Leeds food wholesaler fined almost £10,000 for breaking food safety rules

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds food wholesaler fined almost £10,000 for breaking food safety rules
Fines and costs totalling £9295.30 were issued to a Leeds food wholesaler for multiple breaches of the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations (2013), following a successful investigation by Leeds City Council’s environmental health team.
The company, GSL Wholesalers LTD, based on Roundhay Road, pled guilty to four individual offences at Huddersfield Magistrates court following an extensive investigation by council officers. An investigation was launched after a visit to the premises by environmental health enforcement agents in August 2021, which resulted in officers serving the business with a Hygiene Improvement Notice requiring adequate procedures to be put in place to control pests. The prosecution was triggered by a revisit to the premises in September 2021, which found GSL Wholesalers LTD had not made the required adjustments and were still committing several contraventions of food safety legislation. This included failing to prevent food contamination likely to render food unfit for human consumption. The business was charged with and pled guilty to breaching Retained Regulation (EC) 852 / 2004 and Regulations 19 & 6 (2) of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 on four separate counts, leading to the magistrates imposing a £4,000 fine and imposing further charges of £ 5,295.30 in costs and £190 in victim surcharges. Similar contraventions of food hygiene legislation were also found during previous visits to the premises in 2015, for which the operator was also prosecuted for and pled guilty to. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and housing, said: “All food businesses in Leeds are regularly inspected by Environmental Health Officers on a risk-basis to check their compliance with legislation all food businesses must follow, and which are designed to protect food safety and public health. “To protect public health, it is vital that food businesses are kept clean, in good repair, have all the necessary facilities, and have effective food management practices in place, prosecution is only a last resort if the team are unable to work proactively with businesses to resolve issues that arise. “I would like to thank the environmental health enforcement agents for their hard work in prosecuting this case, they have carried out vital work ensuring public safety across Leeds.”

BCC sets up three-year campaign to enhance gender equality

Stuart Pearcey
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BCC sets up three-year campaign to enhance gender equality
Two thirds of women feel they have missed out on career progression because of childcare responsibilities, according to a survey by the British Chambers of Commerce. Working with panel provider Find Out Now in the first survey of its kind from the BCC, the organisation has looked at the perceived impact childcare, general caring responsibilities and menopause have on a person’s career, as well as the support available to those impacted by the issues. Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “This survey is the first of its kind carried out by the BCC. With over 4,000 respondents, it is a significant contribution to assessing the state of play of gender equity across society today. “Many people feel that the burden of childcare, caring responsibilities and menopause have had a negative impact on their career, but women report higher levels of concern across the board. “What women want is a level playing field. They don’t want handouts or a hand up, they simply want to make sure there are no barriers to career progression and face the same opportunities as their male counterparts. “Tackling these issues is integral not only to the wellbeing of our women and workplaces, it is crucial to the functioning of any strong economy.” As a result of the survey the BCC intends to develop a three-year campaign based on a three-point plan, to include:
  1. Short-term action: Convene employment experts, Chamber CEOs and employers to create a Chamber Workplace Equity Commission.
  2. Medium-term work: The commission to analyse research findings and case studies, to develop policies for Government and best practices for businesses enshrining equity in the workplace.
  3. Long-term goal: Re-run the same survey with the aim of moving the dial on the findings we are publishing today.
Two-thirds of women amongst the 4,000-plus respondents who have had childcare responsibilities in the last 10 years felt they missed out on career progression as a result. This includes career development, pay rises and/or promotions. For male respondents who have had childcare responsibilities, 35% believed they missed out. Three quarters of male respondents believed there was not sufficient support available for people with non-paid caring responsibilities for elderly or disabled relatives or friends. This figure increases to 86% for women. For those who have had caring responsibilities in the last 10 years, half of all respondents felt they missed out on career progression as a result of their duties. Almost three quarters women felt there was not sufficient support for those experiencing menopause, with one in three who have gone through menopause feeling it impacted their career negatively. However, there is a higher level of concern about the impact of menopause on a woman’s career amongst those who are yet to experience it. Almost half of women believe they will miss out on career opportunities due to menopause.

Skills improvement group plans to reveal findings next week

Stuart Pearcey
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Skills improvement group plans to reveal findings next week

Next week a partnership set up by the government to tackle skills shortages will reveal the responses from businesses to a survey of their training and recruitment priorities.

The team behind the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Partnership are urging employers, training providers and stakeholders to attend the event regardless of whether they took part in the survey, which attracted hundreds of responses. Hannah Crookes, Manager of the LSIP, said: “The survey was just the start of our research into the experiences of the region’s businesses when it comes to recruiting and training their workers. “We followed that with a series of face-to-face events across East Yorkshire and we are in the process of analysing the responses now. We will present the findings when we bring together employers, training providers and stakeholders for an update on the LSIP plan and we will also take that opportunity to consult further, particularly with people who didn’t get a chance to respond to the survey.” The government has introduced 38 LSIPs nationwide and appointed various business support organisations to drive the initiative. Chambers of Commerce are leading 32 of the new bodies but the LSIPs are open to all businesses, regardless of whether they are members of any business organisation, and the HEY LSIP is also working closely with neighbouring LSIPs across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The feedback will help the LSIP identity the top priorities and the main business sectors for skills development in the region. That process will also help the LSIP team complete the make-up of its board, with several places still to be allocated to reflect the key sectors. Hannah dded: “Employer feedback has been vital in the development of our Local Skills Improvement Plan, and we are urging people to attend the event to check and challenge the findings and ensure we have interpreted business views accurately.” The event will take place on Monday 13 March from midday until 2pm at the Mercure Grange Park Hotel, Willerby. Lunch will be provided. To register email Hannah at H.Crookes@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk

Axiologik invests in new design and marketing heads

Tess Egginton
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Axiologik invests in new design and marketing heads
Leeds-based technology consultancy, Axiologik, has appointed Andy Ireland as head of design practice and Rachel Mcelroy as head of marketing as they continue to grow their strategic leadership offer. Andy’s appointment comes as Axiologik aims to continue offering a rounded value proposition for customers, helping to shape, design and deliver the most complex and business critical digital transformations. In order to complete this, the agency implemented a new Design Centre to deliver strong design capabilities, in particular focusing on strategic service design. Joining as head of design, Andy Ireland, a former graphic designer, most recently worked for Siemens PLM Software as a lead service designer introducing, educating and building out Service Design and User Centred Design. At Axiologik, Andy will set up the design practice so that the whole team can start to offer these services directly to clients. Previously, Axiologik has overseen the design process, but generally collaborates with partners to complete the project. Now, Andy and his team plan to grow this sector of Axiologik as they continue to offer full service digital evolutions to clients across the UK. Speaking of his new role, Andy said: “I joined Axiologik for the opportunity to make real world impact happen, drive digital transformation, see and communicate the bigger picture and show and champion User Centred Design throughout the digital world. It feels like Axiologik wants to make great strides into the world of design to complement existing offerings. From the moment I began to interact with Axiologik, the team has been really keen, proactive and positive about all things design.” Joining as head of marketing, Rachel Mcelroy has worked in the technology sector for over a decade and was previously at Cloud Gateway. She is part of the Yorkshire board of the Certified Institute of Marketing (CIM) as vice chair of Comms.
Rachel Mcelroy
Rachel said: “Axiologik is an unbelievable success story from Leeds having delivered some of the most impressive large scale digital services projects of recent years, including the Covid vaccination national roll out. I am delighted to join them at a pivotal time of growth and exciting new programmes of work that will impact society for the better.” Ben Davison, co-founder of Axiologik, said: “The hire of Andy and Rachel into the business allows us to increase our service offering to customers and build on communicating our value proposition and the Axiologik brand. “They share our vision for focusing on what matters for our customers which enables us to keep supporting them to evolve to be the best version of themselves. Strategy and execution at speed has never been more critical to navigate challenging climates and the demand for digital delivery of services.”

First phase of Leeds’ largest urban extension to commence following sale of strategic site

Tess Egginton
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First phase of Leeds’ largest urban extension to commence following sale of strategic site
White Laithe Developments Ltd, as part of a consortium of landowners, has sold the first phase of its extensive Whinmoor site in Leeds to housebuilder Vistry for the creation of 365 new homes. Planning consent was granted by Leeds City Council last summer for the creation of a new community including 2000 homes, a local centre, a primary school, public open space and part of the East Leeds Orbital Road. The circa 250 acre site comprises three adjacent parcels of land off Coal Road and Skelton Lane between the A58 Wetherby Road and the A64 York Road and represents the largest urban extension in Leeds’ history. Vistry has acquired 27 acres of land on the north east quadrant of the site which will deliver up to 365 homes as part of the first phase of development, subject to reserved matters planning approval. A planning application will be submitted to Leeds City Council in the coming weeks, with initial infrastructure work targeted to begin on site later this year subject to detailed planning approvals. The primary land use at the wider Whinmoor development will be residential, incorporating a mix of market and affordable homes from two bedroom apartments to five bedroom townhouses. The development will significantly assist in contributing to the housing delivery goals of the region, accommodating 2,000 units of the wider East Leeds Extension site, which has an allocated capacity of 3,771 homes. In addition, the new primary two-form entry primary school and the mixed-use local centre will provide a variety of retail, community and health uses as a focal point for the new community. Peter Garrett, Managing Director of Keyland Developments – one of the JV partners, said: “Completing this land sale is a significant step in the delivery of one of the region’s most significant regeneration projects. The new homes being delivered by Vistry will make a significant contribution to the housing targets of the region and it will be exciting to see Phase 1 take shape.” John Carter, director at Evans Property Group – a JV partner, said: “The new homes will kick-start this community-led mixed use development and will play a vital role in bringing new homes and jobs to the region.” Luke Herring, head of land at Vistry, says: “We are delighted to be playing a part in the delivery of this exciting new community in Leeds. Not only will the development provide much needed new homes, but the range of new facilities will benefit both new and existing residents in the area. “Subject to the approval of our reserved matters application, we hope to begin initial on site works later this year.” Titchmarsh & Bagley acted for White Laithe Developments Ltd and Vistry was unrepresented.

York Station approach project given a further £10.5m

Stuart Pearcey
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York Station approach project given a further £10.5m

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has confirmed release of a further £10.5m of funding to begin construction of the York Station Gateway project.

The funding comes from the West Yorkshire-Plus Transport Fund and the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, which aim to help more people to walk, cycle and use public transport. The confirmation of the funding to deliver the project follows extensive consultation, completion of a scheme of enabling works and will allow the purchase of land and the appointment of a delivery contractor. The council is working with partners the Combined Authority, Network Rail and LNER to deliver this transformative project. The funding has been released to construct the highways elements of the scheme and will be used to create a new and improved gateway to the city by improving access to the station, introducing new public spaces and better showcasing the city’s heritage sites. A further release of funding is anticipated later to deliver the final phases of work to York Station. It[‘s said that these improvements will make for a more effective interchange across all types of transport. Arriving and using the station will become simpler for everybody, including pedestrians, cyclists, bus users, and those arriving in taxis and using parking facilities. The setting of the city walls will also be improved alongside upgraded public spaces. Over the past year, utility companies have been carrying out enabling works, such as essential utility diversions, around Queen Street Bridge. These enabling works are almost complete and this funding confirmation will enable the project to move into the next stages, with a contractor set to be appointed in the coming months. Cllr Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “This latest confirmation of funding is very welcome news. This funding will help us unlock improvements that will allow for easier and safer access to and around the station, better public spaces and ultimately an improved gateway to our amazing city. “Thank you to everybody who has been involved and supported this project so far. We appreciate your patience as we continue working with partners to ensure minimum disruption to local residents, businesses and visitors. We look forward to the next phases of the project and seeing these important developments begin to take shape.” Paul Rutter, East Coast Route Director for Network Rail, said: “York is one of the most sustainable transport cities in the country and this project will help us go even further. An improved transport interchange and revamped public space around the station will make it more welcoming and accessible for all. We’re expecting even more people to access the station on foot, on bicycle or by public transport once the work is completed.”

Work to begin to transform Wakefield’s former market hall

Tess Egginton
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Work to begin to transform Wakefield’s former market hall
Work will start in spring on a project to transform Wakefield’s former market hall into a new events space called the Wakefield Exchange. The transformed site will offer the chance to socialise and will feature a programme of events and activity which will also attract significant new visitors into the city to boost the health of local high streets. The new events space will be supported by a vibrant food and drinks offer, featuring a range of cuisine created by independent and local businesses. The £7.7 million transformation, which is being supported by funding from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, will also provide skills training opportunities for people and workspace to attract new creative businesses into the city centre. Yorkshire builder, William Birch & Sons Ltd, has been appointed to carry out the renovation of the iconic David Adjaye designed former market hall, on Union Street. They will start work on the site in April. Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport, said: “This is a very exciting time for Wakefield residents. Once complete, the Wakefield Exchange will offer a fantastic venue in a landmark building. “It will operate throughout the week with an exciting programme of events and activities, supported by a mouth-watering food and drink menu from independent businesses. “We have seen how popular previous events at the site have been with residents and wider visitors, including the Festival of the Moon and the Fire and Ice exhibition during the Festival of the Earth. “We have listened to the feedback from those who visited, and the new site will provide much needed new events space to attract visitors into the city centre on a permanent basis. “As well as creating jobs in the catering sector, there will also be business spaces on offer to small and medium digital and creative businesses, ensuring that the Wakefield Exchange plays its part in the regeneration of the city centre. “I am pleased that the contract has been awarded to a Yorkshire-based company and I look forward to seeing them on site soon.” Simon Potter, Construction Director at William Birch & Sons Ltd, said: “We can see the big ambition of the Council to create an exciting space in Wakefield and are getting our plans in place to commence works in the coming weeks. “It is great to be working on a project that will have such an impact on the creative sector in Wakefield, and through our works we plan to have an equally big impact by adding real social value through offering employment, skills and training opportunities including school and college visits, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.” Work is due to be completed by the end of the year. There will then be a period for fitting out the events hall and the Wakefield Exchange will open to the public in spring 2024.

SME housebuilder secures £4.7m loan for maiden residential scheme

Tess Egginton
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SME housebuilder secures £4.7m loan for maiden residential scheme
OakNorth Bank has provided a £4.7m loan to newly launched SME housebuilder, honey, to support its maiden residential scheme. Founded in October 2022 by former Avant Homes CEO, Mark Mitchell, honey, which is located in its newly opened Sheffield city-centre HQ, has initially agreed to acquire two new developments in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, set to deliver over 141 homes across both sites. The new business is also backed by private equity provider, Alchemy Partners, who specialise in investing in debt and equity special situations across Europe. The firm currently has AUM of over £1.6b and has invested in over 200 transactions since its launch in 1997. Subject to planning, the capital from OakNorth Bank will be used to support honey’s Derbyshire development, consisting of 50 two, three and four-bedroomed homes. Located in the rural village of South Normanton, the site will also include five affordable units and will feature fourteen separate house types for buyers to choose from. Mark Mitchell, founder & CEO of honey, said: “By launching honey, I can now start realising my vision for building new homes that will deliver a combination of style, substance and sustainability that will be unmatched at its price point. “From our market research, we understand there is strong demand for high quality and high specification new homes in South Normanton, so, subject to planning, we will be very pleased to be able to provide exactly that for the Bolsover local community. “Working closely with Damien and the team at OakNorth, we instantly realised their passion and ability to support the SME housebuilding community and they were highly transparent and communicative throughout the entire lending process.” Damien Hughes, senior director of property finance at OakNorth Bank, added: “Since honey’s launch only five months ago, Mark has already overseen the opening of its new Sheffield HQ, whilst also bringing together highly experienced industry talent that looks set to create a refreshing approach to housebuilding. “Located a short drive away from the popular towns and cities of Chesterfield, Derby, and Nottingham, the South Normanton scheme is perfectly placed as a commuter location, making it ideal for young and growing families. SME housebuilders continue to play a vital role in local communities and economies, which is why we’re so thrilled to be able to support honey’s first-ever residential scheme.”

Bright future at Leeds business park with £67m deal

Tess Egginton
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Bright future at Leeds business park with £67m deal
White Rose Park in Leeds, which counts DAZN, Capita and the NHS as tenants, will undergo a major refit of its 28-acre estate to enhance its sustainability. Estate owner Munroe K, a property development and investment business, secured the funding from Lloyds Bank to make the site carbon neutral by 2030. The work will support Munroe K’s aims to achieve an overall minimum EPC A rating for all new and refurbished areas in the park. They are also aiming to achieve an ‘Excellent’ Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification. BREEAM is used around the world and has made a substantial contribution to the creation of more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible buildings. In addition, a further 150 electric vehicle charging points will be installed by 2027, representing a 550% increase in available charging infrastructure at the site. The refinance will also enable future development at the park, which is set to benefit from the opening of the White Rose Railway Station this year. The station will connect employees based there to the main trans-Pennine route into Leeds city centre in around five minutes and to Manchester in under an hour. David Aspin, CEO at Munroe K, said: “White Rose Park has a successful history of attracting and retaining blue-chip occupiers, with many expanding their presence at the site. “However, as our tenants set increasingly ambitious sustainability goals, they need a workspace that will help them to achieve this. Our investment in this upgrade will meet those needs and, with the opening of White Rose Railway Station coming soon, it will also further improve commuting options for their employees as well as access to new talent. “The support from Lloyds Bank offers us the flexibility to invest in a bright future for White Rose Park.” Richard Butterfield, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, said: “We’re proud to support Munroe K in its sustainability plans and its aims to become carbon neutral by 2030. The estate is home to some of Leeds’ largest employers and this investment will help to continue attracting and retaining employment opportunities in the region.”

Huddersfield printers row Loch Ness for Yorkshire charity

Tess Egginton
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Huddersfield printers row Loch Ness for Yorkshire charity
Members of the team at Huddersfield-based digital printers Aura Print will be rowing Loch Ness, a return distance of 54 miles, in support of The Howarth Foundation. The fundraising event will take place on 24 & 25 June 2023, with all proceeds going to the charity. The Howarth Foundation, a West Yorkshire charity based in Cleckheaton, provides essential support to the rehabilitated homeless, helping them find full-time employment. Their services include mental health support, medical expenses, household necessities, and occasional financial support to cover living expenses until clients receive their first salary. The charity also offers training courses and support for travel, meals, and clothing expenses. As a business Building Futures member of The Howarth Foundation, Aura Print has supported the charity for many years. The digital printers are now calling on sponsors and donors to help them raise funds for this worthy cause. There are three different sponsorship packages available for businesses looking to show their support. “We are delighted to be able to support The Howarth Foundation through this exciting challenge,” said Zoey Robins, marketing & content executive of Aura Print. “The work that the charity does to support the homeless community in West Yorkshire is incredibly important, and we want to help them provide a private sector solution to this public sector problem in any way we can.” To support Aura Print’s Loch Ness row and help raise funds for this incredible charity, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/rowing-loch-ness-for-the-howarth-foundation.
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