£3m raised by hydrogen generator firm to boost uptake of green energy

Tess Egginton
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£3m raised by hydrogen generator firm to boost uptake of green energy

Suiso – a Rotherham company developing an innovative hydrogen generator that could boost uptake of green energy – has raised £3m from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia Ventures and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Mercia’s EIS funds.  

The company plans to create generators the size of shipping containers that could be placed on site to power factories, hospitals, and warehouses or at filling stations to fuel hydrogen-powered vehicles. 

Producing hydrogen where it is needed eliminates the high costs involved in distribution from a large, centralised plant, which has been one of the key barriers to adoption. It also allows businesses that want to decarbonise their operation to start much sooner than waiting for large-scale hydrogen plants to be built. 

Suiso’s process produces low-cost, low-carbon or zero-carbon energy. It uses a novel microwave technology to extract hydrogen from natural gas or biogas, while capturing the carbon in the form of carbon black, a valuable byproduct that can be used to make tyres, batteries and inks. As existing methods of carbon black production create high levels of emissions, Suiso’s technology can help decarbonise these industries too.

A study by the Department of Business, Energy & Industry Strategy (BEIS) confirmed that, for many key applications, Suiso’s technology is lower cost and produces lower emissions than existing production methods such as grid-powered electrolysis, and 97% lower than steam methane reforming, making it one of the greenest forms of hydrogen available. It also uses 80% less electrical energy than electrolysis, therefore putting less stress on the grid network. 

Suiso was founded by engineer and financier Stuart McKnight and serial entrepreneur Dr SB Cha, whose father invented Suiso’s microwave technology. The company was one of the winners of the BEIS Low Carbon H2 Supply scheme in 2023.

The latest investment will enable it to scale up its technology and begin a pilot project. Ultimately it aims to produce generators that can produce 1,000 kg of hydrogen a day – equivalent to 1.6 MW of energy and enough to fuel 50 20-tonne trucks. The company, which currently employs five staff, expects to create seven new jobs in the next six months.

Stuart McKnight, CEO of Suiso, said: “Hydrogen is rapidly emerging as a sustainable way to decarbonise the economy, but cost, availability and other practical issues have held back its use. Our technology offers a way to overcome these and provide clean, low-cost power on site.

“For some organisations, Suiso’s on site hydrogen generation may be the only realistic ‘green’ option – for example, energy-intensive industrial applications such as large boilers or furnaces, heavy lifting gear or HGV and truck refuelling. This investment will help us move to the next stage on our journey to bring it to market.”

Ashwin Kumaraswamy, Investment Director with Mercia Ventures, added: “Suiso has found a way to decarbonise natural and biogas to produce ‘greener’ hydrogen than many current methods of production including grid powered electrolysis, and a zero-emission form of carbon black which is a valuable product in itself.

“This technology could make hydrogen a viable option for many businesses and drive rapid uptake. With growing global demand for clean energy, we are confident that Suiso will have many opportunities ahead.”

York Handmade secures contract for Swiss hotel

Tess Egginton
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York Handmade secures contract for Swiss hotel
York Handmade Brick Company has secured one of the most prestigious contracts in its 36-year history. The company, based at Alne, near Easingwold, is supplying over 20,000 specially manufactured bricks for a brand-new hotel in the heart of Martigny, one of Switzerland’s most historic towns. The contract is worth £33,000 and is a resounding endorsement of York Handmade’s decision to invest £1.5m in brand-new machinery earlier this year. Lo Dze is situated 30 metres from the main square. It consists of two separate buildings around a central courtyard which is open to the public. Above ground it comprises Borsari, a boutique hotel with 51 rooms and the Kitchen 180 (Lo Dze is exactly 180 km away from the very centre of the Roman cities of Lyon, Milan and Zürich), which services the wine bar, restaurant and the café, the courtyard and terraces. Lo Dze also features vast underground Roman baths, Les Bains Publics, in the space that was formerly Les Caves Orsat, a 19th Century winery. John Cretton, of QDS Leisure, who are masterminding this project, explained why he chose York Handmade to supply the bricks. “I was looking for a brick that was handmade with the right colours and the right size. The massive nature of the architecture, one side of the street facade is windowless apart from a half-moon opening on the ground floor, meant that the brick had to be visually strong. Overall, it was a winning combination of colour, form, texture and cost. “Martigny was an important Roman town, the last town to the north built by the legionary architects. It had three Roman bath houses. We have built the fourth. Interestingly, pottery and other remains from Roman Britain has been found in Martigny. “The concept for the hotel was first developed over 10 years ago. Construction began in 2021 and it will officially open this September.” David Armitage, the chairman of York Handmade, said: “This is a very prestigious project for us, especially in the context of these challenging economic times. It has been a tremendous boost for our factory and a great honour to contribute to a pioneering and innovative development in such an historic town. “This is a crucial year for us at York Handmade. We have invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery which has transformed how we make our bricks. Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which has speeded up production, facilitated two brand-new products and increased efficiency. “This has proved to be a transformational move, by far the biggest and most significant in our history. Our revolutionary new manufacturing line combine three different types of brick – the Handmade Style, as currently produced, together with Water Struck and Pressed Bricks. “For this very special project, we are supplying 327x102x50mm Hunsingore Blend bricks, which will be cut into brick slips. They will help to make the new hotel visually stunning and blend in seamlessly with the other historic buildings in the town.”

West Yorkshire law firm Gordons names trio of new solicitors

Stuart Pearcey
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West Yorkshire law firm Gordons names trio of new solicitors

West Yorkshire law firm Gordons has appointed Ed Strudwick, Brogan Ward, and Ibrahim Alyas to its commercial litigation, commercial property and construction teams respectively.

Ed completed his training at Gordons and qualified as a solicitor in 2017. He returns to the firm after previously working at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Gordons managing partner Victoria Davey said: “We are a progressive law firm that wants to create opportunities for people with the right attitude and ability to be successful, no matter what role they have within our business.

“We recruit and retain according to these values, and in Ed, Brogan and Ibrahim we have three solicitors who meet these criteria and who have the ambition and determination to succeed with Gordons.

“We are particularly pleased to welcome Ed back, and we look forward to all three of them fulfilling their full potential with the firm.”

Employing 170 people, Gordons has offices in Leeds and Bradford. The firm’s clients include retailers AO, B&M, Heron Foods, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado Retail, Whole Foods Market and Wren Kitchens.

Centre for Leeds entrepreneurs secures funds to support establishment of hi-tech business hub

Tess Egginton
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Centre for Leeds entrepreneurs secures funds to support establishment of hi-tech business hub

The redevelopment of Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown has taken a major step towards final completion after Unity Enterprise secured funds to support the establishment of a hi-tech business hub to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Leeds City Council, which owns the building, has provided £80,000 from the Innovation@Leeds capital fund to equip the dedicated space with new furniture, video conferencing facilities and computer hardware.

Leeds Media Centre reopened its doors in September following a £1.8 million refurbishment which included the installation of a new roof and windows, and the remodelling of two floors to create 12 new business units. 

The scheme was delivered by Unity Enterprise – a not-for-profit subsidiary of housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise – in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund.  

Leeds Media Centre is one of three business locations operated by Unity Enterprise close to the city centre, together with Chapeltown Enterprise Centre and Unity Business Centre.

Collectively, they provide 142 managed workspaces for more than 90 local businesses employing over 900 people. 

The new business hub is set to launch in the spring with a week-long series of events themed on entrepreneurship.

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise manager, said: “We are immensely grateful to Leeds City Council for their continued backing for aspiring entrepreneurs by enabling us to kit out the business hub with the best equipment available.

“Our mission is to support local people to launch and grow a business and create life opportunities in an inner-city part area with so much potential.

“The redeveloped Leeds Media Centre is already making its mark on the city’s business landscape. I have no doubt that the new hub will propel the site to even greater heights.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “This is another brilliant step forward for Leeds Media Centre and further reinforces our commitment to inclusive innovation within the city.  

“We’re continuing to build and support an ecosystem where entrepreneurs from every background have the tools, quality workspaces and accommodation close to where they live to help them reach their full potential.  

“It is particularly important that we look at access points outside the city centre for people to access business and innovation support programmes and continue on our bold ambition to stimulate innovation which drives and delivers measurable impact towards a healthier, greener and inclusive future.” 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “Each new business generated by the hub can transform life chances by boosting career development, generating jobs and increasing local prosperity.

“With Unity Enterprise preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, the opportunities for people of all ages to build a sustainable business in Chapeltown are growing rapidly.

“Working closely with Leeds City Council and other valued partners, we intend to remain at the forefront of this crusade.”

Yorkshire & Humber economy dealt fresh setback as activity declines

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire & Humber economy dealt fresh setback as activity declines
The headline NatWest Yorkshire & Humber PMI® Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – fell below the crucial 50.0 mark which separates growth from contraction in February, signalling a renewed drop in business activity across the region. At 48.3, the index was down from January’s six-month high of 51.2. The fresh deterioration in private sector output contrasted with the overall UK trend, which was of sustained growth. Notably, Yorkshire & Humber companies underperformed its regional peers on key barometers of economic health in February. For both new orders and employment, the region saw the fastest rate of decline out of the 12 monitored parts of the UK. The seasonally adjusted New Business Index posted below the 50.0 no-change mark in February, signalling a tenth successive month of falling demand for Yorkshire & Humber goods and services. The rate of decline was modest, but worsened slightly. Sluggish market conditions reportedly weighed on customers’ appetite for new orders, anecdotal evidence showed. Notably, of the 12 monitored UK regions, Yorkshire & Humber registered the fastest slump in sales. After retreating in both December and January, Yorkshire & Humber firms’ 12-month growth expectations rebounded in February to a ten-month high. New product launches, strategic changes and efficiency improvements were all noted as reasons to be optimistic, according to survey respondents. The overall level of optimism was slightly stronger than seen for the UK as a whole. There was a renewed decline in private sector employment across Yorkshire & Humber during February. The respective seasonally adjusted index recorded below the 50 no-change mark for the first time in four months and pointed to a modest rate of job shedding. As was the case with new orders, Yorkshire & Humber registered the strongest pace of decline in staffing levels of the 12 monitored UK regions. Redundancies and the non-replacement of leavers were methods through which employers cut their headcounts. Softening capacity pressures within Yorkshire & Humber were evidenced by another month of falling backlogs of work in February. The seasonally adjusted Outstanding Business Index posted below the neutral 50.0 threshold for a twelfth successive month. Overall, the rate of reduction in orders pending completion was solid and the fastest for three months. Some survey respondents noted that demand conditions were too weak to drive backlogs higher. The latest PMI data showed a persistence of stubborn cost pressures for companies in Yorkshire & Humber midway through the first quarter. This was signalled by the seasonally adjusted Input Prices Index, which held firmly above both the 50.0 no-change mark and its long-term average (58.5 since 1997). Where a rise in operating expenses was reported, increased transport costs were mentioned, while others noted greater wage pressures. With input price pressures remaining steep, private sector firms in Yorkshire & Humber responded by lifting their selling fees in February. The rate of increase was strong and the fastest since July last year. Higher selling prices reflected the passing on of greater costs, anecdotal evidence showed. Malcolm Buchanan, Chair of the NatWest North Regional Board, said: “After a promising rebound at the start of the year, Yorkshire & Humber’s economy has slipped into contraction again. What’s noteworthy is the region’s divergence from the wider UK trend, which was of robust expansion in February, and suggests the national recovery from recession will be a disjointed one at the regional level. “Of concern are trends in employment and new business, which were the weakest seen across the 12 monitored parts of the UK. Companies are also struggling with still-elevated inflation and are passing this on to customers despite the weakness in their sales performances. That said, a rebound in business confidence suggests companies are expecting this setback to be temporary.”

City Council expects to quit lease on Thwaite Watermill to save £750k

Stuart Pearcey
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City Council expects to quit lease on Thwaite Watermill to save £750k
Leeds City Councillors expect to close Thwaite Watermill as a Museums and Galleries attraction from April 1 as a step towards quitting the lease to save up to £750k over the next five years.
Thwaite Watermill is open to the general public during weekends and school holidays only, and during term time for booked groups and school visits only, so the proposed date of closure is not expected to have a significant impact on visitors. The council will honour all existing bookings until October 2024 and will continue to work closely with site owners the Canal & River Trust and other stakeholders on any transition arrangements. The proposed closure and surrender of the lease will be published as a key decision and subject to call-in by elected members. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “The council does not take any decisions affecting our visitor attractions lightly. However, the financial pressures we are now facing have forced us to look at options which would never have previously been considered. “Ending the lease on Thwaite allows us to balance the urgent and unavoidable need to make cost savings whilst continuing to provide a high quality experience for our visitors at Leeds Museums and Galleries’ other eight sites, all of which are owned by Leeds City Council.”

Leeds-based Answer Digital acquires provider of specialist healthcare digital systems

Tess Egginton
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Leeds-based Answer Digital acquires provider of specialist healthcare digital systems
Leeds-based Answer Digital has strengthened its healthcare division with the acquisition of Interneuron, a provider of specialist healthcare digital systems. Answer is an employee-owned digital consultancy that works extensively across the NHS to support everything from deploying AI at scale to GP interoperability. It also provides private-sector companies with services ranging from data and software engineering to artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Interneuron provides cutting-edge software to healthcare organisations with its Open Modular Care Record, openMCR, which supports direct patient care in inpatient, outpatient, and virtual care settings. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will add product expertise to Answer’s 20-year history of enabling digital transformation across industries, including healthcare and finance. The breadth of the partnership between the two parties accelerates growth, and all roles will be retained. Richard Pugmire, CEO of Answer, said: “Bringing the two teams together will enable Interneuron to expand rapidly, by allowing them to focus on product development, with support for EPR implementation, data and integration services from Answer. “Answer’s AI toolkit and award-winning AI implementation best practices will enhance Interneuron’s cutting-edge product suite and drive significant growth potential. Answer, perhaps best known for incubating products and start-up ideas, now has a dedicated long-term product unit, which will enable us to deliver innovative, scalable solutions across all sectors.” Joel Ratnasothy, CEO at Interneuron, said: “We are thrilled to join an employee-owned company that shares a commitment to its values and people. Bringing our teams together will have an incredible impact on our current and future customers. “It’s clear that our companies share a passion for reforming healthcare services through digital transformation and the power this can have to drive efficiency and improve outcomes for all stakeholders. “The openMCR platform is a truly open modular care record that has been designed and built from the ground up to give our customers the most control of their data, at a time when data has become the key to genuinely achieving healthcare service transformation.”

Hull and Humber Chamber appoints new President

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull and Humber Chamber appoints new President
Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce has appointed Turkish businessman Kirk Akdemir as its new President, with Irene Keal, who also chairs the Chamber’s North East Lincolnshire Area Council, taking the role of Vice President. Kirk paid tribute to Albert Weatherill, the outgoing President, who he described as a role model who had been a diplomatic, tactful and capable leader who he hoped would continue to be so for the next year, too. Kirk said he was grateful and humbled to become President of the Chamber of Commerce, which, he said, comes with a great deal of responsibility. In his speech, he told guests he was born in Turkey and only came to the UK for six months as he wanted to learn the Queen’s English before going to the US to study at university there – but his plans changed when he met a blue-eyed blonde and he never made it to America. He started working as an interpreter, and in 1992 AaGlobal was born. It quickly grew to cover 500 languages and dialects all over the world and in 2011 he decided to open a branch “up north” to serve his northern clients, and he chose to come to Hull. Kirk said: “I joined the Hull & Humber Chamber in 2011 and started supporting the Chamber’s International Trade Department, quickly becoming a Patron, which has been excellent for us, running foreign trade missions overseas. “I now describe myself as a Turkish British Hullensian, who believes that Chamber membership brings invaluable benefits to businesses big and small and plays a vital role in shaping the area. “The Chamber is the indisputable voice of the business community and is influential in everything that is happening in the region and it needs to be stronger than ever before. “There are many business representatives here today, but it is easy to miss the big picture. Hull and Humber is the gateway to Europe and beyond and in my year as Chamber President I aspire to boost international trade and encourage Chamber members to consider the potential of broadening their horizons.”

Lincolnshire business lands £300k grant to develop crypto platform

Tess Egginton
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Lincolnshire business lands £300k grant to develop crypto platform
Lincolnshire-based company, Recap, a provider of crypto tax calculation services, is poised for significant expansion following its recent Innovate UK grant win.This milestone achievement marks a pivotal moment in Recap’s journey to revolutionise crypto asset management, with the £300k grant fueling the development of a pioneering, privacy-focused collaborative crypto tax and client due diligence platform tailored for accountants and professional services.Driving this initiative forward, Recap has brought together a consortium of industry experts – namely pioneers in source of fund analytics, Hoptrail, and top UK crypto specialist accountancy firms Andersen LLP and Wright Vigar – also headquartered in Lincoln.Together, they will enhance the platform’s capabilities to seamlessly track and process crypto asset transactions while ensuring trusted source of fund checks during customer onboarding.Speaking about the grant application success, Daniel Howitt, CEO and co-founder of Recap said: “This grant is a testament to our dedication to innovation and our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Crypto industry.“We are immensely proud to lead this project alongside esteemed colleagues and partners Andersen LLP, Wright Vigar and Hoptrail, who bring unparalleled expertise in accountancy, tax services and anti-money laundering compliance, respectively. “As HMRC urges crypto holders to disclose gains, it’s been a pleasure to assemble this team of ‘Crypto Tax Avengers’ to make the first steps towards revolutionising crypto asset management and equip accountancy firms with the cutting-edge tools they need to best serve their clients and remain compliant. “With the support of Innovate UK and our esteemed collaborators, Recap is poised to lead the charge as the go-to solution provider for crypto tax and client due diligence.”Funding a 12-month project – already underway – the Innovate UK grant win represents a significant investment in Recap’s growth trajectory, with plans for its team of five to expand significantly over the next year, with multiple new hires in the pipeline.Playing a key role in the expansion of Lincoln’s digital hub, Recap’s ambitious drive to become the go-to provider for cryptocurrency accounting software is set to help boost the city’s economic landscape – drawing more fintech and digital asset experts to the area.Daniel added: “This investment is not just financial: it represents the confidence and support we’ve garnered from Innovate UK – a testament to our dedication to innovation, and the strategic vision we have for Recap and the future of crypto and digital asset management.“Moreover, our ambitious drive to become the top provider for cryptocurrency accounting software aligns with our hopes of contributing to the economic growth of Lincoln. By fostering innovation and job creation, we aim to make a lasting impact on the city’s financial standing.”

North Yorkshire urban improvement plans move to next stage

Stuart Pearcey
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North Yorkshire urban improvement plans move to next stage

If the West Yorkshire Combined Authority approves the full business cases at its meeting on Thursday, multi-million pound schemes to transform the centres of Harrogate, Selby and Skipton can go ahead.

Approval would start the process of appointing a contractor for the year-long project, which is expected to be in the summer, with work on the ground starting in September.

The Transforming Cities Fund projects, which are due to cost a total of £44.6 million to enhance access to transport hubs in all three towns, have already been approved by the Department for Transport and North Yorkshire Council.

Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We welcome the Combined Authority’s proposal to support the transformative, revised schemes in Harrogate, Selby and Skipton.

“The plans have been revised to ensure we focus on the elements which gathered the most public support.

“After cross-party discussions, there has been significant change to the schemes, particularly in Harrogate, with the most controversial elements no longer moving forward.

“We will soon begin preparatory work ahead of construction starting. This is a very exciting time for the regeneration of all three town centres.”

The £12.1 million Harrogate scheme reflects the revised focus agreed by the council’s executive in November.

It will see pedestrian improvements along Station Parade, including raised crossings and signal junction improvements, a bus lane from Bower Road into the bus station and a south-bound segregated cycle lane. Station Parade will remain two lanes and there will be no changes to James Street.

The scheme will also see public realm improvements to One Arch and Station Square, and new cycle parking at the railway station.

Subject to Combined Authority approval, construction is due to start in September and will take one year.

The revised £25 million Selby scheme is focussed on improving pedestrian and cycling access along Station Road and Ousegate, the new station access and car park to the east, along with improvements to the station building and the new plaza entrance into Selby Park.

Other elements, including the connection to Portholme Road, junction alterations at The Crescent and wider landscaping plans for Selby Park, would be brought forward as subsequent phases.

Construction is due to start at the end of September, with completion due for late autumn 2026.

The revised £7.2 million Skipton project will deliver the canal path connection from the railway station to the Cattle Mart and college, and improve the walking route to the bus station, along Black Walk, including the replacement of Gallows Bridge.

Improvements to the railway station car park would be brought forward at a later date.

We hope to appoint a contractor in July, with construction starting in September, lasting until June next year.

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