Reward and The Vault to champion mental health for 14 million grassroots football enthusiasts

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Reward and The Vault to champion mental health for 14 million grassroots football enthusiasts

Leeds-based Reward Finance Group has forged a pioneering partnership with the Football Mental Health Alliance (FMHA) and England’s County Football Associations (CFAs) to bolster mental health support for all involved in grassroots football.

At the heart of this partnership is ‘The Vault’, FMHA’s free mental health platform, developed collaboratively by psychologists, coaches, parents, carers, licensed FIFA Agents and ex-pros. The goal is to address mental health challenges in grassroots football in a way that is relatable and easy to understand for everyone, regardless of their level of involvement.

Reward’s financial support will facilitate the expansion of The Vault, which offers expert-led, football-themed content such as webinars, podcasts, a mental health playbook and articles that delve into the intersection of mental health and football.

Additionally, it provides mental health first aid training and signposting to specific mental health support, all tailored for football clubs to promote open conversations and create a more positive and supportive culture within grassroots football.

Danny Matharu, founder of the FMHA and The Vault, said: “We are elated to partner with Reward. They have a culture which recognises the importance of health and wellbeing, demonstrated by the recent launch of their internal Wellness Team, dedicated to supporting colleagues. This approach resonates with our values and we look forward to working together to use the medium of football to promote mental health.

“Statistics show that one in four people experience mental health difficulties each year and one in six working-age adults have mental health symptoms at any given time. Mental health conditions often develop early, with 75% of cases emerging by age 18, and men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.

“The Vault is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowered environment where players, communities, coaches and volunteers can thrive both on and off the field, providing free support for all ages through anonymous sign-up, ensuring confidentiality and comfort.

“Mental health is a top priority for CFAs across England, and with support from Reward, we can continue to empower the English grassroots game by offering consistent, football-themed mental health tools.”

Nick Smith, group Managing Director of Reward Finance Group, said: “Our dedicated focus is promoting positive mental health and wellbeing within our team. Hence, partnering with Danny and the FMHA became a new way to further that aim. The evident lack of mental health support in the football community means this digital suite is a truly innovative development.

“Our partnership with the FMHA follows the launch of our 2023-2024 corporate charity partner, Andy’s Man Club, which is a men’s suicide prevention charity offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. At Reward, we strive to ignite a meaningful shift in mental health perceptions and to ensure robust support is accessible to those in need.”

Places for People acquires Doncaster site to build new affordable homes

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Places for People acquires Doncaster site to build new affordable homes
Places for People has acquired a site in Doncaster where it will build 59 affordable new homes. The placemaker and social enterprise concluded the deal to purchase the site from Godwin Developments with planning consent already in place. The 3.5-acre site on Watch House Lane, Bentley – an area of Doncaster – has been vacant for over ten years. Places for People will transform it into a new community providing a range of contemporary two and three-bedroom family homes to be offered through a mixed tenure approach with affordable rent and shared ownership homes on offer. Places for People aims to start construction on site in spring 2024 with the first homes expected to be ready by the end of that year. In an area with strong demand for affordable housing, the scheme will contribute over half of the affordable housing need in Bentley according to the Housing Need Study1 by City of Doncaster Council. Nilam Buchanan, Regional Managing Director, Central and North at Places for People, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to transform this disused land in Doncaster into a well-designed new neighbourhood that will provide the affordable homes that local people need. “Places for People is driven by its commitment to adding lasting social value to the communities we build, so we will ensure this development becomes somewhere people are proud to live with high-quality construction and attractive green spaces. “Thanks to Godwin Developments, we are taking on a site with planning permission already granted, putting us in a strong position to move ahead swiftly and deliver this exciting and sustainable new development.” Matt Chandler, Managing Director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are really pleased to be working yet again with Places for People, this time on a project in Doncaster which will facilitate the delivery of 59 much-needed homes for the local community. “Utilising our in-house development and planning expertise, we have been able to advance the transformation of this disused brownfield site into a thriving new community, benefiting from its own green spaces as well as access to the Trans Pennine Trail. “We look forward to seeing Places for People deliver these modern, energy-efficient homes in due course while as a business we continue to focus on developing further residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities that match our strategy.” The plans for the new community include a children’s play area, extensive landscaping including a central ‘village green’ communal space and wildflower meadows.

Wakefield firm swoops for Leeds management consultancy

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Wakefield firm swoops for Leeds management consultancy
The Board of Leeds-based management consultancy Project Rome Limited (Rome) has unanimously accepted an undisclosed offer from Wakefield’s thevaluecircle LLP (tvc) for the company’s assets. The agreement will strengthen thevaluecircle’s capacity and help to meet growing demand for their services in the health, care and education practice, introduce complimentary new service lines to customers, allow thevaluecircle to bring forward tvc’s plans to establish a presence in the Sustainability and Financial Services consultancy markets, and bring governance and change management expertise to the existing Rome portfolio of clients. The combined business will support a client base of over 150 organisations, including NHS Trusts, major utilities, listed financial institutions and regional sports bodies. David Cockayne – founder and Chief Executive, thevaluecircle, said: “Acquiring Project Rome represents a natural progression for us, it enables us to leverage the expertise of highly regarded senior professionals and expand our product offer. “Equally important to us, is that we share the same values, have a similar backstory and we are already feeling the benefit of that shared culture when we are working with clients. I can’t wait to work with Karl and the Rome team – building a northern powerhouse that delivers nationwide!” Karl Milner (Project Rome MD) will assume the role of executive director at thevaluecircle and join the management team. Karl will take charge of integrating and developing the wider service to clients, and lead the communications and engagement practice. He said: “These are both successful companies. Although we both had a presence in the similar markets we have offered unique and diverse array of services. My job will be to knit the two companies together and present a compelling and well-resourced proposition to the market.”

Financial Conduct Authority bans pension advisor, with £200k to be paid in compensation

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Financial Conduct Authority bans pension advisor, with £200k to be paid in compensation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has banned Geoffrey Armin from advising customers on pension transfers and pension opt outs, and from holding any senior management function in a regulated firm.
The FCA found that Mr Armin, while running Retirement and Pension Planning Services Limited (dissolved), was seriously incompetent when advising on defined benefit (DB) pension transfers. Mr Armin advised 422 customers on the transfer of their DB pensions, including 183 members of the British Steel Pension Scheme – 174 of whom transferred out of the scheme following his recommendation. These fees added up to £2.2m for all DB transfer advice, 55% (approximately £1.2m) of which was retained by Retirement and Pension Planning Services and Mr Armin. In advising his customers, Mr Armin routinely failed to obtain the necessary information he needed to assess the suitability of a pension transfer and provided unsuitable advice as a result. This is despite FCA guidance stating that as a starting point, it should be assumed that such transfers are not in a customer’s best interests. In some cases, Mr Armin only informed customers of the consequences of giving up the valuable guaranteed benefits offered by their DB pension after they had already transferred out of the scheme. Therese Chambers, joint Executive Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the FCA said: “Mr Armin gave bad advice and pocketed large fees for doing so. People rely on the advice they’re given for financial security into old age. “Mr Armin’s advice not only put at risk the pensions people had worked for, it also eroded the trust between advisers and clients. Such callous incompetence has no place in financial services.” Mr Armin referred the FCA’s decision to take action to the Upper Tribunal and the hearing was due to commence on 11 September 2023. However, on 6 September 2023 he agreed to pay a substantial proportion of his assets to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) as compensation and withdrew the referral. Without this settlement, Mr Armin’s assets would have been spent on the costs of the Upper Tribunal proceedings leaving nothing to pay redress or a fine. Mr Armin will also pay £200,000 to the FSCS to contribute to redress due to his customers, including members of the British Steel Pension Scheme. To date, the FSCS has paid out £3,961,517 in compensation to Mr Armin’s customers.

North America trade mission launched to drum up jobs and investment for West Yorkshire

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North America trade mission launched to drum up jobs and investment for West Yorkshire
A West Yorkshire delegation led by Mayor Tracy Brabin touched down in Toronto yesterday (5 November) and will travel to Boston, New York and Lititz Pennsylvania this week, to boost trade and investment. Mayor Tracy Brabin will meet with US and Canadian business leaders, to champion West Yorkshire as a top destination for jobs and growth. As part of International Trade Week and supported by the UK Government, the Mayor will visit the North American offices of several homegrown businesses, to celebrate their success and discuss how best to scale and export other local businesses to the US, Canada and around the World. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This trade mission is an exciting first for West Yorkshire – a chance to show the US and Canada what we’re made of, as we boost jobs, investment and opportunities for local people. “We have so much going for us – bustling towns and glorious countryside, nationally celebrated cities of culture, and a work-life balance that makes our talented graduates want to stay in the region. “As we continue to punch above our weight with an economy that’s bigger than several EU nations, now is the time to declare West Yorkshire open for business, as we build a stronger, brighter economy that works for all.” The trade mission follows the appointment of aerospace manufacturing expert Mandy Ridyard as the Mayor’s Business Advisor. Ms Ridyard has expressed a desire to make the region a top choice for businesses which are ready to launch or looking to move. Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “At the heart of the UK and the Northern Powerhouse, West Yorkshire is the ideal place to start and scale a business, thanks to our innovative universities, our vibrant cultural offer, and our supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships. “Consistently voted one of the happiest and best places to live in the UK, we can deliver the talent pipelines and upskilled workers our businesses need to thrive, with the majority of our graduates choosing to live, work and play in West Yorkshire than move elsewhere. “And our sector strengths in healthcare and life sciences, digital and media, professional and financial services and advanced manufacturing and engineering, mean we can move forward with huge confidence in our abilities and global ambitions for the future.” With seven universities, almost 100,000 businesses and an economy estimated at £60 billion, the Mayor hopes to attract the attention of major global investors looking to expand and export to the UK. Mayor Brabin’s visit to one of these businesses, multinational information technology company Cognizant, comes after their high-profile pledge to create 1,000 new jobs in the region. With 160 people employed to date, hundreds more tech and digital job opportunities are expected for people in West Yorkshire, as the business continues to expand. The Mayor’s visit to the New York office is expected to strengthen Cognizant’s commitment to the region, after they partnered with the Leeds Community Foundation to provide digital support and laptops to local charities. The company has also donated a quarter of a million pounds to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to support smaller digital businesses to take on new apprentices. Rohit Gupta, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Cognizant, said: “Opening a delivery centre in Leeds was an easy choice given the wealth of talent the city and surrounding area has to offer. “I have been amazed at what the team has accomplished in a little over 12 months. We remain committed to Leeds and look forward to creating many more opportunities for the next generation of digital talent.” As well as looking to strike deals over jobs and inward investment, the Mayor will also meet with the US leadership teams of several leading West Yorkshire businesses, including the Academy of Live Technology, Turner & Townsend, and IMA-HOME. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor’s Business Advisor Mandy Ridyard, and top officials at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will be hosted by Toronto’s Budget Chief Cllr Shelley Carroll, by Boston’s Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu, and by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and HM Consul General for New York, Emma Wade-Smith OBE. Prew Lumley, Leeds Office Managing Partner at global law firm Squire Patton Boggs – which hosts its biggest offices in Leeds, London, Cleveland and Washington, D.C. – will also be a part of the West Yorkshire delegation. The first of its kind trade mission for West Yorkshire follows the launch of the West Yorkshire Plan, which set out a mission to deliver a prosperous region by making it easier for businesses to start-up, grow, innovate, trade and invest.

Planning Inspectorate upholds appeal after Lincolnshire County Council’s refusal of oil drilling proposals

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Planning Inspectorate upholds appeal after Lincolnshire County Council’s refusal of oil drilling proposals

Union Jack Oil, an onshore hydrocarbon production, development and exploration company, has announced that the Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal against the refusal of planning permission by Lincolnshire County Council for a side-track drilling operation, associated testing and long-term oil production at the Biscathorpe-2 wellsite.

The Biscathorpe project is covered by onshore UK licence PEDL253. The PEDL253 joint venture partnership will review the decision notice and associated planning conditions before providing an update on plans for progressing operations.

As part of this, it is said the operator, Egdon Resources Limited, will look to engage with the local community to ensure activities have minimal impact on local amenity.

Union Jack holds a 45% economic interest in PEDL253.

David Bramhill, executive chairman of Union Jack, said: “I am delighted to report this highly positive news in respect of Biscathorpe, one of our highest ranked projects, in which Union Jack holds a material 45% economic interest.

“While drilling the Biscathorpe-2 well, there were hydrocarbon shows, elevated gas readings and sample fluorescence observed over the entire interval from the top of the Dinantian to the Total Depth of the well, with 68 metres being interpreted as oil-bearing.

“Independent Consultants Applied Petroleum Technology also conducted analyses, confirming a hydrocarbon column of 33-34 API gravity oil, comparable with the oil produced at the nearby Keddington oilfield where Union Jack holds a 55% economic interest.

“Re-processing of 264 square kilometres of 3D seismic, indicate a material and potentially commercially viable hydrocarbon resource remaining to be appraised.

“The operator has assessed, in accordance with the PRMS Standard, gross Mean Prospective Resources of approximately 6.5 million barrels of oil. Commercial screening has indicated break-even full cycle economics to be US$18.07per barrel of oil.

“Union Jack’s technical team believe that Biscathorpe remains one of the largest unappraised conventional onshore discoveries within the UK. I thank shareholders for their patience and remain confident that both investors and the company will be well rewarded in due course.”

Soccer shirt sponsorship continues to boost Hospice profile in Rotherham

Stuart Pearcey
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Soccer shirt sponsorship continues to boost Hospice profile in Rotherham

Rotherham Hospice says a partnership with local businesses that’s involved putting the charity’s name on Rotherham United FC team strips, continues to have a “huge impact”.

Six Diamond Partners – AESSEAL, Equisolve, Hughie Construction, IPM Group, Mears and Steelphalt – pledged their financial support to highlight the charity on RUFC’s team strips instead of a commercial sponsor. The hospice says that as a result it has seen vastly-improved visitors to its website and social media channels, and additional corporate support. Stephen King, Director of Income Generation and Communications at Rotherham Hospice said: “Rotherham Hospice has never had so much exposure in the local area. We are finding that conversations about the charity are a lot easier to have with businesses and supporters, as most are now aware of who we are and what we do. Everyone at the Hospice is grateful to the Diamond Partners for making this happen.” AESSEAL MD Chris Rea said: “We were always confident that giving extra visibility to such a worthy charity would help them significantly and it is great to see this confirmed.”

Former Dragons’ Den star urges North Yorkshire businesses to be audacious in embracing technology

Stuart Pearcey
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Former Dragons’ Den star urges North Yorkshire businesses to be audacious in embracing technology

‘Be bold with the region’s unique assets’ was a message delivered to delegates at the latest York & North Yorkshire Business Summit.

Hosted by York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Chair Helen Simpson, the event saw a succession of high-profile speakers from 13 regional businesses take to the stage at the Radisson York Hotel. They shared their business vision for the region, ahead of devolution and an expected mayoral election in spring next year. Former BBC Dragons’ Den ‘Dragon’ Piers Linney told more than 200 attendees they needed to be audacious in embracing technology as part of devolution. He argued new technology such as artificial intelligence offered the chance to level up the workforce, making background and disabilities irrelevant. He said: “Take some of the £750million devolution funding and invest in a garden shed where you can blow things up. Play with the technology, see how it can augment all of us, play with education and then connect the talent to the technology. Invest in cutting edge and bleeding edge technology. Superpower and empower the people in your region.” James Farrar, Interim Director of Transition for the proposed York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, backed the call for businesses and innovators to be bold. He said: “We need to crack on with devolution and make sure the process gets through parliament as soon as possible.” “We are not Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds. We must be York and North Yorkshire and we must recognise our assets. We must be bold and clear about where we see our competitive advantages. No sector can rest on its laurels.” “Let us know what infrastructure and support you need in place to invest and grow. Our job as a Combined Authority will be to put that in place – yours is to invest and grow.” The Summit was organised by York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (YNY LEP) in partnership with The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board, urged the region’s businesses to collaborate closely with the elected mayor and advised the region to capitalise on its rail links to London, and quality of life, to attract a skilled workforce to the region. “Inclusivity should be baked into devolution from the start,” she said. “Think about how this opportunity can work for everyone, whether it’s skills or technology, you have the opportunity to write the blueprint. Strong leadership will be key to achieving that.”

Savoy Cinema commits to £9m plan for Gainsborough

Stuart Pearcey
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Savoy Cinema commits to £9m plan for Gainsborough

West Lindsey District Council has teamed up with Savoy Cinemas for the delivery of a £9m town centre regeneration project including a four-screen cinema, restaurant, retail units and car parking.

Savoy Cinemas MD James Collington, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration initiative of Gainsborough town centre. The area has undergone significant change over the last few years, and it still has huge potential to develop further. We are looking forward to commencing work on the development and welcoming you through our doors on opening night.”

The development will be funded through contributions from the Council, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the government’s Levelling Up Fund and Savoy Cinemas.

Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr Trevor Young, said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to announce our deal with Savoy Cinemas. As a local family cinema operator, Savoy shares the Council’s passion for investing in Gainsborough, with a development that will breathe life back into our town centre.”

Director of Planning Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council, Sally Grindrod-Smith,said: “This has been an incredibly challenging site to bring forward. The Council was required to step in and acquire the land, lead the demolition of the former Lindsey Centre and secure grant funding to make the scheme viable. This is all part of our enabling role.

“The eagerly anticipated development will significantly contribute to the town’s local economy, increasing footfall, dwell time and spend. It will add to the town’s leisure offer, servicing local residents and encouraging new visitors to the town.”

The development will provide a new walking link between Marshall’s Yard and the historic market place, where further investment from the Levelling Up Fund and National Lottery Townscape Heritage Initiative, is rejuvenating the historic marketplace.

The scheme has also been designed to be environmentally efficient, through the inclusion of solar panels and air sourced heat technology. It will also enhance the setting of the Town Centre Conservation Area through its historic design and use of high-quality materials.

Georgian country house hotel sold in Northallerton

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Georgian country house hotel sold in Northallerton
Solberge Hall in Northallerton has been acquired by wedding and events company Wharfedale Grange for an undisclosed sum. The 24-bedroom Georgian country house hotel is set in 9 acres of woodland situated near the North Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales. It has been owned by Classic Lodges hotel group since 2015 when it was purchased for £1.8m. Wharfedale Grange is a luxury weddings and events venue between Leeds and Harrogate including a purpose-built wedding barn, farmhouse accommodation and floristry shop. The deal included the purchase of all assets, including the hotel, restaurant, facilities and grounds. All 40 members of staff will be directly transferred to new ownership. The company are renaming the hotel as Wharfedale Country House following a refurbishment. Claire Thomas, Chief Executive of Wharfedale Grange, said: “We are excited to announce the successful acquisition of Solberge Hall Hotel and our intention is to substantially enhance and upgrade the 200 year-old manor house hotel over the course of the next year and put it back on the map as Wharfedale Country House, an opulent hospitality destination specialising in luxury weddings and events. “Solberge Hall fits perfectly into our growing hospitality portfolio.” A multi-disciplinary team from Schofield Sweeney advised Wharfedale Grange on the purchase.
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