Doncaster Chamber appoints Jade Dyer to new role as COO
Doncaster Chamber has appointed Jade Dyer to the new role of COO, which means she’ll assume greater responsibility as she will be coordinates most of the Chamber’s day-to-day operations.
She said: “The team here at the Chamber have accomplished so much over the past few years and it’s been a privilege to work alongside them in service of the ultimate goal of making Doncaster a truly great place to do business. It’s a mission that is close to my heart and one that I am deeply invested in.
“With that said, I cannot wait to take this to the next level in my new role, as we strive to find new ways to better represent our members, champion their interests and amplify their collective voices.”
Chamber Chief Exec Dan Fell added: “As representatives of the business community, we take people development very seriously and know how crucial it is to nurture great talent, so I am delighted that Jade will be stepping up to this role. She has an exemplary track record in this area, has worked diligently throughout her time at the Chamber, and I know that she can always be counted on to be a staunch advocate for the private sector here in Doncaster.
“What’s more, secure in the knowledge that our day-to-day operations are now in a very safe pair of hands, I will be in a better position to look at the bigger picture. Indeed, I am looking forward to having capacity for focussing on the policy and advocacy issues that I know are so important to our members.”
On that note, Doncaster Chamber will be launching a Business Manifesto at its flagship conference in June, which will outline an ambitious new vision for the city going forward. More information about the event can be found below.
Rurl Business Grant adds all-weather dimension to farm and creates new job
Adam and Kelly Richardson have added a 150-square metre barn to their family business, Lower Coates Farm, at Silkstone Common, allowing them to create a new job and expand their programme of educational animal experiences and events.
Adam and Kelly estimate the new windproof and watertight barn will enable them to increase business activity by at least ten percent and create a new full-time job within the next few months.
The new indoor space will allow more activities for schools, farmyard events and animal experiences; extend their programme of fitness and wellbeing classes; and begin hosting community events, parties and private functions such as weddings. All without the risk of being rained off.
Kelly said: “The response we’ve had from the public and local community since we started offering farmyard experiences of all kinds 18 months ago and has been amazing and we’ve already grown every aspect of the business in response to demand. But, it’s been so frustrating having to say no to some enquiries because we just haven’t had a large enough weather-proof space to cater for them.
“Our new, secure and accessible barn gives us loads of potential to do much more and we are excited to get going and grow the business further.”
Adam said: “If we hadn’t got the Rural Business Grant support, we would still have had to invest in a barn as we needed a fit-for-purpose indoor space to sustain our visitor attraction and venue offer. But, we would’ve had to settle for a smaller barn because that’s what we could have afforded. That would’ve restricted our opportunities; and we almost definitely wouldn’t have expanded so much that we needed to recruit to a new job. The big, new barn gives us a much better return on investment and puts us in a stronger position for the future.”
Rural Business Grants aim to fund capital projects for small rural businesses that will help them grow through improving productivity, developing new products, accessing new markets and/or new customers or visitors. The grants provide up to 50 per cent funding for projects up to £25,000.
The Richardsons’ Rural Business Grant covered half the cost of their new build, delivered by Barnsley-based contractors Nicholson Roberts Ltd.
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley Rachel Fletcher said: “Lower Coates Farm is a great example of a rural family business diversifying to create new income streams and boost the local economy. The Rural Business Grant has enabled Kelly and Adam to invest in growth in a way they just couldn’t have afforded alone. We look forward to seeing the business use its new asset to help achieve its targets for expansion and job creation.”
The couple’s investment has been backed by a Rural Business Grant delivered by Barnsley Council through the Enterprising Barnsley programme and supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. This project is part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund via its integrated Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Lindum completes £21m homes project for Yorkshire Housing
Lincoln-based Lindum Group has finished work on a £21 million housing development for Yorkshire Housing to help ease the housing crisis.
Lindum has built more than 150 affordable homes at the Silsden development in Bradford. The scheme is part of Yorkshire Housing’s commitment to build 8,000 new affordable homes across Yorkshire.
Lindum York MD James Nellist said: “We are thrilled to be handing over the last 10 affordable plots to Yorkshire Housing on what has been a very challenging but rewarding project.
“This new development has been built during one of the most challenging periods for our industry, through Covid complications and supply chain difficulties caused by the war in Ukraine and of course unprecedented inflation. Despite these challenges, by working in collaboration with Yorkshire Housing we have still been able to deliver 156 quality homes for the people of Silsden.
“This is such an important housing scheme for the Silsden area, helping to ease the growing demand on affordable housing in the area and we are now looking forward to seeing the new community develop and thrive in their new homes.”
Yorkshire Housing had already received 122 homes in previous phases last year, with the last 34 now ready for residents to move in.
Yorkshire Building Society welcomes new Chair
Yorkshire Building Society has welcomed its new chair Annemarie Durbin at its AGM at the Met Hotel in Leeds.
Members voted overwhelmingly in favour of all resolutions, including the appointment of board members, and in so doing raised £25,000 for FareShare, the mutual’s charity partner. The Society donated 20p for every vote by post and 35p for every vote online.
It was the last AGM led by John Heaps, who has been chair of the mutual for the past nine years and has overseen balance sheet growth from £38.2 billion in 2015 to £61 billion.
Annemarie joined the board as Chair Designate in December last year. She has 35 years’ international business and banking experience, and most recently held positions on the boards of Cater Allen Private Bank, Santander UK, Persimmon and Petershill Partners.
She said: “It was a joy to attend my first AGM and speak to members who care so much about their Society and speak so highly of it and the commitment of our colleagues.
“I am proud to join a Society that is making a difference in helping people find a place to call home and improving financial wellbeing.
“The Society has a rich and long heritage and over the last few months I have seen it is an organisation with a special spirit, operating across the country but with strong Yorkshire roots and values.
“I will use all my experience to ensure the Society goes from strength to strength, serving in members’ long-term best interests and developing to stay relevant to the next generation of members and customers.”
Outgoing Chair John Heaps said: “It has been a great pleasure and privilege to serve the Society over the last nine years and to see what we have collectively achieved for the benefit of our members. I will look forward to seeing the Society continue to grow and prosper under the stewardship of Annemarie and Susan.”
Susan Allen, the Society’s Chief Exec, said: “John has been an outstanding leader and ensured the Society remained successful, delivered its purpose and paid higher than the market average savings rates for our members in every year of his tenure – despite that being a period of significant volatility in the financial services sector.
“I’m delighted to be working with Annemarie to build on these strong foundations, and ensure we deliver even more for our members and customers in the years ahead.”
Levelling Up funds mean Hull’s Whittington and Cat can be turned around
Hull’s Whittington & Cat pub on Commercial Road, opposite the Marina, has been granted almost £70,000 from the City Council’s government-backed Levelling Up Fund allocation.
The money will support restoration to the building’s exterior, which has fallen into poor condition. Roof, brick and chimney repairs are all part of the project which help to not only restore the building, but to ensure that it is also watertight.
Works will also enable The Whittington & Cat to bring back into use vacant rooms which have been deemed unsafe due to exterior damage, whilst also providing further employment opportunities as a result.
The estimate project costs are £167,199.05, meaning almost £100,000 of private capital is being invested.
Garry Taylor, assistant director for major projects, culture and place at the council, said: “The Whittington & Cat is a popular and well-known pub in a prime location, alongside Hull Marina.
“The building requires some restoration works and I am pleased that the council has been able to support this project through LUF.”
Farmers fear changes aimed at speeding planning process will have opposite effect
The NFU is opposing Government proposals aimed at speeding up the planning service, believing the proposals to be unsympathetic to resourcing and workload pressures already experienced by local authorities, which it says have suffered major budget reductions since 2011.
A spokesman for the NFU said: “It may at first seem strange for the NFU to oppose reforms to reduce determination time in the planning system, but the impacts, if proposals are implemented, will be far reaching.
“The proposals will lead to local authorities refusing more applications to produce a decision in time, in turn leading to more appeals, which are often expensive and controversial. There is no assurance that the quality of decision making will be protected, as corners may have to be cut with authorities pressured to work at speed.
“Local authorities simply do not have the budgets or resources to properly ensure that they can deliver their required planning services. The government’s current proposals will not offer local authorities the support they need.”
Bradford Chamber’s Annual Dinner marks city’s status as UK capital of food and drink
The Business of Food was the theme as Bradford Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Annual Dinner by marking its status as the UK’s food and drink capital.
The event heard from several leaders of the food and drink industry in Bradford including Younis Chaudhy, Zulfi Karim, Allan Wilkinson, David Kerfoot, Isabel Gordon and Shezad Gordon.
For the first time in decades, the formal black tie was dropped in favour of business casual.
Chamber President Mark Cowgill said: “It was a great honour for me to be elected as President of the Chamber. I have been involved in business in this city for many years and am passionate about this city, its economy and, of course, its people.
“In just a few short months, Bradford will become UK City of Culture, an massive endorsement of this city’s values, standing and importance. The excitement is mounting across the district as we prepare to take centre stage for the year. Tonight, we will hear from Shanaz Gulzar from the Bradford 2025 team and, as the BD25 branding begins to spread around the district, it really does feel like the party is about to begin.
“Bradford is a proud and resilient city. Its people and its business leaders will ensure that we come out of this period of uncertainty better and stronger than ever.”
The event also heard from Craig McHugh of One in a Million, the Chamber’s chosen charity for the year.
Top of the class: Hull College wins two education awards
Hull College celebrated a double win at this year’s Educate North Awards 2024 in Manchester – including the prestigious title of Further Education College of the Year.
And out also scooped the Innovation Award for its ground-breaking AI Academy initiative. Recognising the demands of the fourth industrial revolution, the college developed a comprehensive programme addressing the pressing need for AI-focused digital literacy. Now in its tenth year, the Educate North Awards celebrate excellence, world class achievement and improvement across the University, Higher Education, Further Education, and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England. Judges, drawn from across business and academia, highlighted the college’s remarkable transformation over the past 18 months and its unwavering commitment to excellence as key factors in securing the College of the Year award. Spearheaded by a new leadership team, this impressive turnaround has seen a significant improvement in teaching, learning, and overall student experience at the college. Notable achievements include a top 25% national ranking in student success, along with a ‘Good’ Ofsted grade – including ‘Outstanding’ adult provision and ‘Strong’ for addressing regional and national skills – which represented its best Ofsted result since 2008. The AI Academy had three distinct strands: one for students, another for staff, and a third catering to businesses, impacting over 2,000 individuals and more than 150 organisations through innovative technology, enhancing their proficiency and creativity with AI tools. In addition, training has been delivered to support 16 South African colleges, 45 further education and skills providers, and two local authorities. Debra Gray, CEO & Principal of Hull College, said: “Being named FE College of the Year is a truly wonderful achievement for the college, and it means a great deal to our entire college community. It is a fantastic recognition of all of the hard work that our staff and students have – and continue to – put in. “These awards are a testament to all of the fantastic work that is taking place in our college, as well as the ongoing contribution we make to our local community, and it is fantastic to be recognised in this way. Excellence and high standards sum up the college perfectly, and I am extremely proud to lead such a dedicated senior leadership team, along with our inspirational teachers and support staff.”Leeds ESG specialist appoints new head of partnerships
Leeds-headquartered ESG specialist Ahead Partnership has appointed Andy Clarke as its new head of partnerships as it expands its operations with a national focus.
Andy, an engagement specialist, most recently worked for Manchester Airports Group as head of corporate affairs at Manchester Airport. He brings a decade of experience working for a range of public and private sector organisations including Asda and Transport for the North. He also assists campaigning organisation FreedomToDonate as their head of parliamentary and corporate engagement.
In the newly created role, Andy will assume responsibility for leading business development in new regions and enhancing the impact of Ahead Partnership. His mandate includes the expansion of existing programmes and the establishment of new initiatives, with a particular focus on spearheading Ahead Partnership’s growth into Manchester and the broader North West region.
The appointment comes following the business’s expansion from its Leeds headquarters to now operating programmes across the UK, from Glasgow to Portsmouth.
Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “We are so excited to welcome Andy to the team. He has a wealth of knowledge and will be pivotal in driving collaborative growth and building strong relationships.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, we are looking to strengthen and expand our position to ensure as many employers as possible can benefit from our programmes. We are passionate about the role that employers can play to create strong talent pipelines and enable all young people to understand the opportunities now available to them. Andy’s experience will be a great asset for us as we move forward.”
Andy said: “ESG and social mobility are incredibly important to me and were key factors in my decision to join Ahead Partnership. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s continued growth and success, and I look forward to building public-private partnerships that enable young people reach their full potential.”
Multi-million-pound refurbishment project to transform historic Barnsley College building
A multi-million-pound refurbishment project will transform an historic Barnsley College building into a centre of innovation and world-class technical education for South Yorkshire.
The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT) (SYIoT), one of 21 IoTs nationally, will see one of its key facilities fully renovated to house the SYIoT in the College’s University Centre on Church Street in Barnsley town centre.
The art deco building – formerly Barnsley Mining and Technical College – will be sensitively transformed into a modern, technology-rich IoT to retain and enhance the classic architecture inside and out complemented with the latest innovations in construction and technology.
Funding for the project is a combination of Department for Education (DfE) regional investment, and College capital funds. The College was also successful with a Salix decarbonisation capital bid for sustainability upgrades throughout the building – which will become one of its most sustainable campuses once works are complete.
Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive Officer David Akeroyd said: “This is a real landmark moment for higher-level education in Barnsley and the wider region, and we’re pleased to get contracts signed and now be able to deliver on our vision.
“The building work is set to start in earnest in May. What’s particularly important to us is that we retain our original concept of completely transforming the inside of the building into a future-focused learning environment for our Level 4 and Level 5 technical provision.
“This is an exciting time for the College and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT – as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.
“It’s particularly special for us that this important IoT site will be right here in the centre of Barnsley. This is really strong proof that our College continues to go from strength to strength as an educational standard-bearer for the region.”
Originally the Barnsley Mining and Technical College, the Church Street building cost a total of £110,012 to build and furnish in 1932. It has had various uses but has maintained an educational focus throughout its lifespan – coming full circle as the new building will house higher level technical qualifications in engineering, construction and IT/digital subjects.
The heart of the project is the new atrium, and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three new mezzanine floors with a new glazed roof above and a modern café and breakout area at ground floor level.
GF Tomlinson have officially been appointed as the main contractor for the project and construction will commence in May. The College is currently carrying out preparation works ahead of the firm’s arrival on site. Consultants AECOM have been retained as a key partner to support the College’s Major Projects Team as lead Technical Advisers through the construction phase.
Adrian Grocock, Managing Director at GF Tomlinson, added: “We are delighted to be appointed as the main contractor on the South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT) (SYIoT).
“This state-of-the-art facility will provide students at Barnsley College with a first-class, modern learning environment, whilst breathing new life into a well-known historical building in the heart of the town.
“Through our collaboration with the Client team, we look forward to turning Barnsley College’s vision into reality, transforming the site into one of their most sustainable campuses and delivering a world class technical education centre the whole region can be proud of.”
