- Introducing a national ‘Help to Green’ scheme, consisting of an online hub of practical information on reducing energy usage and carbon emissions. The scheme would include a voucher or grant scheme, with a value of up to £5,000 a time, which would make a grant contribution to investing in low emission transport solutions, sustainable manufacturing, energy efficiency or microgeneration.
- Simplifying the English business support landscape for net zero by establishing one business support brand across England, e.g. Business England. This can make it easier for businesses of different sizes to navigate, whilst maintaining the connection to local support.
- Offering small businesses a combination of audits and grants for net zero where possible. Audits provide clarity over the required steps which are tailored to specific needs. For most small businesses, participation and help overcoming the financial barrier many businesses face in the transition to net zero.
Net zero support unequal across England with less than 1% of small firms receiving help from key schemes
A national ‘Help to Green’ scheme will help narrow the resource gap of small firms in their pursuit of net zero as they face significant differences in government support levels from region to region, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Warwick Business School, published today (Tuesday 26 September).
The ‘Help to Green’ scheme is a FSB initiative backed by 11 other trade associations and former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore’s Review of Net Zero. It consists of an online hub of practical information on reducing energy usage and a voucher or grant scheme, with a value of up to £5,000 a time.
The research, which was carried out by researchers at the Enterprise Research Centre at Warwick Business School, measured the breadth and depth of net zero support programmes. It found that less than one per cent of local small firms have benefitted from key local support schemes across England on net zero, raising concerns over the reach and accessibility of the programmes as the UK’s 2050 target edges closer.
The Less Than 1% Club report identifies 719 interventions across England targeting SMEs, such as online tools and information, training and one-on-one advice, provided through 282 programmes. Despite the substantial number of programmes and interventions, these are failing to reach the vast majority of small firms.
The most common type of net zero intervention offered to firms is online tools and information. Training, one-to-one advice and grants are also prevalent.
Small firms face a fragmented and uneven net zero support landscape. For example, in the East of England, home to over 540,000 small businesses, there were only 43 interventions from 19 programmes. In contrast, more than 530,000 small businesses in the South West region were offered 102 interventions through 37 programmes.
Small businesses also face future challenges due to the changing funding landscape for net zero business support in England. While local authorities emerge as the most common funder, the second most common source of funding – the European Regional Development Fund – came to an end in June this year, as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, leaving the future of some programmes in limbo.
In light of the findings, the report puts forward a list of recommendations to the UK Government and local authorities, including:
Incommunities appoints new IT and digital transformation director
Bradford-based housing provider Incommunities has appointed David Cawthray as its new IT and digital transformation director.
David joins from Accent Housing where he was director of digital innovation for four years.
Prior to that he was at Bradford Council, first as IT director and then as director of transformation. He started his career working for Pace plc based in Salts Mill where he worked for 17 years before deciding that he wanted to move into a role with more social purpose.
Executive director of business operations, Sara Sheard, said: “I am delighted David is joining us at such an exciting time in our journey as we develop our five-year corporate strategy where we really want to transform how we use technology to transform the customer experience.
“He will bring extensive experience in developing digital transformation strategy which will be of immense value as we continue on our journey to drive change and improve services for our customers.”
David Cawthray added: “I have found social housing to be such an exciting, rewarding and challenging sector to work in. I am very much looking forward to joining Incommunities. I believe that technology can be used to deliver a modern customer focused service while freeing up colleagues to concentrate on customer and community needs.”
David will begin his new role in October 2023.
Pioneer of city living in Leeds moves back into the property game
Leeds city living specialist, Jonathan Morgan, who spent more than a quarter of a century pioneering and driving the city centre’s transformation into a thriving residential market, has returned to the property industry after joining Zenko Properties.
Jonathan launched Morgans in 1997 and the company became the leading city living agency in Leeds, at the forefront of the city’s urban revolution, before being acquired in 2019. Services spanned sales, lettings and property management on behalf of a vast range of clients including individual landlords, private developers, housing associations, banks and major institutions.
Zenko Properties was founded in Leeds city centre in 2015 by Tobias Duczenko and its lettings division currently manages more than 700 properties, as well as offering residential sales, specialist property investment services and block management.
Jonathan joins Zenko as a partner and will support Tobias and the 10-strong team in growing the business and building the company’s reputation as the go to residential agent of choice in Leeds city centre.
Following Jonathan’s appointment, Zenko has already been appointed to let and manage 20 brand new apartments at Devonshire House on York Place.
Leeds-based property investment company, King & Co is behind the transformation of the Grade II listed building, which was originally built as woollen warehouses in the late 1800’s and designed by architect George Corson in the Victorian Gothic revival style. The apartments will be ready to move into this month.
Jonathan said: “City living has been a major part of my life for more than a quarter of a century and after a short break, I realised that I’m not done with it yet, and I’m excited to be starting a new chapter at Zenko.
“It’s a business that I’ve admired for a long time, with an experienced team, and it has quickly established a strong foothold in the market, with a growing rentals portfolio and a strong sales division.
“It’s a fascinating time for city living in Leeds, with numerous high-quality schemes on the horizon from both local and national developers, and we’re delighted to win the instruction to let and manage Devonshire House, as we work on becoming the leading city living agent in Leeds.”
Zenko’s founder, Tobias Duczenko, added: “Ever since our first major appointment in 2015 to sell more than 100 homes at The Chandlers on The Calls, and retaining 50% to start our lettings and management journey, we have been able to continue growing and expanding our market share.
“I still deal directly with each individual landlord and this personal touch, combined with high quality marketing and exceptional customer service, is key to our success. Welcoming Jonathan into the team will only enhance this further.
“He’s very well-known in the industry and is still synonymous with the most successful residential agency the city centre has ever seen, so there’s no doubt he’ll be a valuable addition to Zenko.”
Jonathan is also well-known for his work with local charities in and around Leeds. He is currently a director of two community enterprises in The Hunslet Club and Gipton Fire Station Community Enterprise and was a joint founder of the Crypt Factor, the annual singing competition for the north of England’s property industry, which has so far raised over £900,000 for charity.
Hull firm adds to heritage portfolio with acquisition of Old Town pub
A family firm which has won business and heritage awards for its part in regenerating Hull city centre has acquired an historic pub in the Old Town.
Allenby Commercial has bought the Corn Exchange on the corner of North Church Side and Market Place for an undisclosed sum.
The company, which has won awards for its transformation of the 17th century Danish Buildings and Bayles House and the Victorian Paragon Arcade, said it is committed to taking the same, careful approach to its latest addition.
Charlie Allenby, development director at Allenby Commercial, said: “The Corn Exchange operated as a pub for maybe 300 years but more recently successive operators have struggled to make it work and earlier this year it became vacant again.
“We haven’t made a decision about exactly what to do with it but we will look at the sort of options it presents, and we are absolutely committed to looking after it.”
The Corn Exchange enjoyed a revival after being taken over in 2018 by Hull-based Atom Brewery. But the pub changed hands when Atom moved out in 2022 and it went on the market after closing again during the summer.
Georgia Allenby, design and marketing director at Allenby Commercial, said: “It’s a prime site with a lot of history and it’s a great fit with our portfolio in Hull city centre which is all about taking iconic local properties, bringing them back to life with stylish and careful restorations, and creating jobs.
“Our other projects provide plenty of evidence of our commitment to work with innovation and imagination and to embrace the heritage of our city. Whatever we do with the Corn Exchange will maintain the standards we have set.”
Altitude PR to reach new heights for charity
The team at Sheffield-based PR consultancy Altitude are determined to live up to their name by taking on a 160ft charity abseil.
The four-strong team will plunge in unison from the top of the towering Owen Building at Sheffield Hallam University in late September.
Altitude has been working with fellow Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Patrons, St Luke’s Hospice, and is hoping to raise much needed funds for the charity by reaching new heights at the year’s Abseil Challenge.
St Luke’s Hospice, which operates in Sheffield, supports people aged 18 and above with terminal illnesses, as well as their families and their loved ones, with medical and holistic care from the point of diagnosis and beyond.
Adam Reeves-Brown, PR and Communications Director at Altitude, said: “When we launched in early 2022, we knew we’d be undertaking some kind of aerial challenge at some point. With a name like Altitude, it’s inevitable!
“Not only are we eager to support a charity that we work with, and one that does a lot of good for the people of Sheffield, we’re eager to do something that aligns with our wider values and helps raise money to benefit St Luke’s patients across the region.”
Gemma Lancaster, from St Luke’s Fundraising team, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing fellow Patron of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Altitude, take part in the Abseil challenge to help raise money for our patient care.
“We can’t wait to support the team as they descend 160ft down the Owen Building in aid of St Luke’s.”
To help Altitude raise funds for St Luke’s please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/altitude-pr
Authority’s Board agrees £80m of project funding and announces new members
Members of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Board have approved plans to deliver around £80m of projects across the region.
More than £15m was granted to housing projects, including the conversion of Cannon Brewery to provide over 500 new homes in Sheffield and the retrofit of insulation to over 300 homes in Doncaster.
A £760k grant was made to improve active travel options along the Tinsley-Magna corridor between Sheffield and Rotherham, while £670k is being released for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Capability Fund, in advance of money being received from government to support the roll-out of charging infrastructure across all four South Yorkshire districts.
The Board agreed to formally wind down the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership from September, and replace it with two new consultative boards. Applications to the Business Advisory Board were made over the summer, with the first appointments now made.
The first six appointments are: Louisa Harrison Walker representing the three South Yorkshire Chambers (Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield); Rachel Abbott representing the Cutlers, South Yorkshire International Trade Forum, Manufacturers Forum and Made In Sheffield; Dawn Huntrod representing MakeUK; Paula Gouldthorpe representing the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB); Angela Foulkes representing the South Yorkshire Skills Advisory Board (SYSAB); and Liz Blackshaw representing the Northern Trade Union Congress.
Members were also updated on the latest plans for the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, South Yorkshire Music Hub and Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Chamber AGM takes place in mood of ‘cautious optimism’
Cautious optimism was the theme of the AGM of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce at The Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford.
Chaired by Amanda Beresford of Schofield Sweeney, the thirty-minute meeting delved into how the Chamber has performed over the past twelve months – both in a financial sense and the physical work performed by Chamber members.
The annual report, produced by James Mason, chief executive of the WNY Chamber, discusses the many achievements of the Chamber and the progress which has been made over the past year.
This report was adopted by the Chamber members at the AGM unanimously and Amanda further noted that, despite recent challenges arising from political upheaval, interest rates and inflation, “optimism levels remain higher in Yorkshire than the national average and businesses are showing little sign of looking to reduce head counts.”
Elsewhere within the meeting, sixteen individuals, nominated by local representative groups were appointed as non-executive directors of the West & North Yorkshire Chamber. These individuals included Amanda and James, in addition to Laurence Beardmore, Chris Black, Mike Briffett, Aquila Choudhry, Mark Cowgill, Sarah Czarnecki, Rebecca Fitzgerald, Kerry Hope, Scott Jenkins, Nasreen Karim, Dan Murray, Craig Thomson, Victoria Wainwright and Suzanne Watson. Following this appointment, Chamber members were asked to accept members of each of the three area representative groups (the Bradford Chamber Leadership Group, the York & North Yorkshire Chamber Leadership Group, and the Leeds Chamber Leadership Group).
After the AGM came the Annual Lunch, at which members got an opportunity to listen to three guest speakers: Zulfi Karim DL, West Yorkshire High Sheriff, David Kerfoot and Alison Lowe from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and then take part in an informative Q and A session.
Wren Kitchens works with University of Hull on net zero journey
Academics from the University of Hull are working with kitchen manufacturer Wren Kitchens to accelerate their journey to net zero.
The partnership will see academics from Hull University Business School use a unique supply chain carbon mapping tool, developed at the University, to help the company become more sustainable. It will also allow customers to make choices based on the carbon footprint of each kitchen item, at point of sale, offering them the chance to make more sustainable choices. Wren Kitchens and the University of Hull have secured a Knowledge Transfer Partnership from Innovate UK, to fund the two-year project. The KTP will facilitate accelerated access to this specialist expertise and knowledge within Hull University Business School. It will also enable Wren Kitchens to fully embed environmental sustainability knowledge, know-how and innovation from the University, right across their business. This will provide the foundations for an in-house sustainability team, facilitating access to new emergent eco-conscious markets globally. Lee Holmes, Logistics Director at Wren Kitchens, said: “We believe this will be an industry first and the catalyst for others in the Humber Region to take a holistic approach to their impact on society. We hope this project will deliver thought leadership to the manufacturing sector by being future-focussed beyond the ISO regulations, and take a leading role in the region to establish and develop a circular economy. “The ultimate aim is to fully embed environmental sustainability into the company beyond the project end and offer our customers a footprint calculation output into user friendly on-pack claims in the online sales ordering process for customer awareness and enhanced informed choice.” Dr Sarah Shaw, Reader in Logistics & Supply Chain Management at the University, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Wren Kitchens on this exciting, innovative research project. The KTP will enable Wren Kitchens to have capacity and capability to baseline their supply chain carbon footprint and make this data available to customers and to drive carbon inset improvement decisions.” In order to ensure sustainability remains at the heart of the company, two senior members of staff will study PhDs on the theme of sustainability, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to being a forward thinking and research driven business that wants to embrace cutting edge research and knowledge.CATCH announces plan for £60m training facility at Stallingborough
CATCH has announced ambitious plans to develop a £60M state-of-the-art training facility capable of training 1,000 apprentices a year by 2029.
The facility would be at its Stallingborough HQ, and aims to tackle the engineering construction skill shortages anticipated in the Humber cluster and across the UK.
In anticipation of a series of Net Zero projects set to start as early as next year, a significant demand for skilled labour is said to be on the horizon. These projects are projected to generate a potential 20,000 new industrial jobs, necessitating an unprecedented, rapid upscaling of the existing skills pipelines. Following initial funding support from key industrial sponsors, and CATCH members Phillips 66 Limited, Harbour Energy, and VPI Power, CATCH has developed plans for the future training centre expansion needed to deliver 1000 new learners per year by 2029. Developing towards a future final investment decision, CATCH plans to continue to build broad support across industry and government for this new national net zero training centre. Subject to further partner engagement and planning permission, the new facility is planned to house a national net zero conference and learning centre, bespoke classrooms and workshops for electrical, instrumentation, mechanical technical skills, a welding and fabrication hub with an impressive 160 welding bays, and a UK first of kind outdoor Process Unit Training Module to enable a real process site experience in a safe environment for all trade skills. In addition, provisions cater for enhanced car parking facilities and a dedicated CATCH regional bus infrastructure to help get talented apprentices to the site from across the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire regions. CATCH CEO David Talbot said: “Our phased strategy ensures a sustainable expansion of apprenticeship numbers, targeting the training of 1,000 apprentices annually by 2029. “The backbone of this initiative’s success will be the support from the industrial supply chain. Many companies understandably are waiting to assess the skills landscape before committing to expanding or creating new apprenticeship vacancies. Our proposed new facility helps to mitigate this risk, with dedicated support from the CATCH team, the industrial supply chain can be confident that together we can ensure that the skills pipeline is sustainable for the low carbon future. “It’s a complex picture, and we realise that we cannot do this alone, we all need to pull together as a region, to solve one of the biggest challenges to deploying the net zero infrastructure. This tabled investment represents a vital piece in the puzzle of the UK’s decarbonisation journey. Central to CATCH’s vision is the cultivation of the next generation of skilled highly paid labour. Through their dedicated schools’ engagement team, CATCH aims to tap into the local communities, shedding light on STEM career paths and fuelling aspirations. “Our mission is clear: to inspire and educate the industry’s future craftspeople. The UK’s path to net zero starts with today’s youth, and we’re here to ensure they have the resources, skills, and opportunities to lead the way.” Paul Fursey, Lead Executive UK and Humber Refinery General Manager said: “To build the infrastructure required to deliver net zero for the UK, we need to invest in creating the skilled workforce of tomorrow. CATCH’s new Net Zero Training Centre will become a hub of excellence, demonstrating how the UK can increase the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the net zero targets. Through support from Phillips 66 Limited and our fellow delivery sponsors, Harbour Energy and VPI, local industry support, and local schools and colleges, we believe we can make a powerful difference to inspire the next generation of welders, pipefitters, mechanical fitters, platers, scaffolders and much more.”Wakefield Trinity to be acquired by Matt Ellis of DIY-Kitchens
An agreement has been reached, subject to legal completion, for rugby club Wakefield Trinity to be acquired by Matt Ellis of DIY-Kitchens.
John Minards, chairman, said: “I am delighted that we have reached agreement with Matt for this deal to go through following months of discussions and working together through what has been a very difficult time on the field. Please join me in welcoming Matt and his family as the next custodians of the institution that is Wakefield Trinity.
“Despite the disappointment of relegation, the club is in a great position for success in the near term. The East Stand is almost open for business and its completion marks the end of a significant phase of our stadium redevelopment, following the new floodlights, screen and playing surface as well as the rebuilding of the North Stand.
“In addition, our recent submission to the RFL in respect of Grading contains very positive metrics, particularly in the areas of financial strength and fandom. Put together with the impact of the new facilities which will be included in 2024, we anticipate a very favourable outcome when Grading comes in for the 2025 season.
“There are so many reasons to be positive and optimistic about the future of our great club – just read what Matt Ellis has to say!”
Matt said: “I have been working with Michael and John over the past few months regarding the takeover of the club and now terms have been agreed and the deal is at the final stage I feel it is appropriate to write a statement to our loyal supporters.
“I am sure just like myself and everyone associated with the club you are feeling deeply saddened by the club ultimately failing to maintain Super League status for the first time since 1999.
“This is not through a lack of effort from Mark Applegarth but ultimately we haven’t been good enough.
“We now need to move on to the next chapter in the club’s history, it is my intention to complete the takeover of the club in the next 14 days.
“I have supported the club since going to watch a game at Oakwell in 1999 where we successfully beat St Helens. I have always been a sports fanatic but since that game Rugby League was the game for me and Trin were the team for me. I am originally from Barnsley but I have lived in the Wakefield area since 2010.
“The journey of owning the club in my mind really started in 2020 when my company DIY Kitchens agreed to become the club’s main kit sponsor. Ultimately ASUS came back in and the deal fell through but ever since then it has been in my mind to takeover the club. 2020 wasn’t the right time due to work commitments but when Micheal expressed a desire to leave the club earlier this year I felt the timing was right this time.
“My company DIY-Kitchens may be known to some of you but for anyone who doesn’t know we are an online kitchen retailer and manufacturer and employ 550 people in the Wakefield/Leeds postcode area.
“Enough of the back story, what you would like to know is what is next for the club and what I hope to achieve as the new owner of the club.
- Invest finances in the club to allow us to have the budget to maintain a full-time playing squad and to bounce back into Super League and then challenge to be a top 6 Super League club in the coming years.
- Create a winning culture at the club where everyone involved with club gives 100% effort.
- Appoint Daryl Powell as the new head coach on an initial 4-year deal.
- Appoint a recruitment and salary cap manager to ensure we have fully researched every new player signing for the club.
- Ensure the youth setup and youth scouting setup delivers the best players coming through the Academy/Scholarship and once they reach first team level keep them at the club.
- Attract and keep top players from both the UK market and overseas.
- Engage with the supporters and people of Wakefield to make the club the most fan oriented professional sports club in the game. A new Wakefield Trinity App is being developed and will be ready for the start of the new season.
- Enhance our work with local businesses to attract new sponsors and hopefully negotiate discounts for Trinity supporters (can’t promise this one!).
- Raise the number of supporters to fill the stadium.
- Finance/introduce monthly season ticket options to make season ticket payments easier for the supporters.
- Fully utilise the new East Stand and facilities and put on events for everyone to enjoy.
- Make the ground facilities better to improve the matchday experience.
- Ensure our youth, women’s, PDRL, LDRL and Wheelchair teams get the support required to succeed.
- Work with the Foundation to help maintain and where possible improve our community work.
