Almost 200 secondary schools and colleges across West Yorkshire are set to receive free support to educate young people about careers in the creative industries.
The support – funded by Mayor Tracy Brabin with specialist input from Leeds Heritage Theatres and Grand Futures Leeds Art Network – is a collection of free, downloadable lesson plans designed to empower teachers to open up the world of the creative industries to their pupils.
The interactive and educational lesson plans include interviews with working creatives in the region, filmed and delivered by trainee journalists from Leeds City College.
Through the advice and expertise of creatives – including both on-stage and backstage talent such as set and costume designers – the West Yorkshire Mayor hopes to showcase the variety of roles on offer in the region’s booming creative industries, on the eve of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.
Mayor Brabin, who enjoyed a thirty-year career as an actor and writer before entering politics, has pledged to offer the same opportunities she had to young people across West Yorkshire, by building a “region of learning and creativity.”
She will also collaborate with other Northern Mayors on a new partnership called One Creative North, with plans for a £50 million investment bank to support high-growth creative industries businesses.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire’s creative industries are bursting with amazing careers waiting to be seized, and I want young people across our communities to follow their passions and thrive in life.
“However, I know how difficult and daunting this can be, for some more than others. That’s why we’re giving free support to hundreds of schools to inspire and educate their students, no matter their circumstances or background.
“I’m confident this new initiative will provide invaluable opportunities for creative talent to be unleashed in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Catherine Hayward, Interim Head of Learning & Engagement at Leeds Heritage Theatres, said: “As a network, Grand Futures (chaired by Leeds Heritage Theatres) is committed to increasing opportunities for young people to explore the creative industries – right here in West Yorkshire.
“We know that the arts can often seem like a mystery, the magic of backstage hidden from the audience’s view, but through our projects we shine a light on some of the less well-known job roles in our industry.
“By gaining a thorough understanding of the arts sector in our region, we hope young people will develop a deeper understanding of the sector and take steps towards a career in the creative industries.”
The Mayor’s new “Careers in the Arts” initiative was launched on Friday (13 September) at the “West Yorkshire School, College and Business Leaders Conference” in Wakefield, which brought together over 200 employers and educators from across the region.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority also launched a new “skills swap service” and “careers portal,” designed to help schools and colleges teach the transferable skills that young people need to succeed, while connecting them directly with the employers who can offer valuable opportunities for work experience.
The three new initiatives are all part of the Combined Authority-led “West Yorkshire Careers Hub,” which comprises almost 200 schools and 600 business volunteers, all dedicated to preparing young people for the world of work.
Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers power ahead with more growth in the pipeline
Manufacturers in Yorkshire & the Humber are powering ahead with a boost to overall economic prospects forecast from a period of greater political stability.
The findings come in the Q3 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO which shows almost six in ten companies (58%) believe that the recent change in Government will lead to better economic growth overall in the next 12 months. In contrast just 6% of companies expect GDP to decline this year as a result of the new Government.
According to the survey, business confidence in Yorkshire & the Humber is continuing to climb, reaching levels last seen at the beginning of the recovery from the pandemic.
The balance on output in Yorkshire & the Humber was +38% but is forecast to jump to +55% in the next quarter. Total orders are following a similar pattern, increasing from +45% to +48% in the next three months.
This boost is resulting in strong recruitment intentions with companies looking to take on staff to cope with demand (the balance on recruitment increasing from +24% in Q3 to a forecast +38% in the next three months). Companies in Yorkshire & the Humber are also investing in line with taking on staff as the balance on investment has risen to +21%.
Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will grow by 0.5% in 2024. This is a downgrade from 1.2% forecast in the last quarter but is due to ONS revisions on which the forecasts are based. GDP is forecast to grow 1.1% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025.
Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for Make UK in the North, said: “This is a very positive set of results for Yorkshire & The Humber which reflects the boost to stability provided by the new Government.
“We now need to see this momentum maintained with a new industrial strategy and other measures in the Autumn Statement to boost growth, in particular investment in major infrastructure projects which will provide a long-term return for the economy overall.”
Steve Talbot, Head of Manufacturing at BDO in Yorkshire, added: “Manufacturers across Yorkshire & the Humber are hopeful that a period of greater political stability will provide a better economic outlook ahead, and that in turn is boosting business confidence.
“All eyes are on the Government’s next steps. We need an industrial strategy that is fit for purpose to ensure that the confidence firms currently have in future economic prospects is not misplaced.”
Investor sets sights on Yorkshire floor coverings firm
Nimbus, the Pan European investor, has acquired National Floorcoverings Group (NFCG).
The investment represents Nimbus’s first UK investment out of its new Fund V investment vehicle following the successful exits of two UK manufacturing businesses earlier in the year.
NFCG produces a range of floor coverings which includes fibre bonded carpets for the education market, tufted carpet tiles for the commercial sector, aluminium/modular entrance matting and specialised indoor and outdoor sports surfaces.
Operating from two sites in Heckmondwike and Rotherham, NFCG consists of four market facing divisions Heckmondwike, Paragon, Playrite and Mat.Works. The group has been under family ownership for over 60 years dominating the educational sector with its Supacord product since the early 1970s.
Nimbus have supported the incumbent Managing Director David Rhodes and his Management Team in leading a management buy out. Mr Rhodes said: “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for the group and we are looking forward to working with Nimbus who have an excellent track record in supporting UK manufacturers adapt to ever-changing commercial landscapes.”
David Keenan, who led the investment for Nimbus, added: “NFCG holds a very strong market presence in the UK and we hope to work with David and his team to advance further export opportunities whilst introducing new product ranges to our existing markets.”
Opening of £9m research centre brings new hope to cancer, dementia and heart disease patients across the North
Research and treatment for cancer, dementia and heart disease is set to take a huge step forward after the long-awaited handover of a £9m molecular imaging facility at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire.
At a ceremony to mark the occasion Professor Pat Price, an internationally renowned expert in cancer research, said the significance of the new molecular imaging research centre (MIRC) is underlined by data which shows more must be done to develop a much-needed national cancer recovery plan for the UK.
Prof Price added: “What is happening in Hull with the new MIRC and the Jack Brignall Centre is fantastic but now we need this push in terms of fundraising to show people what we can do. We need more capacity in diagnostic imaging otherwise cancer patients in the area are just going to have to wait longer. This will save lives.”
Prof Nick Stafford, founder and chair of the Daisy Appeal, said: “We currently carry out 4,500 scans every year in the Jack Brignall Centre but the scanner is at capacity. We are looking to upgrade it to a digital device capable of getting through 7,500 scans per year, but new technology does not come cheap.”
This new research centre complements the existing PET CT scanning centre which has been operating for the last nine years. There are ongoing plans for further development to improve medical services in Hull and the charity is looking to secure new funding for the digital scanner at a cost of approximately £2.8m within the next year.
Prof Stafford, a former professor of head and neck surgery, founded the Daisy Appeal in 2000. He remains chair of the charity which created a partnership between the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Hull. Milestones include the opening of the £8m Daisy Appeal Medical Research Centre in 2008 and the £4.5m Jack Brignall PET-CT Scanning Centre in 2014. To date £23m has been raised by the charity.
Equipped with its own cyclotron, the MIRC will make its own radiotracers which in the past have had to be bought in from manufacturers elsewhere – a journey of an hour or more for products which have a short half-life. When the new facility is up and running the radiotracers will be produced on site and delivered directly to the Jack Brignall Centre for immediate use in scans to detect cancers, dementia and heart disease.
Work on the MIRC commenced in 2018 with completion due in 2021 but construction, complications and equipment delays caused by the impact of Covid have pushed the project back. Having taken delivery of the facility, Prof Stafford said work will now begin on the commissioning and licensing procedures, with radiotracer production on course to start in the next two months and the cyclotron operational in about six months.
He said: “We will be able to manufacture a variety of clinically relevant radiotracers not currently available to patients in the north of England and, as the only facility of its kind between Cambridge and Edinburgh, we aim to become a referral centre for specialised PET imaging.
“Clinical scanning activity in the UK is predicted to rise 12 per cent year on year for the next decade and the industry partners we work with are gearing up to meet that. GE, who supplied our cyclotron have predicted an increase in sales for radiotracers and radiotherapeutics in the United States from $1.17bn in 2020 to $24.9bn by 2031. I’d like our facility to have a share of the UK element of this market.”
Annual running costs for the MIRC are £700,000 and the charity will continue to pursue other revenue opportunities from grants, corporate and personal donations and fundraising activities in the community.
The NHS review commissioned by the new government and published by Lord Darzi, reported that the UK has appreciably higher cancer mortality rates than other countries, with no progress whatsoever made in diagnosing cancer at stage one and two between 2013 and 2021.
Prof Price, chair of Radiotherapy UK, Professor at Imperial College London and a clinical oncology consultant for 35 years, said: “The importance of the new facility is about dealing with the increased incidence of cancer. There will be a 30 per cent increase in the incidence of cancer by 2040, one in two people will get it and there is a big delay in terms of diagnostics.
“We need chemical science centres like this one that can develop the methodology for PET studies. Not many places in the UK can do that and Hull would not normally be up for this level of infrastructure but we have known Nick for a long time, he came to us with his vision for Hull and he did something really tough and really important.
“It’s complex clinical science, it’s ambitious and they have attracted some very good people who can go to the next level now in terms of international support. To really make the most of this they need to get some pilot data which will help them secure bigger grants and become a jewel in the crown for the UK.”
Duo of lettings secured at boutique office in Leeds
A boutique office in the heart of Leeds city centre, 2 Bond Court has welcomed two new occupiers as the popularity of Cat A ‘plug and play’ space continues to rise.
Joint agents CBRE and WSB Property have secured deals with Hilco and YFM Equity Partners for almost 3,000 sq ft of office accommodation. These latest deals leave the final suite of 2,489 sq ft. Agents acted for landlord Midland House Limited in the deals.
Specialist, independently-owned equity investors, YFM Equity Partners have signed a deal on a fully fitted and furnished 4th floor suite, whilst Hilco Valuation Services, an asset valuation, advisory and sales practice has taken space on the 1st floor. Both businesses sought better quality space that was immediately ready to occupy with an all-inclusive rent.
Clair McGowan, Director, CBRE Office Agency team in Leeds, said: “Cat A office space is becoming a key driver for businesses looking for ready to occupy, fully fitted accommodation.
“2 Bond Court is located in the heart of Leeds’ office district and offers excellent access to local transport links, as well as a wide range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes and delis. It is situated in a pedestrianised public open space that links the office core with the city’s thriving retail quarter. It was the ideal location for both businesses who sought high quality office space.”
Jason Stowe, Managing Director for Wilton Developments who developed and manage 2 Bond Court on behalf of Midland House Limited, said: “This is further evolution of our property on 2 Bond Court, building upon the origination of the redevelopment of the wider Bond Court public open space through our JV with Leeds City Council all those years ago.
“It is encouraging and rewarding to see the further investment and vibrancy that has gone into the square and surrounding buildings since then. 2 Bond Court itself has embraced occupiers’ requirements for fully fitted space and that has been reflected in the lettings we have achieved recently.”
Kromek wins £2m government contract
A company with its R&D centre at Huddersfield has won a £2m government contract to supply the MoD with radiation detectors.
Under the contract Kromek must supply the products by April next year.
The contract, which was awarded after a competitive tender process, is for the supply of the Group’s D5 RIID, a handheld, highly-sensitive gamma and neutron detector, along with the Group’s Alpha Beta probe attachment and other associated products.
Launched in November 2023, the Alpha Beta probeconnects directly to the D5 RIID to enable alpha and beta radiation to be detected, allowing the single, small form factor upgraded device to detect all types of radioactive material.
Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are delighted to have won this important contract from the UK MOD, which is a significant strategic customer for Kromek. That it was awarded after a rigorous tender process provides excellent endorsement of the strength of our solution. It is also great validation to receive this key order for our Alpha Beta probe so soon after its launch at the end of last year.
“With the Alpha Beta probe upgrade, our D5 RIID is one of the most versatile handheld radiation detectors available today. We are looking forward to delivering this contract and supporting UK national defence efforts and to continuing to strengthen our relationship with this important customer.”
Swiss firm steps in to acquire South Yorkshire specialist railway company
Dinnington-based Direct Track Solutions Ltd has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG.
The Yorkshire company was created in 2002 by Martin and Melanie Southwell to focus on competitive supply chain solutions for the railway industry. Having significantly grown the business, Martin and Melanie were looking for a partner who could continue this success.
Melanie Southwell said: “Having worked for 22 years building a successful business, we agreed that the time was now right to look for a buyer that could take the business to the next level. Schwihag AG a global supplier of quality railway track products ticked all the boxes. Schwihag AG is the perfect fit, enhancing the DTS brand and creating greater opportunities for all the staff .We are both delighted that the future of DTS is in good hands and we are confident that the business will go from strength to strength.
“Throughout the whole process we had full confidence in both Andy Ryder and Adam Ames at Shorts, along with Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau that the lengthy transaction would be completed to the highest standard whilst at the same time meeting our expectations.”
Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts added: “We have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie, and it has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction. We look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.
Matt Ainsworth, Corporate Partner at Shakespeare Martineau said: “Direct Track is yet another high quality local business which has attracted overseas inward investment into the region. We wish the business all the success for the future.”
Schwihag, founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen in Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a long-standing supplier of trackwork components and fastening systems globally. Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.
The acquisition of DTS last month supplements Schwihag’s manufacturing facilities in Doncaster; Leipzig, Germany and Grandview Missouri, USA, alongside its additional regional offices in Valencia, Spain and New Delhi, India. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is seen as a strategic addition to Schwihag’s UK portfolio, increasing the range of products and services offered to the market.
Proposed merger between Vodaphone and Three could lead to price rises, fears CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority believes a merger of Vodaphone and Three would lead to UK price increases or service reductions for tens of millions of mobile customers.
The CMA has particular concerns that higher bills or reduced services would negatively affect those customers least able to afford mobile services as well as those who might have to pay more for improvements in network quality they do not value.
Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group leading the investigation, said: “We’ve taken a thorough, considered approach to investigating this merger, weighing up the investment the companies say they will make in enhancing network quality and boosting 5G connectivity against the significant costs to customers and rival virtual networks.
“We will now consider how Vodafone and Three might address our concerns about the likely impact of the merger on retail and wholesale customers while securing the potential longer-term benefits of the merger, including by guaranteeing future network investments.”
The CMA has also provisionally found that the merger would negatively impact ‘wholesale’ telecoms customers – Mobile Virtual Network Operators such as Lyca Mobile, Sky Mobile and Lebara – which rely on the existing network operators to provide their own mobile services. The merger would reduce the number of network operators from four to three, making it more difficult for MVNOs to secure competitive terms, restricting their ability to offer the best deals to retail customers. While identifying these concerns, the CMA has also found that the merger, by integrating the Vodafone and Three networks, could improve the quality of mobile networks and bring forward the deployment of next generation 5G networks and services, as claimed by Vodafone and Three. But the CMA currently considers that these claims are overstated, and that the merged firm would not necessarily have the incentive to follow through on its proposed investment programme after the merger. As a result, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the merger would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the UK – in both retail and wholesale mobile markets. The CMA will now consult on its provisional findings. It will also consult on potential solutions to its competition concerns, including the options set out in its remedies notice (also published today). These include legally binding investment commitments overseen by the sector regulator, and measures to protect both retail customers and customers in the wholesale market. The CMA will retain the option to prohibit the merger should it conclude that other remedy options will not address its competition concerns effectively.UK Centre for Events Management in Leeds collaborates with Whitecap Consulting
Whitecap Consulting, LegalTech in Leeds, and FinTech North have partnered with the UK Centre for Events Management at Leeds Beckett University to share knowledge, resources and insight, and to create strategic project opportunities for students seeking careers in the events industry.
The new partnership aims to foster knowledge exchange between the academic and professional communities, and enhance the educational experience for students. It will leverage Whitecap’s active involvement in emerging technology sectors via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds, two regionally focused initiatives.
Students will be given the opportunity to gain events management experience via FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds events, will participate in knowledge share and best practice sessions, and will be able to deliver relevant consulting project work as part of their courses.
The partnership will see the integration of real-world applications into the curriculum through live case studies. By doing so, the collaboration aims to prepare students for diverse careers in rapidly evolving markets. Students will benefit from hands-on experience with both the FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds initiatives, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge that will be crucial for their future careers.
Peter Robinson, Head of Events Tourism and Hospitality, which includes the UK Centre for Events Management, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Whitecap, FinTech North and LegalTech in Leeds to drive innovation in our curriculum. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to offering students unparalleled opportunities with leading corporate events in Yorkshire.”
In the long term, the collaboration seeks to develop joint research projects and internships, providing students with invaluable in-person experience.
Julian Wells, Director of Whitecap Consulting, also highlighted the mutual benefits of the collaboration: “Partnering with the UK Centre for Events Management allows us to access fresh perspectives and emerging talent, and combines our core competence as a strategy consultancy with our passion and enthusiasm for building regional event-based ecosystems. We see this partnership as a source of long-term benefit for all parties and the wider region.”
FinTech North was created by Whitecap Consulting and White Label Crowdfunding in 2016, and acts as a regional hub for the financial technology community, fostering collaboration and innovation. Since its launch, FinTech North has hosted approximately 130 events, including a prominent series of annual conferences across the north, drawing industry leaders and facilitating discussions on the future of financial technology.
Joe Roche, General Manager at FinTech North, said: “FinTech has grown to be a significant part of the UK and regional tech economy, and over recent years FinTech North has developed into a highly active organisation, running an extensive programme of events and also developing international and skills related activities.
“Part of our mission is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of FinTech related career opportunities to young people, and we very much welcome the engagement and support of the UK Centre for Events Management students in our work.”
Launched in 2022 to advance the recommendations of the Leeds City Region LegalTech and Innovation Report, LegalTech in Leeds focuses on the intersection of law and technology. This initiative brings together legal professionals and tech innovators to explore how technology can transform the legal sector.
LegalTech in Leeds has organised approximately 50 events, including its flagship LegalTech in Leeds Conference, attracting professionals from across the UK to discuss the latest developments in legal technology.
Chloe Thompson, Consultant at Whitecap, oversees the LegalTech in Leeds programme and said: “LegalTech is an exciting and fast evolving field to work in. Since we first started running events in 2022 we have always benefited from the active engagement of students from across the region, both as attendees and also in helping run our events.
“For our annual conference earlier this year we worked with three students from the UK Centre for Events Management, who supported us with pre-event planning, exploration of ideas, and being part of the events management team on the day itself. They were a huge help and I’m delighted we are able to partner with Leeds Beckett University for future events and initiatives.”
DJH to take on the Three Peaks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Accountancy firm DJH are taking on the Three Peaks challenge to raise money for charity.
A team of 48 from across the group will be taking on three of the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park on 28 September, to help raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
After the triumph of their Go Joe Movement Challenge in June, where the firm successfully raised £1,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society through moving and exercising regardless of fitness level, taking on the Three Peaks is the latest DJH charity initiative.
With keen walkers across the group, training has already begun, with organised walks within offices and weekend hikes taking place in the lead up to the big day, where DJH will cover 24.5 miles and climb a total of 5,200ft.
Speaking about the challenge, James Beardmore, Chief Operating Officer, said: “This challenge isn’t only to test ourselves both mentally and physically, we’re also aiming to raise funds and awareness for the amazing work of Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity chosen by the team themselves as one close to their hearts.”
Karen Borowski, Director from their Huddersfield office who will be taking part in the challenge, added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge and to also get to know members of the team outside of the office. There’s a great mixture of ages, fitness levels and departments who are taking part so it will also be a great networking opportunity whilst getting our steps in and raising money for a wonderful cause!”
DJH are aiming to raise £15,000, with all profits going to the charity, helping them continue to provide their services to millions of people with cancer in the UK.
