Hull Trains wins awards scheme shortlisting for the number of women drivers it employs

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull Trains wins awards scheme shortlisting for the number of women drivers it employs
Hull Trains has been recognised nationally for its commitment to diversity for having the highest number of female drivers in the industry. The operator has been shortlisted for the Top Employer of the Year award at this year’s Women in Rail awards. The Women in Rail Awards are seen as the benchmark for the railway industry and showcase companies that are making significant contributions to improving gender balance, diversity and inclusion. Today, 27% of Hull Trains drivers are female – this is the highest percentage in the UK rail industry where the average currently sits at 6.5%, according to 2021 statistics. Alongside this, the company benefits from a 50/50 gender split across its executive board, and 48% of its total workforce are women. Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director at Hull Trains, said: “Since we first formed 23 years ago, we have always enjoyed seeing our colleagues progress from catering through to on board manager roles onto becoming drivers and 100% of our female drivers have benefited from that approach. We have some of the most qualified and well-trained drivers, who have already gained a vast amount of experience having worked in operational roles beforehand. Our approach to flexible working has also helped us retain colleagues, which is equally as important. “To be shortlisted for this award, and recognised as one of the most diverse employers, is a fantastic achievement. We have a strong commitment here at Hull Trains in line with the Women in Rail agenda and we all truly understand the benefits of a gender-balanced and diverse workforce.” The award finals take place on May 18th at the Roundhouse in Camden, and will be attended by a cross-section of the UK rail sector, including operators, infrastructure providers, stakeholders, and key decision makers. Earlier this year, Hull Trains’ Paragon fleet was awarded a Gold – the highest accolade possible – in the Second Generation new inter-city category at the Golden Spanner Awards for providing the most reliable services in the UK. Furthermore, a recent report from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) also revealed that Hull Trains is the only rail operator in the UK where journey levels are now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.  For the last quarter (1st October to 31st December 202), Hull Trains delivered more journeys than during the same period three years ago, pre-pandemic. This was despite the largescale disruption that occurred during this time which affected large parts of the rail network, with many operators introducing reduced timetables on days on and surrounding industrial action.

Lindum-built £3.3m Stamford College facility opens

Stuart Pearcey
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Lindum-built £3.3m Stamford College facility opens

A £3.3m facility built by Lindum Construction to a design by Waterland Architects has been opened at Stamford College.

It’s a 900sqm Modern Methods of Construction Centre which upgrades the College’s existing facilities, in response to substantial growth in student applications; around fifteen per cent more each year. Jointly funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Department for Education Post-16 Capital Funding, the Modern Methods of Construction Centre is the primary learning facility for more than 500 additional plumbing, carpentry, brickwork and electrical installation students, working to bridge the estimated 49,000 person skills shortage within the Eastern region. Pat Doody, outgoing Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said, “The LEP’s £2.1m investment in this scheme recognises the need for a skilled workforce in the construction and engineering sectors, responding to the emerging requirements of modern methods of construction. “Not only will the project create new opportunities for future students, but it will also meet the needs of local employers, address local and regional skills gaps and directly contribute to local, regional and national economies, enabling an innovative and employer-focused curriculum and accommodating forecast high demand.” Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Education Group, said a relationship had been formed with Allison Homes to meet the skills challenge faced by industry. “We are exceptionally proud of the relationship we’ve built with Allison Homes. It’s a real example of a provider and employer working together to overcome the skills challenges that we face.” John Anderson, Group Chief Exec at Allison Homes, said: “This country is chronically short of homes – not just homes in general but homes that are actually affordable. Our ambition is to grow the business to around 2,500 homes a year, so the association with Stamford College and the MMC building is a very obvious thing for us to do. We have 17 apprentices working within Allison Homes currently, demonstrating our commitment to growing the capabilities and skills necessary for an industry that is sorely lacking.”

Andrew quits architectural practice after 22 years

Stuart Pearcey
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Andrew quits architectural practice after 22 years
Andrew Grindrod is to leave Leeds-based Watson Batty Architects after 22 years with the practice. He is stepping back from his directorship role to pursue other interests. Having dedicated more than 30 years to architectural design, the firm says he has made a considerable impact on the Yorkshire landscape, particularly across the care and supported living sectors, which has become a major growth area for Watson Batty. Peter White, MD at Watson Batty Architects, said: “Andrew has been a highly valued member of the senior management team at Watson Batty and a great inspiration to our team for many years.  He has been instrumental in helping us to grow and diversify our sector expertise to become a UK leading practice that employs 35 people nationwide working for many leading brands. “Over the years Andrew has been a popular and pro-active ambassador for the business, as well as the industry, and we would like to thank him for his tireless commitment and wish him the very best in his next ventures.” Andrew said: “I have enjoyed working with the regional property industry to deliver some fantastic projects including schools, colleges, care homes, churches and industrial schemes that make a difference. “I am proud of my contributions to making Watson Batty a future focused practice, realigning its brand identity and driving the recruitment and resource processes. “The time is now right for me to step away and take some time out, pursue other interests, but certainly not retire!” Mr White added: “With a strong business pipeline and robust and incentivised team in place, we are pushing forward with a business priority on sustainability as we face the urgency of the Climate Crisis. We have established a sustainability taskforce to address this and to guide our clients on how to design and deliver buildings on the journey to net zero. Our principles look to drive change within the industry in sustainability as well as fire safety, modern methods of construction and inclusive design.” Watson Batty provides expert design services across major public and private sector projects in all key commercial sectors, including industrial and distribution, learning, healthcare, living, retail, sport and leisure, transport, and workplace.

Doncaster conference will attempt to answer question: What’s next?

Stuart Pearcey
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Doncaster conference will attempt to answer question: What’s next?
Doncaster Chamber is to stage the 2023 iteration of its ‘Doncaster, What Next’ business conference on Jun 6th, when it expects to welcome more than 300 delegates. DWN 2023 will feature panels on a number of topical issues currently affecting firms, from closing the skills gap in Doncaster to attracting further investment into our city and growing the economy. Within the context of recent setbacks —  including the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the near miss with the campaign to bring the Great British Rail HQ to Doncaster —  this will help local business people to understand what other opportunities are in the pipeline for Doncaster and to proffer their own innovative ideas for growing the economy. Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “Last year’s DWN really showed Doncaster in its best light, with inspirational stories of local entrepreneurship and rich debate sparked by our tenacious business community. We came away from that event with plenty to think about —   as well as lots of homework to be getting on with — and I am sure that the same will be true of 2023’s conference. “We have representatives from LNER, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Polypipe Building Products, Hybrid Air Vehicles, Clean Power Hydrogen and the BCC all coming along to share their insights and thrash out the pressing issues of the day. “Yet this conference is not just about listening passively to keynote speakers as they engage in debate on a stage away from the audience. Rather, businesses are encouraged to get involved with the conversation here, speak up and put forward their own ideas about where Doncaster needs to be going in the future. “We want to hear from the business community about where they think the next big opportunity for Doncaster lies. This is the perfect forum for bringing such things to the attention of not only ourselves at the Chamber, but also your peers and political representatives. “With that said, I urge anybody who feels invested in the future of Doncaster to book their place now. This is a valuable opportunity to make your voice heard.”

Firms could face unlimited fines if employees commit fraud for company benefit

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms could face unlimited fines if employees commit fraud for company benefit
A new ‘Failure to Prevent Fraud’ offence will make it easier to prosecute a large organisation if an employee commits fraud for the organisation’s benefit. Proposed legislation means that if fraud is committed by an employee of an organisation, the organisation must be able to demonstrate it had reasonable measures in place to deter the offending – or risk receiving an unlimited fine. Tighter Home Office legislation, to be introduced through the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, will allow prosecutors to hold big companies to account if an employee commits fraud for the organisation’s benefit, and they did not have reasonable prevention procedures in place. The Home Office tabled an amendment to introduce the failure to prevent fraud offence earlier today, and it is supported by the Serious Fraud Office and the Crown Prosecution Service. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: “We are determined to crack down on unscrupulous companies that seek to defraud their customers. “Our new failure to prevent fraud offence will protect consumers from dishonest and misleading sales practices, and level the playing field for the majority of businesses that behave responsibly.

“This government is committed to fighting economic crime, as demonstrated by our recently launched Economic Crime Plan 2 which set out how we will give law enforcement more state of the art resources to tackle high level offending.

“The new legislation will protect the public from a wide range of harms including dishonest sales practices, false accounting and hiding important information from consumers or investors.” It could also hold companies to account for dishonest practices in financial markets. The new powers follow on from recommendations made by the Law Commission’s 2022 review of corporate criminal liability. Prosecutors will independently consider whether a prosecution is in the public interest before any charges are brought. A business could face legal action if employees were selling products to a customer under false pretences, or if employees falsify accounts to mislead investors. Under both examples, a business could receive an unlimited fine if it is found to not have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place. This enforcement not only ensures justice is secured for victims, it also encourages companies to create an environment where it is difficult for fraudulent tactics to thrive. There will be no requirement to prove that company bosses ordered or knew about a fraud committed by an employee. Andrew Penhale, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, said: “The scale of fraud in the UK – now accounting for 41% of all criminal activity – is so significant that extra measures to help prevent it and protect people from falling victim to this crime is welcome. “The new corporate offence of failing to prevent fraud is another important measure to drive better corporate behaviours and will complement existing measures for prosecutors.

“Larger corporate enterprises, which fail to put in place reasonable measures to prevent fraud being committed by their employees, may be held criminally liable for that failure.”

Stallingborough firm gets £30m HSBC funding to develop smart home energy products

Stuart Pearcey
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Stallingborough firm gets £30m HSBC funding to develop smart home energy products
Stallingborough-based eco-smart home technology manufacturer myenergi has secured a £30m funding package from HSBC UK to support the development and production of innovative smart home energy products. The funding will be used to expand the company’s operations, enhance its production capabilities, and invest in research and development to create new and innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers, including electric vehicle chargers and batteries for storing energy. Lee Sutton, myenergi co-founder and Chief Executive, said: “The new financing facility from HSBC UK will enable us to further accelerate our growth and innovation in smart home technology. “Over the last four years, HSBC has supported the business with various financial solutions to facilitate our ever-increasing growth. The introduction of the new funding facility will enable us to accelerate our business development strategy and support us in the next chapter of our amazing journey.” Frances Howell, Midlands Head of Corporate Banking at HSBC UK, added: “myenergi is a great example of a British business that is leading the way in developing smart home technology, helping people make the transition to renewable energy in their homes. This deal will allow the development of new green technologies, optimising renewable energy usage to create eco smart homes while putting British manufacturing back on the world stage.” Founded in 2016 by Lee Sutton and Jordan Brompton, myenergi’s technology has been a huge hit with consumers. The company has grown to almost 450 employees, and annual sales last year broke the £50m barrier. Myenergi’s headquarters in Stallingborough is currently undergoing a major transformation, with a new 65,000 sq. ft. production facility under construction to expand capacity to meet demand. Myenergi’s mission is to create smart home solutions that are both affordable and sustainable, helping to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. Its flagship products, the zappi electric vehicle charger and eddi solar power diverter, are intelligent electric vehicle chargers and energy monitors that allow users to manage their energy usage and costs more efficiently. The company’s success in developing innovative solutions for smart homes has led to its rapid growth and expansion, with myenergi being a market leader in the UK and having a significant international export business. The business has also been identified as one of the UK’s 10 fastest-growing private companies with an average annual turnover growth of more than 180 per cent over the past three years.

Malton firm becomes region’s first to get manufacturing sector grant

Stuart Pearcey
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Malton firm becomes region’s first to get manufacturing sector grant

Malton firm HMi Elements has received more than £19,000 from the Made Smarter programme after the company experienced a huge post-pandemic rise in demand for its specialist computers and touch-screen devices.

The firm, which produces technology for use in hazardous environments, is the first in the region to receive funding from the new Government initiative aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector.

HMi Elements’ director Howard Gould said the grant would be invested in technology to automate part of its production process where a high degree of precision is essential. “We deal exclusively with the oil and gas industries, and 99 per cent of our business is in exports.  We are making products that must be safe in hazardous environments so every single product we make must be manufactured to a very high standard. Parts must sit together very accurately. “We have been doing these measurements manually but it’s very time consuming. Given the volume of our orders, being able to invest in the latest manufacturing technology means we can become leaner and smarter. “We’re also retaining all our workforce which I’m pleased to say we can redeploy into other production areas, further increasing efficiencies.” Made Smarter is a national programme, managed in our region by York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub – part of York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership. Made Smarter was launched following an industry-wide consultation on how best to grow UK manufacturing through digital technologies, innovation and skills, and concludes in March 2025. Mike Pennington, business relationship manager for Made Smarter in the York and North Yorkshire Region, said it was great to see HMi Elements receive the funding and that it came following efforts last year to raise awareness of the Made Smarter programme amongst the manufacturing sector. “This grant is very nearly for the £20,000 maximum amount available to businesses under Made Smarter. It was a team effort between myself Jeff Long, and Howard, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more companies benefiting from Made Smarter grants and Tech support over the coming weeks and months.” York and North Yorkshire businesses in the manufacturing sector, including food or drink, are invited to apply for a Made Smarter grant. For further details email Mike Pennington at Mike.pennington@ynygrowthhub.com

Scunthorpe-based funeral director expands into North-East Lincolnshire

Stuart Pearcey
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Scunthorpe-based funeral director expands into North-East Lincolnshire
Scunthorpe-based funeral director Jason Threadgold and his wife Nichola have secured their fourth office and Chapel of Rest. The firm, which already operates in Scunthorpe, Brigg, and Barton has acquired premises at Waltham Road in Scartho, which it expects to have open on six to eight weeks. Jason said: “After nearly a year of chasing a particular property we have finally exchanged and keys have been handed over. So we now have offices and Chapels of Rest in Scunthorpe, Brigg, Barton and soon to be Scartho.

Ice bath brand backed with seven figure expansion investment

Tess Egginton
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Ice bath brand backed with seven figure expansion investment

Ice bath brand, Brass Monkey, based in Yorkshire, has sold a significant minority stake to a private family office in order to fund rapid expansion.

Pitalia Capital, the Bolton-based private office of the Pitalia family, which focuses investments in the wellness and healthcare sector, invested in the business after founder Anil Pitalia himself became a convert to Brass Monkey ice baths.

The automated ice baths, which retail for around £15,000 on average, have been sold to numerous high-profile customers, including professional athletes and celebrities, as well as exclusive spas and gyms.

Based in Tadcaster, Brass Monkey currently employs 22 staff to manufacture the hand-built wellness and fitness treatment equipment using their patented ice-making technology, and are set to double their workforce in 2023.

The business, which was founded by brothers Dan and Dale Bosomworth, grew turnover by 600% in its first year of trading, and is forecast to deliver a further 400% growth in the current financial year, underpinned by a strong order book.

“We have seen incredible growth since we launched the business two years ago, from prototyping in a garage to shipping around the world. We are pleased to have an investment partner to bring fresh perspectives and keep our horizons lifted for our next phase of growth,” said founder Dan Bosomworth.

“With Pitalia onboard we can continue to expand, through new manufacturing facilities, larger teams and new markets, as well as doubling down on our R&D. Our mission to help the world safely get their cold on feels more achievable than ever before.”

John Davies, managing partner at Pitalia Capital, said: “Brass Monkey has a great advantage in a rapidly growing sector, with some compelling IP in terms of both technology and a great established brand known for its design and quality.

“The Middle East and North American markets are huge opportunities for the business to continue its rapid growth, and we were keen to be involved in the next stage of this remarkable period of expansion.”

The global re-emergence of cold water immersion and therapy has gained traction in recent years, led by pioneers such as extreme athlete Wim Hof, and is believed to have multiple physical and mental benefits including improved immune system, mood and metabolism.

Sarah Harrison of Clarion, who advised Brass Monkey management on the transaction, added: “This is a remarkable Yorkshire success story. The founders’ passion for mental and physical wellbeing, and what started as a hobby in Covid, has become a serious business, establishing Brass Monkey as one of the global leaders in the market.

“The investment by Pitalia certainly fits with their ethos and together they will have the resources to meet the existing demand and take the brand overseas and into the commercial spa and gym markets.”

Other advisors included Jonathan Gillow at Hill Dickinson, Patrick Morris at Fairhurst Accountants who advised on tax. Cowgills provided financial modelling.

The need for a new 18,000 sq ft manufacturing facility will see the business relocate in Q2 2023, and the company anticipates hiring 20 new staff between now and December.

New business development and marketing director at LCF Law

Tess Egginton
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New business development and marketing director at LCF Law

Nick Greenwood has joined Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law, as business development and marketing director. Nick has worked in the professional services sector for 25 years for banking, accountancy, and legal firms across Yorkshire.

In his new role, Nick will head a broad spectrum of business development and marketing projects at LCF Law and oversee the firm’s overall growth strategy. He will also work closely with its lawyers to develop new business opportunities throughout its corporate, commercial, and personal law divisions, across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.

Nick said: “I started my career at Barclays as a branch manager in both the Leeds and Bradford flagship branches, soon progressing through SME into corporate banking and agriculture, supporting all types of businesses with their financial needs.

“After that, I became part of the senior leadership team at a mid-tier accountancy firm as head of sectors, and then moved to a business development role at a 48 partner law firm supporting its achievement to become one of the most profitable law firms in the east of England.

“Whether it be providing finance, accountancy, or legal services, the key is always to focus on how firms can solve problems for their clients and deliver cost-effective solutions that help them achieve their business and personal goals.

“Joining LCF Law has seen me come full circle, returning to a Bradford headquartered business and I’m excited to join the firm. There is so much about LCF Law that makes it unique, including its people and its innovative and open approach, and I can’t wait to use my experience to help promote this fantastic firm across the UK.”

Simon Stell, managing partner at LCF Law, said: “We have significant growth aspirations and Nick’s expertise and enthusiasm, will help us to deliver those. At the heart of any good business are its people. We recruit great people and help them to achieve their potential and career ambitions. The addition of Nick to the team will help the business and our lawyers meet our goals.

“We are problem solvers for our clients. It’s all about understanding how we can best help our clients tackle their legal issues to achieve the outcomes they seek. Nick’s appointment will help us to reach even more clients across a broad spectrum including the manufacturing, agricultural, healthcare, digital and charity sectors.”

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