New Chair takes helm at Make UK this year
Howdens takes first space at Trade Yard development in Barton
Joinery specialist Howdens is the first tenant at Allenby Commercial’s new Trade Yard business site in Barton.
Allenby has three more units at the same site, where it believes there could be the potential for up to 50 jobs, and is planning another at Immingham, which already has planing permission for six units.
Charlie Allenby, Business Development Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “We do a lot to support local communities and we gave one of the units at Barton for Cash for Kids to use as a seasonal headquarters for their Mission Christmas campaign.
“That project has come to an end and our focus now is on dealing with the interest which the development has generated, particularly following the arrival of Howdens as the first tenant.”
Howdens, which marks its 30th anniversary this year and now has more than 800 depots across the UK and Europe, has taken the largest unit of about 9,000 square feet at The Trade Yard at Falkland Way in Barton. The remaining four units offer 3,400 square feet each and are also capable of inter-connecting to offer up to 13,600 square feet of space.
A spokesperson for Howdens said: “We have been looking for the right location in Barton-Upon-Humber for a few years now and we are very pleased to be open at Falkland Way as part of our national expansion programme.”
The Trade Yard Immingham will offer units in Hall Park Road from 2,750 to 13,00 square feet and will again be aimed at the trade counter sector locally and nationally, continuing a strategy which was launched by the Hull-based developer in 2015 and which is in demand on both sides of the Humber.
Charlie added: “The Trade Yard sites at Beverley, Scunthorpe and Willerby are all full and the success of those gave us the confidence to develop the site in Barton and to move forward at Immingham.
“It is clear that the demand is there for The Trade Yard concept, tailored to meet the needs of the trade counter sector and which has attracted many national brands as well as some local businesses. Typically The Trade Yard tenants are creating as many as ten jobs with every move and our commitment is to continue investing to help them start trading and grow.”
Jordan Stokes, Surveyor at PPH Commercial Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants, said: “The Trade Yard is the only speculative industrial development taking place at the moment and the shortage of availability is clearly a factor behind the increase in enquiries. It’s an opportunity for trade, warehouse and light industrial businesses to improve on the accommodation they have at the moment and it might also appeal to inward investors, as has happened at other Trade Yard locations.”
Government sets up Steel Council to ‘rebuild UK steel sector’
The Government is ramping up its plans to rebuild the UK’s steel sector with the launch of a new Steel Council which will bring together leaders from across the industry to advise on the upcoming Steel Strategy.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will chair the first meeting of the Council today with co-chair Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute – a globally-recognised non-profit research and innovation centre based in the iconic steel community of Teesside.
The Council will bring together steel sector leaders such as CEOs from Tata Steel and British Steel with trade union leaders, industry experts, devolved government representatives and trade associations to address the challenges facing the steel industry and make the changes needed to secure steelmaking in the UK.
It will meet regularly as the Government prepares to launch its Steel Strategy, providing a vital link between industry, workers, experts and government in every part of the UK and ensuring that both the workforce and economic growth are at the heart of its plans to rebuild the steel sector.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The industry and steel communities have had enough of lurching from crisis to crisis – this government will take the action needed to place steel on a secure footing for the long term. With the launch of the Steel Council we’re placing workers and local communities at the heart of our plans as we bring forward up to £2.5 billion of investment to secure growth right across the country.
“Steel was a neglected industry in this country under the previous government, but with the launch of this Council and our upcoming Strategy, we’re proving once again that we are the Government that’s committed to driving growth and innovation in the sector.
“A vibrant steel sector is crucial for economic growth and our national security, and by reflecting views from industry across the UK as we bring forward our Steel Strategy we’re delivering on the Plan for Change and boosting economic stability.”
Jon Bolton added:”I have worked in the steel industry globally for over 40 years, and it’s clear this sector has faced many challenges. “However, I believe the UK has all the essential elements to attract investment into the steel industry: demand, skills, technology, unrivalled research and development and, critically, a supportive government having announced up to £2.5 billion of support.“I see the Council’s task being to develop a strategy that details the core elements of that investment plan and to establish a roadmap towards a rejuvenated, competitive and environmentally progressive industry.”
Full list of the Steel Council’s membership:- Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Chair)
- Jon Bolton, Chairman of the Materials Processing Institute (Co-chair)
- Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Industry and Decarbonisation
- British Steel
- Tata Steel
- Liberty Steel
- Marcegaglia UK
- Sheffield Forgemasters
- Celsa Steel
- UK Steel
- British Metals Recycling Association
- Materials Processing Institute
- Warwick Manufacturing Group
- Community Trade Union
- GMB Trade Union
- Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Scottish Government
- Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
- Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland Executive
Commercial property specialist grows operations across North Yorkshire
Garness Jones intends to continue growing its operations across North Yorkshire with a move into new offices in York city centre.
It comes as parent company, Garness Group, has taken a new lease in Queens House, Micklegate.
It will become the North Yorkshire operational base for the commercial property business, and the new home of long-established licensing and hospitality property specialist Barry Crux & Company, which became part of the Garness Group in 2023 and has moved from its previous offices in Castlegate.
“This is a significant step for our business,” said managing director Dave Garness.
“Our work in York, and across North Yorkshire, has grown across each of our dedicated property businesses over the past few years, and that has accelerated over the past 12 months since bringing Barry Crux & Company into the Group.
“Garness Jones is securing an-ever increasing number of commercial instructions across North Yorkshire, and Barry Crux is a name with an established reputation for being the leading specialists in the region in the restaurant, hotel, licensed and hospitality property sectors.
“As a business Garness Jones has grown and thrived in East Yorkshire over the past three decades because we have always had locally-based teams who have vast experience and knowledge of the commercial property market.
“That accessibility to local, knowledgeable experts has helped us stand out from the competition, and given us an advantage in terms of being able to properly support and advise our clients
“This is something we believe is essential to providing the very best levels of service and advice to investors, property owners, landlords and tenants and it is why adding a dedicated office in York to our base in Hull was always part of the plan, for when the time was right.
“That time is now and it means we head into 2025 with great excitement and anticipation about further growing our commercial property businesses across Yorkshire.”
Taxation concerns hit all-time high after October budget, shows BCC survey
In the largest poll of business sentiment since October’s Budget the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey shows concern about tax, including national insurance, has spiked to 63% – the highest level on record.
Business confidence has declined significantly with 49% of responding companies expecting their turnover to increase over the next twelve months (compared with 56% in Q3). Confidence levels are lowest in the retail and hospitality sectors (39% and 42% respectively).
The survey was conducted after the Budget, with the fieldwork carried out between 11th November and 9th December. The data from over 4,800 businesses across the UK (91% of whom are SMEs – fewer than 250 employees) also shows that the majority of firms are expecting to raise prices.
Tax now by far the top external concern: Following the Budget, concern about taxation is now cited by 63% of responding firms, up from 48% in Q3. This is the highest level of tax concern since 2017, when the BCC started asking this question. The levels in certain sectors are higher, with 72% of production and manufacturing firms, and 68% of construction and engineering businesses raising tax as a concern.
Concern about inflation remains broadly similar to the previous quarter – 47% compared to 46% in Q3. Worry about interest rates has fallen slightly to 28% (29% in Q3).
Business confidence hit by Budget measures: There has been a significant drop in business confidence since the Chancellor’s statement. Only 49% of firms say they expect their turnover to increase in the next twelve months, down from 56% in Q3. This is the lowest figure since the aftermath of the mini budget in late 2022. A fifth (21%) of businesses expect turnover to worsen, up from 15% in Q3, and 30% expect no change.
Profitability confidence has also been hit, 40% of firms expect profits to increase over the next year (48% in Q3), while 32% of businesses expect them to fall.
More businesses expecting to raise prices: Over half (55%) of responding firms say they expect to raise their prices in the next three months, compared with 39% in Q3. While 43% of businesses expect prices to stay the same, and only 2% expecting to decrease.
Labour continues to be the main cost pressure for firms – but the issue is now raised by 75% of businesses, up from 66% in Q3. The issue is most significant for the hospitality sector with 87% reporting it as a challenge, followed by 84% of firms in the transport and logistics sector.
Fewer firms have increased investment plans: Only 20% of businesses say they have increased investment plans over the last quarter, down from 23% in Q3. 24% of firms say they have cut back investment plans, a steep rise from the Q3 figure of 18%. 56% of businesses say their plans have remained the same.
The issue is more marked in certain sectors, with 42% of retail and hospitality firms reporting a scaling back of investment and 30% of manufacturers.
Business conditions struggle: The percentage of respondents reporting increased domestic sales has fallen again to 32%, compared to 35% in Q3. 42% reported no change and 26% of firms said they had seen a decrease in sales.
Retailers were the most likely to have seen a fall in sales (36%) followed by manufacturers (33%).
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The worrying reverberations of the Budget are clear to see in our survey data. Businesses confidence has slumped in a pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes.
“Firms of all shapes and sizes are telling us the national insurance hike is particularly damaging. Businesses are already cutting back on investment and say they will have to put up prices in the coming months.
“The Government is rightly coming up with long-term strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. But those plans won’t help businesses struggling now.
“Business stands ready to work in partnership to make the proposed Employment Rights legislation work for all, but the current plans will add further costs on firms.
“To help business we need to see quick action in three specific areas. Firstly, ministers should accelerate business rate reform to create a system that incentives investment.
“We also need the Government to speed up infrastructure investment, to help SMEs in supply chains across the country. Finally, it’s crucial to support exports, prioritising a better trading deal with the European Union.
“Without urgent Government action to ease the pain on businesses, the challenging economic landscape will get worse before it gets better.”
More than 5m people still have to file tax returns
With less than a month to go, the countdown is on for 5.4 million customers who still need to complete and pay their Self Assessment and avoid penalties, HM Revenue and Customs warns.
More than 24,800 people filed on 1 January. A further 38,000 had even squeezed theirs in before the bells on 31 December, with 310 filing between 23:00 and 23:59.
Anyone required to file a tax return for the 2023 to 2024 tax year who misses the 31 January 2025 deadline could face an initial late filing penalty of £100.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We know completing your tax return isn’t the most exciting item on your New Year to-do list, but it’s important to file and pay on time to avoid penalties or being charged interest.
“The quickest and easiest way to complete your tax return and pay any tax owed is to use HMRC’s online services – go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment’ to get started now.
“Some 97% of customers now file online and one benefit is that they don’t have to complete it all in one go – they can save what they have done and pick it up again later. ”Management of two iconic Sheffield venues handed over to major operator
Management of two iconic Sheffield venues has now been handed over to one of the world’s biggest venue operators.
As of this month (January 2025), ASM Global have taken over operation of Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena Sheffield, who will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year.
The new operators will oversee a new chapter for the Sheffield venues with investment powering a series of improvement works, funded by Sheffield City Council and ASM Global.
Taking place across all areas of Utilita Arena, the vision is to reimagine the venue as a world-class touring destination, while developing the venue experience at Sheffield City Hall in line with its prestigious heritage identity.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield has an excellent reputation for hosting major events, festivals, live music, culture and sport, and the city’s venues play a huge role in this.
“As our new venue operator, ASM Global will bring the benefits of global scale and expertise to operate and invest in the Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall.
“Last year, the Utilita Arena played host to MOBO Awards, Matchroom Boxing and countless global stars and is home to the Sheffield Steelers. Sheffield City Hall is one of the city’s most historic venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, from Elton John to the Beatles and Kylie Minogue.
“We have big ambitions to develop Sheffield’s events offer even further and our new partnership with ASM Global will ensure our city continues to have fantastic venues for the best events.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.
“As we enter this new exciting chapter, we would also like to thank the amazing team at Sheffield City Trust, who have done so much for our entertainment venues and the people of Sheffield. The majority of these teams will transfer to ASM Global where they will continue their hard work to help Sheffield’s event and cultural offer thrive.”
In 2023, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Last year, ASM Global were announced as the new operator for both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, said: “We are excited to welcome Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall to the ASM Global family – two amazing venues with a rich history.
“We’re looking forward to working with the teams to elevate the guest experience and future proof both venues for years to come. Everyone who walks into an ASM venue is a guest – fans, production, artists and athletes; and with this in mind, our ambition is to reimagine the venues, delivering world-class live entertainment in Sheffield.”
Venue improvements to begin this month
The Utilita Arena fan experience is set to be transformed. The first phase will focus on enhancements to the venue concourses including more points of sale to improve speed of service, the introduction of Boxbar – the automated self-serve drinks solution, improvements to the entire food and beverage offering to ensure great quality and more choice, improved digital signage on the concourses, scan-and-collect options for drinks, and more.
There will be additional major developments such as new supersuite spaces, a newly refurbished arena club, and revamped lounges.
As part of the overall enhancements, the venue’s capacity will increase. The Arena’s back of house will be upgraded with a complete overhaul of the backstage areas for artists, production and crew, to ensure a best-in-class experience for all who set foot in the venue.
At Sheffield City Hall, ASM Global will undertake improvements to the concert-goer experience including the addition of more tills and the introduction of a new and improved food and beverage offering.
In Spring, the focus will be on enhancing the customer journey around the venue, with improved signage, screens and security.
ASM Global’s operation of the venue will retain a heavy focus on upholding the cultural heritage of what is one of Sheffield’s most historic buildings, futureproofing it for years to come while preserving its iconic features.
Enhancement works are set to get underway this month and will continue throughout the year, whilst the venues remain open for the duration.
Dom Stokes, General Manager of Utilita Arena Sheffield & Sheffield City Hall, said: “Joining ASM Global is an exciting new chapter, and an incredible opportunity, for both Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall.
“ASM’s network, vision and expertise are unmatched, and their ambition for both venues is truly inspiring. Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall are integral to the region, and we can’t wait to showcase new experiences while ensuring they remain at the heart of our wonderful community.”
Sheffield business leader recognised in King’s New Year’s Honours List
A prominent member of Sheffield’s business community has been awarded an OBE in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours List.
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Louisa Harrison-Walker was awarded the honour in recognition of her work supporting South Yorkshire, its businesses and communities.
Louisa has led the transformation of Sheffield’s Chamber of Commerce over the past five years. Her work has included restructuring the organisation, diversifying the board and representative council, increasing the balance sheets significantly and re-imagining its core membership offer – which has seen membership retention rise to 98% and the number of patrons double.
Louisa has also built up the Chamber’s relationship with South Yorkshire’s Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sheffield City Council (SCC) and rewired relationships with other Regional and National Chambers, and other organisations around the UK including Business in the Community (BITC) with whom Sheffield Chamber deliver a social value programme that harnesses private sector resource for the benefit of charities and social enterprises.
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “Louisa is a leader who brings organisations and businesses together in a way that others cannot because she truly cares about people.
“Her approach to making sure the views and experiences of everyone are respected, listened to and included, is helping to shift the culture in South Yorkshire to one of positive collaboration and partnership.
“As a Mayor I work every day to rebuild the pride, purpose and prosperity of our region, nothing is more important to me. I’m delighted to congratulate Louisa on being included in the King’s honours today.”
Involved in supporting successful bids for collaborative work throughout the region, Louisa has been integral to the delivery of the Community Renewal Fund, the Local Skills Improvement Plan Project (LSIP) across South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership, the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and the continued campaign to re-open South Yorkshire’s regional airport.
Louisa is also Co-Chair of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Business Advisory Board, has been integral to the development of the Sheffield City Goals – the city’s 10-year city strategy, launched the Health and Wellbeing Consortium and developed a senior women’s leadership network.
Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, said: “Louisa represents the city on numerous local, regional and national platforms and does so with authenticity, gravitas and insight.
“In leading in the way she does, Louisa acts as a role model, in particular for women. She has worked with me to develop the city’s first women’s leadership network, creating a safe space for women to navigate the challenges they may face in their professional lives.
“Every great city needs active, community minded and forward-thinking business leadership and with Louisa at the helm the Chamber has become an invaluable partner in the regeneration and resurgence of Sheffield.
“It is without a doubt that Louisa deserves this special honour. Congratulations to her.”
Louisa is a well-respected business leader in the city having built up and sold ethical recruitment firm Benchmark. She serves as a trustee at several key organisations and charities, a board and committee member across different initiatives in the city, and relentlessly champions Sheffield, promoting the city as the best place in the UK to start and grow a business.
2025 Business Predictions: Richard May, CEO of virtualDCS
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 Richard May, CEO of Leeds-based tech company virtualDCS and an expert in disaster recovery and cybersecurity.
- Cyber resilience will continue to define disaster recovery in 2025
- Survival hinges on the speed of recovery in 2025
- Closing the Microsoft 365 responsibility gap will become a top priority
- Diversified backup strategies will be non-negotiable
- Proactive preparedness will drive strategic resilience
Regal Foods CEO awarded MBE in New Year Honours List
CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, Younis Chaudhry has been recognised in the New Year Honours List with an MBE for his services to business and to the community of Bradford.
For over twenty years Younis Chaudhry has excelled in British business and international trade, all whilst giving back to the Bradford community and beyond.
Starting life from very humble beginnings, Younis has not only built one of the UK’s most successful food groups, Regal Food Products Group plc (home of Regal Bakery, Regal Foods, Yorkshire Baking Company, Just Desserts Yorkshire and Love Handmade Cakes), but has become a well-respected entrepreneur.
Younis continues to contribute positively to the UK economy, is an ambassador for the value of export, and ‘gives back’ at every opportunity, from supporting community sporting clubs, feeding those in need in his local community, to working with charities overseas.
Younis was recently recognised as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2024, in partnership with The Times.
Younis Chaudhry MBE says: “When I started in business over twenty years ago, nothing would have prepared me for the journey I have been on, both in business and in life. The community in where I live and where I have built my business is everything to me and I am humbled to be a part of it.
“Whilst I feel it is my duty to give back, I feel truly honoured to have received such recognition. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my family, I would personally like to thank my parents for their prayers and blessings and for the guidance they have given me in life. A heartfelt thanks also goes to my wife, children, and brothers for the support they continue to give.
“I am honoured to work with around 300 people who make up my brilliant team at Regal Food Products Group, I thank each and every one of them for joining me in my Regal journey and for working with me in building the great food group you see today.
“And finally, my dear friends, friends who have stayed by my side throughout my journey both on a personal and professional level.”
Shahid Afridi, Chairman of Shahid Afridi Foundation comments: “Younis is kind, generous and down-to-earth (despite his success), his generosity to the Shahid Afridi Foundation is so vital in helping disadvantaged communities access amenities that we take for granted in the western world.
“It is because of individuals such as Younis, these people are provided with hope. He has a wonderful humanitarian spirit, and we are extremely grateful to him for his continuing benevolence.”
The Rt. Hon. Baroness Warsi comments: “Younis demonstrated that the process of building and developing a viable commercial enterprise can be done with hard work and determination. He has become a role model to so many other business leaders.
“Younis is a renowned philanthropist and well-known across Bradford and Yorkshire. And when it comes to ‘giving back’, he is everywhere! From supporting cricket clubs and youth teams in the local community, to funding clean water projects in developing countries, Younis can be found, supporting quietly without fanfare.”
