Iain promoted to Associate Director at architects’ Leeds office

Stuart Pearcey
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Iain promoted to Associate Director at architects’ Leeds office
DLA Architecture has promoted Iain Jones to become Associate Director in its Leeds office. Iain, who sits on the CIAT national project taskforce reviewing and commenting on proposed new legislation, has been with DLA for more than 18 years.  He is part of the team delivering technical excellence across high-profile projects that have included Trinity Walk in Wakefield, Headingley Stadium, Vanguarde in York, Central Square Leeds, and more recently Oak House in Leeds. The company has also promoted Mitesh Dabasia to become Associate in its London office. Mitesh joined the DLA in 2015 and has since played a vital role in the success of the commercial office team, particularly within complex retrofit projects.
Chris Levett, Group Board Director and Head of the London studio at DLA Architecture, said: “Iain has shown incredible loyalty to the practice and dedication to delivering exceptional architectural solutions for our clients.
“As a practice we are focussed on harnessing the talent and rewarding our next generation of creative people, maintaining our reputation as one of the UK’s leading architectural consultants at the forefront of new regulations following the Building Safety Act in 2022.”
“These well-earned promotions are a key part of our future success with each one bringing a strong skill set that will help shape the future of the company in years to come.”

Sheffield prepares to launch procurement scheme ahead of £117m investment in city’s leisure facilities

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield prepares to launch procurement scheme ahead of £117m investment in city’s leisure facilities

Sheffield’s leisure and entertainment venues are set for £117 million of investment and huge improvements including rebuilding of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield Arena and City Hall.

A competitive procurement process will be launched later this month to attract the very best in leisure provision to run Sheffield’s venues.

The investment, which is estimated at £117million, includes a complete rebuild of Springs, Concord, and Hillsborough Leisure Centres. In addition to this, a new partnership with the Football Foundation worth £2million will see investment in the Woodbourn Road football hub.

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’ve developed a long-term vision that will protect and enhance our much-loved venues. Across the country we’ve seen pool and leisure centres close but Sheffield is bucking the trend by investing in our facilities.”

With communities at the heart of redevelopment plans, the council is also consulting international sporting stars and national governing bodies who call Sheffield home, including British Para Table Tennis and GB Boxing. This ensures that Sheffield’s leisure offer is suitable for our elite partners and our communities.

“We want to attract the very best providers to manage our future leisure provision and build on the great work of Sheffield City Trust. The council’s investment and the expertise we’re bringing in will ensure we provide facilities that meet the needs of our diverse communities, provide a fantastic entertainment and cultural offer, and attract global, iconic acts to Sheffield.”

The procurement for future leisure and entertainment providers will be structured into three packages. Each bidder will have the opportunity to tender for the packages that best suit their expertise:

  • Services for Sport and Leisure (including golf facilities)
  • Entertainment facilities – City Hall
  • Entertainment facility – the Arena

BGES Group expands by opening office in the Midlands

Stuart Pearcey
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BGES Group expands by opening office in the Midlands
BGES Group, with offices in Sheffield and London, is to add a Midlands base to its operations in response to a growing number of clients and opportunities in the area. BGES delivers a range of technologies and solutions to help buildings become smarter, healthier, and more energy efficient – a key focus area for companies with net zero target. Heading up the new team is Rob Ordish, who joined BGES Group in 2020 and is now promoted to Midlands Regional Manager. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the building controls industry, including nine years at Birmingham-based Demma Controls. He is leading the BGES team on several service contracts and projects in the region, including NHS Trusts, commercial, retail and pharmaceutical buildings. The company believes its local presence will deliver several key benefits to customers, including a more “hands on” approach to client projects. Rob Ordish comments, “In a world of increasingly remote working practices, in our industry there is no substitute for boots on the ground at client sites. It’s crucial for our field service work, allows us to get to the heart of customer challenges and streamlines the delivery of projects. Put simply, our Midlands hub will allow us to deliver our best work to local clients – we’re really excited by that.” A dedicated Midlands team also reduces the emissions produced by travel to and from local sites; helping BGES to meet its carbon reduction targets. In turn, the move supports customers’ efforts to reduce their own supply chain emissions.

Lincolnshire businesses’ support for teachers could lead to national scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire businesses’ support for teachers could lead to national scheme

Lincolnshire businesses are to welcome in seventy teachers to share experience of business and industry and improve young people’s career opportunities.

Branston, Catch UK, CITB, CorrBoard, eComOne, Inzpire Ltd, Orsted, Plum Products, Ruddocks, Seafox Management Consultants, Serco, SRC UK, and Tong Engineering will host visits by 26 teachers, with the objective of bringing skills and workplace experience into the classroom and enrich the curriculum.
It’s part of the Teacher Encounters programme delivered by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the Careers & Enterprise Company, offering half-day experiences to help teachers to develop a stronger knowledge of their subject area through real world industry experience. The scheme is part of a new national pilot programme bringing together 1,000 teachers and 200 businesses across England, allowing them to enrich teaching practice and share knowledge about skills gaps and labour market information with students and parents. Lee Douglas, Strategic Hub Lead of the Careers Hub at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We have delivered the Teacher Encounters project in collaboration with award-winning businesses, world leaders in their sectors which are operating at the cutting edge of innovation and technology. “It is crucial that teachers can have meaningful experiences with employers in Greater Lincolnshire. These experiences are designed to inspire teachers, enabling them to make vital links to their curriculum area of expertise and pass vital careers related information to their students.” Oli de Botton, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Teachers are powerful sources of careers inspiration for young people – through the conversations they have and the curriculum they teach. “One of the ways we can support them is by bridging the worlds of business and education and giving teachers meaningful encounters with employers. “Done well, these encounters can inspire teachers, students and employers. Teachers can see at first hand how local businesses work, including the routes in like apprenticeships. Students can benefit when teachers bring this insight into their lessons, linking learning to workplace skills. And employers can learn more about the workforce of the future. “This pilot is an opportunity to bring careers education further into the mainstream of school and college life and build on the enthusiasm we know is there from business to better support schools and from teachers to support their students to take their best next step.”

Cables for Hornsea offshore wind farm to come from Greece

Stuart Pearcey
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Cables for Hornsea offshore wind farm to come from Greece
Wind farm specialist Ørsted has signed a contract with Greek company Hellenic Cables for supply of more than 160 miles (262km) of cables for the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm.
Hellenic will be responsible for the design, manufacturing, supply, termination and testing of inter–array cables connecting the wind turbines and the offshore converter station. Manufacturing will begin in in the last three months of 2025 in the company’s state-of-the-art submarine cable plant in Corinth, Greece. With a capacity of around 2,85 gigawatts (GW), Hornsea 3 will be capable of producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power more than three million UK homes – making a significant contribution to the UK Government’s ambition of having 50 GW offshore wind in operation by 2030. Ørsted has recently outlined at its Capital Markets Day that it is increasingly confident it will be a position take a Final Investment Decision on the project during 2023. Hornsea 3 will be located 160 km from the Yorkshire coast. When fully online, Ørsted’s Hornsea zone – comprising Hornsea 1, 2 and 3 – will have a total capacity of in excess of 5 GW. This will be the world’s largest offshore wind zone, producing enough low-cost, clean, renewable electricity to power more than five million UK homes. Hornsea 3 Senior Project Director Luke Bridgman said: “We are delighted to further Ørsted’s deepening relationship with Hellenic Cables with this important contract award for Hornsea 3. We look forward to a successful collaboration during the execution phase as part of achieving our overall Hornsea 3 goal of providing low-cost clean energy at scale.”

Interest rates rise to 5%

Tess Egginton
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Interest rates rise to 5%
The Bank of England has increased interest rates by 0.5 percentage points to 5% – the highest level since 2008 and 13th consecutive rate rise. The bigger than predicted hike comes as inflation remains at historically high levels, with new figures for May remaining unchanged at 8.7%, after falling in April, and staying much higher than the Bank’s 2% target. Inflation had been expected to decline to 8.4% year on year, leading to a further interest rate rise from the Bank of England to bring it under control. The sharp increase will come as a blow to many businesses struggling with rising bills and the highest borrowing costs in 15 years. Responding to the news, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chair Martin McTague said: “The Bank of England (BoE) is risking economic slowdown across our small business community, with a jarring 0.5% increase in interest rates. We are standing at a crossroads. Inflation and interest rates are unrelenting. “An increase in interest rates comes as no surprise – it’s a tried-and-trusted lever to pull in such times – but the size of the increase will hurt, and rate rises are not a magic wand in reducing inflation. This was driven by the highest core CPI rate in 30 years, but it has significant repercussions for everyone, not least for the 1.5million on variable mortgages. “While higher interest rates are a tool to control inflation, the weight of escalating costs means consumers have less disposable income to circulate in the economy. When the money in their pockets is worth less, the upshot is reduced sales for businesses. “It’s like adding another heavy load to an already full plate. Banks have a responsibility to show understanding and patience, especially to those who took variable-rate Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILS) and are now faced with higher costs. Instead of treating loans as just another expense, we need to think of them as a lifeline to keep small businesses trading during these challenging times. “High street retailers, start-ups, local bakeries, and tech innovators alike are all feeling the pinch. As the weight on the small business and self-employed community grows heavier, we must strike a delicate balance. Our entrepreneurs need room to breathe, room to innovate and crucially room to grow. “To help consumers and businesses, the Government could raise the VAT threshold from £85,000 to £100,000. This move could cushion some of the hardest blows of inflation, preventing tax increases from exacerbating the impact of price hikes on businesses and in turn, their customers. “Meanwhile, energy suppliers should allow firms to ‘blend and extend’ their contracts so they can take advantage of lower wholesale prices. Late payments should also be a top priority, as unpaid invoices can stifle growth and stability. “Our latest Small Business Index (SBI) survey reveals a stark snapshot of our current economy. We are seeing a divide, where 40% of firms encountered a dip in sales in the first quarter of 2023, while a third managed to increase them. “This is a testament to the resilience and determination of our small business community – 46% of them said they were optimistic for the upcoming quarter. “However, rising interest rates are not just numbers on a page, they are lived realities that influence consumer behaviour. The BoE should proceed with caution, mindful of these broad-ranging effects.”

Respected figure within Yorkshire’s farming sector awarded MBE

Tess Egginton
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Respected figure within Yorkshire’s farming sector awarded MBE
Geoff Brown, a respected figure within Yorkshire’s farming sector and as Managing Director of Ripon Farm Services, has been made an MBE for services to the rural economy. Geoff co-founded Ripon Farm Services 41 years ago along with Mr Morris Hymas and Mr William Houseman and has seen the company go from strength to strength since then. He said: “I feel very honoured to be accepting an MBE in the King’s first birthday honours list. The MBE is in recognition of a lifetime of service to the rural economy, thanks to all who have played a part. Never did I think I would be accepting an MBE. I am incredibly delighted and humbled.” Richard Simpson, commercial director of Ripon Farm Services, added: “We are all hugely proud of Geoff. He is the beating heart of our company and this is an honour which is richly deserved.” It was in 1961 that 16-year-old Geoff Brown started his first job as an apprentice with car and agricultural dealer Glovers of Ripon. Looking back on his 62 years in the farm machinery industry, Geoff reflected: “I’ve seen many changes, both in the world in general and in farming in particular, but the values that I’ve followed throughout my career – hard work and commitment to the best customer service – have remained the same. Many of our customers are also long-standing friends. “I’ve taken great pride in the success of Ripon Farm Services, I’ve watched the company grow from a small concern to one of the biggest employers in the Ripon area, with over 300 staff and annual revenues in excess of £160 million. “This gives me tremendous pleasure, but I would stress that the success of Ripon Farm Services is down to the loyal and committed staff we have employed over the years. They have been the bedrock of this company and their dedication and expertise is second to none.” In 2019, at the Great Yorkshire Show, Geoff was presented with a Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) award for outstanding contribution to agriculture. As well as several other awards throughout the years. Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon. Oliver Dowden MP said: “This year’s honours list is a testament to ordinary people who have demonstrated extraordinary community spirit and I pay tribute to all those who have been recognised today.”

Manufacturing output declines for fifth month running

Tess Egginton
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Manufacturing output declines for fifth month running
Manufacturers’ order books remained weak in June, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey. Output of UK manufacturing firms fell marginally in the three months to June, for the fifth successive month, though at a slower pace than in April and May and in line with expectations. Output volumes are expected to rise slightly in the three months to September. Total order books were reported to be below normal, to a broadly similar extent to May. Export order books were also seen as below normal, but deteriorated slightly, leaving them in their weakest position since February 2021. The survey, based on the responses of 233 manufacturing firms found:
  • Output volumes fell marginally in the three months to June (weighted balance of -6%, from -10% in the three months to May). Output is expected to rise slightly in the three months to September (+4%), with expectations mildly positive again after briefly turning negative last month.
    • Output fell in 12 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to June. The largest contributions to the fall came from the mechanical engineering and food, drink & tobacco sub-sectors.
  • Total order books were reported as below “normal” in June, to a broadly similar extent to May (-15% from -17%). This leaves them standing marginally below the long-run average (-13%).
  • Export order books were also seen as below normal and deteriorated marginally from last month (-29% from -26%). This was also weaker than the long-run average (-18%) and leaves export order books in their weakest position since February 2021.
  • Expectations for average selling price inflation in the three months ahead fell slightly in June (+19%, from +21%), the sixth consecutive monthly fall, to stand at their softest since February 2021. Although selling price inflation expectations were comfortably below the multi-decade high seen in 2022 (+80% in March 2022), they remained well above the long-run average (+7%).
  • Stocks of finished goods were seen as comfortably above “adequate” in June (+15% from +10% in May) and remained broadly in line with the long-run average (+12%).
Anna Leach, CBI deputy chief economist, said: “May marked another weak month for UK manufacturing, with activity declining for the fifth time in a row. Manufacturing activity is likely to have shrunk a little during the second quarter, as weak demand has overwhelmed some stabilisation in supply chains and costs. “Total order books have improved a touch in recent months, but they remain fairly soft. And although output expectations have turned positive again, growth is expected to be quite weak in the three months to September. “Against a backdrop of subdued demand, manufacturers are maintaining a cautious approach to investment. The introduction of full expensing at the Spring Budget was welcomed by the manufacturing sector, but this should be made permanent to give the confidence businesses need to press ahead with their plans, so we can tackle the long-term weakness in UK business investment.”

Planning inspector gives nod to new Barton-Upon-Humber residential development

Tess Egginton
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Planning inspector gives nod to new Barton-Upon-Humber residential development
Plans for a new residential development to the south of Barton-upon-Humber are set to move forward after the planning inspectorate ruled in favour of the scheme. Banks Property put forward proposals in autumn 2021 for the development of a 26.3 hectare site to the east of the A15 and south of Horkstow Road which was to include up to 390 homes, as well as a community orchard, wildflower meadows and new allotments. The family firm’s planning application was rejected by North Lincolnshire Council’s planning committee last summer, with Banks then submitting an appeal against this decision to the planning inspectorate, which has now been allowed. As well as including a range of different sizes and types of homes, including affordable housing and bungalows, the project also includes new footpaths, wetland areas, wildlife habitats, local road links, a children’s play park, an outdoor exercise area and more than 15 hectares of additional public open space, which equates to close to 60 percent of the total site area. Funding will also be allocated towards a regular full day bus service that will serve the site and south of the town, in order to provide a sustainable connection to the wider community and to enable onward journeys by bus and rail. John Ruddick, senior property development manager at Banks Property, says: “We have always believed that this would be an excellent site on which to create a sustainable new community in Barton-upon-Humber, and we are naturally very pleased that the planning inspector has also recognised the strengths and suitability of our proposals. “This development will contribute to meeting the growing need to increase the local supply of homes and will enable more people who want to move to or stay in the area to do just that. “It will offer a range of different property sizes and designs, including up to 20 bungalows and 78 affordable homes, while the construction of these new homes will directly support 80 new jobs, as well as indirectly supporting a further 100 jobs and providing significant contract opportunities for local suppliers. “More than half the site will be open green space, including wildflower meadows, a community orchard, community allotments and woodland planting, while the amenity of a village-style green and formal play provision will lead to a local biodiversity net gain of more than twice the expected standard. “We will now look to move this project forward as quickly as we can, and will provide further updates to the local community as progress is made.”

Doncaster waste management firm snapped up by global group

Tess Egginton
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Doncaster waste management firm snapped up by global group
Reconomy Group, a global circular economy specialist providing sustainability technology, data and services to a broad range of industries, has acquired Ecofficiency Limited. Ecofficiency is a Doncaster-based provider of waste and materials management solutions with the transaction strengthening Reconomy Group’s position across the UK’s construction, infrastructure and house-building waste management sectors. The acquisition of Ecofficiency’s specialist soil sampling and remediation services – designed to reduce the bulk volume of waste by segregating hazardous materials and retaining recycled soils on site – further enhances the breadth and depth of services that Reconomy Group offers its clients. Expanding into this specialism aligns with the Group’s mission to achieve a more circular economy where finite resources are preserved while simultaneously creating value for businesses and supporting economic growth. The Ecofficiency transaction follows the 2023 acquisitions of Denmark-based green-tech business Combineering in February and UK Waste Solutions Limited, a major independent outsourced waste provider in the UK in May. Guy Wakeley, Chief Executive of Reconomy Group, said: “Reconomy is delivering on our strategy of strong growth, organically and through global acquisitions that strengthen and differentiate our offering. Ecofficiency enhances our remediation capabilities and will be a fantastic addition to Reconomy as we relentlessly pursue our joint ambition of a more circular, sustainable economy.” Michael Benton, Managing Director of the Recycle Division at Reconomy Group, said: “Ecofficiency brings expertise and specialist skills that will be of vast benefit to our customers. Materials management and reuse are crucial in preserving our resources. There is a strong cultural fit between the two businesses with our shared customer focus and belief in delivering added value and minimising environmental damage.” Simon Raven, Managing Director of Ecofficiency, said: “We are delighted to be joining Reconomy Group, a market leader in the waste management and sustainability sector. Together, we are in a great position to continue innovating as we drive the circular economy forwards and help businesses become more sustainable.”
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