Local authorities share in £35m funding to build homes on derelict land

Stuart Pearcey
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Local authorities share in £35m funding to build homes on derelict land
Local authorities in Hull, Harrogate, North East Lincolnshire, and Rother Valley have been awarded a share in government funding to build homes on derelict land, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced. Almost £35 million from the £180 million Brownfield Land Release Fund 2 has been allocated to them and 37 other councils to help kickstart regeneration in towns and cities. The funding will bring unloved, council-owned land back into use, by transforming redundant industrial sites, disused car parks and derelict buildings into new places for people to live. A total of 59 regeneration projects will see over 2,200 homes – including over 800 affordable ones – built for local communities. This will help more young people and families onto the housing ladder and generate up to 7000 new jobs in housing and construction.
Minister for Housing Rt Hon Lucy Frazer said: “We are helping local communities transform unwanted, urban eyesores into thriving places that people are proud to call home. “Regeneration is at the heart of our levelling up mission and this new brownfield first fund will help communities across the country unlock disused, council-owned sites to build more of the right homes in the right places.”
Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart said: “This funding is absolutely crucial for stimulating growth and forms part of a push across the whole of government to get the UK economy moving. “Unused land such as this is ripe for investment and I’m thrilled we’re opening the door for more than 2,200 new property owners to potentially take their first step onto the property ladder. “This funding is great news for businesses, it’s great news for industry and it’s even better news for local people in these communities who are seeing housing and jobs moving to their area.”
Local areas were invited to bid for a share of the first round of funding from the new scheme. The remaining £140 million will be allocated over the next two years – creating up to 17,600 new homes across the country, as well as support up to 54,000 jobs in the sector.
 

Leeds building services engineers FHP complete work on new Darlington SME development

Michael Fisher
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Leeds building services engineers FHP complete work on new Darlington SME development
Leeds building services and engineering consultants FHP has completed undisclosed work for developer Priority Space to provide MEP services for a £2.7m development at a new North East of England industrial estate and business park for SMEs. The move saw the Leeds and London-based firm, which also acted as design and client technical advisor for the project, provide an undisclosed package of building services. This included energy strategy, mechanical and electrical, and sustainability design work, as well as technical advice to Priority Space, which has developed the 12 new business units at Evolution Park, Barrington Way in Darlington. This is part of a construction initiative to transform the 1.4 acres of vacant development land into a range of different sized units designed to accommodate SMEs looking to set up or expand their manufacturing or distribution businesses. The contract is the latest success for FHP as it continues to grow its portfolio of nationwide work and target revenues in excess of £3.5 million in turnover by the end of the year. James Taylor, director of FHP’s Leeds office, said: “This is the latest success for us as we continue to partner with Priority Space, supporting their ambitious growth and national development plans.  We look forward to further success into next year and expand beyond the region on the back of a strong pipeline of work.” Adam Richardson, director of Priority Space, said: “Our commitment to investing £3m to develop new industrial units represents a major milestone for us in North East England. Working alongside our construction team, the FHP team are a key ingredient in creating high quality industrial developments that meet the highest design and build standards.”

Sainsbury, Tesco and M&S Xmas supplies hit as Lincolnshire food factory strikes

Tess Egginton
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Sainsbury, Tesco and M&S Xmas supplies hit as Lincolnshire food factory strikes
More than 700 workers at Bakkavor’s food manufacturing factory in Spalding, Lincolnshire, will strike from late November until the New Year over “poverty pay.” Unite, the union, has said that many of the workers earn just 1p over the national minimum wage with some being forced to use food banks. The production line operatives, who make own brand soups, sauces and deli produce for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S, have rejected a 6.5 per cent pay offer. Unite says this is a substantial pay cut when the real rate of inflation, RPI, stands at 14.2 per cent. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The situation these workers face is exactly what is wrong with Britain’s economy today: A company earning millions and millions in profits expecting already low paid workers to take a pay cut while prices soar. “Unite will not tolerate attacks on our members’ jobs, pay or conditions and our Bakkavor members have the union’s complete backing as they strike for a better deal.” The strikes, which begin on 25 November and will last until 2 January, will impact own brand food products for Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S. More strikes will be scheduled if the dispute is not resolved. Strikes were due to take place in early November but were postponed to allow for an amended pay offer to be voted on. The workforce rejected the offer and negotiations between Unite and Bakkavor have since collapsed. Unite regional officer Ravinder Assi said: “Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S all have a case to answer if they do not pressure Bakkavor to use some of its massive profits to give these workers a proper pay rise. “Supermarket customers will be appalled to know that the own-brand goods they are buying are made by supply chain workers who are being treated so disgracefully. Bakkavor can well afford to put forward an offer our members can accept and needs to do so.” The news comes after Bakkavor announced proposals to close Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester. Bakkavor said in a statement: “Bakkavor can confirm that following a ballot of its members the Unite union has rejected the proposed 6.5% pay increase and will move to take strike action at Bakkavor’s Spalding site. Around half of Bakkavor’s colleagues at Spalding are members of the union. “We have detailed contingency plans in place to ensure that we continue to serve our customers and that any disruption is kept to a minimum. “Across its UK sites, Bakkavor has been awarding pay increases for colleagues – a move to support its people despite the challenging economic context for the sector. Bakkavor believes its proposed 6.5% pay award for colleagues in Spalding is positive and sustainable and is part of a broader package of employee benefits. “Bakkavor’s proposed pay offer ensures we remain competitive in the local market at a time when current trading conditions are causing significant levels of inflation across its cost base. As with businesses all over the UK, we are having to take decisive action to adapt to the challenging macro-economic backdrop, as we seek to protect our business. This has recently included our proposal to close two sites; Bakkavor Salads in Sutton Bridge, Lincolnshire and Bakkavor Desserts in Leicester as announced on 9 November. “Bakkavor is very disappointed the Unite union is going ahead with strike action based on pay claims that are simply unsustainable in the current trading environment.”

Council installs solar-powered carport

Stuart Pearcey
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Council installs solar-powered carport
East Yorkshire Council has installed its first solar carport at Driffield’s Leisure Centre, with 52.4-kilowatt peak of solar photovoltaics and two dual electric vehicle charging units capable of cutting the building’s electricity bills by £20,000 a year. The installation is expected to generate around 52,200-kilowatt hour of electricity, reducing the carbon emissions associated with the site by nine tonnes. The council’s asset strategy team secured funding from the European Regional Development Fund towards the installation of solar pv, a solar farm, a solar carport and EV charging units across the authority. The final strand of this scheme is the installation of a solar carport at East Riding Leisure Driffield. The leisure centre uses significant amounts of electricity, and the roof has already been subject to solar pv installations. The scheme cost about £300,000 with almost 50% of the funding coming from ERDF. Councillor Chris Matthews, portfolio holder for environment and climate change at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “It is fantastic to see the installation of what is thought to be the first carport in the East Riding and certainly the first provided by the council. “This innovative solution allows us to continue to work towards realising the council’s net zero ambitions whilst also allowing ERL Driffield to reduce their electricity bills during this cost-of-living crisis. “I’m really pleased this work has been achieved with minimal disruption to our residents and now the people of Driffield have further EV charging units on their doorsteps.”

Pure Block Management chosen to manage historic Hessle property

Tess Egginton
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Pure Block Management chosen to manage historic Hessle property
Hull-based property firm Pure Block Management has been appointed to provide professional management services at Mentone House in Hessle, once the home of one of Hull’s most famous historic figures. The property on West Hill, which today houses six luxury apartments, was built in 1869 as one of eight villas developed by a syndicate of Hull businessmen including James Reckitt of health, hygiene and nutrition giant Reckitt. Mentone House, named by Reckitt after a town near the French / Italian border where he recuperated after an illness, is the only one of the original villas that remains. After a long period as a private residence it spent several decades as a care home before being converted to six upmarket apartments in 2001. The apartments’ current leaseholders have now appointed Pure Block Management to manage the property, from arranging day-to-day repairs and planned maintenance to taking care of financial and legal matters including service charge collection. It is the latest in a series of new client wins for the growing firm, which manages over 120 apartment blocks and residential complexes across the region and is part of property specialist Garness Group. Pure Block Management director Liam Parker said: “We’re very happy to add a property with such an interesting history to the portfolio of developments we manage. “The leaseholders of Mentone House exercised their right to take on the management of the property some time ago. “After several years of handling it themselves they have decided the time is right to appoint a specialist firm to manage it on their behalf, giving them peace of mind that all their responsibilities and obligations are taken care of in a timely and professional manner. “We manage developments of all types and sizes across the region, from apartment conversions in historic properties like Mentone House to new-build housing developments, and pride ourselves on providing a responsive and expert service.” Among the other residential developments in Pure Block Management’s portfolio are the Queen’s Court BBC building in Hull city centre, Raywell House in East Yorkshire and Broadway House, on Hornsea’s seafront.

Wakefield company and director sentenced following fatal skylight fall

Tess Egginton
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Wakefield company and director sentenced following fatal skylight fall
A Wakefield roofing company has been fined and its sole director given a suspended prison sentence after a dad-of-two was killed when he fell 12 metres through a skylight. Jonathan May, 39, from Horbury, Wakefield, who was a subcontractor for Davis Industrial Roofing Limited, was working on a storm-damaged warehouse roof at F&G Commercials Limited, Carlton Industrial Estate in Barnsley with two others on 18 December 2016, when he fell. The work involved the replacement of more than 300 skylights on a fragile asbestos cement roof. The skylights had been damaged in a hailstorm. An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found Davis Industrial Roofing Limited had failed to provide an appropriate risk assessment, method statement, and suitable and sufficient fall protection measures for the roof work to be carried out safely. The investigation found even though reasonably practicable precautions were available, poor planning had resulted in a risk assessment and method statement that was not suitable and sufficient. The work was poorly supervised and carried out unsafely. Melvyn Davis, the sole director of the company, who had drawn up the risk assessment and method statement and had regularly visited the site to monitor progress, had failed to provide suitable and sufficient fall protection measures and consented to the use of an unsafe system of work. This constituted a personal neglect for safety during the roof work. Melvyn Davis, of Field Place, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered to do 15 days of rehabilitation activity at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 16 November 2022. Davis Industrial Roofing Limited, of Field Place, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £12,557. Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Chris Gallagher said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out correct control measures and safe working practices. “Companies and directors should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Wake Smith appoints new head of residential conveyancing operations

Tess Egginton
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Wake Smith appoints new head of residential conveyancing operations
Sheffield-based law firm Wake Smith Solicitors has appointed a new director and head of residential conveyancing operations. With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, Bonita Wolfenden will be working with directors Anne Emmerson and Amanda Cowley, both highly regarded conveyancers, leading the 15-strong team with a focus on developing and growing the Wake Smith conveyancing brand in the city centre and regional markets. Bonita joins Wake Smith following a director role at Switalskis Solicitors where she launched and managed the South Yorkshire conveyancing team at the firm. Before Switalskis, Bonita was a partner at Keebles where she headed up a reputable and busy residential conveyancing department across Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster. Bonita said: “Having lived in Sheffield for over 20 years, I have developed a good knowledge of the city, surrounding suburbs and the fantastic areas that make up this wonderful part of the country. “I’m excited to be working with my new colleagues – all of whom are passionate about delivering a great client experience beyond expectations. “Wake Smith has a strong reputation in Sheffield, with well-regarded lawyers and great clients. I am looking forward to working back in the office, which means I can be on-hand to drive and support the busy team, but also take advantage of the multi-disciplinary approach that a corporate and commercial law firm can bring. “Getting back into the office is crucial for a conveyancing department to grow and flourish after the difficult few years everyone in the industry has had. Now is the time to focus on teamwork, to re-group and working together will improve the service we can offer to our clients at Wake Smith.” Paul Gibbon, acting head of property at Wake Smith Solicitors, said: “Bonita is a talented solicitor, and she will be huge asset to our firms as she takes control of our conveyancing team. Her experience in the local area and her breadth of specialist knowledge will be invaluable to both the team and our clients. We’re excited to see the department continue to grow, ultimately helping to cement our position within market.”

Key worker deposit scheme launched in Grimsby, Lincolnshire

Michael Fisher
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Key worker deposit scheme launched in Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Key workers in New Waltham near Grimsby can now receive a deposit contribution of up to £15,000 towards a new home thanks to Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ new Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme. The homebuilder has introduced the scheme to all of its developments across the region, including at nearby development Wigmore Park in New Waltham. Key workers will be entitled to a deposit contribution of £750 for every £25,000 spent, and can receive up to the value of £15,000. For example, when purchasing a £300,000 home, Barratt and David Wilson Homes would contribute £9,000 towards the deposit. Barratt and David Wilson Homes have introduced the scheme to say thank you to key workers for their enormous contribution to the country. The new scheme will cover key workers from the NHS, teachers, police and fire services, the MOD, prison and probation services, plus Local Authority employees and Highways England. Daniel Smith, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East said: “We were proud to previously launch our Education Workers Deposit Contribution scheme to help out those working within the education sector, but we now want to open this up to every type of key worker in the country as a thank you for all their work. We are proud to help all those who work so hard for this country.” Barratt and David Wilson Homes is currently selling a variety of properties across East Yorkshire, including at its Barratt Homes Wigmore Park development in New Waltham.

York event designed to inspire women in business

Stuart Pearcey
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York event designed to inspire women in business

As part of this year’s York Business Festival, City of York Council and NatWest co-organised a networking event to inspire and empower women in business.

The council, in partnership with NatWest, hosted an in-person business support and networking event at the Guildhall, which aimed to inspire women to start, build or scale their businesses. This event brought together York-based women entrepreneurs from a range of sectors and offered opportunities for participants to build new connections and share experiences. It provided a platform for participants to share their ideas and advice, as well as find out about the support available from the Council, NatWest and Women Empowered Through Coaching and Networking. Stacey McVeighty, Founder of Change Accountants, gave the keynote speech on building relationships in business. Sarah Whittle, Project Coordinator for #WECAN, discussed her organisation’s work supporting future generations of female leaders through providing fully-funded support and training to businesses and female employees in the Leeds City region. Since March 2022, the council has supported over 150 women-led businesses to grow in York through tailored advice and support to access investment and networks. Councillor Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Development, said: “Working alongside our partners at NatWest and #WECAN, we are determined to support female-led businesses and help the entrepreneurs realise their potential here in York and help them overcome any barriers they may face. “This event offered a great opportunity to get inspiration, advice and support, but for those who were unable to attend, you can still access lots of info and support in the city to grow your business. “I’d encourage York businesses to contact the council’s Business Growth Managers, who can help them to  access vital funding, skills, and training and to keep an eye out for news of our upcoming events.” Rachel Dixon, Local Enterprise manager at NatWest, said: “NatWest is proud to partner with the council to empower and inspire York’s businesswomen. “We know that growing female-led businesses brings huge benefits not only to female entrepreneurs but to the wider local and national economy; female-led businesses currently represent a £250bn opportunity for the UK economy, and so it’s more important than ever to champion female potential and shape a better future for women in business.”  

Hull City Council award regional title for supporting small business

Michael Fisher
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Hull City Council award regional title for supporting small business
Hull City Council has just been awarded a prestigious ‘best in the region’ award for its support for the local small business community. Hull City Council was among 250 councils in England who entered the inaugural Local Government awards run by Britain’s biggest business representation group, and it emerged triumphant in the Covid Response regional category. Local authorities from all across England responded to the call when FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) launched their inaugural Local Government awards sponsored by Maybe*, which were aimed at celebrating and recognising those that had made the biggest impact on local SMEs during the Covid crisis and beyond. Hull City Council was named as the Yorkshire, Humber and North East regional champion winners with judges being impressed by the council’s work to help the local small business community, and specifically younger people in the early stages of starting their businesses.  Hull City Council’s Youth Enterprise Team supported 300 young people under the age of 29 and the team raised critical funds, and recruited 80 volunteer mentors to help early and young start-ups when they needed it most. Becca Pettman owner Gray Rose Boutique said “When first advised we had to stay at home, I did not know what I was going to do without any income, but the team came to my rescue to help with advice, expenses, and helped me to find grants to help my business stay afloat, but more than that they helped us as a young family too – my mentor Charles and the rest of the of the Youth Enterprise team checked in regularly to ensure we were ok” “they gave me encouragement and linked me up with other young people in same situation, they ensured my business was ready to trade when we could, and as someone who was excluded from the national schemes and therefore part of #ExcludedUK community I do not know what I would have done without the support of Hull City Council and the Youth Enterprise Team”. Paula Gouldthorpe, FSB Development Manager for South and East Yorkshire and the Humber said  “It is really pleasing to see Hull City Council rewarded for their consistent hard work and effort to help young people and their businesses through during challenging times, and when they need help the most. “Both the quality and quantity of entries from this region and beyond was incredibly high so Hull City Council should feel very proud to be among the winners. We look forward to continuing to work with them – and seeing more good work from the team that clearly does an incredible job to inspire young people and support those new to starting up” The award was presented to the team and to Leader of the Council Mike Ross and Regeneration Portfolio holder Councillor Paul Drake-Davis. Presented as part of this weeks ‘Global Entrepreneurship Week’ celebrations.  A week of events supporting young people and children to develop enterprise skills and inspire their business ambitions.  
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