New Chair launches Humber Business Week
Humber Business Week has ben launched at an event hosted by the incoming chair for 2024 – Pat Coyle.
The event traditionally announces a number of key events confirmed for this year’s ‘Festival of Business’, and acts as a rallying call for other businesses to confirm the details of their own events and ensure they are part of the programme between June 5-9th.
Following the announcement that Kath Lavery is stepping down as chair after her 14th and final year at the helm this summer, it has today been confirmed that highly experienced marketing specialist Mrs Coyle is to take over in 2024.
The Rollits Director of Marketing and Client Relations has been part of the volunteer steering group which brings together Business Week each year for more than a decade, supporting Mrs Lavery in that time.
She has been involved in many of Business Week’s most successful events, including a number organised through her role on the senior management team at Hull law firm Rollits.
In her previous role as chair of the Institute of Directors in East Yorkshire, she attracted high-profile speakers including Midge Ure and Kevin Keegan to an annual Humber Luncheon as part of the week.
That event is to return in 2023, this time organised by a group of local companies, but again under Mrs Coyle’s leadership.
That will include a guest speaker appearance from Carl Leighton-Pope, who during a career in the music business lasting over 55 years, has acted as agent for the likes of Patti Smith, The Motors, Dire Straits, Simple Minds, UFO, Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Bublé, Billy Ocean, and Chris Rea.
“Stepping into Kath Lavery’s shoes as the Chair of Humber Business Week is both a privilege and a challenge,” said Mrs Coyle.
“It’s a daunting task, but with determination, innovation, and collaboration, I look forward to building on the great work that has been done by Kath and the Steering Group to build on the event’s legacy and ensure a platform from 2024 onwards for businesses to connect, learn, and grow.
“Humber Business Week is an important event for our region, and I am committed to ensuring that it continues to be a success.”
Quickline’s rural broadband boost changes brewery business for the better
East Yorkshire’s award-winning Great Newsome micro-brewery has adapted its sales model and diversified thanks to enhanced internet connection, switching online sales from just 2% of its business rot 90%.
Its broadband provider is now Quickline Communications, and the collaboration has allowed the brewery, in Winestead, Holderness, to capitalise on its new brewery by adapting to a rapidly-changing marketplace.
Pre-Covid, the family-run business was doing only minimal online trading, but tanks to the new broadband capability moved to focus on online trading to survive when the country was forced into lockdown.
Great Newsome, which uses barley from its own fields to produce its beer, now also operates a firewood sales business and offers glamping and holiday home retreats on its farm – all of which have been made possible by its improved internet service. Matthew Hodgson of Great Newsome Brewery said: “When Covid hit and we went into lockdown, everything changed and the only way we could survive during that period was to deliver straight to our customers. “Thankfully, we’d switched to Quickline to give us fast, reliable internet. Previously, it had been very patchy at best, and we wouldn’t have survived without the improved service. “Now, it’s essential to our business. Our software is all Cloud-based and we need broadband for everything from taking orders online, telephone sales and taking payments, to things like social media to promote our businesses. It’s also meant we’ve been able to expand to launch our firewood business and glamping and holiday home breaks. “It really shows the crucial importance of broadband in rural communities like ours.” Quickline, which has already passed more than 300,000 premises with its existing next-generation fixed wireless broadband network in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, is blending that with full fibre to create the UK’s only gigabit hybrid network. Quickline CEO Sean Royce said: “I’ve known about Great Newsome Brewery for some time and am a fan of their beer, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to support their business. “Covid changed everything and showed how important fast and reliable broadband is for everyone, in all communities, and for businesses to survive and thrive. “The recent FSB report highlights how rural communities have been neglected by major broadband providers for years, which is why we’re on a mission to reach these areas. “At Quickline, we don’t just sell broadband and build networks, we change people’s lives, and Great Newsome Brewery is a prime example of that.”Tabletop gaming retailer secures funding to support growth
A six-figure investment is helping The Outpost, a Sheffield-based independent tabletop and miniature wargaming specialist retailer, to grow its presence in Yorkshire.
Funding from NPIF – FW Capital Debt Finance, which is managed by FW Capital and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), will create two new jobs, increasing The Outpost’s team to seven people. The cash injection is also supporting the increase of its stock holdings to meet rising consumer demand for tabletop games.
The Outpost was started in 2008 by Managing Director Chris Murdoch, working from his home selling tabletop games products via eBay. Today the business is a successful independent gaming online and store retailer of tabletop games. The Outpost has a strong focus on miniature wargaming including the popular Warhammer 40,000 as well as stocking specific board and card games including Star Wars and Marvel.
The Outpost has a Sheffield store located in Neepsend which stocks a wide variety of products from the leading brands in tabletop gaming and some lesser known ranges too. It can also host gaming events and tournaments during store opening hours, with capacity of up to 64 players.
Alex Gent, senior investment executive, facilitated the investment funding for The Outpost and was introduced to the business by Patrick Abel from Corporate Finance firm Hart Shaw, who supported the business during the investment process.
Chris Murdoch, Managing Director, Outpost, said: “It’s fantastic that FW Capital has seen the value in what we’re building here at The Outpost and helped us to secure the finance needed to support our growth ambitions. Tabletop wargaming is increasing in popularity and having access to working capital is helping us to expand the range of products we stock and services available in our Sheffield store and online.
“We’ve enjoyed significant growth since the business was first launched and our success continued during the pandemic thanks to our online sales. Our desire to help however we could during lockdown and the drive of our team was a real testament to their dedication. The continued popularity of tabletop wargaming has seen demand rise across our retail platforms and we were seeking funding to support our next stage of growth.
“The opportunity to springboard our business to the next stage was something we had been seeking and when we were introduced to FW Capital it seemed like a dream come true. Alex Gent at FW Capital has been exceptional. She was always on hand when I needed to talk to her and had the best interests of The Outpost at heart to help ensure we secured the right investment to support our expansion.”
Alex Gent, senior investment executive at FW Capital, said: “We’ve some fantastic businesses in this region and The Outpost is a great example of how having access to the right finance can make a real difference. Chris has worked hard to build The Outpost, and its growth is a real testament to that. The Outpost operates in an exciting, niche market and is focused on expanding its presence across Yorkshire. The capital in place will help to drive this, creating new jobs and strengthening its stock holdings to better meet the needs of its customers.”
Patrick Abel, corporate finance partner at Hart Shaw, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support The Outpost in securing the funding necessary to meet their growth ambitions. As always, we’ve enjoyed working with Alex and the team at FW Capital who ensured the smooth completion of the funding.”
New man joins Board of British Chambers of Commerce
Former PwC leader Richard Collier-Keywood has joined the Board of the British Chambers of Commerce.
He has a wealth of international and UK business experience, operating at the very highest level of industry. He served as Managing Partner of PwC UK from 2008 to 2011 and as the organisation’s Global Vice-Chairman from 2011 to 2017.
He went on to become a senior adviser to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for four years. He now spends his time working with organisations spanning the charity, business, public and NGO sectors.
His roles include Chair of the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Chair of Fair4All Finance, Chair of New Forest Care and Chair of Big Education. He is on the Board and chairs the finance committee of Women of the World Foundation, a UK charity focused on diversity and equality. He also recently joined the Board of The National Lottery Community Fund and chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.
Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are honoured to have Richard join the BCC board. Not only does he bring with him experience working at the top of the international business world, but also years of involvement with brilliant charities, third-sector organisations and public bodies.
“The BCC represents the best of Britain, and Richard is exemplary of one of our very finest British business leaders. I look forward to working with him and our Board on ensuring the voice of business is represented and supported at the very highest levels of Government and enterprise.”
Mr Collier-Keywood said: “I’m very excited to join the British Chambers of Commerce in the work they do amplifying the voice of UK businesses and advocating for the support they need to sustain tough times.
“The power of the BCC lies in its unique network of firms of all sizes across all sectors, within the UK and around the world. I look forward to joining this network and working with Sarah, Shevaun and the rest of the brilliant BCC team on strengthening the influence and power of our national and internationalChambers of Commerce.”
Minister opens Siemens £7m maintenance plant in Goole
The new Siemens rail components maintenance plant in Goole has been opened by Michael Gove and Sambit Banerjee, the company’s MD for Rolling Stock and Customer Services.
Set to create an 30 new skilled jobs in the next year, the £7m facility is at the heart of the Siemens Mobility rail village in Goole, and will maintain gearboxes, traction motors and other parts for train and tram fleets across the UK, helping to keep trains from Scotland to the South Coast running. 
The components facility used to operate in a small space in Leeds, and already employs 40 full-time staff, including five apprentices from the region. The new dedicated 4000sqm space will allow the state-of-the-art facility to take on the maintenance of further components in the future. Much of the work now done at the site in Goole had previously taken place in mainland Europe.
Siemens says the opening highlighted Siemens Mobility’s commitment to the UK, having been built by local firm GMI, which has built the rest of the Siemens rail village. The GMI supply chain is based entirely in the UK, with over 70% of it based in Yorkshire. It also marks the next phase of Siemens Mobility’s plans to establish Goole as a centre of excellence for rail technology in the UK.
Michael Gove said: “It’s fantastic to see Siemens Mobility investing in this new facility in Goole. This is a great example of how we’re working with business to deliver on our commitment to secure international investment in the UK to create new skilled jobs and level up the country.“
Sambit Banerjee said:“We’re proud to be able to show the Secretary of State the impact that our site in Goole is already having creating jobs and supporting the region, and how this fits into his ambitions for levelling up. Investment in the rail industry is essential for not only boosting growth, but ensuring we have the capabilities to design, manufacture and maintain the different parts of our rail system here in the UK. What’s more, our state-of-the-art rail village will enable us to drive forward a smarter, greener and more digital rail network.“
MP for Brigg and Goole Andrew Percy said:“The rail village at Goole is one I have visited many times and worked closely with Siemens Mobility to mark many milestones in recent years. It clearly shows how local investment creates jobs and opportunities, not just directly in the rail industry but the vital support services too with a recently opened new cafe and office space this is a hub of employment opportunities.“
Siemens Mobility is investing up to £200m in the rail village at Goole, a site that spans 67 acres. From next year London Underground’s new Piccadilly line trains will be assembled at Goole before they start entering passenger service from 2025.
Overall, Siemens Mobility’s investment in the region will create 700 new jobs, with a further 250 roles during the construction phase and an additional 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities promoting localisation and helping to serve other global markets by 2030.
The components facility used to operate in a small space in Leeds, and already employs 40 full-time staff, including five apprentices from the region. The new dedicated 4000sqm space will allow the state-of-the-art facility to take on the maintenance of further components in the future. Much of the work now done at the site in Goole had previously taken place in mainland Europe.
Siemens says the opening highlighted Siemens Mobility’s commitment to the UK, having been built by local firm GMI, which has built the rest of the Siemens rail village. The GMI supply chain is based entirely in the UK, with over 70% of it based in Yorkshire. It also marks the next phase of Siemens Mobility’s plans to establish Goole as a centre of excellence for rail technology in the UK.
Michael Gove said: “It’s fantastic to see Siemens Mobility investing in this new facility in Goole. This is a great example of how we’re working with business to deliver on our commitment to secure international investment in the UK to create new skilled jobs and level up the country.“
Sambit Banerjee said:“We’re proud to be able to show the Secretary of State the impact that our site in Goole is already having creating jobs and supporting the region, and how this fits into his ambitions for levelling up. Investment in the rail industry is essential for not only boosting growth, but ensuring we have the capabilities to design, manufacture and maintain the different parts of our rail system here in the UK. What’s more, our state-of-the-art rail village will enable us to drive forward a smarter, greener and more digital rail network.“
MP for Brigg and Goole Andrew Percy said:“The rail village at Goole is one I have visited many times and worked closely with Siemens Mobility to mark many milestones in recent years. It clearly shows how local investment creates jobs and opportunities, not just directly in the rail industry but the vital support services too with a recently opened new cafe and office space this is a hub of employment opportunities.“
Siemens Mobility is investing up to £200m in the rail village at Goole, a site that spans 67 acres. From next year London Underground’s new Piccadilly line trains will be assembled at Goole before they start entering passenger service from 2025.
Overall, Siemens Mobility’s investment in the region will create 700 new jobs, with a further 250 roles during the construction phase and an additional 1,700 indirect supply chain opportunities promoting localisation and helping to serve other global markets by 2030. York modular building market leader acquires Telford firm
Modular building market leader Portakabin has acquired healthcare modular buildings specialist Darwin Group.
Combining the modular knowledge, scale and financial strength of York-headquartered Portakabin with the specialist healthcare expertise of Darwin Group will now offer healthcare providers both temporary and permanent building solutions to cover all future clinical and non-clinical requirements.
“This union between two of the most respected offsite modular builders in their respective fields is an exciting development for both Portakabin and Darwin Group. We are both passionate about providing the healthcare sector with the most comprehensive range of market-leading products and services, particularly given the considerable pressures on our healthcare professionals today,” says Dan Ibbetson, CEO of Portakabin.
“An incredibly strong culture runs through the DNA of both businesses, and our commitment to delivering quality healthcare facilities allowing clinicians to enhance patient care makes this a natural fit. We are truly excited to start working together to continue delivering outstanding buildings for our customers,” says Richard Pierce, CEO of Darwin Group.
Darren Boocock, corporate finance partner at Deloitte, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this transaction from its inception to its conclusion. We have worked closely with the Darwin team over the last two and a half years, helping them raise the funding to support their expansion ambitions and assisting them as they built out the management team and explored strategic opportunities for the business.
“Portakabin is a natural home for the team; both businesses share the same cultural values and passion to provide exceptional solutions to the healthcare sector. We wish Richard, Jim and the rest of the management team all the best as they pursue the next stage of their exciting journey.”
Andy Moody, corporate finance director, added: “This deal is a real success story for the Midlands market. Darwin is an exceptional Midlands business with an unrivalled reputation in healthcare. The transaction with Portakabin will enable them to expand their solutions to the healthcare sector.”
Darwin Group is headquartered in Telford, with an organisation of c. 200 employees and a turnover of c. £80m in 2022.
Portakabin was advised by Stephens (Corporate Finance), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal) and KPMG (Financial and Tax).
Darwin Group was advised by Deloitte (Corporate Finance), DLA Piper (Legal) and PwC (Tax).
Go-ahead given to plans for new hotel in Lincoln
Plans for a new hotel in Lincoln, at the corner of Sincil Street and Waterside South, have been approved.
Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd are behind the outline planning application for the currently vacant site, which is part of the wider Cornhill Quarter redevelopment scheme and close to the recent developments of the new Central Car Park and the City Bus Station.
Formerly a Co-op shopping centre, all existing structures on the site will be demolished. The application also therefore proposes the demolition of the pedestrian footbridge across Melville Street.
The six-storey proposed hotel would host up to 150 beds, with front of house and restaurant facilities provided at ground floor level.
A council document says: “It is considered that the proposed hotel will help meet the need for visitor accommodation in the city centre, and provide wider public benefits through improvements to public realm and increased activity to Melville Street, investment within the city and contributing to the vitality and viability of the city centre.”
Doncaster gears up for 25th running of Chamber’s business awards scheme
Preparations are under way for the Doncaster Business Awards 2023, which will be the 25th year the completion has been held – without even a break for Covid during which time the scheme was run virtually.
Organised by Doncaster Chamber of Commerce will kick off the event with a launch party on Friday 23rd June.
The number of categories has been increased to 17, so that alongside the usual accolades for inspiring apprentices, fledgling start-ups, compassionate charities, thriving smaller firms and major companies — there will be some new trophies up for grabs.
Jade Dyer, Business Director for Doncaster Chamber, said: “One of our most prestigious events, the awards never fail to inspire. It’s always rousing to see what our local business community is capable of — as we showcase their biggest achievements over the last twelve months — and we are blown away each and every year by the fantastic response.
“2023 ought to be particularly memorable, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ceremony and shine a spotlight on more businesses than ever before, thanks to our refreshed category list.
“With that said, I encourage any firm that wants to enter this year to consider attending our launch party, as it really is the best way to get into the competitive spirit. It’s where the awards officially begin and it marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey.”
Doncaster Chamber President Andy Morley has identified Harrison College and Doncaster Housing for Young People as good causes to benefit from fundraising activities related to the Business Awards. Andy said: “Both of these organisations do incredible work for young people. Having carved out a niche for itself, Harrison College is the only education provider in our city to focus on securing internships, employment and work skills for post-16s with special needs. In this sense, they are truly a one-of-a-kind institution.
“Meanwhile, Doncaster Housing for Young People helps those who are at the greatest risk of homelessness to overcome their disadvantages and look forward to brighter futures. Helping individuals find places to live, providing budgeting advice, and offering wellbeing safe spaces, the work they do is invaluable and it’s an honour to support them through the Business Awards.”
The Business Awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday 7th December. The University of Sheffield, Orb Recruitment, DN Colleges Group, SYNETIQ, Keepmoat Homes and Carlton Forest Group have already signed up as category sponsors, while The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the event’s headline sponsor.
Ørsted works with Wildlife Trusts to restore the Humber’s marine environments
Renewable energy company Ørsted is partnering with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to launch Wilder Humber – a five-year environmental programme to restore marine habitats and species throughout the Humber estuary.
The estuary is one of the most important natural features and conservation sites in the UK, but its conservation status was downgraded to unfavourable condition by Natural England in 2012, attributed to habitat loss and commercial development, which resulted in the decline of habitats, such as sand dunes, saltmarsh, seagrass, and native oysters.
These habitats are critical for marine biodiversity. For example, seagrass provides rich nursery habitats, breeding and feeding grounds for a vast array of species, including shore crabs, juvenile flatfish, bass, brent geese and other wading birds. Sadly, extensive seagrass loss has occurred in UK waters during the last 100 years, with recent research estimating that at least 44% of the UK’s seagrass has been lost since 1936, of which 39% has been since the 1980s.
In efforts to reverse these major declines, the Wilder Humber programme is trialling a “seascape-scale” model, combining sand dune, saltmarsh, seagrass, and native oyster restoration to maximise conservation and biodiversity benefits across the estuary. The aim of the programme is to restore and enrich nearly 40 hectares of protected habitats and rebuild the Humber’s lost native oyster population to over half a million. 30 hectares of the overall 40-hectare ambition will focus on restoring lost seagrass meadow at Spurn Point, another key target for Wilder Humber.
In addition to spearheading the restoration works, Wilder Humber will also work with local communities to tell the story of the restoration journey through community events and school engagement visits and provide volunteering opportunities to contribute to wildlife conservation in the Humber estuary.
Rachael Bice, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said:“The time has come for bigger, bolder action on seascape and seagrass restoration, following good results from our earlier trials. This pioneering programme delivered by an exciting partnership is a crucial step forward. We expect to see huge improvements to water quality, richer marine habitat providing a better home for more birds, seals and fish across the estuary and beyond.”
As a global leader in offshore wind, Ørsted has set an industry-leading ambition that all new renewable energy projects it commissions from 2030, at the latest, should deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact. Through collaboration with the Trusts, Wilder Humber programme will provide a foundation for Ørsted’s biodiversity ambitions.
Benj Sykes, Head of Environment, Consents and External Affairs at Ørsted, said: “The diversity of life on planet Earth is our natural life-support system, but it’s being lost at an alarming rate. Climate change is accelerating this trend and it’s vital we address the global climate and biodiversity crises urgently. At Ørsted, we firmly believe that we can find ways to increase the build out of much-needed renewable energy whilst delivering a positive impact on nature. Through collaboration with conservation and restoration experts, like The Wildlife Trust, we want to pioneer biodiversity projects that will make a real and lasting difference. Our partnership with Lincolnshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts is a major step towards that ambition in the UK.”
First ever Yorkshire recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise announced
The first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today (21 April), celebrating the achievements of UK businesses, with 12 awards bestowed on Yorkshire & Humber companies.
Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.
“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965. This year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise are given for outstanding achievement in Innovation, International trade, Sustainable development, and Promoting opportunity (through social mobility). His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. The recipients from Yorkshire include: Innovation Ascendant Solutions – Doncaster Conductive Transfers – Barnsley Fuel Storage Solutions – Thornton Loadhog – Sheffield Senior Architectural Systems – Denaby Main Harrison Spinks – Leeds International trade Akula Living – Wetherby Bettys & Taylors Group – Harrogate Harrison Spinks – Leeds LabLogic Group Holdings, Sheffield Sustainable development Naturaw Pet Food – Wetherby The Green Estate CIC – Sheffield Chris Broadbent, director, Naturaw Pet Food, said: “To receive the Kings Award for Enterprise is a huge, huge honour for us, and a testament to our team’s hard work and resilience over the last few years in an incredibly challenging and unprecedented climate.” Jess Warneken, co-founder, added: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of our entire business ethos, we have always gone the extra mile to do things better. We’re so passionate about the way we conduct ourselves as a company, firmly believing we can have a commercially successful business that is also socially and environmentally conscious. To be recognised in this way with such a prestigious award is a proud moment.” Simon Spinks, chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised with two inaugural King’s Awards this year, which sit proudly alongside the Queen’s Award we hold for Sustainable Development. These awards are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality, sustainable design. “From an international trade perspective, we’re proud that our British values of sustainable innovation and quality have truly set us up for success in a global marketplace. “These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials; supports businesses that manufacture in the UK; and one which works with organisations such as British Wool on campaigns like the Traceable Wool Scheme. “Our team has put in a lot of hard work this year and we’re proud this has been recognised with an award for International Trade. We’re also thrilled to have been awarded the title for Innovation as we continue to be industry leaders while maintaining the highest standards of production.” Darren Kelk, Managing Director, Ascendant Solutions, said: “The King’s Award for Innovation is one of the highest accolades any business can receive, and the success we’ve achieved illustrates the vital role small businesses like Ascendant Solutions Ltd has within this market.”