Leadership duo appointed to deliver Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 programme
Two leading cultural figures have been appointed to lead the development and delivery of Bradford’s UK City of Culture 2025 programme, marking a major milestone in the year-long cultural celebrations that promise a game-changing new chapter for the district.
Shanaz Gulzar, nationally-acclaimed artist, producer, presenter and former chair of Bradford 2025 – who played an instrumental role in the district’s winning bid campaign – has been appointed as creative director.
Shanaz will lead on creating the cultural programme; working with local, national and international partners to produce an ambitious programme of work rooted in the unique heritage and character of Bradford district.
Shanaz, whose career spans film, visual arts, theatre, public art and media, most recently worked as a producer at Manchester International Festival (MIF) and has fronted a number of BBC television programmes including ‘Yorkshire Walks’ and the documentary film ‘Hidden Histories: The Lost Portraits of Bradford’.
Shanaz said: “I’ve been on Bradford’s UK City of Culture journey for more than two years, so to be able to develop it and see it through to delivery itself is a fantastic opportunity and a huge honour. I’m of Bradford, a Keighley lass, and having been part of the cultural community here for over 25 years, I know the passion and potential of the brilliant artists and creative communities in the district.
“I will be drawing on my years at MIF, producing events and experiences that have an international outlook whilst shining a light on homegrown stories and talent. Our winning bid was shaped by thousands of conversations with our many, diverse communities and our extraordinary young population across the district.
“I’m thrilled to be working alongside Dan to bring the ambition of our bid to life in our mills, across our hills, in our towns and streets from Haworth to Keighley, Bingley to Bradford city centre. We’re ready to write a new narrative for the next chapter of Bradford’s story. I can’t wait to get started.”
Dan Bates will take up the role of executive director of Bradford 2025, joining Bradford Culture Company – the charitable organisation delivering Bradford 2025 – from his current role as Chief Executive of Sheffield Theatres.
Dan, who trained as a stage manager at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, will draw on his expertise developing world-class programmes for a number of major cultural institutions including the Theatre Royal in Windsor, West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds and York Theatre Royal. He will lead on the recruitment of wider delivery team – with roles in marketing, financial management, HR and administration being recruited over the coming months.
Dan said: “I have had the most amazing 13 years at Sheffield Theatres and I’m incredibly proud to have helped nurture and showcase South Yorkshire talent across the city. When I heard that Bradford had won the title of UK City of Culture 2025, I was so excited for what an opportunity a year of culture can bring to the district and its people. I am even more so now to deliver this for the district, alongside working with Shanaz and can’t wait to get to work.
“Throughout the recruitment process and my many visits, it has been wonderful to meet the people behind the bid, to hear their stories and their passion, and it is a real honour to work alongside the many partners, supporters and sponsors who have already pledged their support. I’m also thrilled about the opportunities we will create for young people to develop their skills and to have lasting careers in creativity and culture way beyond 2025.”
Bradford district was named UK City of Culture 2025 in May, beating a record number of more than 20 locations who entered the hotly contested competition. The district received £275,000 in initial seed funding from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to hit the ground running, paving the way for a year of unforgettable cultural activities and events. It is estimated that UK City of Culture 2025 title could bring an extra £700m into Bradford district, creating 3,000 jobs and attracting around 1.1m visitors by 2030.
Shanaz and Dan will initially focus on recruiting the wider delivery team by the end of 2022, before work to bring Bradford’s winning bid to life starts in 2023.
Specialist facade contractor placed into administration
Administrators have been appointed to Speedclad Limited, a specialist facade contractor providing design, supply and installation of cladding and curtain walling facades.
Speedclad operates from its head office in Northallerton, with a regional site in Doncaster.
Over recent years, the business has faced challenges on multiple fronts including a difficult trading environment, paticularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The business has been hampered by the wider economic conditions, resulting in a number of postponed or abandoned contracts, supply chain challenges, material and labour shortages, and rising prices. Against this difficult business landscape, one of Speedclad’s major contracts became loss-making, having a profound impact on working capital.
Despite significant efforts by the company to avoid insolvency, the directors reached the conclusion that it was in the best interest of creditors for the company to be placed into administration.
James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators of Speedclad Limited on 16 August 2022.
44 members of staff have been made redundant, with a small number retained to assist with the administration. The joint administrators are exploring a number of options including seeking a buyer for the business, its assets and intellectual property.
James Lumb, Managing Director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The administration of Speedclad is symptomatic of the growing challenges facing the construction sector, particularly cladding and facades businesses.
“Speedclad is historically profitable and has delivered notable projects such as the facades at the Wellington Place office development in Leeds. The company is a well-respected business with strong goodwill in the market from customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Whilst we are hopeful of finding a solution for Speedclad, its administration suggests that other strong businesses could be facing similar challenges.”
Yorkshire company supports trailblazing women’s project to create new stone monument celebrating Anne Lister
A West Yorkshire-based natural stone supplier is supporting a group of female traditional stone specialists who are building a new monument at Shibden Hall, Halifax to celebrate the life of Anne Lister, the diarist, industrialist and landowner whose controversial life inspired the global hit BBC-HBO TV series, Gentleman Jack.
Traditional Stone is working with the team of six members of the Women’s International Stone Alliance (WISA), led by Anglo-Australian Emma Knowles, who was born and grew up in East Yorkshire. Formed of traditional stone specialists from Italy, Ireland, the UK and USA, the team’s month-long programme will see the creation of three monoliths connected by dry stone walls, complete with carvings.
The monument will be created using ten tonnes of stone for the three monoliths, coping stones and carving stone donated by Wakefield-based Traditional Stone, plus ten tonnes of building stone for the dry stone walls donated by Simon Lumb. Calderdale Council is also supporting the project by transporting the stone to Shibden Hall and preparing the site.
The monument is designed by Master Craftsman and accomplished designer, David Griffiths, to reflect the strength of Anne Lister and her love of landscapes and the mining industry, with the carvings revealing more about Anne as a person, including an extract from her diaries, both in her original code and a translated version.
It will serve as a fitting tribute to Anne Lister, whose life rose to prominence in 2019 when the TV series Gentleman Jack told the story of how she shook off female stereotypes to live a successful life that challenged 19th century English norms. The female wallers, masons and carvers working on the Shibden Hall monument work in a heavily male-dominated sector which they are aiming to change by encouraging more girls and women to get involved in the traditional trades.
Project leader Emma Knowles said: “There are so few women working in the stone industry and this is why we want to do everything we can to encourage more to get involved and support them through our network.
“We are thrilled to have been invited to create the new monument at Shibden Hall to celebrate Anne Lister, who wasn’t afraid to challenge convention and show that women can excel in male-dominated professions. And a big thank you to David Griffiths, Calderdale Council, Simon Lumb and Traditional Stone – without their support we would never have been able to build this unique monument.”
The supplier of the feature stones for the Shibden Hall monument, Traditional Stone, is itself unusual in being one of the few companies of its kind to employ women in skilled roles. Its workforce is around 15% female, including its general manager, IT manager and a stone mason.
Emma Hudson, general manager at Traditional Stone, added: “This is a tremendous project to be involved with, and we are delighted to donate the raw materials that WISA team need to create this unique monument. It is so important to encourage women and girls to get into the natural stone trades and hopefully more will be inspired to explore a career path and seek training in our sector when they see the skill and creativity on show at Shibden Hall.”
Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public services and communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, said: “We’re delighted to be able to accommodate this work at Shibden and support this great initiative. The resulting work will create a lasting legacy of this female-led project and provide a fitting tribute to Anne Lister. The monument will also be a further attraction at the beautiful Shibden Hall and Park and will be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.”
Emma and the stone specialists will complete most of the monument and wall construction in the period towards the end of August and first week of September, with an official unveiling set to take place around 10th September.
Bourne homebuilding firm’s £120m refinancing deal paves way for 2,000 new homes a year
Bourne-based homebuilding the Allison Group has signed up got a £120m refinancing deal with a £20m five-year term loan from HSBC and a five-year £100m Revolving Credit Facility with HSBC and NatWest, placing the group in a strong position for future growth plans.
The RCF will be used for investment in new land and development, and will enable Allison Group to build 2,000 homes a year by 2025. The business is also supporting the supply chain by cutting supplier payment terms from 45 to 30 days.
COO and former CFO Alastair Gordon-Stewart said: “I am very satisfied with the financial firepower the refinancing gives to the Allison Group. This builds on our long-standing relationship with HSBC and I am delighted to form a new relationship with NatWest and look forward to working with both lenders into the future.”
John Anderson, CEO of Allison Group said: “Refinancing will undoubtedly bring exciting possibilities for Allison Group. We are making significant progress and have excellent ideas in store for our future that will now be viable with the £120m we’ve secured from HSBC and NatWest. We are continuing to seek new talent, improving payment terms for suppliers, and making great headway towards our goal of building 2,000 homes a year. Our growth strategy is being brought to life and we are excited about what the future holds for us.”
Wanted: Buyer for ‘treasure trove’ of craft beer
Buyers are being urgently sought for a huge stock of beer brewed by defunct Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co which ceased trading in April this year.
Liquidators at Begbies Traynor say there are about 300 barrels of beer and hundreds of cans of craft ale left over following the demise of the award-winning brewery.
The beer, currently in a bonded warehouse in Manchester, is a mix of craft ales including IPAs, Pale Ales, Stouts and specialist fruit-based beers with names like Beach Bum, Oblivion Now, Miami Amor and Chocolate Fudge Cake.
Paul Stanley and Jason Greenhalgh of Begbies Traynor have been appointed as Joint Liquidators of Beatnikz Republic Brewing Co. They say the stock is a good opportunity for someone in the trade as they seek to recover funds for creditors of the company.
Mr Stanley of Begbies Traynor, said: “We’re looking for someone in the trade to see the opportunity, step forward and buy the bulk of the stock that’s left over in this treasure trove of ale. At this stage we estimate there’s almost 20,000 pints of craft ale sitting here and we’ll supply a full inventory upon request. It would be good for a trade buyer such as a freehouse, independent bar or organised beer festival.
“Plenty of the beer has a 2023 ‘best before’ date. Buyers would have to collect the barrels and kegs and the price of the beer reflects this logistical challenge. This beer was commonly retailing at around £6 a pint in the Northern Quarter but we’re looking for around £1 a pint which includes the duty that needs to be paid.
“The company was hit hard by the impact of lockdown restrictions, rising transport costs and inflation. Its primary customers were licensed premises across Manchester city centre and in particular in the Northern Quarter from where they were able to grow good awareness of their brand locally and even internationally.
“This case highlights the challenging times faced by many in the hospitality trade. It’s not the first brewery we’ve been appointed to in recent times and it certainly won’t be the last in this kind of inflationary economic climate.”
Interested parties should contact Mark Dyer: mark.dyer@btguk.com
Firms say prices will rise as energy costs continue to put the squeeze on business
The rising cost of fuel and energy is believed to be one of the greatest threats to SME survival in 2022, according to SME insurance provider Simply Business.
Its new report found that 70% of SME owners nationwide say that rising costs across the board are their biggest challenge this year, with half expecting to increase prices in an attempt to offset increased expenditure. A similar proportion in Yorkshire & Humberside intend to raise prices by 6-10%, and for almost one in 10 owners these increases could be as much as 20%.
As a result, two thirds (64%) of small business owners in our region are calling on the government to review or reduce the energy price cap. A third say the VAT cut needs to be reviewed or extended, and over half feel that the government should review or reduce national insurance.
While the energy price caps do not apply to businesses directly, millions of small business owners are still experiencing increased energy bills at a time when costs are rising in most operational areas. At the same time, with a substantial number of households affected by rising energy bills, consumer purchasing power is going down as people cut back on non-essential spending. SMEs in food and drink, hospitality and retail are most at risk, decreasing revenue and income for small business owners still in the vital post-pandemic recovery period.
Luke Addy, a bricklayer from Sheffield, says: “As a sole trader the rising costs with fuel and energy is ridiculous to the point where I’m having to work longer hours seven days a week to make ends meet and not undercut myself down to fuel expenses.
When I say long hours I am working 8-9 in the evening three or four days a week to make sure I don’t lose out . As you can imagine the stress this has to the point where I think it would be easier working for someone else.”
Jonathan Portes, Professor of Economics and Public Policy at King’s College London, said: “Apart from raising prices, the main response to these adverse pressures from businesses is likely to be to simply hunker down, reduce costs where possible, and get on with it: that is, to pause expansion plans and, for those with employees, to cut back on hiring, hoping that conditions will improve over the coming year. The crucial factor here is likely to be consumer confidence and consumer demand. This has clearly taken a severe hit in recent months, but may recover if inflation reduces and real incomes return to growth.
“What can the government do to help? Fuel and energy prices are by far the largest concern, and here the key drivers are global. However, UK conditions have been aggravated by both Brexit and the recent fall in the pound, which further pushes up energy prices, as well as by the operation of the energy market and the price cap. Nor does the disconnect between the Prime Minister’s call for a “high wage, high productivity” economy and the insistence that workers have to accept large cuts in real wages help to improve consumer and business confidence. While UK businesses remain resilient in the face of further economic turmoil, they need and deserve a more coherent longer-term strategy for the UK economy.”
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, said: “Many small business owners are at breaking point – feeling the crippling pressure of rising costs, energy and fuel prices, alongside their ongoing recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic.
“Our SME Insights Report is a clear indication that small business owners want and need government support, with three in five calling for a review or reduction of the energy price cap.
“In the meantime, whilst the energy price caps do not apply to businesses, owners are seeing their energy bills increase overall. The surging cost of fuel and energy, alongside the overall rising cost of living, will understandably see households cut back on non-essential spending. There is a domino effect in place. The impact to consumer purchasing behaviour will trickle through to the books of small business owners, at a time when SMEs need our support the most.
“Inflation is at a 40-year high and comes with a clear recession warning, posing a serious risk to many small businesses. Sole traders and microbusinesses will feel the pressure more than most. This all comes at a time when many are still in recovery mode. One in six believe they will never financially recover from the pandemic. As a result, two in five owners are calling for long-lasting financial support from the government to help them get back on their feet after Covid-19.
“Accounting for over 99% of all UK businesses and contributing trillions of pounds in turnover every year, small businesses sit at the heart of our communities and are vital to our economy. And while it’s encouraging that the majority remain optimistic about their businesses chances, it’s clear that owners need support to weather the pressure of rising costs.”
Duo of Yorkshire warehouses snapped up
Urban Logistics, the last mile logistics focused REIT, has acquired warehouses in Sheffield and Barnsley as part of a wider £90 million swoop.
The property at Downgate Drive, Sheffield is a 31,105 sq ft, newly refurbished industrial warehouse close to the M1. The purchase price paid was £3,120,000. The unit is currently vacant and is being marketed.
The property at Silkstone Road, Barnsley is a 24,230 sq ft industrial warehouse located in the Dodworth Business Park. The purchase price paid was £2,600,000.
The unit is let to a vintage clothing operator, who process and sort textile recycling on site, with the lease expiring in 2029.
Richard Moffitt, Chief Executive, said: “During recent market volatility we have been deliberately patient in our deployment, and that patience has been rewarded by our ability to acquire these properties in prime locations on advantageous terms. “Our occupational market, with its focus on supply chains for essential goods, remains strong with continued upward pressure on rents. We firmly believe that, at any stage in the property cycle, if we improve lease lengths we will see yield compression. “We therefore see substantial potential valuation increases in these acquisitions, driven by our asset management plans.”Yorkshire Building Society gives most of its employees £1,200 cost of living bonus
Next month most Yorkshire Building Society employees will get a one-off payment of £1,200 to help with the rising cost of living.
All eligible employees – excluding directors and chief officers – will receive the payment in addition to a £1,000 salary increase for the same employees earlier in the year, and on top of an average 10.6% pay rise 740 of the Society’s front-line colleagues received in January.
Orlagh Hunt, chief people officer at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “The rising cost of living is undoubtedly causing many people concern, and as an organisation that prides itself on helping households, we’ve looked at a number of ways we can support people through this challenging period.
“We’ve maintained our commitment to paying all colleagues in line with, or above, the real living wage and have invested significantly in our pay awards earlier in the year. But we also recognise that our colleagues are facing real cost of living challenges right now. So, in line with our purpose to offer real help with real life and our mutual status, we can invest for the benefit of members and our people. We hope this one-off payment will go some way to easing the burden many feel.”
Popular Hull day nurseries sold
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Songbird Limited, a group of two nursery settings in Hull. Funding for the buyers was sourced through Christie Finance.
Songbird Limited comprises Songbirds Hedon and Songbirds Day Nursery and Kids Club which, combined, have capacity to care for up to 120 children aged nought to eleven years. The nurseries are located less than a mile apart from each other, in the semi-rural villages of Hedon and Preston in East Riding, Yorkshire.
The first setting, Songbirds Day Nursery and Kids Club, was established in 1997, and Songbirds Hedon was later added to the portfolio in January 2019. The nursery group has an ‘eco and nurture’ ethos, focusing on the important role that the outside plays in a child’s learning and development.
The group was previously owned by Susan Goodwin and was recently brought to market to allow her to retire from the sector.
Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, the nursery group has been sold to first-time buyers, Shane and Katy Stevenson, who have an educational background and were keen to buy a nursery local to them.
Susan Goodwin says: “After 39 years of working and 25 years owning my childcare businesses, I felt the time was right for me to take early retirement as I couldn’t input anymore emotionally or move forward with the business. I was proud to develop such a caring ethos at the nursery and this was recognised in the two ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted inspections and the reputation locally. I’d like to wish the new owners, Katy and Shane, all the best for the future.”
Shane and Katy Stevenson say: “This has been our first experience of purchasing within the early years sector as we are new to the market. We initially investigated buying one of the two settings that were on the market, as we assumed the funding for both settings would not be possible.
“After we met with Emma of Christie Finance, we were advised that we could purchase both settings and we received more funding than we first anticipated. The Songbirds settings have an extremely good reputation, and we thrive to carry on the ‘village nursery’ ethos. We have taken on a fantastic team of staff, who have vast early years knowledge.
“Our senior manager, Laura, has helped the transition run smoothly and ensured that the welfare of the staff has been a priority whilst the sale is completed. With the smaller of the two settings, there are lots of improvements to be made, which we have already made good progress with. Soon the outdoor area will be expanded, and we will incorporate the Forest School ethos.”
Vicky Marsland, associate director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “I was delighted to act on behalf of Susan in marketing both settings confidentially. Her passion for childcare shone through and was evident in a very happy workforce and great feedback from parents.
“Whilst it’s not been without its challenges, it has been a pleasure working through this process with Susan. The nurseries are perfect for Shane and Katy, being local to the area and with a background in education. I’m excited to see where this venture takes them next.”
Emma Vanson, finance consultant at Christie Finance, who handled funding for the buyers, says: “It was a pleasure to assist first-time buyers, Shane and Katy, with the funding for Songbirds Day Nursery. With their background in education, we were able to achieve 60 per cent LTV on an unsecured basis.
“The nursery sector is still considered as a green sector for lenders and competitive terms are available. The funding has enabled Shane and Katy to pursue their new career as day nursery owners and I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve – best of luck for the future.”
Songbird Limited was sold for an undisclosed price.
Bradford timber building manufacturer signs JV agreement with forestry firm
Bradford-based garden building manufacturer Power Sheds has entered a JV with BSW Group, the largest integrated timber and forestry business in the UK.
CEO Jack Sutcliffe and Director Simon Hobson will remain in control of the business and continue to drive it forward, with BSW Group CFO Alan Milne also joining the board.
Alan explained: “We are really impressed with the rapid growth and success that Power Sheds has achieved in only three years, so the team is very excited to develop a relationship and help it expand to its potential. We are very much looking forward to working together.”
Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW Group, added: “This is a great win for us and gives us the opportunity to supply a range of value-added products to global markets. We’re excited to support Power Sheds as they continue to grow as a leading garden building supplier”.
Global sawmiller Binderholz acquired BSW Group in January 2022, meaning it is now the largest timber processing group in Europe, with access to markets on a global scale. They aim to diversify and widen the success of Power Sheds, who already have 75 employees.
CEO Jack Sutcliffe said: “Our new partnership with BSW Group is really exciting for the company, giving us a great opportunity to build Power Sheds into a world-wide brand and break into new markets such as the US and Europe. I’m looking forward to building the business even further and seeing where it takes us over the next few years.”
“The new partnership means there are going to be more opportunities for the existing team at Power Sheds, who have been integral in helping us achieve everything we’ve done on the journey so far. We can’t wait to see what this means for our development and growth.”
Power Sheds, with a turnover of more than £15m annually, was advised by Schofield Sweeney (Legal) and BPR Heaton Chartered Accountants (Corporate Finance). BSW were advised by Burges Salmon (Legal) and PWC (Financial and Tax).
