Leeds Merrion Centre strengthens team with key appointment
Leeds Merrion Centre, the mixed-use scheme owned by property investment and car parking operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has made a key appointment. Katrina Townsend is set to join the Merrion Centre as area operations manager from August.
In her new role, she will oversee the experienced Merrion Estate facilities and security team.
With over 15 years of experience managing a diverse portfolio of buildings, Katrina will manage the 1 million sq ft scheme comprising retail and leisure units, offices and a multi-storey CitiPark car park. Her extensive expertise in property management will be instrumental in driving the continued success and development of the Merrion Centre, which also celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
Katrina said: “I am thrilled to be joining TCS and taking on the role of area operations manager for the Merrion Centre. This is an exciting time, and I look forward to contributing to its ongoing success, working with such a dedicated team and being part of its ongoing growth and innovation.”
Charles Newman, associate director at TCS, said: “We are delighted to welcome Katrina to the TCS family. Her extensive experience, dedication to excellence and proven track record align perfectly with our commitment to delivering outstanding results. Katrina’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to drive the success of our projects and further enhance our reputation as a leader within the property industry.”
South Yorkshire businesses tee it up to raise funds for paces
Business owners and professionals from Sheffield, Barnsley & Rotherham recently participated in a charity golf day at Wortley Golf Club to raise vital funds for local charity, Paces.
Now in its fourth year, the charity golf day took place on Wednesday, 12th June 2024, with 78 golfers representing 22 companies. The event was sponsored by UK-wide talent management specialists Nicholas Associates Group, CSP Systems, and Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP.
The winning team, representing Actus Insurance, scored 88 points. Over £1,500 was raised through a variety of activities, including raffles, beer buggies, and the halfway house, throughout the day.
All funds raised will support Paces, a leading specialist centre in Sheffield for children with Cerebral Palsy and other motor disorders. Paces was established in the 1990s by parents who recognised the benefits of Conductive Education for children with cerebral palsy.
Dave Hall, Fundraising & Communications Manager at Paces, added: “We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the golf day. Fundraising is crucial as it helps us continue providing vital services to people and families most affected by neurological disorders.”
Nicholas Associates Group CEO, Paul Smith, commented on the event’s success, saying: “This is our fourth year hosting a golf day to benefit local charities. Paces is a wonderful charity, and we are more than happy to support them in whatever way we can.”
Andy Bethel, Director of CSP Systems, remarked: “Supporting Paces through this golf event is incredibly rewarding. It’s fantastic to see so many businesses come together for such a worthy cause.”
Amy Cusworth, Partner from Oxley & Coward Solicitors LLP, added: “We are proud to sponsor this event and support Paces in their mission to provide essential services to children with Cerebral Palsy. The dedication of everyone involved is truly inspiring.”
Regal Food Products acquires former FSD premises in Bradford
Bradford-based food manufacturer Regal Food Products Group has bought the former FSD works on Hopbine Lane in Bradford.
The 45,000 sq ft warehouse building in the South Bowling area of the city was marketed and sold by property consultancy Eddisons, which is currently working with FSD to secure a new Bradford production site for the sliding doors manufacturer.
Regal Foods CEO Younis Chaudhry said: “Following our latest acquisition earlier this year, we are really pleased to be bringing this new facility into the Regal group. The new addition promises to not only boost operations but play a key part in the development and growth of our business.”
He added: “As a company that has the Bradford community close to its heart, the new warehouse facility will create several new jobs, boosting employment in a range of areas of the business.”
Eddisons associate director Matt Jennings said: “We were really pleased to be able to secure a rapid sale for FSD on their Hopbine Lane site. The freehold industrial market is increasingly robust due to an ongoing lack of supply and there is definitely healthy demand out there for sizeable warehouse space.”
He added: “It is great to see Regal Food Products, another great Bradford company, step in to take this large unit to accommodate the firm’s growth and it’s a really positive sign that Bradford’s economy is doing well.”
Employing over 300 people and generating a £32m turnover, Regal Food Products has made a series of acquisitions, the most recent of which was Leeds cake manufacturer Love Handmade Cakes in January. The firm currently operates from six sites across Bradford.
General Election is most ‘pro-nuclear’ for a generation, says industry expert
The South Yorkshire-based Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Government & Regional Engagement Manager James Silverward says next month’s General Election is the most pro-nuclear in a generation.
He says: “Parties across the political spectrum have clearly recognised the value that the civil nuclear sector provides to the country not only in economic growth and jobs, but also in delivering on priorities in energy security and decarbonisation which have become much more pronounced since Britain last went to the polls in 2019.
“In addition to wider commitments on enhancing the UK’s energy security, the manifestos of the Labour and Conservative parties have jointly committed to investing in both gigawatt-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) across the country, as well as each making their own commitments to the prioritisation of a power station development in Wylfa and an extension to the lifespan of existing plants .
“Both parties have also committed to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, a sentiment which reflects continued support for an estimated 42,000 jobs and a supply chain of over 3,000 businesses.
“Whatever the outcome of the election, the incoming government needs to prioritise working with industry at all levels to understand how it can deliver these ambitious plans and how the sector can move quickly enough to meet such demand.
“Our own experience in the East Midlands shows how it is possible to link manufacturing innovation, supply chain development, skills, and policy to deliver long-term benefits to the UK. Indeed, the recent publication of the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills demonstrates how this can be taken to a national level – but we need to do the same to address the other major challenges faced by the industry and work with the new government to drive delivery of a clear plan that can meet our national objectives.
“The UK’s advanced manufacturing sector is ambitious and driven, and Government needs to match this drive and ambition if the UK is to continue its development as a global leader in nuclear energy. Whether in nuclear new build, fusion energy, or the wider sector, our industry must be enabled to continue its development and meet the needs of future generations. The Nuclear AMRC is ready to support the incoming government to achieve these ambitious goals.”
New training partnership aims to support employers in need of machining technicians
Later this year a new apprenticeship training programme between Sheffield College and the Company of Cutlers will support employers needing machining technician skills.
Andrew Hartley, Deputy Chief Executive at The Sheffield College, said: “This apprenticeship will provide a great opportunity for Sheffield’s workforce of the future.
“Manufacturing employers need skilled, experienced machinists to operate complex machinery and produce components. Together with the Master Cutler and Company of Cutlers, we have designed an apprenticeship delivery model that works better for employers, tackles skills shortages and helps manufacturing businesses to thrive.”
On the Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeship, learners will study computer numerical control machining.
CNC machining involves the use of computer software to move factory tools and complex machinery such as grinders and lathes.
It is used by a wide range of manufacturing employers from those in aerospace, agriculture and electronics to energy, construction and medical.
Apprentices will earn as they learn in the workplace alongside completing a Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Machining).
After a three-month foundation course at Liberty Steel in Stocksbridge, apprentices will complete their studies at the college’s Advanced Technology Centre on Olive Grove Road.
The Company of Cutlers, which represents manufacturing employers in Sheffield and South Yorkshire, is helping to design and develop the programme and raise awareness of it amongst businesses.
Master Cutler Charles Turner, who also chairs Made in Sheffield, said: “Our priorities are to help young people in the region be properly prepared with workplace skills to successfully enter the world of work and to help provide talent for regional business. This apprenticeship will have a three month full time in college foundation element to ensure that the young people are factory ready and ready to learn.
“Working closely with education providers and employers will enable us to achieve our objectives, which is why I am delighted that the Cutlers Company is launching a new apprenticeship partnership with The Sheffield College to better serve manufacturing businesses requiring skilled machine technicians.” The first intake of apprentices is planned for October 2024.
YPP Lettings acquires Leeds’ St George House
YPP Lettings has expanded its investment portfolio with the acquisition, on behalf of its investors, of St George House Leeds, a multi-story building currently let to Global Banking School in the centre of Leeds.
The acquisition was for a “substantial value” and was supported by finance from National Bank of Kuwait (International) PLC.
Farooq Zar, partner in Schofield Sweeney’s real estate team, acted on both the purchase and the finance elements of the transaction and was assisted by Oliver Brooke, solicitor.
Farooq Zar said: “It was a pleasure to assist YPP and its investors with their ever-expanding portfolio in Leeds and nationwide.
“The transaction was substantial in terms of value and complexity, with both us and our client working closely with the seller’s professional team to ensure a successful outcome for both the seller and the buyers. I look forward to working with YPP and its investors in the future.”
Siemens supports school summer holiday railway safety
With the school summer holidays rapidly approaching, Siemens Mobility is helping to reduce the dangers from children trespassing on railway line by working with Rail Safe Friendly.
It’s a social impact programme aimed at enhancing rail safety and reducing the number of trespass incidents by providing schools and the rail industry with an opportunity to work together to improve rail safety awareness among young people across the UK using content from Network Rail’s Switched On Rail Safety website.
The gold partnership is a reflection of Siemens Mobility’s commitment to support schools across the UK and is directly aligned with 150 of those closest to its sites, projects and offices, helping pupils learn how to stay safe around railway tracks.
Rob Morris, Joint CEO for Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said: “The safety of people on and around the railway must continue to be at the forefront of our minds in the rail industry. We must be relentless in ensuring that tragic accidents involving young people are consigned to the history books, and education about the dangers posed by the rail network is vital.”
“We are immensely proud of the impact our partnership with Rail Safe Friendly has had so far. The engagement from schools across the UK has been outstanding, and we are excited to see this continue to grow as we further our partnership.”
Stuart Heaton, MD of Rail Safe Friendly and Learn Live, said: “Through the support of Siemens Mobility we will be able to reach even more children with vital rail safety awareness with the aim of saving lives and preventing injuries on the country’s rail network and in yards, depots and sidings.
“It is crucial that children receive vital knowledge, at a young age, to keep them rail safe. The Rail Safe Friendly programme seeks to educate children and young people on the many dangers that are present on the railway.”
“Delivery, delivery, delivery” is key focus of Mayor
The Mayor of West Yorkshire will place skills and the economy as key priorities over her next four years of office, with plans to bring more well-paid jobs to the region.
Addressing the Combined Authority’s annual meeting of West Yorkshire’s leaders, she will also set out plans to revamp the region’s training and skills system.
Mayor Brabin will tell the meeting: “My message to you and to the Combined Authority is that we need to deliver, deliver, deliver – and that is what I intend to do.
“I was re-elected with a promise to focus on growing a more inclusive economy, with more jobs and opportunities spread across the region.”
In a wide-ranging address to the meeting, the Mayor will outline plans for a new Local Growth Plan to boost the region’s jobs market, as well as creating a “Region of Learning” to reform the skills and training in West Yorkshire. This will also include an employer accredited ‘badge’ to help learners demonstrate they have some of the skills needed for the workplace.
She will add: “Within the first six months of my term, [we will] set out how we will create a prosperous region with an inclusive economy and more well-paid jobs, putting more money into people’s pockets.
“Creating a Region of Learning will reform our skills system to support people to get the knowledge they need to succeed, with a modular system of learning tailored to the needs of employers and learners.”
The Mayor will also commit to continuing work to delivering a franchised bus system, getting spades in the ground on a Mass Transit network by 2028, and building 5,000 affordable homes across the region.
Norwegian Prime Minister opens green hydrogen plant created by Sheffield firm
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has opened Yara’s a renewable hydrogen plant based on technology from Sheffield renewable energy provider ITM power.
The plant, at Herøya Industrial Park, is the largest of its kind currently in operation in Europe. Hydrogen is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, replacing natural gas as feedstock. The plant will cut 41,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from the site every year.
Using ITM’s state-of-the-art TRIDENT stack platform, the 24MW plant will provide enough green hydrogen to produce 20,500 tonnes of ammonia per year, which can be converted to between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes of green fertiliser.
The green fertilisers produced at Herøya will form part of a new Yara Climate Choice portfolio, which includes solutions designed to benefit crops while reducing climate impact.
Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM, said: “It was an honour to attend the inauguration of the plant by the Prime Minister of Norway. Ammonia has long been used as a fertiliser but is typically produced from fossil fuels. Green ammonia offers significant potential, among other things, to decarbonise the agricultural sector. We are proud of our collaboration with Linde Engineering to deliver this groundbreaking project for Yara.”
New city centre base for Sheffield University tech spinout
Phlux Technology, an infrared sensor technology firm, has chosen Pennine Five in Sheffield city centre to set up its new headquarters, as the city’s Innovation Spine gains momentum.
Founded by Ben White in 2020, Phlux is a spinout company from the University of Sheffield developing and commercialising breakthrough infrared sensor technology. This technology is revolutionising the performance of autonomous cars and advanced driver-assisted systems.
Last year, Phlux secured £4m of investment from Octopus Ventures and Northern Gritstone, and is also working on a 500,000 Euro project funded by the European Space Agency to build more efficient free-space optical communications (FSOC) satellite terminals.
Currently based at the University of Sheffield’s Kroto Innovation Centre, Phlux has signed up to move to a new 3,692 sq ft workspace at the Pennine Five campus this summer. The former HSBC headquarters off Tenter Street has been significantly redeveloped and modernised by RBH Properties in recent years.
Ben White, Co-Founder and CEO of Phlux Technology, said: “The success of our product launch means that Phlux has grown rapidly over the past year, outgrowing our existing home. We are very excited to be curating our own workspace at Pennine Five which will enable us to continue on our growth trajectory by enhancing our internal collaboration and feature two state-of-the-art labs for developing and testing future products.
“The location of Pennine Five was ideal for us. The campus is just down the road from the University – with whom we will continue to work closely – while providing us with a beautiful space for Phlux’s employees to continue to innovate as we scale up. I’d love to see other like-minded businesses join us here, as I can envisage the campus becoming a hub for growing technology firms in the city.”
Pennine Five is located at the centre of the Sheffield Innovation Spine, which runs from the University of Sheffield’s campus down to West Bar Square. Backed by the University, Sheffield Council and other key stakeholders, the Spine is a long-term economic strategy that aims to create and link the infrastructure required to grow knowledge-led technology businesses in the city centre.
Jeremy Hughes, Director at RBH Properties, added: “Welcoming Phlux to Pennine Five is a defining moment. It is a truly innovative and dynamic business with a huge future.
“The University of Sheffield is generating many exciting spinouts and tech start-ups. Pennine Five, located at the heart of the Sheffield Innovation Spine, is perfectly placed to support growing tech firms. With our flexible floorplates and tenant agreements, the campus can foster a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration, creativity and knowledge-sharing.”
