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Footgolf Charity Day returns and aims to double fundraising for two local charities

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

Footgolf Charity Day returns and aims to double fundraising for two local charities

The 360 Grassroots Foundation and Hull & East Yorkshire Powerchair Football Club are teaming up again for their third Footgolf Charity event – and organisers say it is going to be bigger and better than ever.

The two charities have raised over £3,000 in total over the last two years from the Footgolf Days. They have proven to be so popular that they are putting on two sessions during the day at their next event to double their fundraising efforts and give even more local businesses, individuals and families the opportunity to get involved.

Teams of four are now being invited to sign up to play nine holes of Footgolf at their next event in April 2024. All proceeds are split equally between both causes.

The 360 Grassroots Foundation supports under privileged and disadvantaged children to access grassroots sports in Hull while the Hull & East Yorkshire PFC, also known as the Electric Eels, aims to give disabled people of all ages and genders the chance to play powerchair football at a competitive or recreational level.

Andy Steele, director of 360 Chartered Accountants, which set up the 360 Grassroots Foundation, said: “The cost of running the Eels is increasing all the time and the 360 Grassroots Foundation is being inundated with requests to help children access sports who would otherwise have stopped playing because of the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have had in previous years. The money that we have raised so far has already been put to good use within the local community. The Footgolf Charity Days are so much fun.

“No-one takes themselves too seriously. You don’t need to have any football or golfing skills to take part. Just come along and have a great time. We would also appeal to people to donate prizes for our raffle to help us smash through our previous fundraising ceiling.”

Kai Gill, marketing and communications officer for the Hull & East Yorkshire PFC, said: “We are delighted to be announcing another footgolf event for the third year running. The past two have been greatly supported and everyone has spoken about how much they’ve enjoyed them.

“It made it an easy decision for both charities to continue for next year’s fundraising event and make it the best and biggest one yet. The funds raised are critical to both charities and help achieve their charitable aims and objectives.”

The Footgolf Charity Day will take place on Friday 26^th April 2024 at the National Avenue Footgolf Centre, Hull. Tee-off times are between 11am and 5pm. A buffet is included and refreshments will be available at the bar. To book your place, email events@360accountants.co.uk.

Leeds provider of assistance and insurance products to dispose of majority interest in business processes management company

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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Leeds provider of assistance and insurance products to dispose of majority interest in business processes management company

CPP Group, a Leeds-based provider of assistance and insurance products, has entered into an agreement with the founders of Globiva Services Private Ltd for the disposal of its majority interest in the company for an aggregate consideration of approximately £5.1 million.

CPP Group said: “Globiva is non-core to the Group following the announcement of its revised strategy and Change Management Programme (CMP) in October 2022 to transform the Group to an InsurTech business, led by Blink Parametric (Blink).”

CPP Group holds a 51% majority interest in Globiva, a business processes management company incorporated in India, with the other 49% of the shares beneficially owned by the three founders of Globiva, Navneet Gupta, Vikram Singh Nathawat, and Ashish Goyal, who continue to manage the business.

The sale and transfer of ownership will be conducted over a three-year period concluding in Q1 2027.

Simon Pyper, Group CEO, said: “The agreement we have reached with Globiva is consistent with our stated strategy and provides a positive outcome for both parties. This is another forward step as we simplify the Group and transform to an InsurTech business.”

£42m Station Gateway plans move towards final submission

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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£42m Station Gateway plans move towards final submission

Multi-million pound schemes to transform the centres of Harrogate, Selby and Skipton are moving forward to a key stage. Executive councillors are due to consider further details of the £42 million Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) projects, which will enhance access to transport hubs in all three towns. Revised proposals have been drawn up to reflect feedback from the public and local councillors. The plans are within budget estimations and will minimise construction disruption. Focused on value for money and local priorities, work on the plans paves the way for submission of final business cases to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA). Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, said: “We are now at a critical stage in the delivery of the three projects, which will be transformative for Harrogate, Selby and Skipton. “Our revised proposals focus on core elements with the most public support. The plans are affordable, deliverable and are built on extensive cross-party engagement with councillors. “We are being clear and realistic about what we can achieve now, and the measures we want to deliver in further stages. “This is positive progress that puts us in the best possible position to deliver this landmark package of investment while avoiding potential delays and navigating budget constraints. “It means we are ready to submit final business cases for the Selby and Skipton schemes next month, and for Harrogate as soon as is possible.” Funding options to deliver subsequent phases of the schemes are being identified, including under the new York and North Yorkshire mayoral combined authority. In Selby, it is proposed to focus on improving pedestrian and cycling access along Station Road and Ousegate, the new station access and car park to the east, along with improvements to the station building and the new plaza entrance into Selby Park. Other elements, including the underpass connection to Portholme Road, junction alterations at The Crescent and wider landscaping plans for Selby Park, would be brought forward as subsequent phases. In Skipton, it is proposed to deliver the canal path connection from the railway station to the cattle mart and college, and the walking route to the bus station, including Black Walk and a replacement Gallows Bridge. Improvements to the railway station car park would be brought forward at a later date. In Harrogate, the proposed scheme focuses on elements which gathered the most public support. This includes high-quality public realm improvements to Station Square and One Arch, improved access into the bus station and improved coordination of traffic signals. The possibility of a southbound segregated cycle lane on Station Parade, while retaining two lanes for motorised traffic, is also being explored. Wider cycling infrastructure improvements would be delivered under further stages of investment. Further detailed work on the Harrogate scheme is required prior to engagement with the public and formal consultation on traffic regulation orders next year.

Businesses launch new West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter

Tess Egginton

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27th November 2023

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Businesses launch new West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter

Over 40 businesses and organisations have pledged to improve the quality of work in West Yorkshire. The West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter was unveiled at an event at the University of Bradford by Mayor Tracy Brabin, to an audience of over 100 people. The charter was developed in partnership with local employers, trade unions and the region’s political leaders. Those signing up have committed to meaningful action across five categories of ‘Fair Work’, to help build a thriving economy that provides better pay, conditions and opportunities for all. The five categories ask local employers to provide ‘Opportunity’, ‘Security’, ‘Wellbeing’, ‘Fulfilment’, and a ‘Voice’ to their employees. The 45 employers who adopted the charter on the day of its launch include small, medium and large businesses such as Haribo, Suma Wholefoods, Huddersfield Town A.F.C, and the region’s five local authorities. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire is a region of grafters, and hard work should always be rewarded with fair pay and conditions. “This Charter was built by our workers, businesses and trade unions, who came together to show us what fair work looks like and set the standard for all employers in the region. “I’m incredibly grateful to all the brilliant businesses who’ve joined us already, and I know that hundreds more will help us build a stronger, brighter region.” The West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter aims to maximise the powers and funding devolved to the region, which allow for more tailored support for businesses to address low pay, improve access to good quality work, and promote skills and apprenticeships training to under-represented groups. It follows similar charters in other Mayoral Combined Authority areas such as Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region. However, the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter was specifically designed to be relevant and attractive to small and medium sized businesses, who make up 99% of employers in the region. A simple online form allows businesses to self-enrol and will ensure every employer in the region can take a “positive first step” towards fairer work. In recognition of the challenges that many businesses are facing, employers who join the charter will gain access to a community of businesses benefitting from additional support with growth, productivity, and raising employment standards sustainably. The Charter was developed in partnership with businesses and trade unions through a series of online surveys and in-person workshops, organised by a steering group appointed by the Mayor and spearheaded by Kate Hainsworth, CEO of the Leeds Community Foundation. Kate Hainsworth, CEO of the Leeds Community Foundation and Chair of the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter Steering Group, said: “Working on the Mayor’s charter with such dedicated and invested colleagues has been really challenging, and therefore the outcome is worthwhile and truly representative of what works for West Yorkshire’s employees and employers. “We learnt a lot from generous sharing by other charters, but mostly from businesses and individuals in our region. They told us plainly their experiences and hopes and listened hard to our aspiration and individuals’ stories. “From this, we’ve devised a model that is inclusive, welcoming businesses of all shapes, sizes, sectors and industries to join a collective drive for good jobs – providing security, fair pay and better prospects across West Yorkshire. “I see in my day job the difference when someone can secure a job like that, after previously being in vulnerable employment. It’s worth all our time to help achieve that difference, and all credit to the Mayor for seeing this through.”

Agri-tech startups could get better connected thanks to £1.5m grant

Stuart Pearcey

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27th November 2023

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Agri-tech startups could get better connected thanks to £1.5m grant

Moves to create a global agri-tech cluster in Great Lincolnshire have been given a significant boost with the award of a £1.5m grant to allow networking and growth of agri-tech start-ups, enabling them to connect with larger international agricultural and tech businesses. Agro-Tech Global is a partnership between the Universities of Lincoln, Cambridge and East Anglia, Cambridge Enterprise and Ceres Agri-Tech. Its aim is to develop a truly global Agri-Tech cluster in the Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglia region. Agri-Tech Global will also tackle the serious challenges faced by the industry from climate change to rising food prices and pressures within the supply chain. Leading the project is the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology at the University of Lincoln. LIAT is a truly inter-disciplinary specialist research institute bringing together sector-leading expertise in a diverse range of areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, crop science, environmental sustainability, food manufacturing, product development and supply chains. Professor Simon Pearson, Director of Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology, said: “The Greater Lincolnshire and East Anglian region has enormous potential for the development of a sustainable, affordable and forward-thinking agri-food cluster, not just for the UK but for the world. “There are many businesses in the area, both established and start-ups, that will benefit from the development of a global network in our region, as well as being able to share best practice and open up new avenues of agri-tech research.” Climate change is a continual concern within the Agri-food industry. The sector provides 3.9 million jobs and accounts for £129 billion of the UK economy, but this comes at the cost of being responsible for 24 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions. Agri-Tech Global hopes to play a major part in mitigating the damage that the sector causes to the environment by helping to create a more sustainable and economically viable future for the agri-food industry. Partner Ceres Agri-Tech, based at Cambridge Enterprise, provides translational funding and commercialisation expertise to drive agri-tech innovation by accelerating high-quality research to market. Director Dr Louise Sutherland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to evolve Ceres Agri-tech from a UK to an international network. “Agri-tech Global was formally launched in California with our key partners Western Growers and SVG Thrive. We look forward to collaborating with international partners to help exploit the global agri-tech opportunity for our universities and the region”.

York invites businesses to information event about growth packages

Stuart Pearcey

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27th November 2023

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York invites businesses to information event about growth packages

City of York Council is inviting local businesses to hear about a new package of support programmes to help businesses grow.

The new business support programmes are fully-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda which provides £2.6 billion of funding across the nation for local investment by March 2025. The programmes are as follows. Start & Grow – York: This programme, provided by Momentic, offers support to start-ups and businesses in their first stages of development, helping them assess their self-employment readiness and providing bespoke advice on topics including marketing, social media and web design. IGNITE Your Social Enterprise: The IGNITE programme, provided by Quantum Vantage, gives non-profits and social enterprises an extra boost through a programme of outreach, practical workshops, 1-2-1 support and coaching to help social enterprises secure investment, grow their delivery and scale their business. Open to those already running a project for social good, as well as those planning to start one, IGNITE will help social entrepreneurs fine-tune their vision and turn it into a force to be reckoned with. Innovate York: The Innovate York project, provided by the University of York, is a package of tailored workshops and specialist masterclasses for entrepreneurs and businesses in the City of York. The University will also deliver the ‘Women in Innovation’ Programme, supporting the city’s female-led businesses to realise their innovation potential. Decarbonising the business base in York: This programme, provided by Green Economy, offers expert advice and access to innovative technologies, in order to reduce businesses’ carbon footprints, identify and realise cost savings, improve efficiency and support the transition to greener, more sustainable business models. Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of City of York Council and Executive Member for Transport and Economy, said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming our city’s business community to this launch event. “We’ve committed in our council plan for the next 4 years, One City for All, to deliver a fair, thriving, green economy that works for all. The programmes we’re launching through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be vital in helping us achieve this ambition. “As a business owner, I know that the success of our local businesses is key to making our city an even better place to live and work by growing the economy, creating well-paid jobs and making the most of our highly-skilled workforce. “I’d encourage organisations of all shapes and sizes to take this opportunity to find out more about these fantastic support programmes which will help bring about a bright future for our city’s businesses.” If you would like to attend the free-to-attend launches at the Priory Street Centre on Thursday 7 December from 9.30am to midday, register for a free ticket online.

Manufacturers welcome Governments plans to boost the whole sector

Stuart Pearcey

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26th November 2023

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Manufacturers welcome Governments plans to boost the whole sector

Industry leaders from across UK advanced manufacturing have welcomed the Government’s landmark Advanced Manufacturing Plan backed by billions to boost Britain’s manufacturing sector, announced by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch today. The package of measures will build on our existing strengths in manufacturing and offer certainty to business by building on our successful programmes and committing more than £4.5 billion to 2030 in targeted funding to back the long-term future of the UK’s world leading industries as well as supporting SMEs through extending and expanding our Made Smarter digital adoption programme through this decade. The Plan outlines key measures to improve the business environment and attract investment, including faster grid connections, full expensing and more apprenticeships. Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said: “A battery strategy is very welcome and much needed. Having a joined-up battery plan in place will be critical for the UK economy to benefit fully from new technological opportunities going forward, and we must ensure that manufacturing involves the entire supply chain, right from design to manufacturing and recycling, closely connecting car and battery industries. “Recycling will also be very important to recover those critical materials that are essential for the low-carbon economy, and this joined up Advanced Manufacturing Plan will help deliver better coordination across the whole of the clean energy sectors.

“Make UK and industry will continue to work with the government on the practicalities of this plan, including how to incorporate manufacturing supply chains. These supply chains have a key role in supplying components and services for clean energy in the future low-carbon economy and we must ensure that the full potential is delivered to enable our companies to compete on the global stage.”

Karen Betts, Chief Exec at the Food and Drink Federation said: “The advanced manufacturing plan will provide critical support to the UK’s largest manufacturing sector in helping to unlock innovative investments in food and drink businesses. The £4.5billion of funding will help to derisk and incentivise investments focused on the transition to net zero and strengthening food security while the expansion of Made Smarter will particularly help SMEs. Making full expensing permanent will support businesses across the sector, boosting productivity and growth. Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry added: “We’ve long believed that the UK has the potential to be a world leader in advanced and sustainable medicines manufacturing. This £520 million in support announced by the government will supercharge UK life sciences manufacturing, combatting the increasing international competition to attract major manufacturing investment.

“Added to our existing strengths and technical expertise in manufacturing innovation, this announcement is a major step forward in delivering on our shared ambitions for long term growth.”

NFU meets Natwest to press for changes to ‘oversimplified’ greenhouse gas tracker

Stuart Pearcey

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24th November 2023

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NFU meets Natwest to press for changes to ‘oversimplified’ greenhouse gas tracker

The NFU has met NatWest over concerns about an ‘oversimplified’ message on its greenhouse gas tracker, which has promised a review of its app as a result. First reported in The Telegraph, NatWest’s banking app gives customers a personalised carbon footprint score each month, and has been suggesting that customers cut red meat out of their diet and drink plant-based milks as a measure to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The NFU has offered its support in developing this message and have reiterated that British livestock and dairy farmers are some of the most greenhouse gas efficient in the world, as well being custodians of large swathes of iconic landscapes, with grass fields providing important habitats for biodiversity and vital carbon reserves in our soils. NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said he had ben encouraged by NatWest’s responsiveness following its recent meeting with the NFU and their subsequent content review of their greenhouse gas tracker. “It is positive to see NatWest’s willingness to learn, and we are committed to continuing to work with the banking sector to ensure they fully understand and work alongside the agriculture sector when it comes to reducing emissions and supporting resilient, sustainable businesses. “British meat and dairy are among the most sustainable in the world, with UK beef emissions less than half the global average. Red meat and dairy are also recognised as an essential part of a healthy diet, being naturally rich sources of protein and calcium and providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin B12.” Ultimately, the NFU urges the banking industry to keep a balanced message when making any recommendations to its customers and recognise the important role British farmers and growers have in the transition towards a sustainable economy and the work they are doing, and will continue to do, to facilitate this movement. The NFU says oversimplified messages miss the nuance of the path to a sustainable food system, and have highlighted the damage such recommendations could do to the British red meat and dairy sectors, adding that NatWest has recognised its concerns and the view that such recommendations do not support British agriculture and hugely oversimplify a very complex message. The NatWest Agriculture team has assured the NFU that they are working closely with the Digital Banking team to ensure that a more balanced message is provided via its app.

Professional services firm to relocate to new office in Leeds

Tess Egginton

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24th November 2023

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Professional services firm to relocate to new office in Leeds

Aon plc, a global professional services firm, plans to relocate its advisory team in Leeds to a new office at South Central.

Aon has agreed a 10-year lease on the 4,500 square foot office, which is based on the first floor of the newly refurbished South Central building. Approximately 70 advisory colleagues will relocate from Aon’s Embankment office to the new site in January 2024.

Ted Winterbottom, programme, project and change manager for Aon in Leeds, said: “The advisory team is looking forward to starting 2024 with a move to their new South Central office.

“Our criteria, when seeking new premises, focused on sustainability, colleague wellbeing and a location that offered great transport links and easy access to Leeds City Centre. South Central more than fulfilled our wishlist.

“South Central’s numerous sustainable features and EPC:A rating is recognised in our Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) commitments, and the facilities it offers will support our colleagues’ wellbeing.

“The new office also aligns with Aon’s Smart Working strategy, providing colleagues with a flexible and collaborative working environment to deliver the best service for our clients.”

The internal fit-out is underway to create an open plan space for colleagues with meeting rooms, co-working hubs and break-out areas.

Aon was advised by agent CBRE and solicitor Heald Nickinson Solicitors.

Leeds wins bid to keep UKREiiF in the city

Tess Egginton

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24th November 2023

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Leeds wins bid to keep UKREiiF in the city

Following an exploration of potential host cities, the organisers behind The UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum have announced that it will remain in Leeds for the foreseeable future. UKREiiF is set to gather 10,000-12,000 delegates in 2024 and raise £20m for the local economy through visitor spend – and due to this growth UKREiiF’s team had explored potential options including Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. But following this exploratory process the organisers have announced Leeds will host the event into the future in addition to hosting the event in the city between May 21st and 23rd in 2024. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are delighted that UKREiiF is staying here in Leeds and we are proud to be able to enable this Leeds based scale up, as it continues to realise its rapid growth. “UKREiiF represents a significant platform for highlighting the city and our dedication to fostering innovation, inclusive growth and resilience. It demonstrates the art of the possible when private and public sector come together, working in tandem with industry leaders and fellow innovators, to drive positive change with a more diverse delegation. “Hosting the largest real estate conference of its kind in the UK is a testament to the growing reputation of Leeds and West Yorkshire allowing us to showcase our region’s vibrant economy, our regeneration market, and development opportunities; together with our ambitions for a healthier, greener and inclusive future for the city. “We’ve been blown away by the positive feedback about the city from the many thousands of delegates we have welcomed each year, and we look forward to extending a warm Yorkshire welcome to many more, as UKREiiF continues to go from strength to strength. “People knew about us, and the success of the last few years, but they really know our story now and we are delighted to showcase this work, our changing city and the ambitions we have for the future.” Chief Executive of UKREiiF, Keith Griffiths said: “I must firstly thank all of the shortlisted cities for their interest in hosting UKREiiF – we saw some excellent venues and potential sites for UKREiiF and any of them could have successfully hosted UKREiiF, especially with the support of the fantastic teams we met along the way showing how important public and private sector collaboration is. “But overall we felt Leeds, with some really exciting propositions for growth, was the right city to host UKREiiF building on what we expect to be an excellent event in 2024.”

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