Unity appointment committed to tenant wellbeing
Temo Elbakidze has joined Unity Homes and Enterprise as Housing Services Manager.
He will have lead responsibility for delivering an outstanding customer experience for tenants living in more than 1,300 properties owned and managed by the BME housing association in Leeds and Kirklees.
Mr Elbakidze, who will report to Interim Director of Operations David Higgins, was previously Area Operations Manager at Horizon Care and Education, having held senior management roles at Leeds Housing Concern and Great Places Housing Group.
A Leeds Beckett University housing graduate, he also has a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgian Technical University in Tbilisi and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Temo Elbakidze said: “I am excited to be at Unity which is strongly committed to supporting BME communities and puts the wellbeing of tenants at the top of its priority list.
“Individuals and families in multi-cultural neighbourhoods are currently experiencing challenging times, including dealing with the spiralling cost of living crisis.
“Supported by my team, I look forward to leading from the front in providing first class customer-focussed services which cater for every tenant need.”
Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Temo brings more than two decades of housing sector experience to the role and is passionate in his commitment to equality, fairness and improving people’s lives.
“He is also a skilled communicator who can get his message across to colleagues at every level of the organisation.
“His energy, knowledge and ability to devise solutions to complex problems will be invaluable to Unity, our tenants and the communities we serve.”
Unity was established in 1987 to meet the urgent housing needs of BME people in Leeds.
Two promotions at YFM
Yorkshire-headquartered private equity house, YFM Equity Partners (YFM), which has offices in Reading, London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, has made a double promotion with Helen Villiers rising to investment director and Ben Pitt taking on the role of investment manager.
Having joined YFM as an investment manager in June 2019 after five years with Grant Thornton, Helen Villiers has become a central figure in originating, evaluating and executing new investment opportunities, including the primary buyout of fire and electrical compliance specialist RGE in April last year. Helen also represents YFM on the board of global aviation services provider ACC.
Ben Pitt joined YFM as investment associate last year after four years with EY. Since joining, he has been working to support the origination and execution of new investments including the £3.5m growth capital investment in developmental governance platform Quality Clouds and the complex acquisition of Explorer UK by DSP, an existing YFM investment, to become one of the largest Oracle partners in the UK.
Jamie Roberts, partner and head of new investments in the South for YFM, said: “These promotions reflect our commitment to building out the team after a year of significant activity having made five new investments and 10 further investments into the portfolio, investing a total of £37m.
“These two promotions are especially pleasing given that YFM was both Helen and Ben’s first role in private equity, and reflect our continued desire to bring new people in to the industry and support them as they build their careers and help us continue to grow the YFM business.” Fourth generation Gilbert Thompson (Leeds) Ltd becomes employee-owned
Gilbert Thompson (Leeds) Ltd, the fourth generation, family-owned wholesaler, has become an employee-owned business.
A £46m turnover business, it was established in 1946 by Gilbert Thompson. It is now managed by the 4th generation of Thompsons, brothers Daniel and Richard. They are transferring 80% of shares to an Employee-owned Trust (EOT) for the benefit of employees. They will remain joint Managing Directors.
Based at the Yorkshire Produce Centre in Leeds, the company operates in two main fields: fresh produce and flowers and plants.
Through its fresh produce businesses, GT Produce Ltd & C Scruton (Produce) Ltd, the company supplies a complete range of fresh produce from around the world. The company has been wholesaling fresh produce in Leeds and throughout Yorkshire for over 75 years and consistently delivers the highest quality fresh produce at competitive prices.
The floral side of the business, GT Flowers Ltd, supplies flowers for all occasions and operates one of the largest wholesale cash and carries in the UK. They stock over 5000 lines of floristry supplies, constantly adding new lines to keep up with current trends. As well as flowers, they offer a dedicated indoor and outdoor plant area, changing stock all the time with seasonal plants for all occasions.
Gilbert Thompson is proud of its family atmosphere and the benefit that this brings to both its staff and customers. Under the move, employees will benefit financially from the future success of the company.
Daniel and Richard Thomson, Joint Managing Directors at Gilbert Thompson, said: “It’s such a proud moment to be able to hand over Gilbert Thompson. Transferring ownership into our amazing team’s hands ensures our culture and values live on, which was one of the most important factors to us in considering any next chapter for the company.
We firmly believe this next chapter as an employee-owned business is just reward for the hard work and talent of our brilliant team. Becoming employee-owned is about maintaining and building on our unique family culture. Creating a great place to work is fundamental to our business principles, and we’re excited about the next stage of Gilbert Thompson’s journey.”
Gilbert Thompson was advised by Tariq Javaid, Karen Sadler, Richard Weston and Patrick Cree at Azets. Peter Turk and Paul Trudgilll at Knights provided legal advice.
Tariq Javaid, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets said: “Gilbert Thompson is a business exceptionally well-suited for employee ownership, being an organisation with a strong family culture, firmly established values and an emphasis on the quality of its people. It has been a privilege to work with Daniel, Richard and the team in assisting them with this transition, and I am confident that Gilbert Thompson has a bright future as an employee-owned business.”
Yorkshire manufacturer celebrates sparkling anniversary
One of Yorkshire’s leading manufacturers, Ellis Patents is marking its own right royal sparkling jubilee this summer – with the Rillington-based company celebrating its 60th anniversary.
The cable cleat manufacturer, which actively exports to 45 countries through a global network of local distributors, was founded in 1962 by former WWII pilot, Arthur Ellis and began life as a manufacturer of plastic pipe clips and cable clamps in York. The company relocated to Rillington, near Malton, in 1974 and began manufacturing cable cleats in the mid-1990s.
Danny Macfarlane, Ellis Patents’ managing director, said: “Businesses need to be able adapt to stand the test of time, and time and again over the last 60-years Ellis Patents has done exactly that; whether it be embracing new technology or developing our product offering to meet the changing needs of the market.”
“Since I joined in 2003, we’ve evolved from a manufacturer with a predominately British focus into an organisation with a truly global outlook and a reputation to match – so much so that today it’s virtually guaranteed that our cable cleats will be under consideration for any new major electrical installation anywhere in the world.”
Another key ingredient in the Ellis Patents success story has been the longevity of its workforce and the loyalty that has engendered. The vast majority of Ellis’ staff live locally with over 60 per cent having been with the company for over a decade. Amazingly, its longest serving employees, Steve Spaven and David Wheeler joined within a week of each other in February 1987.
“Having such a loyal and experienced workforce is a huge benefit for the business and for the suppliers, distributors and customers we work with,” continued Danny. “The experience we have across the entire business is unparalleled; and because so many have chosen to build their careers with us rather than move on, they treat Ellis Patents as their business rather than just the place they work.”
British Steel and Drax sign MoU about carbon capture project
British Steel and Drax have signed an agreement to explore opportunities for its steel to be used to build the world’s largest multi-billion-pound carbon capture project at the power station.
The signing of the MoU brings together two major British industries to support the development of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, a technology, which it’s claimed could kick-start a whole new sector of the economy and create opportunities for the UK to lead the world in a vital technology required to address global warming.
Through the partnership, Drax and British Steel aim to support efforts to meet the UK’s climate targets and level up the North, whilst supporting skills within the steel sector.
Will Gardiner, Drax Group CEO, said: “We are excited to be partnering with British Steel as we continue to progress our world-leading UK BECCS project. This country has a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead the world in vital new green technologies like BECCS, which will not only support thousands of UK jobs, but could also create new export opportunities, whilst helping to tackle the climate crisis.
“We aim to invest billions of pounds, create tens of thousands of jobs and have BECCS operational in the UK by 2030, provided that the UK Government has in place policies to support the feasibility and delivery of negative emissions technologies. BECCS will permanently remove millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year from as soon as 2027, whilst continuing to generate the reliable, renewable power this country needs.”
BECCS is a critical technology needed to combat global warming because it permanently removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere whilst also generating reliable, renewable electricity.
Drax is ready to invest around £2bn in its plans to build BECCS in the UK. Work could begin as soon as 2024, with the energy company planning to source up to 80% of the materials and services it needs for the project from British businesses.
Around 13,000 tonnes of steel will be required for the major infrastructure project, including beams produced at British Steel’s Scunthorpe and Teesside steel works.
South Yorkshire’s role as an aircraft builder moves a step closer
The choice by UK-based leader sustainable aircraft technology company Hybrid Air Vehicles of South Yorkshire as the place from which to get a new kind of aircraft off the ground has moved a step closer with the signing of an aircraft reservation agreement with Air Nostrum, one of the largest regional airlines in Europe, for HAV’s pioneering Airlander 10 hybrid aircraft.
HAV is in advanced discussions with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Doncaster Council and other local and national stakeholders on plans to manufacture Airlander 10s within a new green aerospace manufacturing cluster in South Yorkshire.
Already the world’s most energy-efficient largest aircraft, and with further developments in electric propulsion underway, HAV expects that Airlander 10 will be the world’s first large scale aircraft to achieve zero-emissions flight.
Under a landmark partnership Air Nostrum Group has reserved ten 100-seat Airlander 10 aircraft for delivery from 2026 onwards, with a view to begin operations as launch airline.
While the Air Nostrum Airlander 10 fleet is set for initial operations across Spain, HAV plans to launch production of the aircraft in South Yorkshire this year, creating thousands of skilled jobs in green aerospace technologies and supporting levelling up across the region.
The reservation agreement follows six months of rigorous studies and modelling carried out by Air Nostrum Group and HAV into the operation of Airlander 10 on Spanish domestic aviation routes and the associated economics. Airlander 10 aircraft are expected to diversify and complement Air Nostrum Group’s existing aircraft fleet currently operating on these routes, carrying 100 passengers while producing only around one tenth of the emissions associated with conventional aircraft.
Courts close Boston shop for three months after discovery of illegal tobacco haul
Lincoln Magistrates have slapped a closure order on EuroPlus, of West Street, Boston, under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The order came after Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Police discovered 10,400 cigarettes, 3kg of hand rolling tobacco and 324 illegal vapes hidden in a ceiling
Sergeant Ian Cotton said: “In this shop, specialist detection dogs were used. One of the best noses in the business detected a hide in the ceiling of the premises, within which were illicit cigarettes. These hides are controlled electronically and installed at great expense.
“This should send a strong message, there is nowhere you can hide these illicit goods that cannot be detected by these brilliant animals. We will continue to work with our partners to close these shops as for as long as current legislation allows, offering a fair chance to the honest business owners of Boston.”
Andy Wright, Senior Trading Standards Officer, added: “The response from the public to our initial shop closures two weeks ago was very encouraging. We requested the court to issue a closure order for the maximum period of three months. The court have had little hesitation in granting that request. The premises are all leased by tenants. Whilst the shops remain closed, we will work with landlords to ensure criminal activity does not continue once the premises re-opens. If that doesn’t happen, we will have little hesitation in asking for an extension to the closure.”
Millions in government funding confirmed for transformational Boston projects
Transformational multi-million-pound projects for Boston have been given the go-ahead by the government.
The confirmations mean that Boston is set to get a bespoke learning centre for adults, and a redeveloped leisure complex. In addition, Boston train station will be refurbished.
These projects have been given the green light after the Boston Town Deal Board submitted business cases to the government.
The approval of summary documents and associated business cases is part of the process for accessing the Towns Fund investment, which was announced for Boston in 2021, with the agreement of a Town Deal worth £21.9m.
Boston’s confirmations come as projects for Skegness and Mablethorpe have also been given the go-ahead after town deals were also agreed for Skegness £24.5m, and Mablethorpe £23.9m.
Neil Kempster, chair of Boston Town Deal Board, said: “The approval of the remaining business cases by the government is a hugely significant milestone for our town.
“With the confirmation of all of the funding, we can now move forward with delivering these projects which will be truly transformational for our area.
“Through these projects, our learning and leisure offer in Boston will be hugely enhanced, and the experience of both residents and visitors at our railway station, a crucial gateway into the town, will be improved.
“The Town Deal funding and projects present Boston with a once in a generation opportunity to bring sustainable change to our town and I am excited to see these projects develop as we move into delivery.”
Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness, said: “The confirmation that Boston and Skegness have secured almost £50 million in Government funding is a reflection not only of the Government-recognised need for ‘Levelling up’ in places like ours but also the quality of the work carried out by both the Boston Town Deal board and the Connected Coast Board.
“I am confident that the projects selected, which met strict criteria around driving growth through skills, land use and connectivity, will begin to deliver real, visible improvements to our towns – and are only the start of the continued transformational funding this Government has recognised our area needs and deserves.”
Councillor Paul Skinner, leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting time for Boston, as we look to enhance the offering for our communities by providing newly refurbished facilities within the town centre. This will deliver long lasting positive change for Boston and our residents.
“These projects will also help meet our corporate ambitions; providing affordable and accessible leisure opportunities for all and to promote Boston’s economy, industry and opportunities.”
The confirmation of the business cases means that in Boston a new bespoke learning centre for adults will be developed that will include higher education in a unique learning environment aimed at being inclusive to the whole community. Led by Boston College, the ‘Mayflower’ will enable business and learners to connect, create, and innovate. Almost £10m has been confirmed for this project.
Claire Foster, principal and CEO of Boston College, said: “We are thrilled and delighted to be given the green light for Mayflower, an iconic building that will be an inspirational beacon for skills, enterprise and innovation in Boston. We are looking forward to taking the project forward, to provide a space that welcomes our communities to learn, develop and thrive for the benefit of the whole town and the wider region.”
And, next to the new Mayflower there will be a redeveloped leisure complex which will provide additional facilities which forms part of a transformational development of this area of the town.
In addition, Boston train station will be extensively refurbished by East Midlands Railway. Improvements will include a full refurbishment of the main station building and external areas, reconfiguring the layout to best utilise the space to include new community and start up business facilities.
Lisa Angus, transition and projects director for EMR, said: “We’re delighted the investment at Boston and Skegness Railway Stations has been approved. As gateways to both towns, the enhancements at the Railway Stations will be transformative to the surrounding communities, offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors. We’re looking forward to start work on the extensive refurbishments, which include community spaces, cafés, customer waiting facilities, retail units, accessible toilets and much more.”
As well as the Towns Funding from government, all of the projects will also benefit from match funding meaning the investment for Boston will be even higher.
The confirmation of the projects comes after government approval was given earlier this year to Boston for the release of £2m in Town Deal funding for the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics and almost £4m for investment in town centre buildings. £802K was also confirmed for developing the Blenkin Memorial Hall, and £228k for St Botolph’s library and lighting.
In addition, Boston received early funding – called accelerated funding of £750k in 2020 to bring projects forward.
Multi-million-pound Mablethorpe and Skegness projects given the go-ahead by government
Transformational multi-million-pound projects for Mablethorpe and Skegness have been given the go-ahead by the government.
The confirmations mean that in Mablethorpe, the Colonnade at Sutton on Sea will be redeveloped, and the town will get a new leisure centre and digital learning complex. And, the town centre will benefit from improvements, whilst a new visitor hub at Sandilands will be created.
Meanwhile, Skegness is set to get a new high quality learning campus, and Skegness Foreshore will benefit from investment. In addition, the town centre and Skegness Railway station will see improvements, and, one of the first culture houses is set to be created at the Embassy Theatre.
The projects have been given the green light after the Connected Coast Town Deal Board submitted business cases to the government.
The approval of summary documents and associated business cases is part of the process for accessing the Towns Fund investment, which was announced for the two towns in 2021, with Mablethorpe agreeing a town deal worth £23.9m, and Skegness £24.5m.
Mablethorpe and Skegness’s confirmations come as projects for Boston have also been given the go-ahead after a town deal of £21.9m was agreed for the town.
Chris Baron, chair of Connected Coast, said: “We are thrilled that the projects that we have proposed for Skegness and Mablethorpe can now go ahead.
“We have much to be proud of in Skegness and Mablethorpe, and this multi-million-pound funding for both our towns will allow us to enhance, develop, and improve what we have to offer for both residents and tourists alike.
“We have shaped these projects based on what we understand our communities need, including from public engagement, and we are now set to deliver a broad array of interventions that will improve leisure, learning, travel, and the overall experiences in our town centres.
“With the government confirmations, we can now get started on delivering these improvements which will bring enormous benefits in the coming years.”
Matt Warman, MP for Boston and Skegness, said: “The confirmation that Boston and Skegness have secured almost £50 million in Government funding is a reflection not only of the Government-recognised need for ‘Levelling up’ in places like ours but also the quality of the work carried out by both the Boston Town Deal board and the Connected Coast Board.
“I am confident that the projects selected, which met strict criteria around driving growth through skills, land use and connectivity, will begin to deliver real, visible improvements to our towns – and are only the start of the continued transformational funding this Government has recognised our area needs and deserves.”
Victoria Atkins, MP for Louth and Horncastle, said: “I am delighted that these projects have been given the stamp of approval by the Government. This significant milestone brings us closer to shovels being in the ground. The Mablethorpe Towns Deal will bring landmark investment to Mablethorpe and the surrounding area providing new services and attractions. I will continue to work on progressing these projects and those still being considered by Government. I thank all those involved with delivering these projects.”
Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: “I am delighted that we have been given the go-ahead by Government for these projects. These will be incredible investments in our towns, with partnerships formed with other organisations.
“Exciting things are to come and I am really looking forward to these progressing and come to life for the benefit and enjoyment of our local communities and the millions of visitors we welcome to our district for many years to come.”
With the confirmations, in Mablethorpe, the Colonnade at Sutton on Sea will be redeveloped. The new scheme will construct a landmark building that will introduce a new café, restaurant, gallery and exhibition spaces alongside new day let beach huts and seasonal overnight lodges after £4.1m Towns Fund grant award was approved for this project.
And, a new purpose-built leisure centre and digital learning complex is set to be developed on the site of the current Station Sports Centre in Mablethorpe.
In addition, Mablethorpe town centre will be transformed through a programme of shopfront and building repairs and improvements, and public realm enhancements.
Greg Pickup, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire, said: “This unparalleled investment in Mablethorpe’s heritage demonstrates that Lincolnshire’s rich history can and should be at the forefront of future growth in our county. I am delighted to see that the Town Deal proposal for Mablethorpe recognises the need to support our struggling town centres and high streets, which are crucial to the country’s recovery from Covid and its future growth.
“I am enormously proud of the hard work of my team, whose efforts alongside that of a broad partnership, including East Lindsey District Council have helped secure a frankly staggering sum for heritage in Mablethorpe. This once-in-a-generation investment truly will transform the town centre and ensure that Mablethorpe’s heritage assets are fit for the future and available to all.”
Finally, with the National Trust, a sustainable visitor hub with a range of accessible facilities will be developed to enhance explorations of the Sandilands Nature Reserve and the local area.
Kirsty James, general manager for Sandilands, said: “We are thankful that Towns Fund funding has been secured with support from the Connected Coast board. We are putting connections between nature and people at the very heart of the reserve. With this funding, carbon-neutral developments can take place on the former clubhouse. This will include a changing place and a new food and beverage offer.”
In addition to the above, Mablethorpe are progressing its ‘Campus for Future Living’ project which is focussed on addressing significant health inequalities and will bring improved healthcare facilities and associated training and employment opportunities to the area.
In Skegness, a new high-quality learning campus is set to be developed offering vocational skills training across a range of much needed subjects. The campus has been described as an ‘economic game changer’ for Skegness. A £14m Towns Fund grant award has been approved for this project.
And, Skegness Foreshore will see underutilised areas of the Skegness Foreshore brought to life and new audiences for activities such as concerts, festivals, and outdoor cinema.
In addition, Skegness town centre will benefit from a major facelift with improvements to the shop fronts, signage, and public realm, led by Heritage Lincolnshire. Greg Pickup, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire, said: “Skegness has an enduring appeal as one of the country’s most popular seaside towns where generations of families made memories. It is not generally known for its history, however evidence of its 20th century prosperity is everywhere, from the canopies adorning Lumley Road buildings to beautiful 1930s bronze-framed shopfronts that our grandparents would have promenaded past.
“So much of Skegness’s heritage from its 20th century heyday survives but has since been obscured or neglected and it is long overdue to bring this to light. We’re excited to be working with the Town Deal board and business owners to help showcase the town’s proud seaside heritage and uncover the underappreciated beauty and history of Skegness. Watch this space!”
As the gateway to the Lincolnshire coast, Skegness railway station will benefit from transformational improvements including restoration of the redundant Red Star building and reconfiguration of the station layout to best utilise the space.
Lisa Angus, transition and projects director for EMR, said: “We’re delighted the investment at Boston and Skegness Railway Stations has been approved. As gateways to both towns, the enhancements at the Railway Stations will be transformative to the surrounding communities, offering an improved customer experience to all station visitors. We’re looking forward to start work on the extensive refurbishments, which include community spaces, cafés, customer waiting facilities, retail units, accessible toilets and much more.”
Finally, one of the first culture houses in the country will be created at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness and enhance its support for new arts and cultural activities.
As well as the Towns Funding from government, all of the projects will also benefit from match funding meaning the investment for Mablethorpe and Skegness will be even higher.
In Skegness, two previously approved projects under the Towns Fund have been completed. The former magistrates court repurposed into a police training facility which will operate across the east of Lincolnshire for the training and continuing professional development of police personnel. And, a new multi-user trail connecting Chapel St Leonards and Ingoldmells to provide a series of cycling, walking and public transport connections.
In addition, Mablethorpe and Skegness received early funding – called accelerated funding – of £500k and £750k respectively in 2020 to bring projects forward.
Industry 4.0 Hub planned for Brighouse
The Brighouse Deal is set to put high-tech manufacturing at the heart of the town’s future by creating an Industry 4.0 Hub where small and medium sized businesses can explore how digital technology can improve their productivity and increase innovation.
Calderdale College is leading the delivery of the project alongside the University of Huddersfield, Textile Centre of Excellence, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services and Calderdale & Kirklees Manufacturing Alliance.
The Hub, set to be housed at Kirkdale House and Calderdale College’s newly established Engineering Centre on the Armytage Road Industrial Estate, will be kitted out with high-tech equipment to showcase augmented reality, advanced manufacturing and robotics.
The new site will have capacity for 70 apprenticeships to be delivered as part of the Deal project, and a range of new short training programmes designed to help employers upskill their current workforce will be offered to those already pursuing a career in manufacturing.
This development of a ‘living lab’ will aim to provide support to the town’s existing small, medium and micro-business community.
The Brighouse Deal, led by the Brighouse Town Deal Board and Calderdale Council, is due to bring £19 million of investment with a series of projects including revitalising the market, developing Thornton Square and improving the town centre to encourage visitors and shoppers to stay longer and spend more.
The plans are currently being developed with business cases due to be submitted to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities by the end of July. Assuming funding is provided, it is anticipated the delivery of projects will begin in 2023.
The Industry 4.0 Hub is a key part of the Deal’s ambition to not just improve the town for today, but to ensure it is a catalyst for further investment in the years to come.
When established, it is likely the Hub will be the only facility of its kind in Yorkshire dedicated to supporting Industry 4.0 digital technologies with an exclusive focus on small and medium sized businesses.
Ebrahim Dockrat, commercial services and partnership director at Calderdale College, said: “We are excited about the potential that the Industry 4.0 Hub will bring to Brighouse. Uniting to support the development and retention of highly skilled labour will, in turn, contribute to the economic growth of the manufacturing sector across the district.
“The funding will be a magnet for further investment, allowing the area to continue upskilling and work to reduce income inequality between Brighouse and the wider region. Calderdale College is proud to be leading the project and looks forward to working with our partners, businesses across the town, Calderdale Council and the Brighouse Town Deal Board to deliver real change in the local area.”
David Whitehead, co-chair of The Brighouse Town Deal Board and Managing Director of Brighouse-based specialist textile finishers H & C Whitehead, said: “Brighouse has such a proud and strong manufacturing heritage, so it is exciting to see a key part of the Deal being to ensure it has an equally proud and strong future in the town, with a particular focus on the small and growing businesses who are the engine room of our economy.
“By funding training for young people, and providing facilities for growth, sharing skills and collaboration across Brighouse, there will be more opportunities available making our town an even more attractive place to work, stay and progress.
“It will be a catalyst for investment in our town and is another important way the £19 million the Brighouse Deal will bring to our town is unlocking so much more potential.”
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for towns, engagement and public health, said: “Through our Vision2024 for Calderdale, we want to be a place where everyone can reach their potential. The Industry 4.0 Hub will bring exciting new opportunities for local people and businesses, supporting our inclusive economic recovery and building on Brighouse’s strengths and our long local history of manufacturing to become a more enterprising and talented town.”
