Three firms become Chamber Patrons in Yorkshire
Adams Foodservice, PIB Insurance and Arup have upgraded their membership of the membership West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Bradford-based Adams Foodservice is a family-run food and drink giant servicing the country’s hospitality trade, while PIB Insurance, in Leeds, is a national leader in its field. Finally, Arup, which employs hundreds of people in the region across its offices in Leeds and York, is a global collective of designers, consultants and experts with a focus on the built environment.
The developments come hot on the heels of Teesside International Airport becoming patrons earlier this year.
James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said:“The work these firms do is cutting edge and the firm is so well-respected in the region. We look forward to working with them even more closely as we strive to make the region everything it can be as a place to do business.”
Mohammed Kola, Finance Director at Adams Foodservice, said: “We are delighted to be a patron member of the West and North Yorkshire Chambers. We have already experienced the phenomenal work the Chamber does both nationally and internationally.
“As patron members we hope to add value by helping promote the growth of local businesses and the surrounding communities.”
Arup’s upgrade comes at an exciting time for the business as it prepares to relocate its Leeds offices to state-of-the-art new premises in the city’s Wellington Place development.
Tom Bridges, the firm’s Leeds and York Office leader said: “Arup’s vision is to collaborate with our clients and partners, using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world. That is why we are proud to be a patron member of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber.
“Our teams work with local businesses and regional partners across our City Regions to reshape and generate our communities, helping to influence a greener, healthier and more prosperous future for Yorkshire.”
A spokesperson for PIB Insurance said: “We are delighted to be patrons of West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
“Supporting businesses at a local level is very important to us, as is the commitment of the Chamber in the region.
“We are pleased to be listed amongst other businesses and look forward to working with you all.”
Calls for Government action to prevent new EU rule crushing UK’s steel industry
Trade body UK Steel has warned that almost 23 million tonnes of non-EU steel could flood the UK, if the UK fails to introduce its own ‘Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism’ at the same time as the EU.
The steel trade association says the UK Government must act swiftly to avoid crushing the UK steel industry when the EU brings in new import carbon costs in 2026.
Gareth Stace, Director General of UK Steel, said: “Over three times our annual steel consumption is at risk of being diverted from the EU to open markets like the UK, which could suffocate our domestic industry. By not acting now UK government will burst the dam, when high-emission, cheap steel floods the UK market while ruining our export opportunities at the same time.
“We need a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to level the playing field on carbon costs across local and international suppliers. By having a competitive domestic steel industry, the UK can lead the way to Net Zero steelmaking. Steel is vital to the UK’s economic resilience, jobs and hitting Net Zero targets for the wider economy, and integral to green tech, transport and future housing.”
The Government has today closed its consultation on a UK CBAM. UK Steel’s new stats expose how 23 million tonnes of steel currently imported into the EU could be diverted from Europe and onto the UK market when the EU’s CBAM is put in place, if the UK has no equivalent. The UK uses only 9Mt of steel, meaning any imported, cheap and high-emission steel will be stacked in stock yards, undercutting local costs and devastating the domestic industry.
The main aim of a CBAM policy is to create a market for low-emission steel and help the industry decarbonise. Imported steel can undercut domestic production simply because most nations do not apply the high carbon costs to their steel industry.
The second blow would come from the restrictions to exports, as 75% of the UK steel industry’s exports totalling 2.55Mt of steel (£3.5bn in value) goes to European markets. This could face a trade barrier from the European CBAM from 2026, unless the UK moves forwards with its own UK CBAM.
By implementing its own Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the UK removes a trade barrier to the steel industry’s biggest market, stops the risk of trade diversion in its tracks, and creates a market for low-carbon steel vital for UK plc’s Net Zero transition.
Nine in ten mid-sized businesses halting growth plans due to difficulty accessing capital
Difficulty accessing capital is forcing nine in 10 (91%) of mid-sized businesses to curb growth plans, according to the latest research from accounting and advisory firm BDO.
The bi-monthly survey of 500 leaders of medium-sized businesses, which looks at the challenges and opportunities facing UK companies, reveals nearly one in four (24%) are being forced to scale back the business or make redundancies as a result of difficulty accessing capital. 22% are unable to finance plans for expansion, with a further fifth (20%) struggling to invest in new technology or software to improve their business for this reason.
An additional fifth say they are unable to raise salaries while almost a quarter (24%) are also struggling to invest in initiatives or benefits to retain current employees. Concerningly, this comes as 24% of businesses cite staff and skills shortages as one of their biggest challenges over the next six months.
Amid growing concerns about their access to capital, record levels of inflation or increased operating costs, such as energy bills, commercial rent and payroll, are the biggest challenges facing over half (56%) of mid-sized businesses. Improving cash flow, generating new sources of revenue or raising new financing from existing funding sources are also the top priorities for more than two-fifths (44%) of companies over the next six months.
Against this backdrop, businesses are turning to private capital markets for potential funding solutions. Private equity investment is the most attractive source of capital for almost a third (32%) of those in need of new funding, followed by equity capital markets (28%) and government support schemes (25%).
As a result of tough economic challenges, 40% will need to raise funds over the next year, while a further third (33%) plan to source new financing in the next 13 to 18 months.
Mid-sized companies, which employ eight million people and provided a around a quarter of UK jobs according to further research, are now calling on the Government to support them with rising costs and improve access to capital to make the UK a more appealing place to do business.
More support from policymakers to address high costs from inflation was the most common call among business leaders. Almost 30% want the Government to do more to improve access to private sources of funding, including bank loans, regional banking and private equity investment.
Even more (32%) are calling for better public financing, such as government grants, specifically targeted at businesses in the mid-market. More than one in three (35%) want the Government to introduce or improve tax incentives to help support their business and a third (33%) believe the Government could do more to offer support with energy bills, whether through subsidies or improving insulation for commercial buildings to cut demand altogether.
Richard Austin, partner at BDO LLP, said: “Despite staying resilient through an incredibly difficult time, tough challenges remain for mid-sized businesses, with access to capital becoming a critical issue.
“As the engine of the UK economy, these companies are responsible for a large, vital proportion of its income and employment and their success will play a key role in the economic performance of the UK overall. Businesses believe more can be done to address their concerns, drive their growth and ensure the UK remains an attractive place to do business both today and in the future.”
JMG acquires Southampton commercial insurance broker
Leeds-headquartered JMG Group has acquired commercial insurance broker GR Marshall as the Southampton-based broker approaches its fiftieth year in the industry.
GR Marshall, which was established in 1974 by Gill Marshall, is now led by Robert Tipp who became a major shareholder and Managing Director in 2001 and then sole shareholder in 2013.
A privately-owned commercial broker which operates primarily in the property, motor trade and personal insurance market, GR Marshall provides broker services to local clients as well as property managers across the UK.
The business employs five staff at its office in Hythe and will continue to trade under the GR Marshall brand.
Robert Tipp, GR Marshall MD, says: “This sale is the next step in building on the success we have achieved and, with the expertise and backing from the JMG Group, will allow us to take the business even further.
“I’m currently wearing six or seven hats at any one time and, whilst they are all essential parts of running a successful insurance broker business, I want to engage even more with clients, which is what this move will allow me to do.
“It was important that we found a buyer that shares our people-focussed values and the sales process has more than confirmed this of JMG Group. From the get-go the team has been friendly, responsive, warm and has kept true to their word – every interaction is how I would have wanted to be treated if I were a JMG Group client, which is a testament to the calibre of the team.”
Nick Houghton, Group CEO, JMG Group, said: “What makes GR Marshall special is its approach to client handling and this is reflected in the longevity and loyalty of its client base.
“The Group will help GR Marshall with some of the ‘heavy lifting’ elements involved in the day-to-day running, yet allow Robert and his team the autonomy to steer the business as they best know how. Having GR Marshall on board gives us additional expertise to share across the Group and a stronger foothold in the South of England.”
Move to 40,000 sq ft Barnsley site marks new era for Lucy and Yak
The Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor James Michael Stowe, was on hand to help fashion brand Lucy and Yak open their new premises at the Gateway 36 Business Park yesterday.
Created by Barnsley-born Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, the independent retailer has grown to become a popular clothing provider with more than 800,000 followers across their social media platforms.
While they have shops in major cities such as Brighton, Bristol, and Nottingham, and a new store which will open its doors in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month, the heart of the business remains in Barnsley.
The new 40,000 square foot site in Hoyland will see the company move from their previous home, a 10,000 square foot unit in Wombwell, where they manufactured scrubs, scrub caps and bags for frontline workers in local NHS hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It’s brilliant to see Lucy and Yak moving into a new site and staying in the borough. For such a well-known fashion brand to continue to operate from Barnsley demonstrates the potential and opportunities we can offer to businesses.
“Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business support team are proud to have paid their part by assisting the company in identifying local properties for their expansion as well as providing specialist business coaching support. We will continue to support the company for many years to come.
“It’s clear that Lucy and Chris have not forgotten their roots and are investing in Barnsley, giving something back by providing skilled job opportunities for local people. We look forward to seeing Lucy and Yak continue to grow their business operations in the borough.”
Lucy said: “I still can’t believe how far we have come in six years from our first distribution centre being in my parent’s basement in Kendray to now having this beautiful new distribution centre and providing so many jobs to people from my hometown. It feels weird seeing my name on such a huge building!”
Chris added: “We’re really proud to continue growing in Barnsley, Lucy’s hometown, and creating more jobs for the wonderful Barnsley locals!”
Bowker gets AA rating for new warehouse in Thorne
A newly-opened warehouse in Thorne operated by food distributor Bowker is to be awarded the highest-possible Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard status.
By obtaining AA BRCGS status at the Thorne facility, Bowker has now achieved the highest certification across all its food grade distribution centres, proving stringent quality control for the safe handling and storage of food throughout the supply chain.
Nick Brightey, Regional Director at Bowker, said: “This milestone demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards of food safety and quality. Our clients can trust that their products are handled and stored with utmost care, meeting the rigorous industry requirements. We are proud to have all of our food grade distribution centres attaining this esteemed status, underscoring our position as a leading provider in the logistics industry.”
The AA BRCGS accreditation is a globally recognised standard in food safety and quality management systems, emphasising the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of product integrity and customer satisfaction.
The new Thorne warehouse is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and innovative storage solutions, the Thorne warehouse further strengthens Bowker’s capabilities to provide efficient and reliable food grade distribution services.
£21m of new funding to unlock a brighter future for West Yorkshire
Following a meeting of the West Yorkshire Mayor and the region’s council leaders, more than £21 million will be invested in tackling the climate emergency, building stronger transport links for the future and supporting training for high-tech green jobs.
The investments come following last week’s publication of the Combined Authority’s West Yorkshire Plan, which aims to build a “brighter West Yorkshire that works for all” by 2040.
This funding will drive forward some of the plan’s key missions, helping to build a prosperous, well-connected and sustainable region. When added to other recent project approvals in the Spring, in areas such as Thorpe Park Rail Station and further investments in the Mayor’s Fares scheme, the Combined Authority is now investing more than £54m into the future of the region.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “We are getting on with delivering important work the people of West Yorkshire want to see.
“This multimillion-pound investment supports our missions set out in the West Yorkshire Plan, and will help us create good jobs, strong transport links, and a more environmentally friendly region for future generations.
“It’s crucial we focus on a better future for our children and children’s children helping them reap the rewards of living in a greener, safer, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Iain promoted to Associate Director at architects’ Leeds office
DLA Architecture has promoted Iain Jones to become Associate Director in its Leeds office.
Iain, who sits on the CIAT national project taskforce reviewing and commenting on proposed new legislation, has been with DLA for more than 18 years. He is part of the team delivering technical excellence across high-profile projects that have included Trinity Walk in Wakefield, Headingley Stadium, Vanguarde in York, Central Square Leeds, and more recently Oak House in Leeds.
The company has also promoted Mitesh Dabasia to become Associate in its London office. Mitesh joined the DLA in 2015 and has since played a vital role in the success of the commercial office team, particularly within complex retrofit projects.
Chris Levett, Group Board Director and Head of the London studio at DLA Architecture, said: “Iain has shown incredible loyalty to the practice and dedication to delivering exceptional architectural solutions for our clients.
“As a practice we are focussed on harnessing the talent and rewarding our next generation of creative people, maintaining our reputation as one of the UK’s leading architectural consultants at the forefront of new regulations following the Building Safety Act in 2022.”
“These well-earned promotions are a key part of our future success with each one bringing a strong skill set that will help shape the future of the company in years to come.”
Sheffield prepares to launch procurement scheme ahead of £117m investment in city’s leisure facilities
Sheffield’s leisure and entertainment venues are set for £117 million of investment and huge improvements including rebuilding of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield Arena and City Hall.
A competitive procurement process will be launched later this month to attract the very best in leisure provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
The investment, which is estimated at £117million, includes a complete rebuild of Springs, Concord, and Hillsborough Leisure Centres. In addition to this, a new partnership with the Football Foundation worth £2million will see investment in the Woodbourn Road football hub.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’ve developed a long-term vision that will protect and enhance our much-loved venues. Across the country we’ve seen pool and leisure centres close but Sheffield is bucking the trend by investing in our facilities.”
With communities at the heart of redevelopment plans, the council is also consulting international sporting stars and national governing bodies who call Sheffield home, including British Para Table Tennis and GB Boxing. This ensures that Sheffield’s leisure offer is suitable for our elite partners and our communities.
“We want to attract the very best providers to manage our future leisure provision and build on the great work of Sheffield City Trust. The council’s investment and the expertise we’re bringing in will ensure we provide facilities that meet the needs of our diverse communities, provide a fantastic entertainment and cultural offer, and attract global, iconic acts to Sheffield.”
The procurement for future leisure and entertainment providers will be structured into three packages. Each bidder will have the opportunity to tender for the packages that best suit their expertise:
- Services for Sport and Leisure (including golf facilities)
- Entertainment facilities – City Hall
- Entertainment facility – the Arena
BGES Group expands by opening office in the Midlands
BGES Group, with offices in Sheffield and London, is to add a Midlands base to its operations in response to a growing number of clients and opportunities in the area.
BGES delivers a range of technologies and solutions to help buildings become smarter, healthier, and more energy efficient – a key focus area for companies with net zero target.
Heading up the new team is Rob Ordish, who joined BGES Group in 2020 and is now promoted to Midlands Regional Manager. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the building controls industry, including nine years at Birmingham-based Demma Controls. He is leading the BGES team on several service contracts and projects in the region, including NHS Trusts, commercial, retail and pharmaceutical buildings.
The company believes its local presence will deliver several key benefits to customers, including a more “hands on” approach to client projects. Rob Ordish comments, “In a world of increasingly remote working practices, in our industry there is no substitute for boots on the ground at client sites. It’s crucial for our field service work, allows us to get to the heart of customer challenges and streamlines the delivery of projects. Put simply, our Midlands hub will allow us to deliver our best work to local clients – we’re really excited by that.”
A dedicated Midlands team also reduces the emissions produced by travel to and from local sites; helping BGES to meet its carbon reduction targets. In turn, the move supports customers’ efforts to reduce their own supply chain emissions.
