Accountancy firm’s first apprentice become part-owner of the practice
360 Chartered Accountants’ first-ever apprentice has now become a shareholder and part-owner of the business.
Sophie Holmes started her apprenticeship at 360 in 2011 after finishing her ‘A’ Levels. After becoming a fully qualified Chartered Accountant in 2017, her exceptional work led to her being named Charities Specialist and then Corporate Portfolio Manager. Two years ago, she rose even further when she became Client Services Director and was appointed to the Board. She is also the Chair of the firm’s charity, the 360 Grass Roots Foundation and Chair of the Humber ICAEW Society of Chartered Accountants.
Andy Steele, Founder of 360, with offices in Hull, York and Wakefield, said: “We are incredibly proud and grateful for the hard work and commitment Sophie has shown throughout her time here. Her continuing excellence and positivity to 360 has helped grow our business to where it is today.”
“By Sophie becoming a shareholder and part-owner, we have placed the first piece in our succession jigsaw, a piece myself and the other shareholders felt was a no-brainer.”
“We are thrilled that one of our apprentices has risen through the ranks and made it to the top. We are building a team to run our business forever. She is well-respected wherever she goes and is a shining example of what can be achieved.”
Sophie leads 360’s team of qualified and part qualified accountants, trainees and apprentices, ensuring continued excellence in client service, the essence of 360’s unique offering in the marketplace. She said: “I am very proud to be a shareholder and part-owner of 360, a firm I have loved ever since joining. I am also thankful to Andy and Leanne for giving me this incredible opportunity. Andy pushed me from day one to work hard and to step outside of my comfort zone, so this is the culmination of 13 years of hard work. It’s a privilege to work with a fantastic team and I look forward to continuing to grow this amazing firm.”
Harworth Group retail development moving forward at Rotherham
Lincoln-based Lindum Group is making good progress in the delivery of a Harworth Group retail development and medical centre at Olive Lane, Waverley, near Rotherham.
The shopping area will feature convenience stores, cafes and restaurants and public realm and landscaping and is due for completion in November this year.
A groundbreaking event took place at the site in December 2023, attended by representatives of Harworth, Lindum Group, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, the Waverley Community Council, and Forge New Homes, which is building new homes at Olive Lane.
Following an agreement with NHS England and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Lindum also began construction of the site’s £3m two-storey medical centre in February, which is set to be handed over in October.
Chris Fraser, project managing the retail works, said: “Works have progressed well. The steel frames for three of the four buildings have been erected, with the frame for the remaining building due to erected in mid-July.
“Two of the buildings are now having superstructure brickwork erected, with the third being started in two weeks.
“Scaffolding is due to be erected ready for roofing works in the coming weeks for the first building and will be progressively erected for the remaining buildings within two months to allow doors and windows to go in at the end of summer for watertightness.
“Drainage works are ongoing and will be complete in mid-July. Section 38 roadworks have been installed ready for sign off as adoptable highways.
“By the end of the summer we will be building up levels ready for external works such as landscaping and paving.”
Potter makes space for reading at primary school
Yorkshire-based property company Potter Space has added a new modular library at Burneston Church of England Primary School twenty minutes away from its base at Potter Space Ripon Park in Yorkshire.
The 13.5m long and 10ft tall unit was originally donated by local business MES, owned by Derrick Potter and Andrew Frost towards the end of 2023, leaving the school to decide how to best use it. When the school saw the size of the unit, their aspirations went from a storage unit to something far more ambitious, a new library for the school.
Spearheaded by Derrick Potter, the team at Potter Space was instrumental in the delivery of the library and secured permission for the project from the church diocese, as well as planning permission from the New Unitary Authority of North Yorkshire.
The works included removing and disposing of old shed space that had previously housed children’s playground equipment, preparing new foundations with recycled stone, installing new underground drainage linked to the existing rainwater system and building wheelchair accessible entrances.
The interior was completely refurbished, with all wiring, electrics, light fittings and heaters renewed. New carpeting was additionally installed along with insulated panels to improve energy efficiency.
The mission expanded into Potter Space’s wider business network, with donations from many businesses in the area. The new library books came from further afield and were provided by Nony Boxer, MD of 66 Books Ltd, a customer at Potter Space’s Ely Park.
Suzy Smart, Burneston CE Primary School Headteacher, said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by Derrick and the Potter Space team. Education is the foundation of success and ensuring adequate access to reading materials for children is of the utmost importance. Expanding on our existing materials and space has been a dream come true.”
Derrick Potter said: “The teachers at Burneston CE Primary School provide a crucial education service to the local community and Potter Space is passionate about supporting the communities where we operate. This project has been incredibly rewarding and, as their teachers let the children to be involved in the creation of their new library, it will be great to see them enjoying their new facilities.”
CBI Chief Exec warns new Government: You’ll have to be pro-green
CBI chief executive Rain Newton-Smith is warning of the risks of trying to “separate the economy from net zero” and tell whoever forms the next Government they “can’t be pro-growth and deliver for our people and communities, without being pro-green.”
As the election campaign entered its final days, she spoke of deafening silence from all parties about the issues of climate change, about biodiversity loss, net zero and our planet” in contrast to what she says is the “consensus case from business” for net zero as a growth opportunity.
With the CBI’s Going for Green report revealing that the next government could add as much as £57bn to the economy from green growth by 2030, Newton-Smith is calling on both the main parties to commit to delivering five steps to achieving green growth.
She said: “The next government ‘s got to be loud and proud in making green growth part of a new investor pitch for brand Britain. No more prevarication, no more rowed back commitments. Whoever forms the next government has to let the world know it’s serious about the investment opportunities from net zero and that we’re in this for the long-haul. Make decisions and stick to them.
“Whether it’s continuing with the ‘five growth sector’ strategy, or part of a new plan for sustainable growth, the next Chancellor must set out our national stall.”
Shew called for an Office for Net Zero, a Net Zero investment plan, transformational technology, and riding over ‘nimbyism’. “Recent attempts to expand and upgrade the grid have run up against nimbyism. This matters… Tens of billions of pounds of net zero investment – and the future attractiveness of the UK as a place to invest – hinge on the grid. So… the next government must back rapid grid upgrades and work in partnership with business – to get them done. Without that, there’s no net zero, no green growth.”
She added: “It’s a dangerous error to try and separate the economy from net zero. There is still too much in our political discourse that amounts to – ‘can we afford to go for net zero?’ But the real question is – can we afford not to?”
“The cost of inaction the OBR has set out… the hit to our GDP will be five times higher if we don’t act, than if we act early. But there is another cost on top of all that – the cost of falling behind in the global race for cheaper, more reliable, more efficient energy. The huge emerging markets for new technologies.”
30-second TV ad breaks new ground with AI technology
Hull-based advertising agency Pace has worked with composite decking brand Trex, to create the first TV advert by a UK agency.
The 30-second advert, which invites UK homeowners to open their doors and embrace outdoor living, uses the latest generative AI techniques to create virtual settings.
The Hull-based creative communications agency came up with the concept of the commercial and were involved from inception to launch, working with Grit Pictures and on location at XPLOR at Production Park, Wakefield.
Caroline Anson, Pace’s Head of Client Services, said: “Working with Trex since the start of the year has been a great experience for the whole agency and this advertisement is just the latest piece of work we have created with the client – it’s a very exciting time!
“The inspiration behind the concept came when we realised our objective wasn’t to just talk about Trex but to also encourage UK consumers to open their doors, embrace outdoor living, and see their outside space as a true extension of their homes.”
The shoot, which took place in XPLOR’s virtual production studio, involved creating a digital landscape that they blended with the physical set, to replicate an outdoor location without relying on the British weather.
Richard Blair, Head of Production Services at XPLOR, said: “We always love a challenge at Production Park! The project for Trex and Pace was one of the largest scale virtual production shoots we’ve done so far with a full size decking system being installed in our studio prior to filming.
“We love the final results and are so pleased the agency and their client are over the moon with what has been created. We look forward to working with them on future campaigns.”
Paul takes on new ABP Chief of Staff role from today
Paul Bristowe has become the new Chief of Staff role at Associated British Ports, the UK’s leading ports operator.
Formerly Head of Marine for ABP’s Humber region, he brings extensive senior leadership experience from almost a decade with BP and 25 years of service in the Royal Navy in addition to his ABP career.
Paul said: “I’m excited to taking up the Chief of Staff role. There’s a tremendous depth of experience across ABP. Leading this new portfolio is an opportunity to bring this expertise together, give it the focus and prominence it deserves as well enhance the sharing of best practice across functions.
“The safety aspect of the Chief of Staff portfolio is absolutely critical, not just to the role itself but to everything that ABP does. Although ABP has made strong progress on our approach to safety, I’m absolutely committed to leading further improvement.”
The Chief of Staff role has been created to bring together critical enabling functions into one portfolio, including marine operations, safety, environment and security, that provide the essential foundations for ABP’s future growth. The Chief of Staff will also be the senior executive with responsibility for ABP’s other marine focused capabilities, UK Dredging and marine consultancy ABPmer.
Recognising the critical nature of these highly skilled, specialist capabilities the Chief of Staff will sit on ABP’s Executive Board and report directly to ABP’s CEO.
Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO at Associated British Ports, said: “ABP has ambitious, transformational plans for how we will expand our contribution to the UK under our twin missions of Keeping Britain Trading and Enabling the Energy Transition. These missions rely on safe, secure and sustainable operations which is why the Chief of Staff role is so important, bringing a senior leadership focus on key foundational capabilities. I am delighted to welcome Paul Bristowe to the role.”
Paul joined ABP in 2022 from BP, where he held a number of senior commercial roles in shipping, supply and trading operations. Before joining the business world Paul had a 25-year career in the Royal Navy operating globally as a helicopter pilot, warfare officer and latterly in command of a Type 23 Frigate. Paul has an MBA from Cranfield University.
New eight-year tourism strategy officially adopted for York
A new eight-year tourism strategy for York has been officially adopted by the City of York Council.
The York Tourism Advisory Board, chaired by Dr Brendan Paddison, Associate Professor and Interim Dean of York Business School, has been working on the development of a new Tourism Strategy for York, following extensive consultation with stakeholders from across the city and the wider region.
From promoting regenerative practices, to enhancing the wellbeing of the city’s communities through tourism, the York Tourism Strategy is a comprehensive framework that aims to ensure that tourism becomes a force for positive change, contributing to the city’s prosperity and wellbeing.
The new strategy is focused on 5 key priorities with specific ambitions for the city. These are:
- A Regenerative Visitor Economy: York is a responsible, robust and profitable destination with a regenerative visitor economy.
- Green York: Our businesses and visitors’ commitment proactively contributes to York’s transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
- Culture: York is renowned for its heritage, culture and cutting-edge approach to creativity, which attracts cultural tourists and supports the city’s regenerative visitor economy.
- Residents and Localhood: Local people experience the very best of their city and wider region alongside its visitors, with tourism contributing to the quality of life in York and beyond.
- Skills and recruitment: The visitor economy is a first-choice career for school leavers and graduates, businesses invest in upskilling, apprenticeships, training and career development, and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Offshore Wind Growth Partnership appoints non-exec director
The Offshore Wind Growth Partnership has appointed Iain Sinclair as a non-executive director. Iain brings over 20 years of experience in the renewable energy supply chain, most recently as the executive director of Global Energy Group – a major port operator and energy sector service company.
Iain replaces outgoing board member Richard Turner, whose term ends at the end of this month, and said: “I can’t wait to get stuck in at such an important moment for the development of the UK’s renewable energy sector. Since joining Global Energy Group we’ve seen the Scottish Port of Nigg become a household name in offshore wind, securing major investments and supporting world-leading offshore wind projects including Seagreen and Moray West.
“I want to use this experience to drive OWGP’s strategy, supporting development throughout the UK, and helping companies across the country to share in this growth with innovative products and services.”
OWGP Programme Director Anil Sayhan said: “We are grateful to Richard Turner for his support and guidance as OWGP established itself as a key player in developing the offshore wind supply chain. We are delighted to welcome Iain Sinclair, whose wealth of experience in manufacturing, ports and other critical areas will be highly valued as OWGP takes its next steps to help UK companies scale.”
OWGP Chair Tim Pick said: “It is great to have Iain on the OWGP Board. Iain joins us at a pivotal time for OWGP as we seek to align our programmes more closely with the recently published Industrial Growth Plan and roll out new initiatives such as our forthcoming Manufacturing Facility Support Programme.”
OWGP’s mission is to support a globally competitive offshore wind supply chain in the UK. They work with businesses to improve productivity, increase business competitiveness, maximise exports, promote greater collaboration in the supply chain, support innovation, and increase capacity through attracting new entrants and growing existing capacity. To date, OWGP’s programmes have led participants to report an increase of 1,136 jobs in offshore wind, over £44m offshore wind contracts won and retained in the UK supply chain.
Shipley interpreting firm snapped up by global language service company
Translate.One, a global language service and technology company and a division of one of the largest integrated legal solutions providers in the US, has acquired Enable2, a Shipley-headquartered interpreting company.
This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Translate.One’s commitment to providing comprehensive language support solutions worldwide.
Enable2 is a Social Enterprise spinning out from NHS Bradford and Airedale in 2011. The Enable2 set up includes an online purpose-built system to support both the public and private sector to communicate with their clients whilst achieving cost savings.
Peter Smith, president of Translate.One, said: “We are excited to welcome Enable2 to the Translate.One family. Their dedication to providing sensitive, professional, and understanding language support perfectly aligns with our mission. Together, we are well-positioned to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through language.”
Liz Weatherill, Managing Director of Enable2, said: “This acquisition opens up new opportunities for Enable2 to expand our services. By joining forces with Translate.One, we can leverage their extensive infrastructure and resources to enhance our offerings and continue delivering exceptional language support.”
100 year old Leeds fancy dress retailer sold following fall into administration
Leeds-headquartered fancy dress retailer R.H. Smith & Sons (Wigmakers) Limited, which trades as Smiffy’s, has been sold following its fall into administration.
Smiffy’s has been operating for over 100 years and has stores in Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and Oxford. The financial performance of the company was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw a huge drop in demand for costume and party products.
Following the appointment of Jane Steer and Sarah O’Toole of PwC as joint administrators, a sale of the business and assets of the company has been completed to Ad Populum LLC.
The buyer owns several brands, such as NECA (an industry leader in pop culture action figures and collectibles), Wizkids (a producer of miniatures and award-winning tabletop games worldwide), Kidrobot (a premier creator of limited-edition art toys and lifestyle accessories), and Rubies II, LLC (a US costumes company).
Jane Steer, joint administrator and partner, PwC, said: “Smiffy’s is a popular brand that has been operating in one form or another since 1894, but sadly, like many other retailers, it was impacted by the after effects of the pandemic. The buyer, Ad Populum, will add Smiffy’s to its comprehensive range of brands which have extensive reach in the fancy dress and toy markets.”
