2024 Business Predictions: Graham Edward, Managing Director, Edward Architects
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 Graham Edward, Managing Director at Edward Architects.
Edward Architects has experienced a consistently high workload in 2023 and has enjoyed continued growth which has led to investment in a new Leeds studio. The market definitely feels tighter though. This is primarily as a result of interest rates which have affected investment in Real Estate and property sales.
We are finding that our residential workload remains strong however. The housebuilding machines keep rolling as they do deals with housing associations to keep sites churning. This does though affect their margins.
Industrial demand remains high and off shore investment is allowing this market to remain buoyant.
Strategic land remains a solid workload for us as these clients take the long term view.
The UK has experienced more than a decade of consistently low interest rates and the last year or so of bigger numbers has been a bit of a shock to the system. There are signs that they are stabilising and may even start to come down in 2024. This has also happened with construction costs which is encouraging news.
The government is doing its best to stabilise the economy, which is helping trading conditions, but Britain’s incredibly resilient business world needs to remain so in 2024 as I think it will remain a bumpy ride though global uncertainties and a government focused on the next General Election.
So more belt tightening is required in 2024, but I don’t see a reduction in the order book.
At Edward Architects we are excited to face the challenges that 2024 is going to throw at us and will spread our specialisms of residential, strategic land and accessible design into new client bases. We are ready for the next phase of continued growth.
Merrion Centre to evolve as plans submitted for Leeds student accommodation
Leeds-based property investor and developer, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has unveiled the next phase of evolution for the Merrion Centre in Leeds, with a planning application that is set to transform the 1m sq ft mixed used scheme.
For the first time, the Merrion Centre is looking to introduce residential accommodation to its offering that has been part of the retail, office and leisure landscape of Leeds for the last 60 years.
In a bid to address the burgeoning demand for accommodation in the area, TCS’ planning application introduces two new buildings within the Merrion Centre. These structures are designed to deliver 1,110 student bedrooms, comprising a range of studios and cluster bedrooms.
The student accommodations will be complemented across both buildings with a range of amenities, including residents’ lounges, co-working spaces, meeting spaces, cinema, gym, karaoke room, 191 secure cycle spaces and external terraces.
This development would involve the conversion of the 13 storey Wade House, a 1960’s office building which has been predominantly vacant since May 2021. This sits adjacent to a new 35 storey tower, on the site of 100MC which was previously consented as a new build office scheme.
Edward Ziff, chairman and Chief Executive of TCS, said: “We have identified significant untapped potential within our Merrion estate, strategically positioning it for future growth.
“We are delighted to submit this crucial planning application which signifies the commencement of our upcoming strategy for the Merrion Centre. Our dedication to investing in and enhancing this mixed-use city centre destination is resolute, and we are excited to embark on this next phase of development.
“The surrounding location and demographic has continued to evolve over previous decades, more recently with the first direct arena and numerous student and residential developments. These changes are set to continue with further developments coming forward including the proposed Convention Centre on Merrion Way.
“Our proposition and offer across the Merrion Centre has consistently evolved to address the changes in demand across the retail and leisure elements. This application has been carefully considered to strike a balance of reuse first with the re-invention of Wade House.
“The two buildings provide a rare opportunity to deliver a complimentary student offer which will benefit from the vast array of retail and leisure amenities that the wider estate offers.”
New technology means better performance is on the cards for Riverside Greetings
Supported by a team of academics at Leeds Beckett University, Wakefield-based greetings card company Riverside Greetings is introducing new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology which it’s confident will enhance the performance of greeting cards in the convenience and forecourt sector.
Andrew Glen, MD of Riverside Greetings, said: “Many small businesses struggle to access the resources they need to innovate effectively and at scale. By participating in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership we’ve been able to work closely with a team at Leeds Beckett University who have helped us to develop this initiative.”
The team has created an automated inventory and category management system combining AI with RFID technology to analyse and increase the performance of greeting cards – whilst significantly improving the productivity and effectiveness of Riverside’s merchandising service.
The new, patent pending, technology, is now being piloted in several test stores in England. It will allow merchandisers to complete a full stock count of hundreds of cards by design in less than two minutes, with 100% accuracy – versus the current manual counting system which can take 30 to 45 minutes.
Mr Glen said: “The project is innovative in a number of ways: firstly, because it employs RFID with relatively low value items; and secondly because it will utilise tags close to each other. This revolutionary new technology is going to provide us with real-time information and transform the overall performance of greetings cards in the sector.
“We are very excited about this new approach. Our conservative estimate for the scale of the opportunity for the sector measures it at £25 million, a sales figure which will generate about £12.5 million of incremental profit for retailers.”
Dr Akbar Sheikh Akbari, Reader in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at Leeds Beckett University, said: “I am delighted with the transformative level of innovation and efficiency provided through the combination of AI and RFID technology in facilitating greeting cards delivery. Benefits include: efficient management of card stocks in shops, delivery vans, and production lines; reduced costs; reduced waste; increased accuracy; and a reduced carbon footprint.”
Riverside Greetings estimate that this new approach will grow sales with existing customers by more than 20%. Riverside’s operational model provides consignment stock for retailers who then only pay for what they sell, which means that they don’t have cash tied up in stock.
Heating network provider extends supply system to more homes in Leeds
Within the next six months heating network provider Vital Energi will have extended the Leeds Pipes district heating scheme to hundreds more homes and the Leeds Conservatoire music school.
259 council properties in Lovell Park Heights, Lovell Park Grange, and Lovell Park Towers will be set up to receive heat from the network within the next six months.
Private leaseholders of properties in the Little London tower blocks will also be able to benefit from the network if they opt to connect their homes to the system.
Households that are benefiting from the upgrade can expect to see the cost of heating their home reduce using Leeds PIPES, compared to their existing heating systems, and will also enjoy better reliability and control.
Meanwhile, Leeds Conservatoire (formerly Leeds College of Music) has become the thirteenth non-residential customer to have signed a contract to connect.
Mike Cooke, Vital Energi’s Managing Director (North and Scotland), said: “Leeds PIPES continues to be the UK’s landmark heat network and we’re delighted to announce these new connections, which means more people will benefit from low-carbon, cheaper heat to businesses and residents, making a real difference in their day-to-day lives.
“We look forward to welcoming another 259 homes and Leeds Conservatoire to the fastest growing heat network and will work closely with the council to ensure they have the best possible customer experience.”
The new connections are expected to reduce the city’s annual carbon footprint by 279 tonnes, supporting efforts to end the city’s contribution to climate change by transitioning to ‘net zero’ emissions.
By using heat and energy recovered from non-recyclable waste at the Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city, the Leeds PIPES district heating project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil-fuel powered heating systems.
The council estimates that the network, delivered in partnership with Vital Energi, is helping existing customers to collectively save nearly half a million pounds (£490,000) in reduced energy costs this year alone.
The £62 million network continues to expand and is regularly connecting to new buildings. Leonardo & Thoresby student accommodation buildings and St James’s Hospital are the latest buildings to have begun taking heat from the scheme.
Leeds City Council is currently in discussions with dozens of potential customers. Buildings and developments located near the underground pipes can choose to connect at any time and can register their interest on the Leeds PIPES website.
Last year, the network of insulated underground pipes supplied 22,029 megawatt-hours of heating in total and helped reduce the city’s carbon footprint by 3,975 tonnes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment & Green Space said: “Residents in the Lovell Park estate will join the thousands of council tenants and hundreds of private sector renters already benefiting.
“Too many families in our city struggle to pay their energy bills—in part because the UK’s homes are some of the least efficient and most reliant on costly fossil fuel gas in Europe.
“Whether it’s by connecting homes to affordable low carbon heating like Leeds PIPES, or investing in energy-saving measures like insulation, this council is committed to helping households by making our homes greener and fit for the future.”
Agemaspark founder wins lifetime achievement award in Doncaster
A lifetime achievement prize has been awarded to Paul Stockhill, Founder and MD of precision-engineering company Agemaspark at Doncaster Chamber’s 25th annual business awards evening attended by 900 people.
Chamber President Andy Morley said: “It was a privilege to present this trophy to Paul, who has done so much for Doncaster, its economy and communities.
“While growing his business, which was founded back in 2002, he has helped to drive forward innovation in the manufacturing industry by embracing new technologies and really thinking outside the box. In the process, he has supplied parts for use in aviation, medicine, robotics and oil drilling, with Agemaspark’s global clients spanning both sectors and continents. They even have interstellar components that can be found in places like Mars and the International Space Station.
“Of course, Paul’s open-minded thinking is not only evident in his use of cutting-edge technology but also in the way that he nurtures the next-generation of talent. Indeed, he has mentored dozens of apprentices over the years, sits on various skills and education- related boards, and was instrumental in getting Doncaster’s first UTC off the ground.
“For all of this and more, Paul has been showered with accolades and praise throughout his distinguished career and we are pleased to recognise this with our 2023 Lifetime Achievement award.”
There were also accolades for standout SMEs, major corporations, inspiring apprentices, caring charities, promising start-ups, exemplary education providers, intrepid entrepreneurs and more; allowing the ceremony to really do justice to our phenomenal business community here in Doncaster. All of the finalists underwent a rigorous judging process — which saw them being scored by expert panels and being interviewed by their peers— to ensure that the most deserving recipients were selected for each trophy.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “It’s hard to believe that our Business Awards have been going strong for 25 years now and Doncaster has certainly come a long way in that space of time.
“Last night was an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made since that inaugural ceremony in 1998, to recap the biggest highlights from the past quarter century and, of course, to shine a spotlight on our city’s best and brightest.
“It was a real honour to be in the presence of such remarkable businesses last night, all of whom exemplify the uniquely tenacious, determined and forward-thinking spirit of Doncaster. It’s always difficult to single out just a handful of winners — especially with all of the impressive finalists that put themselves forward, of whom there was a record amount in 2023 — but I believe that our judges have picked some truly fantastic organisations and entrepreneurs this year.
“When I look at those who were recognised, I am reminded just how extraordinary our local business community is and how they are constantly driving forward growth and taking us to new heights. With incredible businesspeople like these right at our doorstep, I know that the future for Doncaster is truly bright and cannot wait to see where they take us next.
“With that said, I would like to thank everyone who made this inspiring evening possible, from our hosts at Doncaster racecourse right through to our amazing roster of finalists, our generous sponsors and, of course, the fantastic team I am privileged to lead at the Chamber.”
Creative agency’s input bolsters teaching resource in Cleethorpes
Work done by Lincoln-based creative production agency Ruddocks has helped a educational project led by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP to be recognised as an example of good practice in a national report.
Ruddocks has worked with the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub to stage a summer Teacher Encounter programme for students at Cleethorpes Academy.
What made the project stand out was the interactive educational handbook that Ruddocks’ Managing Director Paul Banton provided to teachers following their encounter.
The handbook contains several curriculum-related activities that can be used by teachers to bring their subjects to life, and each task is directly related to the work of the company, such as a creating a design brief or providing quote estimates.
The report, entitled Evaluation of The Careers & Enterprise Company’s Teacher Encounters Programme and published by academics at the University of Derby, highlighted the handbook and the Teacher Encounter at Cleethorpes Academy as an example for others to follow.
The handbook is currently being used by Cleethorpes Academy to help develop students’ knowledge in media, and the academy is in conversation with Ruddocks to develop the resource further so that it can be incorporated into more subject areas.
Alex Nightingale, Enterprise Co-ordinator at the LEP Careers Hub saids: “As soon as Paul Banton of Ruddocks revealed that he planned to create a handbook to support the Teacher Encounter I was really pleased.
“One of the integral aims of the programme is to support subject teachers to enrich their lessons with content from the world of work. The fact that Cleethorpes Academy is keen to develop this further shows the value of our Teacher Encounters programme and of the resource kindly created by the team at Ruddocks.”
Mr Banton said: “My experience of the Teacher Encounter has been really positive. Having undertaken several different initiatives over the years, engaging with schools in various ways, the concept of hosting teachers from myriad schools here on site, so they can see at first hand the skills and roles we have available as an employer, is without doubt the best.
“There’s nothing like being able to get up close to the different functions within our business and talk to some of the team for getting a real sense of where the employability opportunities lie. I really felt the participants were fully engaged and I’m pleased and excited to see how things develop with Cleethorpes Academy as we continue the journey together.
“It’s the first time we have been involved in anything quite like this, and having Cleethorpes working alongside us to develop the scheme and workbook we created will be really interesting. I very much hope that we are piloting a blueprint for the future that enables young people and enterprise come together and create pathways into employment that I do not believe exist today.”
Connor Russell, an ICT teacher at Cleethorpes Academy, added: “Exploring Ruddocks proved to be incredibly insightful. Led by Paul, the team demonstrated the start-to-end process of designing creative graphics, which has given me a comprehensive understanding of their entire process, from the initial client enquiry to the distribution of the final product.
“Our visit highlighted the cutting-edge technology required to print for the masses, but also showcased the skillsets required to work at a printing company. When I returned to the academy I passed on the knowledge I gathered to other members of the department so they can also implement this into their teaching.”
Connor said that in future he and his colleagues would embed the handbook in aspects of their teaching.
“Whenever we teach a creative topic such as graphic design, we will look at using some of the elements of the handbook such as asking students to create a design concept before creating the product. We could also look at setting the lessons around a client (the teacher), providing students with a brief to work from and getting students to pitch their intended product which will allow them to get feedback that can be considered when developing their product.”
Agreement with EU and Norway gives UK fishing industry opportunities worth £700m
The UK fishing industry will have access to 420,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities worth up to £700 million after agreements were reached with the EU and Norway, the UK Government has announced.
This brings the total fishing opportunities secured for the UK fleet in 2024 in the main negotiating forums to 750,000 tonnes – 80,000 tonnes more than in 2023 – worth up to £970 million based on historic landing prices.
The deal with the EU has secured UK fishermen access to opportunities of 130,000 tonnes for 2024, worth up to £340 million.
The trilateral deal with the EU and Norway secures access to opportunities of 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth around £360 million.
This is on top of 330,000 tonnes, worth around £270 million, from catch limits agreed earlier in the year on widely distributed stocks with coastal States in the northeast Atlantic.
As a result of quota share uplifts agreed in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the UK has up to 120,000 tonnes more quota from the 2024 negotiations than it would have received as an EU Member State.
In the fourth year of the UK operating as an independent coastal state in the negotiations, catch levels were agreed for over 80 important total allowable catches (TACs). This included key commercial stock across the industry, including northern shelf cod, North Sea saithe, and Nephrop stocks in the Celtic/Irish Sea.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “These significant deals give UK fishermen access to important fish stocks worth £970 million and take advantage of our position outside the EU to independently negotiate in our fishing fleets best interest.
“They are based on the latest scientific advice and support a sustainable, profitable fishing sector for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing grounds.”
COP that: Supermarkets won’t be able to stock items produced by harming the world’s forests
Palm oil, cocoa, beef, leather, and soy are to be included in new legislation aimed at helping ensure the products we buy do not harm the world’s forests.
At COP28 Nature Day the government set out how these new laws will ensure that there is no place on our supermarket shelves for products which have been produced on land linked to illegal deforestation.
This move will protect the habitats of some of the world’s most precious and endangered species, including tigers and leopards. It will give British shoppers assurance that the goods they buy are not contributing to deforestation that violates the laws and regulations of the countries where they come from.
The biggest driver of deforestation is agricultural expansion, with an area the size of the UK ploughed up each year to meet UK demand for commodities.
The legislation marks a step change from voluntary approaches already in place, protecting the future of the world’s forests that we need to help tackle climate change, and their wildlife-rich canopies.
Introduced through the world leading Environment Act, this legislation will see businesses that have a global annual turnover of over £50 million and use over 500 tonnes of regulated commodities a year banned from using them if sourced from illegally-used land.
These businesses will also be required to undertake a due diligence exercise on their supply chains and to report on this exercise annually for transparency.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “I find it heart-rending to see the way illegal deforestation is destroying the habitats of tigers, jaguars, orangutans and many other endangered species, and I know many people across the world feel the same. Globally, we lose forests equivalent to the size of about 30 football pitches every minute.
“It’s why we are cleaning up supply chains to make sure that big businesses in the UK aren’t responsible for illegal deforestation. It also means shoppers can be confident that the money they spend is part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.
“Through our work at COP28 on forests, food, and nature we are reversing the loss of biodiversity, increasing food security, and tackling climate change – safeguarding these critically important landscapes for generations to come.”
Biomethane fuel supplier starts work on Doncaster depot
One of Europe’s leading suppliers of renewable biomethane fuel for HGVs is building a new refuelling station at Doncaster.
The public access Bio-CNG station operated by ReFuels under the CNG Fuels brand puts 90% of the UK’s population and four of the country’s largest ports within a 4-5-hour reach of the station. With 76% of all intermodal journeys involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) beginning or ending at a shipping dock, the new station will play a fundamental role in enabling major fleets to cut CO2 emissions.
The UK’s largest port by tonnage, Immingham Docks, sits within an hour’s range of the new station, enabling fleets travelling to and from the port to run on 100% renewable biomethane for the first time. Additionally, the site will serve iPort, the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub. Several of ReFuels’ customers already have warehousing and distribution bases in the area, including Amazon, DHL and Lidl.
Philip Fjeld, CEO and co-founder of ReFuels, said: “Our latest site to enter construction in Doncaster is set to transform access to Bio-CNG for fleets travelling to and from the UK’s largest ports. As a key logistics hub in the UK, the Doncaster station will not only expand the reach of low-carbon deliveries for our existing customers, but many major brands and local hauliers looking to make substantial emission cuts of over 90% from fleets.”
The station at Doncaster is owned by a joint venture (JV) with Foresight Group. It will feature 10 fuel pump islands, allowing more than 500 trucks to be refuelled daily with a total capacity of more than 19 million kilograms (kg) of Bio-CNG annually.
Equity group endorses newly-established Charter
A year after the launch of the CATCH Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Belonging Network, member companies have endorsed the organisations newly-established Charter and its accompanying guidelines.
Current Chair Nina Stobart of Phillips 66 says this demonstrates their collective commitment to shaping an industry that is resilient, adaptive, and inclusive.
With the sector currently facing a notable skills shortage and with a surge of job opportunities expected from upcoming large-scale engineering and construction projects, ensuring a diverse talent pool and equal opportunity has never been more crucial.
The group boasts a membership of highly skilled industry professionals and therefore has established four specialised sub-committees: Policy, Recruitment and Outreach, Allyship, and Training and Development to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. Nina, External Communications & Public Affairs Lead at Phillips 66 said: “Promoting and delivering EDI&B in the workplace is an essential aspect of good people management. It’s about creating working environments and cultures where every individual can feel safe and a sense of belonging and is empowered to achieve their full potential. “Our new Charter is a commitment that we are on that journey to help our business and the region reach our Vision which is to be part of a progressive and equitable region where businesses support a fully inclusive and diverse workforce in an environment where they feel seen, heard, supported, and valued. To do this we all need to play our part by embracing difference, valuing everyone’s contribution, treating people with dignity and respect and increasing our understanding by hearing lived experience of others. Only by doing this can we take the appropriate positive steps forward to ensure we can meet the needs of everyone. We know this really does matter. It matters for everyone, and it must be a priority, not just in words but in action.” Lisa Buck, CATCH’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, said: “The inception of this network was inspired by discussions within the CATCH HR leaders forum. Regional businesses expressed a feeling that, despite commendable efforts already underway, there was vast potential for more impact if we all worked together. Our sessions have been lively and uplifting, with influential people eager to collaborate in enhancing the industry as a more inclusive workspace.” Companies that have signed up to the Charter include – Philips 66, Yara International, Tronox, Humber Bank Instruments, OLG, Lenzing, Solenis, and Gassco.