First business development at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone

Steve Fisher
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First business development at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone

The first sale of land at the FEZ is complete with Holbeach-based business AJS Control & Automation now able to start work on their new development.

AJS have purchased a plot covering just over 0.6 acres to build a two-storey office, research and development facility and workshop premises over 12,905 square feet. Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy at the county council, said: “This is the first of many businesses that will benefit from locating at this amazing, collaborative site. The South Lincolnshire FEZ offers so much for local, national and multi-national firms at the forefront of the agri-food and technology sector. “We’re providing the infrastructure, collaboration opportunities and research capabilities that businesses need, but we’re also making it quicker and easier for them to locate here.” James Taylor, Managing Director at AJS Control & Automation said “We have been looking for a new property to house our three rapidly growing businesses for some time now. I was on the launch call for SLFEZ during lockdown and knew this was the place for AJS straight away! I believe this will form a community of likeminded businesses looking to work together to aid food production sustainability. Myself and all of our team cannot wait to get to our new site.” Other occupiers of the South Lincolnshire FEZ include the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing’s Agri-Food Centre of Excellence and Institute of Technology, as well as Lincolnshire County Council’s purpose-built, high quality business space, The Hub. Jasper Caudwell, at Pygott & Crone, the appointed marketing agent, said “AJS have been working alongside us from the very early stages and it gives us all great pleasure in seeing them take ownership of Plot 9. They will form an integral part in the future growth of the site and we are looking forward to seeing their development materialise. The completion of Plot 9 is a timely one, with the launch of the HUB building being just around the corner.” Sarah Louise Fairburn, Deputy Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Food Board, said “It’s fitting that the first commercial tenant to move onto our ground-breaking South Lincolnshire FEZ is a business focusing on one of the three themes our food industry has agreed for the UK Food Valley: supporting the automation and digital transition of the food chain. “The food industry is investing rapidly in automation, and with the University of Lincoln now the leading innovation centre for this technology in Europe, AJS can be assured that its growth will be well supported. In my own business I am developing new automated solutions for warehouse pick and pack and it’s vital that we facilitate the growth of a thriving automation cluster in Lincolnshire.” Councillor Nick Worth, South Holland District Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for people, places, economy, said: “It is great to see a local business take this exciting first step to join the FEZ, which will give a variety of innovative food businesses a unique location to support each other and develop together. “I look forward to seeing more new arrivals in the coming months, and the employment opportunities and boost to the economy these will bring for Holbeach, South Holland, and the wider area.”
 

Work gets underway on new state-of-the-art pathology lab

Tess Egginton
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Work gets underway on new state-of-the-art pathology lab
BAM Construction has begun work on a new state-of-the-art pathology laboratory to serve patients in Leeds, West Yorkshire and Harrogate. The facility, at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, will support hospitals across the region to improve diagnostics for patients and help to meet the growing regional demand for specialist treatment and care – as well as providing development opportunities for staff. BAM Construction has begun work on the site at the north end of the St James’s Hospital campus and are currently preparing the ground ready for building the new laboratory. The new facility is expected to be completed in the summer of next year (2023) and become operational in the autumn. It will be part of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Pathology Network, formed through the collaboration of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts (WYAAT), and will support the delivery of pathology services to patients across the region.
The start of works on site is a boost for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s wider health improvement plan which includes the development of a new adults’ hospital, a new home for Leeds Children’s Hospital and the largest single-site maternity centre in the UK in one building on the Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) site. The new pathology laboratory will allow the Trust to incorporate most of its pathology services currently housed in outdated facilities in the Old Medical School at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) as well as some of those delivered from St James’s University Hospital. The vacated Old Medical School building will form part of a plan to use surplus estate at the LGI to develop an innovation village which could create up to 3,000 new jobs and deliver up to £11.2bn in net present value. Paul Cleminson, pre-construction director for BAM Construction North East, said the work they were carrying out on site was amongst the most advanced in any UK healthcare facility. “It builds on an excellent relationship with St James’ and the wider Trust based on our previous work together at the i3TMRI/Hybrid Cardiac Theatre scheme and the backlog maintenance programme across Leeds as well as incorporating the most modern ways of working known to our sector,” he said. “It also draws on the lessons we’ve learned through delivering the Nightingale Hospital for Yorkshire and the Humber. “It’s an exciting time to be involved with construction but this scheme will be especially important as it pushes the boundaries for us all.”

Lincoln press release distribution service acquired by US firm

Tess Egginton
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Lincoln press release distribution service acquired by US firm
3BL Media, the environmental, social and governance (ESG) content distribution and analytics platform for purpose-driven companies, has acquired RealWire Limited, expanding audience and reach in the United Kingdom and Europe. The acquisition is the eighth for 3BL Media since 2009. Terms were not disclosed. “Companies worldwide are committing themselves to ESG performance and transparency, and the combination of RealWire with 3BL Media will provide greater reach to stakeholders including online news outlets, journalists and investors,” said Dave Armon, CEO of 3BL Media, adding that previous UK acquisitions included Ethical Performance and ReportAlert. Based in Lincoln, since launching in 2000, RealWire specializes in increasing the online impact of press releases while cultivating positive relationships with business and trade journalists. RealWire’s editorial and client services team, led by Managing Director Emily Gosling, will enhance 3BL Media’s distribution network by providing concierge service to the growing journalist corps covering climate and sustainability topics. “Historically, RealWire has been an important B2B communications platform for technology, telecoms and healthcare businesses,” said Gosling. “We have seen ESG rise on our clients’ agenda, so joining 3BL Media will enable us to reach new audiences immediately on a global scale while we apply our unique model for micro-targeting to beat reporters who opt into our distribution network.” Of the more than 8,000 reports and stories on ESG topics that 3BL Media distributed last year, environmental topics generated the most volume and audience interest, said Armon. Diversity, equity and inclusion was the top content category in the first quarter of 2022.

Black Sheep signs deal as Jet2.com supplier

Stuart Pearcey
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Black Sheep signs deal as Jet2.com supplier

Masham-based Black Sheep Brewery is to be a supplier of in-flight drinks to Jet2.com, which is based down the road in Leeds.

Packaged in new 330ml cans, Black Sheep Ale will be available on Jet2.com’s new In-Flight Summer menu.

Black Sheep Brewery was set up in 1992 by Paul Theakston, who took a leap into the unknown as a fifth generation brewer of his family company, he left in the wake of its sale to a national brewery. Instead, he chose to champion independent brewing in Yorkshire and built his own brewery from reclaimed equipment in the very same town, Masham – making him the Black Sheep of the family.

Federation of Small Businesses calls on Government to act and save access to cash

Stuart Pearcey
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Federation of Small Businesses calls on Government to act and save access to cash
The FSB has urged the Government to protect the ability to trade in cash for the 40% of small firms who says it’s their primary payment method, and 60% which need to make regular cash payments.
Responding to new findings from consumer champion Which? about access to cash ahead of next week’s Queen’s Speech, FSB National Chair Martin McTague, a member of the Access to Cash Pilots Board, said: “With our bank branch infrastructure further decimated over the pandemic, this Queen’s Speech is the last chance saloon where protecting access to cash is concerned. “Four in ten small high street businesses say cash is the number one payment method among customers, and six in ten need to make regular cash deposits. “Since the Access to Cash Review was published, we haven’t seen meaningful movement in the numbers of customers and small firms that rely on cash day to day. But we have seen further closures of bank branches, and new limits on opening hours – choking off supply while demand remains. “Notes and coins are still important to the lives of millions of consumers, not least disabled people, the elderly and those on tight budgets. Physical currency is also a vital backup for when digital systems fail. “Online banking brings massive benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency. Policymakers and banks should be working hand in glove to get everyone online and up to speed with all the perks that managing finances safely online can bring. “But so long as the need for cash remains, free access should be protected. Often, it’s in areas where consumers are most reliant on notes and coins that pay-to-use machines pop up – every pound spent on accessing cash is a pound not spent with the local small businesses on which our recovery will depend. “Legislation and clear oversight by a single regulator in this space is overdue – the former was promised years ago. It’s time to turn positive words into positive action.”

New partnership aims to highlight inward investment opportunities in North Yorkshire

Stuart Pearcey
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New partnership aims to highlight inward investment opportunities in North Yorkshire
A new ‘Invest in York & North Yorkshire’ partnership has been launched with the intention of promoting the region’s inward investment opportunities at next month’s UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum. Made up of the York & North Yorkshire LEP, North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council, Scarborough and Harrogate Borough Council, Selby, Harrogate and Richmondshire District Councils and Craven Council, the partnership will showcase itself  at the Royal Armouries in Leeds from Tuesday 17th until Thursday 19th May.  The whole event is expected to bring together more than 5,000 people, aiming to highlight commercial investment and development opportunities across the UK and promote collaboration in the area of economic regeneration and growth. The ‘Invest in York & North Yorkshire’ stand (B11) will showcase what makes York & North Yorkshire a great investment prospect. In addition to this, ‘Invest in York & North Yorkshire’ will be hosting a presentation themed ‘York & North Yorkshire- More than just a pretty place’ on Wednesday 18th May to highlight the diverse opportunities in the region.

New appointments to support post-COVID drive for York-based Continuum Attractions Group

Tess Egginton
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New appointments to support post-COVID drive for York-based Continuum Attractions Group
With the UK tourism sector being one of the fastest to bounce back from the pandemic, York-based visitor attractions company, Continuum Attractions Group, has boosted its board and made key marketing and travel trade appointments. Paul Mahy and Dorothy Stubbs have both joined the board of Continuum Attractions Group, the umbrella company which owns and operates a portfolio of heritage and entertainment visitor attraction brands. Paul Mahy becomes group operations director, having worked his way up through the organisation over ten years, during which time he’s managed Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, and overseen the opening of Emirates Cable Car in London, the Void at Westfield London and most recently I’m a Celebrity and Netflix’s Army of the Dead London based VR offering. Dorothy has led the company’s HR operation, overseeing over 500 staff across eight attractions, for the last seven years. She joins the Continuum Board as group people director. “The tourism sector has seen a remarkable recovery in the last year, with domestic travel remaining buoyant and international visitors just starting to return, so now is absolutely the right time to strengthen our board for an exciting period to come,” says Chief Executive, Juliana Delaney. “We have a number of new projects planned for the next 12 months which will further expand the experiences that the Continuum Group offers across the country, from the heights of the Spinnaker Tower overlooking the South coast, to the below-streets experience at The Real Mary King’s Close on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.” With key partnerships with ITV to operate I’m A Celebrity Jungle Challenge in Manchester, Coronation Street Tours at Media City and Emmerdale Village Tours near Leeds, new group marketing strategist, Alex Caley, will be tasked with supporting attraction marketing teams with their campaigns and overseeing the strategic business positioning of Continuum Group as it continues to expand its portfolio. Building on the group travel market which is slowly returning to normal, Mark Smith has been appointed as group trade manager, focusing on developing the offer for the travel trade and coach operators across all attractions, including VIP experiences which will be key to attracting domestic and international premium tour markets, and multiple attraction visits. “We have amazing teams in place at each and every one of our attractions, and we are very excited to be strengthening our group-wide strategic management with these four appointments,” adds Sue Garland, chair of Continuum Attractions. “Paul and Dorothy have both proven their skills within the company, so we are pleased to have their commercial and people-first approaches as part of our board. “Marketing will be key to driving growth, and Alex is a great fit with the team to drive our overall strategy forward, and Mark knows the travel industry inside out, and is well-placed to develop new products and services specifically to suit the ever-evolving needs of our travel trade partners.”

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust acquires stake in Lincs Offshore Wind Farm

Tess Egginton
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Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust acquires stake in Lincs Offshore Wind Farm

Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust has entered into an agreement to acquire a 7.75% ownership interest in the Lincs Offshore Wind Farm (Lincs).

Lincs, located off the east coast of England, has been operational since 2013 and benefits from the UK’s ROC regime, receiving 2 ROCs per megawatt hour of electricity generation during the first 20 years of operation.

It has an installed capacity of 270MW, made up of 75 turbines each of 3.6 MW spread across c. 35 square kilometres. Lincs is operated and managed by Ørsted, the largest energy company in Denmark and a leading developer and operator of offshore wind farms in the UK and globally.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place during Q2 2022 (subject to receipt of consents from existing investors and lenders). Following completion of the transaction, Lincs will represent approximately 10% of the company’s portfolio on a gross asset value basis.

Phil Austin, chairman of Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust, said: “Our investment into Lincs is ORIT’s first into an operational offshore wind farm, and will provide us with an additional revenue generating asset, that benefits from the favourable ROC subsidy regime and gives ORIT further portfolio diversification. The acquisition will also strengthen ORIT’s relationships with leading investors and operators in the offshore sector.“

York’s historic Guildhall restored and transformed

Tess Egginton
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York’s historic Guildhall restored and transformed
The restoration of York’s Guildhall has now been completed, with the historic buildings ready to support local businesses and drive economic growth.
Planning and Listed Building consent for the innovative scheme was secured in 2017 by the council, led by architects Burrell Foley Fischer. Restoration and redevelopment of the Guildhall began in September 2019, with the council appointed construction contractor, VINCI Construction UK, carrying out an extensive programme of works to refurbish the building and create a first-class business venue, whilst also respecting the Guildhall’s great heritage. Funding for the £21.7m restoration and redevelopment work was provided by City of York Council, York and North Yorkshire LEP and West Yorkshire Combined Authority through respective HMG Growth Deal contributions and the Getting Building Fund. Following the restoration, the building will be leased to York Science Park (YSPL), a subsidiary of the University of York, helping to support local entrepreneurs and start-ups looking to grow. The Guildhall is a collection of Grade I, II* and II listed buildings built around the 15th century hall and riverside meeting room. Before the project, the complex had only seen reactive repairs and maintenance works since extensive rebuilding work was carried out following the Baedeker bombing raids in 1942. This comprehensive scheme of refurbishment has safeguarded the building’s future, providing accessible 21st century facilities and amenities to complement the historical significance. The restored Guildhall will offer:
  • high quality (business) office, meeting, conference and events space
  • availability for community, civic and council use
  • a café
  • a new riverside restaurant
  • access for visitors and local residents
Councillor Keith Aspden, leader of City of York Council, said: “The Guildhall is one of York’s and the region’s most historically significant buildings and I am pleased to see this great asset restored for the city. “The investment in the Guildhall means that the complex will once again play an important role in the city’s future for years to come, with excellent facilities for businesses and local residents to benefit from. “I would like to thank the efforts of staff and partners, who have worked tirelessly throughout the course of the pandemic to help deliver this project.” Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said: “The Council has made a major contribution to secure the long-term future of the Guildhall via this restoration project and we are proud to be custodians of such a nationally important building in the city. “Crucially, we have been able to preserve the historic character of the building, whilst also redeveloping the building for business, social and civic uses. The Guildhall will be accessible for local residents for the first time in many years, with tours and open days taking place next month, offering an opportunity for people to take a look inside.” Chris Winspear, regional director at VINCI, said: “It has been an honour to take on this once-in-a-generation project and the resulting transformation is testament to the successful partnership working between City of York Council, the design team, ourselves and our supply chain. “There have been some extraordinary engineering and logistic challenges to overcome and our team are very proud in what they have accomplished. It’s been a delight returning the Guildhall to its former glory, whilst repurposing it for twenty-first century use.” The focus now is on furnishing so the building can fully reopen in May. As part of the reopening of the Guildhall, a series of tours and open days will be taking place so people can see the restoration for themselves.

Innovative plastics sorting technology diverts waste from landfill and earns Queen’s Award

Stuart Pearcey
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Innovative plastics sorting technology diverts waste from landfill and earns Queen’s Award
A division of Louth-based Luxus has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation 2022. Colour Tone Masterbatch Ltd has patented technology that makes black plastics recyclable by allowing them to be sorted, saving an estimated 10,000 tonnes of plastic going to landfill so far. Simon Atterby, General Manager at Colour Tone Masterbatch Ltd, said: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team. The management of plastics is, without doubt, one of the greatest challenges we all face as we try to build a cleaner, greener future for the generations to come.” Black plastic is mistakenly perceived by many consumers as a particular problem, due to it being regarded as single use and impossible to recycle. However, the polymer itself is perfectly recyclable, but when coloured in a traditional way, it could not be recognised by the near infra-red sorting equipment in post-consumer sorting facilities. That meant it went to landfill. Colour Tone recognised this and developed and patented a product which allows brand owners to continue to colour as they wish (including black) but via a colouring technology that is optimised for post-consumer sorting, therefore allowing the product to be identified and diverted from landfill and recycled. Added Simon: “It’s a sustainable solution for both black plastics and other products which would otherwise not have been sorted.” Tony Gaukroger, one of the founders of Colour Tone and creators of the NIR product, said: “We recognised that a fundamental part of tackling the challenge was developing technology that enabled the effective recycling of black plastic, so we applied our years of experience and insight and invested significant time and resources into making it happen. We look forward to continuing to play our part in driving innovation and applying our specialist knowledge to build a cleaner, brighter future for our industry.”
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