Another partner joins Andrew Jackson Solicitors’ real estate and property team
Kirsty Barsby has joined Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP’s real estate and property team as a partner, strengthening the firm’s client services offering across the region and beyond.
With over 18 years’ experience across a broad range of property matters, Kirsty’s clients operate across several sectors including hotel and leisure, residential and commercial development, property investment and the healthcare sector.
Kirsty regularly advises on property sales and acquisitions including overage, option and promotion agreements and development transactions from site set up to disposal. She also advises clients on landlord and tenant transactions, secured lending and refinancing and assists regularly with corporate support work.
Geoff Phillips, partner, and head of the real estate and property team at Andrew Jackson, said: “We warmly welcome Kirsty to Andrew Jackson Solicitors. Our real estate and property team remains busy, and I know that Kirsty’s depth of expertise and proactive approach will ensure that we continue to provide the highest standards in service and value for our clients.”
Kirsty added: “I’m very happy to have joined the team at Andrew Jackson Solicitors. Their commitment to providing clients with an outstanding service mirrors my own and I’m looking forward to working with both new and long-standing clients.”
Road tanker manufacturing company fined £200,000 after gas asphyxiation
A tanker manufacturing company has been fined £200,000 after a worker collapsed from gas exposure before the same fate befell a colleague who went to check on him.
On 18 March 2020, a worker at Tasca Tankers in Wakefield entered a metal tank to carry out some welding work. A few minutes later, a second worker looked inside the tank to check on his colleague and found him slumped at the bottom.
After shouting for help the second worker went into the tank and also collapsed. Emergency services rescued both employees after entering the space with breathing apparatus.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the company had failed to ensure safety of their employees while working in the tanks, classified as a confined space.
When inside the tank, the employees suffered asphyxiation resulting from inhalation of argon gas leaking from the welding torch. This resulted in a hypoxic brain injury that left the first worker in a coma for more than 12 days and on waking suffered a loss of memory, the inability to walk, talk and move his left arm. The worker has had to learn to walk and talk again. Both workers continue to suffer long lasting physical and psychological effects of this incident.
At Leeds Magistrates’ Court on 1 December, Tasca Tankers of Unit 5, Diamond Business Park, Thornes Moor Rd, Wakefield, West Yorkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay £7,060 in costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Louise Redgrove said: “Two employees very nearly died in an incident which was foreseeable.
“The company had previously received related enforcement action and yet still failed to identify work was taking place inside confined spaces. This incident could so easily have been avoided if the company had ensured robust controls, effective training and emergency procedures were in place and current.”
This prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Jonathan Bambro.
2024 Business Predictions: Lee Thatcher, head of cloud at CloudCoCo
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Lee Thatcher, head of cloud at CloudCoCo.
In 2024, the cloud computing industry will continue to focus on security and modernisation. Many organisations have moved their infrastructure to hyperscale cloud providers but have yet to fully embrace Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) or Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offerings. Addressing this educational gap and emphasising the value of multiple vendor offerings will be critical. These trends build upon the need for secure and modernised cloud environments, aligning with the changes observed over the past year.
The surge in AI adoption has so far had a limited impact on the cloud computing market. However, it is expected to have a more noticeable influence once the offerings from major hyperscale cloud providers become more widely available and commercialised. As these providers continue to invest in AI capabilities, businesses will increasingly leverage cloud platforms for AI-related workloads, driving the growth of cloud-based AI applications and services.
It’ll continue to be about AI for the foreseeable future. The widespread adoption of AI applications and services will continue to gain momentum, enhancing the capabilities of cloud platforms. While it may not see massive uptake until major hyperscale cloud providers fully commercialise their AI offerings, AI’s significance in the cloud computing landscape will continue to grow, driving innovation and transformation across various industries.
University of Sheffield spin-out company raises £2.75m seed investment to pioneer novel therapies for genetic neurological diseases
A new spin-out company from the University of Sheffield is set to pioneer novel therapies for rare genetic neurological diseases.
BlackfinBio has raised £2.75 million seed investment to advance revolutionary treatments for Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). The company will manage the development of gene therapy for the HSP sub-type 47 (SP47) and raise funds for clinical trials.
SPG47 is a slowly-progressing rare disease that causes malformation of the brain. It is caused by a specific mutation in the SPG47 gene that creates a deficiency of the AP4B1 protein which normally transports other molecules around inside the cells of the nervous system. Symptoms such as muscle weakness, developmental delays, impaired speech and progressive motor skills often show up in early childhood. There is currently no cure and no effective treatment for this debilitating disease.
BlackfinBio is built on research from gene therapy expert Professor Mimoun Azzouz, Chair of Translational Neuroscience in the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield.
The company was conceived when initial research performed by Professor Azzouz, funded by US charity Cure AP-4, provided proof-of-concept for the potential to effectively restore the AP4B1 gene through gene therapy. Based on these results, further funding from the LifeArc Philanthropic Fund was awarded to Professor Azzouz to validate the therapy in pre-clinical models and produce the gene therapy batches under clinical grade manufacturing required to move on to clinical trials in the near future.
This pioneering research showed that through AP4B1 gene replacement therapy it is possible to put a correct copy of the faulty gene back into the patients to stop their nervous systems being damaged further. This treatment will be carried out through injected gene therapy based on a harmless viral vector (carrier). One dose will be enough to treat a patient for a lifetime.
Led by experienced executive Peter Nolan, formerly of the multinational gene therapy company, Oxford Biomedica the company will use the initial funding to advance gene therapy treatments for the SPG47 disease before proceeding with in-human clinical trials.
Professor Mimoun Azzouz, Academic Founder of BlackfinBio, Professor and Chair of Translational Neuroscience at the University of Sheffield, Founder and Director of Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC), said: “The launch of BlackfinBio is a significant milestone which will enable the progress of the translational pipeline being developed by the company towards potential life-changing therapies for patients with HSP and other diseases.
“I am delighted by the overwhelming support by Cure AP-4 and LifeArc to progress the SPG47 gene therapy project through the clinical development pathway. BlackfinBio is a great addition to the favourable and dynamic gene therapy ecosystem at the University of Sheffield.”
Peter Nolan, Co-Founder, Chair & Interim CEO, said: “I am delighted to be able to work again with Professor Azzouz and help him translate his world-class research into successful gene therapy products for the benefit of patients who have genetic diseases where there are no current treatments. BlackfinBio will seek to build a pipeline of such gene therapies for a range of neurological conditions.”
Chris Edwards, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer and President of Cure AP-4, said: “Cure AP-4’s initial priority was to develop a therapeutic to halt the trajectory of this devastating disease. Launching a commercial venture in partnership with the University of Sheffield became the most expedient way to advance the promising treatment developed by Professor Azzouz and his team.
“We are delighted to be a part of this important milestone, and being positioned to advance this potentially life changing treatment into the clinic through BlackfinBio.”
Hull meat company gets £64,000 grant for shop refit that will mean more jobs
Levelling Up Funding has helped to support the creation of new jobs for a business in Hull’s city centre as part of a wider renovation project.
Sterling Meat Company Limited has been awarded a grant worth almost £64,000 to re-fit the ground floor of its current home at 39 Whitefriargate.
This includes fully relocating the entire business to the ground floor, providing an open plan working area with new customer front.
It is expected that the works will help to create three full-time equivalent jobs, whilst the unit’s Grade II heritage shop front will also receive a makeover to enhance the streetscape of Whitefriargate.
The grant award has come from monies allocated to Hull City Council through the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The overall project cost is £182,791, meaning Sterling Meat Company Limited will be investing almost £120,000 of private capital into the city centre.
A council spokesperson said: “The Levelling Up grant scheme was introduced to create city centre jobs and help to restore historic streetscapes such as Whitefriargate.
“Sterling Meat Company is already a fixture on Whitefriargate and it is pleasing to hear that it has plans to regenerate its heritage shop front, whilst also bringing in further private investment and creating additional jobs.”
Stamford music agency acquires Rutland business from Showaddywaddy member
Stamford music agency ‘Bands For Hire‘ has acquired Rutland-based agency DG Music, bringing together the region’s two leading providers of live music.
Bands For Hire has been operating for 13 years under the directorship of Adam Mezzatesta and is now one of the leading music agencies in the UK, booking almost 3000 events every year.
DG Music, based in Oakham, was founded just under 20 years ago by Showaddywaddy member David Graham. The company’s roster includes popular artists such as The Houndogs, The Atlantics, Monroe, and harpist Eleanor Turner.
David says: “Things are very different for me post-Covid. I rejoined Showaddywaddy in August 2020 and have been on the road since then, meaning less time to spend in the office on my business. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m just so pleased that I’ve been able to hand over all of the business operations to such a successful company.”
With more than 750 acts based across the UK, Bands For Hire continues to grow year on year and is looking forward to working with the fantastic roster of artists on DG Music.
Director Adam says: “We’re excited to be taking on DG Music and want to reassure customers that all bookings and services will remain as before. It’s just us at the end of the phone instead.”
DG Music, based in Oakham, was founded just under 20 years ago by Showaddywaddy member David Graham. The company’s roster includes popular artists such as The Houndogs, The Atlantics, Monroe, and harpist Eleanor Turner.
David says: “Things are very different for me post-Covid. I rejoined Showaddywaddy in August 2020 and have been on the road since then, meaning less time to spend in the office on my business. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m just so pleased that I’ve been able to hand over all of the business operations to such a successful company.”
With more than 750 acts based across the UK, Bands For Hire continues to grow year on year and is looking forward to working with the fantastic roster of artists on DG Music.
Director Adam says: “We’re excited to be taking on DG Music and want to reassure customers that all bookings and services will remain as before. It’s just us at the end of the phone instead.”
Government plans could be disastrous for small firms in construction, says payroll specialist
Construction industry payroll specialist Hudson Contract has warned that government reforms to the Construction Industry Scheme could be “disastrous” for small businesses and specialist subcontractors in the supply chain.
The government plans to add VAT as part of the Gross Payment Status compliance test, giving HMRC more power to remove GPS immediately in cases of fraud – a move which could raise £320 million over the next five years.
Ian Anfield, MD of Hudson Contract and an expert on tax and employment matters in construction, said: “Including VAT compliance in gross payment tests is aimed at tackling VAT fraud. But it is unlikely to prove effective and instead will just create more red tape and headaches for small businesses and specialist subcontractors in the middle of supply chains.
“The VAT domestic reverse charge for construction has been a complete mess and has crippled the cash flow of good businesses while many HMRC inspectors do not understand the rules. Because of the reverse charge, thousands of companies have moved from paying VAT bills each quarter to claiming VAT refunds. The changes set alarm bells ringing in HMRC’s steam-powered computer mainframe and inspectors are sent out to investigate. The investigations can drag on for months and any refunds are blocked in the meantime.
“The decision to add VAT to CIS gross status tests will now mean those in dispute or simply under investigation because of legitimate changes to their VAT profile could also see their CIS gross status removed, destroying their cashflow.
“And to add insult to injury, if they are subject to net payments under CIS, their clients will be faced with a 1.25 per cent CITB levy bill on their invoices – which they will pass down the line.
“Most of the VAT queries and disputes we have seen have been resolved in the taxpayer’s favour so there must be strict curbs on how HMRC uses these new powers or the outcome will be disastrous.”
The government said it would also be announcing simplifications to other aspects of the scheme, which will be subject to technical consultation.
Vacancies down, but skills shortage remains, says BCC
Labour market data continues to send mixed messages, as vacancies trend downward, but unemployment and employment remain largely static and pay growth outstrips inflation, according to Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.
“But while we may have fewer vacancies, we still have a major shortage of skills across our economy. This is holding back productivity and growth. So now is the time to redouble efforts to prepare, upskill and reskill the workforce for the changes and opportunities ahead of us.
“These remain challenging times for firms and the BCC’s most recent forecast predicts the economy will grow by just 0.6% in 2024 and business investment will contract by 0.8%. Government must do all it can to help businesses invest more in apprenticeships, technical education and upskilling people in work.
“Every day, employers are struggling to fill jobs, so it’s essential that everyone who wants to work is given the opportunities and training they need to do so, urgently.
“The Autumn Statement included some welcome steps, but with the immigration system now looking out of reach for most businesses, the Government must encourage investment in skills training and set out a stable, long-term strategy to support this.”
Banks return to Hornsea with opening of a new Banking Hub
Five high street banks have returned to Hornsea with the opening of a new banking hub in the town’s former Poundland site on Newbegin.
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for coastal communities, said: “I am so happy that this Banking Hub has finally opened for the people of Hornsea.
“With bank branches closing across the country, we must make sure people still have access to cash and banking services in their communities.
“Not everyone can or wishes to do their banking on the internet, so it is great to have proper in-person bank services back in the town.”
Community Bankers work on rotation, with a different bank or building society available on each day of the week:
- Monday: Barclays
- Tuesday: Lloyds
- Wednesday: HSBC
- Thursday: NatWest
- Friday (pm): Santander
Payroll company supports seaside town charity’s work to help vulnerable people
Vulnerable people in Bridlington are being helped this Christmas thanks to support for The Hinge Centre by specialist payroll company Hudson Contract.
The Hinge Centre in Bridlington supports vulnerable members of the community who are experiencing financial hardship, food and fuel poverty and those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The charity provides vital crisis, prevention, and maintenance interventions including emergency food parcels, toiletries, liaison with landlords and other professionals, assistance to access the benefit system, as well as a number of weekly community groups which aim to promote inclusion, reduce isolation, improve mental health and provide an opportunity to build friendships and skills.
Alexandra Fishburn, who works in the Hudson Contract customer services team, said: “With Christmas quickly approaching, it got me thinking of those less fortunate than myself and how this might not be the most magical time of the year for everybody.
“I wanted to do something to help make life a little better for those in need and came up with the idea of creating a collection point at our office to make it easy for our team to donate foods, toiletries, toys and anything else to lend a helping hand from Hudson.”
Alexandra’s initiative clearly chimed with our colleagues who donated several boxes worth of provisions. Hudson delivered a van-full of goods to the charity at the Crown Community Centre.
Michaela Blackford, Community Support Worker at The Hinge Centre, said: “We would like to thank Alexandra and everyone at Hudson for their support this Christmas. Unfortunately, Bridlington is home to some of the most deprived areas in England, which is why The Hinge Centre’s services are so important to the community.
“Our family-owned company provides ongoing financial and practical support to a range of good causes in Bridlington and beyond, including Cancer Research UK, Crisis and Bridlington Rugby Union Football Club. We also sponsor apprentices, paying half the first year’s wages of young trainees at construction firms in Bridlington and Scarborough.”
David Jackson, founder and chairman of Hudson Contract, said: “As a local business, we feel a great responsibility to help people in our community, whether they are trying to find a safe home, taking part in team games or learning a valuable trade skill.”
