NFU pressure gets government to commit to consult on saving land for food secturity

Stuart Pearcey
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Following significant lobbying from the NFU, the Government has committed to a consultation on safeguarding agricultural land for food production. The NFU has been working with Greg Smith MP to table amendments to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, which would require the Government to consider the impact of future legislation on food production. The move is a crucial milestone for British farming as the NFU continues to urge the government to put in place a statutory underpinning of food production. This would look to maintain current levels of self-sufficiency alongside an international trade strategy that enables agriculture to achieve the NFU’s ambition of growing our food and drink exports by 30% by 2030. Minister for Housing and Homelessness Felicity Buchan MP, has written to Greg Smith outlining the department’s intention to consult further on the basis of protection in national policy for agricultural land. The consultation plans will ensure the importance of food security is recognised alongside imperatives such as energy security. NFU President Minette Batters said: “This consultation is a much needed step in ensuring food security is factored in to all local plans, and shapes the future of agricultural land use.”

Racing driver fuels Yorkshire motorsport business with significant investment

Tess Egginton
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Racing driver fuels Yorkshire motorsport business with significant investment
Racing driver Rupert Laslett, who competes in Great Britain’s acclaimed Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge, has become the latest director at Yorkshire-based Hype Motorsport, after acquiring a stake in the business. Hype Motorsport is the first company offering corporate customers and motorsport enthusiasts the opportunity to have a positive impact on the environment, whilst racing sports cars around top UK and European circuits. Laslett will have an active role in the business, overseeing several exciting new projects that are planned for 2023, as well as promoting Hype’s events and track day car hire to his network in the world of motorsport and the Porsche community. Hype Motorsport is the brainchild of Leeds-based Ben Hyland, who has spent two decades working in motorsport, and Southampton-based co-founder Mike Jarvis. The pair launched the business earlier this year and it’s designated as ‘ClimatePositive’ thanks to carbon offsetting through SCB, the low-carbon commodity company, which redresses and improves on the carbon footprint left by businesses and individuals.

Prior to launching Hype, Hyland previously ran Pole Position Indoor Karting in Leeds before joining forces with Jarvis to launch want2race, which became the UK’s biggest novice racing driver competition. In 2019, want2race was acquired by Ginetta and Hyland spent the next two and a half years continuing to develop want2race under the sports car brand’s umbrella, which is where he met Rupert, who was Ginetta’s 2021 G40 Cup Am Champion, before he made the switch to Porsche.

Laslett, who lives near Canterbury, previously ran a California-based management consulting business, specialising in the oil, gas, chemicals, technology and pharmaceutical sectors, before selling the company in 2014.

He returned to the UK in 2019 and started racing in Ginetta’s competitions, renewing a love for the sport that he’d last been involved in 25 years ago. He has just completed his rookie season in the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge, finishing in an impressive second place, in a race car that now displays Hype’s distinctive branding.

Laslett explained: “I met Ben through Ginetta and have always been impressed with his racing knowledge and ability to organise and host superb motorsport events. When he launched Hype with Mike, I immediately knew it would be successful.

“Partnering with ClimatePositive and making Hype’s events climate positive by at least 25 per cent, was a very shrewd move. It also mirrors what’s happening at the very forefront of motorsport, with F1 aiming to become net-zero by 2030 and developing a 100% sustainable fuel that will soon be used in its cars.

“In addition, Hype’s BMW M2 Competition, Porsche Cayman GTS and Alpine A110 all offer a superb motorsport pedigree and are perfect for drivers of all abilities, when combined with the professional guidance of Hype’s instructors. Six months after launching, Hype has already hosted countless events for hundreds of drivers at circuits including Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park and Spa in Belgium, and I’m really looking forward to helping the team build on this impressive start.”

Ben Hyland said: “Rupert is passionate about motorsport, has enjoyed a successful business career and is a superb racing driver, which all made him a perfect fit for Hype and we’re very pleased to welcome him to the team.

“With Rupert on board, we’re also looking forward to offering tailored corporate partnerships as the Porsche Visit Cayman Islands Sprint Challenge races exclusively alongside the British Touring Car Championship from next year. This will mean millions of viewers on ITV, as well as tens of thousands of spectators at each event, and we can now offer brands exposure on the car and hospitality at race events, in addition to corporate track day event options, which is another exciting prospect.”

The ClimatePostive label assesses that each event Hype Motorsport hosts will emit approximately 1.66 tonnes of CO2. This includes Hype’s team travel, accommodation and electricity, as well as guest’s racing, travel and accommodation. These emissions are offset and another 25% of is also added to give back more to the environment than is emitted. Plus, everyone attending Hype’s events will benefit from offsetting the carbon from their road car for 12 months.

Henry Boot Construction donation brings Christmas cheer to care leavers

Tess Egginton
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Henry Boot Construction donation brings Christmas cheer to care leavers

South Yorkshire construction firm, Henry Boot Construction, has donated £1,000 to help care leavers in Barnsley celebrate this Christmas.

The donation was made to dedicated volunteers who help organise The Christmas Dinner – an annual project now in its fifth year in Barnsley.

The Christmas Dinner is a national idea founded in 2013 by the poet Lemn Sissay MBE and now runs across the UK. It is not a charity, or a social enterprise, and each dinner event is an independent project.

The Barnsley Dinner is organised by a local steering group of volunteers, who come together to ensure no care leaver aged 18 to 25 is left alone on Christmas Day. The volunteers arrange a venue, presents, a chef, food, transport, volunteers and often so much more.

After restrictions caused by the pandemic in the past two years, volunteers are looking forward to delivering a face-to-face event in Barnsley and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Beth Goodliffe, chair and lead for The Christmas Dinner Project Barnsley, said: “Our team is determined that no young person in Barnsley – unless out of choice – will ever spend Christmas alone. Being without family is hard enough but to be a young person alone on Christmas day is something that no one should have to experience. Our project strives to ensure this doesn’t happen and that young people experience an amazing Christmas day.”

Tony Shaw of Henry Boot Construction added: “This is an incredible grassroots community project. The volunteers make an enormous difference to the lives of young care leavers, and it is an absolute privilege to be able to support them.”

The Christmas Dinner Project Barnsley is also seeking additional volunteers to help at its present ‘Wrapathon’ on 17, 18 and 19 December. If you’d like to get involved and help young people have a fantastic Christmas then email tcdbarnsley@gmail.com for more information.

Volunteers have also set up a crowd-funding page to raise funds for the event. Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-christmas-dinner-barnsley to donate.

Henry Boot Construction has been involved in Barnsley’s Christmas Dinner project since 2018 – with the company leading on the transformational Glass Works development in Barnsley town centre at the time.

Last month, the firm also raised £1,500 by taking part in the tenth annual Sleep Out for Roundabout in Sheffield. Going back to basics in Meadowhall Car Park, the team braved the cold to raise vital funds for the youth homelessness charity.

Cost of living crisis denies 2.5m the chance to retire, says Legal and General

Stuart Pearcey
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Cost of living crisis denies 2.5m the chance to retire, says Legal and General
Research from Legal & General Retail has found that 2.5 million pre-retirees will have to delay their retirement as a result of the cost-of-living crisis. Among those planning to delay, 1.7 million expect to have to keep working indefinitely in either part-time (19%) or full-time (9%) roles. Pre-retirees who plan to delay their retirement say they will need to push it back by almost three years on average, with nearly two thirds (64%) unable to afford the loss of income whilst costs are so high. The cost-of-living crisis is another in a series of setbacks that have seen pre-retirees reconsider their retirement plans. The findings suggest that 46% of workers aged 55+ have had their plans impacted by external factors such as the pandemic, Brexit and rising living costs. Over one in seven pre-retirees (16%) are also presently looking for additional work in order to boost their income, and one in 10 (10%) are concerned about the stability of their job in light of the current economic conditions. However, while a need for income remains a priority for many who plan to delay, a desire to stay in the workplace is also driving many people. Other reasons for pushing back retirement include people simply enjoying their jobs (26%). A further one in four (25%) say they don’t feel ‘old’ enough to retire yet, while a fifth (20%) worry they will be bored if they retire. Lorna Shah, MD of Retail Retirement, Legal & General Retail, said: “Retirement can be tricky to navigate even without the backdrop of rising living costs, so it is understandable that those approaching retirement aren’t sure what they want to do next. While many choose to retire later because they enjoy their work, there are millions of people who are making this decision based on necessity, rather than personal choice. “But retirement isn’t a once and done decision. Before concluding their retirement needs to be delayed or forgotten indefinitely, I’d urge people to think about the role different products and assets can play and make use of the free, impartial support available offered by the likes of MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice Bureau. It’s crucial to have a strong understanding of the options available before making any long-term decisions.”

Expansion of private hospital in historic Leeds building set for approval

Tess Egginton
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Expansion of private hospital in historic Leeds building set for approval
Planning approval is set to be granted for the second phase of a private hospital in one of Leeds’ most iconic buildings. Leeds City Council planners are ready to give the green light to a brand-new 6,500 sq ft extension at the 17th century Red Hall House estate near Roundhay Park. Phase One of the £8m development is complete with the multi-disciplinary Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall now fully operational. Phase Two will comprise a large day case surgery unit with full operating theatres as well as examination, treatment and consulting rooms, which will create 40 new jobs and ease the heavy burden on the over-run NHS in the Yorkshire region. Dr Fas Arshad, Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon and the lead surgeon at The Hair Dr – Hair Transplant Clinic, explained that the new single-storey annexe at Red Hall was absolutely crucial to the private hospital’s success. “The news that planning permission for Phase Two is set to be granted is tremendous. The new £5m annexe will house the rest of the clinical areas on site, including the two operating theatres, where non-emergency cases such as cataract surgery, arthroscopies and ear, nose and throat procedures will be carried out. “The new annexe will also allow the latest sustainable and medical technology to be integrated seamlessly with the grade II listed Red Hall House. “My wife and business partner Ms Sommiya and I are absolutely passionate about creating the finest private hospital in Yorkshire. The stunning transformation of Red Hall House itself has seen us achieve Care Quality Commission (CQC) approval, enabling us to use the building as a first-class medical facility. “We have invested £3million of our own money already in Red Hall House, turning the old and rather neglected headquarters of the Rugby League into the one of the finest private hospitals in the north of England. This is a long-term investment in the Leeds region, creating new and sustainable jobs and providing a timely boost to the region’s economy.” Jonathan Erkulis, director of the Yorkshire-based E3 Architecture, is working very closely with Dr Arshad on the transformation of the Red Hall House estate. He said: “Our detailed plans have secured the restoration, sustainability and longevity of this important Grade II Listed Building while creating sensitive and high-quality designed additions to create a prestigious state-of the-art medical facility. “It has been a pleasure working with Dr Arshad to secure the stunning redevelopment of Red Hall House itself and of the 6,500 sq ft annexe. The project is an example of where conservation and commercial aspirations can work together through major investment. “E3 Architecture have also worked closely with Leeds City Council planners ensuring a unified approach to maintaining the setting and integrity of Red Hall, via careful and innovative design, preserving the landscaped grounds and approach securing the Red Hall Estate’s long-term preservation, enhancement and future viability.” Dr Arshad and his wife bought Red Hall House from the Rugby Football League last year for over £1.65 million. Dr Arshad explained: “The Hair Dr Clinic had expanded quickly and we outgrew our previous premises. The majestic Grade II Red Hall, close to the brand-new East Leeds Orbital Route, has proved absolutely perfect and it is humbling to have moved into such a magnificent building with such an illustrious history.” The building is set in over three acres of landscaped grounds ensuring patient welfare, comfort and discretion have been at the forefront of design. Ms Sommiya said: “The main focus of our work at Red Hall is offering up-to-date and state-of-the-art treatments, which include surgical and non-surgical treatment. Our approach is holistic, ensuring that everyone who comes here for surgery will also receive the very best psychological and emotional support.” The founders of Red Hall Private Hospital have strong links to the region having both graduated from the University of Leeds. Dr Arshad, who is a Consultant Head, Neck and Facial Plastic Surgeon and Ms Sommiya, who is a Practice Manager and Audiologist with a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, are now ready to implement their plans to expand the repertoire of surgeries that will be offered in Leeds Private Hospital at Red Hall.

Systematic appoints three new directors

Tess Egginton
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Systematic appoints three new directors
On the back of its most successful trading year to date, design, print and marketing business Systematic, based in Caistor, Lincolnshire, has appointed three new directors. Following their promotion Ben Crossfield, Jacqui Vear and James Walker will work alongside finance director and MD Sharon Robey to help take the business to the next stage of growth. Despite suffering the tragic loss of Sharon’s husband and Managing Director Chris Robey earlier in the year, the firm has exceeded its targets and turned over more than £4m for the first time in its 47-year history. “It has been our ambition to reach the four million pound-mark for many years and I’m pleased to say we have finally achieved it,” explained Sharon. “As a second-generation business, family values are embedded in everything we do. Our team embodies these values and when Chris and I took over the company from his parents, we wanted to put the staff at its heart. “Promoting the management team to directors is the first step towards giving our employees a greater and more meaningful stake in the running and success of the business.” Operations director Jacqui Vear added: “This year has been hard for the whole team, but especially Sharon, and I’m proud of the way we’ve supported each other and not only managed to survive but thrive. “Our clients, partners and suppliers have been hugely supportive and of course we couldn’t have reached this fantastic milestone without them. With Chris very much in mind we’re looking forward to the future of Systematic full of optimism in the knowledge that together we can achieve great things. “We’ve already got some exciting developments in the pipeline for 2023!” Systematic’s positive trading results will also enable it to continue supporting local charities and good causes. At Christmas every year the business donates hundreds of pounds to charities chosen by the staff. Commercial director Ben Crossfield said: “We’ve lost count of how much we’d donated over the years, but we know that we’ve passed the £50k milestone! “We make donations wherever we can – in fact, earlier in 2022 we made an impromptu pledge of £5,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for the benefit of people who continue to face the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. “Our record turnover this year will mean we can continue founder Nick Robey’s Christmas tradition and build on Chris’ legacy of making a positive difference, for our clients, suppliers, team, and community.” Other key achievements during the last financial year include a rebrand in November 2021 to reflect the increasingly diverse ways Systematic support its clients. IT director James Walker said: “Systematic was originally a printing company but we’ve since expanded to incorporate mailing and marketing services and we have our own dedicated design and animation studio. We’ve also launched a new range of sustainable corporate gifts. “In fact, sustainability is another cornerstone of the business and we’re aiming to be carbon neutral by 2025. For the first time we now have an all-electric fleet and we’ve installed solar panels at our headquarters in Caistor which means we’re well on the way to achieving that. “So, although we have experienced great sadness this past six months there are also a lot of reasons to celebrate, and we know Chris would have been the first to pop the champagne!” For more information about Systematic or the range of services it offers please visit www.systematic.uk

Doncaster firm’s expertise helps to create bottle tops for more than 50 countries

Stuart Pearcey
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Doncaster firm’s expertise helps to create bottle tops for more than 50 countries
Doncaster-based Agemaspark has used 3D metal printing solution to help an international drinks company produce the bottle top of the future. The firm has made mould tools for long-term customer Silgan Closures, which sells its closures in more than 50 countries across the globe. Their closures are used on liquid cartons and plastic sports drinks bottles, and need to be suitable for hot or cold drinks, be tamper-proof and resealable. Paul Stockhill, MD of Agemaspark, said: “We have worked with Silgan Closures for more than 18 years on conventional moulding tooling for their plastic injection moulding components. “Following an EU directive to change to tethered caps for drinks cartons we discussed making new mould tools with a view to improving the manufacturing process. “We ran a number of trials of the moulds and have now delivered a product that enables these drinks caps to be manufactured in a more environmentally friendly way.” Paul added: “We are extremely proud to have created the mould tool design concepts and tooling designs for Silgan Closures. It is fantastic to be working with them in partnership on their wide range of caps and closures. “We are continuing to test moulds and designs and are now working on two new prototype tools for the company converting existing conventional tools to conformal cooling tools. “It is great to see companies investing in improving the environmental impact of manufacturing and being innovative in their approach to delivering their product. “Our techniques can be used to help industries from oil and gas to aerospace and from medical and clinical to tooling. We are looking forward to using this application to help more sectors improve their environmental foot print.”

Skegness firm moves towards ‘diesel-free’ future with van acquisition

Stuart Pearcey
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Skegness firm moves towards ‘diesel-free’ future with van acquisition
Skegness-based Micronclean has added two ‘diesel-free’ vans to its fleet, saving as much as 3,000 gallons of diesel in their first year. Initially they will be based in Baldock and Grantham delivery duties across the South and West Midlands. Ricky Sheen, Transport Manager at Micronclean said: “The two new Maxus EDELIVER 9 vans represent a major step forward as we work towards reducing the carbon footprint of our transport fleet. Historically we have always optimised our delivery routes to improve service levels, minimise fuel consumption and reduce costs, yet whilst this will continue, these vans also offer us a step change in our journey. “The trials we undertook proved that as the technology stands currently these vehicles are ideal for local delivery routes, yet we will need to use internal combustion engines for some duty cycles. Where this is the case, we are looking to use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) which will reduce net carbon emissions by up to 90%. In this way as we constantly renew our existing transport fleet at the end of their economic life, we have options to reduce our carbon footprint.” Sophie Harris, QSHE Associate Director at Micronclean added: “These vans are the first tangible elements of our MicronGreen agenda as we start setting a bold pathway to zero carbon emissions.”

Arco donation helps build next generation of cyber security experts

Stuart Pearcey
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Arco donation helps build next generation of cyber security experts

Hull-based safety company Arco is donating IT equipment and sharing the expertise of its colleagues as part of a new employer-led project to mentor students at Ron Dearing UTC and offer them ‘hands on’ learning in cyber security.

Following an upgrade of systems across its network of safety stores, Arco will be donating several of its firewall units and a number of network switches to allow the students to learn using real-world technology. Arco colleagues Josh Thorpe, Cyber Security Analyst, and James Swinburne, Apprentice Cyber Security Analyst, both former pupils of Ron Dearing UTC, will be delivering presentations as well as mentoring students as part of the project. Richard Martin, Arco Non-Exec Director and Chair of Governors at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “As one of the college’s employer partners, Arco is proud to be working with Ron Dearing on this exciting project, which will be the first of many of its type, to inspire the next generation of cyber security experts. “At Arco, we specialise in health and safety and many lessons carry over well to cyber security, such as the need for appropriate protection, training and compliance. “By providing a hands-on learning experience, we aim to nurture the students understanding of cyber security and develop the skills required to help promote cyber security as a potential career.” Mike Hudson, Cyber Security Manager at Arco, said: “Arco has an excellent relationship with the students and staff at Ron Dearing UTC and this project will strengthen that partnership even further. “It is exciting that we can involve Josh and James, as former students of Ron Dearing, in this project and help demonstrate clearly how their education at Ron Dearing has supported them in starting and developing their careers at Arco.” Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “This is an amazing project led by our very own alumni at Arco. “The project will enable our computer science students to apply their skills to a real-world cyber security scenario with the guidance of industry professionals. This is another excellent example of world class employer-led learning.”

Wakefield Council decides not to purchase shopping centre due to ongoing challenging financial environment

Tess Egginton
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Wakefield Council decides not to purchase shopping centre due to ongoing challenging financial environment
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet have confirmed that no plans will be progressed to purchase The Ridings Shopping Centre, and instead the Council will seek to work in partnership with any potential third-party buyer. A report was considered by the Council’s key decision makers, which explored the potential for the Council to take a financial interest in the shopping centre, as part of its wider long-term regeneration plans for the city centre. Due to the ongoing challenging financial environment for the Council, however, Cabinet have decided it is not the right time to pursue this and instead have instructed officers to explore different models for delivering the Wakefield City Masterplan, which guides future development and economic growth in the city centre. Cllr Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It has become clear that the impact of the huge financial challenges we are facing will be far greater than we have encountered before, with huge pressures on our budget and our ability to deliver services. Therefore, making this decision is a significant financial risk that we cannot take at this time. “This site still remains a key area in our long-term regeneration plans for Wakefield and we want to support any potential buyer to help realise our ambitions for the city centre.” The Council now seeks to work in partnership with any potential buyers, sharing it’s due diligence information to support a sale and to help influence any future development plans to ensure the best outcome for the city centre and long-term regeneration plans – in line with the Wakefield City Masterplan. Cllr Jeffery added: “We will be exploring different options to help deliver our ambitious Masterplan for Wakefield and we are continuing to work with external funding partners and agencies in an effort to support the future of the Ridings site.”
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