Dacres donate £5,000 to local hospice
Yorkshire estate agent, Dacre, Son & Hartley has donated £5,000 to Saint Michael’s Hospice.
The property firm has made a series of contributions to numerous local charities throughout 2022, as well supporting several community and sports groups across North and West Yorkshire.
Saint Michael’s Hospice provides care and support to families living with terminal illness and bereavement across the Harrogate district. Along with its family of services, the hospice has cared for 120% more people since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to do as much as it can, for as many as it can, for as long as it can across its community.
Saint Michael’s Chief Executive Tony Collins said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Dacres for their generous donation.
“As an independent charity, Saint Michael’s is powered by local community support, with the majority of our care funded by the generosity of organisations and local people who choose to show their support in a variety of amazing ways.
“Our corporate partnerships are vital to helping us to continue our work helping local people and their families living with terminal illness and bereavement.”
Earlier this year Dacres backed The Immanuel Project, a Bradford-based charity that helps vulnerable and homeless people, with a £5,000 donation. The firm, which has 19 offices across North and West Yorkshire also supports the Pulse 1 Mission Christmas, Cash For Kids campaign, collecting presents across its offices, so that disadvantaged children across the region have a gift to open on Christmas Day.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said: “There is nothing better than being able to give back to the communities in which we operate. With a team of 125 at Dacres, we ensure that we select charities that our people have an affinity with. The care that Saint Michael’s Hospice provides, helping people at the end of their lives and supporting their families is vitality important, and we feel proud to be able to help.”
Science Park’s first company goes from strength to strength
The first company to move into Lincoln’s Science and Innovation Park has grown so successfully it is moving into its own premises.
METIS Aerospace was the first through the doors when the Science Park opened in 2017. Originally just two people, the Aerospace, Defence and Security company now has 14 staff and is undergoing a major expansion.
After 23 years flying on RAF Nimrod aircraft, CEO Tony Burnell founded the company in 2011 with the aim of developing specialist signals intelligence solutions capable of delivering real-time threat warnings.
In 2018 METIS was instrumental in the reopening of Gatwick Airport during its Drone Crisis and since then METIS has been actively involved with major airports, enabling to continue operating whilst identifying drone threats that could interfere aircraft and their operations.
“We develop Electronic Warfare Signals Intelligence solutions that detect, track and identify high frequency radio waves emitted by targets of interest. That could be anything from a terrorist organisation’s radio communications to a serious organised crime operation using drones.”
Tony, who sits on the newly formed GLLEP Defence and Security board is also Chair of the UK’s Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space’s Drone Platform and Counter Drone group, said: “What has really made us unique is the many years of experience we have had in the RAF using tech in global conflicts, then testing, evaluating, and developing it. We have used these skills and our experiences of being the end user to provide our customers with better solutions, thereby building a strong business.”
METIS was eager to move into the Lincoln Science & Innovation Park as soon the Boole Technology Centre opened. “The primary driver for moving in was to collaborate with the right people to build better products. That included companies who also moved into Boole and we were right next to the University of Lincoln who we’ve been able to work with to develop emerging technologies and pulling these through into the commercial sector in short timescales. We also liked the ‘wow’ factor of bringing clients to Boole. The biggest benefit was the flexibility and understanding of Tom, the Park’s director. His door is always open, and he is a great person who’s provided support and advice throughout but, arguably more importantly, worked with us to enable the company to grow.”
Tom Blount, Director of Lincoln Science & Innovation Park, said: “We would have loved to keep Tony and his team on site but, sadly, their growth has meant that we simply haven’t the space available in such a short timescale. We will miss having them based at the Park but they remain an important part of our wider science and tech community.”
METIS is now moving to its own premises in North Hykeham which will house its offices, labs and a new manufacturing facility with space to produce drones up to a 6m fixed wingspan.
Development’s size more than doubles – with more to come
The size of a development at Jessop Close in Newark will more than double with an additional 14 light industrial units due for completion this summer, all of which have been sold off-plan. In addition to this, additional stock at Jessop Park will be created in early 2023.
The new light industrial units have been created by CF properties and marketed by Banks Long & Co, and have grown significantly in popularity in recent years because of factors including the upturn in demand for warehousing resulting from inctreased online shopping; a buoyant economy; and small business rate relief.
In the short term the development benefits the local economy by providing local jobs during construction, with the longer-term benefit is seeing new businesses coming to the area, and national businesses are seeing excellent opportunities to house regional depots and small businesses in the area.
Lewis Cove of Banks Long and Co said: “We are delighted by the response received for the new Jessop Park development. We identified a shortfall of supply in the market for this type of product locally, and as a result we can significantly support the local economy by attracting new business to the area and provide expansion opportunities for those already based here.”
Newark, which includes Overfield Park and the nearby St Modwen Park, located in Witham St Hughs, have been at the centre of this growth in demand, introducing a significant amount of industrial and warehousing space. Largely this success has been due to Newark’s excellent transport links, with immediate proximity to the A1, A46 and A17.
Mr Cove added: “Phase 3 and 4 Jessop Park will commence in 2023. Given the demand and popularity of Phase 2, we would expect to get the same positive response for the new phases and that they will sell just as quickly.”
Take pressure off small firms now, FSB urges policymakers
Record increases – of more than 9% in the consumer prices index and 22% in producer price inflation – have promoted the Federation of Small Businesses to urge action by policymakers.
Says FSB National Chairman Martin McTague:“The cost of living crisis starts with a cost of doing business crisis. Policymakers should act now to address rising consumer inflation at root, by taking pressure off the small firms that are doing all they can to absorb higher input, labour and energy costs, but can only absorb so much.
“A fifth of firms cite input costs as their main concern. Similar proportions say they are struggling to source the right goods and services or have experienced supply chain disruption. One in seven are struggling with labour shortages. One in ten are still not fully trading.
“On top of those worries are surging energy bills, travel disruption and the need to service debt, the cost of which is rising.
“As margins are eroded, leaving less and less for firms to invest in upskilling and innovation amid labour shortages and net zero targets, the Government must use the tools at its disposal to help stem the tide.
“That means looking at reversing hikes to national insurance contributions, reductions in business rates for small firms, cuts to VAT, especially on energy, and targeted reductions in fuel duty – many businesses, especially in rural areas, have no choice but to use the roads.
“On energy, policymakers should extend the help that’s been issued to households through the council tax system to micro businesses through the rates system.
“Unless action is taken now, surging costs will continue to be reflected in anaemic growth, productivity and investment figures.
“The small business community shrank in size to the tune of 400,000 over lockdowns. If surging costs keep on unaddressed, we’re set to lose hundreds of thousands more.”
Independent insurance broker gears up for growth with hat-trick of office moves
Yorkshire-based independent insurance broking and risk management specialist, TL Dallas, is expanding after relocating three of its offices to new premises, which follows the successful launch of two new businesses within the group last year.
TL Dallas, which has 11 UK offices, expanded into Lincolnshire at the end of 2021, launching Dallas Scott Davey with experienced insurance professionals, Ed Davey, and Darren Scott, who have 45 years combined industry experience.
Dallas Scott Davey offers specialist agricultural and business insurance and has now relocated to Plowright House, which is the University of Lincoln’s former agricultural campus within its Riseholme Estate. Today Plowright House is a Barclays Eagle Labs office hub with a focus on cutting-edge AgriTech research and related businesses.
The company now has a team of three in Lincoln and plans to triple in size over the next 18 months, recruiting six new account handlers and brokers.
In April 2021, TL Dallas also opened an office in the Craven district of North Yorkshire. Known as Dallas Wilding Drew, the office is headed up by Simon Drew and Mark Wilding and offers general commercial insurance to privately owned businesses across all sectors. Simon and Mark have a combined total of more than 50 years of corporate insurance, personal insurance, and risk management experience between them.
Originally located in Settle, Dallas Wilding Drew has already grown to a team of four people, following the recent appointment of Shirley Walters from Marsh Commercial, and has now expanded into larger offices at Asquith Business Park in Gargrave near Skipton.
In addition, the London office of TL Dallas has relocated to 14 Devonshire Square, in the City of London, close to Liverpool Street Station. The office has recently recruited three new people and now has a 16-strong team supplying commercial insurance products to businesses across all industries, SMEs and hotels.
Polly Staveley, Managing Director at TL Dallas, said: “Simon, Mark, Ed, and Darren are all very experienced and genuinely strive to offer their clients the best products and advice possible and will negotiate hard on their behalf, so we knew they’d be a great fit for TL Dallas.
“Putting their names over the door and launching these businesses is a great way for us to bolster our business and service offerings in new areas, whilst giving experienced industry stalwarts the opportunity to be shareholders in the business.
“Our London office is also going from strength to strength and relocating to prestigious new premises in the heart of the City is an exciting prospect as we continue to grow our client base in the South of England.”
Ed Davey, director at Dallas Scott Davey, said: “In a short space of time we’ve quickly established a strong client base across a wide area, with our core business being in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Farming is experiencing significant challenges across all sectors, not least due to agri-inflation.
“Steering a course for the business and building the right strategy needs more careful attention than ever before. Ultimately farms and associated businesses are having to balance cost versus risk and our specialist industry knowledge and ability to provide a bespoke service is proving very popular.
“Expanding into new premises within the University of Lincoln’s former agricultural campus, which is now home to a wide range of businesses at the forefront of the farming industry, is the perfect address for a specialist agricultural insurance broker.”
Simon Drew, from Dallas Wilding Drew, said: “We set out with the aim of being trusted advisers and delivering the best value for money for our clients across general commercial and corporate insurance. In just over 12 months, we’ve doubled the size of our team and plan to create more jobs this year, as the number of clients we work with continually increases. This new office gives us the ideal platform to continue growing.”
Yorkshire building services engineering practice expands into Belfast
Yorkshire-headquartered building services engineering practice, Tate Consulting, has expanded into Belfast, initially creating five jobs in the city. The firm now plans to continue growing the team following a string of high-profile contract wins.
Tate Consulting’s recently opened new Belfast office is located close to Belfast City Airport in the Belmont Office Park on Belmont Road. Belfast born Jim Lee, who has been a director at Tate Consulting for the past nine years, will continue to split his time between Belfast and Harrogate.
Aaron Stevenson and Kevin Gallagher have also joined the team as associate director and mechanical associate respectively, with Aaron overseeing the running of the new Belfast office.
Aaron has worked for several well-known engineering firms in Northern Ireland for the past 25 years and Kevin brings more than 10 years’ worth of experience to the role working in both Belfast and London.
Initial contract wins for the company include Belfast Waterside, a development of 500 homes by MODA Living in collaboration with Osborne + Co and focused on the build to rent market, as well as a 450,000 sq ft logistics facility in Dublin for an international retailer.
Tate Consulting’s Managing Director, Shane Tate, said: “Over the past 20 years we have established a nationwide portfolio of clients in both the public and private sectors and a reputation for always adding significant value to projects.
“Belfast is currently benefitting from substantial amounts of investment and is now home to some of the UK’s most exciting construction projects, so expanding into the city was a natural move and makes it a very exciting time for us.”
Tate Consulting director, Jim Lee said: “This expansion will give us a valuable foothold and added resource in Belfast as well as facilitating further expansion into the Dublin market.
“We’re already working on several high-profile projects and part of this success is due to us being able to attract a highly skilled team, who want to work on career defining projects. It’s great to be able to utilise the talent that exists in Northern Ireland.
“Both Aaron and Kevin have a wealth of industry experience and are well-known in the local construction industry. With a number of imminent appointments, we’re now looking to build on this further and plan to recruit several more electrical and mechanical engineers this year.”
Yorkshire-based specialist waste company acquired
Beauparc has expanded its UK portfolio with the acquisition of Yorkshire-headquartered specialist waste company, Acumen Waste Services.
Founded in 1994, Acumen are leaders in the specialist waste management sector, providing services to over 1,000 customers nationally and internationally.
Managing Director of Acumen, Andy Crossley, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be joining an organisation that aligns so closely with our own values. Like Beauparc, Acumen has grown to become a leader within the specialist and difficult waste sector and we’re very proud of the brand, achievements and customers that have become part of this journey with us.
“Moving forward we’re excited to be able to deliver the same innovative and specialist solutions for our own customers but also help provide total waste management to Beauparc’s existing customer base. Retaining the knowledge and people within Acumen, as well as the support from a much larger organisation will bring with it greater benefits for all.”
As part of this transition, longstanding board members and shareholders Leon Kirk and Jon Morris will be stepping down from the board. However, in a joint statement, Leon and Jon said: “We’re both very proud to have served on the board and see the growth and development of such a strong business.
“Becoming part of the Beauparc group will present excellent opportunities, not just for the dedicated team that work within Acumen or the fantastic array of customers but also for the industry. In a similar style to Acumen, Beauparc are highly driven by innovation and progressive development. As a business we’ve led the industry for several years, and we’ll take great interest charting its successes going forward.”
The existing senior management team will remain within the business and Managing Director, Andy Crossley and finance director, Kris Sutton will work alongside Beauparc’s management to develop and deliver Acumen’s specialism and service offering throughout the group.
Beauparc CEO, Brian McCabe, said: “Acumen Waste is a leading specialist waste company with a best-in-class team providing premium service offerings to a loyal customer base.
“The combination of Beauparc and Acumen is highly complementary and now enables our joint business to offer market leading services across several specialisms in our core catchment areas.
“We are delighted to work with Andy, Kris and the wider management team to continue delivering quality services to the broader Acumen and Beauparc customer base.”
Low Carbon launches second stage of consultation on updated proposals for new Lincolnshire solar and energy storage park
Low Carbon has launched its second consultation on refined proposals to build a new solar and energy storage park on land near Gate Burton, Lincolnshire.
The consultation will run from 22 June to 5 August 2022. During this time, Low Carbon is asking for the views of communities living close to the site as well as those from the wider area. The consultation precedes Low Carbon submitting its application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate.
Comments will be invited on topics including the updated masterplan, visual impact considerations and the electrical connection into the national grid at Cottam substation. Low Carbon will also be asking people for their views on how community benefit initiatives linked to Gate Burton Energy Park could be administered and managed, as well as for further suggestions of local projects and community initiatives that could be supported.
Mike Rutgers, development director at Low Carbon, said: “This is a major milestone for Low Carbon as we approach our planning submission. We’ve taken into consideration the feedback provided by the local community earlier this year which, alongside our ongoing technical and environmental surveys, has helped us to refine our proposals to those you see today.
“The community asked us to work with other developers in the area to reduce cumulative impacts. You’ll see from our new plans that we’re proposing to do just that. By seeking to align our Grid Connect Route with other proposals in the area, we hope to pursue the most efficient way of working and minimise any adverse impacts on the community.
“We’re looking forward to meeting the local community again in the coming weeks and explaining the measures we’re proposing to ensure Gate Burton Energy Park sits sensitively in the local landscape, preserving wildlife and habitat.”
The land outlined for Gate Burton Energy Park is in the West Lindsey District near Gate Burton, Knaith Park and Willingham-by-Stow. The renewable electricity the solar energy park generates would then be exported into the national grid via a connection into the existing substation at Cottam Power Station in Nottinghamshire.
With an anticipated generation capacity of 500 megawatts (MW) of renewable electricity, the scheme could provide enough clean energy to power over 160,000 homes and avoid more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.
The proposed energy park would also include an on-site energy storage system which would provide an important balancing service for the national grid. This would allow the renewable electricity generated by the panels to be stored on site at the times when grid-demand is low and then exported at times of higher demand, maximising the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid, and in turn, helping to address the climate emergency.
“Low Carbon is committed to having a lasting and positive impact on climate change,” explains Rutgers. “Gate Burton Energy Park would make a vital contribution by ensuring the supply of clean electricity to UK consumers when it is needed.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to take part in this second stage of consultation and provide us with their views. Continued engagement with the local community has a critical role to play in helping us deliver a renewable energy scheme that contributes to the country’s future energy needs while also considering the needs of neighbouring communities.”
The Gate Burton Energy Park project website has been updated to include information about its refined proposals and will enable people to submit comments online. A series of information documents have also been added to the website to provide further details. Printed copies of these documents are available to view at five publicly accessible ‘document inspection locations’ in the vicinity of the project. Upon request, the project team can also provide printed or digital copies of these documents.
In addition, over 7,000 postcards have been mailed to local homes and business across the area to let people know the consultation is taking place and guide them to where they can find more information about the project.
Individuals are also invited to come along to public information events being held. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer any questions about the project, outline what is being consulted on and explain how people can take part.
Feedback to the consultation can be provided in writing (in a letter or feedback form), or online via the project website. People are also encouraged to register their details on the project website to ensure they receive updates about the consultation and events taking place as it becomes available.
Free seminar will help charities prepare for changes in the law
Law firm Rollits LLP will host a seminar next week designed to help charities prepare for changes which are looming as part of The Charities Bill.
Gerry Morrison, Head of the Charities Team at Rollits, will be supported by Harriet Wheeldon, Senior Solicitor, in looking at the measures which are likely to come in when the first phase of the Act is implemented in the autumn.
The event will take place from 9am until 11am on Thursday 30 June at the Rollits offices in High Street, Hull.
The bill was announced as part of the Queen’s speech in May 2021 and follows a 2017 report by the Law Commission entitled “Technical Issues in Charity Law”.
Gerry said: “The Law Commission’s report set out problems in the legal sphere in which charities operate and made recommendations for improvement. An implementation timetable has now been released with the first phase scheduled for autumn 2022 and further changes coming into force in spring and autumn 2023”.
Gerry added that among the subjects which will be considered at the seminar are Cy-près schemes and failed fundraising appeals, ex-gratia payments, remuneration of trustees and trust corporation status.
She said: “We will explain some of the key changes which the Act will make to charity law and will help trustees to plan ahead by familiarising themselves with the new provisions and how these will impact their organisation.”
To book a place at the seminar, which is free to attend, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-charities-act-2022-tickets-353920534847
Opteran secures $12 million to create a new standard for autonomous machines
Opteran, the Sheffield-based Natural Intelligence company, has secured $12 million in funding led by Join Capital, with additional funding from IQ Capital, Northern Gritstone, Seraphim, Episode 1 and Schauenburg Ventures.
In the next two years, Opteran will expand rapidly across international markets, commercializing a completely new standard for machine autonomy called Opteran Natural Intelligence.
This approach re-engineers insect brain patterns to solve the fundamental limitations of current state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and introduce the third wave of AI: genuine brain biomimicry.
Having already delivered stabilized vision, collision avoidance and navigation, Opteran will use this funding round to boost product development and enable further international expansion.
Opteran will open offices in the United States to support a growing number of customer pilots, and in 2023, it will add natural brain decision-making for machines. Opteran is also working to deliver hyperspectral vision, natural brain image recognition and dynamic learning based on inputs from the surrounding environment.
“Opteran has built the AI technology required to transform autonomous machines beyond today’s limited use in restricted scenarios to enable more widespread adoption,” said Sebastian von Ribbentrop, founding partner, Join Capital.
“We don’t often see companies with a vision and product of this magnitude, and it is clear to us that Opteran Natural Intelligence will be the differentiator for every sector implementing autonomy in machines. We’re thrilled to have this type of global disruptor in our portfolio.”
