Government picks West Yorkshire to be UK’s third Investment Zone

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Government picks West Yorkshire to be UK’s third Investment Zone
England’s third Investment Zone will be focussed on Huddersfield, Bradford, and Leeds, creating more than 2,500 new jobs across the region over the next five years, and unlocking up to £220 million in investment, the Government has announced. The Chancellor is also confirming the Investment Zones programme in England will be extended from five to 10 years, with the envelope of government funding and tax reliefs on offer now doubled to £160 million. Growing the economy and making the long-term decisions to deliver the change the country needs is a priority for the Prime Minister. The announcements today are part of wider plans expected in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement this week where he will reveal reforms to reignite growth by unlocking more private investment and getting people back into work. West Yorkshire will host one of 12 Investment Zones across the UK. It’s based around the region’s universities in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield and the cluster of life sciences businesses thriving in the area. This includes the pioneering health tech company, Paxman Scalp Cooling, which supports patients to minimise hair loss during chemotherapy by manufacturing specialist hair caps. It is investing £5 million to bring their innovative health tech products to global markets and alongside it, the digital healthcare company Dedalus is investing £21 million to deliver digital and diagnostic tools for the NHS. As a result of the Investment Zone, revamped sites specialising in health tech and digital will open up around West Yorkshire, unlocking over 2,500 jobs and over £220 million of investment across the region over the next five years. This can be used flexibly between spending on interventions such as skills, research and development and local infrastructure, dependent on local need, and tax incentives such as 100% Stamp Duty Land Tax relief, an enhanced structures and buildings allowance at a rate of 10% per annum, an enhanced 100% first-year capital allowance, employer National Insurance Contributions relief, and 100% business rates relief. Alongside this, the window to claim Freeport tax reliefs in England will be extended from five to ten years until September 2031, providing greater certainty to businesses looking to invest, delivering growth and jobs, and levelling up the economy. The UK Government will work with the Scottish and Welsh governments with the intention of delivering the same extension to Investment Zones and Freeports in Scotland and Wales and will continue to work with stakeholders on how best to support investment in Northern Ireland. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “We know that devolution is working for West Yorkshire and this new investment zone is further recognition of that from the government. “Home to NHS England, our region’s digital and health tech businesses are driving forward innovation and transforming the lives of patients world-wide. “This investment is a massive vote of confidence in our top-tier universities and talented graduates and will help our mission to build a stronger, brighter region that works for all.” The West Yorkshire Life Sciences Investment Zone will benefit from a range of interventions which include skills training and business support to encourage more business investment. The plan will boost innovation in the area’s thriving healthcare sector and create a talent pipeline at the forefront of technological advances.

Pensana and Yorkshire Energy Park sign letter of intent for magnet metal site

Stuart Pearcey
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Pensana and Yorkshire Energy Park sign letter of intent for magnet metal site
Pensana and The Yorkshire Energy Park have signed a letter of intent for the site of a future permanent magnet metal facility within the park, alongside the Saltend Chemicals Park in the Humber Freeport. By 2030 the UK is expected to have transitioned from being a major European producer of internal combustion engines to being a world leader in the manufacture of electric drive units, but without a secure magnet metal supply chain, this transition is under threat. As part of its plans to establish an independent supply chain for magnet metals, Pensana is currently undertaking studies into the conversion of rare earth oxides into magnet metals using electric furnaces powered by offshore wind. The letter of intent with YEP covers the proposed site as well as the supply of zero carbon electricity and a range of bespoke facilities for the processing of rare earths in magnet metals, R&D and supply chain activities. The event was also attended by the Vice Chancellor of Lincoln University, which is working with Pensana and YEP to create a regional specialised centre of engineering excellence, training and higher education on YEP for the Humber region. Paul Atherley, Pensana Chairman, said: ”The partnership between YEP and Pensana is part of a broader study being undertaken to demonstrate how the UK can draw on its chemical engineering heritage and by connecting to offshore wind to create resilient supply chains to support the UK’s automotive sector in its transition from a major producer of internal combustion engines to be a world leader in the manufacture of electric drive units.” Chris Turner, YEP Chairman, added: “We welcome the opportunity to deepen our collaboration with Pensana and the University of Lincoln on this nationally significant project. It represents another milestone for YEP and the Humber Freeport in delivering a zero carbon/advanced technology industrial cluster on the Humber.”

Keighley and Doncaster to share in levelling up funding of £1bn

Stuart Pearcey
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Keighley and Doncaster to share in levelling up funding of £1bn
Keighley is to get £19.8 million to boost its strong manufacturing heritage iunder a new allocation of levelling up funding. It will contribute towards a new Advanced Robotics and Engineering Institute to support the expansion of the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. The money is part of £1bn awarded to 55 transformational projects in communities across the UK, including breathing new life into treasured heritage and culture buildings in three former mining communities in Doncaster. As part of this, £150 million will be allocated to develop better transport links across the country with £825 million to kick-start regeneration in town centres. This will create new jobs and opportunities, power economic growth and revitalise communities. Levelling up Secretary Michael Gove said: “Levelling up means delivering local people’s priorities and bringing transformational change in communities that have, for too long, been overlooked and undervalued.

“This funding sits alongside our wider initiatives to spread growth, through devolving more money and power out of Westminster to towns and cities, putting in place bespoke interventions to places that need it most, and our Long-Term Plan for Towns.”

Funding is spread across all corners of Great Britain, with the North West receiving £128 million, the North East £59 million, Yorkshire and the Humber £169 million and the Midlands £171 million in total. The government has drawn on the impressive pool of bids which narrowly missed out on funding in round two but were assessed as high-quality and able to deliver quickly.

New collaboration allows green breakthrough in powering holiday homes

Stuart Pearcey
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0
New collaboration allows green breakthrough in powering holiday homes
Holiday homes manufacturer Willerby and technology pioneer Sunamp have revealed how they worked together to achieve a green breakthrough for the industry. The two companies have collaborated to overcome a major barrier which has prevented holiday parks moving power supply from liquid petroleum gas to cleaner, greener electricity. The partnership has played a vital role in the development of the ground-breaking Willerby All-E specification, which enables Willerby models powered solely by electricity to be sited on most holiday parks across the UK. Development of the Willerby All-E system stems from teamwork between Willerby and Sunamp, a leader in thermal storage technology which this year received a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for its excellence in innovation. Sunamp‘s space-saving thermal battery stores heat from lower carbon energy sources, such as solar panels or a smart grid, before releasing it for mains pressure hot water. Up to four times smaller than a regular hot water cylinder, Sunamp’s thermal batteries are typically installed in places where a traditional water tank would not fit, such as apartments and smaller homes. That means they are also ideal to be accommodated in holiday homes where space is at a premium. The Willerby All-E system has been developed by Willerby’s in-house technical and product development teams, with Sunamp’s technology playing a critical part in resolving a key challenge.

Boost for life sciences sector as West Yorkshire hosts England’s third Investment Zone

Tess Egginton
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0
Boost for life sciences sector as West Yorkshire hosts England’s third Investment Zone
The government has today (20 November) launched England’s third Investment Zone in West Yorkshire focussed on Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds, which will help to create more than 2,500 new jobs across the region over the next five years, and could unlock £220 million in investment. The Chancellor has also confirmed the Investment Zones programme in England will be extended from five to 10 years, with the envelope of government funding and tax reliefs on offer now doubled to £160 million. West Yorkshire will host one of 12 Investment Zones across the UK. It’s based around the region’s universities in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield and the cluster of life sciences businesses thriving in the area. This includes the pioneering health tech company, Paxman Scalp Cooling, which supports patients to minimise hair loss during chemotherapy by manufacturing specialist hair caps. It is investing £5 million to bring their innovative health tech products to global markets and alongside it, the digital healthcare company Dedalus is investing £21 million to deliver digital and diagnostic tools for the NHS. As a result of the Investment Zone, revamped sites specialising in health tech and digital will open up around West Yorkshire, unlocking over 2,500 jobs and over £220 million of investment across the region over the next five years. This can be used flexibly between spending on interventions such as skills, research and development and local infrastructure, dependent on local need, and tax incentives such as 100% Stamp Duty Land Tax relief, an enhanced structures and buildings allowance at a rate of 10% per annum, an enhanced 100% first-year capital allowance, employer National Insurance Contributions relief, and 100% business rates relief. Alongside this, the window to claim Freeport tax reliefs in England will be extended from five to ten years until September 2031, providing greater certainty to businesses looking to invest, delivering growth and jobs, and levelling up the economy. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “We know that devolution is working for West Yorkshire and this new investment zone is further recognition of that from the government. “Home to NHS England, our region’s digital and health tech businesses are driving forward innovation and transforming the lives of patients world-wide. “This investment is a massive vote of confidence in our top-tier universities and talented graduates and will help our mission to build a stronger, brighter region that works for all.” The West Yorkshire Life Sciences Investment Zone will benefit from a range of interventions which include skills training and business support to encourage more business investment. The plan will boost innovation in the area’s thriving healthcare sector and create a talent pipeline at the forefront of technological advances.

2 Sisters makes historic pledge in Coronation Food Project

Stuart Pearcey
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0
2 Sisters makes historic pledge in Coronation Food Project

2 Sisters Food Group President and owner Ranjit Singh Boparan has joined senior leaders from the UK food industry this week in a historic pledge in support of the Coronation Food Project.

It encourages food manufacturers like 2 Sisters, which operates in Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Leeds and Sheffield, to join FareShare’s innovative “Alliance Manufacturing” programme to redistribute even more surplus food to charities.

Mr Boparan said: “This project is a testament to the King and signals a significant step-up in the way our sector can support those in need. We’re leveraging the power of a formidable alliance of manufacturers and retailers never seen before, and I am delighted to be able to play a big role in delivering meals for those who most need it.”

“It is astonishing to realise that in the UK in 2023 people are struggling to feed themselves at a level not seen before. This cannot be right. It’s our moral responsibility to come together and drive change at this difficult time. Nobody should be going to sleep on an empty stomach. This is just the start of a journey and I’ll be working with my partner customers, FareShare and the IGD to ensure we grow this initiative in the months ahead.”

The Project intends to provide even more food to support the 13 million people in the UK experiencing food insecurity by targeting all forms of waste in the food supply chain and building on the food industry’s existing initiatives to redistribute surplus food to charities.

The Alliance Manufacturing programme, a vital element of the Project, seeks to unlock more surplus food for redistribution by bringing project members together to share their surplus, underutilised and donated resources in all forms – food, packaging, labour hours, and factory/distribution capacity. The central idea is that each resource in isolation has a limited impact. Still, new food sources can be efficiently created by combining them across multiple businesses along all parts of the supply chain.

 By joining forces to promote best practices and teamwork across the industry, the goal of the Coronation Food Project is to reduce and redistribute surplus food waste, unlocking even greater social and environmental impact.

 George Wright, CEO of FareShare, said: “The response from the food industry leaders and their teams has been incredible. I shared the idea with them, and they’ve really taken it on, working together to make it a reality. The food is already getting to our charities – school clubs, community centres and a whole spectrum of support services – and with so many families impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, it is making a difference already. We are all incredibly grateful to them. And it’s just the start. If everyone in the food industry joins the alliance, no matter how large or small, the combined force would be game-changing. If you’re reading this and you want to join, please email ceo@fareshare.org.uk.”

Business leaders endorse North Yorkshire plans for economic growth

Stuart Pearcey
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Business leaders endorse North Yorkshire plans for economic growth
Plans to accelerate economic growth across North Yorkshire as part of a five-year Economic Growth Strategy have been endorsed by the county’s business leaders. The strategy will see North Yorkshire Council establishing a leading role in proposals to create a carbon-negative economy, maximise investment, support business growth, increase innovation and productivity and fire up the jobs and skills agenda. With delivery both by the council and by working with other agencies, the strategy aims to improve the quality of life for the county’s 615,000 residents and 32,000 businesses. York and North Yorkshire Federation of Small Businesses development manager Carolyn Frank said: “Businesses will welcome the joined-up approach recommended in the strategy, and the ambitions outlined, but will be focused on the ‘making it happen’ steps to follow. “There is widespread economic uncertainty and it is crucial that the council works in partnership with business owners of all sizes to make sure that North Yorkshire continues to be a great place to do business, with businesses and self-employed needs understood. “There are many exciting opportunities ahead through devolution and these will only be realised by the public and private sectors working in partnership. In a turbulent economy and time of rapid change, a strategy can only make a lasting difference if the implementation is action-oriented, agile and impact focused.” York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce President Sarah Czarnechi, added: “As we transition into a mayoral combined authority, we need to be bold and ambitious as a region. This will need both of our councils to harness North Yorkshire’s assets and forge new strengths to create a future-facing economy that works for everyone.” The strategy sets out measures to equip town centres so they can thrive through the 21st century by investment in transport, housing, digital and energy infrastructure, and ensure residents have the skills needed to meet these aspirations. Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman, said: “Adopting our economic growth strategy comes at one of the most exciting times in the county’s history – a new unitary authority has been created and devolution is approaching. “With a range of factors creating economic uncertainty and inequalities across the new council’s geography it is a necessity that we have a clear, focused set of priorities to drive our economic development ambition. “We have the opportunity to take the lead on tackling economic challenges and maximise investment from the private sector, government and funding agencies, as well as looking to improve the infrastructure of the county where we can. We are home to a vast array of businesses and want to see our specialisms grow – including renewable energy generation, agritech, food and drink, and, of course, our visitor economy. “A clear strategic framework on which to build a fit-for-purpose delivery model for the new council means we will be well placed to proactively drive future economic growth across the area and the North.” Cllr Bastiman said the strategy also outlines the key role that area constituency committees (ACCs) will play in its implementation. Engagement with local communities through these committees will help to develop local economic action plans to meet local challenges while contributing to the council’s overall aim to support communities to work together to improve their local area.

Unity Homes and Enterprise makes new board appointments

Tess Egginton
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Unity Homes and Enterprise makes new board appointments
Four new members have joined the board of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, which manages almost 1,400 affordable properties for around 5,000 tenants in Leeds and Kirklees.  Mahara Haque has worked as a community development specialist for more than a decade and has a wide range of board experience including with housing associations and in the NHS.  Moreen Pascal has had a career in business support services, local government and the voluntary and community sectors mainly in London and Hertfordshire, where her focus has been on social justice initiatives in the community, leadership performance and workforce development. Nasim Qureshi has been the chief executive officer at Inspired Neighbourhoods Group for 14 years, and brings considerable experience in the housing, health and social care and enterprise sectors. Abdul Ravat has previously served on the board of Unity’s not for profit subsidiary company, Unity Enterprise, and has accumulated three decades of experience in housing and regeneration. Abdul Hamied, Unity Homes and Enterprise interim chair, said: “I am excited to welcome our four new members who will each bring their own unique skillsets and experiences to the board table together with a shared commitment to Unity’s social purpose.  “We are proud of the work we do, not just as a provider of first class affordable homes but also in supporting local entrepreneurial activity and providing bridges to employment and training.  “Unity has exciting plans in place and in development which my new colleagues will have key roles in advancing in the months and years ahead.”          Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise chief executive, said: “One of Unity’s great strengths as a community-based organisation is our eagerness to listen to different voices and implement innovative ideas in the quest to improve people’s lives.  “The new board members will make significant strategic contributions to what we do and how we do it for the betterment of local neighbourhoods. “They are excellent appointments and, on behalf of the senior management team, I look forward to working closely with them all.”

Climate tech firm receives support package from UK’s national innovation agency

Tess Egginton
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Climate tech firm receives support package from UK’s national innovation agency

Climate tech firm Pirta is receiving a package of support from the UK’s national innovation agency to accelerate the development of its revolutionary cooling paint.

Yorkshire-based Pirta is on a mission to combat climate change through the development of passive cooling technology. Founders Howard and Rob Atkin have created a radically innovative solar cooling paint which reflects more than 93% of total solar energy while averaging 99% reflectance in the visible spectrum.

The technology holds immense commercial potential across many sectors — including construction, shipping, logistics, agriculture and energy industries — looking to slash emissions from energy dependent cooling systems.

Following rigorous testing at the University of Leeds and Mahatma Gandhi University in India – involving more than 1,000 samples – Pirta is now ramping up activity with backing from Innovate UK EDGE, a key part of the UK innovation agency’s deep investment in pioneering businesses.

Pirta R&D director Rob Atkin said Innovate UK EDGE is playing an instrumental role opening up a global innovation ecosystem, and supporting it with finance mechanisms, strategic planning and internationalisation.

“We’ve received terrific support from Innovate UK EDGE for the last 18 months,” said Mr Atkin. “The collaboration enabled one of our major breakthroughs, after being introduced to the renowned CPI (Centre for Process Innovation) in Redcar.

“The CPI was set up by the UK Government to reposition the Northeast UK on the world stage for Research and Development. Essentially, it helps companies develop, prove, prototype and scale-up new products and processes by providing access to facilities, expertise and networks of public and private funders.

“Through this connection, we carried out foundational work, including a feasibility study exploring ideal materials and improved processes to take our product to market. This provided a springboard to our rigorous testing programme in the UK and India.”

Innovate UK EDGE has further introduced Pirta to a series of organisations including construction firm LNT Group, the Smith Institute, Energy Systems Catapult, Global Centre for Rail Excellence and Civil Water Management – while opening the floor to present their business case at the regional partner meeting for Innovate UK, the parent organisation for Innovate UK EDGE.

Earlier this year Pirta was also hand-selected by Innovate UK to join a special programme accelerating tech solutions capable of supporting Singapore’s net zero ambitions. The Harrogate firm joined 15 other British firms at the Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) Net Zero Singapore 2023. This included pitching sessions and high-level meetings with government officials, key industry players, NGOs and academia.

Senior innovation & growth specialist for Innovate UK EDGE, Chantelle Brandon Reeves said: “Pirta is an ideal case study perfectly illustrating the sort of innovative start-ups we want to support.

“It offers a creative solution to help tackle some of the greatest challenges of our time including the heat crisis, climate change, the energy transition and the race to net zero. As a technology it has huge scale-up potential across multiple industries and market segments worldwide.

“Throughout our coaching, we have seen Pirta growing from strength to strength. When our support tools are met with ambition and dedication we are able to maximise growth potential.

“For instance, we have had particular success helping Pirta with strategic planning through the use of our business model canvas tool, which compelled senior management to delve into vital elements of business such as cost structure, roles and responsibilities, sales channels, and strategic partners.

“It has also concentrated focus on the business’s vision, operational approach, and value creation for stakeholders. Together, we have broken down priorities into manageable segments to produce clear strategic pathways for growth.”

Plans revealed for 5,000-seater stadium in Sheffield

Tess Egginton
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Plans revealed for 5,000-seater stadium in Sheffield
Sheffield FC, The World’s First football club, and Sheffield Eagles, the city’s professional rugby league club, have revealed detailed plans for a new 5,000-seater stadium as part of a joint venture between the clubs. The new stadium, which will be based at the former Sheffield Transport Sports Club site at Meadowhead, will encompass professional football and rugby league facilities as well as a cricket pavilion, a football museum and an indoor community sports hall. It is planned that the site will become an international visitor attraction for football and rugby league fans alike and provide an insight into the history and heritage of both clubs. The comprehensive stadium development scheme will offer access to high-quality sporting events, educational opportunities, recreational facilities, social amenities, business prospects, and an array of community programmes. Sheffield FC, which was formed in 1857, has submitted a planning pre-application to Sheffield City Council with a full application set to be submitted in January. Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims said: “Welcome to a new era of Sheffield FC, the world’s first football club. “We are pleased to announce our vision for the future: a new stadium back in the Steel City, a joint venture with Sheffield Eagles and a world-class facility, which will benefit the whole community. “Following years of discussions, we are finally starting to see our plans really gathering pace and have a fantastic project team who are totally committed to making our supporters’ dreams turn into reality. “This will be somewhere to which the football’s three billion fans can make a pilgrimage and pay homage to the city which gave the world the beautiful game as well as a venue for the local community to utilise and enjoy a variety of sports. “It doesn’t matter whether you support Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield FC or Sheffield Eagles this is about being proud of the region’s sporting heritage and making it a hub for sporting excellence and community engagement in Sheffield and the South Yorkshire region. “Our target is for the project to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. We need everyone to get behind this and once and for all put Sheffield sport well and truly on the map.” Sheffield Eagles director of rugby, Mark Aston said: “Sheffield Eagles are very excited to be part of this joint venture with Sheffield FC and to be at the heart of this world-class development, which at the heart will have a stadium that meets the Super League criteria to assist us in our aim to return to the top flight. “Sheffield Eagles have grown immensely in the last three years thanks to the work of the Eagles Foundation and the planned facilities will also be a home for our Women’s, Wheelchair, Learning Disability and Physical Disability teams. It will also allow us to further develop homegrown talent and provide a base for our already large community programme. “The development will bring very valuable sporting facilities to the Sheffield sports scene and open up several opportunities for sports outside of football and rugby league to be involved and provide enjoyment as both spectators and participants. “With Sheffield FC being the world’s first football club and Sheffield Eagles about to celebrate its 40th anniversary, both clubs have an enormous amount of heritage to bring together and I am pleased that the plans will see that history captured under one roof. “With league positions making up only 20 per cent of the RFL’s Club Grading Scoring matrix, the development of facilities and the ability to improve our commercial footing and build a solid base for the community aspects of our operation are an absolute priority for us. This development gives us an opportunity to drastically improve our grading and we hope that the entire city can get behind and share in the initiative!”
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