Businesses from across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire were recognised at the University of Hull’s first ever Innovate North Awards last night, which was a celebration of innovation, growth, talent and progress towards reducing carbon emissions.
The University of Hull’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dave Petley, said: “Our first ever Innovate North Awards celebrated excellence across our local business community and our ambition to partner with companies from across the Humber region and beyond. Congratulations to all the winners and to all the nominees, who have done so much to make these awards so special. “One thing that stands-out about all the winners – on top of their remarkable achievements – is their wide diversity. From charities, engineers and manufacturers to Information Technology and packaging specialists, they sum up the entrepreneurship, and creative and innovative thinking that’s the bedrock of the region in which we live. I look forward to seeing each and every one of them achieve even greater things.” He added: “The University of Hull is committed to developing and strengthening its relationships with businesses and industry stakeholders to unlock economic growth and tackle social challenges. The Innovate North Awards are part of our work to bring this strategy to life, giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of the many ways in which we can support and champion local businesses.” Among the winners was North Yorkshire-based Specialist Marine Consultants (SMC), which received the award for Growth. SMC, which has its headquarters at Humanby near Filey, was keen to grow its market share within the booming global offshore wind sector. The business was supported by the University of Hull to develop an industry-leading software solution that allows offshore wind farms to plan and track the real time movements of vessels and personnel, enabling them to calculate their carbon footprint, operate more safely and improve project efficiency. This has enhanced SMC’s ability to win business from some of the largest offshore wind producers in the world, fuelling its rapid growth. Paula Gouldthorpe, Development Manager for the Hull and Humber region for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who was part of the judging panel that had the difficult task of choosing a winner from the impressive shortlist, said: “Specialist Marine Consultants (SMC) demonstrated all-round success in demonstrating growth, not just in turnover and profit but also in their reduction in costs; a well-deserved win.” Meanwhile, the Innovation award went to Beverley-based Pulse EV, which has filled a gap in the market for UK-produced, electric all-terrain vehicles. The business was supported by the University of Hull, receiving access to space, facilities, funding and expertise so it could build, test and refine its environmentally friendly vehicle prototypes. There’s growing demand for everyday, all-terrain vehicles that can be used on farms, and in fields, forests and open spaces, but the vast majority of quad and all-terrain vehicles are imported, and powered by petrol or diesel engines. Pulse EV plans to formally launched its range of all electric off-road vehicles later this year. Maggie McGowan, Deputy Director in the Government Office for Technology Transfer, who was also on the judging panel, commented: “Pulse EV is delivering a very tangible innovation with huge potential. I could see there being a huge market for their highly innovative EVs, not just in the UK and EU but also further afield.” Lincolnshire-based Lindum Packaging emerged victorious in the Net Zero category, having drastically reduced the amount of plastic wrapping and Carbon Dioxide emissions involved in transporting goods. The business, which has its headquarters at Stallingborough near Grimsby, received a £50,000 grant from the University of Hull to help develop its Mobile Pallet Test Lab. The first of its kind in the UK, the Lab allows customers to test pallet stability and learn how they can improve it for more effective, cost-saving and sustainable logistics. Within six months, the business helped its customers save just under 320 tonnes in Carbon Dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking 65 petrol cars off the road for a year. Judge Alan Raw said: “Lindum Packaging’s Mobile Test Lab, and their ability to collate rich data, has created an incredible solution, allowing brands to very quickly reduce their use of plastics and CO2 emissions.” East Yorkshire’s M.B. Roche & Sons received the Talent award in recognition of its forward-thinking approach to sourcing skilled talent, and supporting diversity and inclusion. The Hessle-based civil engineering, infrastructure and construction contractor demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusion by doing everything from hiring apprentices to encouraging people from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider a career in construction. Judge Paula Gouldthorpe said: “M.B Roche & Sons has been really forward thinking by using alternative solutions to traditional employment methods to bring skills into the business, which is really important when looking to beat the skills gap.” The winner of the hotly contested People’s Choice category, which was chosen in a nail-biting live vote on the night, was Fitmums & Friends, a charity affiliated to England Athletics that started life in East Yorkshire and now runs a series of volunteer-led, community fitness groups for people across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Fitmums & Friends successfully secured funding from the University of Hull, which allowed it to develop an innovative information management system and accompanying app for both members and volunteers to use. All of the Innovate North Award nominees were among the 675 businesses that have received European Union-funded innovation support through University of Hull programmes such as the Aura Innovation Centre, SparkFund, the Flood Innovation Centre and the Humber Internships Programme in recent years. Overall, this support has resulted in 170 new products being launched, a 400-tonne reduction in carbon emissions, the creation of 195 jobs and increased sales of around £85 million for the small to medium enterprises involved.Yorkshire Building Society name COO to take post in august
Yorkshire Building Society has confirmed Fraser Ingram will join as Chief Operating Officer in August, subject to regulatory approval.
Fraser will lead the mutual’s technology and operational teams, ensuring the Society continues to deliver strong service levels while investing in opportunities and technologies to improve its products and services.
With almost 20 years’ experience in financial services, his most recent role was Chief Digital and Innovation Officer and previously Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Money, before which he held a number of executive roles at Kleinwort Benson, Royal Bank of Scotland and Citizens Bank in America.
Susan Allen, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Fraser in the summer. His experience and knowledge of financial services combined with his passion to do more for our members and customers, will add value to our organisation as we seek to deliver real help for real life.”
Fraser said: “I’m delighted to be joining Yorkshire Building Society and look forward to helping shape the organisation’s strategy to create a better future for members.”
City Council wants businesses’ advice about the commercial life of Hull
Following on from the successful Community Strategy survey for local residents, the council has now launched a questionnaire for local businesses to share their views.
This second survey, specifically created for business owners and entrepreneurs, asks what it’s like to run a business in the city, both the positive aspects and barriers, and how the city could better support local ventures.
Business and residents have just two weeks left to take part, before both surveys close on May 22.
Cllr Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We know local people want to be listened to – that’s reflected in the numbers who have already had their say .
“We have been clear since the launch of the Community Strategy questionnaire that a plan for the future of the city must be informed by the people who live and work here. We’ve worked to engage with residents, young people, and now businesses, so that we can be confident the feedback is truly representative.
“I want to thank everyone who has already taken the time to complete the survey, whether online or on paper. There is still time to take part if you haven’t yet. You can pick up a paper survey at libraries, children’s centres, community centres or customer service centres, as well as council buildings and some community events. You have until May 22 to give us your views.
“Don’t forget all completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw to win up to £250 in high street shopping vouchers”.
Ways to participate include:
- Complete the resident survey online at any time: https://yoursay.hull.gov.uk/community-strategy-plan-2022-2032
- Visit your local library, customer service centre, children’s centre or community centre to collect a paper copy – postage is free
- Look out for messages and links on the council’s social media channels
- Look out for posters and leaflets at locations including council spaces, doctors surgeries, pharmacies and more and scan the QR code to take you directly to the survey.
Imaginosity project wins award for Wykeland Group
An arts project called ‘Imaginosity’ launched by Hull-based Wykeland Group has received a prestigious Yorkshire award.
The project is linked to the Treadmills development in Northallerton, and has connected pupils at nearby Mill Hill Community Primary School with their community through the power of creative thinking and art.
Previously praised by Prime Minister and local MP Rishi Sunak, Imaginosity has included a range of inspiring activities, including primary age pupils leading creative workshops with elderly care home residents and covering Northallerton’s Town Hall in recycled flowers.
Imaginosity has now been recognised at The Yorkshires Commercial Real Estate Awards 2023, where it won for Wykeland the Environmental, Social and Governance Excellence Award. Run by Yorkshire Children’s Charity, the awards celebrate excellence across Yorkshire’s commercial property sector.
Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director at Wykeland, said: “The Imaginosity project has been running for five years and in that time has gone from strength to strength.
“Our strapline is ‘regeneration for the next generation’ and Imaginosity encapsulates and brings this brand statement to life.
“Working with partners, we deliver unique, powerful and ground-breaking creative programmes which make a lasting difference to communities in areas where we deliver our developments.
“We’re proud to have established an innovative programme which has changed the lives of children at Mill Hill school and is having a positive and continuing impact on the wider Northallerton community.”
Imaginosity was launched by Wykeland as part of connecting the community with the award-winning Treadmills scheme it has delivered in partnership with the former Hambleton District Council. The £20m development has transformed the former Northallerton Prison site into a thriving retail, leisure and commercial destination.
The project was launched to tackle some of the challenges facing young people in Northallerton, increasing their emotional resilience, raising aspirations and connecting them with their community.
Mill Hill school was chosen for the project because it is just 400 metres from the Treadmills site. In addition, almost three times as many pupils at Mill Hill school are eligible for Pupil Premium support compared to the national average.
Award for ABP at Humber Renewables Awards ceremony
Associated British Ports (ABP) Humber is delighted to have been named Medium/Large Business of the Year at the prestigious Humber Renewables Awards ceremony in Hull last night.
The award recognised ABP’s adaptation and resilience to the green agenda, including the launch of its Ready for Tomorrow sustainability strategy.
It also recognised ABP’s Humber ports success and the work being done in recruitment, including the successful launch of its Women in Maritime and Engineering campaign focusing on the ports being a great place for women to work.
Simon Bird, Director said: “It was fantastic to see ABP in the Humber being recognised for its sustainability strategy which is enabling us to support the energy transition in and around the ports.
“The Humber is one of the UK’s largest industrial clusters and 95% of the UK’s trade comes through our ports. Along with driving economic growth the region will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s Net Zero objectives. The Humber Ports already play a vital role in supporting the biggest hub for offshore wind in the world. We will continue to invest to ensure we maintain our role as the place to be for green energy solutions in the UK.”
ABP recently launched its sustainability strategy, Ready for Tomorrow, that is backed by a plan to invest £2 billion in decarbonising its own operations by 2040 at the latest and in major infrastructure projects to enable the wider UK energy transition. For ABP this includes continuing to develop its leading offshore wind manufacturing and support hubs at the ports of Grimsby and Hull.
There are also proposals to install onshore wind turbines at the ports of Grimsby, Immingham, and Hull. ABP has already reduced its own CO2 emissions by over 35% since 2014 and invested over £55 million in sustainability measures, which includes the largest commercial rooftop solar array in the UK at the ports of Hull and Immingham, electric vehicles and cranes across the group and a new fleet of more fuel-efficient pilot boats. The Port of Immingham trialled a Terberg hydrogen fuelled tractor in its container terminal at the start of the year. If the trial is deemed a success, it will mark the beginning of a roll out of vehicles in our container terminals running on green hydrogen, from which the only emissions are water. As we replace diesel and petrol burning vehicles, it may well be we cannot rely on electricity as the only solution.
Deregulation plans will help small businesses to cut costs, says Trade Secretary
The first dynamic package of deregulatory reforms to grow the economy, cut costs for businesses and support consumers has been unveiled.
The Government intends to remove unnecessary red tape and regulatory burdens, ensuring rules and regulation for British businesses is proportionate and takes into consideration wider impacts on consumers, innovation and competition – as well as direct costs. And the measures have been welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses.
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the FSB said: “For years and under all Governments, well-meaning Ministers have reached to create new regulations in response to issues. This is then repeated under the next set of Ministers – leaving us with a high cumulative burden for business to deal with.
“We are pleased to see a change of approach here, moving away from regulation as a first resort, alongside a reduction in administrative requirements that divert time away from running a business, and more of a focus for regulators on stimulating economic growth.”
The package includes:
- Reducing the business burden. Time-consuming and disproportionate reporting requirements for specific elements of the Working Time Regulations will be reduced, while retaining the 48-hour week requirement. This could save employers around £1bn a year. We are also simplifying regulations that apply when a business transfers to a new owner.
- Ensuring regulation is, by default, the last rather than first response of Government by reforming the Better Regulation Framework. The new, smarter framework will ensure future regulation of the changing economy is streamlined, minimising business burdens, and putting forward-looking regulation at the heart of Government decisions.
- Improving regulators’ focus on economic growth by ensuring regulatory action is taken only when it is needed, and any action take is proportionate. Following Professor Dame Angela McLean’s review of the regulators’ Growth Duty, the government intends to consult on refreshed guidance on how regulators deliver their growth duties.
- Promoting competition and productivity in the workplace by limiting the length of non-compete clauses to three months, providing more flexibility for up to five million UK workers to join a competitor or start up a rival business after they have left a position. The change will also provide a boost to the wider UK economy, supporting employers to grow their businesses and increase productivity by widening the talent pool and improving the quality of candidates they can hire.
- Stimulating innovation, investment and growth by announcing two strategic policy statements to steer our regulators. We are today publishing the first of these statements for consultation, on energy policy, which will be followed soon after by the Government’s strategic steer to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
“We are taking back control of our laws after Brexit, reducing and improving regulation and giving businesses the freedom to do what they do best – sell innovative products, create jobs and grow the economy.”
Government says it won’t renew Transpennine Express contract at the end of the month
Transpennine Express won’t have its contract renewed or extended at the end of the month, Transport Secretary Mark Harper will announce today though he insists it’s a temporary measure, and it’s the government’s intention that it will return to the private sector.
This will bring the company into operator of last resort status from 28 May, a decision taken after months of significant disruption and regular cancellations across Transpennine Express’s network, resulting in a considerable decline in confidence for passengers.
Alongside the train operating company, the Department for Transport put the operator on a recovery plan in February and met local mayors to discuss a way forward.
While some improvements have been made over the past few months, it has been decided that to achieve the performance levels passengers deserve, and that the northern economy needs, both the contract and the underlying relationships must be reset.
While making the decision to bring Transpennine Express into operator of last resort, the department recognises that a significant number of problems facing TPE stem from matters out of its control. These include a backlog of recruitment and training drivers, reforming how the workforce operates and most notably, ASLEF’s decision to withdraw rest day working – preventing drivers from taking on overtime shifts and filling in gaps on services.
In light of this, today’s decision will not instantaneously resolve the challenges being faced on the lines, but will provide an opportunity to reset relationships between the operator, staff, trade unions and passengers.
As part of this and in response to stakeholders’ calls for action, the Transport Secretary has asked the Department for Transport to review services in the north to help drive efficiency and find better ways to deliver for passengers across the region. He also asks all interested parties including the northern mayors and Transport for the North to engage with the government on this work.
The government continues to urge the union to call off upcoming strikes and the rest day working ban.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:”In my time as Transport Secretary, I have been clear that passenger experience must always come first. After months of commuters and Northern businesses bearing the brunt of continuous cancellations, I’ve made the decision to bring Transpennine Express into operator of last resort.
“This is not a silver bullet and will not instantaneously fix a number of challenges being faced, including ASLEF’s actions which are preventing Transpennine Express from being able to run a full service – once again highlighting why it’s so important that the railways move to a 7-day working week.
“We have played our part, but ASLEF now need to play theirs by calling off strikes and the rest day working ban, putting the very fair and reasonable pay offer to a democratic vote of their members.”
Under operator of last resort, services will run as normal with no changes to tickets, timetables or planned services with the department committed to ensuring a seamless transition for passengers.JV purchases and invests £1m into Sheffield office building
Six floors of open plan office space in central Sheffield are undergoing total refurbishment after new owners GPF (NOH) Ltd invested up to £1m in the prominent site.New Oxford House on Barkers Pool has been bought for an undisclosed sum by joint venture GPF (NOH) Ltd as an equity investment purchase from Nationwide Building Society, who will continue to lease the ground floor along with health and wellbeing store Holland & Barrett.The quality open plan office accommodation above the retail space, totalling more than 21,000 sq ft, is available to rent, after previous occupiers Nationwide and Arup, relocated.Wake Smith Solicitors acted for GPF (NOH) Ltd on the purchase with corporate director Rebecca Robinson dealing with the equity investment details while commercial property director Neil Salter handled the building acquisition.GPF (NOH) Ltd director Jonathan Vardy said: “This is a fantastic location and we believe a quality office refurbishment scheme will fill a gap in the market for this type of space. We are also keen to secure an exciting retail occupier for the vacant part of the ground floor.”Neil Salter, director in the commercial property team at Wake Smith, said: “It’s fair to say that there were a number of challenges in achieving exchange and completion, but we believe that we worked well with GPF and Nationwide’s solicitors to get to where we needed to be: the location of the property is remarkable.”The refurbished offices, being marketed by Tim Bottrill at Colloco, are available on a floor by floor basis or a whole, and benefit from a city centre location, internal kitchens, double glazing, and toilets located in the central core of the building. Additionally, New Oxford House will receive a new fully glazed office entrance and refurbished reception area. The building is also linked to the District Heating Network offering a green and cost effective method of heating offices.Tim Bottrill added: “The refurbishment started immediately following the acquisition and the space will provide modern, contemporary office space in arguably one of the most exciting locations in Sheffield City Centre.“The space is able to accommodate a range of businesses, offering suites from 1000 sq ft up to the full floors of 3600 sq ft, or multiple floors and we have already agreed terms with a well known financial services company, who will be moving into the first floor in August.“We have strong interest in other floors and are confident that our client’s investment and commitment to the building and Sheffield will be a success.”New Oxford House is a recognisable building with frontage on the Barkers Pool area, adjacent to the new Heart of the City regeneration project, Fargate and Leopold Square.
Yorkshire estate agent races into new offices in York
Less than 12 months after expanding into York, estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has relocated into new city centre premises on Micklegate and has marked the opening by supporting grassroots sport and sponsoring City of York Athletics Club’s junior teams.
As part of the sponsorship, the company is providing the club’s championship winning junior teams with distinctive warm up shirts for the 2023 UK Youth Development League campaign.
Dacre, Son & Hartley opened in York last summer and its new double fronted showroom, which is in a prime position within the city walls, offers highly visible display facilities, as well as valuable support for the firm’s other 19 offices across North and West Yorkshire.
Led by experienced estate agent Nick Udovicic, the Micklegate office specialises in selling all types of homes across a wide area, spanning York city centre, the North York Moors, out to the Yorkshire coast and all the city’s surrounding towns and villages including the likes of Malton, Pickering and Helmsley.
The York team have recently sold homes in central York, Huby and Sheriff Hutton.
Nick said: “York has been very welcoming to us since we opened last year and we’ve enjoyed plenty of early successes. We’re already building a reputation for marketing every type of property across the city and beyond, which has been key to Dacre, Son & Hartley’s longevity in Yorkshire.
“Expanding into Micklegate will enable us to continue growing in York and gives us a superb base in a busy and central location on one of the city’s most attractive and best-known streets.
“We’re also very excited to be supporting the local community through this latest sponsorship agreement. We’ve been very impressed by everyone at City of York Athletics Club which is undoubtedly one of York’s most successful grassroots sports teams and we’re looking forward to building a lasting relationship with them.”
Nick visited the club’s state of the art facilities at the University of York on a busy training night and was welcomed by a group of highly talented young athletes, who attend schools across York and North Yorkshire, and the club’s chair and team manager, Craig Pounder.
Craig said: “We pride ourselves on offering sporting opportunities for both beginners and elite athletes and giving young people the opportunity to learn, develop and compete in a full range of athletics events.
“Sponsorship from successful local businesses is a key part of this and welcoming a longstanding Yorkshire business in Dacre, Son & Hartley is a coup for us. The new warm up kits look fantastic and will hopefully add to the confidence of our athletes.
“Both teams have won their opening matches comfortably and I’m sure the new shirts have given them a boost!”
Start on site for new industrial/warehouse development in West Yorkshire
Following on from securing planning consent, BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties have started on site with two new industrial/distribution warehouses, comprising 153,323 sq ft and 56,360 sq ft, to be completed during Q4 2023.
IFCO Systems UK Limited has agreed a pre-let deal on the largest unit, as part of the company’s expansion plans.
The general contractor Winvic will deliver the scheme which will be constructed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings. Primed for the needs and requirements of modern occupiers, the development has EV charging points and enhanced Biodiversity Net Gain credits.
The Industrial and Logistics team at CBRE in Leeds, alongside Avison Young, advised BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties on the acquisition and subsequent pre-letting. The 10-acre site was bought from Homes England in 2022.
Rob Vaughan, development director at Equation Properties, said: “We are thrilled to get this development underway with a pre-let to IFCO Systems UK. They are an expanding global business and are an essential part of the UK food supply chain requiring high-quality premises.
“This is yet another construction start across the BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties portfolio, demonstrating our joint commitment to developing in strategic locations despite challenges in the economy.”
Dirk Schaich, director Supply Chain & Operations at IFCO Systems, said: “With Equation and Winvic we have found an experienced project developer and construction partner who shares our commitment to sustainability, implements our high environmental and efficiency standards in building development and supports our ambitious time and growth plans.”
Danielle Raunjak, associate director at CBRE, said “We are delighted this site has commenced construction having advised on the acquisition.
“It will deliver high quality logistics space that will meet the needs of a vast range of occupiers looking to boost their business activities in Yorkshire and the rest of the UK. The pre-let of 153,000 sq ft to IFCO Systems UK Ltd is testament to the prime location and quality of the space to be delivered.”
TaylorWessing solicitors advised BentallGreenOak and Equation Properties on the pre-let to IFCO Systems UK.
