Wetherby computer company switches to employee ownership trust
Wetehjrby-based Deans Computer Services is to create an Employee Ownership Trust to protect the future and guarantee collective success for employees and the company.
Founder, Chairman and previous owner Peter Rogerson was keen to ensure a strategy and plan was in place to safeguard the future of the company and its valued employees whilst maintaining its independence.
MD Patrick Clayton said: “The move to employee ownership marks a huge milestone in our company’s journey and reflects our commitment to our employees and the long-term success of our business. By transferring the shareholding, we’ve enabled our team to maintain the high standards our customers expect, while also fostering a commitment to the company’s ongoing success.
“At the heart of this decision is our dedication to protect our employees and commitment to continuously meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. A business structure designed to promote collective responsibility will also benefit our customers. A more collaborative workforce provides a strong focus on delivering quality services, motivating employees to deliver for our customers. Thank you to our advisors, Baxendale Employee Ownership and accountants, Kirk Newsholme, for supporting us in successfully transitioning. This is such an exciting landmark in DCS’s journey, and we are confident it will lead the company from strength to strength.”
Council launches £10m grant programme for new industrial units
North East Lincolnshire Council has launched a £10 million grant programme to help property developers create new industrial units on existing Enterprise zone sites across North East Lincolnshire.
The aim of the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme speculative unit grant programme is to bridge the gap that stops speculative investment in commercial buildings, in particular, industrial units, where the realistic achievable rental value doesn’t balance out the level of investment required to build them.
The grant programme was approved at the Council’s Cabinet meeting in May 2024, pending the release of money from government to the Humber Freeport.
The key objectives of Freeports are to stimulate economic activity by establishing hubs for global trade and investment, promote regeneration and job creation, and innovation.
Confirmation has recently been given that the seed capital funding, as part of the Freeport project is being released by government in the coming weeks, which has allowed this grant scheme to be activated.
The SHIIP speculative unit grant will deliver additional industrial floorspace to provide clustering and supply chain opportunities around the ports of Immingham and Grimsby.
Priority will be given in the first instance to developments proposed on existing Enterprise zone sites in Stallingborough, Grimsby and Immingham.
Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council said: “We know that this is an issue – we have the land to develop on, and we have enquiries coming in all the time to our Investment Team, but we don’t have the empty units available to put forward for consideration. This scheme will help address this, and in the long term, provide more jobs for local people.”
The scheme is open until noon on 13 November, and applications are invited from experienced commercial property developers who own, or have access to via lease or purchase, an Enterprise Zone within North East Lincolnshire. Applications will also be considered on non-Enterprise zones sites if funding allows.
Proposed development must be for the provision of quality industrial/manufacturing space which will then be leased to support local business growth, inward investment, innovation, and job creation. Applicants cannot access funding to construct buildings for their own use.
Food production is off the table in planning consultation, says NFU
With the end of the de facto ban for on-shore wind already ‘in the bag’, the current consultation represents a major overhaul of the planning system with the aim of delivering more housing, infrastructure, and economically important projects.
But it ignores the needs of the farming industry to put food on the nation’s tables, says the NFU. “It is clear to the NFU that agriculture and food production are not a priority for this consultation. There must be a reversal of this position to secure the future of British food security, a sustainably managed countryside, and a farming sector that can adapt to climate change.”
The NFU has written to ensure that agriculture isn’t left behind, negatively impacted, or forgotten by far-reaching planing rule changes that aim to drive economic growth and infrastructure development.
The organisation says proposed changes to how land is made available and the principle of development, have not been offered with a suitable level of protection for agricultural land, especially Best and Most Versatile.
The NFU has also stated how agricultural land in the green belt should be protected, and not included in reforms such as Previously Developed Land and the new grey belt.
“Our response to planning policies relating to climate change and how to boost the rural economy demonstrate a need for more supportive policy on agricultural infrastructure, as well as greater support for rural affordable housing of a rented tenure.
“Finally, we included concern for those that may see their land in high demand from the anticipated new development that will come from the proposals. The NFU has particular concern for tenanted farmers, and those with agricultural operations that abut new developments, all of which could see significant impacts if greater protections are not introduced.”
News skills bootcamps set workers on fast track to jobs
A new wave of Skills Bootcamps is available across Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland to provide learners with the skills local employers are looking for.
This new wave of Skills Bootcamps is now open and recruiting learners. There are courses available across a wide range of subjects including electrical engineering, business development and food and drink manufacturing. More than 1,000 learners have already completed Skills Bootcamps in Lincolnshire and Rutland and are taking on new responsibilities within their current employment or gaining new jobs. Catherine Allan, Senior Planner at Sofina Foods, recently took part in the Skills Bootcamp for Future Seafood Leaders which was delivered by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing. Catherine said: “I thought it was a great opportunity, as I am still learning and want to improve my communication and leadership skills. Because I work with the stocks, forecast and numbers side of the process, it was great to meet and talk to people face to face who were more hands on, including people who worked in technical and manufacturing roles. “Since completing the Skills Bootcamp I have taken additional steps in my job to lead on more tasks and to build on communications within the team, which has been a positive experience.” Simon Telfer, Chair of the LEP’s Employment and Skills Advisory Panel, said: “Thanks to our partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and funding from the Department of Education, we are able to offer a wide range of Skills Bootcamps that will help to fill vacancies and skills gaps in Greater Lincolnshire. “They will also help individuals upskill and take on more responsibility in their current role or gain the skills needed to fast track into a new role.”
Skills Bootcamps are flexible training courses for adults lasting at least 60 hours. The courses are designed to help learners fast track to a new job, take on more responsibility in their role or gain new contracts if they are self-employed.
Earlier this year the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership was awarded £3 million by the Department for Education to develop another wave of Skills Bootcamps in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.
To take part in Skills Bootcamps in Greater Lincolnshire, learners must be over the age of 19, living in Greater Lincolnshire and unemployed, self-employed or seeking to switch careers.
Greater Lincolnshire employers are also eligible to send their employees on training for a small cost, if they think it will result in them being promoted or taking on additional responsibilities in the workplace.
Employers can also help develop a Skills Bootcamp focused on the skills needs of their business and recruit local talent by offering interviews to the newly qualified people who have completed one of the courses.
Manufacturing output falls in the three months to September
Manufacturing output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Manufacturers expect output to decline again in the three months to December, the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
Both total and export order books deteriorated in September, relative to August, and were reported as well below their long-run averages. Expectations for selling price inflation eased in September, with prices expected to rise at a rate close to the long-run average. Meanwhile, stock adequacy (for finished goods) fell slightly, but remains close to the long-run average.
The survey, based on the responses of 275 manufacturers, found:
- Output volumes fell sharply in the three months to September, following a more modest decline in the quarter to August (weighted balance of -20% from -9% in the three months to August). Looking ahead, output is expected to fall in the three months to December (-7%), the first-time expectations have been negative since November 2023.
- Output decreased in 14 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to September, with the fall driven by the motor vehicles & transport, metal products and paper, printing & media sub-sectors.
- Total order books were reported as below “normal” in September and deteriorated relative to last month (-35% from -22%). The level of order books remained significantly below the long run average (-13%).
- Export order books were also seen as below “normal” and deteriorated considerably relative to last month (-44% from -22%). This was also far below the long-run average (-18%) and left export order books at their weakest since December 2020.
- Expectations for average selling price inflation softened in September (+8% from +15% in August), with the balance standing close to the long-run average (+7%).
- Stocks of finished goods were seen as more than “adequate” in September (+11% from +15% in August), broadly similar to the long-run average (+12%).
Construction work begins on first phase of Our Cultural Heart in Huddersfield
The main construction work on the first phase of Our Cultural Heart – Kirklees Council’s major regeneration scheme in Huddersfield town centre – is officially underway.
Following the appointment of BAM as the principal contractor for this phase of work, core construction work began in earnest this week. This includes the demolition of some sections of the former Queensgate Market building, as its transformation into a vibrant new food hall and modern library ramps up.
The core Listed sections of the building will be fully refurbished, enhancing the end result and celebrating the venue’s unique heritage and character.
BAM has already completed significant pre-construction site preparation, with work including the ‘soft stripping’ of all non-structural and internal fixtures and fittings, as well as the removal of the former market stalls and asbestos.
To mark this significant project milestone, senior figures from Kirklees Council – including the Leader of the Council, Councillor Carole Pattison – joined project colleagues from Turner & Townsend and BAM.
This first phase of the masterplan concentrates on the major refurbishment of the Queensgate Market building, converting it into a new food hall and incorporating a new library within the existing east wing of the same building.
Both the food hall and new library will directly feed out to a new public square, with the connecting space perfectly suited to outdoor cultural events and gatherings.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It’s a proud moment to see the main construction work on Our Cultural Heart get going and comes after extensive planning and consultation efforts over the last few years.
“We have high ambitions for this new era of our town centre. Developments like Our Cultural Heart will bring more visitors to the town and help to drive growth and investment in Huddersfield and the wider Kirklees borough.
“Now that the internal strip out is completed and the real work is underway, the transformation of the site will quickly become visible to all in our town and a source of pride and excitement for what’s to come.”
Paul Cleminson, Pre-Construction Director at BAM, said: “This is an exciting scheme for Huddersfield and we’re delighted to be starting work on site.
“An important driver for BAM is ensuring our projects positively impact the local community and we want to make sure that this project also leaves a lasting legacy for the people and businesses of Kirklees.
“We’re driving investment into the local economy by employing Kirklees-based subcontractors, procuring materials locally, and creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities on the project.
“We’ll also be reaching out to local schools and colleges, to provide learning opportunities on the project.”
Kirklees Council submitted updated plans for the second phase of the Our Cultural Heart development earlier this month, concentrating on a flagship new museum and art gallery in the former library building on Princess Alexandra Walk.
Contractors sought for next phase of historic Scunthorpe Church’s transformation
Bids are being sought for civil and landscaping engineering contractors to carry out the next phase in the restoration of St John’s Church in Scunthorpe.
A tender will be launched for works which will improve visitor access, while creating an inviting outdoor space for hands on exhibitions – connecting the building to Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
The works will enable the hoardings surrounding 20-21 to come down and bring the building back into full use, revealing the full extent of the restoration work to the Grade II* listed former church.
Discover@20-21, the new town centre attraction packed full of free family-friendly activities, is expected to open in Spring 2025.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It’s great to see work progressing at pace on Discover@20-21, our new and completely free regional attraction for families, which will inspire and entertain our young people with hands on experiences.
“This next phase of the project is where residents will really start to see the difference to the outside of this important building, and creating new outside space will bring a new dimension to exhibitions.”
Works to restore St John’s Church are nearing completion, with specialist contractors UK Restoration Services concluding their programme of extensive repairs, which included the rebuilding of the roofs and tower pinnacles, cleaning, repairing and repointing the original stonework, plus installing a new building management system.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban – Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe), said: “We’ve stepped in to ensure one of Scunthorpe’s most visible and historic buildings – a place many residents have fond memories of – is protected for years to come.
“We are going further by bringing new experiences to the town. Plans for Discover@20-21 look absolutely brilliant and seeing them has made me even more excited to see the activities in this free family attraction take shape.”
Yorkshire businesses go wheel to wheel for The Children’s Hospital Charity
Motor racing driver Rowan Campbell-Pilling has been uniting Yorkshire businesses on the racetrack to raise cash for charity and compete for a coveted trophy.
Sheffield-based Rowan, a 17-year-old Motorsport UK Academy driver, is a rising star of British motorsport. He organised the inter-company karting event at Parkwood Karting in the city.
Following an initial two-day event at the outdoor track in June, teams that qualified were invited back to compete in the grand final.
Going from 100 drivers in qualifying to 24, the final saw teams from Gripple, Mattress Online, Cobra Sport Exhausts, Irwin Mitchell and H Harrold & Sons Locksmiths battle it out for pole position – as well as enjoy networking, pizza and refreshments off-track.
The F4 superstar, Rowan, also joined the businesses on track, racing alongside Gripple’s team and, unsurprisingly, he set the fastest lap of the night.
Rowan said: “It’s been great to see the businesses come back for the second leg of this year’s Steel City Cup and compete to be crowned winners of the final.
“Massive thanks must go to all of them, and those that took part in the qualifying rounds too, for helping us to raise such vital funds for The Children’s Hospital Charity.
“Being able to both boost the charity’s funds and introduce people to karting is brilliant.”
After 175 laps and nearly 100 minutes of racing, the winner of 2024’s Steel City Cup was H Harrold’s and Sons Locksmiths, with Irwin Mitchell only just behind them in second place and then Mattress Online in third place.
A total of £4,000 was raised during the final, helping Rowan to reach his £25,000 fundraising target.
Since the start of 2022, Rowan has been an Ambassador, and more recently, a Children’s Champion for The Children’s Hospital Charity. He has consistently raised funds for the charity between an intense F4 training schedule and school.
Not long into 2024, Rowan surpassed his initial target of £10,000 and, now, another six months on he’s thrilled to have raised over £25,000 in total.
“I am over the moon to be able to say we’ve raised over £25,000 for The Children’s Hospital Charity after almost two years. I can’t wait to see what our final total will be at the end of 2024,” Rowan said.
“My family and I know first-hand how important the services at Sheffield Children’s are, so it means a lot to us.”
The money Rowan has raised by hosting and taking part in various events will go towards many life-changing projects currently ongoing at Sheffield Children’s, including the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) which will be run by Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and based at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
Caitlin Hallatt, Philanthropy Manager from The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “The Steel City Cup final was brilliant, thank you to all the businesses that came out and took part in the events and to Rowan for hosting.
“Rowan is very supportive of the charity and plays an excellent role as one of our Children’s Champions. We’re delighted to have him as a committed member of Team Theo and the money he’s helped to raise will make a huge difference to the lives of our patients, families and staff.”
Rowan is currently competing in his first Rokit British F4 certified by the FIA Season, driving for the Phinsys by Argenti team. This is seen as the first rung on the ladder towards Formula 1.
He joined the F4 grid following a successful karting career, where he competed in the Daniel Ricciardo Series and IAME X30 in both the junior and senior classes.
The Steel City Cup Final will return in 2025.
Restaurant chain signs up to fat and grease recovery scheme
Independent restaurant company The Big Table Group is partnering with grease management company GreaseTech Drainage Solutions and engineering technology company Eco Clarity to trial recovery of grease recovery unit waste from commercial kitchens for conversion into biofuel.
The companies are involved in the M62 Corridor project which will see kitchen waste its and oils collected from 25 BTG restaurant kitchens for re-use after processing in Hull, Stockport, and Stanlow.
Big Table Group operates some of the most recognisable brands in the eating-out market, such as Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Banana Tree, Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito, Cafe Rouge and Amalfi. Together with partners GreaseTech and Eco Clarity, the company is recovering GRU waste from
BTG group facilities manager Karl Tindall is optimistic about rolling out the trial to at least 230 BTG sites and encourages other food service businesses to get involved. “We’ve always been very conscious of putting GRUs in and managing our FOG correctly,” he says. “Now we’ve got an opportunity to know exactly where it’s going when it leaves our sites too.
“We’re the first hospitality company to do it, but we want to encourage other restaurant businesses to get involved too, and help open doors so we can get more awareness about the multiple environmental benefits of this initiative.”
Rob Thomas, commercial director at GreaseTech said: “We’ve been working very closely with Big Table Group to manage their grease management requirements and recognised the opportunity to present Eco Clarity to BTG as a solution for their FOG disposal. We are excited to be part of this pioneering project, which we hope will provide some significant benefits to everyone involved, and the environment.
“Across our customer base, we already specify, supply, service and maintain GRUs at some 3,400 sites nationally, but Eco Clarity has made it possible to start recovering and reusing this waste. The sampling shows that 60% of the waste is reusable, which represents a step-change in sustainable waste management for food service establishments.”
Fat, oil and grease – otherwise known as FOG – are common byproducts of restaurants and food processing facilities, but FOG disposal has long posed a challenge. Currently too much FOG enters the sewers and drains, where it can harden, often results in blockages, which can significantly impact the public, the environment, and be costly to clear. The alternative is landfill disposal, which fails to capitalise on the value of FOG as a potential renewable fuel source.
Eco Clarity’s first three FOG Recovery Hubs are at sites operated by Yorkshire Water, United Utilities and Argent Energy. Each hosts the company’s containerised, patented separation technology, which turns tankered liquid waste containing FOG into a feedstock for biofuels, alongside a clean water stream ready for discharge or further processing for reuse.
Eco Clarity chief executive Chris Clemes said: “We could not be more excited about having Big Table Group and GreaseTech onboard for the next phase of this initiative, which is the M62 Corridor Project. The hospitality sector has a major role to play in helping us capture the benefit of FOG, and BTG with GreaseTech has opened the door wide to us.
“Not only does sustainable management of FOG provide a valuable biofuel resource, it ensures that restaurant kitchens run more efficiently, avoiding risk of pipe blockages, non-compliance and reputational harm.”
Two earn promotion at Rollits
Millie Bird and Molly Bloom have won promotions are law firm Rollits.
Millie has been promoted into the firm’s dispute resolution department, having joined Rollits in 2021 as a paralegal with the property team in the York office before progressing to become a trainee solicitor in March 2023.
Molly’s first experience of the firm was as a participant in the summer work experience scheme in 2019. She started her training contract in 2022 and has now joined the firm’s employment law team.
Millie attended George Pindar School in Scarborough and then progressed to Scarborough Sixth Form College before embarking on her legal career. She studied at The University of Law in Leeds, graduating with First Class Honours in 2019 and staying on to pass her LPC with Distinction a year later.
Molly studied at the University of Hull after leaving Longcroft School in Beverley, graduated in 2021 with a First Class (Hons) degree in Law and then completed an MSc in Business Management which she passed with distinction. She then moved to The University of Law in Leeds to complete her Legal Practice Course.
Ralph Gilbert, Managing Partner at Rollits said: “As a firm we’re committed to encouraging and facilitating the various avenues into the legal profession and it’s incredibly satisfying to see people take these opportunities.”
“Millie came through the paralegal route and Molly was introduced to the profession through our summer work experience scheme. I’m delighted to see both of them progress and we look forward to helping them achieve success in their chosen profession.”
