Sneak peek given inside Forge Island leisure development

Tess Egginton
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Sneak peek given inside Forge Island leisure development

Project partners were given a sneak peek inside the new leisure spaces at Forge Island, ahead of the development reaching practical completion in the spring.

The landmark leisure destination is being delivered by teams from Rotherham Council, nationwide placemaker Muse and contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland.

Council Leader Chris Read, Cllr Denise Lelliott, Cabinet member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, and Hamza Sayed, Operations Director of Thistle Group Holding – who are opening three food and drink eateries at Forge Island – headed to the site for a special ‘behind the scenes’ tour.

This was an opportunity for a first look inside the buildings ahead of them being handed over to the tenants to begin their fit-outs in a few weeks’ time.

The family-friendly destination is set to add to Rotherham town centre’s foodie offering, with Thistle opening Portuguese and Southern African eatery, Casa Peri Peri, created by Masterchef finalist, Bobby Geetha; Estabulo Rodizio, a concept honouring the Gaucho style of cooking and luxury coffee shop Caffé Noor. Other Yorkshire independents coming to Forge Island also include The Rustic Pizza Co.

Forge Island will also include an 8-screen state-of-the-art boutique cinema, delivered by The Arc Cinema, alongside a 69-room Travelodge hotel, complemented by public realm and a new riverside park. Hundreds of local people recently flocked to Rotherham Council’s annual recruitment fair to find about employment opportunities at Forge Island, who will become a substantial local employer once open creating around 100 jobs.

Together with Rotherham Markets, the improvements are a key part of Rotherham Council’s large-scale regeneration plans aimed at breathing new life into the heart of the borough.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, Cllr Denise Lelliott, said: “To see the development today rising up out of the old Forge Island site is really something and we’re firmly on track to putting a sense pride back into the town centre. This presents a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors to be part of one of the most attractive leisure destinations in the region.

“This site will offer high quality restaurants, a hotel on a scale of which has not been seen in the town centre before, and a new cinema bringing blockbuster movies back to the town centre for the first time in over 30 years. With spring having sprung, and summer round the corner, we’re on track and very much looking forward to celebrating an amazing launch.”

Raife Gale, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “It’s exciting to share with our partners the work that’s been going on inside these spaces: the project team have done an amazing job of keeping us on track to open this summer.

“We’re looking forward to handing over the keys to the new tenants so that they can begin their fit-out works and bring us even closer to realising Forge Island – which will soon be a new leisure destination for everyone to enjoy.” 

Hamza Sayed, Operations Director of Thistle Group Holding, added: “We are thrilled to introduce these new culinary experiences to the community. Each restaurant embodies our passion for food, service, and creating memorable dining experiences. We can’t wait to welcome guests and share our vision with them.”

Forge Island is due to open to the public in summer 2024.

L-R: Hamza Sayed, Thistle; Council Leader Chris Read; Raife Gale, Muse; Cllr Denise Lelliott. Credit: Joe Horner

YBS Commercial predicts doubled workforce over 2022 numbers

Stuart Pearcey
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YBS Commercial predicts doubled workforce over 2022 numbers
YBS Commercial Mortgages expects to double its workforce this year, compared to 2022, bolstering its teams by a further 20 per cent and building on an 18 per cent increase in numbers during 2023, taking the total workforce to 105. The commercial lender has taken the opportunity presented by a dip in market activity to undertake a recruitment drive and restructure to enable it to expand and better client support, with a particular emphasis on the regions. This has centred on expanding its regional teams. MD Tom Simpson said: “The last 12 months have been challenging for the industry, but we’ve taken the opportunity to improve our relationship model and the dedicated personal service we are known for, so that we’re in the best possible position to support our clients when things do, inevitably, bounce back. “The strength of our balance sheet allows us to provide consistency – even during these times of volatility – and our continued growth is testament to the support we’ve provided over the last 12 months to our brokers and their clients. “Our commitment to making a real difference in local communities, via the landlords and businesses that serve them, is stronger than ever, and our recruitment drive and internal process review will ensure our teams are always available whenever and wherever brokers and their clients need them.” The lender has also revealed that it was able to grow its balance sheet by 21.5% in 2023.  

Lockdown business grows into Dean Clough space

Stuart Pearcey
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Lockdown business grows into Dean Clough space
A business born out of lockdown has taken a flexible lease on 1,000 square feet of Dean Clough at Halifax. It’s Sew Different, developed by international sewing blogger Laura Casey, who’s created a unique sewing retreat filled with sewing workstations, fabrics, patterns, and social areas. Established over ten years ago, initially as a blog to share a passion for pattern design, Sew Different has grown to distribute individually-designed clothing pattern packs all over the world with suppliers in Australia, Sweden, and USA. She said: “I could never have imagined how sharing designs for an all-consuming passion would become so popular to the point where I could grow a successful business. Lockdown seems to have ignited a spark for crafting at home as a tool for mindfulness and mental well-being. Indeed, our free medical scrubs designs were downloaded more than 40,000 times during the pandemic. “Setting up the Sewing Retreat seemed like a natural step forward in making a largely solitary hobby into a social space where we can share ideas.  The holiday package for up to ten people includes a tour of our local fabric studios with step-by-step support from our team on sizing and design through to creating bespoke garments.  We include afternoon tea in a warm and welcoming environment for all skill levels and overnight accommodation is available on site. “Selecting Dean Clough as our new base and host venue for the Sewing Retreats was an obvious choice given its textile manufacturing heritage.” Jeremy Hall, Chairman and MD at Dean Clough Ltd, said: “Creativity and diversity are what ultimately delivers excellence and Laura’s venture is a fine example of how a passion can become a sustainable business. “Dean Clough is thriving with talented independents working alongside major business enterprise and we are hugely proud of what we have achieved in revitalising these magnificent mills for 21st century use.” Dean Clough is already home to around 150 businesses employing over 3,000 people.

Mayor signs UK Steel Charter to support regional jobs

Stuart Pearcey
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Mayor signs UK Steel Charter to support regional jobs
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has committed the South Yorkshire Combined Authority to revising its procurement processes to include more UK-made steel, supporting local jobs, supply chains and the economy. He’s the first Northern Mayor to sign the UK Steel Charter, which he did at Sheffield Forgemasters’ Brightside Lane plant in the city on behalf of the Authority and the newly-formed Business Advisory Board made up from industry experts from the local Chambers of Commerce, Make UK, CBI, Northern Trade Union Congress and Federation of Small Businesses amongst others. Mr Coppard said: “South Yorkshire was the home of the industrial revolution. By signing the UK Steel Charter, we’re signalling our commitment to back British steel – bringing high-quality jobs and growth right across our region. And that’s a priority I have for South Yorkshire. “We were the first to mass produce steel, we were the first to be an advanced manufacturing innovation district and now we’re the UK’s first investment zone. “And to sign the charter in a place like Sheffield Forgemasters, which is such a unique and important site, shows just what we can achieve in the region with UK made steel.” UK Steel Director General Gareth Stace said: “This is a triple boost of support as Mayor Coppard, the South Yorkshire Business Advisory Board and the Combined Authority join the UK Steel Charter. “Today’s support is even more poignant as the Charter is signed in Sheffield, the historical home of the UK steel industry.”

Manufacturing output falls but firms expect modest rise in quarter ahead

Tess Egginton
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0
Manufacturing output falls but firms expect modest rise in quarter ahead
Manufacturers reported that output volumes fell in the three months to March, and at a similar pace to the three months to February, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). However, manufacturers expect output to rise modestly in the quarter to June. Expectations for future selling price inflation edged up for the third successive month in March, with the balance rising further above its long-run average to its highest since May 2023. Total order books were steady compared with last month, and a little below their long-run average, but export order books deteriorated. The survey, based on the responses of 289 manufacturers, found:
  • Output volumes fell in the three months to March, at a similar pace to the quarter to February (weighted balance of -18%, from -19% in the three months to February), and disappointing expectations for marginal growth (+4%). Output is expected to rise modestly in the three months to June (+8%).
    • Output fell in 11 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to March, including the chemicals, motor vehicles & transport equipment, plastic products and metal products sub-sectors.
  • Total order books were reported as below “normal” in March and were broadly unchanged relative to last month (-18% from -20%) at a level slightly below the long-run average (-13%).
  • Export order books were also seen as below normal and deteriorated relative to last month (-29% from -14%) to below the long-run average (-18%).
  • Expectations for average selling price inflation accelerated in March (+21%, from +17% in February)—comfortably above the long-run average (+7%) and to the greatest extent since May 2023.
  • Stocks of finished goods were seen as more than “adequate” in March (+12% from +11% in February), with stock adequacy broadly unchanged since the previous month (+12% from +11% in February), in line with the long-run average.
Anna Leach, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “It’s disappointing that manufacturing output volumes fell in the first three months of the year, underperforming last month’s expectations for a slight upturn. But manufacturers remain optimistic that conditions will improve in the quarter ahead. “Manufacturers expect selling prices to rise a little in the months ahead. With demand still subdued, this likely reflects some pressure on input costs over recent months, slightly higher oil prices, higher shipping costs amid the Red Sea disruption, and signs that the global industrial cycle is beginning to turn upwards after a difficult couple of years. “In a general election year, all parties must focus on fostering a business environment that will give UK manufacturers the confidence they need to invest and compete globally. The Chancellor’s announcement of plans to extend full capital expensing to leased and rented assets was a welcome step that will help smaller and medium-sized manufacturers in particular, but more clarity over its implementation would be welcomed.”

South Yorkshire aims to be part of the UK’s nuclear future

Stuart Pearcey
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0
South Yorkshire aims to be part of the UK’s nuclear future
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has told 150 UK nuclear industry suppliers that he wants the county to be part of the next energy revolution. Speaking to supplier gathering in Rotherham at which GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy met  potential suppliers to discuss opportunities associated with the UK deployment of its BWRX-300 small modular reactor, he said: “In South Yorkshire, we are determined to be at the heart of the next energy revolution. Not simply because we’re building on our history at the heart of the first and second industrial revolutions, but because our wealth of talent, creativity and innovation will put us at the centre of the coming industrial and green economy revolutions.” GE Hitachi, the nuclear business of GE Vernova, wants to deploy its BWRX-300 SMR in the UK and Europe. It’s currently being considered by Great British Nuclear for UK deployment, and has entered the Generic Design Assessment process with support from the government’s Future Nuclear Enabling Fund. Sean Sexstone, exec VP for advanced nuclear at GE Hitachi, said at the Nuclear AMRC in Rotherham: “Our BWRX-300 SMR technology is an ideal solution for meeting the UK’s decarbonization and energy security goals. It is based on tried, tested and reliable technology, and partners in Canada, the US and Poland are already investing in our technology. We believe this makes our reactor the lowest risk and highest reward choice for Great British Nuclear.”

Vale of York farmer elected chairman of NFU’s Dairy Board

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Vale of York farmer elected chairman of NFU’s Dairy Board
Vale of York dairy farmer Paul Tompkins has been elected as chair of the NFU’s national Dairy Board after serving four years as its vice-chair. He says his ambition is to create a vibrant, profitable, sustainable future for all farmers, but ads that it can be achieved only with effective regulation, a functional supply chain, a commitment to eradicating cattle diseases and growing access to markets at home and overseas.
“I want to focus on improving the environment in which our businesses operate, improving confidence in the future of dairy whilst acknowledging the challenge to do better. “The Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations was laid in Parliament last month and the legislation is on track to reach assent this July. I would like to start my chairmanship with an open invitation to dairy farmers and processors to collaborate and embrace the opportunity this legislation brings to the UK dairy sector. “My work has only just begun, and together with other dairy farmers from every county in England and Wales who give their time, energy and commitment to the NFU, I will do all I can to help members navigate this point in time for dairy farming and seek the opportunities to help our industry thrive.” Paul will be supported by vice chair Ian Harvey, who helps run a family farm partnership milking 180 cows on about 400 acres in Cornwall.

Dacres sponsor girls U14 football in Ilkley

Stuart Pearcey
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Dacres sponsor girls U14 football in Ilkley
Dacre, Son & Hartley’s Ilkley branch has become kit sponsor of the Ilkley Town under 14 Lionesses, champions of the Harrogate & Craven Football League in 2022 and 2023. Paul Wilson, a director at the Ilkley branch said: “Ilkley Football Club is a fabulous community asset, where hundreds of people get to play and enjoy football. As a successful local business, that takes great pride in being immersed in the local communities where we operate, it’s a great time to sponsor the under 14 Lionesses and we wish them all the very best with the season ahead.” Ilkley Town has one of the largest numbers of female players in West Yorkshire, with more than 220 registered players aged from under six years old, right up to the women’s first team, who play in the West Riding First Division. More than 40 girls play in three teams in the under 14s, and the first team squad is made up of 16 girls. The team is coached by Russell Kennedy, Darren Wood and Steve Miles. Lead coach Russell said: “The girls are extremely talented, and very committed to all the training and matches. We train every Monday and play over 20 league and cup games each season, with our home games being played at Ben Rhydding Sports Club. “Following our consecutive championships, the Lionesses moved to West Riding Division One in September, which is the strongest and most competitive league in West Yorkshire. West Riding have six divisions in the under 14 age group and it is the most popular girls league in the UK, with the most registered players, so its a new but exciting challenge for the squad who are all grateful to Dacres for their support and the smart new kit.”  

North Yorkshire steel firm files Notice of Intention to appoint administrators

Tess Egginton
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0
North Yorkshire steel firm files Notice of Intention to appoint administrators
S.H. Structures Limited, a multi-award winning business in the field of steel fabrication and structures, has filed a Notice of Intention to appoint administrators. The company, which is over 30 years old, trades from Sherburn in Elmet and employs approximately 70 staff.

Due to losses on various contracts and a gap in production scheduling due to projects being delayed, the directors of the company have filed a Notice of Intention to appoint administrators Andrew Mackenzie and Louise Longley of Begbies Traynor to protect the company whilst options are explored and a buyer sought for the business.

S.H. Structures designs, supplies, manufactures and installs complex steel structures. Last year the business manufactured and installed the 46-metre-long pedestrian bridge, weighing 86 tonnes, at Forge Island in Rotherham, linking the flagship development with the town centre.

Streets Chartered Accountants covers Virtual Finance Offices, Working Capital Cycles, Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings, and more in new news roundup

Tess Egginton
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0
Streets Chartered Accountants covers Virtual Finance Offices, Working Capital Cycles, Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings, and more in new news roundup

Streets Chartered Accountants covers Virtual Finance Offices, Working Capital Cycles, Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings, and more in its latest monthly news roundup.

New Virtual Finance Office (VFO) service

We are often asked what is a Virtual Finance Office or VFO? A Virtual Finance Office replaces the more traditional in-house finance department or team, with an external third-party virtual finance team.

Outsourcing your finance function often involves the sending out of work just for processing. In contrast a Virtual Finance Office not only provides the processing of transactions and production of information, but also greater additional financial input, support and advice. Read more.

Every business has a working capital cycle. This is the time it takes for your business to turn net current assets into available cash.

The longer the working capital cycle, the more time it takes for your business to get a robust cash flow. It’s good practice for businesses to manage their cycle by looking at each step where possible. This could be by selling stock or product quicker, collecting monies owed sooner and possibly paying bills later on. Read more.

However, the charge can apply to any UK residential property wholly or partly owned by a company (including a partnership with a corporate member). Read more.

The Budget 2024 – catch up!Last week Streets hosted a post Budget webinar, ​​​​​​​providing details of the announcements along with an update on topical issues affecting business clients and private individuals for the new tax year 2024/25.

This presentation was recorded and is now available on demand for those who weren’t able to join live. Watch now.

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