Levelling Up grant to bring Hull heritage building back into use
A pop-up arts and culture venue will be created thanks to Levelling Up Funding from Hull City Council.
A grant of £76,418.81 has been awarded to Fruit Market LLP to help bring back into use 66-68 Humber Street.
The heritage building will become 1-2 Pier Street and will be used as a pop-up space for the arts and cultural scene.
Renovations will include the installation of a new shop front, a new roof, cladding to the walls, a renovated interior, installation of heating and cooling systems, plumbing works and the fitting of fire systems and fire doors.
Garry Taylor, assistant director for major projects, culture and place at Hull City Council, said: “The council is delighted to be able to award this funding to Fruit Market LLP.
“It’s pleasing to see another unused building being brought back into use, whilst also supporting the city’s flourishing arts and culture scene.”
The regeneration of the Fruit Market is being led by Wykeland Beal, a company formed by commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, as part of the Fruit Market LLP joint venture with Hull City Council.
Esh secures £60m new refurbishment contracts
Leeds-based contractor, Esh Construction, is set to deliver more than £60 million refurbishment work for registered social housing providers following a series of contract awards.
Clients including Thirteen Group, Broadacres Housing Association and Riverside have appointed Esh to deliver refurbishment and upgrade works to housing stock across the North East, Tees Valley and North Yorkshire.
Boasting more than 20 years of experience delivering refurbishment schemes across the region, Esh has secured a place on Thirteen’s Capital Delivery Framework which will see £50 million of home improvements delivered throughout the next five years. The framework is part of Thirteen’s £150 million home investment programme.
Colin Ford, operations director at Esh Construction, said: “We pride ourselves on maintaining successful working relationships with our clients and we are delighted to have secured several notable contract awards to kickstart 2023.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with our clients to improve living conditions for tenants, while building on our extensive experience of delivering refurbishment works for more than two-decades.”
In North Yorkshire, Esh is set to commence work on a five-year kitchen and bathroom programme for Broadacres Housing Association, marking the first refurbishment contract with Broadacres in 14 years. More than 1,300 properties will benefit from the work undertaken.
A retirement living investment programme for Riverside adds to the pipeline, which will see Esh refurbish two occupied residential developments. The first scheme is located in South Shields and will include the installation of bathrooms, mechanical and electrical works, and refurbishment of communal areas.
The first project to get underway via Thirteen’s Capital Delivery Framework is the £5.9 million Holmes V project, with another four in the pipeline for the coming months. Modernisation works will be delivered in more than 400 homes across the estate in Thornaby with residents benefitting from new kitchens, electrical rewires and boilers.
Ford added: “At Esh, we are committed to making a lasting difference within the communities surrounding our developments through our ethos of employing local, supporting local, engaging local and procuring local.
“Each new contract award will allow us to create employment opportunities and generate a significant amount of work for our local supply chain, while also delivering social value initiatives such as volunteering and donations, school and college engagement, and training opportunities.”
Profitable seafront hotel in Redcar sold
The seafront Park Hotel in Redcar has been sold.
Positioned near the town centre, the hotel has steadily grown in popularity under the ownership of Lee and Claire Dexter. The property boasts panoramic coastal views throughout its 32 bedrooms and large bar and restaurant.
Former owner, Lee Dexter, says: “Claire and I have owned The Park Hotel for 20 years and we have enjoyed some great times. We felt that the time had come to focus on other business interests and we are proud to pass on a very popular hotel with a healthy trade and profits. We wish the new owners all the best in their venture.”
The hotel has been purchased by Redpark Leisure. A spokesperson advises: “We have always known and been aware of this fantastic hotel and restaurant, so we were delighted when it became available. Such well known businesses do not come up very often and we very much hope to build upon the good work of Lee and Claire and continue the hotel in the years to come.”
Handling the sale for the Dexters was Christie & Co hotel director, Mark Worley. He says: “I have known Lee and Claire for many years and have kept them updated and appraised of the hotel market, both on a local and regional basis. I am so pleased to have been able to sell the hotel for them especially as I know that it will remain as a hotel and it is in good hands with investment planned to ensure its longevity.”
North Kesteven’s rural firms encouraged to explore growth grant potential
Expressions of interest are open for a capital grant scheme which will help rural businesses in North Kesteven invest in sustainable growth.
The Rural Business Grant is specifically aimed at supporting new and existing rural businesses to develop products, services and facilities of wider benefit to the local economy.
Possible examples include farm businesses looking to diversify income streams, growth in the visitor economy including visitor accommodation, and investments in power or energy efficiency which will make a positive contribution to the District reaching net zero.
The grant is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council for DEFRA, under the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The first window for Expressions of Interest is open from now until Thursday 1 June.
Digital Expression of Interest forms can be found online at www.businessnk.co.uk
There’ll then be a first call for full applications, and this will take place when the Expressions of Interest window has closed.
North Kesteven District Council Economic Development Manager Alan Gray said: “We’re inviting rural businesses in North Kesteven to register their interest now in the Rural Business Grant, if they have a project they think may be eligible.
“These early indications will allow our grants team to make initial assessments of eligibility and provide help where needed from the start, including ensuring applicants are given the time and support necessary to refine and develop investments in line with the objectives of the Rural England Prosperity Fund and meet the various requirements for evidence.
“It will also help ensure that proper consideration is given to projects that may require planning permission, or any additional funding or legal matters which need to be concluded within the time frame set out for the delivery of projects.”
The minimum grant available through the Rural Business Grant is £5,000, and depending on the project and investment needed applicants may be required to provide match funding.
The Rural Business Grant will run until all funds have been awarded, and all projects must be deliverable before 31 March 2025. Full details on eligibility criteria are available with the Expressions of Interest form online.
North Kesteven’s Rural England Prosperity Fund allocation is an addendum to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to help support rural areas in England and the two Levelling Up Fund missions of improving living standards and growing pride of place. The Rural Business Grant has received £450,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Leeds award scheme celebrates manufacturers of the future
Leeds’ manufacturing and engineering sector has celebrated the achievements of some of its brightest younger stars at an awards ceremony recognising the talents, achievements and contributions of the next generation working within the industry.
Now in their second year, the Leeds Manufacturing Festival Awards saw trophies presented for Apprentice of the Year, Rising Star and Future Manufacturing Leader, as well as a new category of Employer of the Year. The initiative has gathered momentum since its launch in 2022, with double the number of employers nominating team members for awards this year and a packed awards ceremony, held last night [20 April] at Leeds glass reinforced plastic moulds manufacturer MPM.
Harry Clark won the Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Leeds City College. Nominated by his employer, MPM, where he works in the quality and finishing department, he was singled out as being a particularly strong performer within the business. According to judges, Harry stands out as “a team player with a strong career ahead of him”.
Sponsored by Leeds City Council, the 2023 Rising Star Award went to Maddy Pennock, currently in the fourth and final year of a design engineering apprenticeship at Stanningley-based engineering firm, LBBC Technologies.
Kirkstall Precision Engineering apprentice manufacturing engineer Kalum Downey scooped the Future Manufacturing Leader trophy, sponsored by engineering and manufacturing recruiter E3 Recruitment. Kalum was singled out for consistently delivering high-quality work and supporting his team members.
Historic Leeds textiles business AW Hainsworth was named Employer of the Year, an award sponsored by Next Gen Makers, which runs a benchmarking and accreditation scheme for manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships.
The firm was selected for its “remarkable commitment to its employees and continual investment in developing its people strategies,” according to the judges, who were impressed by AW Hainsworth’s “wide range of support for employees,” as well as its “outstanding commitment to learning and development, with training opportunities across the organisation and available to all.”
“The progressive yet inclusive leadership style is again demonstrated in their commitment to apprenticeships,” said the judges. “With a strong emphasis on the next generation, it is clear that AW Hainsworth believes people are the key to long term sustainability for businesses”.
Ben Wilson, interim chair of the Leeds Manufacturing Festival, and director of MPM, said: “These awards are a celebration of the many outstanding young people who have opted for what will no doubt be incredibly successful careers in manufacturing and we couldn’t do it without the support and engagement from our sponsors. Our industry needs more creative, dedicated young employees like our award winners and nominees to form the next generation of manufacturers and ensure the future of our sector.”
Hull Trains partners with Trussell Trust to encourage food donations
For a week starting today Hull Trains and the Trussell Trust are calling on the general public to support a week-long appeal for donations to provide food to those in most need.
The Trussell Trust has seen demand for its local food banks rocket over the past few months and is handing out 47% more packages compared to this time last year.
Hull Trains will be setting up a food donations collection point at Hull Paragon Station from today until Friday this week.
The campaign has been launched to coincide with the Big Help Out, a scheme launched by His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Consort Camilla as part of the Coronation celebrations. The Big Help Out is encouraging everyone to volunteer or support their own community, nationwide.
The donation point will be located on the concourse at Paragon Station where donations of non-perishable, in-date food will be greatly received by the trust to create food parcels for individuals and families across the Hull and Humber region.
Items such as tinned vegetables, tinned rice pudding, tinned fruit, and tinned meat are among the items that are much needed by food banks in the local area. Strong carrier bags are also appreciated by the trust so the packs can be distributed effectively.
Russ Barlow, Project Manager at The Trussell Trust Hull branch, said: “We are so grateful for the support of Hull Trains in these challenging times. To see such a huge increase in people struggling to afford the essentials has been difficult and helping them would be impossible without the vital support of local people and organisations such as Hull Trains.
“We would like to see an end to people needing to use a foodbank, but whilst we work towards that challenging goal, we’d like to say a big thank you to Hull Trains and anyone that is able to donate to help ensure people do not go without in the coming months.”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains, said: “The Coronation and Big Help Out provides a unique opportunity for communities to come together and do something positive for those who need our support the most. Even by making a single donation, you will be making a huge difference.
“The work the Trussell Trust are doing to provide individuals and families across Hull with access to food and necessities is vital. Let’s please come together as a community to help them and we can all make a difference together.”
York & North Yorkshire Chamber names new VP
Sarah Czarnecki has been appointed as new vice president at the York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Sarah is a well-known and respected business leader in the region and sits on the York and North Yorkshire Chamber Leadership Group as well as being vice-chair of its Hospitality Forum.
The appointment will see her join the wider West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce board, working alongside current president Laurence Beardmore until his time in office concludes this summer, after which she will assume the office of President.
Sarah is director of Grays Court Hotel & The Bow Room Restaurant in York city centre, and is a director at York’s Business Improvement District and an advisory board member of York St John University’s business school.
She said: “Becoming vice president of York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is both an honour and a privilege. I have dedicated much of my life to business in this region and am looking forward to devoting my time and passion to make York and North Yorkshire as successful and prosperous as it can be.
“North Yorkshire is a gem of the United Kingdom with a strong footing in the industries that have made us the county we are. Working with, and championing, these industries and businesses will be a prime focus for my role with the Chamber.
“I look forward to shepherding the county into the next chapter of its illustrious history and to working with the region’s stakeholders for its advancement.”
HullBID signs sponsorship deal for this summer’s food nights
HullBID has secured the backing of a contact centre business ResQ as sponsor of the city’s Street Food Nights – one of the organisation’s biggest events of the year.
Company CEO Gill Matchbanks, whose firm employs 2,000 in Hull and Seaham, County Durham, said sponsorship was a great opportunity to connect with candidates and customers. “Finding and recruiting talent is something we do on a daily basis and we like to get involved in these types of activity in the local area to get our name out there as a great place to work.
“We also have some huge clients including British Gas, Scottish Power and Vodafone and a presence at Hull Street Food Nights will support our ongoing campaign to find the best talent to service them.
“As a business that was born in Hull as a tiny player in the market to one that now employs over 2000 people, ResQ are delighted to be able to support other local businesses on their journey to growth.”
HullBid Exec Director Kathryn Shillito said: “ResQ recognise the potential for business benefits from the huge crowds which we attract to every event, and they are clearly committed to supporting Hull, having announced nearly 300 new jobs just last week.
“Hull Street Food Nights provide a great opportunity for staff to get together and unwind with great food and drink and live entertainment after a day at work. We’re sure the ResQ team will make the most of that and we’re grateful to them for helping us to offer the opportunity to other businesses in the city centre.”
Hull Street Food Nights will feature about 30 different food vendors and an entertainment package which will include live music, DJ sets, street entertainment and free glitter face painting. The events will all take place in Zebedee’s Yard and Princes Dock Street from 4pm until 9pm and the dates are Thursday 1 June, Thursday 29 June, Thursday 27 July and Thursday 28 September.
Green Port Hull steps up to the mark with electric car race sponsorship
Green Port Hull and Hull City Council are supporting Greenpower Education Trust in hosting Green Port Hull Goblins electric car event at Hull’s West Park on Sunday 14th May, with primary school children test their handmade racing cars around the MKM Stadium’s car park.
Primary school pupils aged nine to 11 across the city have been teaming up to create their electric kit cars and all are welcome to see them test their racing skills around the slalom tracks at the MKM Stadium.
Greenpower Education Trust has provided the framework for the kit cars, known as Goblins, as well as the components for a battery powered engine.
The car must be built by the pupils, including designing and sourcing the bodywork themselves, with an emphasis on using eco-friendly materials, and the vehicles have been created in school projects which focus on STEM subjects, as well as teamwork.
There will be a parade of the cars around 10:30am, with the action getting under way at 11am and prizegiving to follow.
Mark Jones, director of regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “This is a fantastic event which will not only be undoubted fun, but will help pupils engage in key subjects and enhance their education.
“The Hull Street Race hosted in 2019 was a brilliant spectacle, but the pandemic limited any race events, so it’s great to be able to reinvigorate our involvement with Greenpower Education Trust and to kickstart the kit car project in our schools again.”
Michele Augousti, CEO of Greenpower Education Trust, added: “We are immensely grateful for the continued support being given by Green Port Hull to enable another Goblin event to take place this year in Hull at the MKM stadium.
“Green Port Hull has supported us for many years and is very kindly providing sponsorship again so that this event can take place.
“This enables Greenpower to be able to provide young people with the opportunity to design, build and race electric cars at a host of events throughout the year, culminating in an International Final in all three categories: Formula Goblin (ages 9-11), IET Formula 24 (ages 11-16) and IET Formula 24+ (ages 16-25).”
Shareholders agree to put more cash into Pensana rare earth plant at Saltend
Two major shareholders in Pensana, the company building a rare earth plant at Salted near Hull, have agreed to invest a further US$10 million in aggregate in the Company which will increase their combined holdings to 38.6%.
They are M&G Investment Management and the Angolan Sovereign Wealth Fund both of whom remain strongly supportive of the Company and its business plan and have each requested and been granted the right to participate in any future equity or other fund raising undertaken by the Company on a pro rata basis for the next two years.
Chairman Paul Atherley noted: “This additional investment reflects their confidence in our strategy and growth prospects, and we are grateful for their ongoing commitment.
“The fact that M&G and FSDEA have also requested the right to participate in any future equity raises is a clear endorsement of our business, demonstrating long-term alignment with our goals.
“We look forward to progressing our Saltend and Longonjo projects, delivering the world’s first independent and sustainable magnet metal rare earth supply chain and meeting the growing needs of OEMs.”
