Accsys, the supplier of sustainable wood building materials, has announced that it will discontinue the Tricoya plant in Hull owned by Tricoya UK Limited, a wholly owned entity of Accsys set up for the construction and operation of the Tricoya plant.
The Accsys Board is said to have thoroughly evaluated all available strategic and funding options for Tricoya UK. With a review now completed, the Board has decided that it is in the best interests of Accsys and its shareholders to discontinue the Tricoya plant.
A final exceptional non-cash impairment charge of €20m and an exceptional cash cost of €4.5m will be recognised in the company’s H1 FY25 results for the discontinuation and winding up of the Tricoya plant.
Accsys retains the intellectual property for Tricoya and will continue producing materials for the Tricoya product range from its production site in Arnhem to meet growing demand from existing customers.
Dr Jelena Arsic van Os, CEO Accsys Technologies PLC, said: “Whilst this is a difficult decision, the Board is confident that this is the right course of action for the company and its shareholders.
“Discontinuing the Hull plant further derisks and simplifies our business and enables us to fully focus on maximising returns from our existing assets. Today’s actions, alongside our expansion in Arnhem and newly opened Kingsport facility, underpin our confidence in delivering profitable growth as we progress towards our target of 100,000m³ production by the end of FY27.”
Refractory company MD shows how gender diversity could bridge skills gap
Trent Refractories MD Katy Moss has travelled to Germany to talk about the benefits woman can bring to industry.
As a member of a panel headed ‘Female Talents: Innovation through Diversity’ she was able to talk about female diversity in the refractories industry sector. The event was organised by the Women@Refractories initiative, as part of the International Colloquium on Refractories.
She said the event was a great opportunity to network and motion modern issues within the sector, while engaging in this important conversation.
She said: “The session delved into the opportunities for the refractories industry to attract, develop, and retain competent women professionals. The panel explored the benefits and challenges of integrating gender diversity into the industry, with a focus on how these efforts can strengthen the workforce and drive innovation.”
New law will force employers to take steps to prevent sexual harassment
From next month the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill will strengthen existing protection for workers against sexual harassment by placing a new duty on employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment.
HR Sarah Derbyshire, HR Consultant and Director at HR Solutions Yorkshire, cuts through the legalise of the law when she says: “It is important for businesses to make it clear to all members of their teams what they expect in terms of behaviour, what everyone’s rights and responsibilities are, and what the consequences are likely to be for failing to meet these expectations.
“Senior leaders and managers set the tone for expectations around workplace behaviour. They need to embed and live the values and behaviour that underpin dignity, respect and inclusion. They also need to call out unacceptable behaviours to nip things in the bud at an early stage.”She says companies should set out policies and put in place the necessary training. She went on to explain that under the law, ‘harassment’ covered unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic which has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature which has that impact.’
A protected characteristic is as set out in the Equality Act 2010 and includes gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marital status or civil partnership. An employee who feels that they have been treated differently because of a protected characteristic can make a claim of discrimination to an employment tribunal.
She added: “Any claim on the grounds of discrimination is uncapped at tribunal. In addition, tribunals will have the power to increase compensation by up to 25% if they find an employer has breached this duty. As well as the financial costs of a claim against the business, cases of sexual harassment impact on management and HR time, potentially legal costs, damage to a company’s reputation and on other members of the team.”
Kromek wins place on Government supplier list for radiation equipment
A radiation detection company with its R&D centre in Huddersfield has won a place on the supplier list held by the Home Office.
Kromek has been selected as a supplier under the UK Government’s Radiological Nuclear Detection Framework for the supply of radiological nuclear detection equipment and supporting services.
Arnab Basu, the company’s CEO said: “We are delighted to have become one of the few companies approved for the supply of radiological nuclear detection equipment under this important Home Office initiative. We have been providing our detectors to the UK government for several years and it is great to see the continued expansion of programmes that will enhance the UK’s protection against radiological threats.
“Alongside our recent selection under the UK Government Resilience Framework for supplying emergency services operators and our contract award from the Ministry of Defence, we are experiencing excellent momentum in this area of our business and we look forward to reporting on further progress.”
The Framework was established to co-ordinate the RN detection procurement requirements and capabilities of the Home Office, Counter Terrorism Police and other public bodies to support Home Office strategic aims and to deliver enhancements to the UK’s end-to-end system for domestic nuclear security.
Kromek applied for three of the four Framework categories, covering the supply of handheld, wearable and large volume static radiation detectors, and was successfully approved and awarded a Framework contract. Accordingly, Kromek is pre-qualified to be selected for orders in these categories, which over the four-year term of the Framework have a combined maximum procurement value of £84 million. The Group will provide further updates as and when there is progress in respect of any contracts within these three Framework categories.
New music industry network launched for West Yorkshire creatives
A brand-new network has been created to connect creative musical talent with opportunities in West Yorkshire.
It brings together everyone in the region’s music industry, from creative organisations and freelancers to venues and communities.
Launched by Mayor Tracy Brabin in collaboration with Leeds Conservatoire, Come Play With Me, and Create Britain, the regional network will be a central hub for music industry professionals to share knowledge and insight, create opportunities and collaborate.
Open to creatives at any career stage, the network will encourage inclusivity across West Yorkshire’s music sector, with activity tailored towards underrepresented groups and those facing barriers to opportunities.
It will also seek to attract national music sector activity at conferences and events across the region, while supporting creatives to represent West Yorkshire at national and international music events.
The West Yorkshire Music Network is part of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s £2.3 million ‘You Can Make It Here’ programme, designed to support and drive growth across the region’s creative sector.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re giving a voice to music professionals in West Yorkshire, and helping them to collaborate on opportunities and unleash their full potential.
“There is so much talent and ambition in our region, and this network will help to drive opportunities, growth and inward investment.
“This new network is an opportunity for our incredible musicians and backstage creatives to thrive in their careers, as we work to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
James Warrender, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise at Leeds Conservatoire, said: “The aim is for the network to be diverse and representative of the brilliantly broad variety of music related activities that take place within the region.
“It’s an opportunity to bring existing networks together with new voices, really promote the success stories, but to also unite in solving the challenges.”
Tony Ereira, CEO of Come Play With Me CIC, said: “There is such a wonderful mix of diverse music adjacent activity happening on our doorsteps here in West Yorkshire and I am so excited about how the Network can celebrate everyone involved, introducing opportunities locally, regionally and nationally – be they a large music organisation with a huge team or a freelancer juggling multiple roles.
“At a time when arts funding and education is in a critical condition across the country, having been undervalued nationally for years, we really value the Mayor and Combined Authority recognising the need to give the music sector a much-needed voice to come together and demonstrate the significant potential it has to add value across the region.”
Jeremy Aird, Founder, CREATEBritain, said: “At CREATEBritain, our goal is to help energise and network creatives at every level across the country and work with ambitious partners like West Yorkshire to deliver real goals for real people.
“Together we are lighting the fuse on a fantastic new community – West Yorkshire Music Network. A place for anything and everything music related to thrive, a critical local resource that also delivers nationally and globally.
“Driving real change and creating opportunity for all of our musicians starts with bold, unapologetic creativity and a platform that can grow and deliver the features they need to succeed.”
Further ‘You Can Make It Here’ initiatives in the pipeline include opportunities for young people to boost their skills and progress into creative roles, while businesses and freelancers will benefit from investment, expert advice and training to unleash their potential.
New operator sought as NEC Group steps away from Bradford Live
A process is underway to appoint a new operator for Bradford Live, the newly renovated entertainment centre on the site of the former Bradford Odeon.
This follows a decision by the NEC Group that the venue will be better served by an alternative operator. Following a strategic review of its business, the NEC Group will focus on its existing operations in the Birmingham area.
Bradford Council and the NEC Group have agreed settlement terms to release NEC from the contract that was in place for them to operate the venue. NEC will step away from Bradford Live with immediate effect.
Bradford Live and the Council will now move at pace to identify a new operator and ensure the restored landmark venue will take its place as a major entertainment hub that Bradford can be proud of.
The Council and NEC have been unable to provide any significant detail on the situation relating to Bradford Live until now, whilst negotiations were taking place. Further updates, and a new date for opening, will be provided when a new operator is confirmed.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Bradford Live is a major part of our ongoing investment in revitalising the city for the benefit of the whole district. It is a magnificent venue, something which the NEC recognise. But after being a founding partner with Bradford Live years ago, their business plans have changed. We respect their position and wish them well.
“It’s been very frustrating that we have had to remain so tight-lipped but at all times we have followed expert legal advice to protect the interests of the venue and the Council.
“Advice from the sector leads us to believe that there are a number of potential operators who have shown initial interest in the venue. We are now in a position to have further discussions with them about the opportunity. We can’t say more about this at this stage given the commercially sensitive nature of discussions.
“We are aiming to have the venue operational in 2025 to host events as part of Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture.“
Lee Craven, Founding Director of Bradford Live, said: “Bringing this much-loved building back to life has been a huge task spanning years and involving many tough challenges. Throughout, we have had the steadfast support of Bradford Council, who have never wavered in their commitment.
“The result is a world class music venue whose quality exceeds even our own hopes. We look forward to securing a new operator soon who can do justice to the building’s potential and make Bradford Live a ‘must play’ venue for major touring acts.”
Transformation of East Riding Leisure Goole into dynamic leisure and community venue takes next steps
The next step of the redevelopment of the Goole Hub, the project to transform East Riding Leisure Goole into a dynamic leisure and community venue, is set to proceed. East Riding of Yorkshire’s Cabinet gave approval for the construction contract to be concluded.
Builders Willmott Dixon has been selected as the preferred contractor, with preparatory works set to start in October. The Hub is due to be completed by the summer of 2026, opening in Goole’s Bicentenary year.
The Goole Hub, funded by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will provide new and enhanced leisure facilities, collocate services, and introduce new activities, such as bowling that will enhance engagement and the offer in Goole. A sum of £3.372 million is being contributed by the £25 million Goole Town Deal regeneration programme.
While the facility is closed, the council will continue to offer gym facilities, group exercise classes, and health programmes, at the Goole College site on Boothferry Road.
Councillor Nick Coultish, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Tourism, said: “I’m excited to announce the awarding of the contract to build a brilliant new leisure facility for Goole and our surrounding communities. This project reflects the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s commitment to invest in Goole and to fostering a vibrant, active, and healthy community. I look forward to seeing the renewed Goole Hub, and all the fantastic facilities it will provide.”
Phil Jones, Chair of the Goole Town Deal Board, said: “The Goole Town Deal Board has allocated a share of the town’s £25 million in Town Deal funding towards the development of East Riding Leisure Goole because we see it as an important anchor destination within the town centre that, alongside the seven other strategic projects that we’ve chosen to fund, will help to increase footfall and boost the local economy.
“This exciting project will transform the venue into a truly modern community hub with a vastly enhanced leisure offer for local people of all ages. We’re delighted to see it progressing.”
Park Hill’s newest homes given the go-ahead in Sheffield
Urban Splash and Places for People, the joint development partners restoring Park Hill in Sheffield, have secured planning approval for more new homes at the building.
The pair has redeveloped the building over the past decade establishing a new cultural quarter for the city with 455 new homes, accommodation for 356 students, more than 50,000 sq ft of workspace, and extensive landscaping and green space.
A fourth phase comprising 125 apartments – 20% of which will be affordable – new public realm, EV charging, a car club and bike storage was awarded planning in late 2023.
Approved plans for the newest phase – phase 5 – include 105 new homes. Among the homes will be one-, two-, three- and four-bedroomed flats, duplexes and townhouses – some of them affordable, while the ground floor will include 2,000 sq ft of commercial space providing a platform for independent, local businesses, and adding to the already diverse Park Hill ecosystem – home to native brands such as South Street Kitchen, The Pearl, and the Grace Owen Nursery.
Mark Latham, Regeneration Director at Urban Splash, said: “Park Hill has been a long-term vision and investment, a building which we have approved in different phases to ensure that we are creating a space that serves the needs of the city – be that homes, workspaces for independent businesses, or green spaces.
“I am thrilled that we have secured permission to move forward with another stage – with plans that will further contribute to Sheffield’s cultural and economic vitality.”
Sammie Steele, Managing Director of Placemaking and Regeneration at Places for People, added: “We are delighted to have secured permission for the next phase of Park Hill, continuing our great partnership with Urban Splash.
“Park Hill is an iconic area of Sheffield both culturally and architecturally and we are proud to continue supporting this thriving community and uplift its long and fascinating history. This phase will allow us to not only pave the way for new homes in Sheffield but also to create new commercial spaces where we hope to see an array of local businesses set up and thrive.”
Holtec confirms decision to bring £1.5bn investment to South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is set to become the new home of US nuclear energy company Holtec, which will build a factory to build Small Modular Reactors, the latest step in delivering nuclear energy.
Holtec’s decision comes after Rolls-Royce SMR also chose South Yorkshire to become the home of its new multi-million pound facility earlier this year. Rolls-Royce SMR will manufacture and test prototype modules for SMRs in South Yorkshire further strengthening the region’s clean tech cluster.
Gareth Thomas, Director at Holtec Britain, said: “South Yorkshire overcame stiff competition from other areas of the UK to be our preferred location for our advanced SMR factory.
“Holtec Britain was impressed by the resounding interest in our new SMR factory across the UK and the strong support received by the local authorities during our engagements. However, after a rigorous process, South Yorkshire was finally selected as our preferred location.
“In addition to the technical, supply chain, training, and logistics criteria for the formal evaluation, we were also impressed by the history and pride of the people we met during our visit to South Yorkshire, which demonstrated the workforce really cares about the quality and reputation of their work. For Holtec, that translates to a workforce that can be trained and will remain committed to delivering the high-quality nuclear products that Holtec, and our customers, demand.
“Holtec has been part of the nuclear ecosystem in this country for many years and is absolutely committed to creating high-quality local jobs, supply chain opportunities and partnerships that will help South Yorkshire and the UK grow and prosper. Our new UK factory is central to that commitment. Holtec is working to finalise its factory business plan to support its Final Investment Decision, based on its UK and international order book.
“Holtec’s SMR-300 is a PWR reactor enabling the factory to also produce large naval reactor components to not only support the country’s energy security, but also its national security”
South Yorkshire is already home to the UK’s largest clean-tech cluster and has unique strengths in SMRs, Hydrogen and Sustainable Aviation. Holtec’s decision to build its new major SMR facility in the region has cemented South Yorkshire’s place as the natural home for emerging clean energy sectors.
The selection process involved 13 potential locations which were shortlisted down to four, from which South Yorkshire was chosen. The finished plant will serve the UK, Europe and the Middle East. The factory represents a major £1.5bn investment and is set to create hundreds of well-paid and highly-skilled jobs.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “In South Yorkshire, we’re building on hundreds of years of innovation and engineering heritage to create world leading facilities, skills and expertise today; assets that will power the clean energy transition in the UK and beyond. We are right at the cutting edge of the new nuclear, hydrogen and sustainable aviation sectors, and proud to be home to the largest clean tech sector in the UK.
“That’s why Holtec have chosen South Yorkshire as the home of their £1.5bn manufacturing facility, because they recognise we are the new home of the emerging clean energy sector in this country. Their decision to invest in South Yorkshire has the potential to support hundreds of high-paying jobs, while their SMR Learning Academy will help train the next generation of nuclear engineers and experts.”
Accountancy practice taken over by Manchester firm
An accountancy practice with offices in Doncaster and Sheffield has rebranded following an acquisition by Xeinadin.
Chesterfield-based Smith Craven, employing more than 50 there and in Doncaster, Sheffield, and Worksop, will join Xeinadin under its Manchester Central and North region, led by KJG Xeinadin Group.
Xeinadin is a firm of business advisory and accountancy practices in more than 100 locations across the UK and Ireland that provides over 40 service lines to over 50,000 clients, predominantly SMEs and their owner-managers. It was formed through a merger of the offices in 2019 and is now structured into 14 regional hubs, following dozens of new business acquisitions each year.
With the power of a Top 20 accountancy firm behind them, they are able to enhance their client experience through collaboration across other Xeinadin offices and the phased approach to rebrand.
Martyn Langley : “We are looking forward, and proud, to be moving to the next stage in the firm’s development, and to helping local businesses get the most out of the opportunities available to them.
“Chesterfield is a great location geographically, and has a thriving business community. With the number of businesses, and help from the local professionals in the area (who work well together as a team), and the many transport links – the region is well-placed for exciting times ahead.
