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New CEO of Right Fuel Card named

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

Yorkshire-based Right Fuel Card, part of the Edenred group, has appointed Matthew Briggs as its new CEO.

Matthew Briggs has held a number of executive roles in the automotive sector. This started with building the UKs largest independent motor insurance assessing organisation. He then joined FMG Support and helped build its fleet incident management business which partnered with most of the UKs top 10 vehicle leasing organisations.

From there, he joined Universal Salvage PLC to execute the turnaround, which was successfully completed with its sale to Copart – the world’s largest vehicle remarketing organisation.

Subsequently he became CCO of the RAC and was part of the exco who ran its sale to Private Equity in 2011. More recently he was CEO of AutoProtect Group, which provides products, services, tech and data analytics to over 4,000 vehicle retailers in the UK&I and Europe.

Briggs will take full responsibility for the leadership and development of RFC Edenred, playing a key role in meeting the company’s growth goals whilst supporting Edenred’s ‘Beyond’ strategy, aimed at providing value added services beyond fuel cards to Right Fuel Card’s 30,000 customers.

Briggs says: “I am delighted to be joining RFC Edenred as CEO at a time when the global mobility and automotive markets undergo significant change. With change brings opportunity, and I am excited to be working with the RFC Edenred colleagues to develop our proposition and capitalise on the automotive revolution.”

First female chair appointed by the Road Safety Markings Association

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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First female chair appointed by the Road Safety Markings Association

Julie Davidson, quality manager for Lincoln-headquartered aviation and highways specialist Jointline, has been named as the first female chair of the Road Safety Markings Association (RSMA) in its 47-year history. Established in 1976, the RSMA is one of the largest specialist trade bodies in the highways sector, that works with partners and stakeholders to create a safer road network. Current priorities include the challenges of reducing the carbon emissions of heavy plant machinery, driving industry-wide recruitment and specialist training, and the maintenance of line markings on the UK’s road network, which must develop swiftly to support the technology required for autonomous vehicles. Julie Davidson, 52, sits on the board of the RSMA, with her fellow board members having selected her as the new chair. She takes over from Justin Fischbach who was in post for 12 months. Julie will be supported by Rob Shearing, the recently appointed CEO, who joined the membership organisation in May 2023, having previously been CEO of Wolverhampton City Credit Union. Rob Shearing, CEO of the RSMA, said: “We are thrilled to appoint Julie to the position of chair of the RSMA. Her insight and technical knowledge of the quality, safety, compliance, and environmental standards that bodies such as National Highways and local authorities require for future contracts will be a tremendous asset to our whole membership. “The high level of research and development undertaken by our members and partners to create smarter, more advanced highways, sees the UK regarded as a leader in road marking technology. Many of our member companies employ skilled UK workforces that operate globally. Myself, the board, and all member organisations offer our full support to Julie in steering the RSMA to a bright future.” Julie Davidson joined Jointline in 2006, progressing to the role of quality manager in 2014. Established in 1987, the British-owned business has three main divisions; highways; airfield and distribution centre lining; and civil engineering, all of which have seen substantial growth over the past year. Julie Davidson said: “It is an honour to sit on the board of the RSMA and I am excited to continue the work of Justin Fischbach as the new chair. A lot of the work undertaken at Jointline to invest in specialist training, recruit apprentices to learn from our experienced workforce, and our journey to net zero, is relevant to the wider membership. I hope that my appointment will help to encourage more women into the industry. “With a General Election likely next Autumn, the RSMA will also be campaigning for enhanced infrastructure investment. Upgrading the UK’s road markings would help ensure safer journeys for all and pave the way for the gradual introduction of autonomous vehicles.”

MD Law builds commercial property arm

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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Sheffield’s MD Law continues to build its new commercial property arm with the appointment of a new partner to the team.Solicitor Wendy Martin joins bringing two decades of commercial property experience to the boutique law firm.Wendy will work with consultant solicitor Howard Wade, who joined the firm last December, to support existing and new clients on commercial property issues and also with commercial partner James Burdekin, when corporate deals involve property aspects. Experienced commercial property professional Wendy has worked at South Yorkshire and Derby law firms since 2000 and brings her specialisms of freehold and leasehold sales and acquisitions, landlord and tenant advice and leasework. She will also help grow the commercial property team.Wendy said: “Having worked at larger firms more recently, I am looking forward to being involved in a team environment and playing more of a hands-on role in developing and expanding the team, its offering and its workload. “People deal with people, and it was the people here that swung it for me, it feels like the right place to be.” MD Law partner Matthew Dixon, who set up the business eight years ago acting for, and advising professionals, businesses and individuals across the country on corporate law, insolvency, litigation and commercial property matters, said: “I am delighted to welcome Wendy and her considerable high-level commercial property experience, to the firm.“We are privileged to attract such talent who will help to drive further growth, and continue to deliver strong results for all our clients. Wendy’s addition also takes us another step in the right direction towards meeting our long-term growth goals, with the firm now boasting six partners.”

JCT600 directors walk the Dales Way for automotive charity

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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JCT600 directors walk the Dales Way for automotive charity

Eight hardy colleagues from JCT600 have once again donned their hiking boots in the name of charity, completing the 80-mile Dales Way to raise funds for automotive charity partner BEN.

Earlier this autumn, the team took on the challenge of walking from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria – a five-and-a-half day hike, requiring a total of 200,000 steps and burning an average of 17,000 calories.

The intrepid team comprised: John Tordoff, chief executive; Nigel Shaw, financial director; Richard Hargraves, managing director; Tracey Newton, people director; Graham Thacker, operations director; Andy Bateman, customer experience director; James Parker, chief information officer; and Ben Creswick, managing director of the group’s vehicles leasing division, JCT600 VLS.

The walk was part of the BEN’s Benathlon Challenge which encouraged automotive businesses to exercise for a whole month, and was also an opportunity to fundraise for the charity which supports anyone in need who has worked in the industry. The JCT600 team has succeeded in raising £8,500 for BEN so far and donations can be made to https://giving.ben.org.uk/pf/jct600dalesway

Richard Hargraves said: “BEN plays a vital role in the automotive industry, helping individuals from our sector when they need it most, and it’s vital that businesses like ours do all we can to support their work.

“With many colleagues having previously taken part in fundraising activities, from hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks to a 500-mile walking, running, cycling, swimming and rowing challenge to tour all of our 50-plus dealerships, we felt the rigours of the Dales Way should be added to the list.

“Passing through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it is a truly spectacular walk – even in torrential rain! Thanks to everyone for their support in helping us raise £8,500 for this fantastic charity.”

BEN is dedicated to supporting anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry, plus their family dependents. As well as supporting individuals in crisis, for example, by providing free life coaching, the charity also works with companies in the sector, helping them to promote the health and wellbeing of their people.

Footgolf Charity Day returns and aims to double fundraising for two local charities

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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Footgolf Charity Day returns and aims to double fundraising for two local charities

The 360 Grassroots Foundation and Hull & East Yorkshire Powerchair Football Club are teaming up again for their third Footgolf Charity event – and organisers say it is going to be bigger and better than ever.

The two charities have raised over £3,000 in total over the last two years from the Footgolf Days. They have proven to be so popular that they are putting on two sessions during the day at their next event to double their fundraising efforts and give even more local businesses, individuals and families the opportunity to get involved.

Teams of four are now being invited to sign up to play nine holes of Footgolf at their next event in April 2024. All proceeds are split equally between both causes.

The 360 Grassroots Foundation supports under privileged and disadvantaged children to access grassroots sports in Hull while the Hull & East Yorkshire PFC, also known as the Electric Eels, aims to give disabled people of all ages and genders the chance to play powerchair football at a competitive or recreational level.

Andy Steele, director of 360 Chartered Accountants, which set up the 360 Grassroots Foundation, said: “The cost of running the Eels is increasing all the time and the 360 Grassroots Foundation is being inundated with requests to help children access sports who would otherwise have stopped playing because of the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have had in previous years. The money that we have raised so far has already been put to good use within the local community. The Footgolf Charity Days are so much fun.

“No-one takes themselves too seriously. You don’t need to have any football or golfing skills to take part. Just come along and have a great time. We would also appeal to people to donate prizes for our raffle to help us smash through our previous fundraising ceiling.”

Kai Gill, marketing and communications officer for the Hull & East Yorkshire PFC, said: “We are delighted to be announcing another footgolf event for the third year running. The past two have been greatly supported and everyone has spoken about how much they’ve enjoyed them.

“It made it an easy decision for both charities to continue for next year’s fundraising event and make it the best and biggest one yet. The funds raised are critical to both charities and help achieve their charitable aims and objectives.”

The Footgolf Charity Day will take place on Friday 26^th April 2024 at the National Avenue Footgolf Centre, Hull. Tee-off times are between 11am and 5pm. A buffet is included and refreshments will be available at the bar. To book your place, email events@360accountants.co.uk.

Leeds provider of assistance and insurance products to dispose of majority interest in business processes management company

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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Leeds provider of assistance and insurance products to dispose of majority interest in business processes management company

CPP Group, a Leeds-based provider of assistance and insurance products, has entered into an agreement with the founders of Globiva Services Private Ltd for the disposal of its majority interest in the company for an aggregate consideration of approximately £5.1 million.

CPP Group said: “Globiva is non-core to the Group following the announcement of its revised strategy and Change Management Programme (CMP) in October 2022 to transform the Group to an InsurTech business, led by Blink Parametric (Blink).”

CPP Group holds a 51% majority interest in Globiva, a business processes management company incorporated in India, with the other 49% of the shares beneficially owned by the three founders of Globiva, Navneet Gupta, Vikram Singh Nathawat, and Ashish Goyal, who continue to manage the business.

The sale and transfer of ownership will be conducted over a three-year period concluding in Q1 2027.

Simon Pyper, Group CEO, said: “The agreement we have reached with Globiva is consistent with our stated strategy and provides a positive outcome for both parties. This is another forward step as we simplify the Group and transform to an InsurTech business.”

£42m Station Gateway plans move towards final submission

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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£42m Station Gateway plans move towards final submission

Multi-million pound schemes to transform the centres of Harrogate, Selby and Skipton are moving forward to a key stage. Executive councillors are due to consider further details of the £42 million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) projects, which will enhance access to transport hubs in all three towns. Revised proposals have been drawn up to reflect feedback from the public and local councillors. The plans are within budget estimations and will minimise construction disruption. Focused on value for money and local priorities, work on the plans paves the way for submission of final business cases to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We are now at a critical stage in the delivery of the three projects, which will be transformative for Harrogate, Selby and Skipton. “Our revised proposals focus on core elements with the most public support. The plans are affordable, deliverable and are built on extensive cross-party engagement with councillors. “We are being clear and realistic about what we can achieve now, and the measures we want to deliver in further stages. “This is positive progress that puts us in the best possible position to deliver this landmark package of investment while avoiding potential delays and navigating budget constraints. “It means we are ready to submit final business cases for the Selby and Skipton schemes next month, and for Harrogate as soon as is possible.” Funding options to deliver subsequent phases of the schemes are being identified, including under the new York and North Yorkshire mayoral combined authority. In Selby, it is proposed to focus on improving pedestrian and cycling access along Station Road and Ousegate, the new station access and car park to the east, along with improvements to the station building and the new plaza entrance into Selby Park. Other elements, including the underpass connection to Portholme Road, junction alterations at The Crescent and wider landscaping plans for Selby Park, would be brought forward as subsequent phases. In Skipton, it is proposed to deliver the canal path connection from the railway station to the cattle mart and college, and the walking route to the bus station, including Black Walk and a replacement Gallows Bridge. Improvements to the railway station car park would be brought forward at a later date. In Harrogate, the proposed scheme focuses on elements which gathered the most public support. This includes high-quality public realm improvements to Station Square and One Arch, improved access into the bus station and improved coordination of traffic signals. The possibility of a southbound segregated cycle lane on Station Parade, while retaining two lanes for motorised traffic, is also being explored. Wider cycling infrastructure improvements would be delivered under further stages of investment. Further detailed work on the Harrogate scheme is required prior to engagement with the public and formal consultation on traffic regulation orders next year.

Businesses launch new West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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Businesses launch new West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter

Over 40 businesses and organisations have pledged to improve the quality of work in West Yorkshire. The West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter was unveiled at an event at the University of Bradford by Mayor Tracy Brabin, to an audience of over 100 people. The charter was developed in partnership with local employers, trade unions and the region’s political leaders. Those signing up have committed to meaningful action across five categories of ‘Fair Work’, to help build a thriving economy that provides better pay, conditions and opportunities for all. The five categories ask local employers to provide ‘Opportunity’, ‘Security’, ‘Wellbeing’, ‘Fulfilment’, and a ‘Voice’ to their employees. The 45 employers who adopted the charter on the day of its launch include small, medium and large businesses such as Haribo, Suma Wholefoods, Huddersfield Town A.F.C, and the region’s five local authorities. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire is a region of grafters, and hard work should always be rewarded with fair pay and conditions. “This Charter was built by our workers, businesses and trade unions, who came together to show us what fair work looks like and set the standard for all employers in the region. “I’m incredibly grateful to all the brilliant businesses who’ve joined us already, and I know that hundreds more will help us build a stronger, brighter region.” The West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter aims to maximise the powers and funding devolved to the region, which allow for more tailored support for businesses to address low pay, improve access to good quality work, and promote skills and apprenticeships training to under-represented groups. It follows similar charters in other Mayoral Combined Authority areas such as Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region. However, the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter was specifically designed to be relevant and attractive to small and medium sized businesses, who make up 99% of employers in the region. A simple online form allows businesses to self-enrol and will ensure every employer in the region can take a “positive first step” towards fairer work. In recognition of the challenges that many businesses are facing, employers who join the charter will gain access to a community of businesses benefitting from additional support with growth, productivity, and raising employment standards sustainably. The Charter was developed in partnership with businesses and trade unions through a series of online surveys and in-person workshops, organised by a steering group appointed by the Mayor and spearheaded by Kate Hainsworth, CEO of the Leeds Community Foundation. Kate Hainsworth, CEO of the Leeds Community Foundation and Chair of the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter Steering Group, said: “Working on the Mayor’s charter with such dedicated and invested colleagues has been really challenging, and therefore the outcome is worthwhile and truly representative of what works for West Yorkshire’s employees and employers. “We learnt a lot from generous sharing by other charters, but mostly from businesses and individuals in our region. They told us plainly their experiences and hopes and listened hard to our aspiration and individuals’ stories. “From this, we’ve devised a model that is inclusive, welcoming businesses of all shapes, sizes, sectors and industries to join a collective drive for good jobs – providing security, fair pay and better prospects across West Yorkshire. “I see in my day job the difference when someone can secure a job like that, after previously being in vulnerable employment. It’s worth all our time to help achieve that difference, and all credit to the Mayor for seeing this through.”

Agri-tech startups could get better connected thanks to £1.5m grant

Stuart Pearcey

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27th November 2023

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Agri-tech startups could get better connected thanks to £1.5m grant

Moves to create a global agri-tech cluster in Great Lincolnshire have been given a significant boost with the award of a £1.5m grant to allow networking and growth of agri-tech start-ups, enabling them to connect with larger international agricultural and tech businesses. Agro-Tech Global is a partnership between the Universities of Lincoln, Cambridge and East Anglia, Cambridge Enterprise and Ceres Agri-Tech. Its aim is to develop a truly global Agri-Tech cluster in the Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglia region. Agri-Tech Global will also tackle the serious challenges faced by the industry from climate change to rising food prices and pressures within the supply chain. Leading the project is the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology at the University of Lincoln. LIAT is a truly inter-disciplinary specialist research institute bringing together sector-leading expertise in a diverse range of areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, crop science, environmental sustainability, food manufacturing, product development and supply chains. Professor Simon Pearson, Director of Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology, said: “The Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglian region has enormous potential for the development of a sustainable, affordable and forward-thinking agri-food cluster, not just for the UK but for the world. “There are many businesses in the area, both established and start-ups, that will benefit from the development of a global network in our region, as well as being able to share best practice and open up new avenues of agri-tech research.” Climate change is a continual concern within the Agri-food industry. The sector provides 3.9 million jobs and accounts for £129 billion of the UK economy, but this comes at the cost of being responsible for 24 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions. Agri-Tech Global hopes to play a major part in mitigating the damage that the sector causes to the environment by helping to create a more sustainable and economically viable future for the agri-food industry. Partner Ceres Agri-Tech, based at Cambridge Enterprise, provides translational funding and commercialisation expertise to drive agri-tech innovation by accelerating high-quality research to market. Director Dr Louise Sutherland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to evolve Ceres Agri-tech from a UK to an international network. “Agri-tech Global was formally launched in California with our key partners Western Growers and SVG Thrive. We look forward to collaborating with international partners to help exploit the global agri-tech opportunity for our universities and the region”.

York invites businesses to information event about growth packages

Stuart Pearcey

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27th November 2023

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York invites businesses to information event about growth packages

City of York Council is inviting local businesses to hear about a new package of support programmes to help businesses grow.

The new business support programmes are fully-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda which provides £2.6 billion of funding across the nation for local investment by March 2025. The programmes are as follows. Start & Grow – York: This programme, provided by Momentic, offers support to start-ups and businesses in their first stages of development, helping them assess their self-employment readiness and providing bespoke advice on topics including marketing, social media and web design. IGNITE Your Social Enterprise: The IGNITE programme, provided by Quantum Vantage, gives non-profits and social enterprises an extra boost through a programme of outreach, practical workshops, 1-2-1 support and coaching to help social enterprises secure investment, grow their delivery and scale their business. Open to those already running a project for social good, as well as those planning to start one, IGNITE will help social entrepreneurs fine-tune their vision and turn it into a force to be reckoned with. Innovate York: The Innovate York project, provided by the University of York, is a package of tailored workshops and specialist masterclasses for entrepreneurs and businesses in the City of York. The University will also deliver the ‘Women in Innovation’ Programme, supporting the city’s female-led businesses to realise their innovation potential. Decarbonising the business base in York: This programme, provided by Green Economy, offers expert advice and access to innovative technologies, in order to reduce businesses’ carbon footprints, identify and realise cost savings, improve efficiency and support the transition to greener, more sustainable business models. Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Executive Member for Transport and Economy, said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming our city’s business community to this launch event. “We’ve committed in our council plan for the next 4 years, One City for All, to deliver a fair, thriving, green economy that works for all. The programmes we’re launching through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be vital in helping us achieve this ambition. “As a business owner, I know that the success of our local businesses is key to making our city an even better place to live and work by growing the economy, creating well-paid jobs and making the most of our highly-skilled workforce. “I’d encourage organisations of all shapes and sizes to take this opportunity to find out more about these fantastic support programmes which will help bring about a bright future for our city’s businesses.” If you would like to attend the free-to-attend launches at the Priory Street Centre on Thursday 7 December from 9.30am to midday, register for a free ticket online.

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