The full list of courses for 2024 and their content is available here.
All courses are available in-company so if the dates don’t suit operations, or you have a large number of attendees, please contact The Wolfson Centre for details.
wolfson-enquiries@gre.ac.uk www.bulksolids.com +44 20 8331 8646 Examine issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials in ports and on the sea during short course
A short course taking place in March will examine the issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials in ports and on the sea.
Taking place from 19 – 22 March 2024, with on-line delivery from 13:00 – 17:00 each day, join this course from the University of Greenwich’s Wolfson Centre to discuss real life issues and to determine best practice for future developments.
Subjects discussed include:
· Ship unloading technologies (Grabs vs CSUs, different CSU technologies)
· Conveying technologies (pneumatic versus belt)
· Storage and discharge technologies (silos, flat stores, stacking etc)
· Loading, unloading control (weighing, controlling ship bending etc)
· Rail and road outloading equipment and control
· Explosion and fire risks and management (ATEX, fire control & management)
· Mobile plant and safety
· Developments in automation and autonomous vehicles
· Dust control and environmental protection
· Controlling cargo damage (particle degradation, spoilage, water damage etc)
· Wear protection and maintenance
· Cargo characterisation for handleability and other issues
Who should attend? Stevedores, Operations supervisors, Port managers, Ships Masters, Port developers, Cargo superintendents, Equipment suppliers, Design consultants.
The course leader is Mike Bradley, Professor of Bulk and Particulate Technologies and Director of The Wolfson Centre. He has worked internationally on design and troubleshooting for bulk solids handling as a commercial consultant and research expert for over twenty-five years. Contributions will also be made by Dr Baldeep Kaur, whose interests lie in characterisation and transportation of bulk materials, and Mr Lukas Paul from Beumer who will be presenting on ‘Shore Side Transport’.
This course is held in association with ABTO, The Association of Bulk Terminal Operators – members will receive discounted rates. Discounts are also offered for multiple bookings and returning delegates.
The full list of courses for 2024 and their content is available here.
All courses are available in-company so if the dates don’t suit operations, or you have a large number of attendees, please contact The Wolfson Centre for details.
wolfson-enquiries@gre.ac.uk www.bulksolids.com +44 20 8331 8646
The full list of courses for 2024 and their content is available here.
All courses are available in-company so if the dates don’t suit operations, or you have a large number of attendees, please contact The Wolfson Centre for details.
wolfson-enquiries@gre.ac.uk www.bulksolids.com +44 20 8331 8646 Barnsley family business merges with Welsh producer
Tomorrow fourth generation family business Naylor Gardenware from Barnsley will officially merge with Welsh company Smith & Jennings to create a new business called British Flowerpots.
British Flowerpots and will be based in new purpose-built manufacturing premises in Barnsley. The business will be headed by MD Simon Smith and General Manager Liz Hudston. It will offer a comprehensive range of British made glazed and terracotta pots, complemented by a select range of imported items.
Naylor has been making clay pipes and other ceramic products since 1890, and has produced its Yorkshire Flowerpot range since the early 1990’s. Smith & Jennings is near Cardiff, and makes glazed and terracotta ware. It was founded by ceramicist Simon Smith in 2013.
Dacres strengthens lettings business with two new hires
Dacre, Son & Hartley has made two appointments to strengthen its lettings business, with Joanna Speight joining as a senior lettings manager in the company’s Ilkley office and Chelsey Illingworth as a property manager at Harrogate.
Joanna has spent more than two decades working in property rentals in the Wharfe Valley, including eight years at Dacres between 2012 and 2020, prior to our previous lettings division being acquired. She has always lived in the surrounding area, which further enhances her knowledge of the local market.
Chelsey brings over 15 years’ experience in the lettings and property management sector to her new role, after working in both North and West Yorkshire for several well-known property companies.
The lettings team, launched last month, is headed up by Sophie Tillisch at the Harrogate office. She has worked at Dacres for nine years and has more than 15 years’ experience in both property rentals and sales. The fourth member of the team is Neil McGroarty, who heads our York office
Sophie said: “Although it’s early days, our new lettings division is already generating lots of interest from landlords wanting a bespoke range of services from a well-established Yorkshire based estate agent with a large online reach that’s complemented offline by our extensive branch network.
“Establishing dedicated local teams in Ilkley and Harrogate, with the appointment of Joanna and Chelsey, further strengthens our offering in both towns as we begin to build our market share. Crucially, they both bring a wealth of experience to their new roles and have a thorough understanding of the lettings market, making them the perfect people to represent landlords and ensure their investments are successful, at a time when demand from tenants is higher than ever, so they’re very welcome additions to our team.”
National event hire company expands in Bradford
A nationwide company that specialises in the hire of furniture, catering equipment, refrigeration facilities, tableware and related accessories, for all types of events, is doubling the size of its Bradford base after expanding into a brand new industrial estate.
Event Hire UK has leased a 17,000 sq ft unit at Cutler Heights Business Park on Cutler Heights Lane, which is less than two miles from both the M606 and Bradford city centre.
The estate is being marketed by Leeds property consultancy, GV&Co and there are now just three brand new hybrid industrial units remaining that range from 1,980 to 2,723 sq ft.
Established in 2005 in Walsall near Birmingham, Event Hire UK expanded into Bradford in 2009 and was previously based at Enterprise Court on Prince Street, approximately a mile from its new premises. The company currently employs an 18-strong team in Bradford and plans to create four new jobs over the next 12 months.
With further bases in London and Manchester, the company now stocks more than 2.5million items that it hires out nationally, to clients ranging from Leeds and Reading Festivals through to golf’s original major, The Open Championship and corporate events for as few as 10 people.
Jean Moller, regional operations director, who heads Event Hire UK’s Bradford site, explained: “Since opening in Bradford 14 years ago, we’ve experienced significant growth and now supply products for all types of events including festivals, carnivals, elections, weddings, corporate functions, Christmas parties and everything else.
“We had outgrown our previous premises and when work completed on this brand new, modern unit, close to our previous base, it was ideal for us. It will enable us to significantly increase our stock levels in Yorkshire and offer a faster and more efficient service to our clients, which makes it an exciting move for us.”
Will Woodhall from GV&Co said: “Event Hire UK is a well-established and expanding business that needed a modern, high quality and secure building close to the motorway network, so Cutler Heights Business Park was the perfect fit.
“Brand new buildings in this part of Bradford, that are ready for immediate occupation, are few and far between, so we’re already generating good levels of interest in the three remaining units from local businesses that require ground floor warehouse and storage space together with office accommodation.”
Business leaders join forces to drive growth in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire business leaders will meet to discuss plans to boost economic growth and innovation in the region.
The first meeting of a new West Yorkshire Business Board will be led by Mayor Tracy Brabin’s recently appointed Business Advisor, Mandy Ridyard, who has been tasked with ensuring the region’s businesses have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
The Board will bring together local business and community leaders with expertise across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, professional services, and the arts.
Their insights will help to drive forward the Mayor’s pledge to champion the regional economy, by providing a voice for the region’s diverse base of almost 100,000 businesses.
Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Mandy Ridyard, said: “We’re going to make sure the voice of the private sector is heard by policymakers and leaders, helping us build a prosperous and innovative environment where everyone can start and grow a business.
“West Yorkshire businesses have some amazing talent and incredible innovation, but we face significant challenges including sustainability and productivity. Tackling these together will help us deliver the growth we all want.
“My role is to make sure that the voice of businesses are heard and that together we grow the prosperous, inclusive economy that West Yorkshire deserves.”
The Business Board will help shape a forthcoming economic strategy for West Yorkshire, and provide input on the Mayor’s business support and skills schemes, ensuring the voice of business is at the centre of decision-making at the Combined Authority.
The meeting follows the recent launch of the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter, designed to help businesses promote and recognise the positive impact of fair work. To date, over 100 businesses have committed to working towards fair pay and flexible working conditions, as well as greater wellbeing, diversity and progression opportunities for all within the workplace.
HICA Group acquires Bridlington day centre
HICA Group has taken over the ownership of Swan House Day Centre, on Victoria Road in Bridlington, for an undisclosed sum. The centre helps to improve the independence and social engagement of service users who have a range of learning disabilities.
The acquisition marks a key extension of HICA’s portfolio, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to broadening its spectrum of care and support services within the community. HICA stepped in to ensure the continued operation of the day care centre formerly owned by John and Susan Ropero.
With the Roperos retiring, the Group wanted to ensure the day centre stayed open given the valuable role it plays in the community. The centre is renowned for being a vital social hub for individuals with learning disabilities, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where service users can develop lasting friendships, enhance their social skills and feel a sense of belonging within the local area.
Swan House currently employs three people, with the acquisition providing job security and the ability to expand the team when needed.
Terry Peel, HICA’s CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Swan House Day Centre into the HICA family.
“This partnership not only expands our service offerings but also strengthens our resolve to support individuals in leading fulfilling lives as valued community members. It aligns perfectly with our broader mission to support and enrich local social care services who do a sterling job in delivering compassionate, person-centered care.”
In Bridlington, the purchase of Swan House adds to other support facilities HICA operates in the area which include Red House, a 48 bed residential care home, on St Annes Road, that provides specialised dementia care and physical support to older people, and Kirkgate House residential care home that provides care and support to 28 adults with learning disabilities.
Sue Cartwright, a support worker at Swan House, said: “The team is excited to join forces with HICA Group.
“This new chapter not only secures the future of our Centre but also opens up opportunities for expansion of our services and enhanced support for our service users. HICA Group’s reputation in delivering high-quality care and support aligns with our mission to offer exceptional services. This partnership enables us to continue to serve the local community with more support and resources. It’s an exciting time for the future of the centre.”
York animal health business sells majority stake in pet microchipping company
Animalcare Group, the York-based animal health business, has disposed of its majority shareholding in Identicare to BG Bidco 21 Limited, a newly incorporated company owned by funds managed by Bridgepoint Advisors II Limited, for a cash consideration of £24.9m.
Animalcare Group said the transaction represents a significant crystallisation of value for the company and its shareholders from a non-core asset, and allows it to focus on growth in its pharmaceutical-based animal health market.
Identicare is a UK-based pet microchipping and pet owner-focused services company. As part of the Group’s strategy to focus on pharmaceuticals and to drive growth through launching innovative products, Identicare was separated from the UK pharmaceuticals business within Animalcare Ltd in March 2021, with specialist leadership brought in.
The disposal of Identicare strengthens the balance sheet of the Group, enabling it to accelerate organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
Jenny Winter, Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m very proud to see what we have achieved with Identicare in recent years. Today’s decision to crystallise the value from the sale is the logical next step, significantly strengthening our balance sheet and giving us additional financial flexibility and firepower as we concentrate on growing our pharmaceutical-focused animal health business.”
Employers urged to share vision of getting more autistic people into work
The government has set out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work.
And Sir Robert Buckland, who led the review, has urged employers to get involved. He said: “The review can make a truly radical difference to the lives of autistic people and their families. I call on employers and government to lead this change and make these recommendations a reality.”
About three in 10 working age autistic people are in employment, compared with half of all disabled people and 8 in 10 non-disabled people, despite the majority saying they would like to be employed.
A review has made a number of recommendations for businesses and government, including:
- signing up for the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index to access guidance on designing inclusive processes and procedures
- encouraging career progression by developing packages of training focused on autistic staff
- improving recruitment by ensuring careers advisers can provide appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers
- supporting autistic people who are already in the workplace by producing “autism design guides” to create appropriate premises, furnishings and equipment
- working with software suppliers to develop IT systems that meet autistic people’s needs.
New era for Harrogate College as £20m campus rebuild begins
Work on Harrogate College’s £20m campus rebuild is now underway. The college is replacing its main building and constructing a renewable energy hub to take its training and education provision to the next level.
The upgrade will result in state-of-the-art facilities including a mock hospital ward, digital technology suite, electric vehicle workshop and a construction centre focused on modern building methods.
Preliminary work began in February while the full construction phase, in what is currently the campus’ car park, will start in March.
Principal Danny Wild said: “We are really excited to see work on our new campus getting underway. The resulting, purpose-built facilities will allow us to keep producing the highly skilled individuals that our region’s businesses need, now and for decades to come.
“It will also allow us, while building on our close collaboration with local employers, to consolidate our position as the leading local provider of T Levels. We look forward to showing off the results, which will usher in an exciting new chapter for Harrogate College, its students and the people of North Yorkshire, in the summer of 2025.”
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones added: “As well as enhancing the facilities available to Harrogate College students, this £20 million new campus will bring many broader benefits to Harrogate, Knaresborough and the wider area.
“With many of the courses set to be on offer at the new campus geared toward sectors where there are currently local skills shortages, the development will provide a real boost to local economies, providing valuable opportunities for our young people and adults.”
The new main campus building is due to be completed by July 2025.
Yorkshire Building Society appoints Chief Finance Officer
Tom Ranger will join the Yorkshire Building Society as its Chief Finance Officer later this year.
He is currently Group Treasurer at Santander UK plc, a Non-Executive Director of Santander Financial Services plc Board and Senior Officer Santander Financial Services’ Jersey Branch.
Susan Allen, Chief Exec at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Tom later this year. The Society’s continued financial strength is essential to ensure we continue to deliver on our purpose of delivering Real Help with Real Life. His financial expertise and track record of achievement will be integral to our future growth and success.”
Tom said: “I’m delighted to be joining Yorkshire Building Society and look forward to working for a mutual organisation, owned by its members, and where all decisions can be made in the long-term best interest of its members.”
Tom succeeds Alasdair Lenman, who recently announced his intention to retire in June after seven successful years with the Society. The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
