Trading Standards team wins award for uncovering £400k ‘fake gold’ scam
The discovery of a jewellery scam worth £400,000 has helped net Hull City Council’s Trading Standards team a prestigious national award. Suspicions were raised in 2023, over a Hull-based online trader selling large volumes of ‘gold’ chain from a home address. The team investigated and found the chains were in fact cheap metal, cut from a reel of chain and stamped with a fake hallmark. The counterfeit jewellery seized from the property would have been sold for £400,000, to customers believing they were buying genuine gold.
Trading Standards officers worked closely with the Sheffield-based Assay Office, one of four in the country. The Assay Office tests precious metals to prove authenticity, and is the only UK authority which can carry out hallmarking. Tests by the body proved the seized chains were cheap fakes, and that any hallmarks were not genuine.
The team scooped the prestigious Touchstone Award for their work, presented by the British Hallmarking Council. They were also commended for their innovative work with the Natural Diamond Council to ensure retailers are making it clear when diamonds are natural, and when they are lab grown.
Cllr Charles Quinn, whose portfolio includes Trading Standards, said: “The team have been rightly recognised for their committed and innovative work. They’ve got fantastic results and importantly, protected the public from falling victim to this scam.
“It can be very difficult for people to know what they’re buying is genuine; determining something is a fake, particularly when it includes a hallmark is really hard. This work protects customers and also reputable retailers, who may lose trade to slightly cheaper fakes.
“It’s fantastic the effort and innovation has been recognised. Much of the work teams like Trading Standards do can go unnoticed, but it’s happening every day and helping ensure goods people buy are safe and genuine”.
Noel Hunter OBE, Chairman of the British Hallmarking Council, who presented the team with the award, said: “Work like this is so important because the jewellery industry is misunderstood. It’s thought of as something elitist or the province of the rich, but the vast majority is bought by ordinary people, usually to mark special moments.
“Gold and silver are very difficult to judge for an ordinary citizen, so it’s only work like this which uncovers counterfeit items. Hallmarking is actually one of the oldest forms of consumer protection in the UK and a genuine hallmark confirms the authenticity of a piece of jewellery.
“What the team have done is hugely important, not just for customers but for the local economy. Many retailers are small companies, impacted by Brexit, covid and internet sales. It’s hard to compete and hard to export, so tackling the threat of those selling counterfeit goods is vital. I congratulate them on their important and innovative work”.
York riverside regeneration scheme recommended for approval
Helmsley Group’s plans to regenerate part of York city centre and revitalise a neglected section of the River Ouse have been recommended for approval by City of York Council (CoYC).
In a major step forward for the Coney Street Riverside development, CoYC has said that subject to the Secretary of State not calling in parts of the application relating to listed buildings sited within the scheme, it should approve the masterplan.
In its report ahead of a planning committee meeting to consider the plans, CoYC said “there are multiple public benefits to the scheme which cumulatively are substantial; they are economic, social and environmental.”
It added that after applying national and local planning policy alongside other criteria to Helmsley’s plans, the benefits of the scheme “clearly outweigh” any potential harm and justified the approval of the scheme.
The Coney Street Masterplan, led by the York-based property specialist, will see the creation of 250,000 sq ft of mixed-use retail, leisure, commercial and residential space.
A riverside walkway will be established alongside nationally significant green and accessible public realm, both on the waterfront itself and also through the creation and rejuvenation of historic lanes and passageways between Coney Street and the River Ouse.
Situated in York’s Central Conservation Area, the site consists of 19-33 Coney Street and 39 Coney Street to 2 Spurriergate and includes four listed buildings and two buildings of merit, and is in close proximity to a number of other listed buildings and buildings of importance.
Helmsley, which first submitted its plans for Coney Street Riverside in 2022, has the backing of prominent groups including York Civic Trust and York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Sarah Czarnecki, president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is highly supportive of the plans for Coney Street Riverside put forward by Helmsley Group and it is our firm view that they should be given the green light.
“Given the huge economic, social and historic benefits this will bring, we trust that elected officials on the planning committee will recognise the once in a generation opportunity the scheme will bring to York.
“Thanks to Helmsley Group, Coney Street looks set for a new and exciting chapter in its long and proud history.”
Central to the plans are the sensitive preservation and rejuvenation of Coney Street’s heritage, in recognition of the vitally important role that the street and riverfront have played across York’s long history.
This includes the public benefits of bringing underutilised upper floors of retail units back into use, a long-held ambition in York.
The proposals are also the realisation of a 50-year ambition to create a riverside walkway. The vision also supports the introduction of a boutique, independent retail experience, supporting local businesses as well as bringing new national brands to the city for the first time.
Independent analysis from chartered surveyors and planners Aspinall Verdi, alongside economic development consultants Kada Research found the plan would deliver £175m in economic benefits to York over the next 15 years. Broken down that means that, for every £1 invested, £3.93 would be generated for the city.
Max Reeves, development director at Helmsley Group, said: “It has been a long journey to get to this point, but we are now optimistic that we will be given the green light to move forward with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Having worked closely with key stakeholders in York over the past few years, we know that this development would not only be welcomed but is needed, and will bring significant benefits, including increased visitor numbers, vital public green space, job creation and boosted city centre spend. We are extremely grateful to everyone for their support.
“Coney Street Riverside will build on our long-held ambition to revitalise Coney Street and reconnect it with its riverfront, alongside creating a welcoming, family friendly offer and much-needed accommodation to meet student demand within the city.”
Max added: “As a long-established York business, we are committed to creating this truly mixed-use, vibrant development that sensitively and sustainably redevelops historic Coney Street into the social heart of York.
“Coney Street Riverside will create a vibrant community with heritage at its heart. We are looking forward to creating a positive legacy for generations to come through first class public spaces, and architecture which ensures that the history and heritage of the area is not just recognised, but honoured and protected.”
The CoYC planning report also recommends that delegated authority be given to its head of planning and development services to refer the application to the Secretary of State for consideration at this stage.
Once approved, Helmsley will move forward with delivering the scheme, subject to a separate planning application for another, smaller area of the site which is expected to be approved within weeks.
The project team for the scheme includes Helmsley Group, brown + company, O’Neill Associates, Corstorphine and Wright, Montagu Evans, Aspect4, Gillespies, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Billinghurst George & Partners, Jane Simpson Access, Knight Frank, DS Emotion and Aberfield Communications.
Neil Brown, director of architects brown + company, said: “Our design re-establishes the primacy of Coney Street within York by creating small retail units, reflecting the historic shop sizes which are appropriate for today’s thriving independent retail offer.
“We have incorporated the existing site levels to create a new, welcoming, accessible public open space linking Coney Street and the river. This public open space reflects the historic water lanes that once connected Coney Street with the river and re-establishes one such historic lane.
“Accessibility for all is of paramount importance and the landscape design integrates leisure and public spaces to ensure that this space will be used by families, locals, visitors and leisure users alike.
“The proposed new buildings along the riverside and fronting the scheme’s Waterloo Place area will create two distinct, contemporary buildings which are designed to reflect the industrial heritage of the river and contribute positively to their important setting.”
140 jobs saved as specialist construction contractor sold
Experts from business advisory firm Quantuma have completed a pre-pack administration of Sheffield-based, specialist engineering firm Linbrooke Services Ltd. This secures the future of the business and protects around 140 jobs.
Quantuma’s Richard Easterby and Chris Newell were appointed as joint administrators on 15th October 2024 to oversee the process. The company entered administration as a result of a range of challenges being faced by the railway construction sector, including delayed projects, and factors effecting the economy as a whole.
Linbrooke Services was established in 2002 and was comprised of three primary divisions, the railway construction business which has been rescued, and power and optical businesses which will close as part of of the deal. The business employed nearly 200 people. The deal sees around 140 staff transfer to the purchaser, Keltbray.
Richard Easterby, Joint Administrator and managing director at Quantuma, said: “I am delighted to have been able to achieve a sale of the Company’s rail operation, in very time-pressured circumstances, which secures the long term viability of the business and a substantial amount of jobs.
“Unfortunately not all of the business could be rescued. For those members of staff whose roles were made redundant, the priority of my team and our advisors is to work with them to ensure that they have the information required to make timely claims from the redundancy payments office.”
Yorkshire cosmetics firm fined more than £50,000 after inspection finds serious failings
A cosmetics company in Yorkshire has been fined more than £50,000 after an inspection by Britain’s workplace regulator uncovered serious electrical failings.
Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an unannounced inspection at the premises of Sabel Cosmetics Limited on Pellon Lane in Halifax on 5 July 2022.
During the visit, the inspectors uncovered electrical deficiencies that posed serious risks of both electric shock and electrocution to workers.
A subsequent investigation by HSE found there was a systemic failure within the company to address the risks identified with the electrical systems.
The inadequate construction and maintenance of the electrical system at the premises presented an immediate risk of employees coming into direct contact with exposed live parts on equipment and machinery within the company premises. The company allowed the breaches to subsist over a long period of time.
Sabel Cosmetics Ltd of Pellon Lane, Halifax, West Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 (1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The company was fined £56,695 and ordered to pay £5,949 in costs at Leeds Magistrates Court on 10 October 2024.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Andrea Jones said: “This case shows the importance of HSE inspections to help ensure health and safety risks are being managed effectively and protect people at work.
“It is essential that electrical wiring installations and electrical equipment are constructed and maintained in a safe condition to prevent injuries or even worse, death.
“In this case, simple inexpensive steps could have been taken to remedy the most serious defects, instead the company’s inaction has resulted in more than £60,000 in fines and costs.”
Yorkshire Building Society names new Non-Exec Director
Janet Pope is to join the Yorkshire Building Society Board as Non-Executive Director later this month.
With more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, she currently sits on the Board of the debt charity StepChange and is Chair of the Charities Aid Foundation Bank.
She recently retired from Lloyds Banking Group, where she was Chief of Staff and Chief Sustainability Officer. In that role she had a particular focus on sustainability, responsible business, inclusion and diversity. Prior roles at Lloyds include Savings Director and Investment and Protection Director.
She has previously been CEO at Alliance Trust Savings, Executive Vice President, Global Strategy at Visa International and Head of Retail Banking Africa at Standard Chartered.
She said: “I’m looking forward to joining the Board at Yorkshire Building Society, an organisation which has a strong social purpose and is committed to delivering long-term value for its members and communities.
“I intend to use my experience to support the Society as it grows and continues to help people find a place to call home and deliver value for savers.”
Annemarie Durbin, chair of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “Janet has considerable experience in financial services, both in executive and non-executive positions. She has held Board positions on a range of public, private and charity organisations and the Society and our members will benefit from the insight she brings.”
West Bar flagship building is handed to Sheffield City Council
Legal & General has formally handed over No.1 West Bar Square to Sheffield City Council, the first of a collection of modern, sustainable office spaces within the comprehensive £300m regeneration of West Bar.
When complete, the scheme will deliver office buildings totalling 500k sq. ft. of workspace that will support up to 6,000 jobs in a strategic location next to Sheffield city centre and the Kelham Island neighbourhood.
No.1 West Bar Square acts as an impressive and sustainable gateway to West Bar. There are eight storeys of columnless office floorplates up to 14,000 sq ft behind a contemporary, curved, curtain glass façade.
Andrew Kail, CEO Legal & General Institutional Retirement said: “This marks a key milestone in the transformation of Sheffield West Bar, where we aim to create a vibrant new community for people to live, work, and play. Bringing this previously derelict space back to life is an example of how we are using pension capital to drive positive change across the UK, investing in valuable infrastructure and urban regeneration.”
Ben Rodgers, Head of Regeneration, L&G Asset Management added: “We’re one step closer to delivering our vision for West Bar: to provide a much-needed new quarter for the centre of Sheffield, fulfilling our commitment to the city’s housing, jobs, and strategic regeneration.
“This important scheme will drive innovation, social impact, and economic growth, strengthening Sheffield’s position as a leading UK city. We’re delighted with progress made so far, and look forward to continuing our partnership with Urbo, Sheffield City Council, and the local West Bar community”.
Sheffield councillor Ben Miskell said: “This is a fantastic moment in the regeneration of Sheffield and marks the completion of a soon-to-be iconic building on the city’s skyline. Our vision for West Bar is an incredibly exciting one and will add to the appeal of the city centre being a place to live, work, and enjoy.
“Sheffield is transforming into a clean, green, and vibrant city, with many brilliant areas offering residents and visitors alike a whole host of things to do, see, love, and enjoy. The new West Bar community fits in perfectly with our vision for the city and, as it continues to grow, will draw more people, businesses, and visitors to it.”
Phase two plans for West Bar will start soon, and include a second Legal & General-funded, 100,000 sq. ft. office building, and a 450-space multi-storey car park. Further phases will ultimately provide a million sq ft of mixed-use accommodation, of which over 500,000 sq ft will be Grade A office space.
Keighley health supplement supplier secures grant to expand production
A health supplement supplier from Keighley has used a grant from the Keighley Towns Fund towards expanding its production.
Bio-Nature Ltd, which employs 30 people, packs and distributes natural health supplements and body care products for manufacturers and distributors within the UK, and also ships on behalf of clients to export markets.
The business put the £25,145.20 grant, from the towns fund’s Capital Assistance to Business Growth programme, towards buying equipment to set up a second packing line at its base on Admiral Way, due to increased demand from current customers and interest from other potential customers.
Financial Controller Chris Procter said: “This welcome capital investment will increase production capacity and efficiencies within the business. We’ll be able to increase our range of processes which will bring new opportunities as we are able to develop new markets. This growth means we anticipate we’ll be able to create four new jobs.
“The process of applying for the grant was smooth, and we were well-supported. It has part-funded what is an exciting new chapter for us, and we are looking forward to continued success.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: “The Council’s Economic Development Service can provide advice and guidance on applying for one of these grants. It’s fantastic to hear of the funding being put to such good use here, creating more job opportunities in Keighley, and we wish Bio-Nature all the best for their expansion.”
Chair of Keighley Town Board, Tim Rogers added: “The Keighley Towns Fund is proud to support a growing Keighley business, with money from the Capital Assistance to Business Growth programme. There is more funding available for other businesses in the area to apply so we’d encourage people to contact us if they think they might benefit.”
The Towns Fund Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme Funding is available up to March 2026.
Trio of new appointments amid continued growth for Leeds marketing agency
Strategic marketing agency, Fantastic, is continuing its growth trajectory with a trio of new appointments.
The Leeds-based agency has appointed a web developer and two account executives to bolster its digital and client management offering following a raft of new client wins, including modular building specialist Thurston Group and bathroom manufacturer Trojan.
Joining the team as web developer is David Balionis, who brings four years of experience in eCommerce solutions and custom web development for brands including automotive paint supplier Soll Automotive Paints. His expertise spans numerous platforms including Shopify and WordPress, and he is well versed in responsive, semantic, and accessible web design.
Chloe Kerfoot joins Fantastic Media as an account executive from Hatch Group with three years of digital marketing and social media experience. She will deliver integrated marketing campaigns for a diverse array of clients in sectors including manufacturing, retail and sports.
Emelia Lowis has also joined the team as an account executive, on a placement year from Leeds Beckett University, where she studies business management with marketing. Emelia has already contributed significantly to the agency’s B2B and B2C projects, applying her academic knowledge in a practical environment.
Fantastic’s founder and CEO, Andy Hobson, said: “With the strong growth the business is experiencing, we’re excited to expand the Fantastic team to help us meet our target of £2m revenue this year.
“Chloe, David and Emelia bring a blend of experience and talent which will further strengthen our ability to deliver and continue to maintain the high standards our clients expect from us.
“Because we specialise in delivering marketing consultancy, driven by strategic insight, we also sit at the client’s boardroom table as trusted advisors, advocates and specialists. It’s crucial therefore that our team is smart and experienced enough to understand and support those client needs. Our new recruits are a testament to this.”
Catering company goes back to school to launch pioneering partnership business
City of York Council has let pioneering food delivery business School Kitchen get established in the city by offering school catering facilities as a base for takeaway restaurants.
The company works in partnership with schools, taking over their kitchen facilities during the evenings and over the weekends. From these bases they run home delivery takeaway restaurants, with customers able to order from a wide range of world cuisines, from Sri Lankan to Mexican.
The scheme delivers a boost to school funding, with schools receiving a share of the business’ revenue. Partner schools can also benefit from free cookery demonstrations and classes with pupils.
School Kitchen MD David Nicholson outlined some of the challenges he faced when setting up a new business as a newcomer to the city. With support from Brian Littlejohn, one of the council’s Business Growth Managers, and Steven Lydiatt, a business advisor from Momentic’s Start and Grow York programme, David was able to tap into a wealth of local business expertise.
Brian and Steven helped connect David to local suppliers and business networks, advised on marketing strategies to establish the new brand and reach consumer bases in York, and signposted him to local opportunities to grow the business.
David said: “Establishing School Kitchen in York has been an incredible journey, made possible through the invaluable support from City of York Council and Momentic’s Start and Grow York programme.
“The guidance and connections have been instrumental in navigating the challenges that come with setting up a new business and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing assistance and encourage other start-ups to take full advantage of the resources available here in York.”
Cllr Pete Kilbane said: ” School Kitchen is a great example of what can happen when the city council and its partners support innovating start-ups.
“York’s food scene continues to thrive, and if businesses out there could do with a hand to get started and grow, then we want to hear from you. If your idea can also bring much needed funds back into the community then we are doubly keen!
“In our council plan, One City for All, we committed to building a fair, thriving and green economy, and it’s wonderful to see that David chose York as the perfect place to get his business embodying these same values off the ground – I’d encourage anyone thinking of starting a business here to get in touch with us to discover how our expert business support team can help.”
Building on their initial pilot at Carr Junior School in Acomb, School Kitchen has further expansion planned, aiming to open new restaurants operating out of a second school in York, as well as locations in Leeds, London and Sheffield.
Sewell employees come out top in national FM award scheme
Sewell Facilities Management’s Operations Team has won ‘Team of the Year’ in the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management Impact Awards, after being chosen as the best team in the industry by a panel of 50 independent judges.
Sewell Facilities Management is a Hull-based company offering facilities management services across the North of England, with a specialism in managing buildings across the education, health, community and workspace sectors. Providing hands-on support 24/7, 365 days a year, they pride themselves on the relationships they build with their customers, getting to know both their customers’ buildings and their people, and developing a bespoke service tailored to their individual needs.
Sewell Facilities Management MD Sean Henderson said: “I’m so proud of the hard work each and every member of the team has put in over the past year, and I’m delighted to see their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile has been recognised on a national stage.
“Although the team has achieved some fantastic results in 2024, they’re still determined to continue in their mission of moving from good to great. There are already plans underway to add to the team with another graduate, grow our existing offer of in-house services, and deliver further on our own carbon reduction plan, as well as helping our clients with their transition to net zero.”
A diverse team at different stages of their careers, the Operations Team are key account holders for the company’s clients, with their aims being to wow their customers with their problem solving skills, keep all the facilities they manage in day one condition, and ensure they provide first-time fixes wherever possible.
Notable successes for the team in the last year have included creating a new packaged water hygiene service to offer customers, becoming qualified drone pilots to carry out aerial surveying and over-performing against sustainability targets. The team also began working with a new client, ensuring staff at 17 schools across the North of England had a seamless transition to the company’s facilities management services.
IWFM Chair Mark Whittaker said: “The IWFM Impact Awards recognise and celebrate our profession’s work, namely the outstanding professionals who push our sector forward to achieve excellence and recognition for the critical services we provide.”
