Hull Trains and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust partner in new environmental initiative

Stuart Pearcey
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Hull Trains and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust partner in new environmental initiative
Hull Trains and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have launched a new partnership intended to reach directly to schools and colleges to help educate the next generation on the planet’s challenges and discuss some of the key actions to protect it and wildlife species. Hull Trains Service Delivery Director Lou Mendham said: “This charity was chosen by our team as their charity of choice to support this year. We all have one home that we share, so it’s vitally important that we work together to protect our planet and all of the various species on it. “We hope that this new partnership can help to raise awareness of current issues and also open dialogue with the next generation to engage them early in the changes we all need to make.” Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Director Fundraising and Engagement Amanda Spivack added: “The partnership with Hull Trains is a really exciting one for us at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. “They have fantastic business connections, as well as great consumer exposure in the region. One of the key aims of the partnership is to highlight the benefits of train travel over other forms of travel, particularly with reference to the climate crisis we face and protecting some of Yorkshire’s most valuable wildlife habitats so nature can thrive.”

Small firms thrown into confusion as plant and food import plans sink into complete disarray, says FSB

Stuart Pearcey
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Small firms thrown into confusion as plant and food import plans sink into complete disarray, says FSB
The Government has heaped an extra layer of confusion on small firms less than two weeks before new import rules on plant and food products are due to be introduced, says the Federation of Small Businesses.
Officials from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs say new checks, due to come in on April 30, may not be turned on as expected – and that means formal channels have been bypassed, leaving small firms out of the conversation, according to the Federation. However, small firms have not been formally told of the changes, and instead found out after a document was leaked to the press. Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “New import charges on plant and food products are supposed to be introduced in less than two weeks, but the system is in complete disarray. The Government has bypassed formal channels and left small firms out of the conversation. It’s left them unsure as to who they can trust. “Many have invested considerable time and money making sure they’re getting it right, but now they’re left scratching their heads at the conflicting messages coming out of Whitehall – will they or won’t they face these checks and have to start paying on April 30? “Government has had years to get this right. Small firms deserve clarity, and they really do not have time to decode messy and unclear Whitehall messages that contradict each other. “These new import rules have already been delayed five times and because of that, small firms already feel like they’ve been given the runaround. Confusion takes away their ability to plan – they cannot plan if they are constantly on tenterhooks, wondering whether new rules are coming in or not. “The Government really ought to put small firms, the most affected by these changes, at the heart of the conversation.”

Sight Support Hull and East Yorkshire gets new CEO

Stuart Pearcey
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Sight Support Hull and East Yorkshire gets new CEO
Alison Stannard has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Sight Support Hull and East Yorkshire. Alison, who has been Services and Operations Manager at the charity, takes over from Sandra Ackroyd, who retires after twelve years in the role. In her previous position as Services Manager Alison was responsible for overseeing the work of the charity during the Covid pandemic for which she receive a British Empire Medal in the Queens Honours. Alison takes over an organisation on a strong footing, with a committed Board of trustees, experienced senior management team and dedicated staff and volunteers. She takes over at a time when the charity sector has never been more important and the need for Sight Support’s services continues to grow. She said: “With lots of knowledge gained in my 13 years with the charity, I’m looking forward to continuing Sandra’s legacy, especially in this, our 160th year of supporting visually impaired people in Hull and East Yorkshire. I’d also like to thank Sandra for her vision and commitment over the past 12 years and wish her all the very best on her retirement”.

Lindum Group adds new roof to Cresset building in £3.5m project

Stuart Pearcey
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Lindum Group adds new roof to Cresset building in £3.5m project
Lincoln-based Lindum Group is replacing the roof of Peterborough’s Cresset building in a £3.5m project that’s expected to run until March next year. Most of the ageing flat roof will make way for a new pitched standing seam structure, along with reroofing several of the remaining flat roofs while also improving the building’s drainage system. The work is part of a £5.1m project to secure the long-term future of The Cresset Building, which was made possible by a grant from the Youth Investment Fund. Lindum Group MD Darren King said: “The work we are doing will improve the fabric of the building, but it will also uplift and update its appearance too. It’s quite a significant project and will involve replacing some existing flat roofs with pitched, resurfacing others and re-routing and replacing old drainage channels throughout the building. “The Cresset is only six miles from our offices in Newark Road and its work has been enjoyed by our employees for many years. We are really pleased we can help ensure it remains part of the community for years to come.”

Five new heads of department feature in accountancy firm’s dozens of promotions

Stuart Pearcey
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Five new heads of department feature in accountancy firm’s dozens of promotions
Accountancy BHP has created five heads of service positions to reflect the company’s ongoing growth. The appointments include Paul Winwood and Chris Neale as Heads of Audit, Andy Haigh as Head of Corporate Finance, Ellie Dignam as Head of Digital Finance, and Fletcher Adamowicz as Head of Tax. BHP has also announced 34 further promotions across its office network in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Leeds, York, and Cleckheaton. Felix Lee has been appointed Audit Director, while Oliver Watson and Patrick Simpson have been promoted to Audit Manager positions. Other manager promotions include Emily Jones (Audit – Not for Profit), Joseph Briggs, William Sykes, Luke Harrower (all Corporate Finance), and Jack Moore (Digital Finance). More promotions have been made across accountancy and management positions, which follow a further 79 made by BHP last autumn. BHP Chief People Officer Karen Arch said: “Congratulations to everyone who has deservedly received recognition for their continued commitment and success. “As a firm and a certified Great Place to Work, we’re passionate about developing our people and nurturing great talent, and these promotions reflect this.” Lisa Leighton, Joint CEO, said: “We have enjoyed a positive start to 2024 and these promotions evidence not only this but also our leading approach of being a supportive workplace that places the development and future success of our people at the forefront of everything we do. “It is especially pleasing to have created brand new ‘heads of’ roles for some of our main service line areas, which each have exciting plans and are central to our ongoing growth ambitions.”

New managing partner named at LCF Law

Tess Egginton
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New managing partner named at LCF Law

Yorkshire law firm, LCF Law’s managing partner Simon Stell, who has led the firm for almost 30 years, is to step down from the role with partner and disputes specialist, Ragan Montgomery, taking up the position this month.

Simon joined LCF Law in 1995, when it was known as Last Cawthra Feather before becoming LCF Law in 2014. Shortly afterwards, in 2016, he was named Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, and during his tenure he has overseen LCF Law’s growth.

Simon will continue to work with Ragan to assist with the handover. He will continue with the firm, acting as a mentor and sounding board as well as supporting the wider team, to help achieve LCF Law’s ambitious goals and objectives moving forward.

In her new role, Ragan will be responsible for overseeing LCF Law’s operations and leading the firm’s client service, growth and development strategies.

Ragan has worked at LCF Law since 2003 and is currently operational head of the firm’s Dispute Resolution department. Ragan specialises in disputes concerning wills, trusts and inheritance, as well as property litigation and professional negligence claims. She’s also a qualified civil and commercial mediator.

Ragan said: “After joining the firm 21 years ago as an assistant solicitor, to be appointed managing partner is a huge honour and it’s a challenge that I’m really looking forward to as we strive to build on our enviable reputation in Yorkshire and beyond.

“I’m taking over the role at a time when LCF Law is in a very strong position. Simon has never let the firm stand still and has always laid the foundations for future growth. We have a highly experienced group of 22 partners whose continued aim is grow the firm serving our existing clients, winning new clients to seek our advice and support as well as attracting the best people to join our team.”

Simon added: “Over the many years that I have been with LCF Law, there have been lots of changes, but we have always had a firm eye on the future, planning and modelling our strategic development, so that we can achieve our ambitions and the career aspirations of our colleagues. Five years ago, we began to look at a succession strategy and set about planning the structure and recruitment for the 2020s and beyond.

“One thing we were certain about was that law would still be a people business and we’ve worked hard to build a great team. I’m proud to remain a part of it in my new role. I very much look forward to supporting Ragan and continuing to be a dedicated contributor to LCF Law’s ongoing success.

“Ragan is a vastly experienced and highly respected lawyer who is always forward-thinking and has a natural ability to quickly identify and solve problems, which makes her very popular with clients, her colleagues and everyone she deals with. There’s no doubt she’s the perfect person to lead LCF Law going forward.”

Call goes out for possible development sites across North Yorkshire

Tess Egginton
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Call goes out for possible development sites across North Yorkshire

A call for possible development sites across North Yorkshire has gone out this week as part of preparation for the county’s new local plan.

Landowners, site promoters, developers and other interested parties are being given the chance to submit site suggestions to North Yorkshire Council. They will be considered as part of the local plan being drawn up to meet the future growth of the county.

Sites can be submitted for any use or special designation, including but not limited to housing, employment, commercial development, retail and leisure, renewable energy generation, and biodiversity or other environmental enhancement schemes.

The North Yorkshire Local Plan, which the council aims to adopt by 2028, will set out where development will take place across the county over the next 15 to 20 years. It will also include policies and strategies that planning applications will be considered against.

Sites put forward for consideration will be subject to a lengthy process that will take several years to complete and will include independent government examination of the plan and the proposed sites.

Director of community development, Nic Harne, said: “The call for sites represents a crucial early stage in our local plan preparations and we welcome submissions from across North Yorkshire.

“However, submitting a site for consideration does not necessarily mean it will be taken forward for development. This exercise is not the planning application process and at this early stage, it is often the case that more sites are submitted than are needed to meet the future needs of the area.”

Site ideas must be submitted online using the council’s planning portal and allows the user to plot the site boundary, submit site details, include supporting documentation, and add details of any work carried out to date on the site.

This level of information is important and will allow the planning team to consider the impact of a site in detail. The process will include seeking expert advice on the impact on local services such as schools and health provision, capacity of local sewerage and water services, impact on wildlife and biodiversity, and the capacity of local roads and junctions.

When the initial assessment of sites is complete, the council will invite comments on the sites as part of a public consultation.

Anyone wanting to put a site forward for consideration should aim to do so by the end of June.

Construction starts on Ministry of Defence and NHS health complex in Catterick Garrison

Tess Egginton
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Construction starts on Ministry of Defence and NHS health complex in Catterick Garrison
Tilbury Douglas, a UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, has started construction on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and NHS health complex in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
The first of its kind joint project between the MOD and NHS will deliver transformative integrated health and care services to the military and civilian communities of Catterick, North Yorkshire, and the wider Richmondshire areas. The project will enable shared estate, expertise and learning to optimise the health and care services for people across the area. Tilbury Douglas was awarded the contract by the MOD’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), via the P22 framework.
Wendy Balmain, the North Yorkshire Director of NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “I am delighted that work has now started on the Catterick Integrated Care Campus which will enable us to deliver modern and fit for the future, health and care for military personnel, their families and veterans – as well as the wider Richmondshire population. “This project will deliver a state-of-the-art purpose-built health and care facility to bring together a broad range of services collectively under one roof and provide our Catterick communities with integrated and responsive health and care.” John Weatherby of DIO’s Major Programmes & Projects (MPP) team said: “The Catterick Integrated Care Campus, which is being delivered by MPP, represents an opportunity to consolidate, in a state-of-the-art facility, military medical and dental services which are currently dispersed across the largest military garrison in the UK. “The new facility will allow the MOD to not only work in partnership with NHS but also reduce our estate footprint and operational running costs, while continuing to provide an exceptional service to personnel.”

UK Infrastructure Bank commits to Leeds

Tess Egginton
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UK Infrastructure Bank commits to Leeds
The UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) has signed a 15-year lease on a new office space in Leeds, reaffirming its commitment to the city. UKIB will move into its new city centre location at 2 Whitehall Quay in early summer 2024 following the end of its current lease at One Embankment. The Bank will occupy three floors of the newly refurbished premises, alongside the National Infrastructure Commission and the Low Carbon Contracts Company. The move to Whitehall Quay reflects UKIB’s long-term commitment to Leeds and its continued contributions to the economic and professional vibrancy of one of the largest centres for finance and professional services outside London. With almost 250 permanent staff, the new space will also accommodate the Bank’s changing needs as a larger and more established organisation. James Emmett, COO of UK Infrastructure Bank, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our commitment to Leeds with a new space at 2 Whitehall Quay. The fact UKIB is anchored in the city is a key part of the Bank’s identity, and we are proud to have our headquarters here. “Signing this long-term lease marks the next chapter in UKIB’s development and recognises the strength of the talent and expertise in the region’s vibrant financial ecosystem. “Our new premises will provide a space that enables us to house our staff, meet with clients, attract the best talent and collaborate in our mission to tackle climate change and boost growth across the UK.” James Heath, Chief Executive of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Working alongside the UK Infrastructure Bank at the heart of one of the UK’s greatest cities has already brought us benefits, both in opportunities to engage with local civic and business leaders but also in terms of the quality of staff we have attracted from around Yorkshire and beyond. “We’re pleased to have found a long-term home here and look forward to continuing to grow our presence in Leeds.” Andrew Deeley, Director of Strategy and Development, LCCC, said: “The recent collocation with UKIB and the NIC in Leeds allows us to be at the heart of some of the greatest decarbonisation projects in Great Britain. We look forward to working with UKIB and the NIC, and getting to know this fantastic city.”

18th Century cloth hall in central Leeds to become food and drink hall following sale

Tess Egginton
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18th Century cloth hall in central Leeds to become food and drink hall following sale
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has completed the sale of White Cloth Hall, a former market hall in the heart of Leeds city centre. Located behind the Corn Exchange in central Leeds, the White Cloth Hall was originally built in 1775 as a market for the sale of undyed cloth. Most recently, the property housed three separate businesses including a BrewDog bar and Pizza Express. The White Cloth Hall has been acquired by Ed Mason, co-founder of Five Points Brewing and Managing Director of popular Leeds-based pub, Whitelock’s Ale House Ltd. Ed intends to re-convert the newly acquired premise into a single unit, and re-open as a food and drink hall, which will champion Leeds’ thriving independent food and drink scene. He says: “We are delighted to have acquired this beautiful and iconic Grade II listed building which has played an important role in the civic and cultural life of Leeds city centre for 250 years. “From its original creation as a market hall for the trading of cloth, to its most recent incarnation as Leeds’ first Pizza Express – it has always been a bustling and busy venue in the heart of Leeds. We were delighted to work with Christie & Co to get this project over the line and get this wonderful building back in to use!” Alex Rex, Senior Business Agent at Christie & Co who handled the sale, says: “Whitelocks is one of my favourite places to visit when I’m in Leeds, so it was a pleasure meeting the owners and the team behind the pub and helping them to secure their next project. “We were inundated with interest for this unique building in Leeds city centre, and it took an experienced operator and a great team to be able to see a vision and I can’t wait to see it executed.”
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