Scunthorpe to host Women In Manufacturing and Engineering event
The Women into Manufacturing and Engineering careers event takes place at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe on Wednesday June 21st between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
The free-to-attend event happens shortly before the International Women in Engineering Day, annually on June 23rd.
Kirsty Clode, Chair of WiME, explains: “By meeting women working in manufacturing or engineering roles, we’re providing access to role models with a unique insight to offer to both aspiring young women and those who may be heading back to work after a break, or women who are considering a career change.
“At our WiME events, people of all ages and backgrounds can find out what industry jobs are really like from the women who do them, as well as the different routes there are into these careers – from on-the-job training to apprenticeships and degrees.”
With great pay, a high number of vacancies and attractive prospects, careers in manufacturing and engineering present a wide variety of interesting and exciting roles, which play an important part in the Humber’s economy.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this event in Scunthorpe, supporting women into the manufacturing and engineering industry.
“Across the region millions of pounds of investment is creating well-paid, highly skilled jobs in these growth sectors – we are all passionate about ensuring these fantastic opportunities are available to everyone in our communities.
“I encourage women and girls across the area to come to The Baths Hall and see first-hand how they can benefit from the rewarding careers in industry on their doorstep.”
Kirklees Council’s Radisson RED plans for historic George Hotel get green light
Plans for a £20m refurbishment of the historic George Hotel in Huddersfield have been given the go ahead by Kirklees Council’s Planning Committee, with the hotel set to be operated by Radisson RED.
The approved plans for the 91-room boutique hotel form part of the wider Huddersfield Blueprint, a ten-year vision to create a thriving town centre boasting a diverse and exciting offer.
An important landmark adjacent to the Huddersfield Railway Station, The George Hotel was the first building on St George’s Square in 1851.
In March 2020, Kirklees Council purchased the Grade II* Listed building so it could secure its future and incorporate it within its long-term regeneration programme.
The new-look hotel promises a fashionable feel and will incorporate a basement, ground floor and four upper levels. Radisson RED, known for their stylish interiors and vibrant bars, will operate the premises.
As part of the refurbishment, the original building, which has a prominent location facing St George’s Square, will be refurbished almost entirely in its current state. The hotel’s historic façade will also be preserved along John William Street, but with a new structure replacing the existing internal structures behind.
A historically unimportant three-storey block, which faces towards the train station, is in poor condition and requires dismantling. It will be replaced by a similar sized and more sympathetic block using quality materials and a similar colour palette to the rest of the structure.
As part of remodelling, the ground floor will house the hotel’s reception lobby, lounge and a 70-seat restaurant and bar. There will also be a large conference-style room for hire and the lower ground floor will provide a 100-cover banqueting suite for business events, receptions and weddings.
Leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor Shabir Pandor, said: “Today is a significant milestone for the George Hotel and we’re delighted to have secured an exciting and long-term future for it. Huddersfield town centre has long needed a high-quality hotel and Radisson RED is a stand-out international hotel brand known for its eye-catching style and excellent customer service.
“Alongside our wider Huddersfield Blueprint plans and Our Cultural Heart, the George will act as an impressive gateway to the town centre and continue to grow our profile as an attractive destination for tourism and business.”
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, added: “Our goal from the outset has been to do this historic building justice, not just as a key part of Huddersfield’s heritage but also as a major economic driver in the town. I’m thrilled that our plans have been approved.
“This is a hugely exciting project. We’ve gone to great lengths to make sure that, in delivering these plans, we’ll now be working with the best possible range of contractors to achieve our vision – reopening the hotel as an amazing new establishment with international hotel operators Radisson RED.”
Adela Cristea, Vice President, Business Development UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “We’re proud to build on the success of Radisson RED and continue its UK expansion with this impressive project. We’re delighted to partner with Kirklees Council and bring a new chapter to one of Huddersfield’s most iconic buildings by introducing the bold and vibrant brand to the town.”
Kirklees Council have now appointed Morgan Sindall in a Pre-Contract Service Agreement, and they will be working on further designs for the building work over the coming months.
The council have also now appointed Queensberry as the project’s development manager, and Bowman Riley are the architect and heritage advisor.
Ben Hall, Yorkshire area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re thrilled to have been appointed to work on what will be a significant new addition to the town. Our business has strong local connections with Huddersfield having completed many projects here over the years, and we look forward to helping to grow the local economy and bring a skills boost to the area through our work on this fabulous new hotel.”
Andrew Davison, Project Director at Queensberry, added: “We are extremely pleased with today’s positive outcome. The building has significant history and this sympathetic redevelopment will secure its long-term future, whilst also acting as a catalyst for wider investment and regeneration in the great town of Huddersfield. The Raddison brand is a very fitting custodian to maintain this wonderful asset and we’re sure both locals and visitors to Huddersfield will enjoy it.”
Data consultancy raises £500,000 to support growth
A Yorkshire data consultancy that has more than doubled in size in the past two years has raised £500,000 from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, to support its further growth.
Oakland Group Services has increased staff numbers from 33 to 80 since 2021 and plans to create 20 more jobs this year to meet the demand from customers. Oakland provides a full range of data services including strategy and governance, data analytics and insights and cloud-based platforms.
The Leeds-based company works with major brands including Vodafone, Blenheim Palace and Network Rail. It has recently completed a data platform for London-based Femtech company Elvie, which makes smart devices such as breast pumps. It is currently working on a large data programme with Yorkshire Water to help with customer engagement, leak management and other improvements, following a number of successful previous projects.
Oakland was founded by professor John Oakland from Bradford Management School, who is the current chair and who has over 35 years’ experience providing consultancy services to help companies with quality management and process improvements. Since 2019, the business has focused on data consultancy and demand has grown steadily.
Richard Corderoy, Managing Director, said: “We hear a lot about the value of data but unless companies can access it in the right way, they will never feel the benefits. At Oakland we can help them to bring their data together in one place, ensure it is good quality and analyse it to provide insights to improve customer engagement and efficiency. This funding will enable us to help more companies and create more jobs.”
David Wright, investment manager with Mercia, added: “Businesses now recognise that harnessing the power of data is key to their success because it provides the insights they need to adapt and thrive in the changing marketplace. Data platforms are becoming a ‘must have’ for many firms, but few have the ability to create them themselves.
“Not surprisingly, Oakland’s services are in growing demand. We are pleased to be able to support Richard and the team by providing additional working capital to help them take on new and larger contracts as they continue to grow the business.”
BlackDice establishes new UK headquarters in Leeds
BlackDice, a tech start-up that develops AI-driven cybersecurity solutions for global telecoms provider consumers and SME subscribers, has opened its new UK headquarters in Leeds.
By setting up its UK headquarters in Leeds, BlackDice aims to tap into the city’s diverse tech ecosystem, access top-tier talent, and forge strategic partnerships that will propel the company forward.
Situated within the Leeming Building – part of Wizu Workspace’s portfolio of serviced offices – BlackDice’s new headquarters will serve as a hub for the company’s technology operations, bringing together its growing workforce to provide an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration.
“We chose to establish our UK headquarters in Leeds because it’s a city that truly embodies the spirit of industrial ingenuity and technological innovation,” said Sarah Hague, Chief Operating Officer at BlackDice.
“Leeds offers a fertile ground for our growth plans, with its exceptional talent pool, supportive business community, and vibrant atmosphere. We believe that our presence here will enable us to forge valuable connections, collaborate with industry leaders, and solidify our position as pioneers in AI-powered cyber security solutions.”
As BlackDice continues to expand its global footprint, the new UK headquarters in Leeds is just the latest move for the business, which established its European HQ in Malaga, Spain – another flourishing ‘tech zone’ – last month, and will play a pivotal role in building the company’s presence in the EU cyber ecosystem.
“We aim to strengthen our commitment to the Leeds city region and create high-value employment opportunities. By nurturing local talent we want to become known for our culture of innovation, diversity and inclusion, contributing to the ongoing success story of Leeds as a burgeoning tech hub. We are confident that our presence in Leeds will bring significant benefits to the local community and enable us to chart an exciting path of growth and expansion,” added Hague.
First stage plans submitted for new urban district at Sheffield brewery site
Initial plans for a new urban district in Sheffield’s Neepsend have been submitted by social impact developers Capital&Centric.
Outline plans have been lodged with Sheffield City Council to overhaul the derelict industrial Cannon Brewery site. The blueprint is being developed in stages, with the aim to deliver a bold vision for a city centre district that stitches itself into the character of the surrounding area.
It details the plans for over 500 1, 2 and 3-bed apartments, planned to be delivered through a mix of contemporary new builds and retention of some of the existing buildings, namely the Water Tower and Brew House.
Nestled alongside the homes will be workplaces and spaces for independent shops, delis and café-bars, creating opportunities for local indie operators and new start-ups. A lush, green urban park will surround the water tower, whilst on Boyland Street a new public square surrounded by cafes and shops will be the perfect space for pop-up events, performers and installations.
The expansive Cannon Brewery site is seen as a massive opportunity to grow Sheffield’s city centre in sustainable way, with high-end architecture sparking the renaissance of the industrial area around Neepsend. It’s a chance to bring more people to the area and deliver new homes without displacing existing businesses.
Richard Spackman, development director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’ve set out to make Cannon Brewery a standout community that draws people to Sheffield – one that respects and reflects back the industrial heritage of Neepsend. It’s a really challenging site to work on, but we’re progressing at pace because we see such pent-up potential.
“Like many communities we’ve done before, we’re proposing a mix of old and new. Our contemporary homes will be real juxtaposition against some of the existing industrial buildings we’re aiming to keep and repurpose.
“We want the end goal to be that Cannon Brewery becomes Sheffield’s best address…a city centre district where people not only want to live, but spend their weekends, hang out with mates or locate their start-up business.”
Once home to Stones Brewery, the site – made up of two triangular plots bordered by Neepsend Lane and Boyland St – was the birthplace of the UK’s best-selling bitter at the time, before the doors closed for good in 1999. The place has been empty ever since and has become a magnet for street artists.
Capital&Centric’s outline application aims to set the initial parameters for the district, including the footprint of the new buildings, buildings to be retained, heights and access points. Whilst previous plans had proposed for all buildings at the site to be demolished, Capital&Centric is aiming to keep those that it’s feasible to retain and repurpose.
The submission follows a packed out consultation event at the neighbouring Heist Brew Co. that kick-started the conversation about Cannon Brewery. The session saw people voice support for transforming the site; as well as calls for use of greenery; a mix of homes; and a focus on securing a mix of independent operators to give the community a distinctly local vibe.
Following this application, it’s intended for detailed designs of the buildings to follow in stages – with style and materials set to take inspiration from the surrounding industrial warehouses and further consultation and discussion with the community.
Housing Association breaches economic standards, finds Regulator
South Yorkshire Housing Association Limited has breached economic standards over both its governance and financial viability, according to the Regulator of Social Housing, and as a result it has been downgraded to non-compliant G3 / V3 grades.
An investigation revealed weaknesses in SYHA’s internal controls framework and concluded that its board has not been managing the organisation with an appropriate level of skill, diligence, prudence or foresight.
Weaknesses in its financial governance has led to SYHA miscalculating its covenant compliance over a number of years. This has resulted in actual and forecast covenant breaches with one of its funders.
SYHA’s business plan demonstrates limited financial capacity in the short to medium term, and does not currently have adequate mitigation strategies in place to deal with plausible financial stresses.
In agreement with the regulator, SYHA is working to strengthen its financial capacity and improve its governance arrangements.
Harold Brown, Senior Assistant Director for Investigations and Enforcement at RSH, said: “Our investigation found serious issues of concern with SYHA’s financial processes and controls, resulting in breaches to its loan covenants. SYHA needs to address these issues promptly to ensure its long-term viability and covenant compliance, and we will continue to monitor the provider closely as it carries out this work.”
Lincoln cyber security firm sold
Lincoln-based cyber-security-as-a-service (CSaaS) provider Cyberlab Consulting Ltd has been sold to technology provider Chess for an undisclosed sum.
As part of a shared growth strategy, the acquisition will supercharge Cyberlab’s expansion, as well as add a unique product to Chess’s extensive suite of existing products and services.
Expanding its portfolio and solidifying its position as a leading technology service provider, the strategic acquisition will see Chess add Cyberlab’s innovative CSaaS portal as a new service to clients. The portal simplifies the oversight of security posture, identifying individual blind spots and providing tailored training programs to automate fixes.
Ryan Bradbury, founder of Cyberlab, has joined Chess’s team as part of the deal, taking on the role of CTO. He said: “We’re delighted to be adding something new, which fits perfectly into Chess’s existing incredible portfolio. There is huge potential for our portal and the backing of such a big player like Chess will help us to meet our ambitions for the Cyberlab brand.”
Chess employs more than 300 people across the UK and supports more than 1,000 UK blue-chip enterprise businesses, government departments, and household names. Its expanded capabilities now cover a wide range of services, including testing, assessment, discovery, consultancy, delivery, and hardening.
Michael Squirrell, partner at Shakespeare Martineau, who advised founders Ryan and Jessica Bradbury on the sale of Cyberlab, said: “There are clear synergies between the businesses and obvious wins from their union. We’re very happy to have supported Ryan and Jessica on the sale.”
The Shakespeare Martineau team involved in the deal also included corporate associate Ashley Taylor, corporate solicitor Nana Maisuradze, intellectual property partner Kerry Russell, and employment expert Oscar Ciaurro.
Antony Voakes and Amy Weston at Wright Vigar advised on tax and financial matters. Chess was represented by Nimbus Legal and Vector Tax Consultancy.
HMRC issues fines of more than £3m for money laundering rule breaches
Hundreds of businesses including a baker’s dozen from the East Midlands have been fined a combined total of £3.2 million for breaching anti-money laundering rules have been named by HM Revenue and Customs.
The 240 supervised businesses named today were fined between 1 July and 31 December 2022 by HMRC for breaching Money Laundering Regulations aimed at preventing criminals from exploiting illicit cash.
Certain types of business are required to register with HMRC which is a supervisory body for Money Laundering Regulations.
Xpress Money Services Ltd, based in London, was hit with a large fine of £1.4 million for failing to carry out risk assessments, not having appropriate anti-money laundering controls, and failing to conduct proper due diligence checks.
HMRC’s work with other enforcement agencies and government departments to tackle economic crime and crack down on breaches is working to drive non-compliant firms out of business. This means that the number of money service businesses has fallen by around a third from 1,508 in 2020 to 1,049 in 2023, and the number of money service business agents has reduced from 35,507 to 30,217 in the same period.
Nick Sharp, HMRC’s Deputy Director of Economic Crime, Fraud Investigation Service, said: “Money laundering is not a victimless crime. We are here to help businesses protect themselves from criminal attacks and will continue to tackle the minority of businesses which do not comply with the Money Laundering Regulations.
“Serious and organised crime costs the UK billions of pounds every year and our anti-money laundering supervision is a vital tool in combatting that.”
In addition to the named businesses, another 179 companies received smaller fines totalling more than £200,000 for rule breaches.Business communications specialist set for growth with multi-million pound investment
Wakefield-based business communications specialist NGC Networks is targeting £10 million turnover in the next year, backed by significant new investment from CloudClevr.
NGC Networks was established 20 years ago by joint Managing Directors Dean Harrop and Nikki Guest and has grown to be a leading player in its sector across the North of England.
The company employs 45 people and has more than 800 customers, providing them with telephony, unified communications, connectivity, mobile, contact centre solutions and managed services.
CloudClevr is a new venture with majority investment from specialist investment business Rigby Technology Investments (RTI), part of Rigby Group PLC, a £3.3 billion privately owned technology group and one of Europe’s leading technology investors.
NGC Networks will use the investment to drive its growth across Yorkshire and the North, increasing its customer portfolio, capability and creating jobs in the coming 12 months. CloudClevr will support NGC with enhanced cloud-based propositions and investment in sales and marketing, enabling NGC to concentrate on customer management, sales and technical leadership.
Dean Harrop, joint Managing Director of NGC, said: “We are delighted to secure the investment and support of Rigby Group and to benefit from the ambition and technology investment going into CloudClevr. It’s great for our colleagues who will benefit from being part of a growing, national business allowing them to develop and succeed in an ever-changing marketplace.”
Nikki Guest, joint Managing Director of NGC, said: “We are committed to remaining our customers’ trusted advisor, helping them navigate the growing complexity of converged IT and communications. I’m very excited about the market opportunity we have ahead and to continue building NGC as a powerhouse of the northern region as part of CloudClevr.”
Steve Harris, CEO of CloudClevr, said: “I am pleased to be working alongside Nikki and Dean. In NGC, they’ve created a fantastic business with strong potential. They have a brilliant team in place and I’m really looking forward to starting this new journey together.”
The investment in NGC is the first in a series of strategic investments which will see CloudClevr emerge as a next generation managed services provider focused on delivering converged Cloud, IT and communications services.
Sheffield becomes home to first-of-a-kind campus for Government employees
A first-of-its-kind campus for government staff in key policy roles has been launched in Sheffield, as new figures show Yorkshire and the Humber have benefitted from more than 2,400 relocated roles.
It comes as the Cabinet Office announced the pilot of a new regional fast stream, part of the government’s ambitious plans to bring jobs and drive local economic growth across the UK.
The scheme will prevent graduates having to leave the Yorkshire region to move into decision-making policy teams.
There are also plans for expanded policy apprenticeships and events to attract university-leavers within the city, providing greater opportunities for the young people of Yorkshire.
Traditionally most civil service teams based outside of London have been operationally-focussed, but the aim of the policy campus is to create a hub of core policy jobs, where people can advance their careers in key decision-making positions. Under these new plans, people will no longer have to move to, or work in, London to have a long and fulfilling career in the civil service.
This forms part of a broader strategy to ensure people from all regions and backgrounds are contributing to the creation of government policies. Levelling up the civil service in this way is key to ensuring it reflects the communities it serves, whilst delivering on the Government’s priority to grow the economy.
Latest relocation studies suggest a local economic benefit of £30 million per 1,000 roles relocated.
Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said: “This Government is delivering on its promise to level up across the country by ensuring that we create opportunities for people across the country.
“This policy campus is a commitment to the people of Sheffield that local people will have a central role to play in the development of major national policies.
“Relocating roles out of London and establishing skills clusters will provide a fantastic economic boost for the people of Yorkshire and the Humber, a region that has an immense array of talent and I’m delighted that we’re going to make use of it.”
Around 1,000 civil servants working a range of departments including the Department for Education, the Home Office and the Department for Work & Pensions are based at the site.
The Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Transport and the Cabinet Office have moved the most roles to Yorkshire and the Humber.
637 roles have relocated into Sheffield, primarily in the Home Office alongside more DWP, DfE and Ministry of Justice jobs which have moved to the city under the scheme. Sheffield also has 75 senior civil servants based in the city, one of the highest proportions outside of London.
