Solicitors raise more than £5,200 for Sheffield PACES
Wake Smith Solicitors has raised £5,227 for a Sheffield charity which offers life changing support for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy and other motor disorders.
Generous employees at the Sheffield solicitors fundraised the fantastic amount for PACES after a year of cash collecting activities including a quiz night, wreath making event, murder mystery evening, a sky dive, beauty product evenings, tuck shop, Bake Off-style cake sales, sweepstakes and seasonal competitions.
Biggest fundraisers of the year were the annual Christmas lunch, staff participation in the Wolf Run and Sheffield Half Marathon, the popular staff quiz and a wine tasting evening.
Kate Lax, solicitor at Wake Smith and charitable board member, said: “Employees at the law firm voted for PACES to become its chosen charity for the last year. Everyone has worked hard to raise this fantastic amount through various events over the last 12 months.”
PACES is a leading specialist centre in Sheffield for children with Cerebral Palsy and other motor disorders, established in the 1990s by a group of parents who recognised the benefits of the holistic approach of Conductive Education. It also offers support services to families and carers through school and adult services.
A growing number of families are taking advantage of PACES’ unique way of working, allowing their children to reap the benefits from its integrated approach, which focuses on personal goals and aspirations.
David Hall, fundraising and communications manager at PACES, said: “We would like to say such a heartfelt thank you to the whole team at Wake Smith Solicitors for their life-changing support of PACES over the last 12 months.
“We have had the pleasure of getting to know so much of the team as they have tackled Wolf Runs, thrown themselves from planes, hosted business luncheons, joined our own business club, ran marathons and championed PACES throughout the partnership.
“The whole team here at PACES have loved working with Wake Smith and would like to say thank you for all you have done for us, we hope to get the chance to work with you all again soon.”
The Wake Smith charitable board includes Kate Lax, Lorraine Slack, Aithne Moran, Anna Woodcock, Laura Saul, Eleanor Storey, Georgia Peters, Hayley Naisbett, Stephanie Chung, Dylan Friend, Laura Bathgate and Sophie Kerry.
Construction business appointed to deliver £36m Rotherham Markets redevelopment
Henry Boot PLC’s construction business has been appointed by Rotherham Council to deliver the £36m redevelopment of Rotherham Markets and an adjacent new library, forming a key part of the wider town centre masterplan.
The project comprises a major refurbishment and redevelopment of the existing indoor and outdoor Rotherham Markets. This will include creating a vibrant new food hall and dining area on the first level above the existing ground floor retail, in addition to new workspace for charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups on the second floor.
While the refurbished adjoining outdoor market will continue to be used predominantly as a market for local traders, it will also be redeveloped for use as a multi-functional space to host exhibitions and community events. A new library will also be built to offer a café, meeting rooms and flexible gallery space.
As part of Henry Boot Construction’s objective to make a positive impact in the region, the business has committed to deliver significant social value, employing local subcontractors, creating jobs and delivering training initiatives during construction.
The contract was procured and awarded to Henry Boot Construction through the Crown Commercial Services’ (CCS) Construction Works and Associated Services framework.
Tim Roberts, CEO of Henry Boot, said: “The Rotherham Markets is an important and significant local redevelopment and the fact that we have won this project is testament to the strength of our construction business and its track record of high-quality delivery, having led on major urban regeneration projects in Barnsley and Sheffield over recent years.
“In what is a challenging market for the sector, this latest contract means that we have now secured over 60% of our order book for 2024 and continue to work hard to grow our pipeline in our target markets.”
Andrew Bramidge, Interim Strategic Director for Regeneration & Environment Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “We’re delighted to secure Henry Boot Construction as our partner in delivering this latest regeneration project in our historic town centre. Their building expertise will help breathe life into our detailed plans for this key location and produce an impressive new venue for present and future generations to enjoy.”
Olivia qualifies with 360 Accountants
360 Chartered Accountants assistant manager Olivia Sutton has passed her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualifications to become fully qualified as a chartered accountant.
Olivia joined the company straight from school as an apprentice, and passed her Association of Accounting Technicians exams two years ago.
Company founder Andy Steele said: “We are really proud that another of our apprentices has become fully qualified as a chartered accountant, having passed all exams first time around, which is testament to Olivia’s hard work and dedication. We saw her potential when she first interviewed for the apprenticeship scheme seven years ago and we have been impressed with her performance ever since.
“We promoted Olivia to assistant manager two years ago and will now continue to develop and nurture her to step up to manager level. We’re excited to see what the future holds for her at 360.”
Scarborough water park operator likely to be named this month
A preferred new operator for Scarborough’s Alpamare water park in Scarborough is likely to be appointed this month in time for it reopen to the public in July.
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will meet on Tuesday next week to hear the results of a three-week tender exercise to find a new short-term tenant for the attraction on a 12-month basis. They will be asked to approve plans for officers to enter into negotiations with a preferred bidder.
Deputy leader Gareth Dadd said: “We will now work with the preferred bidder who has experience of operating facilities of this nature and will continue to work towards opening in time for the summer season as we promised when we took this site on.
“We took possession of the site in December last year when Benchmark Leisure Ltd went into administration. To fulfill the aspirations to re-open the facility this summer, the council has been undertaking work to keep the facility in a safe and operational state.”
40,400 sq ft let to global life sciences company at Advanced Manufacturing Park
Harworth Group plc, a regenerator of land and property for sustainable development and investment, has completed a 40,400 sq ft letting to Calibre Scientific, a global life sciences and diagnostics company, at R-evolution 4, its recently completed business space development that forms part of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP).
Located in Rotherham, Yorkshire, the AMP is home to some of the world’s biggest manufacturers including Boeing, Rolls-Royce and the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
Calibre Scientific UK has signed a new 10-year lease for Units 11A and 11B, which will be used to provide products and solutions to support the global life science industry. The letting represents a further expansion for Calibre Scientific, who already occupy over 10,000 sq ft at the Advanced Manufacturing Park. Jonathan Haigh, Chief Investment Officer, Harworth Group, said: “This letting demonstrates our ability to support business growth, as Calibre Scientific adds to its existing presence on the AMP by expanding into newly developed space at R-evolution 4. “Together we are realising the vision and benefits to the region of enlarging this established vibrant cluster demonstrating the powerful role of the AMP as a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing, science and innovation in the UK. “We’ve experienced strong demand from occupiers for our high specification R-evolution 4 scheme, with half of the available space now let, and positive discussions ongoing with additional prospective occupiers.” Andy Wright, Head of Manufacturing, Calibre Scientific, said: “Calibre Scientific are delighted to expand our presence on the AMP, since first setting up on the park in 2022. “The leasing of these new state-of-the-art units allows us to significantly expand our operations and build our global presence, while cementing our position as one of the UK’s leading and fastest growing life-science providers. “Focusing our expansion within the AMP, demonstrates our commitment to the region, and plans to build a life-science campus, achievable through our successful partnership with the Harworth Group and other local business providers.” Harworth was advised by Knight Frank and CPP.Hull & East Yorkshire reveals shortlist of potential winners
Hull & East Yorkshire People in Business Awards has announced its shortlist for this year’s ceremony in July, which is says is showcasing the highest-ever level of talent.
Lee Solway of Harrison Solway, who’s head of the judging panel said: “Having had the privilege of being part of the previous 2 years judging panels, the sheer number and calibre of nominations this year made the judging incredibly difficult to say the least. it is very clear that we have some unbelievable individuals and businesses in the Hull and East Yorkshire area, from the ‘Rising Star’ category, all the way up to the Lifetime Achievement nominees. It was a huge honour for me to be asked to lead this years judging panel.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 5th July, at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Hull and will see businesses recognised in thirteen categories. The 2024 PIBA Awards Shortlist: Rising Star – sponsored by Bondholders- Rosie Jukes – Hudgell Solicitors
- Rebecca Shipley – Emmerson Kitney
- Anna Bisby – James Legal
- Rosie Andrew – Swift Group
- Jack Moore – HEY Mind
- Claire Clappison – Innovations In Care
- Paul Bird – KWL
- Lindsey Openshaw – Williams Den
- Erin Symons – Beal Developments
- Tommy Predergast – KWL
- Jessica Brooks – Rubicon Technical
- Zara Holland – Mimi Boutiques
- Green & Green Mortgage Protection
- Hull Truck Theatre
- Smart Temporary Solutions
- Diane Lumb – Heron Foods
- Daisy Lawford – MS3
- Samuel Mcfadyen – Hudgell Solicitors
- Jason Nichols – Stretch Pizza
- Jordon Sandland – Cosmesure
- Victoria Bratten – Childrens Physiotherapy
- Sue Fellows – Innovations In Care
- Gareth Allen – Herd
- Nicky West – New Options Ltd
- Run With It Education Centre
- Rachel Di Clemente – Hudgell Solicitors
- Joshua Barnfather – Dock Robotics
- Louis Deane – VISR
- Global Student Team – Hull University
- Marketing Team – Hudgell Solicitors
- Freedom Festival Arts Trust
- Rachel Middleton – Heron Foods
- Sarah Smith – Princes Quay
- Jack Dennett – Doubletree by Hilton, Hull
- Vicki Miller – MS3
- Paul Matson – Hull 4 Heroes
- James Halls – Open Source Healing Initiative
North Lincolnshire considers plans for one of Europe’s largest data centres
Plans have been submitted to North Lincolnshire Council to develop one of Europe’s largest data centres on land near South Killingholme and the A180.
If approved, the Humber Tech Park would lead up to £3bn in investment and create almost 400 jobs as well as making the area a leader in AI.
Cllr Rob Waltham of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “North Lincolnshire already has a number of companies that provide significant employment in the technology sector and these new proposals show a massive vote of confidence in North Lincolnshire’s economy, helping us to continue to transform the area into a tech superpower.
“This is a generational level of investment in the area and, if approved, would be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses.
“The jobs would be highly skilled and highly paid – averaging around £50,000 a year for operational employees – with many more employed during the construction phase.
“The proposals would also see investment in community infrastructure and money for local education and training. Biodiversity would also be improved with landscaping, tree planting and ponds.
“The proposal now needs to go through the council planning process.”
Sheffield leaders take city’s global potential to real estate conference
Sheffield’s leaders intend to showcase the city as a global, green and growing city when elected officials, civic leaders and businesspeople will attend the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds next week.
Sheffield will be attending in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority to shine a light on recent progress. The delegation will demonstrate the city’s commitment to reimagining the city centre, preserving heritage and leading the way on carbon net zero.
The City Council’s Chief Executive Kate Josephs, who’ll be speaking at the event, said: “We are so proud of what we are delivering in Sheffield right now. Our major city centre regeneration projects are providing stunning architecture, celebrating our heritage and identity, and aligning with our net zero goals. Confidence is coursing through the city and we’re harnessing this to drive our next phase of growth.”
Championed as the ‘Outdoor City’, Sheffield is raising its global profile and is home to groundbreaking initiatives like the world’s first Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District, the UK’s first Investment Zone, and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
The conference also provides a platform to shout about the city’s game changing city centre regeneration, including the Sheffield City Council-led £470m Heart of the City scheme that has delivered innovative new developments interlinked by world class green spaces.
Yorkshire Water leads £2.3m project to convert sewage sludge into useable products
Yorkshire Water is to lead a consortium investing £2.3m from the Ofwat Innovation Fund to convert sewage sludge into usable products such as biochar, vitrified ash ‘stones’ and a hydrogen-rich synthesis gas in a process capable of destroying contaminants such as forever chemicals and microplastics.
The ground-breaking work involves Advanced Thermal Conversion Gasification technology, and involves technology provider Enertecgreen, Queen’s University Belfast, Carbon Trust, Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Scottish Water, Irish Water, Northern Ireland Water, Southern Water, and Wessex Water.
If successful, the project will demonstrate the circular economy in action by testing the use of the biochar as a wastewater treatment media and also as an additive in brick manufacturing.
The carbon-rich biochar, which looks like small pieces of charcoal, could be used as a soil improver to increase water and nutrient retention, and as it doesn’t readily decompose, it’s also a vehicle for sequestering carbon in soil.
The vitrified ash ‘stones’ could be used as aggregate in the construction industry to reduce the embodied carbon footprint. The syngas – a blend of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane – can be used to produce green electricity, along with other high-value products such as aviation fuel.
Dr Danielle Hankin, innovation programme manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Converting sewage sludge into gas, biochar and ash ‘stones’ opens up new, more sustainable uses for this waste product. We’re proud to be pre-empting changes in legislation and consumer attitudes, by delivering a groundbreaking technology that benefits customers, the environment and future-proofs the water industry.
“Once proven, the Gasification process will produce sustainable wastewater treatment media and construction material, generate green electricity, and could create high-value products such as biomethanol, aviation fuel or hydrogen. Our work represents a pivotal step in driving the UK towards a greener, more resource-efficient future.”
Ofwate senior director Helen Campbell said: “There are big challenges in the water industry that must be solved, some are well known and others are less so. In our fourth Water Breakthrough Challenge we called for solutions with potential to deliver wide-scale, transformational change for customers, society and the environment – and that’s exactly what today’s winners have done. From raingardens to prevent flooding to green energy from treated sewage, innovations to cut the water sector’s carbon footprint to robots that patrol the pipe network, the winners are all helping shape a more sustainable and efficient water sector.”
Turkey awards rail supply contract to British Steel
British Steel has won a multi-million-pound contract to supply rail made in Scunthorpe for a new high-speed electric railway in Turkey.
Tens of thousands of tonnes of track in 36-metre lengths will start to leave North Lincolnshire later this year for the project connecting Mersin with the cities of Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep in southern Turkey.
It will help create a lower-emission transport link between Turkey’s second-largest container port and inland cities more than 150 miles away, with the project expected to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes a year.
British Steel President and CEO Xijun Cao said: “Not only will electrification greatly enhance the transport infrastructure in southern Turkey, it will also deliver significant environmental benefits.
“We pride ourselves on providing solutions to the challenges our customers face and look forward to supplying this project with the world-leading rail synonymous with the British Steel name.”
Pivotal to the project is the backing of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, which has underwritten €781-million of financing (£680-million) to support construction of the 286km railway.
British Steel Commercial Director – Rail, Craig Harvey, said: “This is the start of what we expect to be a new unique partnership between British Steel, UKEF and international contractors. The ability to combine world-leading quality rail with a world-leading finance solution for supply into global markets and networks is an unparalleled supply chain solution. Looking forward, we are very excited about what this will achieve.”
With financing provided through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility, Rönesans Holding will finish construction of the Mersin-Adana-Gaziantep High Speed Railway on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Transport with British Steel one of the key suppliers.
Erman Ilıcak, President of Rönesans Holding, said: “By upgrading the existing railway line to a high standard railway line, we will be actively reducing negative environmental impact while offering a lower-carbon travel alternative and significantly enhancing the region’s industrial connectivity and trade. Rönesans Holding takes immense pride in contributing to Turkey’s national environmental goals and infrastructure advancement.
“Our fruitful collaboration with British exporters has secured €781-million in financing for the transformative high-speed electrified railway in southern Turkey, adding tremendous value to the cooperation between Turkey and UK exports and services while paving the way for exciting global partnerships.”
