National Park Authority names Derek twine as new Chair
Former chief exec of the Scouts Derek Twine has become the Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority replacing Neil Heseltine, who has completed a four-year term.
Mr Twine was elected today by the 25-Member board of the National Park Authority, and said the National Park Authority had much to do, working with partners on nature recovery, carbon reduction, rights of way, helping local councils to provide more affordable housing and supporting young people.
“Why did I put myself forward for this role? Because there is so much good already being done by the National Park Authority, right across the Dales, yet there’s so much more that needs to be done – and that has to be done,” he said.
“The most important issue we are working on at the moment is the development of the new five-year National Park Management Plan. This will set out our plans, and those of many other organisations who operate in the National Park. The coming years are crucial as we attempt to reverse the decline in nature and mitigate against the worst impacts of climate change.
“As a planning authority we are also working on a new Local Plan, which will set out policies for development in the National Park for the next 15 years.”
Mr Twine said he would be keen to draw on his experience leading the Scouts. “Young people are the future. There’s even more we can do on apprenticeships, on building on the success of our youth volunteering programme, and on making sure young people are able to shape our policies and plans.
“Then there are our bread and butter work programmes to keep up: rights of way maintenance and access, development management and farm conservation. On the latter, we want to build on the success of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme and engage with a new Government on its plans for land use. In particular, we need to ensure the Environmental Land Management schemes are working well for upland farm businesses.”
£5.8m project redeveloping vacant York office building into residential accommodation completes
A £5.8 million project to redevelop a vacant office building into city residential accommodation in York has been successfully completed.
York-based property specialist Helmsley Group, the owner of the three-storey Gateway Two building located in Holgate Business Park, has led the project with development work delivered by Artium Construction.
The 14,472 sq ft building has been transformed into 35 modern one-bedroom apartments, offering both permanent and rental accommodation.
Each apartment features open plan living with an integrated kitchen, contemporary bathroom, air source heat pump and large windows.
Tom Riddolls, development surveyor at Helmsley Group, said: “Helmsley Group has an enviable reputation for completing change of use projects of this type alongside delivering affordable residential accommodation for people in York and beyond.
“With a scarcity of residential space across York, we are already seeing demand from residential buyers and buy to let investors at Gateway Two. The development is ideally placed to provide a much needed offering to the city and its residents, and will bring a host of benefits to the local economy.”
Garry Shaw, director at Artium Construction, added: “The valuable repurposing of office space to residential, particularly in key city locations such as York where suitable accommodation is at a premium, is a priority for Artium Construction and we were delighted to join Helmsley Group on this project.
“Gateway Two further evidences how our expertise and experience can have a transformative impact on the built environment and with an established and healthy project pipeline, we are confident of delivering continued excellence for our client partners, including Helmsley Group.”
Partners on the project include Walker Dsp Architects, Ousebank Consultancy, Gallagher Planning, WA Consulting Engineers, HG Consulting Engineers, RDS Safety Management, LHL Group and Cook Brown.
Rats run riot to raise money for East Yorkshire charity
Hull Trains is supporting a sculpture trail which will see six-foot tall rats across East Yorkshire raising money for the Daisy Appeal charity.
The company has partnered with the ‘Mischief of Rats’ exhibition, which will be installed in the summer of 2025, as a tribute to the Hull band ‘The Rats’. The rockers included guitarist Mick Ronson, who was also famously part of David Bowie’s ‘Spiders from Mars’.
The launch of the project coincided with the annual Humber Business Week. All proceeds will go towards The Daisy Appeal, a charity based at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, where it raises funds to help with the detection of cancer, heart disease and dementia.
Lou Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “The Daisy Appeal is an inspirational charity and we’re very pleased to play a small part in supporting them providing cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities. We are proud to be the first organisation to partner with this great project and looking forward to it being installed next year.”
Previous trails have attracted many thousands of extra visitors, who travelled to the city to see unique and colourful sculptures decorated by a wide variety of artists.
Rick Welton, Co-director of the project, said: “We’re thrilled that Hull Trains have come on board with this initiative. This is our most radical animal sculpture trail yet and we couldn’t do this without the support of brilliant local businesses.
“Our previous trails Puffins Galore, A Moth for Amy and Larkin Toads have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. We’re hoping for a repeat of that success when we auction off the rat sculptures at the end of 2025.”
Claire Levy, Fundraising Manager for the Daisy Appeal, said: “We’re excited that A Mischief of Rats will be raising substantial funds in such an imaginative and high-profile initiative. The auction proceeds will be vital to improve the life chances of patients living with cancer, heart disease and dementia in our region.”
Pat Coyle, Chair of Humber Business Week, said: “It was exciting to have the sculpture trail launched during Humber Business Week to celebrate the life and times of one of Hull’s great music legends, Mick Ronson.
“The support that Hull Trains have given to this remarkable project is a testament to their ongoing engagement with the cultural sector and highlights the importance for organisations to support local initiatives wherever they can.”
Bed manufacturer relocates Bradford manufacturing base
Bradford-based Wow Lifestyle, which manufactures beds and mattresses for leisure and hospitality sector clients such as Haven Holidays, Parkdean Resorts, Butlins and Scape student accommodation, is relocating its manufacturing base within the city.
The firm, which employs 22 people in Bradford, is relocating from its 20,000 sq ft premises at Wyke Mills and has acquired the historic 36,500 sq ft Stone Hall Mill in the Eccleshill area of the city.
Wow Lifestyle Managing Director, Darren Stega-Jones, said: “We are really keen to stay in Bradford after 15 years in the city. Having our own larger building means we can put down more permanent roots and will enable us to invest in sustainability and to switch to using renewable energy.”
He added: “We have just appointed one new experienced upholsterer to our team and have plans to create further new jobs in the coming months as we develop and expand our product range.”
The four-storey Stone Hall Mill was built around 1850 and was originally used as a woollen mill. Following a refurbishment programme, Wow will use its new premises to manufacture its range of beds and mattresses.
Leeds-based GV&Co acted on behalf of Wow in its purchase of the property. Eddisons acted jointly for the vendor with Bradford property agent Sharma Williamson.
ABP joins startup accelerator programme
Associated British Ports has joined the ‘Energy Ventures Accelerator’ to help promising startups scale their businesses in high-growth energy sectors such as hydrogen, floating wind and low-carbon fuels.
The Energy Ventures Accelerator will be delivered in partnership with Plug and Play, the world’s leading innovation platform and venture capital investor. ABP is the first UK port operator to partner with Plug and Play, which has a world-wide network of over 550 corporate partners and 65,000 startups in its network.
The announcement comes as ABP recommits to its mission of Keeping Britain Trading whilst signalling its intention to place increasing emphasis on Enabling the Energy Transition. This is underpinned by the company’s commitment to safety, sustainability and its people.
As part of the project, ABP joins Plug and Play’s global network of industrial, energy and technology companies, all with a common interest in connecting with leading-edge innovation in order to diversify, protect and expand their businesses. ABP will focus on developing focused centres for industrial decarbonisation in the Humber, floating offshore wind in South Wales and maritime decarbonisation in Southampton.
With major development sites and a customer base of blue-chip energy, industrial and shipping customers, ABP is uniquely placed to support start-ups access the key demand centres for their products. As they grow, they will have ready access to the port infrastructure needed to export to global markets.
ABP CEO Henrik L. Pedersen said: “The energy transition is both a huge challenge and an opportunity. Partnership and innovation are going to essential if we are to collectively rise to the challenges and grasp the opportunities.
“ABP is excited to use our assets to support the best and brightest companies to prosper, and these companies will be ABP’s customers of the future, bringing good jobs and investment into our port communities, while also supporting the UK’s energy transition and economic growth.”
Working across a wide range of different industries, from transport and sustainability to fintech and energy, Plug and Play is the most active global early-stage Venture Capital investor and seeks to build a globally recognised, open innovation platform, rooted in collaboration between corporates, startups, government and academia.
Kieran Borrett, Director at Plug and Play UK, added: ”I’m thrilled about this partnership because we believe that startups have a lot to gain from working with ABP and their industry partners. Ports are the connector of logistics, heavy industry and energy – they are crucial to UK’s energy transition. ABP’s assets and clear sustainability commitments make them the perfect partner for ambitious start-ups in the energy transition space.”
Horse rescue charity puts 17 jobs at risk in response to £2.5m funding deficit
Horse rescue charity Bransby Horses has put 17 jobs at risk of redundancy as it works to fill a predicted £2.5m black hole in its finances.
CEO Jo Snell said: “Like many other charities, we’ve seen our running costs rise exponentially in recent years due to various external factors including soaring food and energy prices and increasing rates of pay in the employment market. As a result, the cost of delivering our equine welfare and estates work across our two sites, Bransby and Barlings, has risen by over 50% since 2018.
“Despite the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’ve unfortunately seen the gap between our expenditure and our income widening in recent years, to the point where we are currently forecasting an unsustainable £2.5m deficit this year.”
She said the organisation had begun to address this mismatch several years ago be introducing several measures aimed at lowering costs. ” However, while these measures delivered £450,000 in savings over an 18-month period, it became clear that more action was needed to address the ever-widening gap. Consequently, we launched a comprehensive review of our operations in November 2023.
“As a result, we’ve sadly identified 17 roles at all levels within the organisation, including our senior leadership, equine welfare and support service teams, that are at risk of potential redundancy.”
She said the organisation was devastated that rising costs had led to this position, and was committed to doing everything it could to support everyone affected through this difficult process.
She added: “While the new operating model will significantly reduce the £2.5m deficit, it will not eliminate it. As a second phase of this project, we’re reviewing all charity assets and facilities with our new structure in mind to identify any further cost reduction or income generation opportunities. This stage of the process is already under way, and we anticipate it will be completed by the end of this year.”
The award-winning Visitor Centre in Bransby will remain open as usual (five days per week, including the Café, from Wednesday through to Sunday), providing the opportunity to learn about equine welfare and meet some of the hundreds of horses, donkeys, ponies and mules currently homed at the site.
Phase one of landmark Skegness Tower Gardens landscape renovations complete
Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, has finished delivering the first stage of works as part of a masterplan to reinvigorate the historic Tower Gardens in Skegness.
On behalf of Skegness Town Council, who are developing the site with Heritage Lincolnshire through SCAPE’s Regional Construction Framework, G F Tomlinson worked alongside Influence Planning and Design and Gleeds to complete the £590k initial phase.
The completion of the project was marked with a ‘ribbon cutting’ ceremony earlier this month, with Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Jimmy Brookes, Town Clerk, Steve Larner and G F Tomlinson’s Framework Manager for SCAPE, Craig Stopper, in attendance, along with local councillors and representatives from Heritage Lincolnshire, Influence and Gleeds.
The first stage of the Tower Gardens Masterplan formed part of the Towns Fund Grant Scheme and was safely delivered whilst the park remained open to the public, ensuring availability for continued use of the amenities with minimal disruption.
Landmark works included the refurbishment of the pond and its perimeter railings as well as the reinstatement of the pond pump, together with enhancements to overall accessibility through the re-levelling of the land and re-routing of footpaths. A specialised sensory area was created around the bandstand of the historic site for the local community to enjoy, where planting by the project team and members of the local community was undertaken as part of a community planting day held in March.
The enhancement works will ensure that Tower Gardens continues to provide a valuable and accessible central space for Skegness residents to enjoy, bringing people together for community events and outdoor activities.
In support of the local community, G F Tomlinson sourced 58% of its labour for the scheme from within a 40-mile radius of the site, providing local job opportunities for the region. Alongside this over 99% of construction waste for the project was diverted from landfill, reducing the environmental impact on the community.
G F Tomlinson has a long-standing relationship with Skegness Town Council having previously delivered the Tower Gardens Pavilion back in 2020.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at G F Tomlinson, said: “It has been a pleasure to be working alongside our long-term client, Skegness Town Council, once again to bring the first phase of the vision for the Tower Gardens landscape renovations to life, reinvigorating a historical central landmark so that residents can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
“The scheme fully compliments our earlier project on the Tower Gardens Pavilion. The team and all suppliers have worked exceptionally well together to overcome operational and design challenges in a fully collaborative environment, delivering enhancement works that will benefit the town for many years to come.”
Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE, said: “The Tower Gardens in Skegness is an excellent example of how utilising green spaces can enrich communities, bringing together local residents who enjoy the outdoor and natural environments. We are immensely proud to be working in close partnership with G F Tomlinson on such a positive project which is providing a place residents can be proud of, whilst leaving a lasting historical legacy.”
Steve Larner, Town Clerk of Skegness Town Council, said: “It is wonderful to see everyone enjoying Tower Gardens now that the first phase of works are complete. This scheme has delivered improvements around the bandstand and central area of Tower Gardens.
“The pond has been restored to its former glory and the sensory play has been a big hit. We have received many positive comments from both residents and visitors alike. A big thank you goes out to everyone involved in the first phase of this project.”
Shona Hatton, director at Influence Landscape Planning & Design, said: “The conservation and enhancement of this Grade II Registered Park and garden helps reestablish Tower Gardens as one of Skegness’ primary green spaces.
“Influence is proud to have sensitively conserved and restored the park’s main features and introduced new elements of design that enable all the community to have a sense of pride and ownership. The work reinforces the park as a quality destination in its own right as well as a pleasant onward approach and gateway to the Grand Parade and sea front.
“The physical improvements create a safe and accessible park for all, with the central features of the cascade and pond creating a vibrance and energy that had been lost, right at its heart. The gardens now have a sense of its original charm and enable people to hark back to an era when Pleasure Gardens were places for socialising and enjoyment.”
Hull-based MKM chooses Cumbria for latest branch opening
MKM has opened it’s 129th branch in Workington, Cumbria, creating 20 new jobs for the area.
MKM Workington will be led by Branch Director Phil Bold, who said: “The opportunity to lead MKM Workington and support the creation of 20 new jobs in my hometown is a privilege. Local customers have lacked a choice of merchants for years, and we’re set to change all that.
“In total, our team have over 180 years of combined trade experience between them; customers can expect a beautiful showroom to inspire their build projects, well stocked shelves, and the best local, knowledgeable team to service them.
“Nationally, MKM is renowned for its commitment to supporting local charities and communities and I’m passionate about the opportunity we have to create positive change for the area. We want to embrace being part of the Lillyhall family but also the wider West Cumbria community. We’ll be supporting, sponsoring, and advocating for local businesses and causes, including Workington RNLI and Cockermouth Mountain Rescue, local sports clubs, schools and care homes.”
Training provider names new head of marketing programmes
Rotherham-based apprenticeship training provider, Whyy? Change, has appointed Rachel Ovens, to the role of Head of Marketing Programmes. Rachel will be responsible for delivering the new Chartered Institute of Marketing Level 4 and Level 6 qualifications and marketing apprenticeship courses.
As part of her Head of Marketing Programmes role, Rachel will join Whyy? Change’s communications team to support their marketing efforts, alongside supporting their sister brand, Whyy? Unboxd, on bespoke marketing projects.
Ray Byrne, CEO of Whyy? Change said: “When talented people want to work with you, that’s when you know you are on to something. Rachel has bundled of talent, experience and the right attitude to be a Whyyer for life. Watch her fly!”
Rachel said: “I’m thrilled to join Whyy? Change as Head of Marketing Programmes. As a former apprentice and CIM graduate, I’ve experienced first-hand how these qualifications equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to advance my career. I look forward to supporting other marketers on their professional growth journeys within a 5-star training provider!”
Rachel started her marketing career as a digital marketing apprentice at RNN Group, where she completed her Level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship, going on to be named as a finalist at Rotherham Advertiser’s Apprentice of the Year 2017 awards.
Since then, Rachel has achieved her CIM Level 4 Certificate and CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing qualifications, cementing her status as a qualified marketer. Throughout her career Rachel has acted as a mentor and delivered internal training, having worked for the likes of Ship It Appliances, Evec and Elevation Recruitment Group.
Rachel also runs her own freelance marketing business specialising in SEO and PPC. As a former amateur boxer, she runs her own news website dedicated to raising the profile of women’s professional and Olympic boxing.
Rachel’s appointment comes as Whyy? Change has seen a spike in business owners looking to upskill and retain their marketers through professional marketing qualifications and apprenticeship training, turning towards the Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship and CIM Level 4 qualifications to upskill their marketing teams.
Businesses are calling for ‘hands-on’ face-to-face marketing training delivered by industry experts that can be embedded across all levels of their marketing teams to develop a more cohesive workforce.
Bedmaker and components manufacturer expands further into international markets with key appointments
Family-owned Leeds luxury bed and components manufacturer, Harrison Spinks, has made key senior appointments to drive international sales and enhance its growth strategy across the group.
In a move to strengthen sales and export growth for both the beds and components divisions at Harrison Spinks, the business has made significant new appointments and promotions.
Lee Hinshaw will be joining the business in the role of Business Development Director – a new hybrid role designed to strengthen the international presence of both Harrison Spinks and Spinks. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, with over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Lee will be responsible for driving growth in the Asia Pacific region for the company’s finished mattresses and components.
Ian Owen has been promoted to Sales Director at Spinks. Ian will lead sales activity for the spring manufacturing division, developing the sales team and assisting its agents and distributors across the globe.
James Noble has been promoted to Export Sales & Development Manager for Harrison Spinks with the remit to oversee growth and export sales.
Finally, Geert Geerkens has recently joined Harrison Spinks to support James and the team as a Strategic Consultant to help deliver the company’s bed export strategy and grow mattress sales internationally.
Having gained a wealth of experience working in the mattress industry throughout his career, his appointment will bolster the company’s export plans in Europe. Geert is currently president of the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA), as well as Valumat, a Belgian organisation supporting the industry to collect and process discarded mattresses.
Darren Marcangelo, Managing Director at Spinks, said: “This is an exciting phase for Spinks, with both Lee and Ian having the passion and expertise to drive and deliver international sales for the business.
“We have some exciting new customer opportunities along with new product innovations that will see Spinks at the forefront of innovation and sustainability for our industry. I welcome Lee to the business and look forward to working closely with him, and congratulate Ian for his well-deserved promotion to Sales Director as he has ambitious ideas for growing our business overseas.”
Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks Beds, said: “We’re committed to investing internationally and expanding on a global scale, so this is an exciting opportunity to focus on, strengthening our team to meet the increased interest in our unique, responsibly made, luxury bed and mattress offering.
“Our growth reflects the increasing global demand for innovative, high-quality beds and mattresses and we’re delighted to have made significant appointments as part of our evolved export strategy, gaining further international business opportunities and expediting our brand and its sustainable ethos into new markets.”
