Marketing agency strengthens crew with acquisition of B2B communication specialist

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Marketing agency strengthens crew with acquisition of B2B communication specialist
Integrated marketing agency The Bigger Boat has acquired B2B communication specialist Scriba PR, for an undisclosed sum.

The move — which follows almost eight years of the two Yorkshire firms working in close collaboration on a number of client projects — marks The Bigger Boat’s ambitions to expand its service portfolio for clients in the UK and beyond.

While the brands will continue to exist as individual entities in their own right, the deal means that the business duo now employs a total of 40 marketing professionals — looking after in excess of 70 retained clients — with a combined turnover of more than £2m.

Founder and former Managing Director Katie Mallinson will remain with Scriba in the position of director of communications — concentrating on the delivery of more complex client projects — while The Bigger Boat’s founders Andy McCaul, Doug Main, and Lee Boothroyd, will become owner directors of the company, supported by a leadership team which spans both firms.

Scriba — which marked its 10th anniversary this month having supported more than 200 clients during that time — has experienced significant growth over the past three years. The consultancy currently stands at number 22 in Prolific North’s Top 50 PR Agencies, and secured position 17 in the round-up of fastest growing PR agencies in the North, last year.

Meanwhile, The Bigger Boat is an award-winning, 25-strong digital marketing, brand and website specialist, which seeks to particularly expand the SEO and content marketing arms of its business, as it continually bolsters its integrated offering.

Andy McCaul, Managing Director of The Bigger Boat, said: “We pride ourselves on our ability to understand our clients’ organisations inside out, so we become an extension of their own teams. And our focus is on driving tangible results — we generate leads, increase sales and, ultimately, fuel growth to enhance their bottom lines.

“You could apply almost the exact same description to Scriba — an agency whose entire existence focuses on crafting words that make an impact — which is why the move makes perfect sense. Combining our in-house marketing expertise with Scriba’s wealth of experience and talent in the comms sphere, creates a suite of complementary services and the opportunity to deliver even more value for each of our expanding rosters of customers.”

Scriba’s founder Katie Mallinson added: “Our story began on the toss of a coin — a leap of faith to prove that PR could be done differently. I believed I’d found a gap in the market helping technical firms with complex stories, but never could I have imagined it would grow to have the reputation — and team — I am so proud of today.

“Running a business — especially this one — is incredibly fulfilling and a huge privilege. The journey has not always been an easy one, but throughout it all, whatever Scriba’s size along the way, deep-rooted values and strong partnerships have seen us through, almost without us skipping a beat. It’s time, now, for someone else to take the reins.

“While I have loved being a Managing Director, I miss my craft. I have so many communications ideas I haven’t explored yet and that’s what excites me now – the opportunity to see what else I can do, knowing I’ve built an incredible business and it’s in safe hands.”

This is not the first time The Bigger Boat has considered an acquisition to take its growth to the next level, but no conversations have gathered momentum like this one, added creative director Doug Main.

“We have thought about various acquisitions over the last few years, but every opportunity has stalled due to the ‘fit’,” he explained. “With Scriba, it was a different story. We’ve collaborated for so long, the two businesses are like-minded with similar values, and we’ve worked hard to build relationships across the same industries.

“It doesn’t feel like an acquisition — it feels like two complementary teams working more closely together for the benefit of staff and clients alike. Onboarding Scriba’s content and strategic marketing expertise brings many opportunities for both agencies. It greatly strengthens our respective comms efforts and means we can offer customers not just new services, but a truly all-encompassing marketing strategy.”

Scriba – which counts 15 people within the team – will maintain its HQ in the loft of Heritage Mills in Lindley. All jobs will be retained and the hunt is already underway for an additional account manager. The Bigger Boat’s 25-strong crew will continue to reside in Wheatley Mills in Mirfield.

More action needed from Government on levelling up plans says Wakefield

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More action needed from Government on levelling up plans says Wakefield
Wakefield Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth are calling on the Government for more action on levelling up. The senior Councillors have written to Secretary of State Michael Gove MP. They are urging him to set out if there will be a further round of levelling up funding, say when it will happen, end the costly and time-consuming process of Councils competing against each other for investment, and explain how Wakefield benefits from being selected as a ‘Levelling Up Partner’. The move comes after Wakefield Council’s three funding bids were unsuccessful in the last round of levelling up funding, announced in January 2023. This left key parts of vital regeneration plans unfunded. Government help is central to securing further investment into the district. Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Investment into our communities is essential as part of our aspirations to spread opportunity to every part of our district. “We have huge ambitions that will transform the district for residents and businesses. But without the funding we cannot drive our plans forward, and that’s why the mixed messages and lack of information coming from Government is so damaging. “We need clarity on if, and when, future funding will be made available. And if it is, there needs to be a fairer process in place, based on need, than we’ve seen before. No more expectation that local areas should compete against each other for limited funds.” In March, Wakefield was announced as one of 20 Levelling Up Partnership areas. The council is now calling on the Government to see tangible benefits from this partnership. Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “We want everyone, no matter where they are, to have access to great facilities and to live in a community they can continue to be proud of. “But we now have huge concerns that our selection as a levelling up partner may not actually lead to anything material for Wakefield. The programme has been slow to take shape and to be properly defined. And unfortunately, at the moment it seems to be yet another example of the Government not delivering for our district. “I’d urge the Government to clarify what funding we will get as part of our Levelling Up Partnership, to help us move forward with the ambitious and exciting plans that we have.” The council’s letter outlines how it’s especially important for places which were unsuccessful in the Levelling Up Round 2 bids, including Knottingley and South Kirkby, to be at the heart of any upcoming discussions. Cllr Jeffery added: “We are urging the Government to recognise the importance of providing funding to help Knottingley and South Kirkby. And to give us the chance to secure further investment that would make a major difference in our towns.”

Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

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Sustainable warehouse completed at St. Modwen Park Lincoln

St. Modwen Logistics has completed work on a £15m, 111,000 sq ft sustainable warehouse, as part of the fourth phase of development at St. Modwen Park Lincoln, which could save occupiers more than £90,000 a year in operational energy costs.

Delivered by Caddick Construction, Lincoln 111 becomes the biggest unit at the site, demonstrating St. Modwen’s confidence in the Lincoln and Newark region following the success of the Park since the first unit was completed back in 2019.

In total, St. Modwen Logistics has invested £35m to deliver 411,000 sq ft of space at the Park in this period, with the likes of logistics giant DHL, retailer Furniture Village and international ice cream distributor NIC all occupying space at St. Modwen Park Lincoln.

Built to St. Modwen Logistics’ ‘Swan Standard’ guidelines for sustainable construction, Lincoln 111 is rated ‘Excellent’ by sustainability certification body BREEAM and comes complete with more than 1,000 sq m of solar PV panels installed as standard to help prospective occupiers to meet their own ESG targets.

Energy generated from these panels will fully power the building’s 5,300 sq ft of Grade-A offices, making them net zero carbon in operation. Combined with other energy-efficient features which are incorporated in the design process, Lincoln 111 has been awarded an EPC A+ rating, helping occupiers to reduce their operational costs.

Reserved matters planning consent has also been achieved for the fifth and final phase of development which will see the capacity of the Park total 740,000 sq ft in the coming years.

Ben Silcock, leasing & development manager, St. Modwen Logistics, said: “We are always striving to develop industry-leading warehouses in fantastic locations for our customers and Lincoln 111 is a prime example of this.

“As well as being near to the vital A1 interchange and benefitting from crucial infrastructure works in the region of late, the building is also best-in-class when it comes to both the quality of the development and its sustainability credentials.

“With extra power capabilities and reduced operational costs thanks to the installation of solar PV panels, it would be the perfect home for any businesses looking to expand their operation to the East Midlands or upgrade to a highly-efficient building.”

Dominic Towler, surveyor at Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Lincoln 111 is the largest speculatively built unit available within a 20-mile radius and adds much-needed supply to the area. The building’s sustainable design also offers exceptional cost savings for occupiers looking to relocate from less efficient and inferior stock.

“Phases 1 to 3 have demonstrated that demand for space in the area is buoyant with both local and national occupiers taking units within the Park, and we again expect the unit to be of significant interest to similar occupiers.”

Lincoln 111 features eight loading docks, two level access doors and 12.5m of clear internal height, as well as 48m yard depth. In addition, 20% of the building’s car parking spaces will have EV car charging points installed and the Park offers a provision of cycle spaces, encouraging greener travel amongst employees.

Work to start on new business units for Barton

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Work to start on new business units for Barton
Work is expected to start later this month on the construction of new business units after planning permission was received for the project which could create up to 50 jobs. The development at the Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton on Humber, is the latest in The Trade Yard series of sites which have been built by Allenby Commercial across East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire. The company revealed that two national brands have already committed to take units at the site in Falkland Way. Interest in the remaining units is expected to be strong because of the success of the other locations. In East Yorkshire, The Trade Yard Willerby is full, with businesses which include Toolstation, Screwfix and Easy Bathrooms. The Trade Yard Beverley, where tenants include Toolstation, Screwfix and Howden joinery, now has only one unit available. The Trade Yard Driffield was completed and sold on as a successful project. The Trade Yard Scunthorpe is at capacity with MKM Building Supplies Ltd, Toolstation, Howdens Joinery, Valley Carpets, Motor Parts Direct and Hayley Group. Allenby Commercial is now working on plans for The Trade Yard Immingham. At Barton, the three remaining units offer between 3,400 and 13,600 square feet of space and are being promoted as a prime opportunity for trade, warehouse and light industrial occupiers. Charlie Allenby, development director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Our vision is to develop a main trade hub with national names occupying some of the units and creating a one-stop-shop for businesses and DIY enthusiasts. We are aiming to break ground during the summer and the first tenants are expected to arrive in about six months. “We have a varied portfolio of projects across the region from stylishly renovated historic properties to modern offices but we keep coming back to The Trade Yard concept because it is in demand as a format which really suits that sector. Based on our experience at the other Trade Yard sites this one could create up to 50 new jobs.” Duncan Willey, divisional director at PPH Commercial Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants, said: “Speculative schemes like this are generating good interest because the availability of high quality industrial/employment space is very limited at present – not much is being built. “Regionally industrial occupation is running at about 98 per cent and there is not enough new accommodation coming out of the ground to meet rising demand. Certainly, when space becomes available at the other Trade Yard locations it tends to be snapped up quickly and in particular Barton has seen significant growth over recent years – it’s an attractive location with good road access to the Humber Bridge, M180 and M62. “The town of Barton is continuing to see a range of new residential and commercial development as well as planned improvements to the local infrastructure.”

Rotherham Council’s cabinet pledges commitment to Corporation Street redevelopment

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Rotherham Council’s cabinet pledges commitment to Corporation Street redevelopment

Rotherham Council’s cabinet is set to confirm their commitment to the redevelopment of 3-7 Corporation Street after making the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on the site earlier this year.

The CPO was served on landowners in April 2023 after which there was a statutory 28-day period for any objections to be made. Plans to redevelop the site were approved on 24 May 2023 and include a mixed-use development comprising of 19 modern apartments with commercial space on the ground floor. The Council plans to work with a developer to bring the development scheme forward, supported by funding secured through the Town Deal and Levelling Up funds for the development. The leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, said: “The use of a Compulsory Purchase Order is not something the Council takes lightly, but in this case the buildings have stood empty for far too long. If we continue to be unable to make progress with the owners, it is justified to support the continued transformation of Rotherham town centre. “The current burnt-out buildings are situated in a prominent position in the town centre which, when redeveloped, will provide residents and visitors with a welcoming first view into Rotherham and new amenities.” The Council says it is committed to working with those affected by the CPO and will continue to work with affected landowners and occupiers as the CPO progresses.

Leeds collaborating with UK business leaders to help unlock green home upgrades

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Leeds collaborating with UK business leaders to help unlock green home upgrades
Leeds City Council is working with some of the country’s biggest firms to address barriers that prevent households from accessing energy-saving green home upgrades.
The council has been part of a major national partnership, the Local Low Carbon Accelerator (LLCA) initiative, to explore how the public and private sectors can work together to speed the uptake of insulation and other technologies that make homes healthier, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper to live in. The LLCA was established by four members of the Prime Minister’s Business Council: Lloyds Banking Group, Octopus Energy, National Grid and Shell. As part of the initiative, Leeds developed and shared recommendations that will help other authorities across the country to overcome demand-side barriers and unlock finance for upgrading (or ‘retrofitting’) residential properties. Following the conclusion of the LLCA, the council will continue to work with partner organisations including Lloyds Banking Group as part of work to develop a ‘one-stop shop’ for green home improvements. On Friday, Leeds City Council CEO Tom Riordan CBE hosted a roundtable discussion, chaired by the Leeds-based UK Infrastructure Bank CEO John Flint, at the Civic Hall to discuss next steps with senior executives from some of the country’s biggest finance, housing, and energy companies as well as leaders from government departments and other local authorities. The partnership also shared insights and lessons learned from Leeds’ work with dozens of attendees from across the public and private sectors at an online event following the meeting. Leeds City Council’s involvement in the LLCA initiative supports the aims of its Net Zero Homes Plan, unveiled earlier this year, which set out blueprints for how the local authority could work with partners to install low-carbon heating and tackle heat loss from the city’s residential buildings. Better insulating Leeds’ buildings to reduce heat loss has several benefits that include cutting the city’s carbon footprint and tackling fuel poverty. One in six Leeds households were classed as living in fuel poverty in 2020, but recent research suggests this figure could now be significantly higher. Since the Net Zero Homes Plan was announced in March, the council has secured nearly £200,000 from the government’s Green Home Finance Accelerator fund to develop a ‘property-linked’ finance product, in partnership with Arup and Lloyds Banking Group, which will complement plans to launch its one-stop-shop service that will enable local homeowners and landlords to get trusted, tailored advice on the benefits of different green upgrades. Meanwhile, work to build energy-efficient new social housing and to retrofit existing council homes has continued and an innovative space technology to identify homes leaking the most heat has recently been trialled in Leeds. Tom Riordan CBE, Chief Executive Officer at Leeds City Council, said: “Retrofitting homes is a huge opportunity to address the city’s three priorities: improved health, zero carbon, and inclusive economic growth. “As a council, we’re investing more than £100 million to help make our own housing stock fit for the future, but to make the fastest progress on net zero and realise the many benefits of retrofit as fully as possible then it is vital that we work in partnership with others on a cross-sector basis. “Leeds City Council is proud to be part of the national Local Low Carbon Accelerator initiative and we hope this collaborative work will have a positive impact in Leeds and far beyond our city borders.” John Flint, Chief Executive Officer at the UK Infrastructure Bank, which is based in Leeds, said: “The Bank supports local authorities through providing advice to help get infrastructure projects off the ground, and finances projects which support the UK’s transition to net zero, create jobs and generate growth. It is vital that the public and private sector work together to overcome the barriers to decarbonising local infrastructure, and it is really positive to see that in action at the local low carbon accelerator in Leeds.”

Bifold manufacturer opens the door to new Leeds premises

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Bifold manufacturer opens the door to new Leeds premises

Mazuli, a manufacturer and trade supplier of aluminium bifold doors, sliding doors and windows, is expanding into a new state of the art manufacturing facility on the edge of Leeds city centre. The expansion will create approximately 30 new jobs in the near future.

Westgate Link offers more than 19,000 sq ft of warehouse and office space on Wellington Road and was marketed jointly by Leeds property consultancy GV&Co and Savills, on behalf of Evans Property Group.

Founded in 2020, Mazuli has quickly grown into a leading manufacturer and supplier of aluminium bifold doors and sliding doors, as well as aluminium windows, which it supplies exclusively to tradespeople and construction firms throughout the UK. The company also makes aluminium single residential doors and French doors, along with a range of aluminium gable ends.

The company currently employs 31 people and operates from a 9,000 sq ft unit on Gelderd Road, which it will continue to operate alongside the new site.

David Wilkinson, a director from Mazuli, said: “The launch of Mazuli coincided with the pandemic which helped to drive our early sales on the back of the building boom and the surge in home improvement projects that followed.

“Although the market has now levelled out, we’re currently enjoying a period of continued growth as customers increasingly recognise the advantages that aluminium doors and windows offer over uPVC and timber. Key benefits include being naturally strong with a highly durable powder coated finish, which doesn’t fade, and crucially they have a much longer lifespan.

“As a result, we had outgrown our existing premises and Westgate Link is the perfect unit to expand into as it gives us two sites within a mile of each other. Westgate Link also offers a superb frontage onto the Leeds Inner Ring Road, as well as a large secure yard and loading area, which was another essential requirement.

“We’re currently transforming the building into one of the most advanced aluminium door and window manufacturing facilities in the UK, which will open during July. This will enable us to continue recruiting and double our workforce, as well as supporting our future growth plans beyond that.”

Jonathan Jacob, senior surveyor from GV&Co, said: “We generated a significant amount of interest in this property due to its highly prominent location, within easy walking distance of Leeds city centre, as well as its mix of high-quality warehouse and office space.

“Mazuli is a fast-growing and successful Leeds based business with an impressive product range, so we are very pleased to agree this deal with them. We look forward to seeing how the new space supports their ongoing expansion plans as they continue to build their market share.”

‘Movie Magic and Future Performance’ lab gets go ahead for West Yorkshire

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‘Movie Magic and Future Performance’ lab gets go ahead for West Yorkshire
A new facility in Wakefield will help drive the next generation of production technologies to revolutionise the UK’s film, TV and performing arts industries. The state-of-the-art lab is part of the Creative Industries Sector Vision, which sets out the Government’s ambition to maximise the potential of the UK’s creative industries so they generate an extra £50 billion for the economy and support a million more jobs by 2030. A consortium, led by the University of York, has been selected by the UK Government to host one of four new labs specialising in the future of virtual production – a range of techniques that use computer-generated imagery (CGI), hyper-real sound, augmented reality and motion capture to create virtual sets and environments. Lab Director, Professor Gavin Kearney from the School of Physics Engineering and Technology at the University of York, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new lab facility; it will build upon the University’s world-leading applied research for the creative industries, as well as the support and growth initiatives of Screen Yorkshire and XR Stories in the screen industries sector across our region.” Virtual production allows filmmakers and theatre directors to create large-scale digitally-generated environments that performers can interact with in real-time using LED panels, as a faster and less expensive alternative to green screens. The technology has been used to great success in the ABBA Voyage live concert at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London and on Disney’s hit show The Mandalorian. Located alongside studios and leading entertainment technology companies at Production Park in Wakefield, the lab will bring together expertise from the University of York, Vodafone, Screen Yorkshire, and support from Wakefield Council and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The lab will focus on applying new virtual production technology to live events and how the latest developments can be used to ensure the UK has the skills and infrastructure to stay on the cutting edge of this type of technology. The lab is part of UKRI’s Convergent Screen Technologies and performance in Realtime (CoSTAR) programme, supported by £75.6 million of government funding and £63 million of new industry investment, which will form the largest virtual production research and development network in Europe, with four facilities across the country. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said: “Yorkshire has a rich history in film, TV and the performing arts, home to unforgettable scenery and highly skilled creatives behind popular productions including The Duke, All Creatures Great and Small and Happy Valley. “Now we’re putting West Yorkshire at the forefront of future technology for the next generation of filming and live events. Together with experts across the UK, this new lab will make sure the UK stays ahead of the latest developments transforming our screens and stages.” The network will include a national lab at Pinewood Studios, and a new Insight and Foresight Unit led by Goldsmiths and the British Film Institute. Three regional hubs, in Dundee, Yorkshire and Belfast, are expected to contribute a combined £33 million to the economy and support 423 jobs. Partners involved across the programme include the National Film and Television School, BT and BBC Northern Ireland as well as Royal Holloway, Ulster and Abertay universities. Film and TV productions in Yorkshire boosted the local economy by more than £235 million in 2019 and the region has provided backdrop for some of this year’s biggest blockbusters, including Mission:Impossible 7 and the latest Indiana Jones film (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny).

South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre to help region meet net-zero targets and create new jobs

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South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre to help region meet net-zero targets and create new jobs
A pioneering sustainability centre, launched today (14 June 2023), is set to help South Yorkshire meet the challenges posed by the climate emergency, while also providing positive opportunities for the people, places and businesses in the region. The South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) is the first centre of its kind in the UK, connecting world-leading academic research with local businesses, public sector organisations and charities to overcome challenges like decarbonisation and helping the region meet its net-zero targets. Creating a pipeline of sustainability research with the people who need it, the centre will also help to create new jobs, skills and economic opportunities in the region. At the heart of the SYSC is a partnership between the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the four South Yorkshire local authorities – Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham – and a range of private and voluntary sector organisations. The launch by South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, follows the announcement of the centre at the South Yorkshire Economic Summit in 2022. Over the past 12 months the SYSC has been focused on three key areas that represent the highest-emitting and most difficult to decarbonise elements of the economy and relate directly to regional priorities. Tackling these areas will have a massive impact on our region. These are:
  • Retrofitting homes in South Yorkshire to reduce energy use and improve health and wellbeing Working with the University of Sheffield, Doncaster Metropolitan Council (MBC) identified a total of 1,800 homes that needed to be treated and upgraded to help the city reach 100 per cent net-zero by 2040. Homes were retrofitted with combinations of solid wall insulation and wall updates, new roofing, loft insulation, window glazing and door upgrades, and heating controls. The project is also helping to tackle a high-level of fuel poverty, affecting around 17 per cent of homes, and also supporting residents’ wellbeing and satisfaction with their home. As well as retrofitting homes, researchers are also working to understand how and why people move around Doncaster to help reduce transport emissions and help local organisations make decisions on services that are not only more sustainable but are better for the people using them.
  • Reducing the amount of CO2 emitted from farm to fork To achieve net-zero within the UK food system we need to develop technologies and processes that reduce the amount of CO2 emitted from ‘farm to fork’. The centre is looking at how we can produce food using low-carbon processes, embedded in local and regional communities.
  • Helping regional industry and business decarbonise and move to clean fuels The centre is working with regional industry and business to help them decarbonise and move to using clean fuels whilst maintaining the quality of their products. In South Yorkshire we have major manufacturers in foundational industries that underpin the UK’s economy. Decarbonising these industries will bring far wider benefits at a national level.
Director of the SYSC, Professor Rachael Rothman from the University of Sheffield, said: “We all know that to combat climate change we need to urgently reduce carbon emissions, but doing so without balancing the connected economic and social issues will only lead to more inequality and poverty in society. “The challenges we face are complex and cut across industries, society and academic disciplines, but there are also opportunities; for jobs, economic growth and a more sustainable and thriving future. The decisions and changes we make now will have an immense impact on that future. “We will connect our world leading research together with the region to provide the evidence needed to make those decisions and drive change. “It makes me incredibly proud to know that South Yorkshire is playing such a pivotal role in the journey to a sustainable future.” The SYSC was launched at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) Technology Centre with speakers South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Co-Founder of Civic Square, Immy Kaur and SYSC Director Professor Rachael Rothman. Active Travel Commissioner and Olympic gold medal cyclist, Ed Clancy, also spoke at the event after leading a group cycle from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority offices on Broad Street West – close to Sheffield train station – to the AMP in Rotherham. South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “The climate crisis is perhaps the biggest challenge we face, but if we get our response to it right, the rewards are significant: making our homes more sustainable will also make them warmer and cheaper to heat; investing in green technology to help us reach net-zero emissions will also create great new jobs in the industries of the future, and grow our economy too; investing in public transport, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure, will mean more of us can leave our cars at home, creating safer, more liveable neighbourhoods and better connected communities. “But we will only be able to build that new future if we work in partnership, with our communities, our businesses and our institutions across South Yorkshire. “That’s why I’m so pleased to be launching South Yorkshire’s Sustainability Centre, bringing together leading academics, harnessing the resources and capabilities of our great universities to help build a greener, fairer future that works for all our communities, right across the region, and providing leadership to the whole of our country.” Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “The world is facing a climate emergency and universities are uniquely positioned to respond to the global challenges we face. “We are proud to be leading the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre, which will connect our world-leading and world-changing sustainability research with businesses, public sector organisations and charities. “Through working together, we can tackle urgent global issues like decarbonising to meet net-zero targets, and make a significant impact on our region, creating new green jobs, skills and economic opportunities.” Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Chris Husbands, said: “Climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity and it is vital that universities utilise their research excellence, expertise and knowledge to help bring about societal change. “The South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre is an excellent example of how collaboration and partnership can bring together organisations across a region and across disciplines to realise economic and social impact through the common goal of addressing urgent sustainability challenges. “Sheffield Hallam is delighted to be a lead partner in this important initiative so we can better connect academic networks, local expertise and delivery partners to drive positive change in our region.”

Promotion of another four legal directors further strengthens Clarion team

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Promotion of another four legal directors further strengthens Clarion team

Clarion is continuing to recognise and reward legal talent within the firm with the promotion to legal director for Andrew Curtis, Sarah Manning, Daniel Carlton and Stephanie Douthwaite

Working within the banking and finance team, Andrew joined Clarion in 2019 as an associate, rising to senior associate a year later. With 12 years’ legal experience, he previously worked for an international law firm where he advised UK clearing banks, international debt funds, pension funds, and national and international borrowers on bilateral and club transactions.

He has worked with both lenders and borrowers on various finance deals, such as real estate finance, leverage finance and general corporate finance, including advising the private equity market and advising lenders on the listing of borrower clients.

Over the last two years since joining Clarion, Sarah Manning has become a valued member of Clarion’s family practice in her role as a senior associate. With A 15-year specialism in family law, she qualified as a mediator in 2012, and specialises in high-net-worth, complex children and financial mediation cases – she is a trained hybrid mediator and also a child inclusive trained mediator. Sarah is passionate about dispute resolution methods and works with clients individually in a solicitor capacity or as a mediator to a couple to help them reach a resolution without the need of the court’s intervention. As well as being a member of Resolution, Sarah is also the chair of Family Mediation Week through the Family Mediation Council.

Daniel Carlton, who leads Clarion’s debt recovery team, has more than 25 years’ experience advising and developing debt collection and credit control services for a variety of clients. Having joined Clarion in 2010 as a manager, he has driven the growth of the firm’s debt recovery services, assisting blue-chip companies throughout the UK to maximise their cash flow.

His areas of expertise include working with clients to streamline credit control processes, reduce DSO and find answers to aged debt issues. He has worked extensively in the building products/manufacturing, commercial landlord, leisure, retail, recruitment and utilities sectors. Daniel has established the debt recovery team as a Tier 1 firm in Yorkshire and the Humber in Legal 500, and he has been listed as the only ‘leading individual’ in this area.

Stephanie Douthwaite joined Clarion in 2016 as an associate and was promoted to senior associate in 2020, she and has over nine years of experience in family law. Stephanie has also gained valuable experience on business matters, enabling her to stand out for her ability to deal with family matters involving business assets.

Stephanie is a Resolution Accredited Specialist, her areas of specialism being complex higher income financial remedies and private children law. Stephanie deals mostly in complex and high net worth finance cases, experienced in utilising the full range of court or out-of-court dispute resolution methods to best suit the client’s needs, and is also regularly instructed to assist with wealth planning through advising on and preparing nuptial agreements.

“Andrew, Sarah, Daniel and Stephanie have all made a significant contribution to the firm’s success and, as legal directors, they will play a strategic role in our continued growth,” explains Roger Hutton, joint managing partner of Clarion.

“With his extensive knowledge of the banking sector, Andrew has consistently supported the partners in developing client relationships and building his own client base; he is also working towards excellence in transaction management, business development and people management.

“Sarah has impressed us with her enthusiasm and commitment to her vision of growing our mediation practice with her ability to ‘stand in her client’s shoes’ helping her to achieve the best, most amicable resolution for clients and their families. An adept networker, she has built contacts in both Yorkshire and London.

“As head of the debt recovery team, Daniel’s commercial acumen has enabled him to establish an impressive roster of clients and create a successful practice with a market-leading offering.

“Stephanie is a well-regarded member of the Clarion family team and she is an integral part its success, embodying Clarion values. These promotions are well-deserved, and we look forward to continuing to support the career aspirations of these hard-working and talented lawyers.”

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