Auctioneer Pugh appoints residential valuations specialist for Leeds office

Stuart Pearcey
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Auctioneer Pugh appoints residential valuations specialist for Leeds office
Residential valuations specialist Chris Jackson has joined property auctioneer Pugh as associate director and will be based in the firm’s Leeds office. With a decade’s experience in the Yorkshire property auctions market, Chris will take on a lead role in growing the auction business in the region. Pugh MD Paul Thompson said: “We are really pleased to welcome Chris on board and his appointment is a great strategic hire for us in Yorkshire. “We are seeing growing demand for auction services in Yorkshire as rising interest rates cool the market and increasing numbers of homebuyers and sellers look to auctions for a secure sale. Chris brings a wealth of experience as well as a great network of contacts across the region.”
Chris Jackson said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Pugh, which is a dominant force in the northern auctions market and has a well-earned reputation for customer service matched with strategic market insight and impressive geographic reach. I am looking forward to bringing my experience of the Yorkshire market to expand Pugh’s customer base in the region still further.”

Yorkshire Water to give £235,000 to Wildlife Trust after pollution incident

Stuart Pearcey
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Yorkshire Water to give £235,000 to Wildlife Trust after pollution incident
Yorkshire Water has agreed to give £235,000 to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust after polluting a Harrogate watercourse, following an investigation by the Environment Agency. The company breached its environmental permit with an unauthorised sewage discharge from Stray Road combined sewer overflow, which polluted Hookstone Beck. It submitted an Enforcement Undertaking to the Environment Agency, which has now been accepted. An Enforcement Undertaking is a voluntary offer made by companies and individuals to make amends for their offending, and usually includes a donation to a wildlife charity to carry out environmental improvements in the local area. Stray Road combined sewer overflow has an environmental permit which allows a discharge into the beck when the storm sewage facility is full due to rainfall or snow melt. On 27 August 2015, it discharged illegally during dry weather and sewage fungus was evident on the bed of Hookstone Beck. As part of the Enforcement Undertaking requirements Yorkshire Water has upgraded its telemetry to allow continuous monitoring of the storm overflow. Claire Barrow, Environment Agency Area Environment Manager, said: “Sewage pollution can be devastating to human health, local biodiversity and out environment. Storm overflows must only be used under strict permitted conditions that control their environmental impact. “We are holding the water industry to account like never before and while we will always take forward prosecutions in the most serious cases, Enforcement Undertakings are an effective enforcement tool to allow companies to put things right and contribute to environmental improvements. They allow polluters to correct and restore the harm caused to the environment and prevent repeat incidents by improving their procedures, helping ensure future compliance with environmental requirements.” Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will use the donation on environmental improvements in North Yorkshire including native crayfish conservation and reed bed management at Ripon City Wetlands.

Anti-scam squad to be formed to crack down on online fraud

Stuart Pearcey
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Anti-scam squad to be formed to crack down on online fraud
A Joint Fraud Taskforce is discussing the development of an online fraud charter with the tech sector to respond to the growing volume of fraud originating on social media platforms. The charter will ensure that tech firms take action to block scams, make it easier to report frauds and ensure that fraudulent content is removed swiftly. The Security Minister has also called on tech firms to implement stronger measures to tackle fraud on their platforms ahead of the introduction of the Online Safety Bill. The latest meeting of the Taskforce is the first since the publication of the government’s Fraud Strategy which set out a whole system response to tackling these crimes in the light of how they have evolved through modern technology. This included the creation of a new National Fraud Squad to overhaul how these crimes are investigated by taking a proactive, intelligence-led approach, backed by 400 new specialist investigators, working with local forces, international partners and the UK intelligence community to shut down fraud cells. Other measures in the strategy include:
  • banning cold calls on all financial products such as types of insurance or sham crypto currency schemes
  • working with Ofcom to use new technology to further clamp down on number ‘spoofing’, so fraudsters cannot impersonate legitimate UK phone numbers
  • banning the use of so-called ‘SIM farms’ commonly harnessed by scammers to reach thousands of people at once
  • reviewing the use of mass texting services
  • rolling out tailored support to victims at a local level across the whole of England and Wales through the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit
  • launching an independent review of the challenges in investigating and prosecuting fraud to speed up the justice process, punishing more scammers and ensuring sentences match the severity of the impact on victims
  • deploying the UK intelligence community to identify and disrupt more fraudsters overseas
  • publishing regular data on the volume of fraudulent content hosted on different websites and platforms to incentivise companies to root these out and better protect users.
Anti-Fraud Champion Anthony Browne said: “Collaboration with industry is key to blocking fraud at source. Since stepping into my role, I’ve worked at pace with industry to ensure we are delivering on our commitment to cut off the channels fraudsters use to target us and protect people’s hard earned money.

“I will continue this conversation with tech sector bosses to ensure they are doing everything in their power to disrupt the callous fraudsters operating online and better protect their users.

“Previous Joint Fraud Taskforce meetings have overseen the development and agreement of charters covering sectors such as retail banking and telecoms. The telecommunications charter has already resulted in massive action by the operators, with over 600 million scam texts blocked and vast numbers of scam calls filtered out before they can reach the public.” Representatives also discussed the development of a cross-government anti-fraud public awareness campaign to streamline and simplify messaging to the public. The Security Minister encouraged partners to collaborate with government on the preparation and delivery of the campaign.

Village to lose historic footbridge during refurbishment work

Stuart Pearcey
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Village to lose historic footbridge during refurbishment work
North Nottinghamshire-based Universal Coatings UK is to carry out refurbishment work on Saxilby footbridge near Lincoln. The company has a range of experience in bridge refurbishment working for the rail network and for the canal and rivers trust and we are pleased to have secured their services on this project. MD Philip Bingham said: “Even though we’ve been involved in some truly iconic projects in the past, nothing beats working locally and being able to say “we did that” every time you pass.” Also working in partnership with the Council is John Peberdy Partnership, Quantity Surveying; Emprocom, Health and Safety Consultants; and Peter Cole Consultants, Structural Engineers. Saxilby footbridge, which crosses the Fossdyke will be removed from its location in the picturesque village to undergo much-needed refurbishment. West Lindsey District Council has notified residents and businesses in the village that the refurbishment works it has commissioned will take place Tuesday 25 July 2023. The steel footbridge, given to the village by British Rail in 1986, will need to be lifted by crane and taken to a workshop for the work to be carried out. The refurbishment work includes shot blasting; rust treatment; steel repairs and bolt replacement; and re-painting with a railway grade paint system to ensure a long life and minimise the length of time between maintenance.

Sheffield businesses taught how to handle begging in the city

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield businesses taught how to handle begging in the city
A new guide will help Sheffield’s city centre businesses to address begging, engage with people who are begging and share information about how enforcement is tackling anti-social behaviour in Sheffield. Developed by the Community Safety Team, the Sheffield City Centre Business and Retail guide aims to empower businesses to take the best action when faced with anti-social behaviour or begging on their premises. It informs businesses of the support available to them and to people who are begging and explains how businesses can report anti-social behaviour to the police through a dedicated crime portal. The guide is part of a series of interventions that aim to reduce anti- social behaviour in the city centre. It was launched at a special event for businesses in the Winter Garden with the Safer Sheffield Partnership. Business representatives met with council officers, South Yorkshire Police, charities including the Archer Project and Ben’s Centre, and Sheffield’s Business Improvement District. The guide includes advice for businesses on what they can do if they are affected by anti-social behaviour, particularly begging. Advice includes:
  • Show compassion: treat people on the streets as humans and speak to them without judgement
  • Spread awareness: let people know about the Help Us Help campaign and the guidance it provides to businesses and the public
  • Direct to services: the Help Us Help website has lots of information that can help people living on the streets, including where to find support services. Make sure you signpost them to helpful information.
  • Report anti-social behaviour: businesses can report anti social behaviour and crime through a dedicated business portal.
One business that has benefited from the work of Community Safety Partnership is the Maida Vale bar on West Street. The late night venue had issues with begging which was having a negative impact on both customers and staff. Gavin Richards, Managing Director of GJG Bars Group of Companies, said: “Prior to the help and guidance we received from Sheffield City Council, we always struggled with how to deal with anti-social behaviour near and around our premises. Sometimes intimidating, sometimes aggressive. My staff and management often felt uncomfortable and even at times, threatened, which often led to their responses and reactions being blunt, dismissive, and unsympathetic. “Through working with the council, we received guidance on how to deal with these situations of anti-social behaviour, drug abuse and particularly begging, whilst also giving us a greater insight into the wider problems and causes, we began to adopt new approaches and responses. “We found that this not only helped the people causing anti-social behaviour, but also made our staff and management feel safer and more empowered at handling these difficult situations. We found that non-judgemental empathy was always preferable to unconcerned sympathy.” With support from the council, Gavin and his staff gained confidence and felt empowered to help their customers better understand how to behave when faced with anti-social behaviour. The venue now displays posters from the Help Us Help campaign to advise customers on how to support people begging on the streets.

Hull technology company acquires training provider

Tess Egginton
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Hull technology company acquires training provider
Hull technology company Connexin has acquired Encompass Training, one of UK’s largest training providers. The acquisition will see Encompass Training merge with Connexin Academy – Connexin’s training and development arm, as 30 additional staff join the team to accelerate employment opportunities for over 600 learners each year. Connexin Academy was launched in 2021, with the aim to boost digital skills and enhance employability for the community. Founded in 2009, Encompass is a Centre of Excellence with The Leadership Pipeline Institute (LPI). Several FORTUNE 500 companies, including Wren Kitchens, Stonegate Group, Eurocell and Diageo, have all chosen Encompass and LPI as the leadership model for selecting and growing leaders across all levels. Adam Rhodes, director of commercial operations at Encompass, said: “At Encompass, we are immensely proud of our achievements so far, in training thousands of learners and working with some of the biggest companies in the region. Encompass and Connexin share their roots in the city of Hull and our equally strong commitment in upskilling the country’s workforce. “Digital skills are absolutely vital in today’s economy and keep our businesses thriving. Uniting with the Connexin Academy is the next big step of many more to come.” Encompass’ legal advice was provided by a multi-disciplinary team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, led by corporate partner, Philip Ashworth, who was supported by Nicole Waldron (corporate), Fiona Phillips (tax) and Nick Wilson (employment). Philip said: “We are delighted to have advised the shareholders and board at Encompass on this complex transaction and we have every confidence that the business has a bright future ahead as part of Connexin.” Heidi Greaves, Managing Director of Connexin Academy, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Encompass and its brilliant team will become part of the Connexin family. Encompass is a fantastic business and one that has received a number of great accolades. “Connexin Academy shares the same values as Encompass for transforming lives through learning. This alignment in ethos and culture will bring huge benefits, not just to learners, but to employers across the region. “Through this acquisition, we’re able to expand our offering with a range of extra courses, bootcamps and apprenticeships. We are thrilled to further cement our position as a leading digital skills and training provider.”

Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm gains development consent

Tess Egginton
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Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm gains development consent
Development consent has been granted by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero for the Hornsea Project Four offshore wind farm, approximately 69km off Flamborough Head on the Yorkshire Coast. The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Orsted Hornsea Project Four Limited on 29 September 2021 and accepted for Examination on 27 October 2021. Following an Examination during which the public, Statutory Consultees and Interested Parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 22 November 2022. Orsted is planning to create a 180 turbine wind farm, which, if built out to full capacity, could provide enough power to meet the average daily need of over 1 million UK homes, producing up to 2.6GW of electricity. The decision on the site was initially expected in February.
Hornsea Four is Ørsted’s fourth project in the Hornsea Zone. It will be located to the west of Hornsea One (now fully operational), Hornsea Two (now fully operational), and Hornsea Three (granted development consent). The Planning Inspectorate’s Chief Executive, Paul Morrison said: “The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. “Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination. “The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”

Real estate advisor instructed to market largest available warehouse in Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Real estate advisor instructed to market largest available warehouse in Yorkshire
The Yorkshire industrial and logistics team at global real estate advisor Knight Frank has been instructed by Legal and General Investment Management to market Sherburn 550, the largest immediately available warehouse in Yorkshire and the North East of England. The substantial 556,598 sq ft distribution / manufacturing facility is located off Junction 42 of the A1(M) to the east of Leeds and benefits from Grade A specification including 56 loading doors, 16.2m eaves height, three service yards, quality offices and generous power provision. Iain McPhail, partner at Knight Frank’s Leeds office, said: “There has already been strong early interest in the building due to its quality specification and excellent connectivity. There continues to be a lack of existing large-scale warehouse availability both regionally and UK-wide, which is why the building has such a national significance. “Its strategic position between Leeds, York and Wakefield means that occupiers can benefit from a large labour pool as well as easy access to the region’s motorway network via the A1(M), M1, M62 and M18.” Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of Knight Frank’s Sheffield office, added: “The property offers the market a unique product because of its scale, power supply and being able to offer flexible lease terms. Occupational take-up in the region has been affected by the dearth of available existing stock and Sherburn 550 is able to accommodate the pent-up demand.”

Sheffield shares £1.24m amongst businesses to revitalise city centre street

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield shares £1.24m amongst businesses to revitalise city centre street
Sheffield City Council is giving £1.24 million to businesses to help transform Chapel Walk into a vibrant city centre destination. Two organisations will receive grants to improve shop fronts and increase accessibility to the upper floors of property on Chapel Walk, whilst small or new businesses will be able to apply for funding to move into empty shop units. The funding comes from the Fargate Front Door Scheme, a £4m investment in shop fronts, access, and environmental improvements to make the area more attractive and fill empty shops. It forms part of the Future High Streets Fund plan to regenerate Fargate and surrounding streets. Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations at Sheffield BID, said: “This is further positive, welcome news for the city centre. These latest investments will play a key part in continuing the regeneration story of the wider Fargate, High Street and Chapel Walk area. “Anyone who has visited this part of the city centre recently will have seen that the whole area is going through a rapid period of change as the city centre continues to adapt to changes in visitor and consumer behaviour. The businesses in and around the area continue to deliver a first-class retail experience during the works on Fargate. We’re confident that the end results will speak for themselves and Chapel Walk will once again be a ‘must visit’ destination for city centre visitors. These are exciting times for the city centre and, as funding partner to ReNew Sheffield, we’re delighted to be playing a direct role in this transformation.” The Sheffield Church Burgesses Trust will receive £250,000 to improve its shop fronts and support works to improve access inside the building to create new workspace in the empty upper floor. Whilst the Foundry Sheffield will receive £650,000 to improve its shop fronts, improve ground floor access and reconfigure upper floors at Victoria Hall. £90,000 will be made available to help small and new businesses with fit out costs if they’re moving into a vacant property. Another £250,000 will be used to install public art to make Chapel Walk a pleasant and interesting place to visit. The funding is part of plans to regenerate Fargate into a lively and vibrant place to meet, eat, shop, work and play. The Future High Streets Fund project also includes plans to turn 20 – 26 Fargate into an events and cultural hub, and investment in public realm to create space for events, reduce crime and improve walking and cycling routes. Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee said: “Chapel Walk has a proud history as one of the city centre’s most loved shopping streets and this funding will give a new lease of life to the area, attracting new visitors and providing a boost for businesses. “By enabling local organisations to upgrade their shop fronts, installing new public art, and providing grants to encourage small and new businesses to move into empty units, this funding will transform Chapel Walk into a fantastic place to visit in the city centre.  

York businesses commit to ’emergency grab bag’ scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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York businesses commit to ’emergency grab bag’ scheme

Four central York businesses have agreed to hold emergency grab bags to give immediate support in York city centre should a major incident occur.

The bags are at McDonald’s in Blake Street, Marks & Spencer in Pavement, Yates York pub in Church Lane, and the Popworld night club in Hudson Street.
The emergency grab bags have been designed to assist in the immediate aftermath of a terrorist attack or major incident. Each bag contains information and equipment that will aid the early response to an incident before the emergency services arrive . The new bags help to bolster the current emergency response provision and have been funded by Safer York Partnership, York’s statutory Community Safety Partnership). A further bag will be held at the York Stadium Leisure Complex at Monks Cross on the outskirts of the city. Superintendent Fran Naughton from North Yorkshire Police said: “Working with local partners and colleagues at Counter Terrorism Policing, North Yorkshire Police supports the installation of Emergency Grab Bags in York. “The public should be reassured and not alarmed by this initiative; it is a precautionary measure to ensure that York is prepared for a major incident. Although there is no specific threat to York and North Yorkshire, the current UK threat level remains at substantial meaning an attack is likely. “I thank members of the public for their continued support, and I would urge them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.” This project builds on a number of proactive initiatives to protect those visiting, living and working in the city. This includes installing Hostile Vehicle Mitigation measures, providing first aid trauma kits, delivering protective security advice and training in Counter Terrorism awareness for local businesses. Multi-agency partners are also taking part in regular CT training exercises, the most recent being the live national exercise held at York Racecourse in March. The new grab bags were delivered to the identified locations by Counter Terrorism Security Advisors from Counter Terrorism Policing North East, alongside Project Servator staff from North Yorkshire Police. Both teams maintain regular contact with local businesses and partners across the city centre and have engaged extensively with them as part of ongoing work around protecting public spaces. Guidance has been given to management and staff explaining how to store the bags securely and use their contents.  
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