Leeds City Council names interim Chief Exec

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds City Council names interim Chief Exec
Later this month Mariana Pexton will take over as interim chief executive at Leeds City Council on the retirement of current chief executive Tom Riordan.
She will be the first ever woman to take up the role, heading the second-biggest local authority in the country and bringing a strong track record of driving the council’s ambitions for both itself and the city. She said: “It’s a great privilege to have this opportunity and I’m completely committed to the council and to Leeds.  Here we do things together, working with residents and partners to achieve the best for the city and its people. “I will be focused on consolidating all the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the council, while working towards delivering a balanced budget. I am also determined that alongside this work we continue to operate as a team, both within the council and more broadly, to make the most of opportunities to help improve lives across the city.” As the council’s current director of strategy and resources, Mariana leads a large directorate with key corporate services including finance, human resources and many other areas, along with Civic Enterprise Leeds, which provides frontline services such as catering, cleaning, school crossing patrols, passenger transport and building repairs. Mariana joined the council in 2000 and has held senior roles in strategy, customer services and children’s services.  Before then she had a career in leadership and management in the Civil Service and an inspectorate. She studied sports studies in Newcastle, has a master’s in business administration from the University of Leeds, and has recently been awarded a professional doctorate at Leeds Beckett University, researching leadership and strategy in local government. Married with two children, she is also chair of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and a director at Leeds Rhinos Netball as a volunteer.  She completed the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in 2023. She will formally take up the interim chief executive post on the 23 September and will continue in this until the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive is completed.

York firms meet delegation from Japan to talk about highway technology

Stuart Pearcey
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York firms meet delegation from Japan to talk about highway technology

York and North Yorkshire businesses and local authorities have met representatives from Tokyo Metropolitan Government in a move said to represent an important global partnership for the region’s manufacturing economy.

Under discussion were innovative ideas and technologies for highway management, with a focus on Tokyo’s development of its Three Ring Expressways project, an ambitious infrastructure scheme that will see billions of dollars invested in developing a new system of high-speed ring roads for the Greater Tokyo Area, the world’s most populous metropolis.. Tony Corby, Head of Inward Investment and Business Growth at City of York Council, said: “We’re delighted that members of the team working on one of the world’s most ambitious urban highways projects have chosen to visit us in York. “Large-scale infrastructure projects like those currently taking place in Tokyo represent amazing trade opportunities for businesses in our area who are developing exciting and innovative technologies to make highways safer, more resilient and more sustainable. “Our Economic Growth team can support local businesses to develop their trade links overseas by putting them in touch with investors from across the globe.” David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “These public and private sector partnerships are essential for our region to reach its full potential. “We are good at what we do and we’re ambitious. This visit signals that our strengths in these sectors are being recognised internationally. “It’s time to be confident, ambitious and champion York and North Yorkshire.”  

Goole tobacco smugglers get prison terms

Stuart Pearcey
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Goole tobacco smugglers get prison terms
Illegal tobacco smuggled into the UK through Goole has helped HMRC to slash the tax gap on illicit cigarettes and tobacco by more than half since 2005, according to a new report – and in the year to March 2024 prison sentences totalling 148 years were handed down to 107 cigarette and tobacco fraudsters. In the same period, more than 1.3 billion illicit cigarettes have been seized, worth more than £678 million in tax, along with hand-rolling tobacco worth £41 million. Just last month, two crooked carpenters who smuggled millions of illegal cigarettes into the UK through Goole inside planks of wood were jailed for nine and a half years. Regimantas Nekrosevicius, 45, and Edvardas Zolynas, 43, used the same timber planks in a dozen shipments to and from Eastern Europe. The multi-million pound tax scam was uncovered after 5.4 million cigarettes were seized by Border Force colleagues at the Yorkshire port of Goole. HMRC investigators proved the pair had received more than a dozen deliveries worth an estimated £19.9 million in evaded duty. And in June last year a gang that was caught red handed with millions of counterfeit cigarettes at a Lincolnshire farm were jailed for 26 years. These new figures, which were published today show the cigarette smuggling tax gap – the amount of estimated duty lost every year to cigarette fraud – has now reduced from 16.9% in 2005, to 6.9%. Earlier this year HMRC and Border Force published a new illicit tobacco strategy ‘Stubbing Out the Problem’, which set out a continued commitment to reduce the trade in illicit tobacco, with a focus on reducing demand, and tackling the organised crime groups who are responsible. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, said: “We are determined to tackle the tax gap to help rebuild the public finances and ensure everyone pays their fair share. “Stamping out the illicit tobacco trade will also cut down funding for wider crime and improve public health.”

Spencer Group takes on quartet of apprentices

Stuart Pearcey
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Spencer Group takes on quartet of apprentices
Hull-based Spencer Group has appointed four new apprentices as part of its ongoing partnership with Ron Dearing College. Level 3 Electrical Apprentices Mason Creighton and Johnny Reilly join Spencer Group’s growing M&E team, whilst Michael Ward and Dylan McCallion, are completing their Level 4 HNC Civil Engineer and Technician qualifications. The new apprentices will learn from industry experts and will work across rail, bridges, build and civil, providing in-house services to each department, which places the Group in a strong position to meet client requirements. The new Electrical Apprentices will join the M&E team, following in the footsteps of Operations Director Dan Whittle, who started at the business as an apprentice himself. Dan began his time at Spencer Group in 2006 as an Apprentice Electrician and after completing HNC and HND courses worked his way up to becoming a Site Engineer. He went on to complete Undergraduate and Masters Degrees and progressed through the roles of Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Director. Dan said: “Throughout my career the team at Spencer Group has supported me to move outside of my comfort zone, which has pushed me to develop and grow. “I’ve also been provided with great career progression opportunities. I’ve been allowed to grow within the business, gaining experience from undertaking challenging projects and this has been made possible by having a strong support network. “Having started my career in the same position almost 20 years ago, I know how beneficial an apprenticeship is and I’m excited to see what they achieve in the coming years.”

Fully funded business support across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland

Tess Egginton
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Fully funded business support across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland
Business Lincolnshire provides a comprehensive range of fully funded programmes designed to help businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland grow and succeed. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, their tailored services offer essential guidance, resources, and mentoring. They support a diverse range of sectors, including retail, leisure, hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, the visitor economy, and digital industries. The Your Business Boost programme is specifically designed for businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. It combines masterclasses, 1-2-1 support, and peer group sessions to help business owners develop strategic action plans and achieve their growth goals. This programme provides valuable insights into marketing, HR, and sales, ensuring businesses have the tools to thrive in these competitive industries. The Low Carbon Lincolnshire initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming more sustainable. Through this programme, businesses can learn about decarbonisation, energy management, and creating sustainable supply chains. It helps businesses reduce energy costs and improve their environmental impact, positioning them to take advantage of emerging low-carbon opportunities. For businesses with growth ambitions, the Next Level Scale Up Programme offers leadership development and coaching. This programme focuses on building strong leadership skills, enhancing management capabilities, and connecting businesses with high-level networks. Through personalised coaching and leadership workshops, business leaders are equipped to drive growth and navigate challenges. Startups can access the Start-Up Programme, which provides dedicated support from concept to market launch. This programme offers expert guidance on business planning, market research, and funding opportunities. With access to workshops and mentoring, new businesses receive the support they need to build a solid foundation for future growth. In addition to these programmes, Business Lincolnshire also offers specialist support for areas like exporting and internationalisation, helping businesses expand into new markets, and social economy, offering guidance for social enterprises. To explore these opportunities further, businesses are invited to attend a special event at the Drill Hall in Lincoln on October 8th, where they can network with other local businesses and learn more about the support available. More information can be found here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-and-network-lincolnshire-business-support-forum-tickets-1013512853227?aff=oddtdtcreator. Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy & Place at Lincolnshire County Council, highlights the importance of these programmes: “Business Lincolnshire provides essential tools and guidance that enable local businesses to innovate, expand, and reach their full potential. This comprehensive support network is key to ensuring that Lincolnshire remains a thriving place to do business.” For more information, businesses are encouraged to contact the Growth Hub and book a consultation with an experienced adviser to guide them through the support available via the Business Lincolnshire website: https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/enquiry.

Dinnington’s Direct Track Solutions sold to Swiss company

Tess Egginton
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Dinnington’s Direct Track Solutions sold to Swiss company
Dinnington-based Direct Track Solutions Ltd (DTS) has been acquired by Swiss company Schwihag AG. Direct Track Solutions Limited was founded 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 and Martin Southwell, of Direct Track Solutions Limited, 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.” Corporate Finance advice was provided to DTS by Andy Ryder and Adam Ames of Shorts, together with legal advice from Matt Ainsworth of Shakespeare Martineau. Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts, added: “We are delighted to have helped complete this transaction for Martin and Melanie. It has been a pleasure to work with them on this international transaction, and we look forward to hearing of Direct Track’s continuing success under Schwihag’s ownership.” Schwihag, which was founded in 1971 in Tägerwilen, Switzerland, has over 50 years’ experience in the rail sector and is a longstanding supplier of unique and well-proven trackwork components and fastening systems globally. Rebecca Robinson of Wake Smith provided legal advice to the buyer. Direct Track Solutions Ltd will continue to trade under the DTS Brand, with the company structure and personnel remaining unchanged.

West Yorkshire’s green sector set for explosion after bringing in £8.1bn to region’s economy in a year

Tess Egginton
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West Yorkshire’s green sector set for explosion after bringing in £8.1bn to region’s economy in a year
West Yorkshire businesses are being urged to join “the decarbonisation revolution” with a new report revealing the region’s burgeoning green sector is set for a growth explosion after bringing in £8.1 billion to the economy last year. The newly published Green Economy report reveals the region’s Green Technologies and Services (GTS) sector – which includes everything from wind to alternative fuel vehicles – is set for massive growth with sales set to soar by 37% to £11.1 billion by 2026. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. Green Economy’s West Yorkshire Green Technologies & Services Sector Mapping report also shows the huge contribution the region’s 2,914 GTS businesses and 53,000 employees, play economically and environmentally. Its authors stressed the report should be the springboard for the sector to work alongside bodies like Green Economy to ensure they plug skills gaps, overcome industry barriers to decarbonisation and create more high-quality local jobs with employment in West Yorkshire’s green tech sector representing just 2.1% of the county’s workforce in 2023 – compared to 5.9% for England as a whole. Key findings of the report include:  
  • West Yorkshire’s green technologies and services sector is valued at £8.1 billion and expected to grow to £11.1 billion by 2026 – a 37% rise. Sales in the sector grew by 6.1% from 2020/21 to 2021/22 and 6.4% from 2021/22 to 2022/23, mirroring UK trends.
  • The top three sub-sectors in the region by sales in 2022/23 were: Wind – £1,248 million in sales, 6,926 employees and 422 businesses; Building Technologies – £895 million in sales, 7,325 employees and 377 businesses; and Alternative Fuel Vehicles – £877 million in sales, 5,578 employees and 326 businesses
  • The three largest exporting sub-sectors in West Yorkshire in 2022/23 were Energy from Waste (£89.4 million), Alternative Fuels (£72.2 million), Alternative Fuel Vehicle (£50.1 million)
  • West Yorkshire’s GTS exports in 2023 were valued at £500 million, representing 2.9% of the UK’s GTS exports and aligning with West Yorkshire’s 2.9% share of the overall UK GTS 2023 market. West Yorkshire contributed 3.3% to England’s GTS 2023 export market, slightly lower than its 3.4% share of England’s GTS 2023 sales. Notable exporting sub-sectors included Energy from Waste and Alternative Fuels.
  • Leading sub-sectors include wind, building technologies and alternative fuels while emerging sectors include carbon finance, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, all expected to see over 60 per cent increase in sales
Analysis by Green Economy found the GTS sector growth was due to a combination of factors. These include demand being stimulated by legislative drivers such as a proposed ban on petrol cars and a national push to retrofit and make homes more energy efficient, to local programmes funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and centrally funded initiatives like the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund requiring local providers of green technology. Amy House, Director of Green Economy, said the report showed the massive strides West Yorkshire’s GTS was making. And she stressed the expected huge growth meant it was a perfect time for traders and businesses to capitalise on the opportunities the region’s rampant green sector offered. She said: “This report should leave nobody in doubt over the enormous contribution the green tech and services sector makes to West Yorkshire’s economy with sales expected to grow to £11.1 billion by 2026. Coupled with rising exports and the expected growth in sales among emerging sectors including carbon finance, geothermal and air-source heat pumps the report delivers a hugely positive trajectory. “However, now is not a time to be complacent. Employment in West Yorkshire’s GTS sector in 2023 only accounted for 2.1% of the city-region’s workforce, compared to 5.9% for England. It is therefore imperative whether you are a sole trader or a large company that you join the decarbonisation revolution and enlist the free support of experts like Green Economy so we can collectively plug skills gaps, create more high-quality local jobs and ensure the region grows by using their own supply chain.” Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire’s green sector is booming and it’s fantastic to see further growth on the horizon. “As we work to deliver net zero by 2038, we’re investing now to ensure that people have the skills they need to secure the good, well-paid, green jobs of the future. “Unleashing this huge opportunity for green growth will help us build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire for people and business.”

Work completes on new Northallerton primary school

Tess Egginton
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Work completes on new Northallerton primary school
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire construction firm, Hobson & Porter, has completed work on a brand-new multi-million-pound primary school in Northallerton. The new academic term saw 18 children take their first steps into the £7 million state-of-the-art Oakbridge Church of England Primary School in Alverton Road, where a major new housing development has been built. The school, which Trust leaders have promised will be a “flagship of excellence,” is being run by the Dales Academies Trust and boasts excellent indoor and outdoor sports provision, a well-stocked library, a bespoke Early Years classroom and a purpose-built art studio. Richard Hunter, managing director at Hobson & Porter, said: “Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is an exceptional school with superb facilities, which will make it a hugely valuable asset for the local community. “It’s also a great addition to our portfolio of high-quality school and college projects that we’ve successfully delivered across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in recent years, and seeing the school welcoming its first pupils is a special moment for the whole development team.” North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “I’m delighted to see a new primary school open its doors in Northallerton and welcome its first pupils. “I’m extremely proud of the work and commitment that has gone into creating this impressive new, purpose-built school that will provide current and future generations with excellent facilities and quality learning environments. This is such a massive achievement and I would like to wish all pupils and staff the very best in their first week at school.” Director of primary for Dales Academies Trust and executive headteacher of the new school, Nikkie Godbold, said: “I am delighted to welcome our first cohort of children to Oakbridge. We have fantastic facilities and a beautiful building where they will thrive; it is lovely to now see the children using our carefully designed spaces. “Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and ambitious and has reading at its heart. In partnership with our families, and the local community, we look forward to seeing our children learn and develop over the coming years.” The chief executive officer for Dales Academies Trust, Damian Chubb, said: “It is a real privilege for Dales to be the sponsor for the new school and we are thrilled to reach this point in this exciting project. “We are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the local community and look forward to playing a full role in its further development.” The site was acquired through a planning condition agreed with a housebuilder developing land nearby. The school has opened with an initial intake of reception class only but will welcome more and more pupils over a seven-year period until it reaches its full capacity of 210 pupils – providing places for 30 children in each year group. North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, Amanda Newbold, said: “This is an exciting day for everyone involved. The new Oakbridge Church of England Primary School is a welcome addition to our existing education provision in North Yorkshire.” Ward member for Northallerton North and Brompton division, Cllr Steve Watson, added: “Oakbridge Primary will not only have big educational benefits for all pupils, but will also be a valuable asset for the local community. This is another key piece of the overall North Northallerton development. It is wonderful to see the children and staff embracing their school and starting to breathe life.”

Sale and leaseback of 70,865 sq ft industrial building agreed in Barnsley

Tess Egginton
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Sale and leaseback of 70,865 sq ft industrial building agreed in Barnsley
Independent property consultancy, Edwards Property Consultants has agreed a sale and leaseback of a 70,865 sq ft industrial building in Barnsley for £3.4 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 9.25%. The building, which sits on a 10.15 acre site on Fall Bank Industrial Estate in Dodworth, was sold with a 15 year leaseback, incorporing 5 yearly tenant breaks, to long established haulier, Truswell Haulage. A private investor acquired the asset as part of its long term investment portfolio. Oliver Rowe, Director at Edwards, says: “Completing this strategic sale leaseback deal marks a pivoltal chapter for our client, Truswell Haulage. By unlocking signifcant capital, the company can now prioritse ongoing investment into the business to secure its long term future and further grow it’s operations. “We are advising a number of business owners looking to reduce traditional debt, or invest funds into the growth of their businesses. With a backdrop of higher interest rates and strong underlying industrial values, releasing capital through sale and leaseback is proving to be a good alternative for business owners.” Christopher Dee acted for the purchasers.

Leeds City Council backs first phase of mass transit scheme

Tess Egginton
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Leeds City Council backs first phase of mass transit scheme
Leeds City Council is backing the first phase of West Yorkshire’s mass transit scheme, in a report due to go before senior councillors next week.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently consulting on the first phase of its mass transit scheme, which would see tram routes created between St James’ Hospital and the White Rose office park and shopping centre, and between Leeds and Bradford. A report to the Leeds City Council’s executive board, to be considered at its meeting at Civic Hall on Wednesday 18 September, states that the council recognises the ‘strategic importance’ of mass transit across Leeds and West Yorkshire in improving transport connections and accelerating economic growth and regeneration. This includes ‘unlocking of new housing growth opportunities across the city’ and ‘bringing people within easier reach of jobs and opportunities’, along with connecting people with education, health and local centres in addition to social and leisure destinations in the city centre. The report also states that mass transit ‘will play a critical role in helping Leeds to be the city where you don’t need a car, encouraging mode shift from private car use to reduce congestion and meet the council’s carbon net zero targets’. The combined authority’s consultation options splits the possible mass transit route into three sections – Leeds city centre and South Leeds, which together make up the ‘Leeds Line’, and the ‘Bradford Line’. There are four options for the Leeds city centre route, between St James’ Hospital and the River Aire at Victoria Bridge. There are three options for South Leeds route, which would join the city centre route at Victoria Bridge and end at the White Rose Shopping Centre via either Holbeck and Elland Road or along the A653 Dewsbury Road. The Bradford Line options would connect Leeds and Bradford using three different routes between either Stanningley or Pudsey, and either Armley or Wortley. The report states the council’s preference for Leeds city centre route known as L1 via East Parade and Infirmary Street, connecting to the South Leeds route known as L6 which would travel via Elland Road, Elland Road Stadium and Ring Road Beeston to the White Rose site. The report states that the council supports routes that connect to these destinations along with the universities, hospitals, existing housing developments and the Innovation Arc, and ‘offer opportunities to accelerate urban regeneration… and be a catalyst for wider change by helping to unlock brownfield development and placemaking that contributes to new housing delivery and economic growth’. The report goes on to state that mass transit ‘has the potential to radically change access to the south of the city and particularly the corridor comprising Elland Road, the football stadium, White Rose Office Park and White Rose Shopping Centre, and outer south Leeds, linking to growth points in Kirklees’. The report suggests that options which follow routes through Middleton similar to those in the previously-proposed New Generation Transport (NGT) scheme would be ‘sub-optimal’ compared to routes which connect to Elland Road, and previous ‘negative feedback’ about the NGT routes should be taken into account. The report recognises the importance of improving connectivity between the two largest cities in West Yorkshire and the ‘clear regeneration opportunities for key settlements along the route’. The council also wants to ensure that ‘centres like Pudsey gain maximum benefit from the provision of an enhanced transport link’ and supports improved connections between the city centre, Pudsey and Bradford. However, the report does not outline a specific preference for any of the three Bradford Line options at this stage, stating that the council would welcome ‘further conversations on the design development with WYCA to fully inform future considerations on a preferred route’. This includes understanding how any route would integrate and impact on the existing railway and Northern Powerhouse Rail proposals, how any disruption to local highways would be minimised, and how mass transit would serve communities along the route. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We are extremely supportive of mass transit in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region. It will improve transport connections, bring people within easier reach of jobs and opportunities, boost our economic growth and regeneration ambitions, and have a positive impact on people’s overall quality of life. “Improved connectivity with our neighbours in Bradford is incredibly important in boosting both cities’ economic potential and is something that we would like to see delivered as soon as possible. “We recognise that the combined authority’s proposals are at an early stage, and as such we require greater clarity in some key areas, but overall we are keen to realise mass transit and its benefits for our city and the wider region as a whole.” The executive board report outlines the council’s technical response to the combined authority’s first phase of consultation. Following approval at next week’s executive board meeting, the council will provide its response to the combined authority. The combined authority’s first phase mass transit consultation closes on 30 September 2024.
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