Leeds-based VR games studio acquires counterpart

Tess Egginton
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Leeds-based VR games studio acquires counterpart

Leeds-based VR games studio XR Games has acquired VR pioneers Fierce Kaiju for an undisclosed sum.

Founded by Dan Roberts and Paul Colls in July 2014 after working on some of the biggest titles in the global games industry — including Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption and Call of Duty — Fierce Kaiju’s team and IP will join the XR Games family immediately, as the Leeds-based studio continues its period of growth. This acquisition also sees industry veteran Dan Roberts join XR Games as art director.

Following an illustrious 11-year career at Rockstar Games working on the record-breaking Grand Theft Auto series, Dan went on to join Activision Blizzard studio The Blast Furnace in 2011, working on titles such as Call of Duty and Pitfall! before founding Fierce Kaiju in 2014.

Fierce Kaiju was set up to bring the expertise honed from years of working with some of the world’s biggest developers and publishers on triple-A titles to exciting new arenas, with a focus on developing for the growing Virtual Reality market.

In 2014, Fierce Kaiju developed Viral for the first Oculus store, a VR shooter that launched with Samsung’s GearVR headset, before going on to develop and publish Viral Quarantine and Viral EX.

In addition to developing and publishing its own games, Fierce Kaiju also worked as a full-service studio to help game makers build projects from the ground up, as well as supporting other development requirements.

Fierce Kaiju has built a robust reputation for industry-leading work: a reputation that originally caught the attention of Yorkshire-based gaming entrepreneur Bobby Thandi.

“From the first time I met Bobby and the team, I knew there was a shared vision,” says Dan Roberts, Fierce Kaiju co-founder. “At Fierce Kaiju we love experimenting with new and disruptive technology and turning it into something immediate, accessible and fun, and it’s clear that Bobby and the team at XR Games share the same values.

“There’s a tangible sense of excitement and energy when you enter the XR Games studio after their huge success with ‘Zombieland: Headshot Fever’ in 2021, and we knew we wanted to be a part of that.”

XR Games founder and CEO, Bobby Thandi said: “For our first acquisition, we knew we wanted to bring in a team that shared the same vision as XR Games. The experience that Fierce Kaiju brings from working at places such as Rockstar Games and Activision Blizzard will be invaluable when it comes to supporting XR Games’ trajectory.

“As the studio grows in size and takes on multiple projects with larger budgets, this expansion will ensure we can scale safely and effectively. We’re fiercely proud of our roots, and while we’re still based in Leeds, our titles are sold around the world, so with Fierce Kaiju joining the family, we’re confident that our reach will grow even further as we continue developing exciting new gaming experiences for years to come.”

Investing in manufacturing skills, jobs and technology to be key part of Brighouse Deal

Tess Egginton
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0
Investing in manufacturing skills, jobs and technology to be key part of Brighouse Deal
Building on Brighouse’s manufacturing heritage will be one of the key parts of The Brighouse Deal – the £19 million plan to improve the town for the future for residents, businesses and visitors. The investment will be used to develop skills, fund apprenticeships and allow local businesses to see how Industry 4.0 technology can support business productivity and efficiency. It will be a pilot to test out the best working models and practices businesses can use to help them grow, and encourage other businesses to consider setting up in the town that continues to have one in six workers employed in the manufacturing sector. Brighouse has a strong history of being an innovator in industry dating back to the 18th century when the River Calder provided the power for the flour milling industry and textile mills. But, like many industrial towns in England, manufacturing prospects declined steeply after World War One. The area has been successful at replacing the jobs of the first industrial revolution with the advanced manufacturing that will characterise the current fourth industrial revolution. The team behind The Brighouse Deal want to capitalise on this and use it as a catalyst for driving future growth across the area which is why developing industry and skills is a key part of the investment secured from government. The money will be used to:
  • Increase capacity for apprentices with an ambition to secure 70 additional roles across the town.
  • Develop a new Brighouse Industrial Hub which will showcase new advanced manufacturing methods and how data analysis of processes can be used to help increase productivity and efficiency.
  • Invest in innovation by encouraging more research and development in existing firms and attracting knowledge intensive businesses to the area.
David Whitehead, co-chair of The Brighouse Town Deal Board and managing director of Brighouse-based specialist textile finishers H & C Whitehead, said: “This part of the UK is known around the globe as being a centre of manufacturing innovation. The towers of Sugdens Flour Mill are an enduring testament to Brighouse’s leadership in industrial revolutions of the past and we now have the opportunity of continuing to be a leader today. “To achieve that, we need to invest in both technology and equipment and people and skills. The Brighouse Deal will do that by funding the apprenticeships and help businesses understand new methods of using data intelligence to allow their businesses to grow and others to move to this area or set-up, creating jobs and opportunities. “I am proud that my business is a family firm that epitomises what we are trying to achieve. H & C Whitehead was founded in Brighouse in 1925 and ever since we have grown and constantly developed to become a world-renowned provider of innovative textile solutions. “Together, we can build on our manufacturing heritage to ensure industry is as important to Brighouse’s future as it was to our past.”

Construction work starts on Leeds’ £26.5m new White Rose Rail Station

Tess Egginton
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Construction work starts on Leeds’ £26.5m new White Rose Rail Station
Construction work has started on Leeds’ £26.5 million new White Rose Rail Station delivered in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Munroe K, Network Rail and the Department for Transport. The rail station between Morley and Cottingley on the Transpennine route will make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting more people with job, training, education and leisure opportunities. The announcement – made during MIPIM, the international property investment and economic development expo – is just one example of the region’s commitment to transport investment that supports economic growth. Alongside a fully accessible station with cycle storage next to the White Rose Office Park, the scheme also includes better walking and cycling routes between Cottingley, Churwell and Millshaw, as well as the White Rose Shopping Centre and the bus interchange. Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Growing our economy is a key priority, but we are very clear that growth needs to benefit everyone in our region. To achieve this, we need a reliable and efficient transport system, which is why I am pleased to see work start on our new, fully accessible rail station at White Rose. “In my manifesto, I committed to improving public transport, connecting more people with opportunities and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038. The White Rose Rail Station will help us do all of these things.” Cllr Kim Groves, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Lead Member for Public Transport, said: “White Rose Rail Station will bring new opportunities for local communities, improving transport links and acting as a catalyst for regeneration, including housing and jobs. “It is more important than ever that we continue to invest in a modern, accessible transport network, which supports economic growth by connecting more people with jobs, training and education.” Leeds City Council executive board member for infrastructure and climate, Cllr Helen Hayden, said: “It is fantastic news that we’re starting to build the new White Rose Railway Station in Leeds. It will enable better connections, making it easier for people to access jobs, education, training and leisure while supporting travel in the local area. It will also underline the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency and delivering the Connecting Leeds transport ambition of being a city where you don’t need to own a car.” David Aspin, Founder & CEO of Munroe K, said: “To see work begin on site of the new White Rose Railway Station is extremely exciting. It’s the culmination of many, many hours of hard work from all of our partners from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Network Rail and Spencer. The new station will benefit not only employees on the White Rose Park, but those in our surrounding communities too, through improved accessibility, safe well-lit walkways, as well as upgraded cycle and walking routes.” The scheme, which is being led by the Combined Authority and Munroe K, will receive money from the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund, the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme and £5 million from the Department for Transport’s New Stations Fund, as well as contributions from Munroe K. Construction work is expected to continue into early 2023.

Full steam ahead for York’s Great British Railways bid

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Full steam ahead for York’s Great British Railways bid
City leaders have submitted York’s bid to be the home of the headquarters of Great British Railways.
The bid follows extensive consultation with city and regional partners and rail leaders. It includes an extensive list of reasons why York would make the best home for the headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR). Amongst these are:
  • York is at the heart of the UK rail network.
  • there is no better place to achieve the Government’s Levelling Up ambitions, helping to lift Yorkshire’s strongest economy into the top quartile of UK cities, providing opportunities to millions of people, businesses and communities across Yorkshire and the North East
  • York Central presents a unique opportunity to create Britain’s biggest rail cluster – it’s the largest city centre brownfield site in England and already has Enterprise Zone Status and outline planning permission for 2,500 homes and 1 million sq ft of Grade A offices – Network Rail are already a key landowner in the site, which also includes the £60m expansion of the National Railway Museum
  • equidistant from London and Edinburgh, locating in York would help GBR to strengthen the ties between England and Scotland, as highlighted by the Union Connectivity Review
  • York’s rail workforce is young, skilled and diverse – the breadth of York’s skills base, across rolling stock, engineering, planning and the digital future, creates an incredibly strong sector, which can both contribute towards and benefit GBR
  • in York, we are committed to developing an internationally renowned rail skills centre of excellence – York’s rail businesses are working with us to develop their workforce including social mobility – the White Rose University cluster includes significant rail expertise such as the University of York’s Institute for Safe Autonomy, while York is already home to Network Rail’s Operating and training centre, controlling train operations across the North East of England
  • regularly topping best place to live polls with outstanding childcare and education; people want to come to York, whether to work, to study or for leisure
  • within only an hour’s train travel of York is 10% of the most deprived areas in the UK, with our travel-to-work area encompassing West, South, North and East Yorkshire, Teesside and the North East – placing GBR in York, immediately next to the railway station, unlocks huge private sector investment and economic opportunity across the north east
  • our railway heritage is unrivalled, York is the most important location outside of London for the running of the railways – we’re the place that not only built the trains and carriages, but also the rail networks, business models, management expertise and innovation, we’re home to the National Railway Museum, and to 100 rail companies and 5,500 rail jobs focussed on the operation and development of the network, with a significant private sector cluster providing services key to GBR’s mission
To show their support, residents, visitors and businesses are encouraged to use the hashtags #DestinationGBR, #YorkGBRHQ and #Yes2York. Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council, said: “York’s unique rail heritage, position at the heart of the UK’s rail network as well as our highly skilled young workforce makes York the natural home for Great British Railways. York is ready today – we have the sites, skills and connectivity to ensure success from day one. “Basing GBR HQ here in York would also unlock employment and opportunity across Yorkshire and the North East, helping level up some of the communities worse hit by the pandemic across the region. York is ideally placed for GBR HQ with a rail campus already within minutes of the station and strengths in digitalisation, data and safe autonomy. We are keen to work with the Government to maximise the opportunities York brings. “I want to thank all the partners locally and regionally who have supported the development of this bid. It is testament to the strong case we are presenting that so many have already backed it. If successful, the next stage will be a public vote and we will be sharing details of how residents and businesses can vote for York as soon possible.” The shortlist is expected to be announced by the government in May and there will then be a public vote to help decide the winner.

Healthcare tech companies demonstrate products at showcase event

Stuart Pearcey
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Healthcare tech companies demonstrate products at showcase event
Tech companies working in digital health, machine learning and artificial intelligence have demonstrated their their products for an audience including representatives from regional healthcare providers, University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, and local government. Eupnoos, one of the startups to present, is developing technology to allow anyone with a smartphone to understand the health of their lungs. Based on electroacoustic signal processing, their product creates a platform for smartphone-based clinical lung tests as well as symptoms-guided assessments. This will help doctors and clinicians measure responses to different treatments and guide clinical decisions. Arshia Gratiot, Eupnoos founder and CEO, said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to meet so many representatives from healthcare providers and universities across Yorkshire. We look forward to building local partnerships and working closely together to develop digital health technologies for better and high-quality healthcare.” Other startups taking the stage turned their focus to machine learning and using data to allow faster, more accurate diagnoses for different types of health conditions. Medwise.ai is building a smart recommendations tool for primary care providers, while Limbic has developed a conversation AI that assists patients with self-referrals. Holly Health delivers an intelligent, personalised support service targeted at helping customers live more healthful lifestyles and achieve lasting lifestyle changes, and Gold Standard Phantoms specialises in test devices to revolutionise MRI. The event marked the launch of the P4SY (South Yorkshire) Accelerator Programme, designed to support up to 30 companies in South Yorkshire to focus on bringing breakthrough health and medtech to market. The six-month programme will help them achieve key milestones in their development, with the goal of securing outside investment and building lasting collaborations and partnerships within the region. “Every company within this cohort is working hard to bring a groundbreaking product to market which will have a real impact on healthcare outcomes for people living in the South Yorkshire region,” said Nathan McNally, Health & Life Science Director at Capital Enterprise. “South Yorkshire is home to a growing innovation cluster of companies and founders working in sectors with high growth potential, and P4’s presence here is a key part of our strategy to serve fast-growing companies all across the UK.” P4 is a strongly established and successful startup accelerator which supports leading precision medicine startups across the UK and internationally. The ‘four Ps’ are predictive, preventative, participatory and precision. Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Once again, we’re seeing TEAM SY provide a platform for South Yorkshire businesses to thrive. It’s fascinating to see such great innovation be developed and accelerated in our region and allowing the tech ecosystem here to further develop.”  

Yorkshire paint firm expects its US exports to top £100k this year

Stuart Pearcey
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0
Yorkshire paint firm expects its US exports to top £100k this year
For the first time Leeds-based paint maker Brouns & Co expects to top £100,000 in US exports this year after a year of growth in the market. The company make traditional paints based on linseed oil made from West Yorkshire-grown flax. Founder and CEO Michiel Brouns, who has been working with International trade advisers from the Department of International Trade in Yorkshire, has seen huge interest in the Yorkshire flax-based products. He said: “Linseed paint has been used for hundreds of years to protect and coat wood both inside and outside, and the US architectural heritage means there are enormous numbers of timber-build buildings, hence we have been working to raise awareness of the products Stateside.” Brouns & Co is one of only a handful of linseed paint manufacturers in Europe.

Airport campaigners call on Leeds Bradford Airport’s owners to invest £125 million in West Yorkshire

Michael Fisher
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0
Airport campaigners call on Leeds Bradford Airport’s owners to invest £125 million in West Yorkshire
One week after Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) withdrew its controversial expansion plans, the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) has called on the airport’s owners, AMP Capital, to invest £125 million in West Yorkshire home insulation businesses to cut fuel bills and reduce emissions. Press reports suggest that the plan to extend the airport’s existing terminal will cost AMP £25 million, whereas they would have spent £150 million building a new terminal. Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, said: “People in Leeds and Bradford need two things right now: a way to cut their fuel bills and climate-friendly jobs. Home insulation is the quickest and most effective way to save energy and cut costs, at the same time as reducing emissions. But there aren’t enough home insulation firms around to do all the work that’s needed.” “AMP clearly has the money available and has said it’s interested in sustainability and creating employment in our region. So we’re calling on them to partner up with West Yorkshire councils to invest in home insulation businesses and increase the size of this vital industry. Doing that would create jobs, cut bills and reduce emissions – it’s a win, win, win.” He added: “AMP is a massive multinational, with billions to invest. Our local councils have already super-insulated some homes but if they get together with AMP, so much more could be done – especially in our poorer communities. GALBA is going to post AMP a copy of our report, A Green New Deal for Leeds City Region, which shows the enormous potential for good quality jobs that would also tackle the climate crisis with the right investment.” GALBA has also responded to claims made by Vincent Hodder, LBA’s CEO, that the airport will continue to expand despite having pulled its planning application. Chris Foren explained: “Mr Hodder knows very well that there is a legal agreement between LBA and Leeds City Council which places a limit of five million passengers per year and applies to the previous planning permission. And his claim that LBA has permission for unlimited night flights is also incorrect as it disregards restrictions imposed by National Air Traffic Services. GALBA is keeping a close eye on what LBA does next.”

NFU writes to Chancellor outlining key areas for action in support of farming sector

Stuart Pearcey
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0
NFU writes to Chancellor outlining key areas for action in support of farming sector
With input costs rising and the 2022 spring statement looming, the NFU has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to outline the key measures it says must be taken in an extremely volatile environment for the sector.
In the letter to the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak, NFU President Minette Batters provides the Chancellor with an update on the economic outlook for British agriculture given the significant challenges faced by the sector. She has warned him about the scale of the impact the Russian war in Ukraine will have on members’ businesse, and the fragility of food security, highlighting the effect the invasion will have on our food output, our food supply chains and the availability and affordability of food to consumers.

Funding to help accountants achieve further growth following acquisition

Tess Egginton
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Funding to help accountants achieve further growth following acquisition
A fast-growing accountancy firm is set for further expansion after acquiring a practice in Lincoln. Jackson Stapleton Accountants of Scunthorpe has doubled its staff numbers to 24 with the acquisition of Fawcett & Co. The firm now plans to expand its services to include wealth advisory, legal services, estate agency and marketing to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for clients. The firm has also secured £300,000 funding from NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia and is part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help it invest in new technology and support future growth after the acquisition. Founded around 40 years ago, Fawcett’s is one of Lincoln’s longest established accountancy practices. The acquisition will allow for the retirement of the two senior partners Rob Merriweather and Kevin Smith, who had managed the business since owner Dennis Fawcett retired several years ago. It will also secure the jobs of the remaining staff and create seven new jobs across the Scunthorpe and Lincoln area. Jackson Stapleton was set up in 2017 by Mark Jackson-Stapleton, who has over 20 years’ experience in accountancy. Mark says: “Fawcett’s is a well-established and respected name in Lincolnshire and we are delighted to welcome the team on board. The funding from NPIF and Mercia will help us build on the acquisition and pursue our long-term growth plans. Ultimately we aim to offer a full range of professional services and become the practice of choice for fast-growing companies.” Rebecca Pickering of Mercia added: “Mark is a forward-thinking entrepreneur bringing a fresh approach to the world of accountancy. Jackson Stapleton has grown steadily since its inception and has now doubled in size. The funding will help him to further build the business and pursue his vision to become a one-stop shop offering an integrated service to the region’s business community.”

Investing in manufacturing skills, jobs and technology to be key part of Brighouse Deal

Michael Fisher
-
0
Investing in manufacturing skills, jobs and technology to be key part of Brighouse Deal
Building on Brighouse’s manufacturing heritage will be one of the key parts of The Brighouse Deal – the £19 million plan to improve the town for the future for residents, businesses and visitors. The investment will be used to develop skills, fund apprenticeships and allow local businesses to see how Industry 4.0 technology can support business productivity and efficiency. It will be a pilot to test out the best working models and practices businesses can use to help them grow, and encourage other businesses to consider setting up in the town that continues to have one in six workers employed in the manufacturing sector. Brighouse has a strong history of being an innovator in industry dating back to the 18th century when the River Calder provided the power for the flour milling industry and textile mills. But, like many industrial towns in England, manufacturing prospects declined steeply after World War One. The area has been successful at replacing the jobs of the first industrial revolution with the advanced manufacturing that will characterise the current fourth industrial revolution. The team behind The Brighouse Deal want to capitalise on this and use it as a catalyst for driving future growth across the area which is why developing industry and skills is a key part of the investment secured from government. The money will be used to:
  • Increase capacity for apprentices with an ambition to secure 70 additional roles across the town.
  • Develop a new Brighouse Industrial Hub which will showcase new advanced manufacturing methods and how data analysis of processes can be used to help increase productivity and efficiency.
  • Invest in innovation by encouraging more research and development in existing firms and attracting knowledge intensive businesses to the area.
David Whitehead, co-chair of The Brighouse Town Deal Board and managing director of Brighouse-based specialist textile finishers H & C Whitehead, said: “This part of the UK is known around the globe as being a centre of manufacturing innovation. The towers of Sugdens Flour Mill are an enduring testament to Brighouse’s leadership in industrial revolutions of the past and we now have the opportunity of continuing to be a leader today. “To achieve that, we need to invest in both technology and equipment and people and skills. The Brighouse Deal will do that by funding the apprenticeships and help businesses understand new methods of using data intelligence to allow their businesses to grow and others to move to this area or set-up, creating jobs and opportunities. “I am proud that my business is a family firm that epitomises what we are trying to achieve. H & C Whitehead was founded in Brighouse in 1925 and ever since we have grown and constantly developed to become a world-renowned provider of innovative textile solutions. “Together, we can build on our manufacturing heritage to ensure industry is as important to Brighouse’s future as it was to our past.”
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