Leeds Beckett University collaboration to drive construction industry innovation
Construction innovation experts at Leeds Beckett University have partnered with Yorkshire’s largest public sector procurement framework organisation to drive innovation in the construction sector and boost opportunities for small businesses in the region.
Leeds Beckett University will work with YORhub to create a Supply Chain Engagement Toolkit. This aims to increase the number and diversity of regional small-and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with access to public sector procurement frameworks – reducing the over-dominance of large firms, and introducing innovative solutions in a sector that is slow to change. It is a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK.
Professor Mohammed Dulaimi, Project Leader and Head of Engineering in the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing at Leeds Beckett, said: “This KTP builds on a strong relationship between Leeds Beckett and YORhub, which has seen us collaborate on projects and research over several years.
“Ensuring competitiveness and diversity in the supply chain is a national challenge in public sector procurement. Framework managers are hindered by legislation that stifles innovation and plays to the strengths of large consulting firms and construction companies – leaving SMEs with lower-value contracts.
“This hinders innovation as SMEs with better on-the-ground insight are unable to positively engage directly with clients or YORhub to suggest improvements. Through this KTP, YORhub will disrupt this status quo by developing a Supply Chain Engagement Toolkit which addresses the challenges of engaging with SMEs and has the potential to achieve large-scale, industry-wide, impact.”
Steve Baker, Head of Construction Services and YORhub at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The construction sector is an industry in need of innovation. This KTP will bring academic know-how and innovation to the challenges that are being experienced nationally – which are particularly acute in the public sector.
“YORhub’s size, reputation and profile in the industry means we are uniquely placed to lead and champion this innovation for the public and construction sectors, and to share good practice with our peers and supply chains.”
The work will be managed by a KTP Associate – a skilled graduate who will be recruited as a full-time member of YORhub, with the full support of the Leeds Beckett academic team.
The project will include a substantial change management process which will disrupt long-established ways of working, and provide ongoing staff training to ensure the Supply Chain Management Toolkit is successfully embedded into YORhub for the long-term. As well as boosting the growth of SMEs, the partnership aims to benefit the local economy and the environment, by focusing on regional contractors which, in turn, reduces carbon emissions.
Jo Griffiths, Head of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Leeds Beckett, added: “This is our first KTP with a public sector organisation, building on our strong relationship with YORhub, which has included co-funded PhD projects with Professor Dulaimi’s students.
“We look forward to continued opportunities and collaborations through this KTP – including student projects, guest lectures from YORhub and our KTP Associate for our students, PhD opportunities and research publications.”
Professor Mohammed Dulaimi is leader of the Accelerating Innovation in Construction research group at Leeds Beckett, and coordinator of the CIB (International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction) Task Group on Accelerating Innovation in Construction.
The Leeds Beckett University academic team also includes: Sam Zulu, Professor of Construction and Project Management, Dr Neema Kavishe, Lecturer in Building Construction and Project Management, and Tony Jenkins, Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering and Digital Transformation.
YORhub is a collaboration of Leeds City Council, Sheffield City Council, North Yorkshire Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, supporting the delivery of quality construction procurement frameworks to the public sector. It is the biggest framework in Yorkshire and the Humber, with the largest number of projects of any construction procurement framework. Across Yorkshire and Humber, approximately £2.5bn is spent annually on capital construction, with £460m procured through YORhub frameworks.
Work gets underway on affordable homes in Doncaster
Together Housing is set to launch its latest development in Doncaster to provide new and affordable housing in the area.
Work is now underway on the plans for the site in Balby, which have been approved by City of Doncaster Council’s planning committee for a total of 94 properties. Together Housing will deliver the £6.5m development alongside Hoober Urban Partnerships.
Of the 94 units, Together Housing will provide 38 homes available for affordable rent. The units will meet varying demand for 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom houses to accommodate growing families in the area.
As part of Together Housing’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions in half, all units delivered by the northern social housing landlord will be built with air source heat pumps and solar panels. The gas free site will be delivered in conjunction with the organisation’s Net Zero Team.
The remaining 56 properties will be delivered by Housing 21, a national provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care, who are also working alongside Hoober Urban Partnerships to deliver a Retirement Living scheme.
The scheme comprising 43 apartments and 13 bungalows, will provide homes for residents over 55 and independent living with a range of on-site facilities such as; a communal lounge and gardens, electric buggy store, activities room and car and bicycle parking.
The scheme will also have presence from an on-site Local Housing Manager. The combination of both affordable homes and a retirement living scheme will expand the offer of new homes to meet a diverse need in the local area. Both elements of the development are also part funded by Homes England.
Cllr Glyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, said: “As part of our five-year Housing Delivery Plan, we’re improving our housing offer for older people. These new homes include state-of-the-art facilities to support older people to live independently within our communities and local residents will benefit massively.
“These homes will focus on affordable rents and energy efficiency whilst also protecting and enhancing the natural environment through sustainable development.”
Dai Howells, Assistant Director of Development at Together Housing, said: “Building foundations for growing families in a sustainable community is at the forefront of our collaborative aims for this exciting development.
“Our ambitious plans with Hoober Urban Partnerships aim to meet a dynamic need for new, affordable housing in Doncaster with a leading focus on renewably sourced energy for each of our homes. With the addition of Housing 21’s plans to develop a retirement living scheme, we’re eager to embark on this ground-breaking development and set out on what we aim to deliver.”
Bridget Faughnan-Bing, Housing 21’s Development and Delivery Director, said: “We are thrilled to be able to deliver another Retirement Living scheme in Doncaster. Working closely with the Local Authority, Hoober Urban Partnerships and Neo Projects, we’ve been able to design a scheme for local people that will help to provide Older People in Doncaster with much needed affordable housing.”
David Wroe, Director of Hoober Urban Partnerships, said: “We are delighted to finally be making a start on this project to deliver a scheme of affordable family housing and retirement accommodation on the site previously acquired from City of Doncaster Council. It’s our second recent scheme with Together Housing and first with Housing 21, as well as being the first 100% electric & renewable energy scheme we have developed.”
Goole and Howdenshire Award winners revealed
The winners of this year’s Goole and Howdenshire Business Excellence Awards have been announced, with the big winner of the night being Fisher Security.
Not only did the firm win the Large Business of the Year category but was chosen by the independent judging panel from all of the shortlisted finalists as the recipient of the Overall Business of the Year award.
Meanwhile, the organising committee chose Paul Taylor of Filstorage (pictured) to receive the Tim Richardson Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his significant contribution to the local community, both through his own successful business and support for business networking activities and his passion for rugby, over many years. Paul was given a standing ovation as he made his way to the stage to be presented with his award.
The winner of each category was as follows:
Charity of the Year Award (sponsored by Jos Richardson & Son):
- Goole Amateur Boxing Club.
- William’s Den
- Circular Renewables Limited.
- Fisher Security Limited.
- Eastrington Sports Club.
- Badger & Bean Limited.
- First Avenue Training Limited.
- Sign With Sarah-jade.
- Footballerz Limited.
- Phoenix Community Radio, Goole.
- Our Goole.
UK NEQAS makes move to Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
UK National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) is relocating to Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park’s incubation centre, Landing Pad.
Renowned for its proficiency testing services and quality assessment programmes, UK NEQAS’ strategic decision to relocate to Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park is aligned with its vision to foster innovation, collaboration and growth within the healthcare community.
Previously based at the Northern General Hospital, UK NEQAS joins a growing number of health, sport and wellbeing focused organisations based within the flex office space at Landing Pad, including Barnsley Women’s FC, Cricket Arena, Reyt and, most recently, Medilink North.
Jen Christie at UK NEQAS said: “We’re extremely excited to be relocating UK NEQAS to Landing Pad. The state-of-the-art facilities offered onsite will no doubt increase the opportunities for us to fulfil our charity aims of improving healthcare through education, as well as fostering the creation and delivery of new and innovative services. We can’t wait to move in!”
Rachel Vickers, spokesperson for Landing Pad, added: “Landing Pad offers a dynamic environment conducive to facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise between leading organisations in the field, of which UK NEQAS will become an integral part.
“By bringing together entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups and not-for-profit organisations in the health, sport and wellbeing spheres within our state-of-the-art facilities, we’re aiming to support the accelerated development and deployment of transformative solutions that address pressing health challenges and enhance wellbeing on both a local, national and global scale.”
UK NEQAS have taken a four year licence on a four-person private suite at Landing Pad and expect to be up and running by the end of May 2024.
Acquisition sees Adler and Allan accelerate electric vehicle push
Yorkshire-based environmental risk reduction services business, Adler and Allan, has acquired Utility Line, an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) and grid connection specialist focused on commercial electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Founded in 2021, Utility Line has established itself as a trusted partner for clients seeking a full ‘turnkey’ solution for specialised electric vehicle charging infrastructure and grid connections.
Their team of experts handle everything from design, planning, installation, and maintenance of commercial, industrial, and residential schemes, from inception all the way through to energisation and handover.
“We are thrilled to join the Adler and Allan family,” said Nick Ravden, Managing Director of Utility Line. “Their established position in the utilities and transport and logistics markets, combined with their mission and service offerings, creates the perfect platform to integrate our capabilities and support even more companies on their renewable energy journey.”
This strategic acquisition aligns with Adler and Allan’s commitment to sustainable solutions and positions them as a key player in the rapidly growing EV sector. “We’re excited to welcome Utility Line to the team,” said Henrik Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of Adler and Allan.
“This acquisition strengthens our specialist EV and high-voltage capabilities and broadens the range of services we offer across all sectors. Together, we become the go-to partner for companies seeking to achieve Net-Zero carbon goals and fulfil their ESG commitments.”
This marks Adler and Allan’s ninth acquisition in the last three years.
Retail industry workers get more protection from criminal ‘customers’
Assaulting a retail worker is to be made a standalone criminal offence.
Serial shiplifters are also to face tougher punishments under new legislation
Offenders could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and be banned from going back to the shop where they committed their crimes, with Criminal Behaviour Orders barring them visiting specific premises. Breaching an order is also a criminal offence and carries a five-year maximum prison sentence. For the most serious cases of assault, such as causing grievous bodily harm with intent, offenders could face a life sentence.
The move to create the new offence follows longstanding campaigning on this issue from MP Matt Vickers and some of the biggest retailers, calling for more action to better protect their staff.
The government is also stepping up action to clamp down on offenders who repeatedly target the country’s high streets, with serial offenders forced to wear tags to track their movements.
These tags will be a constant and physical reminder to offenders that the Probation Service can find out where they have been and when, and that they risk being sent to prison if they refuse to obey the rules. Under an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, if an offender is found guilty of assaulting staff three times, or is sentenced for shoplifting on three separate occasions, they should be made to wear a tag as part of any community order.
Ahead of this legislation coming in, the government will partner with a police force to pilot a bespoke package of community sentencing measures which can be used by judges to tackle high levels of shoplifting, sending a clear message that repeat criminality will not be tolerated.
The government is also ramping up the use of facial recognition technology to help catch perpetrators and prevent shoplifting in the first place. Backed by a £55.5m investment over the next four years, the police will be able to further roll this new state of the art technology. This will include £4m for bespoke mobile units that can be deployed to high streets across the country with live facial recognition used in crowded areas to identify people wanted by the police.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Since 2010, violent and neighbourhood crime in England and Wales has fallen dramatically, showing our plan to keep our streets safe is working. Yet shoplifting and violence and abuse towards retail workers continues to rise.
“I am sending a message to those criminals – whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.
“Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse.”
Employers get advice to support disabled workers
A new Disability Confident guide for managers to help them recruit, retain, and foster the progression of disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace has been published today by the Department for Work and Pensions.
DWP has worked in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to develop the quick and easy guidance to ensure employers and employees get the most from the Disability Confident scheme, to boost disability employment and reduce the disability employment gap.
The Government has already succeeded in meeting its target of getting one million more disabled people into employment by 2027 – reaching the milestone five years ahead of schedule.
This new guidance is part of wider action to support disabled people who can work to reap the countless social, health and financial benefits a job brings.
Some of the guidance includes advertising jobs on channels that specifically reach disabled people and implementing reasonable adjustments in the workplace like flexible working and arranging one-to-one mentoring support.
Minister for Disabled People, Health & Work, Mims Davies, pictured, said: “We want to help everyone realise their potential and it’s fantastic to have helped over a million more disabled people into work, hitting that target five years early – but we’re not stopping there.This new guidance is a really useful tool for managers that will support even more people to progress – whatever their condition and whatever their profession.
”It’s just the latest step in our mission to ensure the UK is the most accessible place in the world for disabled people to live, work and thrive.”
Lincolnshire farmers offered grants to pay for flood damage
Lincolnshire farmers can now claim government help for uninsurable losses caused to their land by flood damage.
The help comes from the Farming Recovery Fund, under which eligible farmers can get grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by Rural Payments Agency outlining the support available to them through the Farming Recovery Fund and how they can make a claim.
The fund forms part of a broader scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework which is activated in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.
The fund will initially be open in those local authority areas where the Flood Recovery Framework has already been activated to help farms which have experienced the highest levels of flooding. As well as Lincolnshire, farmers in Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire are able to apply.
Farming Minster Mark Spencer said: “I know how difficult this winter has been for farmers, with extreme weather such as Storm Henk having a devastating impact on both cropping and grazing, as well as damaging property and equipment.
“The Farming Recovery Fund will support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage with grants of up to £25,000, and sits alongside broader support in our farming schemes to improve flood resilience.”
Professional services firm secures new Hull office
Aon plc, a global professional services firm, is relocating its 50-strong Humber team to a new office.
Aon has agreed a 10-year lease on the entire ground floor of the Redcliff Court building. The move is part of Aon’s investment in the region and will bring the entire Humber-based team together in one space, providing a flexible, collaborative and open working environment for all colleagues.
On completion of an extensive refurbishment, colleagues from Aon’s Kirmington and Hull offices will move to the new fully serviced office at the end of April, where they will benefit from a more efficient office design to support hybrid working and an upgraded IT infrastructure.
Chris Harvey, head of office Aon in Hull, said: “Investing in the Humber region and our talented 50-strong team is a key part of our growth ambition.
“As a global leader in commercial risk, and a major part of the region’s insurance scene that supports clients across a diverse range of sectors, ownership structures and sizes, we can provide an exciting and rewarding career for both highly experienced insurance professionals and new colleagues.
“In seeking new office space, Aon has focused on finding a building which fits with our Smart Working Model. Smart Working is centred on the four Cs – Clients, Collaboration, Celebration and Coaching and, while we will continue to embrace hybrid working, the office remains a place to connect, build knowledge, develop capabilities, enrich careers and contribute to a sense of belonging. Redcliff Court certainly aligns with that.
“This new space will help us in our ambition to develop strong teams and create an inclusive work environment, both in-office and through virtual collaboration, where all colleagues feel a sense of belonging, and will further strengthen the firm’s culture so that we can continue to deliver the best for our colleagues.”
The Hull team is currently based on the second floor of Redcliff Court.
Aon was advised by CBRE.
Specialist West Yorkshire engineering business snapped up
Carnell Group Holdings Ltd, the wholly owned subsidiary of Renew, the Engineering Services Group, has acquired Route One Holdings (Wakefield) Ltd for £5m.
Based in West Yorkshire, Route One is a multi-disciplinary specialist engineering business operating in the UK Highways sector providing end-to-end solutions for bridge deck maintenance and protection.
Route One has a number of long-term frameworks on the National Highways Scheme Delivery Frameworks across England.
A statement from Renew says: “The acquisition represents an excellent strategic fit for the Group. Route One will expand Carnell’s offering by adding new capabilities to the Group’s highways business, with particular expertise in bridge and structures maintenance and repairs.
“The UK Government’s planned investment in the next Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) from 2025 to 2030 will provide good growth opportunities, where the structures renewal programme has been identified as a key priority.”
