Artist impressions revealed as landmark Cleethorpes building progresses
A first look of a new landmark building set to be created in the heart of Cleethorpes has been revealed.
A three-storey building will be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the Promenade, comprising of state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality.
A planning application was approved in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, as works draw closer, minor amends to the existing planning application have been submitted.
The building is now proposed to include a pagoda on the first floor to enable outdoor seating areas, and additional information has been included in the application about the configuration of the doors and windows, and also about the materials proposed to be used on the building.
Earlier this year, preparatory works were done on the site, pending the development of the site.
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration.
“The Sea Road building will help to develop the council’s ambition of a year-round visitor economy and its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors seeking a place to meet and socialise.
“It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors and be an important social and cultural destination, which local people can be proud of.”
Sixty line up for honours in Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards event
Sixty firms and attractions will be represented at the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards night at DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull, November.
This year is the 13th time the awards have been held, and they are being run in association with the national Visit England Awards. Eligible winners will be automatically forwarded to the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024.
Dominic Gibbons, MD of the awards’ main sponsor Wykeland said: “The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year”
Visit Hull and East Yorkshire said they had been “stunned” by the quality of entries. A spokesperson said: “Tourism plays such an important part in making Hull and East Yorkshire such a wonderful place to live and visit.
“The feedback we get from day visitors and holidaymakers makes us proud and shows just how far we have come since the first awards were held over 13 years ago.
“This is a remarkable event to celebrate a remarkable industry, which contributes almost £1 billion annually to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy and provides employment for over 18,000 people. The awards showcase the very best that Hull and East Yorkshire have to offer.
“We are working in partnership with VisitEngland and have aligned a number of our categories, and are using a shared online application process. This means that, in most REYTA categories, the winners will automatically be put forward, if eligible, for judging in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence without any further application.”
“A huge thank you for all of the businesses that have engaged with the REYTA’s this year, as well as our main sponsors Wykeland and Fred Marketing, along with our category sponsors, without whom the awards would not be possible”
In total, six current champions have made it through to the finals again when 16 awards will be presented.
There’s no shortage of newcomers, though, and a new business, Dumble Farm, based near Beverley, is shortlisted for Remarkable New Tourism Business for its “immersive, fun, educational and all-encompassing experience into the world of Highland cows conservation and sustainable farming.”
REYTA 2023 Finalists
Remarkable Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Hull Truck Theatre
- The Old Stables – Nordham Cottages
- Ivanhoe Guest House
- Hull Trinity Backpackers
- Wolds Village
- Aura Innovation Centre
- Bridlington Spa
- Connexin Live, Hull
- Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel
- The Manor Rooms
- Acorn Glade Glamping
- Butt Farm Caravan, Camping & Glamping Site
- Kingfisher Lakes Glamping & Log Cabins
- The Paddock Pods at Homeland
- Thorpe Hall Caravan, Camping and Glamping Site
- Wold Escapes
- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- William’s Den
- Cobwebs and Cream Teas at Burton Constable
- Hotham’s Gin School at Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery
- Meerkat Experience at Bridlington Animal Park
- What Was Here? App
- Highfield
- Loftsome Bridge Hotel
- Mercure Grange Park Hotel
- Village Hotel Hull
- Bemora
- Dumble Farm
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- The Manor House Beeford
- Trinity Room
- Atom Bar Beverley
- Atom Bar Hull
- The Old Star, Kilham
- The Ship Inn, Sewerby
- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Kipling House Barn
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- Still Rabbit Lodges
- The Coach House, Driffield
- Wressle Grange
- Drewton’s Farm Shop
- The Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Café
- The Fiddle Drill
- The Old Lamp Room
- Wolds Village
- Ambiente Tapas Hull
- Dockside Kitchen
- Highfield – 1864
- The Hispanist
- William’s Den
- Sledmere House and Gardens
- Sewerby Hall and Gardens
- William’s Den
- Atom Brewing Co
- Cherry View Ice Cream
- Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery
- Soanes Poultry
- Twisted Roots Distillery
- East Riding Rally Stages 2023
- Hulloween Steampunk Festival
- Pride in Hull
- Sewerby Winter Woodland
- The Awakening
- Tribfest Music Festival
Smurfs walk 34 miles to raise £1,500 for Cancer Research
A spirited team from a local business has embarked on a 34-mile journey from Leeds to the company’s headquarters in Sheffield, all while dressed as Smurfs characters, in support of Cancer Research. This charitable activity was spearheaded by employees of Olano, a division of apprentice-to-boardroom recruitment specialists, Nicholas Associates Group.
The fantastic four, Alex Norris, Ben Ibbotson, Rob Freeman, and Sheena Fraser, collectively known as ‘Team Smurf,’ managed to raise an impressive £1,500. This initiative was part of a broader companywide effort to contribute to Cancer Research, the chosen national charity for 2023.
Navigating a diverse route that encompassed main roads, trans-Pennine footpaths, old railway tracks, and picturesque viaducts, the team set out at 6 am from Leeds City Centre. Despite a few navigational hiccups along the way, they triumphantly completed the trek in just under 15 hours, arriving in Sheffield at 8.45 pm.
Reflecting on their memorable journey, Rob Freeman shared: “Being dressed as Smurfs meant we attracted a lot of attention from passers-by. The number of kind-hearted individuals who pulled over in their cars to donate cash was beyond our expectations – it was a fantastic boost to our spirits.”
Alex Norris added: “Despite the sore feet and a few blisters, we are incredibly proud of our achievement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout this journey. From generous donations and messages of support to sharing our posts and offering words of encouragement, every bit of support was deeply appreciated.”
Olano, headquartered in Sheffield, specialises in e-learning, animation, content development, and both classroom and virtual training for clients worldwide. Nicholas Associates Group’s chosen national charity for 2023, Cancer Research, inspired ‘Team Smurf’ to embark on this extraordinary charity walk.
In addition to their memorable Smurf-themed walk, Olano has been actively engaged in various fundraising activities within their office, including sweepstakes, pool tournaments, and last-man-standing competitions, all contributing to the noble cause of Cancer Research.
Dog food company expands with new 133,606 sq ft Doncaster facility
Tritax Symmetry has agreed a new 20-year lease on its newly developed 133,606 sq ft facility (unit three) at Symmetry Park, Doncaster to fresh dog food company, Butternut Box.
As part of the agreement, Tritax Symmetry has agreed to extend Butternut Box’s current lease on a 151,388 sq ft facility, unit one, by a further eight years to 20 years. The facilities will be used for the storage, fulfilment and distribution of Butternut Box’s fresh dog food and treats and follows the company’s recent announcement detailing its £280m investment from new and existing investors.
Butternut Box’s decision to take unit three marks the final letting at Symmetry Park Doncaster and comes after B&Q signed up to a 430,000 sq ft design and build facility (unit two) last March. A final 1.2-acre plot available is for sale / to let.
Joseph Skinner, associate development director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “As an existing Tritax customer, we are pleased to further develop our relationship with Butternut Box and support its ongoing growth. Symmetry Park has quickly established itself a major employment location, creating high quality new roles for the local area and we’d like to thank both our customers and the Council for working closely with us from start to finish.”
David Nolan at Butternut Box continued: “In 2020, we took the bold decision to move our entire operation in-house with the option of committing to future expansion. We’re excited to now be in a position to exercise that option. The 20-year lease and the regearing of the lease on our existing building demonstrates the confidence we have in Symmetry Park Doncaster as the best location for our business.”
Leeds accountancy practice merges with Derbyshire company
Leeds-based Chartered Certified Accountants D’Arcy Howard & Co has merged with North Derbyshire company SMH BCL Accountants.
The move is said to be a strategic partnership reflecting a shared vision to enhance client services, expand business development opportunities, and ensure sustained growth for the future.
The merger has resulted in the formation of a new entity called SMH D’Arcy Howard & Co Limited. The integration of the two firms brings together a wealth of expertise and resources to offer an extensive range of services from the newly consolidated office.
Stacey Pocklington, Partner and Director of SMH BCL Accountants, adds: “We are thrilled to welcome D’Arcy Howard into the SMH family. By combining our strengths and expertise, we are better positioned to deliver a seamless service to our valued clients.”
Yorkshire distillery wins third-party accreditation for the way it does business
Yorkshire’s Ellers Farm Distillery has been awarded B Corp Certification for its work to establish itself as part of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
The B Corp verification process, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, measures a company’s social and environmental performance, and to become a Certified B Corporation, Ellers Farm Distillery has undergone a rigorous review of the impact of its operations and business model on its workers, customers, communities and environment.
Based outside Stamford Bridge in North Yorkshire, Ellers Farm Distillery has been carbon neutral since day one and produces a range of spirits.
It has implemented a number of actions, with the intention of increasing its positive impact on the environment, employees and local community:
It has:- created a unique profit sharemodel by which 20% of the company’s profits will be distributed to employees. This avoids the complications of employee shareholder models while ensuring a portion of the wealth created by the business is distributed to those who work for the business.
- supported the planting of 5,000 trees in conjunction with Ecologi.
- planted 2.5 acres of apple trees in the adjacent fields. These trees not only remove carbon from the atmosphere as they grow, but create a biodiverse habitat that benefits local pollinators, birds, and mammals.
Tabatha Hurst, Head of Sustainability at Ellers Farm Distillery, said: “This has always been a goal for Ellers Farm Distillery and we’re thrilled that just two years into our journey we’re now a Certified B Corp. Becoming a fully-fledged part of the global community of B Corps is an honour and we see this as a statement of intent for our business to continually improve our impacts on our employees, community, environment and supply chain.”
Chris Fraser, Founder & Chairman at Ellers Farm Distillery, added: “I’m so proud of the team here at Ellers Farm Distillery for this great achievement in becoming a Certified B Corp so early in our journey as a business. Since the beginning our whole team has been focused on balancing people, planet and profit. Becoming a Certified B Corp is a great endorsement of the work we have already done but it also helps us identify areas that we can focus on to continue to improve.”
Business-led groups get £2million to revitalise areas of Sheffield
Business-led community groups will deliver new event spaces, improved shopfronts and street art thanks to £2million of investment into neighbourhoods by Sheffield City Council.
The funding will support local high streets and improve public spaces areas to create vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods. Across Sheffield, 23 projects will benefit from investment from the Economic Recovery Fund, which was developed as part of Sheffield’s Covid Business Recovery Plan and has already invested £2.2m into the city’s high streets since 2021.
Funding has been approved for projects including a new short-term event space on Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, which will host events, workshops and drop-in sessions for local residents and businesses; a new community orchard in Crookes, and new heritage trails and events in Ecclesfield. In other areas, new bins, benches, murals and improved shop fronts will help brighten up high streets, encourage people to shop local and provide spaces for the local community to meet and socialise.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said: “It is fantastic to invest more money into our local communities and to hand over funding to groups who know their areas best and can deliver improvements to benefit local residents.
“More than half of these projects are in Sheffield’s most deprived areas and I am proud that we are awarding funding to those areas that need it most. We have seen some creative and ambitious projects, including tree planting in Firth Park, a herb garden and street art in Westfield, and a programme of events for Christmas, Eid and Lunar New Year for London Road.
“As a member of the steering group for the Economic Recovery Fund, it has been brilliant to see the passion, commitment and enthusiasm of business and community groups who are determined to create thriving high streets which residents can be proud of. I am looking forward to supporting these groups as they deliver their projects, and seeing the finished results.”
Councillor Zahira Naz, Chair of the Finance Committee, said: “Investment from the Economic Recovery Fund will provide a much needed boost for local high streets still feeling the impact of the pandemic.
“By improving how neighbourhoods look, funding events and attractions, and supporting initiatives to encourage people to shop local, we’re helping to attract visitors, generate community pride and improve business confidence. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact these 23 projects have on their local area.”
On London Road, the team will create a new collective identity for the area with new banners, planters and a mural for the Alderson Road car park. They’ll also bring people together with a programme of events for Eid, Christmas and Lunar New Year.
Abdullah Khalid, who owns a business on London Road, said: “This is a really exciting time for our group. We’re planning a variety of activities to make London Road cleaner and safer for residents and businesses.
“This includes a borrow bank of equipment to keep the area tidy; multicultural events bringing the community together; improvements to the car park and shop fronts, to uplift the area; and creating a brand for London Road.
“We expect to deliver a more attractive and welcoming environment, and tackle antisocial behaviour. We want more people to use their local area and businesses, and celebrate the unique diverse community we have on London Road.”
In Greenhill, money from the Economic Recovery Fund will be used to plant new greenery to enhance the central area of Greenhill and a promotional campaign encouraging people to shop local.
Cheers! Government extends takeaway pints rule for almost two years
Relaxed licensing regulations that allow pubs, restaurants and bars to sell takeaway pints without red tape holding them back have been extended to March 2025.
Al fresco drinking, first introduced widely during the pandemic, has allowed the public to support their local pubs and business by having the choice to take away their drinks, providing a boost to local businesses and bringing in extra revenue.
Under the relaxed regulations, which were due to expire in September and have been extended in Parliament this week, any site permitted to sell alcohol on their premises can sell for off-site consumption too, without the hassle of applying for a new licence. Premises will also be able to continue to serve alcohol in the area covered by any pavement licence that they have.
The extension, which will run for a further 18 months, is part of the government’s commitment to supporting the hospitality sector in taking every opportunity to recover fully from the impact of the pandemic as we grow the economy. It follows the Brexit Pubs Guarantee announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget that secured the pledge that pubs will always pay less alcohol duty on drinks poured from draught, such as pints of beer and cider, than supermarkets going forwards.
Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “It is vital that we do everything we can to support British pubs. They are a cornerstone of every community, and a beating heart in our growing economy.
“The hospitality industry has faced a tough couple of years, and by relaxing this red tape we will give our pubs and bars the support they need to thrive.”
Before these provisions were introduced during the pandemic, licensing regulations meant that pubs with an on-site license would have to go through an additional process to amend their licence if they wanted to serve alcohol for off-site consumption, taking time, paperwork and costing them money. Under the relaxed rules, any premises licence allows takeaway pints as standard. This extension will alleviate uncertainty over the status of off-sales for those premises affected and allow for long-term business planning. The government’s ultimate goal is to create a unified pavement licence that includes licensing consent for the consumption and sale of alcohol in the outside pavement area. During this 18-month period of the temporary extension to the off-sales provision, the government will work to make this a reality. The government will continue to look at a permanent solution that will best support local pubs and bars by continuing the close work with industry and local authorities. The extension has been made through amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 and applies to both England and Wales.Our region gets £90million from Government loan scheme
Yorkshire and Humber firms have so far received the second-largest payout share of Government-backed Start-Up loans, with almost £90million awarded.
Delivered through the state-owned British Business Bank, the Start Up Loan scheme was developed and launched by the government in 2012 to help new and early-stage UK businesses without sufficient personal funds or support from friends and family to access affordable finance and mentoring support.
Through this combined access to finance and expert advice, more small businesses can develop and reach their potential, delivering economic growth and a boost to local communities.
Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “We’re delivering on the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy and make the UK the best place in the world to start and scale up a business.
“Across all four nations and every region of the UK, we’ve supported exciting entrepreneurs through one billion pounds of government backed loans, and I want to see even more innovators reach their potential.”
The scheme has been particularly successful in supporting entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, creating a level playing field for all who wish to run their own small business in the UK.
Last year, the scheme was expanded to provide finance to eligible businesses operating for up to five years to support their growth.
Of the £1 billion, £371 million (40%) has been lent to female business owners and £201 million (20%) has been lent to people from Black, Asian and Other Ethnic Minority backgrounds.
The scheme has also been successful at championing young entrepreneurship, with young people between 18-24 years old having received £106 million (11%) of loans since the programme began.
Start Up Loans have been issued to businesses in every UK parliamentary constituency. The majority of loans have also been issued to businesses outside of London and the South East, ensuring that businesses across the UK are able to scale up and grow.
Leeds chosen to host UK Corporate Games
Leeds is set to take its place in the national sporting spotlight once again after being confirmed as the host city for the UK Corporate Games 2024.
The event is the country’s largest multi-sport festival for businesses, with thousands of competitors from hundreds of companies coming together in a different city each year to network and build team spirit as they go for glory at everything from karting and golf to tennis and dragon boat racing.
And today organisers announced the success of a joint bid by Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds to host the Games in 2024.
Running from July 25 to 28, the event will be held at a range of venues across the city, including the John Charles Centre for Sport, Sports Park Weetwood and the Brownlee Centre.
The Games, it is hoped, will further strengthen the reputation of Leeds as a sporting heavyweight, with the city in recent times hosting high-profile occasions such as the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series and the Westfield Health British Transplant Games as well as a number of fixtures at last year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Today’s announcement also comes as the LEEDS 2023 year of culture continues to burnish the city’s credentials as a place that can confidently deliver innovative, large-scale events which capture the public imagination and create magical lifelong memories.
Next summer’s Games are expected to generate more than £2m for the local economy and will showcase Leeds to visiting business people as an attractive option if their company is considering relocation or expansion.
Working alongside both the organisers and the university, the council will also use the insight it has gained from staging previous big events to produce a sustainability strategy designed to make these the most eco-friendly Games yet.
Doug White, director of the UK Corporate Games, said: “We are delighted to announce that the city of Leeds will host the 2024 UK Corporate Games. We’re extremely excited to work closely with Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds to make this the best UK Corporate Games ever.
“Leeds is a fantastic city, and we know all our Games competitors and competing organisations will share our excitement. Leeds is one of the UK’s foremost cities for growing enterprises and we want to provide all businesses with the opportunity to get involved in this memorable event.
“The Games bring people and companies together from across the UK and Europe and provide businesses and their employees with an opportunity to team build, promote health and wellbeing through sport and network as well as promote their brand.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We’re delighted that Leeds has been chosen as the host city for the UK Corporate Games 2024. It’s a real feather in our cap, so thank you to the organisers for bringing it here and well done to all those from the council and the university who worked on the bid.
“I’m sure the event will be a great example of how sport can unite people and inspire them to reach their goals through determination, positivity and teamwork.
“It will also be a perfect opportunity to showcase Leeds’s strengths as both a passionate sporting city and a brilliant place to do business.
“Everyone involved can look forward to a typically warm Leeds welcome – roll on next summer and the start of the action!”
Rob Wadsworth, director of campus innovation at the University of Leeds, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen as the hub for this fantastic city-wide festival that will bring people together from across the UK and Europe. Under the expert eye of our conferences and events team and supported by a range of services from across the university, I am confident we’ll help create one of the most memorable UK Corporate Games yet.
“Thanks to our unrivalled sports facilities, we are well versed at hosting prestigious sporting events including the Rugby League World Cup and the British Transplant Games. We look forward to working with partners across the city to add another respected event to this list with the UK Corporate Games!”
