Lindum start work on £9.5m affordable homes project

Stuart Pearcey
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Lindum start work on £9.5m affordable homes project
By autumn next year Lincoln-based Lindum Group expects to have completed a £9.5m project to build 50 new affordable homes in the Cambridgeshire village of Bottisham, on behalf of Accent Group. The development includes 30 shared ownership homes and 20 properties for affordable rent. It will be a combination of one-bedroom flats, two to four-bedroom semi-detached houses, and four two-bed bungalows. The homes will all be built to the previous building regulations, but they will all achieve EPC rating A through the installation of solar panels. Steve Morris, Accent Group Director of Development, said: “This is a significant development for us and reflects the ambitions of our development strategy which commits to building sustainable homes in areas of high housing need. “The new homes will be thermally efficient, reducing both fuel consumption and the overall running costs for our customers. We have made a commitment to build all our new homes in our land led programme to an EPC A rating and currently have around 600 homes on site being built to this standard.” Lindum Construction Manager Colin Knight said: “We are thrilled to be under way on what will be a very exciting project for Accent Group. “These 50 properties will make a significant impact on the affordable housing needs of the area, encouraging first time buyers to come to the village, whilst also helping the people who grew up there to stay.” Since work started, foundations have been put in place, and work will soon begin on the roads and sewers. The road works will connect the site to the existing road on Ox Meadow. The Scheme is being developed with part funding from Homes England.

Work starts on new home for Leeds Law School

Tess Egginton
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Work starts on new home for Leeds Law School
Leeds Law School at Leeds Beckett University is relocating to the university’s Broadcasting Place building later this year, a move that will see the School’s facilities transformed and enable students and staff to bring law to life. The new development will serve as the new home for Leeds Law School’s undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, offering state-of-the-art facilities that will allow students to work alongside legal academics and learn in an environment that will promote deep learning and develop critical analysis. An immersive simulation suite, a courtroom with a jury deliberation room, a reading room and social learning areas are among the spaces that will support students to expand their knowledge of the legal profession and provide them with an ideal platform to launch their career. The national charity Support Through Court will have a dedicated room within the new premises to support members of public to represent themselves in court. Professor Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School, said: “The Law School has grown considerably in recent years, and we’ve now reached a level where we want to give our students and staff a real sense of place, and for them to have somewhere amazing they can call home. This huge investment means we will have the most modern law school in the country, which fills me with great pride. “I’m incredibly excited to open the doors to our new Law School in time for us to celebrate the school’s centenary. We’ve been teaching law at Leeds Law School since 1924 and settling into such modern, state-of-the-art facilities by 2024 gives us a sense of great achievement and opportunity for our students and staff.” Work on the project is due to start in June 2023 and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Once complete, it will provide the students at Leeds Law School with the chance to thrive in an environment designed specifically to support their needs.

£400k project will bring empty Hull building back into use

Stuart Pearcey
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£400k project will bring empty Hull building back into use
Grade II listed building Silvester House will be brought back into full use thanks to a grant from the Levelling Up fund. Half of the building in The Maltings is currently in use, but investment from Bud Properties Ltd and the grant will see a full renovation of its empty eastern side. This part of the building will be subsequently fitted out as 14 one and two bedroom apartments. The works, valued at more than £400,000, will see new electrics and plumbing installed, alongside new kitchens, windows, flooring and decoration. New internal alterations and partitions will also be added. Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This renovation is great news for this area of the city centre, rich in stunning architecture. “These grants from the government’s Levelling Up Fund are really helping to enhance the city centre’s offer to residents and visitors alike and it’s great to see another building being brought back into full use.” Work will begin on the renovations in the coming weeks.

Keighley gets green light for health and wellbeing centre

Tess Egginton
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Keighley gets green light for health and wellbeing centre

Keighley has received Government confirmation of the funding it needs to proceed with building a new health and wellbeing centre.

The funding of £3.4million forms part of a Towns Fund grant from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

It means that building the centre can now get underway with the centre expected to open in the summer of 2026.

The new facility would include GP services, self-care and prevention, community care, mental health, dental care, a GP training hub and other healthcare services, at an accessible town centre location.

The scheme would also bring around 200 jobs to the town centre, 50 of them being new posts, helping bring extra footfall to local shops and other businesses.

The site on which the new centre will be built comprises two areas of brownfield land at the corner of North Street and Cavendish Street, previously occupied by Keighley College, which was demolished in 2017.

Ian Hayfield, Keighley Towns Fund Chair, said: “It is fantastic news for Keighley that we’ve been given the go-ahead by the Government for the Health and Wellbeing Centre. It is a project that will make a real difference and bring in much needed investment to help achieve real social and economic change for our community.

“I want to thank all the residents and businesses of Keighley, the project sponsors, my fellow board members and the council for the hard work that has gone in over the last few years.”

Professor Mel Pickup, place-based lead for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership, said: “The funding announcement is great news for the people of Keighley and for our whole health and care partnership. The new Health and Wellbeing Centre is much needed and will provide a ‘state of the art’ integrated health and wellbeing centre at the heart of Keighley.

“The centre will bring a wide range of services under one roof, and help ensure local people receive the care they need closer to home. This project is an exciting opportunity to construct a landmark building on the central site that enhances the town centre, provides value for money and, most importantly, improves the health and wellbeing of local people.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “The announcement today is a great result for Keighley. It will bring a brand new facility in the heart of Keighley, in easy reach of transport links and which will provide essential services to improve the lives of those living in the community.

“In addition it will be a great boost for investment and jobs for Keighley and the wider district. This is a partnership success and thanks must go to the Keighley town fund board and everyone involved in this bid who has made this happen.”

Humber is a land of opportunity for business, says KCOM CEO Tim Shaw

Stuart Pearcey
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Humber is a land of opportunity for business, says KCOM CEO Tim Shaw
The Humber region is a land of opportunity for its businesses, KCOM CEO Tim Shaw told delegates to the Humber Business Week launch event. The event, entitled Let’s Talk Place, was organised by Future Humber to energise the local business community and build momentum towards a shared prosperous future. Mr Shaw said there was enormous potential for the digital and tech sectors in the Humber, using KCOM’s  award winning full fibre broadband as a platform to build on. “Digital and tech are really key in the area,” he said: “There are many global companies  that are using the Humber as their base and lots of great start-up companies such as Vertual, which is developing world leading cancer treatment, at places such as C4DI Add to this the potential for remote working that was kickstarted by the pandemic and we have  a huge platform here to attract people to our region.” Mr Shaw added that the growing green energy sector led by companies such as Siemens had the potential to transform’s the area’s economy, while the region also had a strong pipeline of talent coming through from the strong science-teaching institutions such as the University of Hull, Hull College and Ron Dearing UTC. “If we can fix the carbon problem in the Humber we can take that right around the world,”  he said. Mr Shaw was part of a panel discussing the subject alongside Jane Stafford, CEO of Hull University Students’ Union, Charlotte Bowen, Founder of The Culture House and James Trowsdale, Strategic Lead for Culture, North East Lincolnshire Council.

Supply chain challenges continue to hold back business growth

Tess Egginton
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Supply chain challenges continue to hold back business growth
Continued supply chain pressures, including cost increases, delayed materials and shortages outrank workforce challenges and increasing business costs as a main concern for over a third (36%) of mid-sized businesses, according to latest research from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The bi-monthly survey – which looks at the challenges and opportunities facing mid-sized businesses – reveals over three quarters (77%) are facing persistent disruptions within the supply chain. Faced with these prolonged pressures, almost half (49.8%) of mid-sized businesses say they will be focusing on onshoring as much of their operations as possible in the next 12 months. This change in strategy is having the biggest impact for mid-sized businesses within the retail and hospitality, manufacturing and technology and media sectors with just over half (51%) planning to onshore operations, suggesting an urgency to reduce a reliance on imported goods and overseas suppliers. A quarter (24%) of businesses say their supply chain strategy is focused on reducing the impact of global geopolitical events on their business, whilst the same number wish to avoid complex post-Brexit customs regulation. However, despite many making attempts to onshore operations, over a fifth (21%) of businesses report that costs are too high in the UK. A further fifth (20%) say there are no UK-based suppliers capable of delivering the services they need. Motivated by access to more competition, almost a third (31%) hope to find lower costs in markets with a wider range of suppliers. Businesses are calling on government to incentivise more UK operations, in order to boost economic growth. When asked about what policies would help their businesses grow this year, a fifth (21%) want to see tax cuts for companies working with domestic suppliers and/or partners. Ed Dwan, partner at BDO LLP, said: “While the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit have fallen out of the limelight somewhat, the supply chain pressures we’ve seen over the past few years are far from easing. Our latest research shows that mid-sized businesses continue to face persistent chaos and disruption, both at home and abroad, with many choosing to onshore operations to the UK, but still facing major barriers in doing so. “These businesses should not be overlooked by policymakers who need to prioritise domestic partnerships and industry, as without the right support to help manage lingering supply chain challenges, they could see a knock-on impact on plans for improving productivity and UK market growth in the months ahead.”

Bradford housing association appoints director of development and growth

Tess Egginton
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Bradford housing association appoints director of development and growth
Bradford housing provider Incommunities has appointed Aimee Law to the role of director of development and growth. Aimee has more than 18 years’ experience in delivering large scale, mixed tenure, residential developments across both public and private sectors. She joined Incommunities in July 2022, as head of new business and programme compliance in the Development Team, where she has played a key role in the organisation’s growth. Incommunities, which owns 22,650 homes across Bradford and other parts of Yorkshire, sees Aimee’s appointment as a pivotal part of their ambitious growth targets, which include securing 2,000 new build homes by March 2026, with a goal of delivering 400 new starts per year. Aimee’s decision to join Incommunities was driven by her strong desire to deliver new affordable homes and have a meaningful impact improving communities. She said: “Having grown up living in social housing, I am passionate about ensuring people have access to good quality and affordable housing and I am excited to take on this new role at Incommunities. “This opportunity will allow me to use my skills and experience to develop more affordable homes for those in need. I am committed to driving our growth ambitions and making a lasting impact on the communities we serve.” Under Aimee’s leadership in her new role, Incommunities will focus on delivering larger-scale mixed developments, encompassing Affordable Rent, Social Rent, Rent to Buy, and Shared Ownership. The organisation’s geographic focus will span West and part of North Yorkshire, with specific emphasis on Bradford, Kirklees, and Calderdale. Graeme Scott, executive director of development and growth at Incommunities, congratulated Aimee on her promotion. He said: “I would like to congratulate Aimee in securing this role. With her substantial experience and vision, she will really help to drive our growth targets. She has already been instrumental in implementing new development processes, securing valuable development opportunities, and supporting the growth and development of the team.” To support its growth targets, Incommunities is also recruiting for key positions within the Development Team, including head of delivery, project manager, and new business manager.

Financial support welcomed for growing the rural economy

Stuart Pearcey
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Financial support welcomed for growing the rural economy

The government has unveiled a £7m fund to support the most remote areas in the UK and provide them with better access to wireless networks which will support the government’s wider mission of growing the rural economy.

The new fund will involve testing new ways of bringing together satellite, wireless and fixed line internet connectivity with the aim of providing fast and reliable connectivity to remote areas for the first time, helping to support the likes of farmers and tourism businesses.

The investment follows the government’s £8 million grant scheme that they announced earlier this year which committed to delivering improved, high-speed broadband via satellite connectivity to up to 35,000 homes in the most rural areas of the UK, speeding up broadband by 10 times.

Rural areas currently contribute 15 per cent to the UK’s economy and the government hopes to support these communities in all areas, including housing, transport, digital connectivity and jobs, with the goal of providing improved opportunities.

Elizabeth Anderson, Interim Chief Executive Officer at the Digital Poverty Alliance, said: “It is fantastic to see the government taking further steps to support the drive of providing connectivity and digital access for everyone. For some, access to wireless networks is an everyday norm, however, for millions, this is currently out of reach, leading to exclusion and acting as a key barrier when looking for jobs, or attempting to use services which are now commonly online as well as many other tasks that require digital access.

“The release of this new fund coincides with the DPA’s launch of the National Delivery Plan, which sets out 6 core missions to end digital poverty. Digital technology plays a huge role in individuals’ lives, affecting our ability to learn, participate and interact, highlighting the vital importance of proving everybody with digital access. While it is great to see the government making steps in the right direction, we must all do more to support those who lack access with the hope of a fully connected UK in years to come. We must also remember that digital inclusion is about more than just connectivity, with devices, skills and trust in online services all vital.”

Yorkshire Water plans £180m of improvements to cut storm overflow discharges

Stuart Pearcey
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Yorkshire Water plans £180m of improvements to cut storm overflow discharges
Yorkshire Water is to invest £180m in reducing discharges from storm overflows in the next two years.  More than 190 overflows have been earmarked for investment as part of the plan and work on the first batch of improvements is already under way, with work being carried out on overflows which discharge into all the major rivers throughout the region.   The investment is in addition to the £147m being spent as part of the utility’s current five-year business plan and the work being planned between 2025 and 2030, which will see the company’s largest environmental investment since privatisation.  Nicola Shaw, CEO of Yorkshire Water, said: “We did not act quickly enough to tackle the issue of storm overflows into rivers. Despite the number and duration of discharges from storm overflows in Yorkshire decreasing in 2022 we understand they happen more than our customers would like, and we are determined to tackle this issue and do our bit for river health.  “Tackling overflows, which were designed into the system as a relief valve, is a priority for us, but it is also a significant task. In Yorkshire, we have over 2,200 overflows and we know replumbing the whole of Yorkshire is not a quick fix as it would be both significantly disruptive and costly to customers. But, further investment from our shareholders is helping us tackle this issue.  “We’ve now launched a project that will see £180m spent on storm overflow improvements in the next two years. This will target the overflows we know are operating more frequently and for longer. Our teams are already on the ground working on the first of these overflows and the investment will help to reduce discharges by at least 20%, but in most cases, we’ll be going way beyond that and reducing them significantly.”  Projects will involve building additional storage tanks to retain more wastewater, holding it back, so it doesn’t go through overflows, redirecting rainwater away from sewers and into water butts or SUDs, removing water sources that shouldn’t be plumbed in the network and preventing water naturally seeping in and changing operations at the wider sewer network and pumping stations that could reduce the need for overflows to kick in to action.  Nicola added: “Storm overflows are a priority for us and that’s why we’ve funded these improvements. We’re going beyond the government’s storm overflow reduction plan and we’re already planning our largest ever environmental investment programme between 2025 and 2030, this is only the beginning as we embark on the biggest investment programme since privatisation.” 

Drax pumps almost £38,000 into more than 20 good causes

Stuart Pearcey
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Drax pumps almost £38,000 into more than 20 good causes

Renewable energy company Drax has donated over £37,500 from its Community Fund to 26 local groups and causes near to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire.

Jane Breach, Drax UK Community Manager, said: “Drax has a long tradition of giving back to the communities we operate in, and this year we have stepped up our community funding to allow us to support even more good causes and ensure our business has a positive impact on people, nature and the climate. “We are pleased to announce that in the first round of community funding this year we will be awarding close to £60,000 of grants to 40 different organisations in the UK which support STEM education and skills or work to improve the local community.” Of the total, £37,530 has been awarded to 26 different community-led projects local to Drax Power Station near Selby. This includes developing an outdoor space for volunteering and educational opportunities at St John’s Church in Goole, purchasing equipment to deliver a STEM programme for children at Carlton Playgroup, helping Kellingley Juniors Football Club to purchase sports kit and the Stillingfleet Community Group to deliver a village playground project. Jonny Patton, Operations Director at St John’s Church, said: “As the only green space in the centre of the town, St John’s churchyard has the potential to make a significant contribution to the lives of the people of Goole, and play a key role in the rejuvenation of the town centre. This donation from Drax will help us to progress plans for our project ‘Life and Hope Gardens’, which will be an inclusive and accessible space for volunteering, community-led projects and school activities as well as create opportunities to reduce social isolation and improve health and wellbeing.” Drax’s Community Fund donations are awarded once a quarter to local projects in the regions where Drax operates which fit into the following categories:
  • STEM education, skills development, and employability
  • Improving green spaces in local communities
  • Improving our communities
Heather Palmer, Director at Carlton Playgroup, said: “We applied to the community fund because we wanted to deliver a new STEM educational programme which would give children the opportunity to develop the concepts and skills needed for these subjects later in life. This donation will allow us to purchase learning resources such as magnifying glasses, nature puzzles, counting blocks, wooden nuts and bolts and coding games all of which promote curiosity and innovation through active learning, playing and exploring.” Drax’s Community Fund provides donations of £500-£2,000 for community-led projects. In addition, the Drax Foundation was launched in March this year to award larger grants of up to £50,000 for established non-profit organizations. Organisations and initiatives that meet Drax’s funding and selection criteria are encouraged to visit www.drax.com/community to learn more about the Foundation and submit an initial expression of interest.
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