South Yorkshire sees surge in tech startups after birth of Team SY
The number of tech startups formed in South Yorkshire increased by 18 per cent following the introduction of TEAM SY, a pioneering project to boost the tech startup and investment ecosystem in South Yorkshire.
Analysis of information held at Companies House shows that 741 tech companies were started in South Yorkshire in the 19 months between October 2021 and June 2023, the time TEAM SY was fully operational. This compares to 629 startups in the preceding 19-month period.
Tech startup birth rates increased by 16 per cent (to 435) and 22 per cent (to 151), respectively, in Sheffield and Doncaster, and by 49 per cent in Barnsley, which saw the emergence of 73 new tech startups. In Rotherham, the number increased by three percent to 82.
Darren Balcombe, Deputy CEO at Capital Enterprise and TEAM SY lead, said: “South Yorkshire is known for entrepreneurship and innovation, but these qualities need nurturing to thrive fully. TEAM SY leveraged public sector funding and private sector investment to grow the early-stage tech ecosystem in South Yorkshire. Today, we are witnessing a promising recovery, a reversal in the decline of startups following the pandemic, and a resurgence of innovation activity in our region.”
“However, our journey doesn’t stop here. We are committed to supporting the ecosystem to grow even stronger. Our vision is to cultivate an environment where globally competitive tech companies can be born and thrive, right here in South Yorkshire.”
TEAM SY launched in late October 2021 to help digital and tech businesses across South Yorkshire explore new ideas and markets, set up or scale up their companies, and create high-value jobs. A key objective was to help entrepreneurs gain financial backing for their enterprises and attract private investment to the region.
Since its launch, TEAM SY has supported 290 cutting-edge businesses working in areas including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and technologies to enable net-zero supply chains and industrial operations. Early-stage startups supported by TEAM SY have already created 100 new jobs and launched 90 new technology products.
Renewable energy company prepares to let the grass grow under our feet
Renewable energy company Ørsted and marine charity Ocean Conservation Trust have joined forces on an innovative scheme to help people avoid damaging precious seagrass meadows.
The Blue Meadows marker buoy initiative aims to address a principal problem of seagrass conservation – identifying the location of seagrass beds to swimmers, fishers and others using the water. By clearly signalling where seagrass beds are found, Blue Meadows is helping swimmers, divers and fishers and boat enthusiasts to avoid them and prevent damage from anchoring. The scheme will also raise awareness with as many people as possible about the existence and importance of seagrass.
Seagrass is a valuable solution to climate change, due to its huge capacity for carbon absorption. Similar to the way trees take carbon from the air, seagrass takes carbon from water – and can do this as least as efficiently as tropical rainforests. It also provides a biodiversity-rich habitat for several species – including commercially important fish species and charismatic, endangered seahorses – helps protect against tidal erosion and improves water quality.
This work builds on Ørsted’s long term commitment to environmentally responsible wind farm development and aligns with The Crown Estate’s accountability for enhancing marine biodiversity. Importantly to Ørsted, the Blue Meadows initiative presents an opportunity to deliver benefits to biodiversity at a sea-scape level and is another step towards achieving the company’s promise to deliver a net-positive biodiversity impact for all projects commissioned from 2030 onwards.
Leeds firm strengthens position in bidding industry with acquisition of Scottish company
Bidding Limited, a Leeds-based provider of bid consultancy and software solutions, has acquired AM Bid, a bid management company based in Edinburgh.
This strategic move solidifies Bidding Limited’s position in the industry and supports its long-term growth plan through acquisitions.
Building on the successful integration of contract management software company ContractsWise in April, the addition of AM Bid to the Bidding Limited family marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.
Brendan Fatchett, Group CEO of Bidding Limited, said: “We are thrilled to welcome AM Bid into the Bidding Limited family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our growth strategy and strengthens our position as the leading choice for clients seeking exceptional bid management solutions. By combining the best talent and expanding our market presence, we are poised for significant growth and success.”
Andrew Morrison, founder of AM Bid, said: “The acquisition of AM Bid by Bidding Limited presents an incredible opportunity for our team and clients. We are proud of the success we have achieved at AM Bid, and this acquisition opens new doors for growth and collaboration. Together, we will deliver exceptional outcomes and provide strength and depth in our bidding expertise to our clients.”
Leeds’ 12 Greek Street acquired
Catella APAM (APAM), the specialist UK & Ireland real estate asset manager, has acquired 12 Greek Street in Leeds city centre from Epsilon Real Estate Partners on behalf of its Cape Town based client, New Property Ventures (NPV).
Comprehensively refurbished in 2016, Greek Street is a high quality and prominent multi-let asset. It has frontage to both Greek Street & Russell Street and is only 3 minutes’ walk from Leeds central train station.
The building totals c. 23,500 sq ft set over 7 floors and is fully let to eight tenants including Netcompany UK Ltd, First Intuition Leeds Ltd and Marstons.
Andrew Day, head of asset management (North) at APAM, said: “We are delighted to acquire 12 Greek Street as part of the continued expansion of NPV’s UK regional office portfolio, which now exceeds £70m. The asset is in an excellent location, based in the heart of the city’s CBD and high-end leisure pitch ensuring it benefits from the city’s vast transport network.
“12 Greek Street presents several asset management opportunities and, following the recent leasing success at APAMs One City Square and 2 Whitehall Quay assets, we will utilise our extensive knowledge of the local market and asset management expertise to reposition the asset as a best-in-class office provision to reflect the markets continuing demand for good value, high quality accommodation, which is complemented by a strong amenity offering and ESG strategy. It also typifies the ongoing investment we make into our assets throughout the portfolio.”
Scott Shufflebottom, director at Sixteen Real Estate, said: “Sixteen Real Estate are delighted to secure this off-market acquisition on behalf of APAM. 12 Greek Street is excellently located within the heart of Leeds central business district and offers a unique opportunity to quickly unlock reversionary investment value through proactive asset management.
“Whilst currently a fully let asset, the short-term nature of the occupier profile provides extensive opportunities to drive the asset forward through internal refurbishment and attracting new occupiers to the building.”
Scunthorpe manufacturer falls into administration
Scunthorpe-based Birkdale Manufacturing Group Limited has entered administration.
The company is an established manufacturer of garage doors and roller shutters, and in more recent years increased its range to include composite front entrance doors, window security shutters, awnings, pergolas, patios and fence panels.
The business had been experiencing trading difficulties which led to cash flow pressure, and in recent weeks was also subject to a winding-up petition from one of its creditors.
Prior to the appointment of James Lumb and Howard Smith from Interpath Advisory as joint administrators, the company ceased to trade.
The administrators are seeking interest in a going concern sale, and at this point, no redundancies have been made while this interest is explored.
James Lumb, Managing Director at Interpath Advisory and joint administrator, said: “Companies across the sector have experienced significant difficulties in recent months, including softening demand, as well as rising input costs and interest rates.
“Unfortunately, these challenges proved insurmountable for Birkdale Manufacturing Group. However, we are presently working towards a solution which could see the business rescued as a going concern. We will continue to update workers regularly while this process unfolds.”
Clothing firm upsizes from Wombwell to Hoyland
Fashion brand Lucy and Yak has opened new premises at Barnsley’s Gateway 36 Business Park earlier today.
Created by Barnsley-born Lucy Greenwood and Chris Renwick in 2017, the independent retailer has grown into a popular clothing provider with more than 800,000 followers across their social media platforms.
With shops in major cities such as Brighton, Bristol, Nottingham and a new store which will open its doors in Manchester’s Northern Quarter next month, the heart of the business remains in Barnsley.
The new 40,000-square-foot site in Hoyland will see the company move from their previous home, a 10,000-square-foot unit in Wombwell, where they made scrubs, scrub caps and bags for frontline workers in local NHS hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Robert Frost, Cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It’s brilliant to see Lucy and Yak moving into a new site and staying in the borough. For such a well-known fashion brand to continue to operate from Barnsley demonstrates the potential and opportunities we can offer to businesses.
“Our award-winning Enterprising Barnsley business support team are proud to have paid their part by assisting the company in identifying local properties for their expansion as well as providing specialist business coaching support. We will continue to support the company for many years to come.
“It’s clear that Lucy and Chris have not forgotten their roots and are investing in Barnsley, giving something back by providing skilled job opportunities for local people. We look forward to seeing Lucy and Yak continue to grow their business operations in the borough.”
Lucy said: “I still can’t believe how far we have come in six years from our first distribution centre being in my parent’s basement in Kendray to now having this beautiful new distribution centre and providing so many jobs to people from my hometown. It feels weird seeing my name on such a huge building!”
Chris added: “We’re really proud to continue growing in Barnsley, Lucy’s hometown, and creating more jobs for the wonderful Barnsley locals!”
Huge question marks hang over steel industry’s future, warns manufacturers’ trade body
Without carefully thought through Government leadership, decarbonising costs will weigh down and suffocate this country’s steel industry, according to the Director of trade body UK Steel.
He’s Gareth Stace, who says there are huge question marks over if Government really wants to sustain steel, the backbone of British manufacturing, or just leave it to shrink and rely on other nations’ supply.
“Without a hawk-like vision, a carefully planned capital expenditure and a powerful decarbonisation strategy, we could simply close down steel plants and de-industrialise the nation.
“We are committed to decarbonising by 2035 if the right business environment is created, and ETS free allowance, the level of the cap and a CBAM will help this. Yet Government is plainly taking with one hand and not giving back with the other when it issues one-off policies without a strategic plan for capital expenditure and aligning ETS regulations with CBAM implementation.”
His comments come in response to publication of the Government’s response to its UK Emission Trading Scheme (UK ETS) consultation, announcing that the scheme will have a tighter limit on industrial, power and aviation emissions, maintaining the existing free allowances until 2026.
UK Steel, the trade association for the UK’s steel industry, warned that without thorough strategic support from government, retaining the sector’s free allowances until 2026 will not be enough to help decarbonise UK steel.
Gaps are evident in the ETS reform details, says Stace. “With 2026 less than three years away, and with only nine years to decarbonise the steel industry according to the Climate Change Committee, the lack of detail, strategy and financial long-term leadership leaves steelmakers in the dark.
“It is essential that Ministers shine a light of leadership by putting a robust Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in place by 2026, so that imported high-emission steel faces equal carbon costs to UK-made steel.
“To hit industrial decarbonisation targets, government policies need to be packaged together to help industry transition to new low-emission production methods. The UK’s ETS reforms should be introduced strategically with the CBAM and a long-term capital expenditure strategy to give steelmakers the financial support to decarbonise.”
Onto reveals plans for 96 bungalows in seven locations
Social housing organisation Ongo has announced plans to build 96 bungalows across Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Hibaldstow, Belton, Winterton, Manton and Skellingthorpe over the next two years.
These are set to include one, two and three-bedroom homes for affordable rent, social rent, shared ownership, rent to buy and outright sale.
Special features delivered in some homes include a dormer style three-bedroom layout and fully accessible wheelchair standards. Some will also be flexible one-bedroom bungalows, built large enough to divide the main bedroom, creating a second where needed.
Martin Phillips, Development Manager at Ongo said: “Housing Needs surveys and demand data provided by local authorities has consistently shown a need for smaller occupancy dwellings with one and two bedrooms. This was the case particularly for older people in locations where they have always lived, but are unable to secure a smaller home because of lack of supply.
“To address this, Ongo has incorporated a large number into their development programme. We’re very proud of is the variety we have. From social rent making homes more affordable than ever, to different options for people wanting to buy, that may have thought it wasn’t achievable for them without a large deposit.
“We look forward to watching these sites progress and handing keys over upon completion.”
Ongo also has plans to spend over £45million on major investments and decarbonisation work on existing homes in the coming years, along with building hundreds of new homes.
Poundland starts recruitment for 120 jobs in Darton
Poundland has today confirmed it has begun recruitment for around 120 new roles at its Barnsley chilled and frozen food hub in Darton.
The Darton centre, acquired when Poundland bought Fultons Frozen food to power the roll out of chilled and frozen food to hundreds of stores, has now been chosen to host Poundland’s second digital distribution centre.
In the course of the coming months, Poundland says it intends to significantly increase the number of roles at Darton from 77 today to almost 200 by December as the centre becomes a second hub for Poundland’s growing digital business.
Roles available include shift managers, team leaders and warehouse operators.
Poundland’s online business is growing rapidly after the 2022, acquisition of Poundshop.com and its picking and fulfilment operations centre in Wednesbury, West Midlands.
The expansion at Darton adds to Poundland’s commitment when it acquired Fultons, to grow employment at the site.
Poundland director of digital Tom Hill said: “We’re extremely proud to bring good jobs news to Barnsley and South Yorkshire. Since bringing Fultons into our family as we’ve built our food offer, we’ve made Darton a true centre of excellence in the buying and distribution of chilled and frozen ranges for a rapidly growing number of stores.
“We now look forward to building a team at Darton that can help us also expand our digital business as we offer our customers more ways to shop at Poundland.”
Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture at Barnsley Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see Poundland investing into their Darton site and choosing to make it a second hub for the business, further proving that Barnsley is a great place for businesses to invest and grow.
“The variety of new, quality roles available provide excellent job opportunities for the people of Barnsley. We look forward to seeing Poundland expand their business operations in the borough and wish them every success moving forward.”
Poundland adds it is on track to add over half a million sq ft of new space this financial year as it opens and relocates stores.
Bradford Council prepares to make chief executive appointment
Bradford Council is poised to appoint Cheshire East Council Chief Exec Lorraine O’Donnell, pictured, as its Chief Exec to replace Kersten England who announced in January that she would retire this year.
The appointment will be recommended to full council on 11 July and, following council’s approval and standard background checks, a formal appointment will be made.
Lorraine has a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in a number of authorities in the north east before joining Cheshire East as chief executive in early 2020. She has been part of corporate management teams from 18 months into her career – helping Darlington become the highest performing authority in the country and Durham County Council become Council of the Year three years from its creation as one of the largest unitary councils in the country.
Prior to local government, she completed a doctorate in theoretical physics at Oxford University and as the first in her family to go to university and the first from her school to go to Oxford, she is passionate about ensuring that people from all backgrounds are able to realise their ambitions.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “I am delighted that someone of Lorraine’s calibre has been identified as our preferred candidate.
“The chief executive of Bradford Council is one of the biggest jobs in local government. The chief executive plays a very significant role in contributing to the delivery of the council’s priorities.
“Lorraine is an experienced leader with an impressive track record of delivering improvements and will be a real asset to us as we work to continue to drive forward with our ambitions for the district.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Kersten England for agreeing to delay her retirement while we completed a thorough and competitive recruitment process. I know Lorraine will build on Kersten’s legacy and bring new energy and focus to the job in hand.”
