Reward raises £24,000 to support Andy’s Man Club
Reward Funding has raised £24,000 for Andy’s Man Club. The funds will support the charity dedicated to saving lives by supporting 200 free groups, with over 1,600 volunteers, working with around 5,000 men each week to help break down stigmas and provide a safe, judgement-free environment to talk.
Throughout the year-long fundraising, Reward’s team took on various challenges and events, including the Manchester Marathon, Leeds 10k, a darts tournament in Birmingham, Ryder Cup sports days in London and Manchester, a charity quiz and a mental health breakfast with Andy’s Man Club – all efforts spanning its five UK offices engaged the community while raising awareness among business partners and guests.
Luke Ambler, founder of Andy’s Man Club, said: “With suicide rates amongst men sadly still on the rise, we are hugely grateful to Reward and its team for working so hard over the last 12 months to raise vital funds.
“With the invaluable support of companies like Reward, who go the extra mile to make a difference, we are able to encourage more men to open up about their problems and challenges. Raising an amount of money this size is priceless when you think of the opportunities it now gives us to engage with more men needing help and ultimately save lives.”
Nick Smith, Reward’s group managing director, added: “When we first heard about Andy’s Man Club and the fantastic work it has done to save so many lives over the last eight years, we knew they would be the perfect charity partner. Suicide is sadly the biggest killer of men under 50, and the attempts by its volunteers and support groups to tackle the problem are vital.
“The way the charity has been able to harness the power of talking and provide such a supportive environment to men of all ages is truly inspiring and we’re proud our fundraising efforts have helped make a difference.
“We are also proud to have raised £170,000 over the last seven years supporting our corporate partner charities plus additional local causes, continuing Reward’s legacy of community support and changing lives.”
Doncaster business park 70 per cent sold/let
A total of more than 56,000 sq ft of industrial space has been snapped up at Doncaster’s Platinum and Jubilee Park.
Platinum Park and Jubilee Park are neighbouring schemes, built by developer Priority Space in partnership with HG Sites, and were named in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne and Doncaster being granted city status.
Interest in the high-spec units has been high with 70 per cent of the units now under offer, let or sold, leaving just four units available to buy or to let at Platinum Park, and one remaining unit at Jubilee Park.
This follows the successful lettings and subsequent investment sales of Unit B and C, which are each approximately 13,000 and 16,000 sq ft respectively.
Established occupiers attracted to the business parks include Rescue 2 Ltd, Skanwear, Jones Electrical, Dynamic CCTV and Assured Group.
Kitty Hendrick, surveyor in the Knight Frank Sheffield office, who are marketing both sites, said: “These two business parks are satisfying the growing demand for high quality new small to mid-box units in the region.
“A range of sizes are available from 1,750-29,790 sq ft so there is a unit for everyone, from small SMEs and local businesses requiring a starter unit, up to regional and national companies looking for an additional site or looking to relocate their headquarters to the region.
“They have been received well in the market with good interest in the remaining units. The fact that 70% of these units are now under offer, let or sold is testament to the quality of the development and its good location just a 10-minute drive from Junction 3 of the M18 Motorway.
“The units appeal to a range of businesses and are available For Sale or To Let, meaning there are options for occupiers and investors alike.”
Cllr Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Business at City of Doncaster Council, said: “I’m delighted to see both Doncaster-based companies and inward investors moving into these high spec commercial developments. The units are available for sale or let and are exactly what is required in Doncaster at this present time.
“There is a great deal of confidence in our economy and Business Doncaster continues to work closely with the agents and developers to promote the remaining space available.”
Jubilee and Platinum Park stand adjacent to the fully-occupied Avro Park, completed by Priority Space in 2019, and now home to a mix of industrial and distribution businesses.
Planning consent secured for office and storage space at former pig farm
National property consultancy Lanpro has succeeded in securing planning consent on behalf of Hydrotec Industrial Services, specialists in wastewater treatment, to locate office and storage use on land formerly occupied by a pig farm in the village of Sandholme.
The planning permission is the result of successful appeal ruling in July after the application had been turned down by The East Riding of Yorkshire Council in summer 2023.
The planning consent allows for change of use for redundant pig farm land and buildings to create storage and new build office space.
The site, Chapel Farm, is located on Old Trough Lane in Sandholme, East Riding of Yorkshire, approximately 23 miles west of Hull and 9 miles north east of Goole. Its proximity to the M62 makes it a suitable location for both business and storage.
The appeal process reviewed the appropriate nature of the site specifically in relation to the proposed use and the size of operation in terms of local character and landscape setting of buildings.
The Planning Inspector found that as redundant farm buildings, the proposed redevelopment complied with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which encourages the development of rural enterprise through the reuse of existing buildings and the erection of well-designed new buildings.
It also complied with the East Riding Local Plan Strategy Document (ERLPSD) on the basis that the conversion of buildings in the countryside for economic development should be allowed where proposals respect the intrinsic character of their surroundings.
Antony Duthie, Regional Director at Lanpro in York, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this appeal. Planning policy in East Riding has long recognised the potential for disused agricultural buildings to provide an excellent sustainable location for business uses. Schemes such as these are crucial in meeting demand for storage and employment space while also providing a very attractive workplace and supporting the local economy.”
Callum Hancox of Hydrotec Industrial Services said: “We are extremely pleased with the decision to approve our planning application after appealing. Antony and his experienced team provided an excellent service from start to finish of the planning appeal process the result of which crucially enables the continued growth of Hyrotec.”
Multi-million redevelopment works progressing well for Sutton on Sea Colonnade
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, is on schedule with works for construction of a new multifunctional building and grounds at Sutton on Sea’s former Colonnade and Pleasure Gardens site.
Working alongside their design team CPMG and Alan Wood Associates, in close collaboration with client East Lindsey District Council, through the Pagabo Medium Works framework – the enhancements will provide local residents and visitors with a new state-of-the-art building, with lettable space for retail, sea view café and restaurant, along with transformative facilities including toilets and new exhibition space.
Additional seating areas and recreational space will also be created in the former Pleasure Gardens alongside a large sea view deck, new beach huts and dedicated artisan studio spaces for pop up events and markets.
Improved promenade access will connect the promenade via a link bridge to the new building and there will be planting and community gardens together with the creation of additional walkways.
Popular nearby existing features will be retained, which include the paddling pool, tennis court and the anchor water feature.
Works are progressing well on site with the steelwork and main drainage complete, alongside the ground and first floors installed. The blockwork has been completed and the installation of the structural steel frame is now underway.
The scheme is part of the Mablethorpe Connected Coast Town Deal which has been approved by the Government to receive £4.2m of Town Deal funding, with the remaining costs match funded directly by East Lindsey District Council.
The revitalisation of the area will provide new inward investment to the town, and residents alongside the Lincolnshire coast.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be involved in the significant redevelopment of this landmark cultural tourist attraction for Sutton-on-Sea, encouraging further investment into the Eastern coastline.
“Our team have worked closely with all sub-contractor partners to carefully manage the enhancement of the existing structure with transformative elements that will deliver tangible benefits to the local residents and visitors to the town. We are moving forward at good pace and we are in a good position to deliver on schedule.”
Councillor Martin Foster, the Council’s champion for the project, said: “We are delighted with the continued positive progress on the colonnade site, and seeing G F Tomlinson leading the construction process that will ensure the new facilities will be delivered to the highest quality of workmanship and suitable for its unique, scenic coastal surroundings.
“When completed it will bring new tourism and income for the town, create new jobs and opportunities, and provide residents and visitors with a place to enjoy our stunning Eastern coastline from.”
Work starts on site to build two new Lincolnshire primary schools
Yorkshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has started on sites in Waltham and Scartho, to build two new primary schools that will open in September 2025.
The primary schools, which are being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, the Department for Education and through Section 106 contributions, will be run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT).
The projects, based on Matthew Telford Park in Scartho, and on land off Sunningdale in Waltham, received planning approval at the start of the year.
Hobson & Porter is on-site this week preparing the ground for the initial phase of the works.
Joe Booth from Hobson & Porter said: “We have a long and successful track record in the education sector, across both Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, but it’s still always an exciting moment to start work on new-build school projects, which will inevitably become valuable assets within their respective communities.”
Speaking shortly after Hobson & Porter were announced as the winning contractors, Council Leader, Councillor Philip Jackson, said: “It’s great to see this project now progressing, with a building contractor appointed and getting on site. Over the coming months we’ll start to see things happening on site and that’s fantastic.
“These two schools will provide some much-needed additional education provision for children in our area.”
The Trust has held events in both villages to showcase its plans for Waltham Gateway Academy and Scartho Gateway Academy. These events were aimed at parents of children who may wish to attend the schools once they open in September 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Martin Brown said: “We’re pleased to see contractors on site and the project progressing. We’re excited about opening the two academies and look forward to meeting prospective parents and carers at the meetings in Scartho and Waltham.
“They’ll be able to choose either school when the local authority opens its admissions process later this Autumn.”
Stephanie Ledgerwood, from Equans, whose Architectural Team designed both schools and will act as contract administrator throughout the construction, added: “Work starting on site is an exciting step forward for the project and we are looking forward to seeing the designs come to life as works unfold.
“The benefits these schools will have on our community are endless and we are so glad to be a part of it.”
Both schools will have 210-pupil places, including specialist provision for 12 students with special educational needs and disabilities. The project is being delivered by Equans, working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council. Residents in the surrounding area have been sent a leaflet informing them about the works.
The two academies will open in September 2025, with admission details for parents being released this Autumn.
Free advice session planned for would-be business owners
Opportunity Goole has joined forces with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team to host an informal, drop-in event at Goole Library, offering free guidance and support to anyone thinking of starting their own business.
Entitled ‘Getting Started In Business’ and taking place on Wednesday 2 October, from 5pm to 7pm, the event is aimed at anyone interested in becoming their own boss, whether they’re looking to turn a hobby into a business venture, have been dreaming of starting their own business for some time but don’t know where to begin or have just taken their first steps in business and are looking for more support.
Members of the Opportunity Goole team, which is funded by Goole Town Deal, will be on hand to chat to people about the support they can provide. Meanwhile, Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team, which is part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will offer guidance on all the things people need to consider before starting a business.
Local business owners who have previously accessed funding and support will also be in attendance to share their own personal stories, including Lexy Kelly, who opened The Lounge Paradise Tearooms and Bar on Paradise Place in Goole almost two years ago.
She said: “A few months before I opened the tea room, I attended a business support event at Goole Library that gave me much more knowledge, helping me with my business plan, budgeting, the legal requirements and employment law.
“It was a lovely welcoming atmosphere and I met some really friendly, helpful people that I’m still in contact with now. It’s great to know that I can access help and information from the Business Support Services team easily, whenever I need it.”
Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This free event is about empowering local people to embark on their journey towards becoming their own boss and I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to go along, even if you only have the seed of an idea at this stage.
“We’re seeing more and more businesses choosing to invest in Goole and there’s a wealth of free support, guidance and grant funding available to help those who do, from the friendly and knowledgeable experts in the Opportunity Goole and Business Support Services teams. Come along and take advantage of the free support on offer; take your first steps towards turning your dream of launching your own business into a reality!”
More than 450 turn out for Chamber Business Expo in Rotherham
More than 450 went to Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Means Business Expo at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham.
The event showcased more than 65 local businesses, with the addition of a second floor of exhibitors representing anchor organisations from across South Yorkshire.
The Expo is said to have been a representation of the growing business landscape of Barnsley and Rotherham. From new innovations and solutions to long-standing local services from trusted businesses, the event provided a great opportunity for businesses across various sectors to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas.
The sold-out exhibition was a testament to growing business community in the region, sponsored by KCM Waste Management Limited, KAT Communications Ltd, and EntrySign, the event continues to fulfil the appetite for business networking opportunities across the region. Through the support of the sponsors and exhibitors, Chamber Means Business has cemented itself as the go-to business expo in the regional business calendar, and their ongoing support reflects their commitment to supporting growth within the local community.
Shane Young, Operations Director of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said: “Chamber Means Business Expo 2024 was a great reflection of the businesses and connections happening across Barnsley, Rotherham and the wider region through the Chambers membership network. This year we smashed previous records with attracting over 450 in attendance.
“Through the support of our sponsors and exhibitors we achieved record participation, highlighting the growing momentum behind this event since it began in 2012. We are proud to see this expo continue to grow year after year, bringing more and more businesses together.”
Wetherby computer company switches to employee ownership trust
Wetehjrby-based Deans Computer Services is to create an Employee Ownership Trust to protect the future and guarantee collective success for employees and the company.
Founder, Chairman and previous owner Peter Rogerson was keen to ensure a strategy and plan was in place to safeguard the future of the company and its valued employees whilst maintaining its independence.
MD Patrick Clayton said: “The move to employee ownership marks a huge milestone in our company’s journey and reflects our commitment to our employees and the long-term success of our business. By transferring the shareholding, we’ve enabled our team to maintain the high standards our customers expect, while also fostering a commitment to the company’s ongoing success.
“At the heart of this decision is our dedication to protect our employees and commitment to continuously meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. A business structure designed to promote collective responsibility will also benefit our customers. A more collaborative workforce provides a strong focus on delivering quality services, motivating employees to deliver for our customers. Thank you to our advisors, Baxendale Employee Ownership and accountants, Kirk Newsholme, for supporting us in successfully transitioning. This is such an exciting landmark in DCS’s journey, and we are confident it will lead the company from strength to strength.”
Council launches £10m grant programme for new industrial units
North East Lincolnshire Council has launched a £10 million grant programme to help property developers create new industrial units on existing Enterprise zone sites across North East Lincolnshire.
The aim of the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme speculative unit grant programme is to bridge the gap that stops speculative investment in commercial buildings, in particular, industrial units, where the realistic achievable rental value doesn’t balance out the level of investment required to build them.
The grant programme was approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting in May 2024, pending the release of money from government to the Humber Freeport.
The key objectives of Freeports are to stimulate economic activity by establishing hubs for global trade and investment, promote regeneration and job creation, and innovation.
Confirmation has recently been given that the seed capital funding, as part of the Freeport project is being released by government in the coming weeks, which has allowed this grant scheme to be activated.
The SHIIP speculative unit grant will deliver additional industrial floorspace to provide clustering and supply chain opportunities around the ports of Immingham and Grimsby.
Priority will be given in the first instance to developments proposed on existing Enterprise zone sites in Stallingborough, Grimsby and Immingham.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council said: “We know that this is an issue – we have the land to develop on, and we have enquiries coming in all the time to our Investment Team, but we don’t have the empty units available to put forward for consideration. This scheme will help address this, and in the long term, provide more jobs for local people.”
The scheme is open until noon on 13 November, and applications are invited from experienced commercial property developers who own, or have access to via lease or purchase, an Enterprise Zone within North East Lincolnshire. Applications will also be considered on non-Enterprise zones sites if funding allows.
Proposed development must be for the provision of quality industrial/manufacturing space which will then be leased to support local business growth, inward investment, innovation, and job creation. Applicants cannot access funding to construct buildings for their own use.
Food production is off the table in planning consultation, says NFU
With the end of the de facto ban for on-shore wind already ‘in the bag’, the current consultation represents a major overhaul of the planning system with the aim of delivering more housing, infrastructure, and economically important projects.
But it ignores the needs of the farming industry to put food on the nation’s tables, says the NFU. “It is clear to the NFU that agriculture and food production are not a priority for this consultation. There must be a reversal of this position to secure the future of British food security, a sustainably managed countryside, and a farming sector that can adapt to climate change.”
The NFU has written to ensure that agriculture isn’t left behind, negatively impacted, or forgotten by far-reaching planing rule changes that aim to drive economic growth and infrastructure development.
The organisation says proposed changes to how land is made available and the principle of development, have not been offered with a suitable level of protection for agricultural land, especially Best and Most Versatile.
The NFU has also stated how agricultural land in the green belt should be protected, and not included in reforms such as Previously Developed Land and the new grey belt.
“Our response to planning policies relating to climate change and how to boost the rural economy demonstrate a need for more supportive policy on agricultural infrastructure, as well as greater support for rural affordable housing of a rented tenure.
“Finally, we included concern for those that may see their land in high demand from the anticipated new development that will come from the proposals. The NFU has particular concern for tenanted farmers, and those with agricultural operations that abut new developments, all of which could see significant impacts if greater protections are not introduced.”
