Go green to build business benefits, advises Hull-based property company

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Go green to build business benefits, advises Hull-based property company
Unlocking the benefits of incorporating green spaces into the workplace has become increasingly popular in recent years, writes Allenby Commercial on its web site. The Hull-based commercial property company says the placement of natural features like plants, trees and water features into the workplace can have significantly positive impacts on employees’ health, productivity and overall well-being. “One of the main benefits of indoor green spaces is their ability to reduce stress and anxiety levels. There have been many studies to show that exposure to natural elements indoors can have a calming effect on the mind and body, leading to lower stress levels and improved mood with employees. Not only does this have a general positive impact on employee health, it helps increase job satisfaction and encourage a more positive work environment. “Another benefit of incorporating green spaces indoors is the improved air quality. Natural plants can absorb pollutants in the air and in return release oxygen. Improved air quality can reduce and prevent headaches, migraine, fatigue and eye, nose, throat and lung irritation. The reduction of these goes hand in hand with the reduction of employee sick days when air quality is improved.” The article goes on to say the final benefit of incorporating green spaces is their ability to enhance and promote creativity and productivity. “Studies have shown that employees of workplaces that have incorporated green spaces tend to be more productive and creative than those that don’t. As well as this, plants and natural elements help improve focus. Overall, all of these lead to better workplace performance and higher job satisfaction.” Outdoor green spaces — whether that be a courtyard, garden or green roof can have similar benefits, the company says, adding that more and more businesses use natural green spaces in urban environments because of their environmental benefits. “More businesses are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and incorporating green areas is a great way to do this. Trees, plants and flowers all absorb harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, release oxygen and also attract wildlife to the area. “Another benefit of outdoor green spaces is the positive effect it has on mental health. Studies have shown that being outdoors in an area exposed to green spaces helps improve cognitive function, attention span and memory whilst reducing stress, anxiety and depression.”

Doncaster businesses meet Don Valley’s MP

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Doncaster businesses meet Don Valley’s MP
Doncaster business representatives have attended an open forum in which they had the opportunity to talk to with Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher about any subject relevant to them or to the wider business community: raising concerns; asking burning questions; and emphasising what they think needs to be on Nick’s radar. The conversation spanned a wide range of topics, from the financial impact of business rates, Corporation Tax and the cost of doing business, through to the barriers that companies are facing when trying to meet their net-zero targets, and the pervasiveness of business crime. Mr Fletcher said: “I always find meetings like this to be extremely useful. Local firms are a cornerstone of our economy and we need to do everything we can to help support them. With that said, I have really come away from today’s session with fresh insights into what more can be done to help Doncaster’s businesses prosper and flourish.” Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, added: “This roundtable produced a lot of healthy debate on a wide range of issues but, more importantly, we also have a lot of homework to be getting on with. In particular, we now have actions that can be taken forward to help Doncaster get more organised in the green space, and will also be looking at how we can address some of the other big themes that were talked about in the room, including the need for our country to re-think its approach to business rates. The conversation is not over.” “On that note, I am pleased to say that Nick will be returning for our flagship business conference on the 6thof June, where we will be diving more extensively into a lot of the issues that we touched upon here. With a range of prominent guest speakers and over 200 business in attendance, this will be a chance to join an important discussion about the future of Doncaster, to generate new ideas and to think about the ways that we can galvanise our economy.” Separate roundtable events for Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, and Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central, are scheduled for later this year (on the 30th of June and the 8th of September respectively), and will give both of those politicians a similar opportunity to engage with businesses in their constituencies. Organised by the local Chamber of Commerce, this open forum was part of an ongoing series of roundtable discussions themed around the future of Doncaster’s economy. Taking place on a regular basis, these sessions aim to convene influential figures and business leaders, bringing them together under the same roof so that they can hash out the most pressing issues of the day. For example, previous iterations have seen Chamber members engage with representatives from The Bank of England as well as South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard. The Chamber also works with each of Doncaster’s three Members of Parliament to arrange roundtables with firms from their respective constituencies, thus ensuring that they are appraised of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses on their patch.

University of Bradford works with Fujifilm on medical imaging project

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
University of Bradford works with Fujifilm on medical imaging project

Working in partnership with Fujifilm the University of Bradford has completed a £1.5m project to provide a high-quality medical imaging environment to support the education of radiographers and explore the possibility of offering some NHS imaging services.

The imaging facilities, which include a Fujifilm visionary X Ray imaging suite, a SCENARIA View CT scanner and multi-station image reporting facility, alongside patient waiting and changing facilities, were jointly funded by the University of Bradford, Office for Students and Health Education England. Fujifilm’s European MD Eiji Ogawa said: “This is the first time I have seen this kind of partnership. It is ambitious for all parties but for us, it’s not just about selling our products, it’s about the end-goal, which is helping society and solving issues in the healthcare area.” This investment in state-of-the-art facilities will provide valuable practical experience for students and, the potential to undertake patient examinations, which could ultimately help reduce NHS waiting lists. Professor of radiography and imaging practice research Maryann Hardy, who is leading the project, said: “The tripartite partnership we are developing with the hospital trust and Fujifilm which combines opportunities for education, clinical service expansion and technical development, is unique. “Each partner brings its own strengths and is keen to take forward the initiative. This means that the project is much more resilient. The University of Bradford now has some of the best medical diagnostic equipment in the region and I know a lot of people are watching closely to see how our tripartite partnership develops as a new model of working.” Allan Elborn, general manager of Fujifilm UK, said: “We have a long history of working with universities, but this is one of the most impressive facilities we have seen and it is great to be part of that. Anything the university can do to support the NHS will be fantastic and we’re very happy with the partnership we’re building.” Professor Karen Stansfield, Dean of the Faculty of Health, said: “We are delighted with the collaboration. It  really helps with our vision of bringing in industry partners, which is all about improving health and wellbeing for the local community, and working with existing partnerships with local NHS trusts and health and social care organisations, so you get that real mix of industry and education. The impact of this will be a fantastic learning environment for our students and we are hopeful we may be able to support a reduction in NHS waiting lists in the future.”  

TCS appoints new associate director for Estates team

Tess Egginton
-
0
TCS appoints new associate director for Estates team

Leeds and London-based property investor, car park and hotel operator, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has made a senior hire to strengthen its Estates Asset Management Team.

Matthew Wright joins as associate director, Estates to reposition and implement asset management strategies for existing schemes, as well as support on bringing new developments forward.

Matthew joins TCS from Bruntwood, where he was head of Commercial. He brings more than a decade of commercial property market experience across Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham where he focussed on office, retail and leisure. His key highlights include the leasing of Platform and West Village, as well as regularly achieving high levels of occupancy on other investment portfolios in Leeds.

Working within the established Estates Team, Matthew will be focused on managing a variety of existing assets within the TCS portfolio across Yorkshire and the North-West.

In addition, Matthew will support on bringing forward the company’s extensive development pipeline including the flagship Whitehall Riverside development scheme in Leeds and the 12.5 acre Piccadilly Basin Estate in Manchester which incorporates the iconic Ducie House and historic Carvers Warehouse office buildings.

Craig Burrow, group property director, TCS, said: “Having worked with Matthew previously, I am delighted to welcome him to our expanding asset management team. He brings a wealth of expertise and experience that are sure to benefit our portfolio and I am confident his skills will complement our strategic plan in growing our development pipeline across both Leeds and Manchester.”

Matthew Wright added: “TCS have a diverse property portfolio and I am excited to join the team and commence adding value to these assets as well as create new opportunities.

“Taking up this position gives me the opportunity to work on schemes in cities I am familiar with, and I look forward to getting to know our tenants and building strong relationships over the coming months.”

The senior hire coincides with two further recent appointments within the Asset Management and Marketing Teams. Harry Williams joined as graduate asset manager working with the Estates Team on the Merrion Centre Estate and Thomas Haigh has joined as marketing co-ordinator, working with James Broughton, head of Marketing & Communication

Specialist planning and highway lawyers join Clarion’s real estate practice

Tess Egginton
-
0
Specialist planning and highway lawyers join Clarion’s real estate practice

Two experts in planning and related areas of law, Carolyn Lord and Kate Butterfield, who have 60 years’ experience between them, have joined Clarion’s real estate practice as it continues to develop the breadth and depth of its services.

Now one of the largest real estate teams in Yorkshire, Carolyn joins as its seventh partner while Kate becomes the seventh legal director in the dedicated real estate practice. After qualifying in 1992 at a leading law firm, Carolyn’s and Kate’s expertise was honed at the nationally renowned commercial planning law firm Wilbraham & Co, which Carolyn was instrumental in setting up in 1994 and where both were partners.

Carolyn was subsequently employed in-house for development and construction group, GMI, before setting up well-known specialist planning and highway law practice LB & Co in 2012. Kate went on to be a partner at two other regional firms before joining Carolyn at LB & Co in 2015.

The pair have become renowned in the region and across the UK for their strategic and pragmatic advice on legal planning and related areas of law, handling the full range of planning work from planning applications and appeals, highway and rights of way law, to compulsory purchase orders and enforcement.

Carolyn and Kate have worked on large, high-profile projects nationwide across diverse sectors including commercial and strategic residential sites, town centre regeneration, energy, waste and other infrastructure, minerals-derived work and major highways schemes as well as leisure, education and retail.

Partner Martin Grange, who heads up Clarion’s 45-strong real estate practice, said: “As two of the most respected legal planning experts in the north, the addition of Carolyn and Kate to the Clarion team not only boosts our real estate offering, but their skills will also strengthen many of our areas of expertise such as energy, regulatory, logistics, education and the public sector.

“They have an extremely impressive track record – over the last 30 years, Carolyn and Kate have supported many of the best-known schemes in Leeds, including the regeneration of Holbeck and the South Bank, the White Rose Centre and Thorpe Park Leeds, plus projects across Yorkshire and the country, such as work for rail freight operator DB Cargo (UK), major logistics and residential sites and a range of minerals operations. They are a great fit with us, sharing the Clarion ethos and we are genuinely excited to welcome them to the team.”

Carolyn says: “We know many of the Clarion lawyers well, having trained with some of them – they’re our friends, and joining Clarion feels like ‘coming home’. Not only has Clarion established a strong reputation both regionally and nationally, Kate and I were also attracted by the firm’s commitment to investing in and developing its planning services which it sees as a crucial part of its offering.

“By joining Clarion, we will have the advantage of continuing to advise on planning as we have always done, but within the context of being part of a larger law firm which supports our ambitions to recruit and grow the practice.”

Carolyn is active in the wider Yorkshire business community: she is on the board of trustees of Yorkshire Sculpture Park; a board member of Luminate Education Group; chair of the board of directors of Leeds Conservatoire; and a co-founder of Yorkshire Textiles/Leeds Fashion Works.

JMG Group makes 20th broker acquisition

Tess Egginton
-
0
JMG Group makes 20th broker acquisition
Yorkshire-based JMG Group has acquired North East commercial and corporate broker, Insure Business, in the group’s 20th acquisition since its formation just over 2½ years ago.
Insure Business will join the JM Glendinning North East business, part of the JMG Group, adding to the established team of insurance professionals based at Gosforth Business Park in Newcastle. This move is part of JMG Group’s ongoing growth strategy, which is underpinned by a personal approach to the acquisition process. Insure Business MD Kate Allison and account handler Daniel Wilds will continue to offer the same professional service to its established client portfolio, whilst rebranding to become JM Glendinning.
Kate Allison, Insure Business MD, says: “The sale to JMG Group was an easy decision to make as its client-focussed values align closely with our own. Dealing directly with the team I’ll be dealing with really helped me with the sale process and the transition into the group. “I am looking forward to being part of the dynamic JM Glendinning team whilst making sure the needs of our clients continue to be exceeded, now with the additional support and resources that being part of a wider group will bring.” Nick Houghton, CEO of JMG Group, says: “We are delighted to welcome Kate and Insure Business onboard as our 20th acquisition – it’s a perfect fit for the group and a great addition to our Newcastle team. “Sellers get to know the JMG team they are going to be part of throughout the sale process, which helps greatly. As does the experience of our M&A team. We are able to move quickly and be creative in our approach. The team will work with Kate to take away the noise, leaving Kate and her team to focus on winning and retaining clients.”

Yorkshire law firm strengthens partnership with Alzheimer’s society

Tess Egginton
-
0
Yorkshire law firm strengthens partnership with Alzheimer’s society

A Yorkshire law firm has strengthened its commitment to helping the Alzheimer’s Society by partnering with the charity for another year and creating wills for people keen to donate or leave a legacy to the charity.

LCF Law has worked with the Alzheimer’s Society for several years and works with dozens of people every year to draw up their will for free, in exchange for a donation to the charity.

Head of personal law, Neil Shaw, explained: “After promoting this partnership to many organisations and community groups throughout Wharfedale, we have had plenty of interest from local people keen to donate or leave a bigger legacy in their will to the charity. We also have a similar partnership with Cancer Research and it’s a great way of supporting two charities that make a real difference to so many people.”

LCF Law also regularly takes part in Saint Michael’s Hospice’s ‘make a will month’, drafting wills without charge in exchange for a donation to the hospice. Neil added: “So many of us have family, friends and colleagues who have been affected by cancer or Alzheimer’s and it’s heart-warming to see first hand the difference these donations make to the charities and hospice.

“Most people understand the importance of making a will, but many don’t find the time to do it. Others wrongfully think they don’t have anything worth inheriting or are frightened of thinking about dying, but we see every day the peace of mind our clients enjoy once their affairs are put in order.”

Retail business owners purchase Market Weighton day nursery

Tess Egginton
-
0
Retail business owners purchase Market Weighton day nursery
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has secured the sale of Pearls Poppets Day Nursery in Market Weighton, Yorkshire. Established in 2007, Pearls Poppets is a well-regarded children’s day nursery with the capacity to care for up to 41 children aged zero to eight years. The nursery, located in a business park, has been under the ownership of Scott and Abbie Tennyson-Cox since 2018, who recently decided to sell to allow them to pursue other business interests and spend more time with family. Following a confidential sales process with Christie & Co, Pearls Poppets has been purchased by local retail business owners, David Sellers and Alysha Forbes, who were keen to make the move into the day nursery sector. David Sellers, new owner of Pearls Poppets Day Nursery, says: “With the ever-expanding need for childcare, it’s great to be able to provide a quality service to parents and carers at the same time as providing lots of jobs to local staff. “Mine and Alysha’s families are all in childcare to varying degrees, so it made sense to go down this route and try to provide a great childcare business with a slick back-office administrative structure. “Pearls Poppets is a great setting that’s been well-run for a number of years. It is very spacious and there is a lot of potential to increase child spaces and to grow the business further. The existing staff are all fantastic and there is a strong management structure in place which makes the initial handover period a lot easier. “We have already made some small changes – had a tidy and brightened up the outside play area. We will be introducing a new app which will provide greater insight to parents as to what their children do every day at nursery and, going forward, we are looking to expand our nursery group and build a great environment for staff, parents and children.” Vicky Marsland, associate director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, says: “It’s been a pleasure working with Scott and Abbie throughout this process. This is a profitable nursery with a unique aesthetic and a perfect example of how commercial units can be repurposed for childcare use. “David and Alysha had a keen interest in childcare and, after speaking with Christie Finance, we were able to establish a list of requirements before proceeding with Pearls Poppets. I think this is the perfect opportunity for them and wish both parties all the best in their future endeavours.” Alena Ray, associate director at Christie Finance, who sourced funding for the buyers, says: “I am delighted we could assist David and Alysha with their first acquisition, Pearls Poppets, which is a great business, and I am confident they will take the business to the next level with their unique skill sets in both the childcare and business space. “I am optimistic that this will be the first of many, and I am excited to work with David and Alysha on their next venture.” Pearls Poppets Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.

Business Award judges say quality entries mean they’ve had the toughest year yet

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Business Award judges say quality entries mean they’ve had the toughest year yet

Judges in the Hull & East Yorkshire People in Business Awards say they’ve had the toughest year yet in developing a shortlist for this year’s glittering ceremony, saying that the quality of talent in the region has never been higher.

Lucy Gray from the Hull and East Yorkshire LEP leads the judging panel, and said: “This year we received a record number of entries. The standard of entries was incredible and just amplifies the sheer talent we have across the Region. As judges this made our job even harder, there were so many inspirational stories and examples, this made for some very difficult decisions. Having been part of the judging panel for PIBA since 2019, it makes me so proud that a Region we have so many great people to celebrate.” Fellow Judge Lee Solway of Harrison Solway added: “Along with my fellow judges, we had a fantastic but very difficult day in comparing opinions and notes on all nominees, but ultimately and collectively, we decided on the worthy winner and finalists for each of the 16 categories which were far from simple. “This year seemed even more difficult than 2022 due to the unbelievable calibre of the candidates, there were some inspirational nominations for sure, a lot of which resonated with me personally in my own business journey, which proves that we have so many reasons to be proud of the Hull and East Riding area and the people and businesses which reside in it.” The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 30th June, at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Hull and will see businesses recognised in sixteen categories along with an evening of food, drinks, and entertainment. The 2023 PIBA Awards Shortlist: Rising Star – sponsored by Bondholders
  • Oliver McWilliam – Lexus Hull
  • Chelsea Taylor – Hudgell Solicitors
  • Graham Wildridge – Transwaste
Above and Beyond – sponsored by HBP Systems
  • Susan Fellows – Innovations In Care
  • Kelly Bugg – Chameleon Business Interiors
  • Graham Precious – Caremark
Apprentice of the Year
  • Jack Fullard – Cloud Design Box
  • Heidi Donnison – Visit East Yorkshire
  • Sonia Kopacz – Alessandro Caruso Architecture & Interiors
First Class Service – sponsored by Nu Architects
  • Green & Green Mortgage Protection
  • Graham Precious – Caremark
  • Lana Grisina – Smart Temps
Customer Hero of the Year
  • Penelope Hadgraft – Clear Skin Pending
  • Andy Craggs – Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
  • Kaylee Carver – Gymophobics
Start-up Entrepreneur – sponsored by Hull City Council
  • Paul Longley – Think Mental Health
  • Cassandra Custus – Karinya Yoga
  • Kim Bunn & Janice Hakeney – Boutique 187
Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Forrester Boyd
  • Michelle Millar – And Marketing
  • Susan Fellows – Innovations In Care
  • David Lipton – Consortium Professional Recruitment
Inspiring Contribution – sponsored by The Edge Hub
  • Alan Raw – Koru Consulting
  • Brian Cammack – Hull Truck Theatre
  • Evalynne Charmer – Child Hypnotherapy Institute
Innovator – sponsored by the University of Hull Business School
  • Wayne Key – Key Campers & Key Racking
  • Simon Jones – Top 30 Under 30
Mentor
  • Lisa Harvey – Diony Creative
  • Joe Bannister – Cloud Design Box
  • John Cuss – Hudgell Solicitors
Team Impact < 10 People
  • HEYMIND – Humber Peer Support Team
  • Hudgell Solicitors
  • Cloud Design Box
Team Impact >11 People – sponsored by Cobus Communications
  • Sowden And Sowden
  • Caremark
  • Transwaste
Grit
  • Kaylee Carver – Gymophobics
  • Dawn Parker – Consortium Professional Recruitment
Manager
  • James Emmett – Cloud Design Box
  • Vicky Richardson – Hudgell Solicitors
  • Paul Savage – Bonus Arena

Tennis academy signs three-year sponsorship deal with Hull firms

Stuart Pearcey
-
0
Tennis academy signs three-year sponsorship deal with Hull firms

Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants and Williamsons Solicitors are to sponsor a new three-year programme at Nuffield Tennis Academy in Hull.

As a Lawn Tennis Association accredited performance centre, the academy offers both excellent facilities and experienced coaches who provide a junior programme which is recognised as being one of the best in the country with multiple international players emanating from the centre. Forrester Boyd Chairman and Partner Mike Beckett said: “I am delighted to be able to support this fantastic initiative alongside Williamsons. Nuffield Tennis Academy has such a great reputation for nurturing some of the region’s top tennis stars. This schools outreach programme will help to introduce tennis to children at a ‘grass roots’ level. The health and mental wellbeing benefits associated with sporting activities cannot be under-estimated and are hugely important now, more than ever, which is why Forrester Boyd was really happy to be involved with this project. I really hope that the Academy can encourage more children into taking up tennis or other sporting activities.” Neil Waterhouse, Operations Director & Company Secretary at Williamsons Solicitors, added: “Williamsons has a long history of supporting local charities and community ventures, and so were delighted to team up with Forrester Boyd in supporting Nuffield Tennis Academy in this important local initiative. “This is an excellent opportunity for school children across the area to try something new, which they would perhaps not normally have access to.” The sponsorship of the three year programme will enable coaches at the tennis academy to deliver free tennis coaching sessions to Key Stage 1 pupils across the region of Hull and East Riding. David Kitchen, who is leading the programme at the academy said: “We are extremely grateful to Forrester Boyd and Williamsons for their support of our schools outreach programme. “Their support means we can achieve our long-term goal for the programme which is to ensure that every primary school pupil in Hull and East Riding has had a taste of tennis.”
1...556557558...943Page 557 of 943