Tracy Brabin re-elected Mayor of West Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Tracy Brabin re-elected Mayor of West Yorkshire
Tracy Brabin has been re-elected as Mayor of West Yorkshire.
The Labour candidate, who became the region’s first-ever mayor in 2021, was re-elected after being declared the winner following the counts which took place at the John Charles Centre for Sport in Leeds and venues across West Yorkshire. Votes were cast on Thursday in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, with an overall turnout figure of 32.71 per cent. Ms Brabin secured victory over second-placed Arnold Craven (Conservative) by 275,430 votes to 82,757 votes. Mayor Brabin said: “I am delighted to have been re-elected as Mayor of West Yorkshire. “People have renewed their faith in me and I’ll continue to deliver for every community in our region. “We will build on our work of the last three years to create a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Yorkshire & Lincolnshire recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise revealed

Tess Egginton
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Yorkshire & Lincolnshire recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise revealed
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, celebrating the achievements of UK businesses, including numerous firms in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. Businesses are recognised for International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s 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 recipients from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire include: INNOVATION Aanco (UK) Limited – North Yorkshire – Innovative and novel roof lantern that can be fitted in minutes and glazed in seconds. Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd – South Yorkshire – Precision manufacture of complex aerofoil geometries from forging, utilising patented dampening fixture. Gripple Ltd – South Yorkshire – Innovative pre fabricated bracket solution for the installation of mechanical services in restrictive spaces. Incremental Solutions Limited – North Yorkshire – OLErt – Real time dynamic monitoring of overhead line equipment on UK Rail. Safespaces (Cornholme) Ltd – West Yorkshire – Customised beds and spaces designed for young people with complex needs including autism and epilepsy. Warrendale Wagyu – East Riding of Yorkshire – Our innovation provides new and sustainable ways forward for the UK Meat and Dairy industry.   INTERNATIONAL TRADE Accu Limited – West Yorkshire – World-class e-commerce experience and customer service, enabling engineers and innovators to buy precision components quickly. Advanced Alloy Services Ltd – South Yorkshire – The UK’s leading independent supplier of pure metals and revert to the global superalloy industry. Ashley Bolser Agency Ltd – West Yorkshire – Delivering world leading digital strategies, user experience design, and technical product development for global brands. Carramore International Ltd – West Yorkshire – Carramore is a supplier of customized services to medical and life science research in LMICs. Casper Shipping Limited – North Yorkshire – One of the UK’s leading independent port agencies, logistics, customs and marine service companies. C-Kore Systems Limited – North Yorkshire – Innovative Subsea Measurement Tools which locate faults, prove functionality, save money and reduce emissions. Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance Limited – South Yorkshire – A global leader in the provision of qualifications, training resources, online training and digital events. ICD Europe Ltd – South Yorkshire – Global leaders in the procurement, processing and supply of specialised metals and super alloys. Ossila Limited – South Yorkshire – Materials and equipment that pave the way for scientific research and discovery around the world. Paralloy Limited – North Yorkshire – Paralloy Limited is a global specialist manufacturer and inventor of stainless steel and nickel alloys. Restrap Limited – West Yorkshire – Delivering technical in-house designed and manufactured cycling luggage globally, for every cyclist’s needs. SBD Apparel Limited – South Yorkshire – The global market leader in strength sports apparel, clothing and accessories worldwide. Works International Design Limited – North Yorkshire – Design and creative partner to the world’s biggest international sports brands, federations and governing bodies. Wrendale Designs Ltd – Lincolnshire – Leading supplier of beautiful quality design-led giftware featuring characterful illustrations inspired by the natural world. Zetechtics Ltd – North Yorkshire – Design and manufacture of high-quality intervention tooling and electronic controls for the global subsea industry.   SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Spinko Ltd – West Yorkshire – World leaders in luxury sustainable comfort innovation to create a happier and healthier world. The Bio D Company Ltd – East Riding of Yorkshire – The Bio-D Company has been formulating and manufacturing eco-friendly sustainable cleaning products since 1989.   Simon Spinks, Chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development is a tremendous honour, especially after previously holding a Queen’s Award in this category, and it reflects the unwavering dedication of our whole team’s efforts to be the UK’s most responsible bedmaker. “As a proud British manufacturer, this award win is testament to our commitment to driving the business forward through industry-leading responsible business practices that also enrich the lives of our colleagues and communities. “Whether it’s actively encouraging biodiversity on our farms, supporting children’s bed charity Zarach with mattresses each month for children and families in poverty, or helping our employees achieve a better work-life balance by introducing a compressed four-day working week, we know the importance of making a positive difference to the world around us. “We’re immensely proud to have been recognised by the most prestigious Awards for Enterprise in the UK. Having previously won seven Queen’s and King’s Awards for Sustainable Development, Innovation, and International Trade, this latest accolade only reinforces our position as world leaders in sustainable bed and component manufacturing.”

Businesses invited to shape future of Scarborough with £20m from Government

Stuart Pearcey
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Businesses invited to shape future of Scarborough with £20m from Government

Scarborough businesses are being urged to help to shape a multi-million pound investment in the town which is aimed at building on the successes of previous major regeneration schemes.

A new public consultation called Let’s Talk Scarborough has been launched this week to seek views on how £20 million of Government funding should be spent over the next decade.

The funding under the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns initiative has been provided to enhance safety and security in Scarborough, revive the town’s retail sector, preserve its famous heritage, and improve transportation and connectivity.

The wide-ranging regeneration plan is being led by the Scarborough Town Board and is being supported by us.

Executive member for open to business, Cllr Derek Bastiman said: “We’re at a crucial moment in shaping the future of Scarborough, and the input of residents and businesses in Scarborough is vital.

“With a £20 million grant from the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns, we have a unique opportunity to improve Scarborough in ways that reflect our aspirations and address our needs.

“The public’s voice in this consultation will directly influence how we grow and change for the better.”

The regeneration plan for Scarborough is set to build on previous investment in the town, including the Green Construction Skills Village and more than £500,000 in funding that is transforming the town’s cricket ground on North Marine Road.

The green skills village will build on the existing Construction Skills Village that has been operating in Scarborough since 2015.

The Construction Skills Village has trained more than 300 apprentices, worked with over 800 local small and medium-sized enterprises and secured in excess of £3.5 million of funding.

The future of first-class cricket matches in the seaside resort was secured in July last year following the completion of a half-million-pound upgrade to the famous North Marine Road ground.

Scarborough Cricket Club received a £250,000 contribution from the £20 million Towns Deal fund allocated to the coastal town to carry out repairs, improvements and upgrades to its ground.

Further funding was provided from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the club with extra funding from the council bringing the total investment to £509,627.

The £20 million in funding for the Long-Term Plan for Scarborough has been secured after the Government announced in September last year that 55 towns across the UK will benefit from a £1.1 billion investment as part of the national levelling up agenda.

Ministers unveiled the plan to provide long-term investment in towns that have been previously overlooked and often taken for granted.

The new consultation on the latest major investment in Scarborough will run until Monday, 3 June.

The area which is being covered under the Long-Term Plan for Scarborough runs from Eastfield and Cayton to the south of the main town and up to Newby and Scalby in the north.

Scarborough Town Board chairman David Kerfoot said: “This is the public’s chance to make a difference in Scarborough. Their insights will guide the strategic direction and prioritisation of projects, ensuring that our collective effort leads to meaningful, lasting change. This is more than just a one-time consultation – it’s an invitation to be part of a decade-long journey of transformation.

“People’s ongoing involvement will ensure that Scarborough not only thrives today but continues to flourish for future generations.”

Sheffield employers urged to sign up to apprenticeship pledge

Stuart Pearcey
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Sheffield employers urged to sign up to apprenticeship pledge
Employers are being urged to sign up to a new ‘big apprenticeship pledge’ being spearheaded by The Sheffield College, promoting the opportunity to mould new talent to their skills needs to support business growth. Employers can pledge to either recruit and train one or more new apprentices or upskill existing staff via an apprenticeship during the next year. Some employers have already backed the newly launched scheme with 44 apprentice pledges received so far. Daniele Palacios, Vice Principal, Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning at the College, said: “We have launched the ‘big apprenticeship pledge’ to encourage more employers to invest in their business success. Apprenticeships bring new lifeblood and ideas to an organisation, help to fill skills gaps and pave the way for training the skilled professionals of tomorrow. “It is exciting to see employers recognising the benefits and committing to training the next generation of talent and upskilling existing staff by signing the pledge.” One of the employers supporting the initiative is Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Andrew Jones, its Director of Facilities, said: “Sheffield Teaching Hospitals is one of the biggest employers in the city, and we’re really proud to show our commitment to supporting local people and their careers through apprenticeship training. “Our facilities department is very hands-on and covers a lot of important behind-the-scenes functions at the hospitals – from security, car parking and portering to laundry, catering and cleaning. “Apprenticeships really suit the practical nature of many of our staff and are a great way for them to develop and grow their skills and confidence, earn while they learn, and train on the job. “Within the department we’ve seen many staff progress in their NHS careers through qualifications like Level 2 Functional Skills, Level 3 Team Leader and Supervisors, Chartered Manager degree apprenticeships and even masters degrees.”

VIP dinner signals multi-million pound developments at Bradford College

Stuart Pearcey
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VIP dinner signals multi-million pound developments at Bradford College
More than 40 guests attended a launch dinner at The Grove Restaurant to hear about exciting plans set to transform Bradford College Hosted by former MasterChef finalist Exose Grant, the event showcased several of the College’s extensive construction projects, including the £3.5m vocational T Level facilities, a £6.9m refurbishment of the derelict Garden Mills, and the construction of a £17m Future Technologies Centre on Thornton Road. Christopher Malish, Bradford College Vice Principal Finance & Corporate Services, said: “These projects are a huge boost for the College but also a transformative investment in Bradford that supports the wider city centre development. The new facilities will allow the delivery of curricula designed to address big societal challenges, enrich our local workforce, and showcase a range of inspiring careers.” Sheffield-based architects Bond Bryan opened a new academy at the College’s Trinity Green Campus earlier this year with a purpose-built T Level classroom, and will oversee the capital projects while guest lecturing, delivering workshops, and offering site visits and mentoring for construction and engineering students. Representatives from Tilbury Douglas were also present – the main contractor for Bradford College’s Garden Mills refurbishment. The project will use £5.8m funding from The Office for Students Higher Education Capital Fund, alongside a £1.1m College contribution, to transform the derelict building into a state-of-the-art STEM education facility. Garden Mills will benefit higher education students studying digital, science and allied health subjects. Pam Sheldon, Head of Projects at Bradford College, said: “This is an exciting time for the College as several of our large capital projects are fully under way. We will be working very closely with our expert contractors over the coming months to ensure we optimise the social value of this work in terms of jobs and investment in the region.”

New MD and COO take the helm at Northern Trains

Stuart Pearcey
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New MD and COO take the helm at Northern Trains

Tricia Williams has been named as Northern Trains new MD, and Matt Rice as its new COO.

As MD Tricia Williams now leads the UK’s second largest train operator, an organisation that makes an annual contribution to the national economy of £1.25bn.

Williams has been with Northern since 2020 when she joined the organisation as COO

Before working at Northern, she held a number of executive roles at Manchester Airports Group where she delivered sustained customer growth and transformation.

She also spent 20 years at United Utilities Group in a range of operational leadership and strategic transformation roles.

Williams is succeeded in the CO role by Matt Rice, who joined Northern from Network Rail where he was route director for the north and east route.

In his role, Rice will lead all Northern service and engineering functions across the North of England, which includes 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations in the region.

Tricia Williams said: “After three great years as chief operating officer, it’s an absolute honour to be taking on the managing director role from this week.

“I know we have big challenges ahead of us but Northern is in a strong position and Matt and the rest of the director leadership team are committed to creating an inclusive culture, improving performance and our customer experience.”

Matt Rice said: “I am looking forward to working with Tricia and my colleagues across the region to deliver for our customers.

“I have spent my career focused on making things better and I am committed to fostering a positive workplace culture for all and delivering great rail services for people across the North of England.”

Rice is supported in his role by three regional directors. Craig Harrop heads-up Northern’s operations in the North West, while Kerry Peters is responsible for Yorkshire, East Midlands and Humberside. Jason Wade was recently appointed to the North East role.

Flower firm helps talent to bloom with donation of 24 laptops

Stuart Pearcey
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Flower firm helps talent to bloom with donation of 24 laptops
Family firm JZ Flowers has supported two vital community projects in the region by donating 24 laptops to both Emmaus Hull and East Riding and The Education Alliance, in Melton. MD Tessa Zwemstra said: “We strongly believe in giving back to the communities we operate in. By supporting organisations like Emmaus Hull & East Riding and The Education Alliance, we aim to create a brighter future for all. We hope that this donation provides invaluable resources to enhance educational and career opportunities in the region.” Emmaus Hull & East Riding provides sanctuary for up to 30 formerly homeless individuals, known as companions. Within this residential setting, companions find not just shelter, but also a supportive network and a renewed sense of belonging, crucial elements often lacking for those who have experienced homelessness. The Orchard serves as a secure and nurturing environment where individuals can rebuild their lives. The laptops donated by JZ Flowers will serve as invaluable tools for residents, providing them with access to online resources, job opportunities, and essential communication channels. Holly Allen, Retail Supervisor at Emmaus Hull and East Yorkshire, said, “We look forward to setting up our companions with a brighter future, these laptops will help them with their journeys of finding homes and jobs and we can’t thank JZ Flowers enough for choosing Emmaus.” The Education Alliance, a consortium of schools in the East Riding and Hull, will also benefit significantly from this donation. With institutions like South Hunsley School, Malet Lambert School, Driffield School, and The Snaith School under its umbrella, the alliance is deeply invested in providing quality education to students across the region. The addition of laptops will undoubtedly enhance the learning experience for both students and educators alike. Matt Wadsworth, Director of IT at The Education Alliance, said, ” Thank you so much to JZ Flowers for their donation of laptops, IT equipment is always sought after, particularly in our primaries and this will directly have a positive impact on our pupils’ learning.” JZ Flowers was founded in Hull in 1990. Since then, it has expanded operations, setting up sites in Lincolnshire, Ireland, and the USA. Each year, the company sources over 550 million stems, with a focus on supporting local British and Irish growers. With a workforce of over 800 people, JZ Flowers is known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability. It has established itself as a prominent global player in the ethically sourced flowers market.

Leeds-based exec cars business grows thanks to acquisition

Stuart Pearcey
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Leeds-based exec cars business grows thanks to acquisition
Leeds-based Privilege Executive Cars has acquired Elite Voyager Chauffeur Travel, further increasing it presence in the industry whilst expanding our client base, executive fleet, and chauffeurs. Paul Watson, Privilege Executive Cars Founder and MD, said: “We look forward to working with all our new clients and chauffeurs alike as they become part of the Privilege Executive Cars family.” With the acquisition of Elite, Privilege has added eight more chauffeurs to its team of over 30 and 6 more vehicles to the fleet. Mr Watson added that the latest addition to Privilege would not be have been possible without the support of Leeds City Council Licencing Team, the hard work of company employees,  and the continued support of customers.

Doncaster Chamber appoints Jade Dyer to new role as COO

Stuart Pearcey
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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

Stuart Pearcey
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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.  
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