Businesses called to commit to arts and culture with Creative Charter pledge
Businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to pledge their commitment to arts and culture by signing up to a pioneering Creative Charter.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, connecting businesses and other organisations to the power of cultural creativity.
Cultural partnership HEY Creative has issued a rallying call to leaders of private, public and third sector organisations to commit to supporting arts and culture by signing the Charter.
Arts and culture contribute over £35m to the economy in Hull and East Yorkshire and bring together communities in more than 250 venues around the region.
The Creative Charter aims to build on this and provide a long-term boost to the region’s vital culture and arts sector, which was energised by Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017 but has been impacted by the pandemic and economic pressures in recent years.
HEY Creative Chief Officer Max May launched the Creative Charter on the opening day of the region’s annual celebration of business and enterprise.
He announced that several leading businesses and organisations had become Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter and urged others to follow their lead.
He said: “We passionately believe in the power of arts and culture to unite people from all corners of our region, driving growth, sparking ideas and innovation and promoting wellbeing.
“The arts sector delivers so much for our region, but it can’t do it all on its own. That’s why we’ve launched the Creative Charter, to encourage businesses and organisations to support and advocate for culture.
“Collaborating with the creative sector can spark fresh ideas which unlock growth opportunities and change the way companies approach challenges. We’re fortunate to have a rich and varied cultural scene across the region and the Creative Charter opens up opportunities for businesses and other organisations to tap into it.”
There is no cost or direct financial commitment required to join the Creative Charter. It is simply a declaration to collaborate with the arts sector for collective good.
Signatories can work with arts and cultural groups in a wide variety of ways, from simple acts like displaying local artwork on office walls to celebrating culture on their social media channels.
Other suggested actions include hosting a business breakfast to connect with arts and culture, donating staff time to support events, sponsoring activities and offering spare training course spaces to creatives free of charge.
Founding Signatories of the Creative Charter include Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the University of Hull, Hull College, Future Humber, For Entrepreneurs Only, the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, HullBID, Rollits LLP, The Deep and Hull Truck Theatre.
Dominic Gibbons, Chair of HEY Creative and Managing Director of Wykeland Group, another of the Founding Signatories of the Charter, said: “Together, through the power of arts and culture, we can unleash valuable potential for individuals, communities, businesses and the wider region.
“Arts and culture make us happier, healthier people. It brings our communities together, attracts and retains talent for business, and generates upwards of £35m a year for the region.
“We’re asking businesses and organisations, through the Hull and East Yorkshire Creative Charter, to join us in championing our region’s incredible arts and culture, for the benefit of everyone.”
Keyland expands team with Land and Development Manager appointment
Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister-company to Yorkshire Water, has continued its growth plans with the appointment of Joe Boothman as Land & Development Manager.
Joe joins from Yorkshire Water where he was a Lead Surveyor in the Land and Property Team, having initially joined Keyland on secondment to cover maternity leave in January 2024.
Joe will work closely with Yorkshire Water to identify and promote development opportunities within their portfolio, looking at traditional developments as well as newer Renewables opportunities.
This will be done alongside a focus on further growing Keyland’s successful Planning Promotional Agreements (PPA) initiative, which is designed to enable both private and public sector landowners to maximise the development potential from their land risk free.
Joe has gained a strong understanding of the Kelda Estate after spending over six years working for Yorkshire Water’s Land and Property team. During this time he gained specialist knowledge on utilities and specifically Telecoms, which he will bring to this role.
Luke Axe, Land & Planning Director, Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “Joe has become a valued member of the Keyland team during his recent secondment. His appointment aligns with our growth strategy and his sector specific expertise is a great addition to our collective skillset.”
Joe Boothman commented on his appointment: “This role will enable me to bring value to Kelda’s wider estate and grow the promotion side of the Keyland business.”
Staff vote to strike at Sheffield Hallam University
UCU (University and College Union) members at Sheffield Hallam University have voted to strike over what it calls “drastic cuts” and the “erosion of terms and conditions.”
87% of members who voted have supported industrial action, on a turnout of 53%. Dates for strikes will be announced in due course.
UCU has accused the university of pushing ahead with expensive building projects and satellite campuses, while launching a wholesale attack on staff and students through an unprecedented cuts programme, severely breaching the post-92 contract and national framework, and destroying working conditions.
The university has said a further 400 professional services jobs will be axed, with staff facing compulsory redundancy. Around 140 academics have already left following the opening of a voluntary severance scheme in December (2023) and the university has gone ahead with further job losses.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Our members do not take the decision to strike lightly but Sheffield Hallam staff have voted for action because they cannot stand by and let management force though these outrageous cuts which would see teaching, research and academic standards torn to shreds.
“It is disgraceful to see that rather than reviewing its spending on new buildings and a satellite campus halfway across the country, management would rather slash jobs, jeopardise academic standards, and tear up our hard-won terms and conditions. If university management do not stop these attacks on staff, they will face unprecedented disruption.”
A university spokesperson told the BBC that external pressures had led to “tough decisions.”
“We are disappointed UCU has voted to take action,” a spokesperson added. “Our priority during any industrial action will be to do everything possible to minimise the impact on our students and wider community.”
Cash boosts for Shipley and Keighley businesses
Cash boosts for businesses from the Keighley and Shipley Towns Funds are still available and have already made a huge difference across the district.
Up to March 2024, 22 businesses in Keighley have been awarded more than £973,000, and 15 businesses in Shipley have received more than £604,000 with the expectation of 151 jobs being created across both areas as a result.
The Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme is part of the Government-funded Towns Fund and there is £4m available to support local businesses in the Keighley and Shipley areas, with approximately £2m allocated to each.
Businesses can use the grant to invest in premises, machinery, equipment or property to fit out and bringing disused buildings back into use.
Funding has so far been spent on a wide-range of projects by businesses across the district such as expanding and modernising facilities, as well as replacing older equipment with more efficient, up-to-date systems.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, explained: “It’s so positive to see how this funding is already making such a significant impact. It has directly translated into growth for the businesses who have received it so far and the welcome creation of new jobs for the area.
“Grants ranging from £1,500 to £315,000 are still available for businesses within – or looking to move to – the Keighley and Shipley Towns Fund Areas, and other businesses are invited to apply.”
Adam Clerkin, chair of Shipley Towns Fund, said: “The process of securing a grant is straightforward and the team at Bradford Council will advise businesses throughout. This kind of support for local businesses is crucial in the current economic climate and we want to make sure that everyone who is eligible, has access to it.”
Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, Tim Rogers, added: “Keighley has a proud industrial heritage and a thriving business community. There is funding available for businesses who would benefit and we’re keen to support them. I would encourage anyone interested in applying to get in touch.”
The Towns Fund Capital Assistance to Business Growth Programme Funding is available up to March 2026.
BCC launches digital revolution report to enhance secure future for UK firms
The British Chambers of Commerce has launched its Digital Revolution report outlining a framework to create a connected, dynamic and secure future for UK businesses.
Among the recommendations are:
- Government should appoint an AI champion for SMEs who will help spearhead a programme to improve business use of artificial intelligence.
- Government should explore social tariffs for lower-income areas, to enable more people to access broadband services – including small businesses.
- Wireless Network infrastructure should be strengthened through a pro-investment policy framework supported by a planning regime that unlocks the UK’s 5G ambitions.
- The government should work with the insurance industry to create a reinsurance pool that underwrites cyber risk for business.
Scunthorpe United splits ownership
Scunthorpe United has announced a split of ownership between four of the club’s Directors.
Chairperson Michelle Harness has allocated shares to Roj Rahman, George Aitkenhead and Ian Sharp, with the quartet now assuming equal joint ownership of Scunthorpe United Football Club with immediate effect.
Speaking about the decision to divide the club, Michelle said: “Nine months ago, I took 92% of the shares of the football club from the previous owner and had Roj, George and Ian at my side from day one.
“Since September, we have all worked extremely hard to battle the debt we inherited and work towards a more sustainable model. We’re not there yet, but we have made significant strides, and are on course to achieve this in the coming months.
“While we are at the stage where we can run from day-to-day on this sustainable model, I simply cannot grow the football club on my own, and I must also look to safeguard the business should anything happen to me, and should the football club need some additional support.
“Roj, George and Ian have shown a massive amount of commitment to this football club, and have made a big impact in helping us get to where we are today. Having them in joint ownership with myself will only help us progress further as we look to grow our reputation back to the well-run business that we can remember from years gone by.
“I’d also like to thank all the staff at the football club for their tremendous work ethic, determination and drive to bring us through the last nine months, and to the other members of my Board of Directors, who have all done some incredible work in assisting us to get to this stage.
“I have no doubt you will show your unwavering support to Roj, George and Ian, like you have shown to me so far.”
Vice Chairman Roj Rahman added: “What Michelle has achieved in the last nine months is nothing short of sensational. She will always be our Iron Lady, and everyone associated with Scunthorpe United will forever have the upmost admiration for what she has done to ensure there is, and will always be, a football club within our community.
“We’re all just custodians of this football club at the end of the day, and nothing will change as a result of this joint ownership. Scunthorpe United is a club that will always be for the supporters, for the community, and that will not change, regardless of who has the majority of the shares.
“Having had to go through an awful lot in nine months, Michelle wished to further safeguard the future of Scunthorpe United by welcoming George, Ian and I as joint owners. It’s something we’re all delighted to accepted. The hard work doesn’t stop, it only continues to grow, as we work to provide a football club for us all to be proud of.”
Following the splitting of the club’s ownership, Michelle Harness will continue as the club’s Chairperson, while Roj Rahman will continue as Vice Chair.
Rolls-Royce SMR picks Sheffield for first-of-a-kind supplier conference
Rolls-Royce SMR is to hold its first Supplier Conference on 19 June at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre’s Factory 2050.
This is the first event of its kind will be an important part of creating a diverse and resilient supply chain, essential in deploying Rolls-Royce SMR’s ‘factory-built’ nuclear power plant.
Existing and potential new suppliers are invited to attend and engage with senior representatives of Rolls-Royce SMR where they can discuss how to become involved in this generational opportunity.
Rolls-Royce SMR’s Chief Finance Officer, Peter Morton, said: “Our suppliers, and the wider supply chain, will be critical to the success of Rolls-Royce SMR and in maximising social value.
“We want to understand the breadth and depth of the capability and capacity within the supply chain, building on the great conversations we’ve had over the last few years, so we can move forward together at pace.
“We’re reaching out to small, medium and large organisations from the UK and further afield – with and without nuclear experience – to ensure we have an inclusive and exciting event with a diverse mix of suppliers.”
The Rolls-Royce SMR is the first nuclear power station to be designed and built in the UK for over a generation and offers a radically different approach to delivering new nuclear power. Each ‘factory-built’ nuclear power station will provide enough low-carbon electricity to power a million homes for more than 60 years and will create thousands of long-term, high-skilled jobs.
Last year, Rolls-Royce SMR launched a supply chain portal to build new relationships with organisations that have products and services to offer and help them in becoming a Rolls-Royce SMR supplier. More than 700 suppliers have already registered, helping build a strong and resilient supply chain and underpinning Rolls-Royce SMR’s social value commitment.
Heating firm works with City Council to test heat pumps in action in council homes
Hull-based Ideal Heating is installing four heat pumps in council homes in the city’s Nornabell Street where they’ll allow Hull City Council to monitor performance and cost as part of a net-zero campaign.
Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the portfolio holder for housing, said the idea was to improve energy efficiency while providing comfort and affordability for residents”.
“We have a duty to tackle climate change,” he added. “A significant part of that commitment is the way homes across the city are heated.”
Air source heat pumps work by sucking in outdoor air and passing it over tubes containing refrigerant fluids, in order to produce heat.
Four neighbouring flats will receive new gas-powered combi boilers, in order to compare their performance with the heat pumps.
John Jackson, of Ideal Heating, said the trial could have a real impact on the way homes in the city are heated, as well as reducing bills.
Go ahead given to new food waste recycling site
A food waste recycling operator in Lincolnshire, BioteCH4, has been granted planning permission to build a second anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in the region, increasing the capacity to turn unavoidable food waste into green energy and biofertiliser.
The application for a new plant at the Hemswell Cliff Site near Gainsborough was approved by Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee on Monday 3 June.
The new 6MW AD plant will include a waste reception building, three digesters, a gas bag and a new access road. It will produce a quantity of green energy that is equivalent to powering over 19,000 homes when fully operational.
AD is the most sustainable process of recycling food waste, into methane-rich biogas and biofertiliser. Last year, BioteCH4 recycled over 600,000 tonnes of food waste across its six sites, transforming it into 300MWh of energy.
Lee Dobinson, Chief Commercial Officer at BioteCH4, said: “We’re pleased to receive planning permission for a new anaerobic digestion plant at our Hemswell Biogas site. The new facility will increase the group’s processing capacity by 200,000 tonnes annually. This will allow us to meet growing demands for food waste recycling, increase green energy outputs, and further strengthen our voice as market leaders.”
Just over a week to go until businesses battle at the 2024 Lincoln Dragon Boat Race!
The spectacular event, taking place on Saturday 15th June, has become one of the biggest in the City’s event calendar, attracting hundreds of spectators and competitors on the day along the Brayford Waterfront.
This year the event is raising money for Lincolnshire’s first responders LIVES and nearly 20 teams have signed up to take part on the day.
Teams include the two headliners Freedom Fire & Security and Siemens Energy as well as other local organisations from across Lincolnshire.
The event promises to be colourful and great fun, no previous experience is required, just plenty of team spirit!
As well as the boat racing there will also be plenty of family activities, food and drink stalls along the Brayford Waterfront for the whole family to enjoy, and there will also be a special performance from Rock Choir Lincolnshire from about 12.30pm on the day.
Teams are encouraged to raise money for LIVES through sponsorship and fundraising.
LIVES is a vital Lincolnshire charity who attend 999 medical emergencies across the county, 365 days a year. Whether they are providing rapid first response support on their doorstep, or highly specialised medical interventions to the most seriously ill patients, they all volunteer their time – for free – to save lives and be there when someone is having their worst day. The charity provide the equipment and training for the ever increasing need.
Charlie McCelland from LIVES said: “We are immensely excited to be announcing the Dragon Boat Race for 2024 after the success of previous year’s event. We need to raise over £1.4 million every year to ensure our highly skilled volunteers are there when a 999 call is made, when minutes matter. The Dragon Boat Race is a great day out and will entice some healthy competition between local businesses in order to raise these vital funds to keep our Emergency Responders on the road and continue saving lives in Lincolnshire.”
For further information and details for the day contact Alex Bennett alex.bennett@ringroselaw.co.uk or visit https://www.ringroselaw.co.uk/about/lincoln-dragon-boat-race/
