The Lincolnshire Showground gets ready for Christmas Party Nights
The Lincolnshire Showground hosts some of the biggest and most elaborate Christmas parties in Lincoln, and is inviting you to gather your colleagues to join them!
If you’re a group of 10 or 100, you can enjoy shared party nights on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th December from 7pm – 1am.
Christmas Party packages include a glass of fizz on arrival, a three-course meal, tea & coffee, live music from the Stolen Fridays, and a DJ until the early hours.
To book, contact the events team on 01522 522900 or events@lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
KCOM engineers aim for ten million steps to raise cash for charity
KCOM engineers are putting their best foot forward this month as they attempt to walk 10 million steps for charity.
More than 200 engineers from the Hull-based broadband provider are stepping up to take the challenge, which will see them attempt the walk the equivalent of 5,000 miles to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity. John Teasdale, Head of Network Delivery at KCOM said: “This is a fantastic event to be part of and I’m delighted that my KCOM colleagues are putting their best foot forward for this excellent cause. We have a big step count to reach but I know we can make it if we all pull together, like we always do at KCOM when we have a challenge to face. KCOM engineers will be joined by Ricoh team members who have joined KCOM recently to help deliver our copper to fibre network upgrade and delivering land line fibre adapters across the region.” Colin Sneddon, MD of KCOM Wholesale, who is taking part in the challenge, has a very personal reason for taking part this month after recovering from a brain tumour himself two years ago. He said: “As well as helping our teams to get fighting fit, they’ll also be raising money for Brain Tumour Research, a great charity that’s raising much-needed funds to fight an often overlooked disease. Colin is also urging people to sign a petition by Brain Tumour Research asking the Government to ring-fence £110 million of current and new funding to kick-start an increase in the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million a year by 2028. He said: “Research into brain tumours receives just one per cent of national funding into cancer research despite the fact that it kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. We need 100,000 names on the petition by the end of October to get a parliamentary debate on the issue and hopefully help secure funding that will save many lives. It would be absolutely brilliant if the people of Hull and East Yorkshire would spare a few minutes to help us reach this petition target.” It takes around 2,000 average steps to walk a mile – meaning 10 million steps is the equivalent of 5,000 miles – which means KCOM engineers are going to have to get their walking boots on between house calls and network upgrades while also record all the steps they’re taking.Artist impressions revealed as landmark Cleethorpes building progresses
A first look of a new landmark building set to be created in the heart of Cleethorpes has been revealed.
A three-storey building will be constructed at the former Waves site on the corner of Sea Road and the Promenade, comprising of state-of-the-art public amenities and changing facilities, as well as commercially lettable space across all floors of the building, which may include different providers in retail and hospitality.
A planning application was approved in 2020, but work on the scheme was delayed due to the pandemic. Now, as works draw closer, minor amends to the existing planning application have been submitted.
The building is now proposed to include a pagoda on the first floor to enable outdoor seating areas, and additional information has been included in the application about the configuration of the doors and windows, and also about the materials proposed to be used on the building.
Earlier this year, preparatory works were done on the site, pending the development of the site.
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, portfolio holder for culture, heritage and visitor economy, said: “Cleethorpes has a wealth of assets that can enable it to be at the forefront of regeneration.
“The Sea Road building will help to develop the council’s ambition of a year-round visitor economy and its appeal as a distinctive landmark will draw visitors seeking a place to meet and socialise.
“It will form an important part of the town’s strategy to unlock private sector investment, creating a safe and flexible multifunctional space, that serves both residents and visitors and be an important social and cultural destination, which local people can be proud of.”
Sixty line up for honours in Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards event
Sixty firms and attractions will be represented at the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards night at DoubleTree by Hilton, Hull, November.
This year is the 13th time the awards have been held, and they are being run in association with the national Visit England Awards. Eligible winners will be automatically forwarded to the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2024.
Dominic Gibbons, MD of the awards’ main sponsor Wykeland said: “The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year”
Visit Hull and East Yorkshire said they had been “stunned” by the quality of entries. A spokesperson said: “Tourism plays such an important part in making Hull and East Yorkshire such a wonderful place to live and visit.
“The feedback we get from day visitors and holidaymakers makes us proud and shows just how far we have come since the first awards were held over 13 years ago.
“This is a remarkable event to celebrate a remarkable industry, which contributes almost £1 billion annually to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy and provides employment for over 18,000 people. The awards showcase the very best that Hull and East Yorkshire have to offer.
“We are working in partnership with VisitEngland and have aligned a number of our categories, and are using a shared online application process. This means that, in most REYTA categories, the winners will automatically be put forward, if eligible, for judging in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence without any further application.”
“A huge thank you for all of the businesses that have engaged with the REYTA’s this year, as well as our main sponsors Wykeland and Fred Marketing, along with our category sponsors, without whom the awards would not be possible”
In total, six current champions have made it through to the finals again when 16 awards will be presented.
There’s no shortage of newcomers, though, and a new business, Dumble Farm, based near Beverley, is shortlisted for Remarkable New Tourism Business for its “immersive, fun, educational and all-encompassing experience into the world of Highland cows conservation and sustainable farming.”
REYTA 2023 Finalists
Remarkable Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Hull Truck Theatre
- The Old Stables – Nordham Cottages
- Ivanhoe Guest House
- Hull Trinity Backpackers
- Wolds Village
- Aura Innovation Centre
- Bridlington Spa
- Connexin Live, Hull
- Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel
- The Manor Rooms
- Acorn Glade Glamping
- Butt Farm Caravan, Camping & Glamping Site
- Kingfisher Lakes Glamping & Log Cabins
- The Paddock Pods at Homeland
- Thorpe Hall Caravan, Camping and Glamping Site
- Wold Escapes
- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- William’s Den
- Cobwebs and Cream Teas at Burton Constable
- Hotham’s Gin School at Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery
- Meerkat Experience at Bridlington Animal Park
- What Was Here? App
- Highfield
- Loftsome Bridge Hotel
- Mercure Grange Park Hotel
- Village Hotel Hull
- Bemora
- Dumble Farm
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- The Manor House Beeford
- Trinity Room
- Atom Bar Beverley
- Atom Bar Hull
- The Old Star, Kilham
- The Ship Inn, Sewerby
- Broadgate Farm Cottages
- Kipling House Barn
- Pasture House Holiday Cottages
- Still Rabbit Lodges
- The Coach House, Driffield
- Wressle Grange
- Drewton’s Farm Shop
- The Balloon Tree Farm Shop & Café
- The Fiddle Drill
- The Old Lamp Room
- Wolds Village
- Ambiente Tapas Hull
- Dockside Kitchen
- Highfield – 1864
- The Hispanist
- William’s Den
- Sledmere House and Gardens
- Sewerby Hall and Gardens
- William’s Den
- Atom Brewing Co
- Cherry View Ice Cream
- Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery
- Soanes Poultry
- Twisted Roots Distillery
- East Riding Rally Stages 2023
- Hulloween Steampunk Festival
- Pride in Hull
- Sewerby Winter Woodland
- The Awakening
- Tribfest Music Festival
Smurfs walk 34 miles to raise £1,500 for Cancer Research
A spirited team from a local business has embarked on a 34-mile journey from Leeds to the company’s headquarters in Sheffield, all while dressed as Smurfs characters, in support of Cancer Research. This charitable activity was spearheaded by employees of Olano, a division of apprentice-to-boardroom recruitment specialists, Nicholas Associates Group.
The fantastic four, Alex Norris, Ben Ibbotson, Rob Freeman, and Sheena Fraser, collectively known as ‘Team Smurf,’ managed to raise an impressive £1,500. This initiative was part of a broader companywide effort to contribute to Cancer Research, the chosen national charity for 2023.
Navigating a diverse route that encompassed main roads, trans-Pennine footpaths, old railway tracks, and picturesque viaducts, the team set out at 6 am from Leeds City Centre. Despite a few navigational hiccups along the way, they triumphantly completed the trek in just under 15 hours, arriving in Sheffield at 8.45 pm.
Reflecting on their memorable journey, Rob Freeman shared: “Being dressed as Smurfs meant we attracted a lot of attention from passers-by. The number of kind-hearted individuals who pulled over in their cars to donate cash was beyond our expectations – it was a fantastic boost to our spirits.”
Alex Norris added: “Despite the sore feet and a few blisters, we are incredibly proud of our achievement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout this journey. From generous donations and messages of support to sharing our posts and offering words of encouragement, every bit of support was deeply appreciated.”
Olano, headquartered in Sheffield, specialises in e-learning, animation, content development, and both classroom and virtual training for clients worldwide. Nicholas Associates Group’s chosen national charity for 2023, Cancer Research, inspired ‘Team Smurf’ to embark on this extraordinary charity walk.
In addition to their memorable Smurf-themed walk, Olano has been actively engaged in various fundraising activities within their office, including sweepstakes, pool tournaments, and last-man-standing competitions, all contributing to the noble cause of Cancer Research.
Dog food company expands with new 133,606 sq ft Doncaster facility
Tritax Symmetry has agreed a new 20-year lease on its newly developed 133,606 sq ft facility (unit three) at Symmetry Park, Doncaster to fresh dog food company, Butternut Box.
As part of the agreement, Tritax Symmetry has agreed to extend Butternut Box’s current lease on a 151,388 sq ft facility, unit one, by a further eight years to 20 years. The facilities will be used for the storage, fulfilment and distribution of Butternut Box’s fresh dog food and treats and follows the company’s recent announcement detailing its £280m investment from new and existing investors.
Butternut Box’s decision to take unit three marks the final letting at Symmetry Park Doncaster and comes after B&Q signed up to a 430,000 sq ft design and build facility (unit two) last March. A final 1.2-acre plot available is for sale / to let.
Joseph Skinner, associate development director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “As an existing Tritax customer, we are pleased to further develop our relationship with Butternut Box and support its ongoing growth. Symmetry Park has quickly established itself a major employment location, creating high quality new roles for the local area and we’d like to thank both our customers and the Council for working closely with us from start to finish.”
David Nolan at Butternut Box continued: “In 2020, we took the bold decision to move our entire operation in-house with the option of committing to future expansion. We’re excited to now be in a position to exercise that option. The 20-year lease and the regearing of the lease on our existing building demonstrates the confidence we have in Symmetry Park Doncaster as the best location for our business.”
Leeds accountancy practice merges with Derbyshire company
Leeds-based Chartered Certified Accountants D’Arcy Howard & Co has merged with North Derbyshire company SMH BCL Accountants.
The move is said to be a strategic partnership reflecting a shared vision to enhance client services, expand business development opportunities, and ensure sustained growth for the future.
The merger has resulted in the formation of a new entity called SMH D’Arcy Howard & Co Limited. The integration of the two firms brings together a wealth of expertise and resources to offer an extensive range of services from the newly consolidated office.
Stacey Pocklington, Partner and Director of SMH BCL Accountants, adds: “We are thrilled to welcome D’Arcy Howard into the SMH family. By combining our strengths and expertise, we are better positioned to deliver a seamless service to our valued clients.”
Yorkshire distillery wins third-party accreditation for the way it does business
Yorkshire’s Ellers Farm Distillery has been awarded B Corp Certification for its work to establish itself as part of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy.
The B Corp verification process, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, measures a company’s social and environmental performance, and to become a Certified B Corporation, Ellers Farm Distillery has undergone a rigorous review of the impact of its operations and business model on its workers, customers, communities and environment.
Based outside Stamford Bridge in North Yorkshire, Ellers Farm Distillery has been carbon neutral since day one and produces a range of spirits.
It has implemented a number of actions, with the intention of increasing its positive impact on the environment, employees and local community:
It has:- created a unique profit sharemodel by which 20% of the company’s profits will be distributed to employees. This avoids the complications of employee shareholder models while ensuring a portion of the wealth created by the business is distributed to those who work for the business.
- supported the planting of 5,000 trees in conjunction with Ecologi.
- planted 2.5 acres of apple trees in the adjacent fields. These trees not only remove carbon from the atmosphere as they grow, but create a biodiverse habitat that benefits local pollinators, birds, and mammals.
Tabatha Hurst, Head of Sustainability at Ellers Farm Distillery, said: “This has always been a goal for Ellers Farm Distillery and we’re thrilled that just two years into our journey we’re now a Certified B Corp. Becoming a fully-fledged part of the global community of B Corps is an honour and we see this as a statement of intent for our business to continually improve our impacts on our employees, community, environment and supply chain.”
Chris Fraser, Founder & Chairman at Ellers Farm Distillery, added: “I’m so proud of the team here at Ellers Farm Distillery for this great achievement in becoming a Certified B Corp so early in our journey as a business. Since the beginning our whole team has been focused on balancing people, planet and profit. Becoming a Certified B Corp is a great endorsement of the work we have already done but it also helps us identify areas that we can focus on to continue to improve.”
Business-led groups get £2million to revitalise areas of Sheffield
Business-led community groups will deliver new event spaces, improved shopfronts and street art thanks to £2million of investment into neighbourhoods by Sheffield City Council.
The funding will support local high streets and improve public spaces areas to create vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods. Across Sheffield, 23 projects will benefit from investment from the Economic Recovery Fund, which was developed as part of Sheffield’s Covid Business Recovery Plan and has already invested £2.2m into the city’s high streets since 2021.
Funding has been approved for projects including a new short-term event space on Northern Avenue, Arbourthorne, which will host events, workshops and drop-in sessions for local residents and businesses; a new community orchard in Crookes, and new heritage trails and events in Ecclesfield. In other areas, new bins, benches, murals and improved shop fronts will help brighten up high streets, encourage people to shop local and provide spaces for the local community to meet and socialise.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said: “It is fantastic to invest more money into our local communities and to hand over funding to groups who know their areas best and can deliver improvements to benefit local residents.
“More than half of these projects are in Sheffield’s most deprived areas and I am proud that we are awarding funding to those areas that need it most. We have seen some creative and ambitious projects, including tree planting in Firth Park, a herb garden and street art in Westfield, and a programme of events for Christmas, Eid and Lunar New Year for London Road.
“As a member of the steering group for the Economic Recovery Fund, it has been brilliant to see the passion, commitment and enthusiasm of business and community groups who are determined to create thriving high streets which residents can be proud of. I am looking forward to supporting these groups as they deliver their projects, and seeing the finished results.”
Councillor Zahira Naz, Chair of the Finance Committee, said: “Investment from the Economic Recovery Fund will provide a much needed boost for local high streets still feeling the impact of the pandemic.
“By improving how neighbourhoods look, funding events and attractions, and supporting initiatives to encourage people to shop local, we’re helping to attract visitors, generate community pride and improve business confidence. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact these 23 projects have on their local area.”
On London Road, the team will create a new collective identity for the area with new banners, planters and a mural for the Alderson Road car park. They’ll also bring people together with a programme of events for Eid, Christmas and Lunar New Year.
Abdullah Khalid, who owns a business on London Road, said: “This is a really exciting time for our group. We’re planning a variety of activities to make London Road cleaner and safer for residents and businesses.
“This includes a borrow bank of equipment to keep the area tidy; multicultural events bringing the community together; improvements to the car park and shop fronts, to uplift the area; and creating a brand for London Road.
“We expect to deliver a more attractive and welcoming environment, and tackle antisocial behaviour. We want more people to use their local area and businesses, and celebrate the unique diverse community we have on London Road.”
In Greenhill, money from the Economic Recovery Fund will be used to plant new greenery to enhance the central area of Greenhill and a promotional campaign encouraging people to shop local.
Cheers! Government extends takeaway pints rule for almost two years
Relaxed licensing regulations that allow pubs, restaurants and bars to sell takeaway pints without red tape holding them back have been extended to March 2025.
Al fresco drinking, first introduced widely during the pandemic, has allowed the public to support their local pubs and business by having the choice to take away their drinks, providing a boost to local businesses and bringing in extra revenue.
Under the relaxed regulations, which were due to expire in September and have been extended in Parliament this week, any site permitted to sell alcohol on their premises can sell for off-site consumption too, without the hassle of applying for a new licence. Premises will also be able to continue to serve alcohol in the area covered by any pavement licence that they have.
The extension, which will run for a further 18 months, is part of the government’s commitment to supporting the hospitality sector in taking every opportunity to recover fully from the impact of the pandemic as we grow the economy. It follows the Brexit Pubs Guarantee announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget that secured the pledge that pubs will always pay less alcohol duty on drinks poured from draught, such as pints of beer and cider, than supermarkets going forwards.
Policing Minister Chris Philp said: “It is vital that we do everything we can to support British pubs. They are a cornerstone of every community, and a beating heart in our growing economy.
“The hospitality industry has faced a tough couple of years, and by relaxing this red tape we will give our pubs and bars the support they need to thrive.”
Before these provisions were introduced during the pandemic, licensing regulations meant that pubs with an on-site license would have to go through an additional process to amend their licence if they wanted to serve alcohol for off-site consumption, taking time, paperwork and costing them money. Under the relaxed rules, any premises licence allows takeaway pints as standard. This extension will alleviate uncertainty over the status of off-sales for those premises affected and allow for long-term business planning. The government’s ultimate goal is to create a unified pavement licence that includes licensing consent for the consumption and sale of alcohol in the outside pavement area. During this 18-month period of the temporary extension to the off-sales provision, the government will work to make this a reality. The government will continue to look at a permanent solution that will best support local pubs and bars by continuing the close work with industry and local authorities. The extension has been made through amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 and applies to both England and Wales.