South Yorkshire invention could help clean up energy production globally

Stuart Pearcey
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South Yorkshire invention could help clean up energy production globally

Am engineering breakthrough from a South Yorkshire company could solve the problem of flaring and venting from oil and gas fields and help clean up energy production.

Rotherham-based AESSEAL has invented new technology that seeks to eliminate or reduce both intermittent and continuous emissions and could be retrofitted to oil and gas facilities across the world. The company  has partnered with pump manufacturer Torishima UK to develop EcoGuard, which will be made in Glasgow. The product has been hailed as a game-changer for the oil and gas industry and could extend the life of existing rigs. Chris Rea, founder and group MD of AESSEAL, said: “My interest is in the environment. AESSEAL does not make pumps and the EcoGuard technology does not use seals, but I would like to turn off the industrial-scale bunsen burners that are destroying the planet for my grandchildren. On a case specific basis, I will give our competitors a royalty-free licence as the environment needs all the help it can get. “In Scotland, which has nearly 90 per cent of UK oil and gas production, more than one billion cubic metres of gas was flared in 2019, releasing 2.9 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions – 21 per cent of the total. “Not only is this damaging, it is extremely wasteful. The gas flared off could have been used for heating and is the same as the total energy consumption of Glasgow, where EcoGuard will be produced at Torishima’s plant in the city.” EcoGuard is a small but powerful booster pump that transports gas around a rig’s compressor in a similar way to a central heating system circulating water around a house. The booster maintains the flow of gas during intermittent shutdowns, an established practice that removes the need for deliberate emissions to prevent contamination of the system. In the inventive step, the booster also keeps the seal clean to stop leakage throughout continuous operation. The EcoGuard is at prototype testing stage and will be ready to market in early next year, six years before the UK government deadline for the oil and gas industry.

Aviva pledges £100k to South Yorkshire’s apprenticeship scheme

Stuart Pearcey
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Aviva pledges £100k to South Yorkshire’s apprenticeship scheme
Aviva will pledge £100k to the new Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service launched by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub. The money will help fully fund training costs for four apprentices as they start their training as Level 3 Early Years Educators and Level 5 Early Years Practitioners from early nest year. The Apprenticeship Levy Matchmaking Service is a new scheme in the region which provides smaller businesses with access to additional apprenticeship funding. As part of this, larger employers pledge funding to support other businesses who would benefit from apprenticeships through unspent Apprenticeship Levy funds. Smaller businesses can then apply for this money and if successful will no longer pay the 5% costs towards the training of apprentices. Khalil Kirkwood, Senior Development Manager at SYMCA, said: “Large employers, who are currently paying the Apprenticeship Levy, can pledge their unspent allocation into a pot that smaller businesses can then apply for. “Smaller businesses, if successful with their application, will have the opportunity to upskill their workforce or expand their team through the apprenticeship funding that has been pledged by larger companies. “Being able to offer this innovative approach to address collective skills shortages in South Yorkshire is just one of the strategies we are looking at to improve the lives of our residents.” The Apprentice Levy Matchmaking Service was launched alongside the new South Yorkshire Apprenticeship Hub on 5 December, with the ambition to bring 300 new high-quality apprenticeships to the region by June 2025. South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire doesn’t just need a bigger economy, we need a better economy. But if we’re going to get there, and if everyone is going to be able to access the jobs and opportunities that the new economy will bring, we need to make sure people have the right educational skills, so they can access opportunity wherever it might be. “That’s what our new Apprenticeship Hub is all about; offering people, organisations and businesses a ‘one-stop shop’ for all the information and support they need to get the right skills, in the right place, so we can all benefit from more jobs.” Danny Harmer, Aviva’s Chief People Officer, said: “Apprenticeships create meaningful opportunities for people to develop their careers, at any stage and age. Giving some of our Apprenticeship Levy means Aviva can support businesses in South Yorkshire to create the skills they need for the future – which can only be good news for our communities.”

University of Bradford re-affirms its position as one of world’s best for business education

Stuart Pearcey
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University of Bradford re-affirms its position as one of world’s best for business education

The University of Bradford’s business school is among the top two per cent in the world following an official re-accreditation.

The School of Management has won joint re-accreditation from the Association of MBAs  and the Business Graduates Association, two of the world’s leading authorities on business education. It is three years since the School of Management became the first business school in England to receive its initial joint accreditation from AMBA and BGA. A total of 300 of the world’s 16,000 business schools, including Bradford, are AMBA accredited, equivalent to two per cent. Professor Sankar Sivarajah, Dean of the School of Management, says the latest re-accreditation shows that the university is delivering high levels of management education and research. He said: “It’s important to maintain our accreditation as it gives reassurance from an external perspective that we are doing the right things. “The hard bit is to maintain accreditation and consistently innovate and what we are doing in the forefront of business school education. It’s about delivering quality management education and impactful research. “Thank you to all our colleagues, students, alumni and business community who have played their part in helping the School securing this re-accreditation.” Bradford’s re-accreditation follows a two-day visit in September 2023 by a three-strong team of international business school leaders.

Ministry awards £54m contract for development of Catterick Garrison

Stuart Pearcey
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Ministry awards £54m contract for development of Catterick Garrison
Catterick Garrison’s Marne Barracks is to receive a £54m upgrade thanks to a new deal signed by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and construction firm Morgan Sindall. The Barracks, which is currently the home of 5 Regiment Royal Artillery and 32 Regiment Royal Engineers, requires additional infrastructure to prepare for the arrival of 21 Regiment Royal Engineers by 2027. Upgrades, being delivered under the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army Programme, will see nine new facilities built alongside refurbishments to existing buildings. The new or upgraded infrastructure includes Single Living Accommodation, sporting facilities including multi-use game areas and a gym, and storage facilities. Andy Hall, Director of Morgan Sindall’s Yorkshire and North East business, said: “Our Armed Forces give one hundred percent dedication year-round and are committed to the service and protection of our country. To be one of the contractors named to support them through applying our expertise is a great honour.” Robin Hartley, DIO’s Deputy Head of Major Programmes & Projects (Army), said: “The award of this contract is the start of a major programme of upgrades for Marne Barracks, which will see some real improvements to the site in preparation for the arrival of new units. We look forward to working closely as a team with Morgan Sindall and the Army to ensure the success of the programme.” Survey work is already under way with enabling works expected to start at the end of next year, followed by the start of construction in summer 2025.

New rules offer workers more rights, says Government

Stuart Pearcey
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New rules offer workers more rights, says Government
The government has set out the next stages for a number of new Workers’ Rights Acts which it says will give more money and more say back to UK workers. The changes come on the back of this year’s legal requirement for employers to pas all tips to employees, and include:
  • new rights to protect new parents from redundancy
  • extra support for carers
  • help for all employees work flexibly
  • a week’s leave for those with a caring responsibility to care for a dependent
  • an increase in the Natrionbal Living Wage to almost £21,000, and
  • extending the NLW rules to 21-year-olds.
Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “The shift in recent years towards increased use of flexible working by organisations has allowed more people to better balance their working lives and enabled employers to attract and retain skilled staff.

“Acas has recently consulted on a new draft Code of Practice which outlines good practice around requests for flexible working and explains the forthcoming changes in the law to employers and employees.”

On tipping, Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “As we approach Christmas, it’s more vital than ever that we do what we can to support workers and families across the country. “I’d like to encourage businesses to be as flexible as possible and give their hard-working employees the tips they deserve.

“I want to thank the MPs who brought forward this legislation to support hard working families and shape the UK’s outstanding workers’ rights record.”

The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which became law in May this year, requires employers to pass all tips on to workers. Mr Hollinrake added that Christmas was an incredibly busy season for hospitality workers, and usually a time of year when customers are more generous with their tips. All employees deserved to receive their fair share of tips, so the Government has launched a public consultation on the Tipping Act’s Code of Practice to gain feedback from employers, workers and other stakeholders on the fair and transparent distribution of tips.

Contractor sought to restore Hull’s National Picture Theatre

Stuart Pearcey
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Contractor sought to restore Hull’s National Picture Theatre
The search is on to appoint a contractor to restore and preserve the National Picture Theatre in the wake of a funding award from Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The National Picture Theatre is the last remaining WW2 civilian ruin in the UK, and will be restored as a flexible space for community events and education, it will also be  a place of reflection for the 1,200 Hull civilians that died during WW2. The contractor will undertake work to restore the façade to its former period style, including its iconic windows and signage. Structural elements, including the two large concrete beams, which saved the lives of the 150 people inside the theatre on the night it was bombed, will also be preserved. Councillor Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, said: “The council is looking to appoint a contractor who can sensitively restore the façade and undertake structural work. “This is an untouched site, and this work will not only protect its future but raise awareness of its significance as a rare surviving bomb-damaged building from the Second World War.” The former National Picture Theatre was designed by architects Runton and Barry for the De-Luxe Theatre Company and was constructed in 1914. The building was badly damaged during a Luftwaffe air raid on 18 March 1941, although none of the 150 people inside the cinema at the time were killed or seriously injured. The former National Picture Theatre gained Grade II listed status in 2007 due to its significance as a rare surviving bomb-damaged building from the Blitz of the Second World War. Air raids on Hull went on longer than on any other British city and, out of Hull’s 91,660 houses, only 5,945 survived the air raids undamaged. Remedial work to stabilise the building took place in 2020 and now the major works are scheduled to begin in 2024.

Funeral director signs up as Scunthorpe United sponsor

Stuart Pearcey
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Funeral director signs up as Scunthorpe United sponsor
Jason Threadgold Funeral Director signed a sponsorship deal for Scunthorpe United’s training ground.
The agreement, which runs until the end of the 2024-25 season, will see the club’s pitches be known as the Jason Threadgold Funeral Director training ground for the duration. The deal also sees the Iron players debut brand new training kit from Technical Kit Partner Kelme, with the gold Jason Threadgold Funeral Director logo emblazoned across the new clothing. United owner Michelle Harness said: “I would like to thank Jason, Nichola and the team at Jason Threadgold Funeral Directors for their amazing support since we took ownership of the football club. “To get another local business on board supporting the Iron is another massive step forward to help the football club get on the path to sustainability, and it’s another positive partnership created that we hope will continue to grow over the course of this deal, and beyond.

“I would also like to reserve a special mention to Jake Pullan, who is just 15 years old and a media intern at the football club and works closely with James Moody, for his involvement in getting this deal secured.”

Company Directors Jason and Nichola Threadgold added: “As part of our continued commitment to supporting our local community we felt it only prudent that we should step in to help support our local football team. “Both of us being Scunthorpe born and bred, we have both seen the changing faces of Scunthorpe United, and we have both supported the teams over the years. “We are very privileged to be given the opportunity of sponsoring the training ground here at Scunthorpe United, and look forward to the future of this team.”

York’s Stonebow House fully let

Tess Egginton
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York’s Stonebow House fully let
All the commercial space at the revitalised Stonebow House in York City Centre has now been let with new tenants Roxy Ball Room and mydentist set to join the Coop supermarket in the New Year. Wetherby-based Oakgate Group has regenerated this landmark building, which also includes repurposing the long-term vacant office space into luxury apartments, which are all sold and fully occupied. The £17m redevelopment scheme has seen the original Stonebow House stripped back to its core and remodelled to include 13 apartments, 4 duplex penthouses and 31,500 sq ft of retail and leisure space. mydentist will occupy the unit which was previously the Supersonic Gym and Roxy Ball Room will bring their unique leisure offer to the middle of the three commercial units on the ground floor of the building. This site will be Roxy Leisure’s 20th site under the Roxy Ball Room brand. Richard France, Managing Director of Oakgate Group, said: “The transformation of Stonebow House, is now nearing completion with the occupation of the final two commercial units, bringing more vibrancy and life into the immediate area. “The revitalised building is providing a new community for residents with retail, leisure and healthcare enabling it to continue to play an important part in York’s varied and historic heritage.” Roxy Leisure’s CEO, Matthew Jones said: “We are really happy to be working with Oakgate on this project, the building provides the perfect space and location for our 20th site opening in early 2024.” Stonebow House was built in 1964, following York’s slum clearance programme, and was originally designed by Wells, Hickman and Partners. It has had a chequered history in the eyes of York residents and the design for the rejuvenation of the building were by DLA Architecture.

What next for Central Library and Graves Gallery building Sheffield?

Stuart Pearcey
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What next for Central Library and Graves Gallery building Sheffield?
Sheffield City Council is working towards identifying the future use of the Central Library and Graves Gallery building, decisions on which will form a crucial part of plans to transform the city centre. At a meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee next week, councillors will consider a proposal for new feasibility studies to be completed to develop a vision for a 21st-century central library for Sheffield, and to explore the potential for the building to become a flagship gallery and arts venue. Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “This is a big, positive step forward to identify the future use of the Central Library and Graves Gallery. “In 2024, if approved, we plan to kick off studies to assess options for the building’s future, including as a refurbished library and art gallery or a flagship standalone art gallery. “The building has been used and loved by generations of people in Sheffield. Nearly 90 years after the building opened, it is right that we take steps to ensure the full potential of the building in the 21st-century is realised.” If the process is approved, public consultation will also take place as part of the information gathering process. The report also recognises that immediate, major repair works are necessary to achieve compliance, improve building efficiencies, preserve historic and heritage features, and prevent further deterioration. If this process does go ahead, a full project timeline will be developed alongside the feasibility phase.

Incommunities appoints new director of communities

Tess Egginton
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Incommunities appoints new director of communities

Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed Patrick Collins as its new director of communities.

Patrick joined Incommunities in November 2020, as head of neighbourhood management. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the housing sector and before joining Incommunities, Patrick worked for 10 years at Places for People in a variety of operational roles managing housing teams across the North West of England.

Patrick has also served as a board director for two north west housing associations. His wide ranging experience includes teaching Housing Policy and Housing Practice up to degree level for over 10 years.

Patrick Collins said: “I have worked in housing for many years and I have loved every day of it but none more so than the last three working for Incommunities.

“Here I am working alongside a completely new innovative senior management team who allow you to implement change and work with you to bring in best practice in all areas.

“The aim is to take the housing service back out on site to our customers so they can really influence how we do things.”

Janey Carey, executive director of customer and communities at Incommunities, added: “We are delighted Patrick was successful in securing this role. 

“He brings not only a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and knowledge but he has a strong vision on how to modernise our housing service and offer to our customers.”

Patrick has now started his new role.

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