Services continue to perform particularly well among UK exports, with solid increases in the past three months. Goods exports performed less well in April, as in recent months, says the British Chambers of Commerce.
William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The BCC’s election manifesto and our recent Global Britain report set out clear options for policymakers to improve UK trade performance.
“Goods import volumes (excluding inflation) rose by 7.8% in April, with similar increases for both the EU and the rest of the world. Imports from the EU rose by 7.7% (£1.6bn). This was led by rises in machinery and transport equipment, and food. Non-EU imports volumes rose by 7.9% (£1.3bn) driven by higher miscellaneous manufactured goods and fuels.
“Goods export volumes fell by 2.8%. For the EU, they fell by 1.4% (£0.2bn), after adjustment for inflation – the main decline being in crude oil sales to Germany. Non-EU goods exports volumes fell by 4% (£0.5bn), driven by chemicals exports. This was offset to some degree by higher fuel, machinery and transport equipment exports.
“UK services trade showed another month of consistent growth in both import and exports. In the month of April, services exports increased by an estimated 0.6% (£0.2bn) on values measure. At the same time, imports increased by 0.9% (£0.2bn) on the values measure.”
To celebrate today’s Social Mobility Day, Yorkshire Building Society has joined Progressive Together, a network of organisations aimed at making sure colleagues can progress in their financial services careers, regardless of background.
The society is one of more than 100 employers in the Progress Together network, aiming to create a financial services sector where people from all socio-economic backgrounds can fulfil their career potential.
Tina Hughes, Director of Marketing and Digital Channels at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “At Yorkshire Building Society, we have colleagues with different beliefs, ages, cultures, outlooks and more – just like the communities we serve.
“Social mobility is a key part of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out our vision to build a Society where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued, empowered and supported.
“We’re proud of that and we’re working hard to create an environment that’s welcoming and inclusive, where everyone has the opportunity to develop and progress.
“We want everyone to have the chance to show their full potential – it’s about what they can bring to the business, not where they were brought up or the school they went to.
“We can always go further and do more, and that’s why we’ve joined Progress Together.”
Sophie Hulm, CEO of Progress Together, said: “As a member of Progress Together, Yorkshire Building Society has demonstrated commitment to improving socio-economic diversity at senior levels. By working together we are making changes in UK financial services, ensuring that employees from all backgrounds have the opportunity to reach their career potential. This benefits individuals, business and the wider economy.”
PIB Risk Management and PIB Insurance Brokers come together in new offices in Chesterfield for the company, which already has bases in Leeds, York, Halifax, and Lincoln.
The company says the expansion not only underscores its commitment to growth, but also reflects dedication to fostering professional development through the latest training facilities.
Rob Armitage, Business Development Director, PIB Risk Management, said: “We are looking forward to the positive impact that the Chesterfield branch will have on our operations and the local community. The blend of sales expertise and training excellence housed under one roof represents a significant step forward in our journey of growth and innovation.
“The new branch is a testament to our company’s vision of creating dynamic spaces that blend functionality with innovation. Equipped with advanced technology and modern amenities, the Chesterfield location is set to become a pivotal sales hub, driving business growth and customer engagement in the region.
“Moreover, the facility features dedicated training rooms, tailored to provide comprehensive training programmes for our colleagues and the businesses we support. Our external training schedule includes a wide range of accredited and non-accredited courses, tailored to our clients’ requirements.
“The opening of the Chesterfield branch is part of a broader strategy to expand our footprint in the region. By establishing a strong presence in the Midlands, we are better positioned to meet the needs of our clients and support the local economy. This expansion not only brings new job opportunities to the area but also strengthens our ties with the community.
Doncaster Chamber is celebrating the St Lager racing festival, and what its its considerable impact means for the economy of the city.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “The St Leger has been going strong since 1776 and has become synonymous with our city. It’s one of our biggest claims to fame and a major attraction that reliably drums up business while also showcasing Doncaster on the world stage.
“We are proud to be a part of it once again with our Ladies Day marquee and would like to thank our sponsor, Orb Recruitment, for making it possible. This always proves to be a hit with our members; giving them an opportunity to relish in the glamour of the occasion, network with one another and enjoy the various entertainment offerings of the festival.
“As highlighted in our recently published plan, Doncaster ’35: Manifesto for a Winning City, the ambition for Doncaster is sky high, and the business community is eager to see it unlock its full potential.
“While there is a long journey ahead of us in that regard, the continued success of existing attractions like the St Leger — which already contributes so much to our economy — will be instrumental in getting us to where we want to be. I am greatly looking forward to this year’s event, and cannot wait to see all of the good that it will do for Doncaster.”
The Leger is the oldest of the five British classics, and is now in its 248th year. The festival continues to draw in thousands upon thousands of racegoers each and every September and still remains ones of the most important dates in the sporting calendar. One that puts Doncaster firmly in the international spotlight.
With spectators flocking in from all over the country, it also has the welcome effect of stimulating economic activity. Those in the hospitality sector feel the benefits of this most of all, as visitors end up frequenting our bars, dining at nearby restaurants, spending at local shops, and staying at conveniently-placed hotels.
Stewart Olson, MD of Orb Recruitment, added: “It’s always a pleasure to help create an electric atmosphere for our fellow businesses and I am sure this year will be no different! The event is not only a highlight of the city’s calendar but, with Doncaster Chamber’s input, becomes a valuable opportunity for the business community to come together, network and celebrate shared successes. We are honoured to support an occasion that fosters growth and partnerships in this way.”
Premier Inn has signed a 25-year lease with CBRE Investment Management, on behalf of CBRE UK Property PAIF, on a 188-bed property in York in York.
Built by main contractor Clegg Construction, the four-storey building on a one-acre plot, formerly a retail warehouse leased by Carpetright on the city’s Foss Islands Road.
The development features multiple energy-saving technologies, such as air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation systems, LED lighting, photovoltaic panels, and electric vehicle charging points. Accordingly, the building has achieved an EPC A rating and is due to achieve a BREEAM rating of “Very Good”.
Jamie Philips, Fund Manager for UK Property PAIF at CBRE, said: “We expect growth in the hotels and catering sector to outpace the wider economy during the next five years. Tourism supports a significant number of jobs in York and given the strength of the city as a destination for tourists, combined with its current undersupply of hotel beds, the addition of a new modern and sustainable hotel will help to bolster York’s businesses and economy. This project sits firmly within the Fund’s strategy, providing a great opportunity to thoughtfully invest in and repurpose an existing asset, in order to create a long and sustainable cash flow for our investors.”
Clegg Construction MD Michael Sims added: “The site is a historically-sensitive city centre location in York, and I am delighted with how the Clegg Construction team conducted themselves with minimal disruption to local businesses and residents. The scheme achieved consistently high Considerate Constructors Scheme scores in audits taken throughout the contract. More than 80% of the workforce travelled 30 miles or less per day to reach the site – demonstrating our commitment to supporting the local community and to sustainability.”
“As a company, Clegg Construction is very happy to have now handed over this new development which I am sure will be an asset to York and its tourism and business communities, along with the local economy.”
Ramsdens Solicitors is continuing to recognise and reward colleagues with two recent associate promotions.
The 150-year-old firm’s clinical negligence and personal injury team has been further strengthened by the appointment of Ian Miles to senior associate, while Ramsdens’ private client practice sees Kirsty Dunn promoted to associate.
Based at Ramsdens’ Leeds office, Ian Miles joined Ramsdens in 2022 as a litigation executive, having previously worked for a number of sector-leading international law firms. With 20 years’ experience, he has expertise in handling complex injury claims, including brain injury. Mr Miles’ specialisms cover employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability and road traffic accident claims, as well as claims involving clinical negligence against medical and healthcare providers.
An associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and a ‘recommended lawyer’ in The Legal 500, 2021 edition, Mr Miles is known as a skilled litigator and is an active member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Kirsty Dunn, a chartered legal executive and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) probate practitioner, joined Ramsdens in 2021 having predominately worked in litigation before transferring her skills and expertise to specialise in wills, lasting powers of attorney and the administration of estates. She is now based at the firm’s Edgerton office. Her expertise includes advising on the severance of jointly owned properties to enable families to put in place protection from care fees, when making a will.
Kirsty Dunn
Paul Joyce, managing partner of Ramsdens Solicitors, said: “It’s extremely satisfying to see talented members of the team like Ian and Kirsty developing their legal skills with us. Both are technically adept lawyers who consistently put their clients first and deliver outstanding service in their respective niche areas of the law.
“We are pleased to celebrate these promotions with Ian and Kirsty as we pride ourselves on providing a supportive, nurturing environment where up-and-coming lawyers can flourish with the support of more senior colleagues.”
Glenbrook Investments has acquired a 62,000 sq ft industrial estate from the administrator of H.P.A.S Limited, formerly trading as Safestyle UK.
The property, located on Station Road Industrial Estate in Barnsley, was originally constructed as a multi-let industrial estate, but used solely by Safestyle as its UK distribution and training facility.
Comprising 17 units across 3 terraces on a 4.5 acre self-contained site, the sale also includes a 1.6 acre parcel of vacant land, providing options for future development or expansion.
The price remains confidential, but following Safestyle’s fall into administration in October 2023, the property was marketed by Hilco Real Estate, on behalf of the joint administrators, at a guide price of £2.75m.
Scott Griffiths of Glenbrook Investments said: “We are excited to add this to a portfolio of industrial repositioning projects that we have been carefully rebuilding following significant disposals in 2021 and 2022.
“We are very fortunate to have a great team and with live projects nearby, we have been able to make a quick start on site. We now look forward to bringing this estate back to life as a modern, sustainable destination for local businesses.”
Ian Whittaker at Watling Real Estate in Manchester, who advised Glenbrook Investments, said: “We were delighted to advise our client on this fantastic value-add investment.
“The property presents an excellent opportunity to create a thriving multi-let industrial estate of sub 5,000 sq ft units, which we know are in high demand from local and regional occupiers that are currently suffering from a constrained supply of smaller, modern units.”
Watling Real Estate, CMS and GV&Co acted for Glenbrook Investments. Hilco Real Estate acted for the joint administrators at Interpath Advisory.
f1 Recruitment & Search has been acquired by the Harrogate-based PartnerWise Collective, specialists in executive search, interim and talent intelligence.
This acquisition marks a significant step forward, said to position f1 as the expert consultancy for Communications, Marketing, and Sponsorship within the Collective, covering sectors such as Sports & Entertainment, Consumer, Lifestyle, B2B & Professional Services, Sustainability, and Social Impact.
Amanda Fone, founder and CEO of f1, said: “We’ve always challenged the norm at f1, and now it’s time to join like-minded experts and accelerate our growth during this unprecedented time of disruption and opportunity in our sector.
“At PWC, I have found an ambitious leadership board determined to keep the ‘human’ at the heart of talent advisory services whilst using advanced technology to provide the most cost-effective service delivery to clients.
“Candidates and candidate relationships have never been more important. Our presence on the international stage, especially in the MENA region, the US, and Europe, will blossom, while our laser focus on helping gender parity and social mobility in leadership roles will, of course, continue.”
Alex Raubitschek, board member of PartnerWise Collective, added: “I have known Amanda and her team at f1 for over a decade and am delighted to have been able to introduce her to our Collective.”
Ian Williams, CEO of PartnerWise Collective, said: “The acquisition of f1 Recruitment & Search is a major milestone for PartnerWise Collective. Amanda’s team complements our vision perfectly, and together, we’ll drive innovation and deliver great value to our clients, enhancing our focus on diversity and social impact.”
The partnership with the PE-backed PartnerWise Group will provide f1 with additional support for its ongoing growth plans.
Harrogate College is calling on the people of North Yorkshire to help keep its £22m rebuild on track.
A judicial review has been called into how the planning application for the college’s rebuild has been handled, meaning the planning process will likely need to be run again, causing delays to the project. This will jeopardise the main, Department for Education provided, funding for the project, which is linked to work completing in 2025.
Principal Danny Wild is calling on local residents and businesses to help by lobbying the DfE, and after the election their MPs, to have the time limit for this funding extended.
Harrogate College Principal, Danny Wild, said in a statement: “Our plans for a £22 million state-of-the-art campus redevelopment will be delayed because a challenge to the planning process has sparked a judicial review.
“This setback means that the planning process will probably need to be run again. This will push back the project completion date into 2026. The delay may also put at risk £20m of Department for Education (DfE) funding for the £22m scheme because the DfE grant and loan funding is linked to completing the work in 2025.
“The new campus would be perfectly placed to support the region’s skills needs for the future, boosting our businesses and economy while providing targeted training in key areas like green technology. The new Harrogate College will also provide the facilities and courses that young people and adults need to start or develop their careers.
“We are now calling on the people and businesses of Harrogate, Ripon, Boroughbridge, Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough to help us by lobbying the DfE and politicians to ensure that the grant and loan funding for the new college continues to be available for a project completion in 2026. With everyone’s support, we will still be able to see this development, which will benefit so many local people for decades to come, through to its completion.”
Hull College has signed a three-year contract with Sewell Construction, who’ll manage all minor building works at the college’s city centre campus, including replacing doors, windows, flooring and minor repairs.
The company will also provide 24/7 emergency response for urgent works, and set up a new Computer Aided Facilities Management system to help the college oversee its maintenance.
Sewell Construction has been working on various projects with Hull College over the past few years, including the replacement of an extensive glazed roof and frontage on their Hull School of Art and Design building.
Matthew Blowman, Head of Facilities and Contracts at Hull College, said that the college was looking forward to beginning the partnership with Sewell Construction. “We’ve worked with Sewell Construction a number of times in the past, and they’ve always impressed us with their can-do attitude, and the way they go the extra mile to ensure all work is completed to the highest standard.
“We’re delighted to have them on board to ensure our campus can continue with the transformation to provide a high-quality learning experience for all our students.”
Geoff Smith, Construction Services Sector Head at Sewell Construction said: “We’re really pleased that Hull College have shown faith in our work by appointing us for this three-year partnership, and we’re looking forward to helping students achieve their career goals through ensuring they have the best facilities possible.”
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