Festive footfall booms in Leeds after introduction of Christmas market

Stuart Pearcey
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Festive footfall booms in Leeds after introduction of Christmas market
The arrival of a new Christmas market has sparked a festive footfall boom in Leeds city centre, new figures have revealed. Since the launch of the city’s new seasonal market three weeks ago, the city centre has enjoyed its three busiest days since 2019, with huge spikes in the numbers of people visiting a number of key locations.
Specialist cameras, which tally numbers in eight areas including Briggate, The Headrow and Albion Street, have recorded a total footfall of 5,642,691 from November 24 until December 17, an increase of 13.6% on the same period last year. Saturday, November 25, the day after the Christmas market launched, saw the city centre enjoy its busiest day since 2019, with more than 57,000 people on Briggate, one of the city’s top shopping hotspots. Across the whole year to date, total city centre footfall for 2023 is also 2.5% up on the same period in 2022. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “The new Christmas market is clearly a huge incentive for people to come and experience what Leeds has to offer over the festive season and it’s wonderful that it’s been such a successful catalyst for the incredible buzz we’re seeing across the city centre right now. “There’s no doubt the financial circumstances we’re facing as a council have meant we’ve had to think differently about how we can make Christmas in Leeds feel special and we’re incredibly proud of what’s been accomplished. “By working innovatively with our partners, we’ve been able to bring a Christmas market to Leeds which not only makes the most of the fabulous public spaces we now have, but which is being delivered at no cost to the council and which is now having a major, tangible impact on the city centre as a whole.” For the first time in Leeds, the Christmas market has seen stalls and attractions spread out across 13 different areas of the city centre, with a range of traditional, timber, seasonal stalls decked out in festive lighting and featuring international, UK, Yorkshire and Leeds traders. Popular Christmas-themed outdoor bar areas have also been situated on Briggate, Quebec Street and Dortmund Square. The market has been delivered by Marketplace Europe, one of the UK’s largest Christmas market operators, at no cost to Leeds City Council. Also proving a huge draw this year has been the Ice Cube open air ice rink on Millennium Square, with public skating sessions seeing a 22% rise in bookings on the same period last year, with an extra 3,366 skaters taking to the ice.

Chamber announces Construction and Property Awards finalists

Stuart Pearcey
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Chamber announces Construction and Property Awards finalists
Finalists for the Greater Lincolnshire Construction and Property Awards 2024 have been announced by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and headline sponsor, Wilmott Dixon. Taking place on Thursday 1st February at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lincoln, the awards are being hosted by comedian, actor, and presenter Lloyd Griffith. Simon Beardsley, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We receive a very high standard of applications year-on-year and we thank every business who showed their interest and took the time to apply. “The judges were very impressed by the applications this year. All finalists should be extremely proud, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements with them in February next year.” The finalists are: Apprentice/Young Achiever of the Year – Sponsored by Lincoln College
  • Jess Melton – Simons Design
  • Justin Sturgess – Nave Plumbing & Heating
  • Conor Penlington – Waldeck Consulting
  • Liam Flower – Lindum Group
  • Alex Wilding – Starglaze windows and Conservatories Ltd
  • Katie Nesbitt – Kier Design and Business Services
Development Project (OVER £5million) – Sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau
  • BSP Consulting – The Hub and College, Horncastle
  • Longhurst Group – Caxton Place, Boston
  • Lincolnshire County Council – Lincolnshire Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Programme
Development Project (UNDER £5million) – Sponsored by Waldeck
  • Studio Map Limited – Iconinc Todson House
  • Core Architects – Mosaic Phase 2
  • Stirlin – Oxley House, Louth
  • Viridis Building Services – Blenkin Memorial Hall Boston
Residential Project of the Year (three or more units)
  • Longhurst Group – Caxton Place, Boston
  • Clarke Group Construction Ltd – Frampton West Development
  • Seagate Homes – Tower Gardens – Holbeach
Architecture/Design Consultant of the Year
  • Simons Design
  • Waldeck Consulting
  • YMD Boon Ltd
Other sponsors include Evolve Geo-Environmental, CE Midlands, Virdis Building Services Ltd, and R G Carter, with sponsorship opportunities still available. Simon added: “I wish the best of luck to all the finalists and we will see you as part of the Awards ceremony in 2024.”

Acquisition makes Leeds-based property consultancy into UK’s largest

Stuart Pearcey
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Acquisition makes Leeds-based property consultancy into UK’s largest
Leeds-headquartered Eddisons has become one of the country’s largest property auction houses by volume after acquiring SDL Property Auctions in a deal worth up to £3.25m. Led by MD Andrew Parker, Nottingham-based SDL Property Auctions sells residential and commercial properties across the UK, offering around 2,000 lots for sale annually. Employing 46 people, the firm is particularly active in the South East, Midlands and Scotland, complementing Eddisons’ property auction strengths in Yorkshire and the North West. The acquisition builds on Eddisons’ auction business, which trades under the Pugh and Mark Jenkinson brands, with SDL Property Auctions set to integrate with the Eddisons team post-acquisition. Eddisons managing partner Anthony Spencer said: “This acquisition significantly increases the scale of our auction business, and I look forward to working with Andy and the team. “This is the fourth acquisition of the year for Eddisons and we continue to seek further opportunities for expansion across the UK.”
Eddisons’ strategy of increasing the scale and quality of its business, both organically and through acquisitions, has seen the firm increase turnover from £20m in 2020 to more than £40m this year. The SDL Property Auctions deal follows previous acquisitions this year of Sheffield auctioneer Mark Jenkinson in March, Lincoln-based consultancy Banks Long & Co in May and last month’s acquisition of Andrew Forbes Surveyors in Bristol. Mr Parkeradded: “Through our team of talented people who place our clients’ interests at the forefront of everything we do, SDL Property Auctions has developed an award- winning reputation for selling property by auction. “We are excited to be joining Eddisons and I look forward to working with like-minded individuals to develop the opportunities that the deal presents.”

Doncaster solicitor merges two offices into one at Lakeside

Stuart Pearcey
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Doncaster solicitor merges two offices into one at Lakeside
Almost 100 employees based in two Doncaster offices run by Switalskis hare coming together into one office suite. The new 5,500 sq feet premises will house 94 people from’ two Doncaster offices the firm replaces its Hall Gate and Sidings Court offices with the modern workspace set within the Lakeside Business Park. The move comes exactly three years after Switalskis acquired Doncaster-based Atherton Godfrey, which previously occupied the Hall Gate office. Sarah Naylor, Director at Switalskis, said: “We’re all looking forward to moving into our new premises. It’s fantastic to combine our two existing Doncaster offices to bring together our staff and we eagerly anticipate working together in our new workspace. Our move shows our dedication to best serving our clients in the area and beyond. We look forward to welcoming clients and visitors to our new home.” MD John Durkan added: “This marks an important and final phase of a very carefully planned integration following our acquisition of Atherton Godfrey. Bringing our people together at one site will further encourage collaboration – the sharing of expertise, best practice, and connections. This will be of huge benefit to our people, our clients and our business.”

Former pub has to be demolished because it had become unsafe

Stuart Pearcey
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Former pub has to be demolished because it had become unsafe
A former Sheffield city centre pub is to be demolished after it was deemed unsafe following investigations when work was being carried out to remove asbestos from The Market Tavern, on Exchange Street/. It was discovered that the building’s chimneys were structurally unstable with a risk that they could impact on safe access from the neighbouring Mudford Building, currently used by the Andalus Community Group. During work to make take down the chimneys a further assessment of the former pub was carried out by Building Control and, unfortunately, the whole building was deemed unsafe and requires full demolition. Officers from Sheffield City Council have been in constant contact with the Andalus Community Group providing them with temporary alternative accommodation.  Following initial safety works they have now been able to resume occupation of the Mudford Building. Sean McClean, Director of Regeneration and Development at Sheffield City Council, said: “Safety must be our number one priority when it comes to the buildings in Sheffield and, unfortunately, we have been left with no option but to demolish The Market Tavern as it has been found to be unsafe. “Contractors have been working to remove the chimneys and demolition work on the whole building is due to start in the next few weeks. I want to take this opportunity to thank Andalus Community Group for their understanding and cooperation over the last few weeks.”

Forgemasters buys extra building to house rising staff numbers

Stuart Pearcey
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Forgemasters buys extra building to house rising staff numbers
An office building close to Meadowhall has been acquired by Sheffield Forgemasters to house staff working on company’s new 13,000-tonne forging line and proposed machining facility The 10,000 sq ft, two-storey Riverside Court complex at the junction of Brightside Lane and Weedon Street will become a new base for project leaders and associated contractors working on the transformational project. With the company undertaking a multimillion-pound recapitalisation project, its workforce has almost doubled through on-site contractors, making space a premium at the existing 64-acre site. Steve Marshall, manufacturing transformation director, said: “The purchase of offices at Riverside Court offsets demands that the recapitalisation programme will place on existing facilities. “Our employee count is more than 600 and contractors are set to number almost 500, so additional offices and car parking are essential to maintain productivity without any impact on our major recapitalisation works.” Knight Frank’s Sheffield’s agency team, headed up by Peter Whiteley, acted for the owners of Riverside Court. Whiteley, partner and head of office at Knight Frank, said: “Sheffield Forgemasters is investing in the city of Sheffield through its recapitalisation project, bringing employment, commercial and property opportunities. “It was important for the company to house the relevant staff on one site, also emphasising how crucial an office space with associated parking is in this type and scale of scheme.”

Sheffield councillors invest £300,000 to boost city economy by £2m

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield councillors invest £300,000 to boost city economy by £2m
Sheffield City Council has approved funding of £100,000 a year to support the delivery of Dockets, the International Documentary Festival Sheffield, for the next three years, in the expectation that it will generate almost £2 million for the city’s economy. Sheffield DocFest is the UK’s leading documentary festival and celebrates the art and business of documentary and all non-fiction storytelling. Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Events like DocFest have a fantastic impact on the local economy, bringing in thousands of visitors from across the globe, who come and spend money at our local venues and with local businesses. The return on our funding investment is really impressive and hugely valuable to residents. “These events are also hugely beneficial to Sheffield’s cultural offer, and as next year will see the launch of our culture strategy, aiming to make culture an integral part of the city’s identity, it’s even more important for us show our support.” DocFest regularly attracts more than 2000 industry experts from 69 countries, which in turn is expected to result in millions spent with Sheffield businesses. As the event is spread across multiple venues, with 36 being used in 2023, it is likely to result in almost 40,000 public admissions to cultural and entertainment sites across the city. The report to committee also states that hosting the festival will benefit the city’s reputation as a cultural and creative destination, and in 2023, 37 of 114 total films were world premieres. Sheffield DocFest also has a year-round programme of training, workshops, mentoring and networking, as well as internships and volunteering opportunities for young people, giving Sheffield a year-round profile on the national and international stage. Annabel Grundy, MD of Sheffield DocFest, said: “Confirming three years of support from Sheffield City Council is hugely beneficial to the charity, and gratefully received. “With this core support we can continue to be ambitious for our festival and the city, attracting diverse audiences, presenting brilliant films and events and showing off all that Sheffield has to offer on the international stage. “We also look forward to working in partnership with the Council and city partners to open up the festival even more to local people, whether that’s helping them get first jobs in the film industry, getting involved in our community workshops or simply coming to a fabulous film premiere at  Showroom or one of our other brilliant, independent venues.” Funding will support Sheffield DocFest to maintain a programme of international significance, in an environment of reduced funding from national bodies. The Council will also support Sheffield DocFest in unlocking further funding to directly benefit local filmmakers and audiences, as well as providing the resources to secure commercial backing. Sheffield DocFest is set to return on Wednesday 12th June 2024.

Seasonal workers urged to check they’re being paid correctly

Stuart Pearcey
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Seasonal workers urged to check they’re being paid correctly
Festive workers who may be missing out on the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage are being urged to check their pay. Seasonal staff and students on short-term contracts over Christmas, including those working in shops, hotels, Christmas markets, garden centres, restaurants and warehouses, are legally entitled to the same minimum rates as other workers. HM Revenue and Customs is reminding all workers to check their hourly rate of pay – in particular, looking out for any unpaid working time, such as time spent opening and closing a shop, training, picking up extra shifts and working longer hours. Deductions, for things like uniforms or tools, can also reduce pay rates. In 2022-23, HMRC identified wage arrears of £13.7 million due to more than 108,000 underpaid UK workers. Marc Gill, Director Individuals and Small Business Compliance at HMRC, said: “We want to make sure that all workers, including seasonal staff and students, are being paid what they are due this festive period, which is why we are reminding everyone to check their pay. “People should check their hourly rate and look out for any deductions or unpaid working time. It could take them below the minimum wage. “HMRC looks into every minimum wage complaint, so if you think you are being short-changed you should get in touch. Don’t lose out – report it.” The National Minimum Wage hourly rates are currently:
  • £10.42 – Age 23 and over (National Living Wage)
  • £10.18 – Age 21 to 22
  • £7.49 – Age 18 to 20
  • £5.28 – Age under 18
  • £5.28 – Apprentice
Anyone not being paid what they are entitled to, or people concerned that someone they know may not be getting paid correctly, can report it online at https://www.gov.uk/minimum-wage-complaint. It is an easy process that takes around ten minutes and reports can be made after the employment has ended.

Firms warned to be on their guard against rogue business rates agents

Stuart Pearcey
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Firms warned to be on their guard against rogue business rates agents
The Valuation Office Agency is urging businesses to protect themselves from rogue business rates agents. Businesses can use a rating agent to challenge new rateable values for business properties that came into effect in April 2023. Councils used these new values to calculate business rates bills – but some rogue agents submit inaccurate information. This could result in penalties or increased rates bills. Alan Colston, Chief Valuer at the VOA, said: “The vast majority of agents are reputable and provide a good service. But there is a small minority promising big reductions in business rates, based on incorrect information. “These rogue agents often charge substantial fees for providing poor quality submissions using our online Check and Challenge service, which is free to use. “We strongly advise businesses do their own research and explore different options before appointing an agent. Make sure you choose your own agent – don’t let an agent choose you. “And remember, you can manage your business rates yourself by creating a Business Rates Valuation Account on GOV.UK.” We have a checklist to help businesses if they want to use an agent:
  • Anyone can call themselves an agent, but this does not mean they are a member of a professional body. Check an agent’s background before signing a contract.
  • If an agent is a member of the Rating Surveyor’s Association (RSA), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), or Institute of Revenues, Rating, Valuation (IRRV), they must follow rating agent standards. This provides business owners with extra reassurance.
  • Check the length of a contract before signing. Rogue agents have been known to tie business owners into costly, long-term agreements.
  • Make sure you read the small print and fully understand the services you are paying for. Legitimate agents should not pressure you into signing a contract, or demand large sums of money up front.
  • Familiarise yourself with our Check service and create a Business Rates Valuation Account so you can manage your property and view correspondence between the VOA and your agent.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure the information your agent provides to the VOA is correct.
Gary L Watson, IRRV Chief Executive, said: “Ratepayers should take extreme care when employing agents. It is easy for rogue agents to create the impression that they are a reputable organisation. “Business owners should make sure that any agent belongs to a professional body, like IRRV, RICS or RSA. The agent will then be subject to that body’s rigorous disciplinary procedure. “Furthermore, you can obtain advice on many issues from the VOA or your local council. Applications for relief should be made direct to your local council without having to engage with a rating agent.”

Former social services site will be developed to create affordable homes

Stuart Pearcey
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Former social services site will be developed to create affordable homes
The Acis Group and Hodgkinson’s Builders are transforming a former Lincolnshire County Council social services site in Louth into 47 affordable homes in partnership with East Lindsey District Council and Homes England. The Council has committed £198,500 capital funding towards the development to provide additional one-bed properties to help meet the identified need. The scheme consists of: •           10 one-bedroom houses •           17 two-bedroom houses •           6  one-bedroom bungalows •           4  two-bedroom bungalows •           10 three-bedroom houses 30 of these properties will be provided for rent and 17 as shared ownership (part buy, part rent). Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing, said: “I am delighted to be working closely with Acis Group, which is a fantastic charity that makes a real difference to a lot of people’s lives across the Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. “As a Council, it is a pleasure to be able to be a part of this project, and work with our partners in providing some fantastic, affordable housing in Louth for future residents to enjoy.” Sarah Smaller, Business Operations Manager at Acis Group, said: “We believe that everyone deserves to have the security of a decent home and we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of housing options, including homes for rent and the opportunity for home ownership. Regent Place really showcases these options. “Working together with Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council and our communities, we aim to continue to grow the support we offer. We’re excited to offer these beautiful homes for local residents.” The properties are due to be completed in Spring 2025, with the initial units programmed to be handed over next June.
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