North America trade mission launched to drum up jobs and investment for West Yorkshire
A West Yorkshire delegation led by Mayor Tracy Brabin touched down in Toronto yesterday (5 November) and will travel to Boston, New York and Lititz Pennsylvania this week, to boost trade and investment.
Mayor Tracy Brabin will meet with US and Canadian business leaders, to champion West Yorkshire as a top destination for jobs and growth.
As part of International Trade Week and supported by the UK Government, the Mayor will visit the North American offices of several homegrown businesses, to celebrate their success and discuss how best to scale and export other local businesses to the US, Canada and around the World.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This trade mission is an exciting first for West Yorkshire – a chance to show the US and Canada what we’re made of, as we boost jobs, investment and opportunities for local people.
“We have so much going for us – bustling towns and glorious countryside, nationally celebrated cities of culture, and a work-life balance that makes our talented graduates want to stay in the region.
“As we continue to punch above our weight with an economy that’s bigger than several EU nations, now is the time to declare West Yorkshire open for business, as we build a stronger, brighter economy that works for all.”
The trade mission follows the appointment of aerospace manufacturing expert Mandy Ridyard as the Mayor’s Business Advisor. Ms Ridyard has expressed a desire to make the region a top choice for businesses which are ready to launch or looking to move.
Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “At the heart of the UK and the Northern Powerhouse, West Yorkshire is the ideal place to start and scale a business, thanks to our innovative universities, our vibrant cultural offer, and our supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships.
“Consistently voted one of the happiest and best places to live in the UK, we can deliver the talent pipelines and upskilled workers our businesses need to thrive, with the majority of our graduates choosing to live, work and play in West Yorkshire than move elsewhere.
“And our sector strengths in healthcare and life sciences, digital and media, professional and financial services and advanced manufacturing and engineering, mean we can move forward with huge confidence in our abilities and global ambitions for the future.”
With seven universities, almost 100,000 businesses and an economy estimated at £60 billion, the Mayor hopes to attract the attention of major global investors looking to expand and export to the UK.
Mayor Brabin’s visit to one of these businesses, multinational information technology company Cognizant, comes after their high-profile pledge to create 1,000 new jobs in the region. With 160 people employed to date, hundreds more tech and digital job opportunities are expected for people in West Yorkshire, as the business continues to expand.
The Mayor’s visit to the New York office is expected to strengthen Cognizant’s commitment to the region, after they partnered with the Leeds Community Foundation to provide digital support and laptops to local charities. The company has also donated a quarter of a million pounds to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to support smaller digital businesses to take on new apprentices.
Rohit Gupta, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Cognizant, said: “Opening a delivery centre in Leeds was an easy choice given the wealth of talent the city and surrounding area has to offer.
“I have been amazed at what the team has accomplished in a little over 12 months. We remain committed to Leeds and look forward to creating many more opportunities for the next generation of digital talent.”
As well as looking to strike deals over jobs and inward investment, the Mayor will also meet with the US leadership teams of several leading West Yorkshire businesses, including the Academy of Live Technology, Turner & Townsend, and IMA-HOME.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor’s Business Advisor Mandy Ridyard, and top officials at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will be hosted by Toronto’s Budget Chief Cllr Shelley Carroll, by Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu, and by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and HM Consul General for New York, Emma Wade-Smith OBE.
Prew Lumley, Leeds Office Managing Partner at global law firm Squire Patton Boggs – which hosts its biggest offices in Leeds, London, Cleveland and Washington, D.C. – will also be a part of the West Yorkshire delegation.
The first of its kind trade mission for West Yorkshire follows the launch of the West Yorkshire Plan, which set out a mission to deliver a prosperous region by making it easier for businesses to start-up, grow, innovate, trade and invest.
Planning Inspectorate upholds appeal after Lincolnshire County Council’s refusal of oil drilling proposals
Union Jack Oil, an onshore hydrocarbon production, development and exploration company, has announced that the Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Lincolnshire County Council for a side-track drilling operation, associated testing and long-term oil production at the Biscathorpe-2 wellsite.
The Biscathorpe project is covered by onshore UK licence PEDL253. The PEDL253 joint venture partnership will review the decision notice and associated planning conditions before providing an update on plans for progressing operations.
As part of this, it is said the operator, Egdon Resources Limited, will look to engage with the local community to ensure activities have minimal impact on local amenity.
Union Jack holds a 45% economic interest in PEDL253.
David Bramhill, executive chairman of Union Jack, said: “I am delighted to report this highly positive news in respect of Biscathorpe, one of our highest ranked projects, in which Union Jack holds a material 45% economic interest.
“While drilling the Biscathorpe-2 well, there were hydrocarbon shows, elevated gas readings and sample fluorescence observed over the entire interval from the top of the Dinantian to the Total Depth of the well, with 68 metres being interpreted as oil-bearing.
“Independent Consultants Applied Petroleum Technology also conducted analyses, confirming a hydrocarbon column of 33-34 API gravity oil, comparable with the oil produced at the nearby Keddington oilfield where Union Jack holds a 55% economic interest.
“Re-processing of 264 square kilometres of 3D seismic, indicate a material and potentially commercially viable hydrocarbon resource remaining to be appraised.
“The operator has assessed, in accordance with the PRMS Standard, gross Mean Prospective Resources of approximately 6.5 million barrels of oil. Commercial screening has indicated break-even full cycle economics to be US$18.07per barrel of oil.
“Union Jack’s technical team believe that Biscathorpe remains one of the largest unappraised conventional onshore discoveries within the UK. I thank shareholders for their patience and remain confident that both investors and the company will be well rewarded in due course.”
Soccer shirt sponsorship continues to boost Hospice profile in Rotherham
Rotherham Hospice says a partnership with local businesses that’s involved putting the charity’s name on Rotherham United FC team strips, continues to have a “huge impact”.
Six Diamond Partners – AESSEAL, Equisolve, Hughie Construction, IPM Group, Mears and Steelphalt – pledged their financial support to highlight the charity on RUFC’s team strips instead of a commercial sponsor. The hospice says that as a result it has seen vastly-improved visitors to its website and social media channels, and additional corporate support. Stephen King, Director of Income Generation and Communications at Rotherham Hospice said: “Rotherham Hospice has never had so much exposure in the local area. We are finding that conversations about the charity are a lot easier to have with businesses and supporters, as most are now aware of who we are and what we do. Everyone at the Hospice is grateful to the Diamond Partners for making this happen.” AESSEAL MD Chris Rea said: “We were always confident that giving extra visibility to such a worthy charity would help them significantly and it is great to see this confirmed.”Former Dragons’ Den star urges North Yorkshire businesses to be audacious in embracing technology
Hosted by York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Chair Helen Simpson, the event saw a succession of high-profile speakers from 13 regional businesses take to the stage at the Radisson York Hotel. They shared their business vision for the region, ahead of devolution and an expected mayoral election in spring next year.
Former BBC Dragons’ Den ‘Dragon’ Piers Linney told more than 200 attendees they needed to be audacious in embracing technology as part of devolution. He argued new technology such as artificial intelligence offered the chance to level up the workforce, making background and disabilities irrelevant.
He said: “Take some of the £750million devolution funding and invest in a garden shed where you can blow things up. Play with the technology, see how it can augment all of us, play with education and then connect the talent to the technology. Invest in cutting edge and bleeding edge technology. Superpower and empower the people in your region.”
James Farrar, Interim Director of Transition for the proposed York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, backed the call for businesses and innovators to be bold.
He said: “We need to crack on with devolution and make sure the process gets through parliament as soon as possible.”
“We are not Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds. We must be York and North Yorkshire and we must recognise our assets. We must be bold and clear about where we see our competitive advantages. No sector can rest on its laurels.”
“Let us know what infrastructure and support you need in place to invest and grow. Our job as a Combined Authority will be to put that in place – yours is to invest and grow.”
The Summit was organised by York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (YNY LEP) in partnership with The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board, urged the region’s businesses to collaborate closely with the elected mayor and advised the region to capitalise on its rail links to London, and quality of life, to attract a skilled workforce to the region.
“Inclusivity should be baked into devolution from the start,” she said. “Think about how this opportunity can work for everyone, whether it’s skills or technology, you have the opportunity to write the blueprint. Strong leadership will be key to achieving that.”
Savoy Cinema commits to £9m plan for Gainsborough
West Lindsey District Council has teamed up with Savoy Cinemas for the delivery of a £9m town centre regeneration project including a four-screen cinema, restaurant, retail units and car parking.
Savoy Cinemas MD James Collington, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration initiative of Gainsborough town centre. The area has undergone significant change over the last few years, and it still has huge potential to develop further. We are looking forward to commencing work on the development and welcoming you through our doors on opening night.”
The development will be funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.
Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young, said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to announce our deal with Savoy Cinemas. As a local family cinema operator, Savoy shares the Council’s passion for investing in Gainsborough, with a development that will breathe life back into our town centre.”
Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith,said: “This has been an incredibly challenging site to bring forward. The Council was required to step in and acquire the land, lead the demolition of the former Lindsey Centre and secure grant funding to make the scheme viable. This is all part of our enabling role.
“The eagerly anticipated development will significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend. It will add to the town’s leisure offer, servicing local residents and encouraging new visitors to the town.”
The development will provide a new walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the historic market place, where further investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative, is rejuvenating the historic marketplace.
The scheme has also been designed to be environmentally efficient, through the inclusion of solar panels and air sourced heat technology. It will also enhance the setting of the Town Centre Conservation Area through its historic design and use of high-quality materials.
Georgian country house hotel sold in Northallerton
Solberge Hall in Northallerton has been acquired by wedding and events company Wharfedale Grange for an undisclosed sum.
The 24-bedroom Georgian country house hotel is set in 9 acres of woodland situated near the North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales. It has been owned by Classic Lodges hotel group since 2015 when it was purchased for £1.8m.
Wharfedale Grange is a luxury weddings and events venue between Leeds and Harrogate including a purpose-built wedding barn, farmhouse accommodation and floristry shop.
The deal included the purchase of all assets, including the hotel, restaurant, facilities and grounds. All 40 members of staff will be directly transferred to new ownership.
The company are renaming the hotel as Wharfedale Country House following a refurbishment.
Claire Thomas, Chief Executive of Wharfedale Grange, said: “We are excited to announce the successful acquisition of Solberge Hall Hotel and our intention is to substantially enhance and upgrade the 200 year-old manor house hotel over the course of the next year and put it back on the map as Wharfedale Country House, an opulent hospitality destination specialising in luxury weddings and events.
“Solberge Hall fits perfectly into our growing hospitality portfolio.”
A multi-disciplinary team from Schofield Sweeney advised Wharfedale Grange on the purchase.
The Luxury Food Collective launches exclusive corporate gift hampers in time for Christmas
Specialist online retailer The Luxury Food Collective has unveiled a new range of exquisite corporate hampers and gifts, perfect for sending a very special thank you to clients this festive season.
Bringing something different to the corporate gifting market, The Luxury Food Collective launched in summer 2023 by entrepreneur Peter Ahye. Peter devoted almost two years to sourcing the finest food and drink offerings from producers, growers and artisans across Europe. By nurturing relationships with the people who hold these traditional and time-honoured methods of production, he has been able to bring a unique portfolio of products to the UK for the very first time to create something truly special.
Starting from £38 and ranging to £240, each hamper has been expertly crafted by the team at The Luxury Food Collective for every taste. With products from artisans such as Fauchon, the French delicatessen, H Forman and Son’s delectable smoked salmon range, and champagnes and wines from the very best vineyards in Europe, the gifting range is the perfect solution for businesses searching for gifts with a personal touch for clients and colleagues.
Around 90% of the products available from The Luxury Food Collective are exclusive within the UK, meaning that a hamper or gift box is a totally unique way to spread joy this festive season. Each delivery from The Luxury Food Collective comes with a personalised information card detailing the products and their provenance. The card includes a scannable QR code for recipients to learn more about their gift.
Highlights from this year’s Christmas range include the Non-Alcoholic Wines, Juices & Tea (£95.00), a selection of six delicate beverages designed to toast to the party season without the alcohol content. Featuring French Bloom’s iconic Le Rosé Organic Bubbly as well as Alain Milliat Jus Raisin Rouge, a luxury Merlot grape juice.
Also available is the Hand Selected Crisps & Snacks Gift Box (£42.50) – the perfect selection of nine luxury snacks including artisan popcorn from Popcorn Shed, Fauchon’s Mini Crepes with Cheddar and Brusa’s Grissini Piemontesi breadsticks from Italy. For the season that’s peppered with guests popping by, it always pays to have some delicious snacks to tempt.
For a classic option, the Champagne, London Cure Smoked Salmon & Caviar Gift Box (£150.00) offers a timeless combination to ring in the festive season. This set comes with a mother-of-pearl serving spoon for that perfect final touch.
Founder of The Luxury Food Collective, Peter Ahye says: “Businesses are built on relationships, and we believe that there is no relationship more important than our connection with food.
“It’s that time of the year when many of us are searching for ways to show appreciation for clients and professional contacts across our networks, and we wanted to offer something that is truly special. A hamper or gift box from The Luxury Food Collective is unique and meaningful, as our range is meticulously curated to offer delicacies that you simply can’t find anywhere else.”
Thanks to The Luxury Food Collective’s close relationships nurtured with the producers directly, it is committed to championing ethical and sustainable products. The full range is responsibly farmed, prioritises animal welfare and minimises environmental impact. Additionally, there is a range of year-round gifts, prices from £60.
The Luxury Food Collective delivers throughout the UK. For more information and to purchase, please visit www.theluxuryfoodcollective.com/collections/corporate-gifting.
Stronger links between science and innovation and financial institutions to be forged at new Innovation Hub in Leeds
Stronger links between UK science and innovation and financial institutions will be forged at a new Innovation Hub in Leeds.
The Hub, part of the UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI), is situated in Nexus, the University of Leeds’ innovation community, in partnership with Leeds University Business School and the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures.
The Centre has three key pillars to its work; research, policy and innovation, built on a foundation of convening, collaboration and capacity building to transform finance and investment for a greener future.
Dr Martin Stow, Pro Vice Chancellor for Business Engagement and Enterprise at the University of Leeds, said: “The CGFI hub, based in Nexus, is an exciting new initiative that will help further strengthen and foster collaboration between academia, start-ups and businesses in the North.
“This hub will help accelerate the adoption of climate and environmental data and analytics by financial institutions, delivering a positive impact on the regional economy and beyond.”
The Leeds Innovation Hub is one of two physical hubs, with the other located at Imperial College London, that will support innovation and commercialisation in the North. Activities will aim to help financial institutions to accelerate their use of climate data and analytics, including:
- Connecting industries and networks across environmental science and finance;
- Knowledge exchange and support for the application of climate science in industry;
- Innovation and early-stage business support.
Property firm embarks on hiring spree
A Teesside property business has filled several new roles after a record year in which demand for the firm’s services has soared.
Just two years ago, Horizon Sales and Lettings compromised of just the three current directors. Now, after a bumper 12 months, it boasts 20 staff.
The new hires are all in key management roles and have grown the Middlesbrough-based firm’s workforce by over a third.
“Three years ago, we set a target to sell 60 units a year, but now we are selling significantly more,” said Denis Shail, one of the company’s directors who is also an experience mortgage advisor.
“We are consistently achieving high rankings on Rightmove, while enquiries and valuation requests are at record levels.”
Co-director Chris Bunn added: “Business is booming, as is the Teesside property market, and that’s why we knew that the time was right to expand our talent pool.
“And it comes as no surprise that our staff have absolutely hit the ground running in their new roles.”
The new staff will take up various roles across the company, in either the estate agency or refurbishment aspects of the business.
Among the new recruits is Jan Westbury, who brings 20 years of invaluable industry experience into his new role as branch manager.
Two of the roles have been filled internally, with Charlotte Young promoted to the position of investor relations manager after two years with the Newport Road company. Her colleague James Miller becomes site manager after 18 months as lead joiner.
Externally, new business development manager Jordan Ward and maintenance manager Jeff Barber arrive after leaving well-known local estate agents, while Wendy Jonas has arrived as Horizon’s new operations manager having moved from a national house building chain and Flynn Linklater-Johnson has joined as full-time property assessor.
Director Martin McManus added: “We are thrilled with them all, and they are natural fits for our business, each bringing with them the skillsets, knowledge and enthusiasm that will drive us even further forward.
“The fact staff have been willing to move here from some very prestigious North East property companies shows just how much they believe in the vision for this company and the fact they want to help us grow it shows just how committed our staff are to the business.
“We believe there’s great things ahead and we are delighted to have them onboard for that journey.”
West Lindsey manufacturing firms offered fully-funded business advice
Manufacturing businesses across West Lindsey can access a fully funded programme of support thanks to Business Lincolnshire.
Business Health Assessment, Consultancy Coaching or Training support, Online Workshops and a Peer Networking Forum, are just some options available to business as part of the Manufacturing Support Programme, subject to certain criteria being met.
Across Greater Lincolnshire, the manufacturing sector currently employs 66,000 workers;14 percent of the total employment for Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland. This contributes £4.76 billion to the area’s total economic value.
Businesses can participate in every part of the service or just the parts that solve a particular need. It includes focused individual support to help implement the actions resulting from the Business Health Assessment the programme, popular areas for support include:
- Business Coaching.
- Productivity Improvement & LEAN Manufacturing.
- Sales and Marketing.
- Finance & fund raising.
- HR and Workforce Development.
- Protecting Intellectual Property.
- Leadership & Management Training.
