Sheffield Chamber names three new non-exec directors
Manufacturing slips back into contraction as output and new orders decline
Sustainable development wins King’s Award for Beeston-based bed manufacturer
Cranswick secures place in top ten firms for animal welfare
North Yorkshire micro businesses could earn major financial boost
Tiny firms forming the bedrock of North Yorkshire’s economy have the chance to benefit from £1 million in funding through a new package of capital grants.
Small and micro businesses, which make up 98 per cent of the county’s economy, can apply for the small business grant scheme, administered by North Yorkshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The scheme is focussed on increasing business growth, productivity and resilience and grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available.
This is the second round of small business grants, following an incredibly successful first round of this programme in the last financial year which saw £750,000 awarded to businesses across the county.
Alex Brown, a videographer based in Selby, was awarded a grant of £4,300 to buy new camera equipment including a drone to expand and upgrade his services.
Thanks to the new equipment, Alex was able to secure two commissions from a German international TV news channel, a job he would not previously have been able to take as his old camera did not meet the broadcaster’s requirements.
Alex said: “The fact I’ve got a better camera which is Netflix-approved means people will be getting a better product. I’ve had two jobs already that I simply wouldn’t have been able to do had I not had the funding, so that’s great.”
Micro businesses, with fewer than 10 employees, and small firms with less than 50 can also access free support beyond the grant through the business advisory teams at the council and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
North Yorkshire’s economy is heavily slanted towards smaller businesses and there are more than 32,700 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises alongside 90 large businesses in the county.
Council leader and the chair of the SPF Board in North Yorkshire, Cllr Carl Les, said: “We are delighted to open this grant scheme once again after seeing such a positive uptake for the first round.
“Hundreds of small businesses applied for funding and accessed support and we hope to work with even more this year – including sole traders, start-ups, home businesses and social enterprises as well as landlords and people looking to diversify their farm businesses and limited companies.
“This time we have allocated an even larger funding pot to the scheme to enable it to be bigger and better, and have used learning from last year to improve the application process. Our ambition is to see a broad range of applications which seek to make long-lasting improvements to our small and medium businesses across the county.”
To aid businesses with their applications, the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, with its partners at Enterprise Cube, has organised two webinars on writing a business plan and a cash flow forecast which will take place on 16 and 17 May.
The development manager at the York and North Yorkshire Federation of Small Businesses, Carolyn Frank, said: “This scheme has provided a practical way that the local authorities have been able to work together with us and other partners to unlock Government funding and get it directly to businesses in our area, to help them to innovate and grow.
“It is exciting to see the transformations taking place across so many small businesses thanks to the small business grants and other business support.
“Small businesses are the mainstay of the economy of York and North Yorkshire and seeing flexible local support designed specifically for their needs and with them in mind has been an exciting step forward thanks to UK SPF.”
Award will honour memory of Hull and East Riding computer pioneer
An entrepreneur credited with introducing Hull to global brands from Amstrad to Take That will be remembered for his lifelong commitment to training with a new award bearing his name.
Vic Golding, who died last November aged 86, supplied many businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire with their first computers. As founder and MD of Golding Computer Services, in 1982, he recognised that the hardware was worthless without training in how to use it. The company won numerous awards for excellence from Sage software, from the International Association of Bookkeepers, and from Hull City Council’s Making Changes for Careers project. Many of the accolades were for the training, delivered by Vic’s colleague Di Garbera, to equip young entrepreneurs and others in business with the vital skills they needed in computerised accounts. Now MC4C has announced that one of its annual awards will be named after Vic in recognition of his support for young people and for his remarkable business career. Charles Cracknell, Hull City Council’s Youth Enterprise and Microbusiness Manager, said: “Vic was a force of nature committed to supporting young people either as apprentices or entrepreneurs. He would often ask for updates on how they were doing as he felt encouraging them was the key to ensuring their success. “He was as proud as punch whenever one of the young entrepreneurs supported by MC4C passed their Level 2 book keeping course, and even more so when one former homeless young man won a national award organised by the IAB, which Goldings worked with very closely. It was the first recognition the young man had ever received. “It was obvious to me that we should recognise Vic’s commitment to Hull and to young people, hence we have decided to honour his service and memory by naming a youth enterprise award after him. We will present it at our annual awards evening during Global Entrepreneurship Week.”John Good Group acquires Grimsby shipping services provider
John Good Group’s DAN Shipping & Chartering Ltd has acquired Arthur Smith (Grimsby), a prominent shipping services provider in the ports of Grimsby and Immingham since 1936.
The acquisition of Arthur Smith is a pivotal expansion for the Maritime Division of John Good Group and a strategic move into the offshore sector. Arthur Smith, under the leadership of David Smith & James Smith, will be integrated into the operations of the Maritime Division, alongside DAN Shipping & Bay Shipping. David Smith said: “Joining with DAN Shipping opens a new chapter for us. It’s an opportunity to blend our expertise in offshore and renewables work with Dan Shipping’s longstanding reputation for service and John Good’s significant backing and areas of expertise in marketing, finance and HR.” Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, added: “This acquisition brings expansion in our Maritime Division both in the quality of people and business, but also a strategic move to enter the offshore and renewables markets. Welcoming five new team members from Arthur Smith, we’re not just growing in numbers but also in our capabilities and reach. I’m really pleased for Steve Pullen, Paul Haste, Mark Mullins, Kevin Parker who worked on the deal, and the wider team at DAN Shipping, for getting this one over the line. “It’s also a bonus for the group, because we know how special family businesses are, and the completion of this process sees us welcome a fifth-generation business, into our sixth-generation family business. Family businesses, with all the heritage and values that go with them, are things to be cherished and I’m delighted to be welcoming the Smiths into our business and look forward to working with them to build a business for the future.”New roles and new offices as legal firm expands into Bourne
Law firm Hegarty has promoted four team members in what it predicts will see significant growth in its 50tha anniversary year.
The company already has offices in Peterborough, Market Deeping, Stamford and Oakham, and plans for a new office in Bourne this autumn.
Sarah Martin works in the Residential Conveyancing team at the Hegarty Market Deeping office and has been promoted to Partner. Sarah is a CILEX practitioner and has been with the firm since 2012. Sarah deals with all aspects of residential conveyancing including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, transfers of equity, remortgages and shared ownership transactions.
She said: “I am pleased to have received this promotion and am grateful to the Partners for this opportunity. I’m now looking forward to assisting in the growth and development of the firm.”
Chris Brown, Head of the Family Law team, also becomes a Partner, having joined the firm in 2012. A Resolution -accredited family lawyer, Chris specialises in advising clients in respect of the division of assets when their marriage breaks down. Chris also recently qualified as a collaborative family lawyer, which is a non-adversarial, solution-focussed approach to dealing with issues on divorce or separation.
Rachael Griffiths and Tom Moore have been promoted to Associate.
Rachael began working for Hegarty after moving to Peterborough in April 2022 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the Wills, Trusts and Probate team. Rachael deals with a variety of cases including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship Orders, and all aspects of estate administration, as well as assisting clients with Inheritance Tax planning and protection against care fees.
Tom joined Hegarty in 2022 as the firm’s Tax, Trust and Estate Planning specialist following 15 years working for local and national accountancy firms. His expertise is with private client matters, including high net worth individuals, trusts and estates; covering income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax, both the compliance and planning aspects.
Senior partner Kally Singh said: “I’m pleased to announce the promotion of four of our talented team members. Hegarty is proud of its reputation for excellence and we strive to support our team in their development throughout their careers. These promotions recognise our team members’ contributions to the firm and their focus and vision for delivering excellent client care.
“We value team members who share in our vision for the firm, and we are passionate about developing our team’s professional skills and helping them achieve their career aims. We value the contribution each member of our team makes, and I am sure they will continue their significant contribution to the firm.
“We have ambitious growth plans this year as we mark our 50th anniversary, with a new office planned to open in Bourne in the Autumn and plans to further expand our team.”
Fintech disruptor takes space at Leeds office scheme
Leeds and London based property investment and development company Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), has added Amplifi Capital (U.K.) Limited as the latest tenant to its property located at 123 Albion Street, Leeds.
Amplifi Capital is the fintech disruptor behind financial services brands My Community Finance and Reevo Money.
The new office, which spans approximately 7,000 square feet, offers Amplifi Capital ample space to accommodate its operations and foster collaboration among its team members. With convenient transport links and close proximity to the city centre, the office promises enhanced accessibility and convenience for employees and clients alike.
Matthew Wright, Associate Director for TCS, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Amplifi Capital to 123 Albion Street, marking an exciting new chapter in the vibrant community of our building and the surrounding area.
“Alongside existing occupier StepChange Debt Charity, Amplifi Capital’s dedication to improving access to affordable lending, adds to the diverse and impactful presence within our property and we look forward to the positive contributions they will bring to the building and the broader community.”
Tobias Gruber, CEO of Amplifi Capital, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s expansion saying: “We are excited to further establish our presence in Leeds, a city renowned for its vibrant financial landscape and rich pool of talent, which aligns perfectly with our mission to provide accessible financial services.
“With the valued support of Leeds City Council and our proximity to the city’s bustling financial district, we are eager to make a positive impact in Leeds and beyond.”
The opening of Amplifi Capital’s new Leeds office is expected to create numerous job opportunities, further contributing to the region’s economic growth and employment landscape.
Clair McGowan, Director at CBRE, facilitating negotiations between both parties, remarked: “This letting is testament to TCS’ commitment to excellence in refurbishment, attracting a tenant of Amplifi Capital’s calibre.
“The latest addition leaves just 3,500 sq ft of available space, with TCS intending to provide a seamless ‘plug and play’ option for prospective tenants, ensuring a smooth transition into their new office.”
First ever mayor elected for York and North Yorkshire
The Labour Party candidate, David Skaith, has been elected to serve as the first ever mayor for York and North Yorkshire to champion the region and bring a host of benefits to hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses.
The result of the election was announced in Harrogate after voters had gone to the polls.
The vote will be a major moment for a long-awaited devolution deal for the region, and the mayor will oversee the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which launched on February 1, to introduce benefits ranging from new and better-paid jobs and improved skills and training to more affordable housing.
A total of six candidates stood for election, and the results were:
- Cunliffe-Lister, Felicity Clare, Liberal Democrats – 30,867 votes.
- Duncan, Keane Charles, The Conservative Party – 51,967 votes.
- Foster, Kevin, The Green Party – 15,188 votes.
- Haslam, Paul, Independent – 12,370 votes.
- Skaith, David, The Labour and Co-operative Party – 66,761 votes.
- Tordoff, Keith Graham, Independent – 13,250 votes.
The turnout for the election was 29.89 per cent from the 640,012 people who are registered to vote in York and North Yorkshire.
The result was declared by North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive, Richard Flinton, who was the combined authority’s returning officer as well as the local returning officer for North Yorkshire for the election.
City of York Council’s chief operating officer, Ian Floyd, was the local returning officer for the city.
The mayor, who will serve a four-year term, will develop close links with the Government to secure more funding and decision-making powers as the devolution deal evolves.
The deal includes an investment fund totalling £540 million over a 30-year term, which provides flexibility to target money to specific schemes on a more local level.
The mayor will continue work that is already under way on projects including £12.7 million to deliver 700 new homes on brownfield sites and a further £10 million to support the transition to net zero, unlocking economic opportunity, empowering business growth and creating new and better paid jobs.
The mayor will also take on the responsibilities of the police, fire and crime commissioner for York and North Yorkshire. The commissioner is responsible for holding the chief constable as well as the chief fire officer to account and ensuring their services are efficient and effective.
The commissioner sets policing and crime priorities and oversees the police budget. The commissioner also supports community safety activities and provides victims of crime with a range of services, as well as setting priorities in the fire and rescue plan and overseeing the brigade’s budget.
