Flint Bishop bolsters Litigation practice with strategic partner hire
Law firm Flint Bishop has welcomed a highly regarded and seasoned partner to its Litigation practice, marking a significant and strategic addition to the firm’s growing national footprint in the commercial litigation arena.
Sarah Burton, who brings over 20 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation—including a proven track record of managing complex, high-value cases—joins Flint Bishop from the national law firm Knights.
Throughout her distinguished career, she has developed a deep expertise in commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on resolving property-related disputes.
Burton also possesses a wealth of international experience, having spent 12 years offshore handling cross-border cases involving partnership disputes, shareholder disagreements, and professional negligence claims.
Notable cases include representing a client from the UAE in a US$45 million breach of contract claim, managing multi-party litigation involving 54 shareholders in a share sale dispute, and representing a client in High Court proceedings for €3.5 million related to a contract for goods purchased from Hungary.
Qamer Ghafoor, Chief Executive at Flint Bishop, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Commercial Litigation team. Her vast experience in both UK and offshore markets, coupled with her leadership in significant cases, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our services. Sarah’s addition to the team further enhances Flint Bishop’s ability to provide top-tier legal expertise and supports the firm’s ongoing growth in the commercial litigation arena.
“This significant appointment follows a series of recent senior hires as the firm continues its commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients and fits perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality legal support across all sectors.”
The appointment follows Flint Bishop’s recent acquisition of the Banking Litigation and Recoveries division from Walker Morris, as well as the opening of the firm’s new offices in Leeds earlier this month.
Global manufacturer expands into new Wakefield headquarters
A Yorkshire company that has become a world leader in manufacturing and supplying technology to control flying insects has expanded into a modern new headquarters and warehouse building at Symphony House, located on Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate.
PestWest has agreed a 10-year lease on a modern 20,440 sq ft detached building, within a mile of Junction 41 of the M1 motorway. The landlord, The District Estates Limited was represented by Daniel Walker at Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co. The tenant, PestWest was advised by Rob Oliver at Avison Young.
Since it was established in the 1980s, PestWest has become a global leader in developing innovative electric fly control systems and insect light traps that combine the latest science with pioneering technology. Many of the company’s products are manufactured in the company’s state-of-the-art production facilities in Wakefield and also in Perth, Australia.
Daniel Walker, from GV&Co, said: “High specification, modern and detached industrial units of around 20,000 sq ft and in close proximity to the M1 are highly sought after at the moment and we generated a significant amount of interest in this property. PestWest is a successful and longstanding local business, as well as being a market leader in its field, which makes this a superb result for our client.”
Rupert Broome, managing director of PestWest, said: “This expansion will enable us to increase production of several of our most popular products including our world-leading LED range of fly traps based on our exclusive Quantum X technology and it provides our team with the perfect base as we embark on our next phase of growth. This makes it a very exciting time for PestWest.”
Rob Oliver from Avison Young added: “We were delighted to be appointed by PestWest to help with this relocation project, having acted for them on a previous acquisition. Given the current supply / demand imbalance across the market, identifying and then securing good quality premises can be a challenge.
“We were therefore pleased to agree terms on this refurbished unit, located on the prime Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate, which should hopefully provide the client with warehousing space for many years to come.”
Stafforce Ports division appoints Danny Marshall as Operations Manager
South Yorkshire-based recruitment agency, Stafforce has appointed Danny Marshall as Operations Manager for its specialist Ports division.
Operating from 9 hubs around the UK, Stafforce Ports is a subdivision of the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.
In his new role, Danny will be responsible for driving operational excellence across the division, supporting Operations Managers nationwide, and contributing to the growth and success of the Stafforce Ports brand.
Danny brings extensive experience in operations management and his role will be critical in ensuring that Stafforce Ports continues to deliver outstanding service to its clients while expanding its presence and capabilities in key locations across the UK.
His responsibilities will include supporting new site launches, troubleshooting operational challenges, and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Tim Platt, Brand Director for Stafforce Ports, commented on the appointment: “We are excited to welcome Danny to the Stafforce Ports team. His appointment aligns with our vision of becoming the largest supplier of port labour in the UK.
“With our current operations in 8 of the Freeports, Danny’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand and strengthen our footprint across the country. We are confident that his focus on operational excellence and growth will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”
Danny Marshall shared his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am thrilled to join Stafforce Ports and contribute to the division’s continued success. The opportunity to support our Operations Managers and drive operational excellence nationwide is something I am passionate about.
“I look forward to working closely with the team to ensure we meet our objectives and deliver exceptional results for our clients and candidates.”
Leeds entrepreneur reveals homeless struggle as she backs CEO Sleepout
A Yorkshire businesswoman has revealed she was once homeless amid warnings from a charity that a rising number of people in the region are also “on the brink.”
Despite being raised in a “loving, safe household,” Martina Woodworth’s world was shattered following her dad’s sudden death when she was just 13.
Having found herself living in poverty, she eventually became homeless and admits: “The fear and hopelessness I felt during that time was crippling.”
She’s spoken about her personal homelessness experience to help launch one of Yorkshire’s biggest annual charity fundraisers.
The Leeds CEO Sleepout takes place at Elland Road on October 17 and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for causes across Yorkshire to deal with the region’s worsening homeless crisis.
Thankfully for Martina, her story has a happy ending.
After obtaining a university degree, she forged a successful teaching career and developed award-winning education programs used throughout the world.
Now a leading educational consultant, she’s supporting the Leeds CEO Sleepout to “give back,” having been helped when she was at her lowest point.
“I grew up in a normal, loving safe home but my dad’s death when I was just 13 changed everything,” said Martina, from Halifax.
“I found myself living in poverty and my mum turned to alcohol to cope but we had almost no money to eat, keep the heating on, or wash our clothes.”
Due to a “perfect storm,” the family lost their business and eventually their home, resulting in Martina being split from her siblings.
Having still done well at school, she still managed to secure a university place but after a spot of sofa surfing, soon found herself once again living on the streets.
“I remember at one point sharing a tin of baked beans with a neighbour as that’s all there was to eat, But it was support from people like that which allowed me to get back on my feet,” recalled Martina, who eventually found stability after securing a council flat.
“Things were tough but when I got my degree, I realised that I could overcome anything.”
However, the charity behind the upcoming sleepout has warned that throughout Yorkshire, even degree-educated professionals in once-secure careers are increasingly finding themselves on the brink of homelessness.
The cost-of-living crisis has left many “perilously close” to the streets, says CEO Sleepout’s Bianca Robinson, who recently launched a campaign called ‘Nobody’s Safe’.
It aims to raise awareness of just how devastating the current climate is, with the likes of teachers and NHS workers increasingly turning to foodbanks to eat – and many being “on the brink” of losing the roof over their head.
“It was once taken for granted that having a career would mean there was always food in the fridge and a roof over your head, but for too many professionals across Yorkshire, that’s sadly no longer a given,” said Bianca, the charity’s CEO.
“People’s security has been shattered, and in the UK there are now over 300,000 people classed as homeless.
“That’s enough to fill Elland Road almost eight times over, and the scariest aspect is that the problem is only getting worse and unfortunately, it is often up to the third sector to pick up the pieces.
“The Leeds CEO Sleepout raises thousands for multiple local causes that are making a real difference daily across Yorkshire, and in just one night, you can help change people’s lives.”
One participant is Susan Allen, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Building Society, who will be one of dozens grabbing a bag and braving the October chill.
She will be raising funds for FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity working to redistribute surplus food from the food industry – that would otherwise go to waste – to over 8,000 local charities across the UK.
“At Yorkshire Building Society, a core part of our purpose is helping people improve their financial wellbeing and find a place to call home. That’s why we’ve partnered with FareShare to support them in their mission to tackle the problem of food waste for social good, and to help lift people out of financial hardship and into the world of work,” she said.
“This October I’ll be joining colleagues from Yorkshire Building Society’s senior leadership team and other business leaders to take part in the CEO Sleepout in Leeds. In aid of FareShare, we’ll be spending a night outdoors and gaining a small insight into the challenges facing local people in the grip of financial hardship.
“CEO Sleepout is a fantastic opportunity for business leaders to come together at events across the UK to raise money for charities that support people affected by homelessness and help to lift people out of poverty.”
For more information on the Leeds CEO Sleepout event, click here.
Amey lighting the way for inmates to help create sustainable prison estates
Amey, a provider of facilities management (FM) services to the public sector, has delivered an innovative Net Zero initiative at HMP Leeds, advancing both sustainability goals and prisoner rehabilitation.
The project involved the installation of energy-efficient 31-Watt LED fittings across 430 cells, replacing outdated 60-Watt dual T8 fittings. The LED lights were manufactured by prisoners at HMP Garth, who gained valuable skills and training through the production process.
This initiative supports the UK Government’s ambition to equip ex-offenders with employable skills, ensuring they are job-ready upon release. Research shows that ex-prisoners in stable employment are 9% less likely to reoffend, helping to address the £18 billion annual cost of reoffending to the UK economy.
Since 2021, Amey has delivered 16 similar LED programmes across the HMPPS prison estate under its Hard FM contract with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The success of the HMP Leeds project reflects close collaboration between Amey, the MOJ, prison staff, and the electricians involved.
Alongside its social benefits, the project has achieved significant sustainable outcomes, including annual savings of 45 TCo2, £89,000, and 223,500 kWh, while reducing maintenance costs due to the durable design of the new gear trays.
Pete Mathieson, Business Director for Amey, said: “This project demonstrates how sustainable initiatives can drive prisoner rehabilitation. By providing inmates with practical skills and work experience, we are helping them build confidence and increasing their chances of successful reintegration into society.
“Amey is proud to contribute to this vital process of rehabilitation through meaningful work opportunities.”
This initiative builds on Amey’s CRED programme and its collaboration with the Duke of Edinburgh’s charity, aimed at enhancing employment prospects for young offenders, post-release.
Extended Christmas fair promises boost in footfall for Harrogate businesses
A Christmas fayre will once again be staged in Harrogate across three weekends following a successful trial last year that led to a boost for businesses and attracted visitors from across the country.
The event will return from Friday 29 November, and will run until Sunday 15 December.
The fayre was extended last year to run for 17 days – a week longer than the previous two years in response to calls from town centre businesses who reported increased footfall during the event’s run.
Managers at leading hotels in Harrogate say the Christmas fayre provides a significant annual boost in trade. Figures from STR, which is a global leader in hospitality data and analysis, has shown that hotel occupancy rates in Harrogate for December last year was 72.3 per cent, up from 59 per cent in 2021 and 69.9 per cent for 2022, although rates had been affected in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Crown Hotel general manager Dan Siddle said: “Since the launch of the fayre we have seen a significant increase in occupancy. The fayre provides a great reason for people to visit during the festive period and extend their stay to experience what the rest of the area has to offer.”
The Harrogate Business Improvement District has supported the Christmas fayre since it was first staged in 2021. Manager, Mathew Chapman said: “The Harrogate Christmas Fayre has been a great addition to our town centre activities.
“The fayre gives people a reason to choose Harrogate as their Christmas shopping destination, bringing footfall into the town and benefitting the local retailers, restaurants, bars and cafes during the festive season.
Council leader Carl Les said: “The Harrogate Christmas Fayre is a popular event in the North Yorkshire calendar, so we are delighted that it is returning for 2024.
“Events such as these make a significant impact for the tourism industry at a crucial time in the business calendar. They bring footfall into town centres as well as attracting visitors from outside of the area to plan their festive break here in North Yorkshire.”
This year’s event will also run across the 17 days which has been welcomed by accommodation providers.
BCC calls for reassurance that apprenticeship levy won’t put further cost burden on business
Proposed Changs to England’s apprenticeship system have been welcomed by the British Chambers of Commerce – but with a rider that they mustn’t increase business costs.
Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said of a new announcement: “The proposed new Growth and Skills Levy was a key part of the Government’s plans at the election. It’s welcome ministers have acted early to give more details about skills reform.
“We’ve long argued that the current Apprenticeship Levy needs urgent reform to make it more flexible. Businesses need a simple, coherent and responsive system that properly incentivises employer investment in training.
“To drive sustained economic growth, companies need a levy that funds training at all ages and skill levels. Any imbalance in the system will impact business investment.
“Higher level apprenticeships provide a non-academic pathway to progression for many people. We’ll be working with Government to make sure businesses have clarity on how Level 7 qualifications will be funded in the future.
“In the months ahead we’ll also be seeking reassurance that these planned reforms won’t place increased costs on businesses, who are still facing a challenging economic landscape.”
Artisan baker Luke gets a slice of the finance action from East Riding Council
Brough-based artisan baker Luke Jenneson can now bake twice as much bread thanks to Invest East Yorkshire help to access grant funding to cover the cost of equipment he needed to be able to ramp up production. This, in turn, enabled him to double his sales and take on additional employees.
He said: “I’m extremely grateful for the support and guidance of the Invest East Yorkshire team. The grant has helped to grow my business by funding additional equipment, which has allowed me to scale-up the capacity of my bakery. I was able to realise the first phase of my business growth plan much sooner than I would have done otherwise.”
Other businesses in the East Riding are being urged to take advantage of similar grant funding support currently available to help them with everything from training costs and carbon reduction to projects that will help them expand.
Part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team is encouraging businesses to get in touch to find out which of the available grant funding streams they may be eligible for and how to access them. All of the grants will cover up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the total project costs.
Examples include revenue grants of up to £5,000 for projects aimed at fuelling the growth of the business. This could help to pay for things like marketing and sales costs, advice from external consultants, fees for events, creating a website or buying software licences.
Meanwhile training grants are available to provide training to employees of the business, up to a maximum of £1,500 per employee or £5,000 per business. Carbon reduction grants can cover projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the business. The amount allocated is linked to the level of carbon reduction, with £1,500 on offer for every tonne of CO2 saved, making this type of grant ideal for projects such as the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, energy efficient lighting or boilers, or changes to the fabric of a building aimed at reducing emissions.
Businesses looking to invest in machinery and equipment, or carry out infrastructure projects, can benefit from capital grants. Capital grants of up to £5,000 are available for moveable assets and £10,000 for fixed assets, which could help cover the cost of plant and machinery, the purchase of computer equipment or improvements to retail premises. However, if an applicant can demonstrate that their capital project will have a wider economic impact, by creating new jobs, developing the supply chain or creating tourist accommodation, grants of up to £50,000 could be made available.
Dawn Hall, Business Support Services Manager for Invest East Yorkshire, said: “With a whole raft of different grant funding streams on offer, there’s a source of funding to suit businesses of all sizes working in a wide range of different sectors.
“Have a chat with our friendly team of business advisers today and they can help you assess your current needs and identify which grants your business could apply for, as well as guide you through the application process step-by-step. “
Business Board Network Chair welcomes announcement on industrial strategy
Publication of the government’s Industrial Strategy in October can’t come soon enough, says Chair of the Business Board Network Mark Bretton.
He said the Chancellor’s speech at the Labour Party conference delivered confirmation that the government’s Industrial Strategy will be published alongside the Budget. “That was music to our ears – it’s local business leaders across the Business Board Network that will help make that strategy an economic reality in the streets and towns across the country where business and communities can thrive.
“But any industrial strategy must connect with Local Growth Plans and must involve all regions of the country not just those who have secured a devolution deal. If a national strategy is to be successful, it needs to embrace all parts of the country, leaving no one behind.
“It’s our local business leaders across the network who can help bind all that together; supporting their local councils, combined authorities and mayors. It’s their business acumen that translates policy into economic reality; investing in their local economies, upskilling and training the workforce, driving up digital inclusion, achieving net zero, supporting businesses through the Growth Hub network to grow and export, and building on the regional strengths and opportunities that can deliver that local growth – for them the industrial strategy can’t come soon enough!”
Food and agri-tech innovators invited to share in £2.5m grants
Agri-tech and food technology businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland are being invited to apply for grants from a fund of £2.5 million to support innovation and growth in the latest round of the Launchpad programme for Eastern England.
The programme allows SMEs in the region to apply for competitive grants for R&D and innovation projects that focus on agri-tech and food technology, and will offer a share of up to £2.5 million in two strands:
- MFA (Minimal Financial Assistance): funding requests between £25,000 and £100,000 for projects lasting from six to 12 months
- CR&D (Collaborative Research & Development): funding requests between £150,000 and £300,000 for projects lasting from six to 18 months.
- enhancing the productivity of primary crops, the bioeconomy, livestock, aquaculture or ornamental plants
- biotechnologies related to agriculture, food and nutrition
- food that promotes safe, healthy and nutritious diets
- resource-efficient production methods for low-emission foods
