Building work to complete the first phase of work at Providence Park industrial site in Keighley town centre is on course for completion by October this year.
The development of the former Universal Mills site, on the corner of Dalton Lane and Bradford Road, began in April 2023 and has received funding through the Government’s Keighley Towns Fund.
As well as housing industrial units, part of the site will be used by Keighley College as a Manufacturing, Engineering and Future Technologies Hub. The hub will be used to provide students with academic and practical experience, and achieve T-level qualifications.
Work is progressing well on the five buildings which will house the units – the smallest of which is 150 square metres with the largest at 828 square metres – and has included: the demolition of previous buildings and structures; full site remediation; installation of surface water management system; and the construction of units to let.
Part of the original mill building has also been retained and sympathetically converted to a unit suitable for a café or other retail use.
Tim Rogers, chair of the Keighley Towns Fund, said: “This is another very exciting commercial development for Keighley, and an incredible skills and training opportunity for the town through the creation of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Future Technologies Hub in partnership with Keighley College.
“We believe across the site between 80 to 100 jobs will be created, which is a real boost during the current economic climate, and we anticipate local businesses will be keen to link up with the hub to provide apprenticeships.”
The Keighley Towns Fund has set aside £6.5m towards the £12m re-development of the 7,000 square metre site.
Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Planning, Regeneration and Transport Alex Ross-Shaw said: “Demand for employment sites is huge across Keighley and the whole of the Aire Valley so this development is much needed and welcomed.
“The properties have full solar panel coverage and air source heat pumps which will provide sustainable heat and hot water across the site.
“There is some work still to complete such as some internal works to each unit, fencing and gates, final surfacing of parking areas and the installation of EV charging points but it is on course to finish as scheduled.”
Once the initial phase is finished in October this year, the college unit is to due to be completed by early 2025.
TIS relocates regional office base to Joseph’s Well in Leeds
TIS, the independent life safety, security and communications systems integrator, has relocated its regional office base from Morley to Joseph’s Well, the heritage building in Leeds city centre, after agreeing a lease with J Pullan & Son’s.
The 807 square feet office suite provides the ideal city centre base for TIS to work in partnership with The University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and The Royal Armouries; designing, installing and maintaining highly-compliant life safety and security systems that protect people, places and spaces.
Matthew Fawcett, Operations Manager (Northern) at TIS, said: “The location of Joseph’s Well is perfect for us to relocate our regional team of 18 staff. We are now a stone’s throw away from our core clients, providing us with better site access and reducing travel time.
“Our new regional office hub serves as a fantastic base for all colleagues across our group and with our ambitious growth plans, the flexible suite options at Joseph’s Well will provide opportunities to expand.”
Bruce Strachan, Property Director at Pullan’s, said: “We’re delighted to welcome TIS to Joseph’s Well and provide flexible office space that meets their requirements for a central location to the University, as well as ample on-site parking for their operational staff.”
He added: “This letting is the latest in a string of leases agreed with businesses who have found Joseph’s Well to offer great value office space with a range of suite sizes available.
“This includes contemporary workspace ranging from 250 square feet, to combined suite options up to 10,000 square feet. The versatility of space and extensive car parking here is proving really popular and we’re thrilled we can help businesses grow and thrive in Leeds.”
Other recent tenants to take office space at Joseph’s Well include 600 square feet to Powerplay Team Sport Limited, part of Powerleague (the world’s largest provider of commercial small-sided football), and 2,584 square feet to HF, legal advisers in the insurance and commercial sectors with 10 other office locations across the UK and Ireland.
Steven Bailey, Regional Operations Manager North for Powerleague, said: “The main reason for choosing Joseph’s Well was the available options on suite size and the great location for all staff as it’s close to our Powerleague club.
“In addition, we were able to work with Pullan’s to add our own kitchen inside the office along with private office space, which was something we couldn’t get in other locations.”
Mike Rimmer, Partner & Chief Operating Officer of HF, said: “We’re thrilled that our decision to move into Joseph’s Well has been such a success. We were attracted by the fact that it offers modern, flexible workspace in a fantastic location that’s easy to access and where people like being based. That flexibility has already proved crucial for our ever-growing team.”
Joseph’s Well has a rich history dating back to the 19th Century when it was built by pioneering industrialist and clothing magnate Leeds MP Sir John Barran. Recognised with a blue plaque, the 150,000 square feet heritage building has been extensively refurbished by Pullan’s and the five-storey building now offers office accommodation with on-site parking.
Carter Towler and WSB are joint marketing agents for Joseph’s Well.
Record revenues and rising profit for Team17
Revenue and profit are on the rise at Team17, the independent games developer with offices in Wakefield, Nottingham, and Manchester.
According to unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (H1 2024), revenue grew to £80.6m, up from £72.4m in the same period last year.
Pre-tax profits, meanwhile, increased to £12.4m from £8.1m. Nine new games were launched, which included three new apps during the period, while four existing games were released on additional platforms.Steve Bell, CEO of Team17, said: “I am pleased with the Group’s performance during the first half as we continue to focus on driving sales through first-party IP titles and across our extensive portfolio, with strong demand for our games and apps across the Group.
“I’d like to thank Ann, Tim, Julia, Emmett and the rest of the leadership team for their support in leading our Group, as well as all of our people and development partners. Their passion, dedication and knowledge are fundamental to making our business a success, and I am grateful to all for their contribution.
“Looking ahead, there is significant growth potential in our core markets – Indie, edutainment and working simulation games. Our focus on creating a portfolio of games and apps with evergreen longevity, and leveraging our excellent lifecycle management capabilities, ideally positions us to capitalise on this and build a lifetime of play within our growing portfolio and player base.”
UK-first carbon capture pilot on energy from waste site launches in West Yorkshire
enfinium, an energy from waste operator, has launched the UK’s first carbon capture pilot at an energy from waste site. The launch is a milestone for the sector and for enfinium’s plans to deploy Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology across its UK facilities to generate carbon removals at scale and support the UK’s Net Zero target.
The technology, a containerised, scaled-down version of the CCS technology that enfinium could deploy across all of its sites, was supplied by global green technology company Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI). The pilot is installed at enfinium’s Ferrybridge-1 energy from waste facility in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, and is capturing one tonne of CO2 emissions from the plant’s operations each day.
The trial is being used to demonstrate how the technology can be applied at scale across enfinium’s fleet of six energy from waste facilities to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The pilot is collecting real operational data on performance, such as CO2 capture rate and solvent degradation, and will assess the performance of different amine solvents. The trial will run for at least 12 months.
Earlier this year, enfinium announced its Net Zero Transition Plan, setting out how it will decarbonise its own operations and deliver up to 1.2 million tonnes of carbon removals a year in the 2030s. The plan is underpinned by an investment programme of up to £1.7 billion, with a focus on investing in carbon capture and storage technology across its energy from waste facilities to deliver carbon removals at scale. The carbon capture pilot marks an important milestone in enfinium’s pathway to deliver carbon removals, helping to inform the future deployment and operation of CCS technology across its sites.
Deploying CCS at energy from waste facilities generates durable carbon removals, or ‘negative emissions.’ Around 50% of the unrecyclable waste produced by society is made up of biogenic content including organic material such as waste food, plants and paper, which has already naturally absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere. Installing CCS technology at an energy from waste facility enables this CO2 to be permanently captured and stored rather than released back into the atmosphere, resulting in a net carbon removal from the atmosphere.
The Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report, in July, noted that the UK must accelerate the production of carbon removals to stay on track to achieve Net Zero. Recent research by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies found that the energy from waste sector could contribute up to 8 million tonnes of carbon removals.
Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, said: “We are proud to have this sector-leading project up and running at our Ferrybridge facility. Carbon capture and storage technology is central to how the UK will be able to decarbonise its unrecyclable waste. CCS is also a critical to generating carbon removals at scale so the UK can achieve Net Zero. Using carbon capture, the energy from waste sector can provide significant levels of carbon removals and enfinium, with the support of HZI, are taking steps now to achieve this.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted to see the fantastic work being piloted in Ferrybridge, continuing the long tradition of energy generation and innovation in West Yorkshire. To see this development from enfinium is massively encouraging, as our own modelling shows a need for carbon capture and storage to help us reach our Net Zero ambitions. Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges we face, so it’s vital we find new opportunities for innovation that can help us build a greener, more secure region that’s fit for the future.”
Takeover means dog agility company can broaden its product range
Naylor Agility, which makes equipment for dog agility events at its Wombewll base, has acquired Performance Agility, which will allow it to expand its agility equipment range.
MD John Grice said: “We’re really excited with this acquisition which fits perfectly with our existing agility product range. We’d also like to thank our amazing customers for their continued support, and we look forward to seeing our products across the UK and Internationally!”
The company now plans a promotional tour by attending a number of shows around the country.
Northern names man to lead development of signalling system across its network
The UK’s second-largest train operator Northern has appointed Tony Plumbley to lead its engineering preparations for the roll-out of ‘European Train Control System’ signalling across its network.
Plumbley joined Northern as head of engineering in March 2022. Since then, he has delivered the train operator’s digital trains programme, developed the new operations management maintenance system and helped prepare the Northern fleet for autumn leaf-fall with double variable rate sanding equipment.
In his new role, he will support Barry Thomas, Northern’s head of ETCS, to ensure a smooth integration of the system for colleagues in operations, programmes, training, engineering, safety and commercial.
Steve Rowell, director of new rolling stock programmes at Northern, said: “Tony has successfully delivered a number of major projects since joining the team in 2022 and we couldn’t ask for a better engineering lead for the ETCS roll-out.
“ETCS is an exciting development for the rail industry and Northern is assembling a team to ensure we’re able to play our part in making the rail network even safer and more efficient.”
Mr Plumbley added: “I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into all things ETCS. Northern has given me so many great opportunities to work on exciting projects with real-world customer benefits – and ETCS will be game-changing for the industry when it comes online.”
Plumbley joined Northern from Merseyrail and has previously worked for Cross Country, Arriva and Bombardier. Recruitment for a new head of engineering at Northern will begin shortly.
Textile company James Robinson Fibres to invest £750k in Bradford operation
Yorkshire-based textile company James Robinson Fibres is to invest over £750,000 into its head office and warehousing at Euroway Industrial Estate in Bradford, enhancing operational efficiency as it celebrates 150 years of pioneering spirit in the textile industry.
The fifth-generation family business has been making significant investments across the group. This follows a £10m investment into Texfelt’s Cutler Heights facilities, positioning the company as a global leader in innovative textile fibres & fillings solutions.
JR Fibres will utilise this investment to refurbish buildings, enhance office and welfare facilities, and consolidate all business departments under one roof. The investment also extends to IT infrastructure and other operational efficiencies, improving flow and function to achieve world-class efficiency levels in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics divisions.
James Taylor, Group Chairman, said: “As we celebrate 150 years of James Robinson Fibres, we’re not just reflecting on our achievements but actively shaping our future. This investment represents our commitment to continuous innovation and adaptability – principles that have been the cornerstone of our success since 1873.
“Throughout our history, we’ve consistently reinvented ourselves to meet changing market demands. From our origins in wool dyeing to pioneering recycled fibres, and now leading the way in sustainable products and materials, we’ve always embraced change. This latest investment ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next 150 years.”
Consultancy business quits Barnsley for a move to Sheffield’s business district
Consultancy specialist BrookConsult is to quit Barnsley for a move to Leah’s Yard in Sheffield to put itself at the heart of the city’s business district.
Sheffield’s Heart of the City project is a major initiative to revitalise the city centre, creating a thriving environment for businesses. By moving to Leah’s Yard, BrookConsult aims to tap into this investment, boosting our operations and contributing to Sheffield’s economic growth.
This move will help BrookConsult build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders like the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Sheffield Hallam University, and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
MD Dom Brook said: “We are really looking forward to moving to Leah’s Yard, a location that embodies Sheffield’s industrious spirit and innovative drive. This move reflects our commitment to growth and excellence, and our dedication to contributing to Sheffield’s vibrant business landscape.”
ABB appoints partner in virtual finance function
AAB has appointed Leeds-based Mark Bain as Partner within its Virtual Finance Function.
His appointment is the second significant senior-level addition to the team in as many months, reflecting not just the surge in demand for Virtual Finance services, but also AAB’s reputation for providing exceptional client service.
A Chartered Accountant whose international career spans more than 20 years, Mark has an impressive track record of propelling growth-oriented businesses toward success. His most recent tenure as COO of a prominent brand has not only sharpened his capabilities in understanding and enhancing client operations, but also positioned him to harness the benefits of AAB’s Virtual Finance Function, particularly when businesses find themselves at critical junctures.
Mark said: “I am delighted to be joining the Virtual Finance team at this pivotal time. The opportunity to contribute to the exceptional growth trajectory of AAB and build on the impressive results we’ve already accomplished is exhilarating, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier, transformative financial solutions.”
Lauren McIlroy, Head of the Virtual Finance Function at AAB, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team. His expertise in finance technology and strategy aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing innovative and tailored financial solutions to our clients.”
Train operator appoints eight new apprentices
TransPennine Express has hired eight new apprentices from towns and cities across the region including Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester and Middlesbrough.
Over the next two years, the eight individuals Ben Hunt, Cameron Law, Ellen Thompson, Harry Moss, Jacob Dube, Jack Millward, Megan Asquith, and Ted Hollas will be immersed in the world of TPE and will play an integral part in transporting customers and connecting communities across the North and into Scotland.
The apprentices will work across the business to see how each function works together to keep customers on the move, all while gaining the skills required for a career in the rail industry.
Each will also gain a Level 3 qualification, with TPE working with training providers to ensure the qualifications are relevant and positively impact both the business and the apprentices.
Emma Sayers-Bates, Early Careers Talent Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the next generation of rail talent and proud to be introducing our eight new team members.
“Apprenticeships are huge opportunities for both students and employees and are an excellent way for young people to kick-start their career, allowing them to further their education and gain great work experience at the same time.
“We want our apprentices to gain knowledge across the whole business, giving them a great start as they build their careers. Our apprentices will delve into different areas of the business, from supporting communications to the delivery of services in the control centre; the new recruits will get to see what it’s like to run a railway.”
