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.”
Fastest decrease in permanent placements for four-and-a-half years for the North
Hiring conditions remained challenging in December, according to the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England survey.
Permanent placements were down at the quickest rate seen since mid-2020, while there was a sustained rapid drop in temp billings. At the same time, vacancy trends turned more negative in December and the supply of workers increased at a quicker rate on the month.
The KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs: North of England is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to around 150 recruitment and employment consultancies in the North of England.
Decline in permanent placements deepens in December
The seasonally adjusted Permanent Placements Index fell further into contraction territory in December, to signal a substantial drop in permanent staff appointments across the North of England. The rate of decline was the fastest seen in four-and-a-half years and the second-quickest regionally, surpassed only by the South where the downturn was slightly faster. Survey respondents linked the contraction to reduced vacancies and increased hesitancy among firms to hire following the Autumn Budget.
December data pointed to a second successive monthly decrease in temp billings across the North of England. A drop in demand for short-term staff and the non-renewal of contracts drove the latest downturn, according to respondents. Though slower than November’s recent record, the rate of decline in December was nevertheless strong and faster than that seen for the UK overall.
As in November, December saw a further drop in the number of job vacancies for both types of staff across the North of England. The trend for permanent job openings turned more negative in December. The decrease was marked and the quickest since August 2020. Regionally, the South of England and the Midlands recorded a faster drop in permanent vacancies than that seen locally. Meanwhile, temp vacancies fell solidly and at the quickest rate seen for four-and-a-half years in December.
Further substantial rise in permanent staff supply
There was another substantial boost to permanent staff availability in the North of England in December, thereby stretching the current run of uplifts to exactly a year. The latest increase was linked by recruiters to a rise in redundancies and skills mismatches. The local pace of expansion accelerated to its strongest for seven months and remained faster than the UK average.
Recruiters based in the North of England signalled a further robust rise in temporary staff supply during December, thereby extending the current trend of growth to 22 months. Panel members often linked the improvement in the availability of short-term staff to the ongoing market downturn. The local uplift in temp staff availability in December was more pronounced on the month and slightly stronger than the UK average.
Strongest rate of starting salary inflation for four months
Recruitment consultancies in the North of England pointed to another monthly increase in permanent starting salaries in December, thereby extending the current sequence of growth to nearly four years. The respective seasonally adjusted index rose in each month of the final quarter, placing the rate of inflation at a four-month high that was strong overall. Panellists linked the rise to increased competition for skilled staff. Of the four monitored regions, only London posted faster salary growth than that seen locally.
December survey data signalled a thirteenth consecutive monthly rise in short-term wages across the North of England. Amid another marked increase in the availability of temporary staff, the rate of inflation was only marginal and subdued by historical standards. The rate of temporary pay growth across the North of England was largely in line with the UK trend in December.
Phil Murden, Yorkshire Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “The steepest drop in permanent hires since mid-2020 shows Yorkshire businesses continue to navigate a complex labour market.
“This, compounded by a broadening gap between supply and demand of permanent and temporary staff points to a challenging outlook for 2025. It’s clear that many businesses remain cautious about hiring.
“That said, a new year brings new opportunities and with recruitment consultancies reporting the strongest rate of starting salary inflation in December, 2025 could see an uplift in skilled staff hires to drive growth plans.”
Neil Carberry, REC Chief Executive, said: “This report emphasises a weak mood in some businesses as they built their budgets for this year, and made changes designed to save on costs after a tough Budget. That said, sentiment can change quickly. There was a softer drop in temp billings signalled in the North.
“December is always a hiring low point, and a new year brings new hope – with inflation under control, low unemployment and economic growth expected, the fundamentals are better than many appreciate.
“It is what happens now, as firms return to the market in January, that will decide the path ahead. Recruitment is one to watch in early 2025 because it is one of the earliest indicators of a broader economic recovery, with any sign of a turn hugely significant with the sector contributing a massive £44.4bn to the UK economy in 2023.”
Record financial results for Leeds law firm
Yorkshire law firm Ward Hadaway has reported a record financial performance in its latest filed accounts for 2023-24, with revenue rising by 7% to £48m.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in the firm’s history. Driven by strong growth across its Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle offices in a wide cross section of service areas, it demonstrates the firm’s robust financial health and commitment to sustainable growth.
Managing Partner Steven Petrie said: “These financial results from 2023-24 represent a really strong foundation on which to build, as we strive to realise our ambitious long-term growth plans, remaining independent and increasing our turnover by over 50% in the next five years and achieving £100m by 2034.
“It’s really encouraging to see the positive impact our strategic investments are already having on our business, including our ability to attract, recruit, retain and engage excellent people to the firm.”
Key hires in core practice areas and the firm’s focus on developing emerging talent remain a consistent theme. Last year, Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office welcomed Laura Hill as a Partner in the commercial litigation team. She brings specialist expertise and experience in handling AI-related litigation, a complex and developing area.
Across the entire firm, eight partners were appointed, representing a range of service sectors, alongside more than 100 new colleagues who joined throughout the year.
A key focus of Ward Hadaway’s strategy is its commitment to nurturing talent. In this last year, the firm appointed 14 new trainee solicitors and one solicitor apprentice across its offices bringing the total headcount to over 500.
Petrie continued: “We provide an environment where individuals can excel at every level, offering guidance, growth opportunities and the tools to fulfil their full potential. Our people are fundamental to our success. We are well-positioned to build on what we have already achieved and to deliver on our ambitious growth objectives.”
To adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing legal landscape, the firm has made significant investments in technology and established a firm wide Innovation team to explore the role of AI in delivering legal services.
Ward Hadaway also remains focused on responsible business practices, working on initiatives to reduce its carbon impact, making contributions to over 50 charities and maintaining a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.
Former live event project manager joins Edward Architects
Leeds and London-based architecture practice, Edward Architects adds to its growing team with the appointment of Graham Davey as Architect. The new hire will further strengthen the firm’s court protection and accessible design work, one of its core specialisms and expanding service lines.
Graham joins from Stage One Creative Services where he was Project Manager with a breadth and wealth of experience leading on large scale events and unusual builds. Prior to that he was an Architect with Pearce Bottomley Architects.
During his project management role, Graham led a range of high profile live events involving complex design from the Eurovision 2023 set build at the M&S Arena in Liverpool to The Art of All Pavilion by Roc Nation and Jay-Z at Olympia in Kensington which involved a 4-week turnaround from contract to completion.
He also worked on Moncler X’s Mercedes Reveal at Olympia which formed the centrepiece of Moncler’s London Fashion Week launch.
Graham has also project managed a number of unusual builds including Bulgari’s Serpanti Lit Sculpture in Duke of York Square, Chelsea. His expertise also spans work across visitor centres, new builds, primary care centres, golf centres and the Leeds Chinese Christian Church.
Graham Edward, MD, Edward Architects, said: “Graham will be a fantastic asset to our team and brings a broad range of experience and expertise which has involved some unique and unusual builds. This will be invaluable in our accessible design and court protection projects.”
Graham Davey said: “I am excited to join the team at Edward Architects as the business continues to build. The practice has such a breadth of skills and experience and I’m keen to further my own skills by learning from those around me. I have particularly enjoyed that the values of the practice align with my own, placing the client at the centre of everything we do.”
2025 Business Predictions: Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties and developer of Pennine Five in Sheffield
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 Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties and developer of Pennine Five in Sheffield.
Following a challenging 2024, marked by continued political uncertainty and the Autumn Budget, the commercial property market is entering 2025 with far more clarity. While some economic challenges remain, occupiers and landlords now have a clearer vision of what’s needed – high-quality, flexible spaces that not only appeal to employers but also meet the needs of employees.
The good news is that the ‘return to the office’ is definitely happening. Businesses are starting to take their office space seriously again and understand the crucial role it plays in attracting and retaining talent. I expect this trend to gain even more momentum in 2025.
However, due to the challenging business environment of recent years, not every business can afford to step into a new Grade A development. And even if they can, many cities, Sheffield being one, have a limited supply of brand-new commercial developments – an unfortunate legacy of Covid-19.
Therefore, it’s essential for cities to strike the right balance in their commercial offering – delivering more affordable high-quality spaces that still feature outstanding amenities and flexible leasing terms, to complement flagship developments. We’re seeing this combination prove very popular at our revitalised Pennine Five office campus in Sheffield, which is attracting a diverse mix of technology SMEs, innovation firms, and serviced office providers like Spaces.
I’m confident that 2025 will be a strong year for the commercial property sector.
Harworth ends year with more than £104m in land sales
Rotherham-based land regenerator Harworth completed the last quarter of 2024 with housing plot sales of more than £71m, taking the total for the year to £104m – double the total for 2023.
The company says the sales volume reflects the continued strong demand for its de-risked serviced residential land product as well as evidencing success of the Group’s strategy to accelerate delivery of residential sites and broader range of products. Alongside its Residential plot sales Harworth also completed land sales at Skelton Grange (Phase 1, 27 acres) and Ansty (278 acres), for total headline sales value of £106.3 million. Harworth Group Chief Exec Lynda Shillaw said: “Harworth had a busy fourth quarter in 2024, concluding nine Residential land sales, comprising 1,896 plots for £71.7 million. This takes the total plot sales for 2024 to a new annual Harworth record of 2,385 plots, generating £104.1 million of cash, split between upfront and deferred payments, and is in line with our strategic target of 2,000 per year on average. “Throughout the year we continued to see healthy demand, and notably we also completed two major land sales at our Skelton Grange and Ansty developments in December, for £106.3 million. The proceeds from these sales will be reinvested into our Industrial & Logistics development programme to continue creating value for our stakeholders. “We are committed to delivering sustainable regeneration schemes, creating new communities in our regions and supporting delivery of much needed high quality housing in the UK by accelerating delivery at our sites, and broadening the range of our mixed tenure products, which saw 582 of the year’s plots sales to affordable housing providers. “Our approach to placemaking and strong collaboration with strategic partners is key to success on these developments, and our extensive consented pipeline of 4,568 plots positions us well to continue supporting growth in the UK.”