- The development will involve the complete remodelling of two floors of the building, opening up unused spaces and reimagining the display and interpretation of the core collections.
- In addition to the new galleries, the project will see the ground floor of the museum reconfigured, creating a new public space and an enhanced visitor welcome.
- The installation of an additional passenger lift and the renovation of the existing lift will increase accessibility and enable all visitors to move around the building with ease.
- The project has sustainability at its heart, with set goals around energy and carbon reduction, resource efficiency, responsible procurement and sourcing of products and services used in the gallery, alongside wellbeing, and community skills and engagement strategies.
- The displays and interpretation will be informed by close consultation with local communities to ensure the museum’s relevance to visitors and engage underrepresented audiences.
- The new galleries will ensure the museum’s position as a cultural cornerstone when Bradford becomes City of Culture in 2025 and will align with ambitions to harness young audiences and foster new creative opportunities across the district.
- Sound and Vision also complements the city’s ambitious ten-year culture strategy Culture is our Plan and supports the wider region’s commitment to building a digital economy.
- A vibrant activity plan sits alongside the development of the new galleries. It supports greater access, new employment and volunteering opportunities and is focused on enabling more people – irrespective of class, race, age, ability, gender or faith – to engage with the museum.
- During the temporary closure period, a range of outreach activities with community groups and schools – in person and online – will enable audiences to stay in touch and track progress.
Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum to be transformed
The National Science and Media Museum is about to undergo a radical and ‘once-in-a-generation’ transformation ready to inspire millions of visitors to Bradford City of Culture in 2025. Huge changes will be delivered by December 2024, through a £6 million capital project called ‘Sound and Vision’, including two new galleries, a new passenger lift and improvements to the main entrance.
To facilitate these works, the National Science and Media Museum has announced a period of temporary closure from June 2023 to summer 2024. The Sound and Vision Project will create two significant new galleries and increase the museum’s overall accessibility and relevance to key audiences.
The galleries, accompanied by an engaging activity programme, will showcase key objects and stories from the museum’s world-class collections of photography, film, television, animation, video games and sound technologies. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project has been awarded initial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop the transformational plans. The project also has support from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund 2022-24 and Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
When the museum opened in 1983, it was home to ‘the largest cinema screen in Britain’ and continues to run an IMAX and Pictureville Cinemas, which remains a big part of its visitor offer. During the closure period Pictureville Cinema and Bar will continue to operate, open seven days a week with an enhanced programme, as this has separate entrance arrangements and facilities.
The museum already provides many opportunities to learn about the principles of light and sound. It is at the forefront of STEM education and communication thanks to Wonderlab, its passionate team of Explainers, collaborative work with schools, plus festivals and events that bring the collections to life. The development of the new galleries will transform the heart of the museum, updating core collections displays to increase their relevance to local communities and deliver fully on the Science Museum Group’s mission to inspire futures and ambition to be open for all.
2023 Business Predictions: Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass, a Leeds-based manufacturer of glass units with integrated blinds for windows and doors.
As we see the effects of climate change in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, the environmental impact of our business activities has been rising up the agenda for some time now.
But while Yorkshire and the Humber may be at the forefront of nationally and internationally significant new green technologies and renewable power generation, it is the sum of all the small steps that every business in the region can take to reduce their carbon footprint that has the potential to make a big difference.
Many businesses have overcome the idea that being more environmentally responsible is a ‘nice to have’ but in reality a cost and hassle they can do without. As our business has discovered over the past few years, thinking about sustainability in every area and process of your business contributes to business success and profitability – not hinder it.
So I think 2023 will be a big year for sustainability in business. And I think the fact that consumers are increasingly turning to greener brands signals the greater opportunity that lies ahead. Yes, some green business initiatives will require upfront investment, but the returns could be realised sooner than we think.
Our post-consumer glass recycling initiative, for example, started as a simple exercise to cut waste disposal costs. In the space of just over two years, however, we have not only saved money, but donated thousands of pounds into our GreenVision fund to support local community groups and environmental initiatives.
New affordable homes in Knaresborough get the green light
A £16 million project that will see 64 affordable homes built in Knaresborough has been given the go ahead.
In partnership with Yorkshire Housing, Countryside will build the two, three and four-bedroom family homes on the site of the former Trelleborg factory on Halfpenny Lane, which closed in 2016. They will be available for a mix of tenures including social rent, shared ownership and affordable rent.
Planning permission for the new homes was granted earlier this year by Harrogate Borough Council. As part of the development, developers will also contribute £465,000 to improve the local area.
Director of Development at Yorkshire Housing, Sian Grindley said: “We’re really pleased this scheme has been given the go-ahead and it’s great to be teaming up with Countryside to deliver high-quality homes to over 60 families, that they can be proud of.
“We’re committed to providing affordable and sustainable homes with cost-effective heating, power, and thermal efficiency at a time when it’s needed more than ever.
“The scheme also brings us closer towards our target of delivering 8,000 new homes across Yorkshire.”
Andy Poyner, Managing Director, Yorkshire, Countryside Partnerships, said: “Countryside Partnerships is committed to regenerating areas and creating communities that people can be proud of. This site will combine spacious, high-quality homes with an exciting and evolving community where people will love to live.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Yorkshire Housing on this inclusive residential development, which will give local people the opportunity to buy the house of their dreams.”
Work is due to start in March 2023 and the scheme is expected to be completed by March 2025.
Two join Lincoln architects’ practice
Two new faces have joined the Architecture team at the Lincoln Head Office of Waldeck‘s.
Charlie Hirst is a junior technician, and Sophie Vanstone a placement student. Charlie is following in the footsteps of ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ finalist, Connor Penlington, taking on a hybrid role between the Architecture and Digital teams, having recently completed his Part 1 in Architecture at the University of Lincoln. Sophie is currently in her final year of studying Interior Architecture & Design at the University of Lincoln, and is currently carrying out a work placement alongside her studies, with a view of joining the team full-time following graduation.
Director of Architecture Stuart Denniss said:“Charlie and Sophie join us during a period of continued growth and as they integrate into the business I have no doubt they will become valued members of the team.
“Recruiting and investing in local people to develop the next generation of construction industry talent is high on Waldeck’s agenda. In 2023 we are committed to continuing our engagement with our local community, attending Careers Fairs at local Colleges and Universities to support young people in the next chapter of their careers. These two new appointments are testament to this.””
“We have a proven track record of delivering high quality design for our clients and collaborating successfully with the wider design team to meet our client’s objectives. The skills and fresh ideas Sophie and Charlie bring, will feed into our current experienced team as they develop over the coming months and support the production of practical, buildable and cost-effective solutions for our clients.”
Hull accountancy firm enters partnership with Wakefield Trinity
360 Chartered Accountants is tobe the official “Accountancy Partner” for Wakefield Trinity for the 2023 Super League season.
The partnership, which started this month, sees the firm opening a permanent office at the Be Well Support Stadium, providing an ideal base in West Yorkshire to support its developing portfolio of clients and partners in and around Wakefield.
The deal includes sleeve sponsorship on the first team training tops, being the main match sponsor for the Hull KR fixture as well as continuing to sponsor the club’s half-time and full-time social media posts and the Winning Wednesday Draw.
Adrian Hunter, MD at 360, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed coming on board with the Wildcats last year and are delighted to be part of the club’s future as they embark on an exciting new chapter, both on and off the field. Having had such a warm welcome from all the staff, it just felt right to have the conversation with Michael Carter, and I would like to express my sincere thanks for his enthusiasm in getting this agreement over the line.
“As well as looking forward to meeting up with our co-sponsors during the season, we are excited about integrating 360 into the local business community and I would welcome the opportunity to meet over coffee for an informal chat with anyone who wants to explore how we can help them moving forward.”
Michael Carter, Chief Executive of Wakefield Trinity, said: “It’s fantastic to partner up with 360 accountants. We have been using the firm now for a couple of years and our relationship with Adrian and Andy goes from strength to strength. We have enjoyed hosting them at the Be Well Support Stadium and this latest move just strengthens the relationship even further. I look forward to working with 360 and cementing our partnership even further.”
360’s new office in Wakefield continues the firm’s strategic expansion across Yorkshire. With headquarters in Hull, they opened their office in York in January 2022.
British Steel prepares to commission £54m investment at Scunthorpe
British Steel is preparing to commission its largest single investment since Jingye took over the company – a £54m billet caster, part of investment worth £330 million the company has committed to since 2020.
Other significant investments in this period include:
- £27 million investment in three new cranes at the company’s Immingham Bulk Terminal. The new machinery uses the latest technical advances in dig depth optimisation to ensure continuous peak performance
- £14.6 million investment to enhance energy operations including projects to improve the way electricity and process gases are used
- IT systems upgrade – scheduled to go live in March, this multi-million-pound investment will ensure colleagues, customers and suppliers benefit from the latest information technology
Streets covers the closure of the Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme, the launch of Entrepreneurs Connect, and more in latest news bulletin
In its latest news bulletin, Streets Chartered Accountants covers the closure of the Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme, the benefits of an optimistic approach to business in 2023, the launch of the Entrepreneurs Connect initiative, and more.
Closure of Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme
The Certificates of Tax Deposit scheme had been available for many years. Under the scheme, a taxpayer could purchase a certificate from HMRC and subsequently use the certificate either to pay a tax liability or obtain a refund. They were often used where a liability was in dispute with HMRC, and a certificate was purchased to both put funds in place to pay the liability should HMRC win the dispute and also to mitigate the interest charge on the eventual payment of the liability…
The benefits of a more optimistic approach to business in 2023
It is widely recognised and reported that business confidence declined during 2022, with the start of 2023 perhaps seeing little in the way of renewed confidence. The continued conflict in Ukraine, the continued aftershock of Brexit and the rising costs of living impact in one way or another on business optimism. Perhaps then business leaders, more than ever, need to focus on the importance of optimism as a state of mind, and the impact it has on the realisation of strategy, performance and success…
Entrepreneurs Connect
Streets are delighted to invite all entrepreneurs to the launch of Entrepreneurs Connect, an initiative that we have co-founded with the University of Lincoln’s Research & Enterprise Department. This new network aims to provide a creative and interactive platform, in the form of dynamic quarterly events and workshops, to bring together Greater Lincolnshire’s entrepreneurs. Like-minded, forward-thinking business founders will be able to exchange knowledge and create a strong and inclusive network of enterprising minds…
Midlands Family Business Awards Launch 2023
Streets are delighted to continue to sponsor the Midlands Family Business Awards in 2023. The awards team have made some exciting changes, but the aim remains the same — to celebrate and shine a light on our region’s great family businesses. Streets would like to extend an invitation to members of family businesses to join them for lunch and be the first to find out about the changes that have been made and the 10 exciting Award categories for this year. The awards team will also detail the key dates and explain the 2023 entry and judging process…
SmartMoney – January/February 2023
SmartMoney is the bi-monthly magazine from Streets Financial Consulting plc, its independent financial planning arm, full of news and helpful information on personal financial planning…
Leeds flooring firm opens new store and eyes recruitment following £2.1m deal
Leeds-based Floorstore Group, which sells carpets and flooring across Yorkshire, has secured a £2.1m finance package with NatWest.
The investment has enabled the family-owned firm to open a new 13,000-square-foot showroom in Cross Gates, Leeds, supporting the business to achieve its ambition of expanding its presence in the flooring market.
The deal has also allowed the retailer, which employs 52 staff, to recruit to an additional four new roles in its warehouse, accounts and digital teams, with further vacancies being recruited to, to support the current and future growth ambitions of the business.
The Floorstore Group, formerly known as Jim’s Carpets, was founded in 1961 and remains family owned and operated, with seven outlets across Leeds, Wakefield and Harrogate.
The finance deal and new site will also enable the company to build on its green commitments. The firm, which already recycles old and new carpets and flooring as well as the materials used in the packaging process, plans to install solar panels to further reduce the carbon footprint of the businesses. Electric vehicle charging points for customers and the public will also be installed.
Steve Walker, Managing Director at Floorstore Group, said: “We’ve long been keen to grow our offering to give our customers more choice of carpets and flooring and our new store will allow us to do just that, bringing our high-quality products to new customers, while also serving to complement our online retail offer and meet our future ambitions for growth.
“The business has banked with NatWest for more than 40 years and we’ve always had an exceptional relationship over the years, with the bank supporting us at every stage of our journey. Everything about securing the finance package has been really easy and it’s been a smooth process all the way through.”
Mark Forsyth, relationship director at NatWest, said: “We are delighted to support Floorstore Group with a flexible finance package that has allowed them to buy and open new trading premises. The new premises will increase the company’s presence in the flooring market, as well as create employment for local people.
“It’s been fantastic to work closely with Steve and the team to provide them with financing that suits their needs and will help take the business on to the next stage of their growth journey.”
HMRC changes the rules on use of repayment agents
HM Revenue and Customs is changing the way taxpayers who use a repayment agent can receive overpaid tax to protect them and raise standards among repayment agents.
HMRC will introduce legislation to change the way repayment agents are paid for their services and better protect customers from the unscrupulous tactics used by some operators. This means stopping the use of legally binding ‘assignments’ as part of claiming an Income Tax repayment, which could only be cancelled if the agent and taxpayer both agreed to do so. This can be challenging for customers who become dissatisfied with their agent, or who simply wish to take over managing their own claim.
Under new arrangements, if a taxpayer chooses to use a repayment agent to reclaim overpaid tax and wants it sent to the agent, they will need to make a nomination, which they can cancel at any time. The new process will make it easier for taxpayers to stay in control of their repayments.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said:“Taxpayers deserve better – we want to make sure they are better protected before choosing to enter into an agreement with a repayment agent. HMRC’s updated standards for agents will level the playing field and provide the benchmark we expect all repayment agents to meet.”
The changes follow HMRC’s consultation last summer on ‘Raising standards in tax advice: Protecting customers claiming tax repayments’. Responses to the consultation highlighted the need to improve agent transparency and standards with the overall aim of better protection for taxpayers.
As a result, HMRC is today also setting out the following measures:
•updated standards for agents – applicable to all tax agents and include greater transparency requirements
•a new HMRC registration process for repayment agents – to make the agent sector more transparent so customers better understand what they are signing up to
Victoria Atkins, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:
“For too long taxpayers have been left in the dark as a result of misleading and opaque agreements with repayments agents. These new measures will ensure those who are entitled to claim a tax repayment or relief can do so freely and easily – whether they choose to do this themselves or by using an agent.
“This Government is making it easier to navigate the system for all taxpayers using an agent to claim money that’s owed to them.”
Victoria Todd, Head of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, said:
“We welcome these additional steps, which show HMRC recognises the important role they play in consumer protection. Refund companies have a legitimate role in the tax system, but the practices of some of these companies in recent years have been unacceptable. The proposed changes will hopefully address problems around the use of assignments, increase transparency for taxpayers and set clearer standards for these companies’ behaviour.
“Alongside this, it is important that more effort goes into raising awareness of refunds and ensuring it is as simple as possible for taxpayers to access them. We look forward to working with HMRC on the detail of the proposals.”
Hull timber merchant sold
Hull timber merchant, Timber Angel Limited, has been sold out of administration.
The company had experienced cashflow difficulties as a result of temporary disruption at one of its principal suppliers. After assessing their options, the directors took the decision to seek the appointment of administrators.
Immediately following the appointment of James Clark and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators on 9 January 2023, they concluded a sale of the Timber Angel Limited business and assets to Hull-based N.R.Burnett Limited.
The transaction sees nine employees of Timber Angel transfer to the purchaser.
James Clark, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Unfortunately, Timber Angel was significantly impacted by issues affecting one of its key suppliers. We are therefore pleased to have been able to safeguard the future of the business and wish the new owners and the employees all the very best for the future.”
