Eddisons expands Sheffield office with new building and project consultancy division
Property consultant Eddisons has appointed newly promoted associate director Curtis Bowles to head the new Sheffield building and project consultancy team at its South Yorkshire office, which was launched in the city in October last year.
Joining Eddisons in 2016 as a building surveyor, Curtis was promoted to associate director at the Leeds-headquartered firm this year and will now head a five-strong team of building and project consultancy colleagues who will make the move to Sheffield with him from Eddisons’ Leeds office.
He will be joined by graduate building surveyors Jack Cooper and James Hunston, as well as a soon-to-be-appointed apprentice building surveyor and Caitlin Belshaw, an undergraduate building surveying student on her placement year in industry from Sheffield Hallam University.
Ian Harrington, who heads Eddisons’ growing building and project consultancy team nationally, said: “We’re really pleased to have such a talented and capable young team led by Curtis heading up our building and project consultancy operation in South Yorkshire. Eddisons are fully invested in recruiting and nurturing young people and enabling them to progress upwards within the business. It’s fantastic to see people who started with us as youngsters develop and rise to new challenges.”
He added: “The Sheffield office is seeing an increase in business across the board, with particularly strong growth in the education sector in South Yorkshire and the Midlands. The important work we are doing with schools and colleges is helping them generate winning bids to secure Government funding for much-needed physical improvements to grounds and buildings.
“Activity from the Government’s procurement frameworks, Crown Commercial Services and public sector professional buying organisation ESPO, is also increasing as Eddisons’ reputation grows in this area.”
Eddisons’ Sheffield office is headed by Adrian Lunn and has grown to become a team of 17 since its launch last autumn.
myenergi appoints Tom Callow as head of external affairs
myenergi, pioneer of the world’s first eco-smart EV charger, has announced the appointment of Tom Callow as head of external affairs. Joining the business from bp pulse, Callow is widely regarded as a leading voice in the electric vehicles sector.
With more than fourteen years’ experience in senior level strategic and operational roles, Callow has worked with some of the world’s largest automotive and electrification brands. Most recently, he was head of insight and external affairs at bp pulse, with responsibility for both monitoring and influencing the regulatory landscape, as well as representing the business to a wide range of external industry stakeholders.
Prior to this, he was head of external communications at Cox Automotive (previously Manheim UK) and helped to build the brand’s national profile as a leading provider of auto auction, defleet, remarketing and retail operations. Having started his career agency side, Callow has been involved in ground-breaking low-carbon, cleantech and electrification programmes for more than a decade.
In his new role, Callow will drive myenergi’s engagement with policy and regulation, as well as leading on a wide range of public relations initiatives.
Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi, commented: “As a renowned EV expert, I’ve known Tom for a number of years. His reputation within automotive and electrification is simply unmatched, so we’re delighted to welcome him to the team.
“Since founding myenergi in 2016, the business has continued to scale. We now employ more than 350 team members in the UK, with teams growing globally and subsidiaries now operational in Australia, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands. Earlier this year, we shipped our 350,000th unit – an important milestone for our rapidly-growing global business.
“Tom’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to further developing the team with some of the sector’s most ambitious and respected leaders. I’m looking forward to working in close partnership to further drive our policy and regulation engagement activity over the coming months.”
Commenting on his appointment, Callow added: “Having followed the myenergi story almost from inception, I’ve greatly admired what Jordan, Lee and the rest of the team have accomplished in such a short space of time. As someone with a background in the automotive sector, I’ve been acutely aware for many years of the need to transition towards zero emission vehicles and believe that myenergi is truly leading the way.
“In my new role, my goal is to ensure that myenergi is not only recognised for its fantastic zappi EV charger, but becomes absolutely synonymous with smart home energy technology more generally. Indeed, with the largest share of household emissions coming from heating, decarbonising homes is of paramount importance.”
Seven new contract wins secured as Yorkshire communications specialist continues to grow
Brighouse-based communications agency Faith has been appointed by seven new and retained clients across a range of sectors to provide media relations, social media and digital marketing services, which will bring in 35% additional annual revenue.
The agency has been appointed by direct mail provider Propack to manage all communications and social media activity for the firm which recently celebrated over 25 years in business with a £2.7m investment into new technology.
Cementing its expertise in the direct mail sector, Faith has also secured a contract renewal for long term partner, The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP), and will lead on refreshing the national mailing industry body’s internal and external communication strategies.
The UK’s leading annexe builder, iHus, has appointed Faith to deliver a digital media relations programme to raise its profile on a national level, improve SEO performance and drive enquiries.
Pan-European sales and marketing specialist durhamlane has enlisted the agency for profile-building media relations, while AgriSound, a fast-growing start-up tech firm specialising in pollination management, has tasked Faith with managing all of its social media, investor and media relations to drive awareness.
In West Yorkshire, Faith will manage all communications activity for Huddersfield Unlimited, a business-led organisation which aims to promote Huddersfield as a key player in the Northern economy and beyond, as a great place to do business, ultimately attracting inward investment and enhancing the prosperity of its residents.
The agency has also been appointed as a bolt-on marketing department for Brighouse-based IT support & development firm Fusion IT, as it ramps up its communications and marketing activity ahead of its 20th anniversary in 2023.
The new client wins and contract renewal mean the agency is recruiting for an account manager and at executive level to support its continued growth.
Managing director of Faith, Stefanie Hopkins, said: “I’m delighted to welcome six new businesses to our client portfolio and to continue our partnership with the SMP.
“The appointments demonstrate the continued confidence of companies to invest in their communications activity and we’re looking forward to delivering a range of traditional and digital PR, social media and digital marketing to help build profile, improve SEO performance and put their brand, products and services in front of the right audiences.
“The team is excited to be working with such innovative and forward-thinking brands. We can’t wait to support them in expanding the way they approach their marketing strategies and help them really maximise the influence that each brand already enjoys.
“We are always on the look-out for talented individuals who want to be part of our business so if you have a passion for communications and want to be part of an agency that is big enough to have an impact but small enough to care, please get in touch.”
Coffee legends unveil brand new store
120-year-old family firm and coffee legends Stokes, has unveiled its new fast and fabulous dining destination – Stokes To Go!
The new Stokes To Go take-away, means everyone can enjoy top quality menu options, even when they are on the move.
Located next door to the Stokes iconic High Bridge café on Lincoln’s High Street, it’s the only place in Lincoln and for miles around, where you can get your hands on a genuine Cornish Pasty and lots of beautifully presented takeaway options that are making Stokes To Go an irresistible choice. Hungry locals, workers, students and visitors on the lookout for a hunger-busting breakfast, luscious lunch, veggie options, a sweet snack and of course Stokes’ famous freshly roasted coffee will not be disappointed.
Stokes To Go has a modern and vibrant interior with a beautiful seating area upstairs for those who want to rest their feet while they tuck into the delicious locally sourced produce, freshly baked pastries, genuine pasties, breakfast ciabattas, fresh-cut sandwiches and even Project D doughnuts.
Nick Peel, MD at Stokes Tea & Coffee, said: “We’re thrilled to launch the new Stokes To Go store. Customers have been asking us if we would take over the space next door to our High Bridge Café as it’s been empty for some time. It’s brilliant to see that the whole iconic building has now been brought back to life and everyone can enjoy it.
“We were conscious that there hasn’t been a lot of choice for customers who prefer locally sourced, top-quality options for their takeaway breakfasts and lunches. So, opening Stokes To Go means customers can not only enjoy a unique menu served fast, they don’t have to compromise on quality anymore even when they are short on time.”
For more information go to stokescoffee.com
Coastal businesses offered help to boost environmental credentials
Tourism businesses along the Lincolnshire coast can take part in a new programme to help them take advantage of being more environmentally sustainable.
Considerate Group has been commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council and Greater Lincolnshire LEP to deliver a Green Tourism Ambassador Training Programme – working with a selection of businesses to upskill them around green tourism.
Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy at the county council, said: “Funded through the Coastal Communities project, we’re keen to work with businesses across the coast from the Humber to the Wash, to give them the opportunity to pilot, showcase and lead in this exciting area.
“Eventually we want to see this rolled out across the business community in the whole of Greater Lincolnshire.
“The Green Tourism Toolkit on the visitlincolnshire for business website has had some great feedback already. The toolkit can actually be applied to any business with masterclasses, tutorials and templates.
“The training programme will really bring the toolkit to life and help businesses embed it in their everyday operations.”
Nicky van der Drift, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Visitor Economy Board, said: “The LEP is pleased to be supporting this pilot programme, which is designed to provide practical help to a selection of coastal businesses in the visitor economy.
“In addition to receiving training on the foundations of sustainability in a tourism business setting, employers will also be able to examine in great detail their impact on energy use over a one-year trial.
“There are already some excellent examples of sustainable tourism businesses in the area who recognise that operating in this way is good not only for keeping costs down, but also for attracting new visitors keen to minimise the impact of their holiday, and we expect the learning from this pilot will encourage more.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “With its internationally important wetlands and rich feeding grounds for wading birds, Cleethorpes plays a vital role in one of the largest mass migrations on the planet.
“Our Cleethorpes masterplan sets out how we want to make the most of the resort’s natural environment and encourage more visitors year-round.
“The Green Tourism Toolkit is a great way for businesses to learn how they operate more sustainably and take the lead in the growing green tourism market.”
Initially, 15 businesses will be selected to take part in a pilot, before the training is rolled out further. The first two training sessions will take place on 15th and 23rd of June, and businesses must be available on these dates.
Coastal tourism businesses interested in taking part in the programme can contact nicola.radford@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
ESG driving Yorkshire food sector
The food industry is making positive strides in tackling the issue of ESG, according to a survey carried out as part of the 2022 Yorkshire Food & Agri-business sector dinner, a joint event hosted by accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP, Barclays, and Mills & Reeve.
Half of businesses surveyed said they were already implementing, or had an ESG business strategy in place, with one in 10 emphasising that sustainability is central to driving the company forward. The survey also showed that 50% of food businesses were still in the early stages of addressing ESG.
The survey of businesses drawn from Yorkshire’s formidable food sector showed that climate change and the environment were the biggest areas of focus for the majority of respondents (90%), compared to just 35% for the Yorkshire business community as a whole. Prioritising ethical and sustainable suppliers and materials during the procurement process (40%), as well as board leadership and company purpose, in line with the UK Corporate Governance Code, were also ESG priorities in 2022.
Jason Whitworth, partner at BDO in Yorkshire, said: “When it comes to ESG, there’s a mixed picture in the regional food sector, in terms of where people are on their ESG journey. However, there is an extremely strong appetite amongst Yorkshire businesses to ensure they implement robust processes and procedures that form a core part of their business strategy moving forward. It’s clear that there is a fine balance to be found between meeting ESG commitments and managing other areas of the business. However, despite this juggle, the food sector overwhelmingly wants to do the right thing.”
He added: “ESG is quickly becoming a core part of how the food sector operates and investing and innovating in more sustainable business practices will be vital in years to come.”
The ESG-themed event, hosted at Yorkshire heritage-rich venue The Tetley in Leeds, focused on important issues currently facing the sector, including what ESG means to businesses in the sector, how corporate strategies will evolve over the next three to five years, and what more needs to be done to tackle ESG in the food industry. It featured organic food delivery service Abel & Cole – a company leading the charge, in terms of sustainability credentials – speaking about its B Corp accreditation, together with recent “Free-From Food Awards” winner, Yorkshire brand, Good – It’s Gluten Free, on the importance of ESG for a fast-growing start-up.
Stefanie Sahmel, head of sustainability at Abel & Cole, said: “ESG considerations are in the Abel & Cole DNA, and B Corp status has been an important investment we have made in sustaining our momentum in this core belief for both Abel & Cole and the wider Yorkshire-based William Jackson Food Group. It is a cost, but we’ve done it because we feel it is the right thing to do – a principle is not a principle unless you are willing to invest in it.”
Andrew Daly, of Good – It’s Gluten Free, added: “ESG is an issue rightly high on the agenda for a business of any size, especially those that are so closely connected with their consumers and aware of what is important to them.”
Alex Kenworthy, partner at Mills & Reeve in Leeds, added: “It was really interesting to hear the views of speakers from two businesses at very different stages in their lifecycles, but what shone through from both (and indeed from the other contributors) is that companies in the food sector are increasingly being judged on not only their profitability but also on the manner in which they conduct business.
“ESG factors are driving where consumers purchase their food and many now expect companies that supply them to be ethically aligned to their own priorities. Whether it’s executive pay, treatment of employees, sustainable sourcing and environmentally conscious practices, they all play a part in this thought process.”
John Laud, Barclays head of corporate banking in West and North Yorkshire, added: “It was clear from the speakers, the engaging discussion and the survey we undertook as a part of this event, that Yorkshire food producers are taking their wider ESG responsibilities seriously. We believe that supporting our customers with their transition to a low carbon economy is crucial to driving their Enterprise Value and their sustainable growth for the future and holding this type of event where opinion and experience are shared is a vital part of that.”
Matthew joins Sheffield office of Begbies Traynor
Matthew Cluer has been promoted to partner, based in the Sheffield office of independent business rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor.
After spending over nine years with another large independent insolvency practice in South Yorkshire, Matthew joined Begbies Traynor in December 2017, taking up the role of regional sales director for the South Yorkshire and East Midlands region.
Matthew specialises in providing turnaround and insolvency advice to sole traders and business owners in the SME sector. In addition, he also assists owner managed businesses in obtaining commercial finance products through his strong professional network.
In his new role as a partner, Matthew will continue to work with managing partner Kris Wigfield and the35-strong team in Sheffield to build the firm’s presence across the South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire region as well as managing the group’s national creditor services offering which is based at the Sheffield office.
Kris Wigfield said: “Since joining Begbies Traynor five years ago, Matt has made a huge contribution to the success of our operation here. With his client-facing role, liaising with business owners and professional advisers, he has helped to build the firm’s reputation, motivate and grow the team and increase our presence in the region.”
Julian Pitts, managing partner for Begbies Traynor in Yorkshire, added: “This promotion is well-deserved recognition of Matt’s talents and commitment – we look forward to him continuing to drive growth of the Begbies Traynor brand in South Yorkshire and across our offices in Lincoln and Nottingham too.”
Matthew said: “It’s extremely satisfying to see the progress we’ve made at our Sheffield base – from trebling our case load in the last five years, to massively growing the team and moving into larger offices in Westfield House, we have become one of the leading names in rescue and recovery in the region. I look forward to continuing to generate work for the team and support businesses in South Yorkshire and beyond.”
Work gets underway to transform second historic Westgate building
Wakefield Council is restoring a second historic Westgate building, as part of the next phase of a major scheme.
A former drapers’ shop – 22 Silver Street is to being restored as part of Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) programme to ensure the city’s heritage can be enjoyed for generations to come.
The HAZ scheme, funded by Wakefield Council and Historic England, is renovating Upper Westgate’s historic buildings and features, and has already seen the start of work to restore the Woolpacks Inn, along with the reinstating of traditional cobbles to Carter Street and Cheapside and the introduction of up lighting to Thompsons Yard, and the lane leading to Barstow Square.
Cllr Darren Byford, cabinet member for economic growth, skills and property, said: “It’s great that work has started on this historic building. We want everyone to be able to enjoy and appreciate the architecture and the history of Upper Westgate and the former drapers’ shop, which served generations of customers. It continues to house business premises today and is an important part of our district’s heritage.”
Nicky Brown, from Historic England, said: “It’s fantastic that work has started to restore this historic building in an area that is rich in heritage and significance for local people.”
She added: “The aim of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone is to help unlock the potential in Wakefield town centre through repair and improvement work, making it more attractive to residents, businesses, tourists and investors.”
The works will include the removal of the modern aluminium shop front with a replacement that is a more traditional wooden frontage. Some of the cement render will be removed and replaced by a traditional lime render to allow the building to dry out and breathe.
Windows on the upper floors will be refurbished and the original 18th century brickwork will be repaired and repointed with a traditional mortar to stop damp and prevent further damage to the original bricks.
Contractors have been trained in the use of mixing and applying traditional hot lime mortars.
The three storey Silver Street building stood at the corner of the old marketplace, beside the Corn Market. The earliest identified occupant was William Beatson, a mercer and leading townsman who lived there with his family from about 1740.
It became a drapers’ shop and in the 1830s was described as extending halfway into the street, “leaving only just room for one carriage to pass.”
The property continued to be occupied by a series of substantial Wakefield drapers, with drapery, clothes and dressmaking businesses continuing there well into the 20th century.
Since then, it has been home to a range of businesses, including a fast-food restaurant, and tanning studio. The upper floors of the building are today used by a recruitment agency, with a newsagent on the ground floor.
Boston gets new auctioneer as regular auction date returns
Boston Market will be welcoming a new auctioneer on Wednesday 18th May. The popular general auction will be run by Bob Clifford. Bob has 35 years’ experience as an auctioneer and already works with East Lindsey District Council, one of our Partners in the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership.
Cllr Tracey Abbott, Portfolio Holder for Town Centre, said: “We are so pleased to be able to announce that a regular auction will be back on Bargate Green, it’s an integral part of Boston Market and adds to the special character of our town.
“The Market Place and The Bargate Green offer a hardstanding site, suitable for all weathers and there is something for everyone at our local market.”
York’s robotics research centre awarded £1.5m to build solar farm
The University of York is to be the location for a new £1.5m solar farm project.
Located at the University’s new Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA), the facility will cover an area of around 1000-1500 square meters and will power around 80% of the building’s expected daily usage.
Funded through the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), the facility will enhance the Institute’s research capabilities by providing a ‘living lab’, which will allow researchers to safely develop and use robots to inspect and maintain the solar farm.
The project will enable the Institute to become energy self-sufficient and help meet the University’s net-zero targets.
Professor Miles Elsden, director of the Institute for Safe Autonomy, said the panels will provide around 200 kW of power to the building.
He said: “The facility will be made up of a range of different panel configurations – from static ground installations to sun-tracking arrays and vertical towers, to panels deployed on the side of the building and its rooftop.
“It is a really exciting and innovative project that shows our commitment as a University to sourcing sustainable energy.”
The new facility will be coupled with ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) technology that will be used to further increase the energy efficiency of the Institute to meet the remaining 20% of the building’s energy needs.
The solar farm is one of nine projects that are set to improve environmental sustainability, thanks to almost £19 million of funding from UKRPIF.
The investment will support universities to enhance, upgrade and adapt research centres and facilities to reduce their carbon emissions, and make research processes more environmentally sustainable.
As 23% of the UK’s CO2 is emitted from buildings and building usage, the nine projects will contribute to the government’s target to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and achieve net-zero by 2050.
