The Flood Innovation Centre is urging local businesses to take action to better protect their premises, employees and other assets against the risk of flooding by requesting a free flood survey and follow-up support before it’s too late.
The message from the team at the Flood Innovation Centre, part of the University of Hull but funded to provide support to eligible SMEs in several areas of the country, is that the funding won’t be around forever. Eligible businesses are rapidly running out of time to take advantage of the funding that’s on offer because it comes from European Regional Development Fund and is only available for a few more months. As well as offering free flood surveys, the Flood Innovation Centre team works with business owners to help them understand the findings of their survey and how to make changes aimed at making their businesses more resilient to flooding. Pip Betts, Project Manager at the Flood Innovation Centre, said: “We’re now entering the final few months of the project so we’d urge any businesses that are concerned about flooding to contact us as soon as possible if they’d like to arrange a free flood survey and take advantage of the fully funded support that’s on offer. “The funding won’t be around for much longer, so this is a golden opportunity to take steps to boost the flood resilience of your business, ensuring that you’re better protected for future flooding events. You’ll be supported by our friendly, knowledgeable team every step of the way.” “Communities across the Hull and East Yorkshire area face a variety of different types of flood risk, but climate change, coupled with increasing urbanisation, means that flood events are happening more frequently.” The Environment Agency estimates that the average cost of damage suffered by businesses during a flood event is around £82,000. As many as 40% of businesses never reopen after being flooded, and a further 25% that do reopen go on to fail within a year. To find out more about the fully funded support on offer, contact the Flood Innovation Centre by telephoning 01482 462275, emailing flic@hull.ac.uk or completing the online registration form at www.floodinnovation.co.uk/register.FET wet spinning system selected for major fibre research programme
Fibre Extrusion Technology Limited (FET) of Leeds, England has installed a FET-200LAB wet spinning system at the University of Manchester which will play a major part in advanced materials research to support sustainable growth and development.
This research programme will be conducted by The Henry Royce Institute, which operates as a hub model at The University of Manchester with spokes at other leading research universities in the UK.
The Henry Royce Institute identifies challenges and stimulates innovation in advanced UK materials research, delivering positive economic and societal impact. In particular, this materials research initiative is focused on supporting and promoting all forms of sustainable growth and development.
These challenges range from biomedical devices through to plastics sustainability and energy-efficient devices; hence supporting key national targets such as the UK’s zero-carbon 2050 target.
FET-200 Series wet spinning systems complement FET’s renowned range of melt spinning equipment. The FET-200LAB is a laboratory scale system, which is especially suitable for the early stages of formulation and process development. It is used for processing new functional textile materials in a variety of solvent and polymer combinations.
“We are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious research organisation as the Henry Royce Institute” said FET Managing Director, Richard Slack. “This flagship research programme into future materials reflects FET’s wide experience and commitment to enabling client development of textile fibres made from renewable resources”.
In particular, the FET-200LAB will be utilised in trials for a family of fibres made from wood pulp, a sustainable resource rather than the usual fossil fuels. Bio-based polymers are produced from biomass feedstocks such as cellulose and are commonly used in the manufacture of high end apparel. The key to cellulose and other materials like lyocell and viscose is that they can be recycled, treated and fed back into the wet spinning system for repeat manufacture.
Established in 1998, FET is a leading supplier of laboratory and pilot melt spinning systems with installations in over 35 countries and has now successfully processed more than 35 different polymer types in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats.
Planning granted in Sheffield for UK’s largest open-die forge
Sheffield Forgemasters has secured planning permission for the construction of a building to house the UK’s largest open-die forging press.
The new 12,700 sq m structure will sit adjacent to the existing forge building on Brightside Lane and as well as housing a new 13,000 tonne press, will include offices and a water pumping station.
The building forms part of a recapitalisation programme by the Ministry of Defence, which will see up to £400 million invested in the site over ten years to upgrade the company’s defence-critical assets.
Gareth Barker, chief operating officer at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Securing planning permission for our new heavy forge line is a true landmark in the company’s history and will see work accelerate across the site as we move into 2023.
“In the early part of 2022, we undertook a major logistical exercise to ship the new press from Japan and place it in safe storage in the UK.
“The new facility will significantly improve our throughput of large, complex forgings and will enable us to push the envelope in terms of forging techniques and processes, as well as improving accuracy and reducing downtime.”
A target date of 2025 has been set for the completion of works and the new forging press to be in operation. It will replace the company’s existing 10,000 tonne press, which was installed in the 1950s and upgraded in the 1980s.
Two enabling developments have previously been approved covering temporary construction site access as well as the partial demolition of the existing forge building and erection of new heat shield walls.
Joanna Gabrilatsou, director of planning – North, at JLL, said: “The planning process was complex and was only made possible through close collaboration with Sheffield City Council to provide a plan that both fits the needs of the business, but also protects jobs for local people. We are delighted to have obtained planning permission and are now getting underway with helping to deliver planning permission on the second phase of investment at Sheffield Forgemasters site.”
The benefits of the proposed development are considered to be significant for the economy of Sheffield and given the company’s position at the forefront of the steel industry in the UK, these benefits will be important to the national economy.
Sheffield Forgemasters currently employs more than 600 staff in the city, including about 100 graduates and 60 apprentices. The company was acquired by the Ministry of Defence in 2021.
Sheffield Forgemasters’ project team for the new forging line includes JLL, AEW Architects and Tetra Tech.
Senior Architectural Systems expands manufacturing capacity in Rotherham
Senior Architectural Systems, the aluminium fenestration solutions provider, is set to expand its manufacturing capacity with the opening of a new facility in Rotherham.
Located close to Senior’s existing head office and main manufacturing centre in Denaby near Doncaster, the new Rotherham site on Mangham Road will provide an additional 90,000 square feet of usable storage and production space.
Together with Senior’s established sites in South Yorkshire and Scotland, the new facility will increase the company’s overall UK manufacturing capacity to 220,000 square feet. The move is part of Senior’s wider strategic expansion plan to enhance the thermal-efficiency of its entire product range and to significantly increase production of its low U-value and UK patented PURe® aluminium windows and doors system.
Once the new site is fully operational, Senior will be able to maximise the space in its existing Denaby HQ.
Senior Architectural Systems’ Managing Director Mark Wadsworth said: “Since launching our patented PURe® windows and doors in 2015, we have seen demand continuously grow and so it was always our intention to expand our production capabilities.
“We have made a number of investments at our main Denaby site, so it was important that we could both complement and replicate this successful and sustainable manufacturing model by finding a site that was not only similar in size, but was also nearby.
“The new site in Rotherham fits the brief perfectly. We are excited to commence production of our PURe® system in the New Year and look forward to maximising this new capacity to continue to enhance the thermal-performance of our complete range of products.”
The new site in Rotherham will also provide valuable storage space to assist with Senior’s nationwide delivery service and coincides with the company’s difficult decision to close its distribution centre in Newport, Wales. All customers in Wales and the South of England will now be served by the two main facilities in South Yorkshire, with Senior’s branch in Livingston continuing to support orders to Scotland and Ireland.
Doncaster door manufacturer secures £14.3m loan to support growth
OakNorth Bank has provided a £14.3m loan to Sentry Doors, the timber frame fire safety and security door manufacturers, to support future growth.
Established in 1989, Sentry Doors is a fully certified bespoke timber fire and security door manufacturer to the social housing, public sector, commercial and residential markets. Operating nationally from a 44,000 sq ft facility in Doncaster, Sentry has established a strong reputation for manufacturing products that meet the most rigorous quality and fire certification standards.
Earlier this year, the business announced the acquisition of E. & S. W. Knowles & Company, a manufacturer and supplier of bespoke internal door solutions specialising in acoustic, security, fire doors across private housing, healthcare, hospitality (hotels), student accommodation, and leisure.
The business is backed by Cairngorm Capital, a specialist private equity investment firm providing capital and management expertise to leading UK companies. It invests in private mid-market growth companies across manufacturing, distribution, and services industries, and focuses on those that can weather economic volatility and have the potential for substantial further growth. Its current portfolio companies have more than 6,500 employees and combined revenues of more than £1B.
Stuart Whiteford, Sentry director and Cairngorm Capital investment director, said: “We are pleased to have successfully completed this transaction for Sentry Doors – a strong manufacturing business we have been backing since early 2019.
“This debt facility from OakNorth will help position the business for future investment and growth, and enable the swift integration of the Knowles group following the acquisition earlier this year.
“We appreciated the speed and responsiveness of the OakNorth team – the team have strong commercial acumen and demonstrated a clear understanding of the business and its future growth potential.”
Stewart Haworth, debt finance director at OakNorth Bank, continued: “Sentry Doors is an innovative business with a strong focus on quality and an experienced management team.
“Its acquisition of Knowles has provided it with cross-selling and upselling opportunities, as well as manufacturing capacity for growth, an even stronger sales team, and logistic synergies.
“With new legislation around The Fire Safety Act, the industry is primed for growth, so the above, coupled with the backing of an incredibly strong sponsor in Cairngorm and the capital from OakNorth, mean Sentry is well-positioned for this.”
OakNorth Bank received legal support on the transaction from Gateley Legal.
Victorian mansion with planning permission goes under the hammer
Micklefield House, a Gothic-style Grade II Listed Victorian mansion in Rawdon owned by Leeds City Council, is to be put up for auction next month with planning consent for redevelopment to eight residential apartments.
Dating back to 1847, the four-storey, 10,000 sq ft building, will appear in auction house Pugh’s online property auction on 6 December with a guide price of £300,000.
A family home until the 1930s, Micklefield House belonged to early photographer and Bradford Mayor John Godwin whose son John also went on to become the first Lord Mayor of Bradford in 1907. The house was extended in 1872 by Bradford textile merchant and Rawdon councillor Thomas Arton.
The building retains many of the original features from its previous residential use including an imposing Baronial-style first-floor ballroom, richly moulded cornicing, painted-glass windows, and Victorian fireplaces.
Paul Thompson, director at Pugh, said: “This striking gothic-style building is a landmark building which so many people will know. With planning consent already in place for the development of eight apartments with parking, we have already had substantial interest in this unique residential development opportunity.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious developer and needless to say, Rawdon is a great location with easy access to both Leeds and Bradford, as well as the airport.”
In 1930, Micklefield House was bought by Rawdon Council for £4,500. Seven years later it became the headquarters of Aireborough Council, finally becoming Leeds City Council offices in 1974.
Yorkshire food business raises funds to meet demand from supermarkets
A Leeds dad who came up with an idea for a food business while baking with his young son has secured a £250,000 loan from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help meet demand from major supermarkets.
Greg Fraser set up the Bottled Baking Co in 2018 after recognising the difficulties in assembling and weighing all the different ingredients. Working from his kitchen, he started making baking kits with the help of friends and family and selling them at local markets. He sold out on the first day and was subsequently approached by buyers from the big stores.
The products, which are all hand-made in Yorkshire, are now stocked by hundreds of retailers across the UK including John Lewis, Selfridges, Fenwick, Ocado. He has recently also agreed a contract with M&S to produce kits for Colin the Caterpillar and Percy the Pig products.
Greg gave up his full-time job as a business analyst at the start of year to focus on growing the company. The Bottled Baking Co now employs five staff and has recently moved out of Greg’s kitchen and into new premises in Leeds. The funding will allow it to meet increased demand and create four new jobs.
Greg Fraser, who is the CEO of the company, said: “It’s fabulous to see our baking mixes on the shelves of the big stores. When my son saw our products in our local M&S recently, he was so excited that he ran over and shouted, ‘Look, there they are!’ From a part-time business based in the kitchen, the company has undergone a step change this year and the loan will help us to continue the momentum.”
Andy Clough of Mercia added: “The Bottled Baking Co has been a remarkable success story from the start. The products have proved so popular that Greg has had to do little in the way of pro-active selling as buyers have beaten a path to his door. The funding will provide working capital to support its rapid growth.”
Mark Roberts, chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and NPIF SOB member, said: “We have ambitious plans to create a strong economy in West Yorkshire – to boost growth, create well-paid jobs and help the region prosper.
“Ensuring firms have the investment they need to succeed is a key part of this, and this loan from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund will help the Bottled Baking Co scale up even faster to meet the significant demand for its products.
“The North needs more ambitious businesses like this, backed with the finance and support they need to grow, and we are determined to help make that happen. This is levelling up in action.”
Ben Merrick of YB Financial Advisory provided fundraising advice to the company.
£10m ABP investment brings new cranes to Immingham later this month
Engineers from ABP at Immingham team are back from Germany where they have carried out final factory acceptance testing of the port’s three new mobile harbour cranes.
The Liebherr 420s will be arriving later in November from Rostock in northern Germany. The new investment has cost £9.7 million with an additional £500k on new Nemag grabs.
The new cranes use the Liebherr hybrid system which comprises of a diesel generator which runs on HVO and the option to switch to all electric, which achieves a greater performance while reducing fuel consumption at the same time. The sustainable hybrid drive reduces the emission of CO2 and other harmful substances but also gives more power.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of the Humber ports said: “This is another great investment in the port. It offers our customers a range of equipment, these being specially optimised for vessels in the post-panamax class.
“It’s part of our wider strategy investment in future proofing the Humber ports and giving our customers the confidence that the ports remain resilient, and we are giving them what they need in having reliable and efficient cranage.”
The new cranes offer greater versatility being able to be deployed on any quay, though primarily they will be used for bulk cargo handling and scrap handling. They have a 124-tonne lifting capability, and offer greater safety improvements in the driver’s cab, and allow for better fleet management, which means short downtimes and full visibility of the whole fleet.
Grimsby councillors sign off on Riverhead Square development
Plans drawn up by Arup Landscape Design to transform Riverhead Square in central Grimsby have been approved by councillors, providing the green light for work to start on site early next year.
The remodelled area is being funded as one of the projects included in the Town Deal, the money for which was secured in 2020 and is ringfenced for specific projects.
The new designs will incorporate a lot more green space and planting, as well as providing new seating, lighting, security and a flexible event space with improved infrastructure to support future events and activities. There is also space for outdoor café seating at the entrance to Freshney Place.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council said: “We’re really starting to press ahead with schemes on the ground now. This, along with our plans for the other end of Freshney Place that are now in the planning system, and our acquisition of Freshney Place itself, will really make a difference to how the town centre operates.
“It is vital for our whole borough that we look at Grimsby Town Centre with a real determination to attract families and people of all ages, so we can bring vibrancy back and make it a place where people want to visit at all times of the day,” he added.
The approval means that some Town Deal money for the scheme will be released and allow it to progress, with work starting on site early next year.
Hull-based charity names new Chief Exec
Hull-based charity the HEY Smile Foundation has appointed Jamie Lewis as Chief Exec, taking over from Andy Barber who has been in the role its inception in 2008.
Jamie said: “I met Andy Barber several years ago and I thought I’d love to do his job, and I feel delighted to now have that opportunity! The charity has grown enormously on Andy’s watch, and Smile is now integral to the health of our region, demonstrated by taking the lead in the region’s response to the pandemic.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the staff team and the Board of Trustees at Smile. I am conscious that my tenure begins as we support the region through the cost-of-living crisis, and it is very important to me that Smile leads the way as we did in Covid.” Smile says it gives a voice to the voluntary sector at the strategic table across Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire, releasing assets for community use and inspiring positive action. We aim to improve lives every day in communities. Smile has a turnover of £1.5m that funds a portfolio of projects supporting improvement in health and happiness around the region. Smile Chair Trish Dalby said: “I know that Jamie is excited to be joining us from the private sector and his extensive experience in the public and charity sectors will also enable Smile to make the most of his expertise, energy and ambition. “Andy Barber has nurtured and developed Smile not only as an organisation but also its ethos and spirit. Andy has grown Smile by inspiring and empowering the team and leading by example in his commitment and hard work. The legacy that Andy leaves behind at Smile is tremendous and we know that his new role at Beverley Consolidated Charity will see it flourish in his new challenge and under his leadership.” Jamie leaves a position as COO with a telecoms engineering company in the region. Before that, he had worked in children’s social care, and having spent time in the care system as a child, he worked to better children’s life chances, joining East Riding of Yorkshire Council as a teenager before rising to become the Prevention and Education Manager. Jamie is the Chair of the Board of Directors of Pride in Hull, and Chair of City of Hull Street Angels, as well as being a member of the Board of Trustees of Fitmums and Friends. In addition, he is Chair of Governors at Frederick Holmes School, in Hull.