly heartening to see just how much has been accomplished over the past year as we have moved from the insight-gathering stage of the project into real, tangible delivery. From our perspective we have been very busy trying to get the ball rolling with a number of interventions that we think will make a big impact in the region, but we are pleased that our partners have taken the recommendations to heart as well; spearheading some big changes of their own.
“As detailed in the progress report, notable milestones to date include the introduction of Knowledge and Skills Exchange Sessions — bimonthly teach-ins, run by the Chambers, that are designed to give business advisors a comprehensive understanding of our skills ecosystem— an ambitious new South Yorkshire Skills Strategy — that is itself closely aligned with the LSIP — and the enormously successful South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub — a freely available service that was pitched in our plan and is now helping businesses access promising talent on their doorstep.
“Meanwhile, we are pleased to reveal that a number of exciting developments are currently in the pipeline relating to things like: improving digital literacy across our region; addressing longstanding trainer shortages; and equipping middle managers with the skills they need to do their jobs more effectively. Work is well underway in regards to each of these and we cannot wait to see the benefits they will yield for South Yorkshire, its business communities and its residents once they are fully realised
“Finally, the report also gives an exciting indication of where we might be heading next. Suggested priorities that are high up on the list include: creating better pathways for veterans, ex-offenders, older workers and others who are further from the labour market; extending career advice services; and improving work readiness. Suffice it to say, we are eager for the region to get tackling these and are hopeful that we will be able to sustain the momentum that has gotten us this far.”
South Yorkshire was one of 38 areas across the country to produce an LSIP last year. Funded by the Department for Education — and informed by extensive consultation with businesses, colleges, private training providers and various other stakeholders — each document explored how productivity levels could be bolstered within the region in question, and made a series of practical recommendations for partners to follow.
Specifically, the plans focussed on identifying any improvements that could be made to the relevant skills system, to help it better meet the needs of local businesses and to equip residents with the expertise that is most coveted by employers. For example, the South Yorkshire LSIP looked at what more could be done to nurture a tech-savvy workforce in the region, by placing an emphasis on digital skills provision.
With twelve months having now elapsed— and a lot of great activity taking place in that timespan— it is safe to say that South Yorkshire has come a long way since its LSIP was published, and many of the associated recommendations have already been brought to life. Which is why a new report has just been released: summarising all of the progress to date; highlighting the biggest achievements from the past year; giving an update on all work that is currently ongoing; and outlining some emerging priorities for the future of the LSIP project.
The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills, added: “I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for South Yorkshire.
“These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers. As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.”
Yorkshire Water aims to replace 1.3m water meters starting next year
Yorkshire Water is to work with Netmore and Morrison Water Services to exchange 1.3 million existing water meters with smart meters.
The meter exchange programme is expected to begin in South Yorkshire in 2025, subject to Ofwat’s final determination, due in December.
The company says smart meters will also improve leakage detection, benefit customers by providing accurate billing, and create a better understanding of water usage across the region.
Adam Smith, manager of smart networks and metering transformation at Yorkshire Water, said: “By moving to smart meters we can better understand water demand patterns and target water efficiency activity.
“Smart metering provides greater insight into customer water use and helps ensure all customers are on the best tariff available to them, enhancing the ability to provide more regular and accurate water billing.
“Since the smart meter programme launched in 2022, we have been able to save 500,000 litres of water, just by identifying leakage on customers’ pipes. The expansion of the project will enable us to continue making these improvements and ultimately provide customers with a better experience.”
Netmore has been selected as the lead partner to deliver the programme, including the installation, commissioning and maintenance of connected smart meters. Morrison Water Services will work closely with Netmore and customers to deliver the exchange.
Vadim Lyu, MD UK at Netmore Group, said: “We are honoured to have been selected by Yorkshire Water and are committed meeting the strict requirements to deliver smart metering data that will improve their operational performance, deliver better environmental outcomes, and support regulatory compliance.”
Lee Wood, area director at Morrison Water Services, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring Morrison Water Services’ smart metering capabilities to the region.”
Property consultancy secures major five-year management contract
Property consultancy Fisher German has been appointed to deliver rural property management services to the Church Commissioners for England, the body which administers the property assets of the Church of England and one of the country’s largest landowners.
The five-year contract will see colleagues at Fisher German’s offices in Doncaster, Chester, Ashby, Worcester, and Bedford manage a significant area of rural land and property across England, including across the North and Midlands.
Experts will also provide advice across a variety of specialisms including planning, development, investment, building consultancy, environmental and sustainability, and telecoms.
Fisher German is one of just two consultancies to be awarded a contract to deliver property management services for the Church Commissioners’ farmland portfolio after a competitive tender process.
Fisher German partner Rebecca Ruck-Keene, who is leading on the contract, said: “We are extremely pleased to be awarded this contract by the Church Commissioners for England.
“It is a significant five-year contract which really demonstrates the strength of our rural property team as well as the depth and breadth of the services that we can deliver in-house at Fisher German across a wide geographical spread.
“The Church Commissioners is a charitable organisation which has strong values and is focused on providing high-quality assets for tenants, and they were looking to award this contract to a consultancy which shares those values and maintains a high professional standard.
“It was a competitive tender process, so this news firmly cements us as one of the top multi-disciplinary property consultancies in the UK.”
Joanna Loxton, Head of Land at the Church Commissioners for England, said: “Our two managing agents will work closely with our asset managers and farming tenants to support sustainable farming businesses and food production across our nationwide portfolio of farm holdings.
“We look forward to collaborating with the Fisher German team to continue and grow our programme of tenant engagement and long-term stewardship across our portfolio.”
Ciara Williams, Head of Farmland at the Church Commissioners for England, said: “Regular engagement to understand the individual needs of our farming tenants is a major focus for the Church Commissioners.
“We always strive to share best practice in land management and conservation, and in Fisher German, we have a partner that shares our values of sustainability, collaboration and long-term stewardship.”
Former North Yorkshire care home could be converted to apartments
Plans have been submitted to convert a former care home into apartments to help meet demand for affordable homes in Leyburn in North Yorkshire.
Brierley Homes has joined forces with Broadacres Housing Association to draw up plans for Brentwood Lodge, a former local authority facility.
The scheme proposes creating 24 affordable apartments built to meet the Government’s Future Homes Standard.
Brierley Homes’ MD Stuart Ede, said: “Getting a foot on the housing ladder can be difficult, if not impossible, for some people. Schemes like the one we are developing with Broadacres Housing Association are one way of creating homes people can afford. This scheme offers housing that is future-proofed and fit for modern living, offering people in the local area a high-quality home.”
Broadacres’ director of development and investment Helen Fielding said: “We are pleased to be once again working with Brierley Homes to bring more, much-needed affordable homes to this part of rural North Yorkshire.
“The homes will be made available to local people, with the aim of ensuring that rural communities like Leyburn continue to remain sustainable for those who live and work in this beautiful market town.”
Yorkshire Building Society commits to three years’ support for City of Culture
Yorkshire Building Society is to work with work with the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme for three years to help support its aim of increasing employment opportunities and skills across the district.
The sponsorship is part of the Society’s ongoing investment into Bradford. Since 2022 the mutual has supported over 2,200 individuals through programmes that help improve employability and skills in communities across the district. Most recently, its Charitable Foundation announced the Building Bradford Skills fund which will provide £1million in grants to improve employability in Bradford’s most deprived areas.
Susan Allen, Chief Exec of Yorkshire Building Society said: “As a mutual, we are committed to the communities we support and, as one of the oldest organisations in Bradford, Yorkshire Building Society is proud to support Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
“We’re committed to investing in Bradford, our heartland, to improve skills, employability, and ultimately financial wellbeing for all our communities and the City of Culture will bring opportunity, pride, and optimism to the area.
“The City of Culture will not only celebrate what a uniquely vibrant, young and diverse city Bradford is, but also bring inward investment which will boost the local economy, create opportunities for people within our community to learn new skills and create a more prosperous future.”
Dan Bates, Executive Director, Bradford 2025 said: “I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Yorkshire Building Society, a Bradford-based organisation that works nationally, that shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the UK.
“As we approach Bradford 2025, this partnership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the next generation not only experiences the transformative power of culture but also sees it as a pathway to their future. Together, we’re not just planning a year of events; we’re opening doors for young people across our city and the UK, inspiring them to dream big and realise that their future can be built right here in Bradford.”
UK leads the way in fusion energy powerplant design, says Royal Society
The UK is leading the way in fusion energy powerplant design, says the Royal Society.
Papers just published are the first peer-review demonstrating technical progress to deliver STEP, the UK’s first prototype fusion energy powerplant, at West Burton near Gainsborough.
STEP (‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’) aims to pave the way for the commercial viability of fusion by demonstrating net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. By doing so, it stimulates the development of a new industry, positioning the UK at the forefront commercially.
The programme is taking a holistic approach to delivering a fully operational prototype plant that also considers decommissioning as part of the design.
STEP will be built at the former coal-fired power station site of West Burton, where characterisation works surveying ground and environment are well underway. First operations are expected in the early 2040s.
Paul Methven, CEO, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, a subsidiary of UKAEA Group that will be responsible for the delivery of STEP, said: “STEP is a UK-led national endeavour, for the world. It’s about unlocking the potential of cutting-edge science and technology that could revolutionise humanity’s future and, for the UK, secure a leading position in a new strategic technology. We don’t yet have all the answers, but we are a trailblazer in fusion powerplant design, built on a solid foundation of decades of innovative and world-leading fusion research at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
“This Royal Society publication is a snapshot in time – the design will continue to evolve as we identify new challenges, learn and develop – and already the team has an impressive ability to find a way through the toughest problems.”
