Victory Leisure Homes chooses a ‘downright special’ charity of the year
Victory Leisure Homes – the luxury holiday home manufacturer, with sites in Gilberdyke and Hull – has announced its chosen charity for 2022, which is an organisation particularly close to the heart of one long serving member of staff.
Chris Rooks, flooring department team leader, has worked at Victory for over a decade. Four years ago, he became a dad to daughter Millie, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome before she was born. Chris said: “Following the diagnosis, we were contacted by Downright Special and given helpful information packs on what to expect. The team were in regular contact with us from that point and have been a real lifeline for the whole family ever since.”
Downright Special supports children with Down Syndrome in Hull and the East Riding, assisting families and professionals in all aspects of the care and education of children with the condition. Its aim is to build a brighter future for children with Down Syndrome, supporting them to achieve their full potential and promoting successful inclusion in all aspects of life.
Chris continued: “We visit Downright Special’s Bransholme location on a weekly basis and Millie takes part in lots of different activities. While she’s enjoying football or soft play, my wife Emma and I are able to chat with other parents who share the same challenges as us and understand what we’re going through. It’s an amazing community and I’ve made some true friends there.
“When we were asked to nominate a charity to support this year, I of course suggested Downright Special. My dad and uncle both work at Victory too, so they also proposed the same charity – and I know a couple of my close friends picked it too. It’s great to have the support of my friends and family here at Victory. We’re a close team and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this year.”
Gillian Bowlas, charity manager at Downright Special, said: “We’re delighted that Victory has selected Downright Special as its chosen charity this year. We’re run by a small team of professionally trained volunteers and staff and offer a range of services – from sensory groups for babies and weekly fun and education sessions to sharing resource packs with children starting school, training teachers and working with local health and education services to improve the care pathway.
“To have support from big local businesses like Victory is absolutely fantastic and will have a big impact on the charity. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve this year!”
Victory designs and manufactures luxury holiday homes and lodges from its East Yorkshire sites, employing more than 400 people locally.
Shirin Kemp, marketing director at Victory added: “We’ve always supported local charities at Victory. Giving back and doing the right thing for our members of staff has always been core to our values and our ethos as a company.
“Chris has been an exceptional team member here at Victory and the support the charity provides for Millie and the whole family has obviously been invaluable. We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Downright Special this year.
“First up, we’ll be taking part in a sponsored five-aside football match planned on 15th March, which falls just before Down Syndrome Awareness Week – which is 21st – 27th March. There are plenty of activities planned for the next 12 months – so watch this space!”
Momentum builds behind South Yorkshire’s economic renewal
Business and civic leaders have called on investors and government to match South Yorkshire’s ambition to level up the region and unlock a new era of prosperity and opportunity for people, businesses and places.
As momentum builds behind South Yorkshire’s economic renewal, leading figures from industry, government and finance will gather for the landmark South Yorkshire Economic Summit 2022 on Wednesday 9 March, hosted by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) and Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The summit will explore how institutions in the region and nationally can work together to grow South Yorkshire’s business base and create economic clusters, attract new finance and unlock an innovative, thriving economy for all. Andy Haldane, the Head of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Taskforce will give the keynote address.
Lucy Nickson, Interim Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said:
“South Yorkshire stands at the cusp of something special. We are harnessing our powers and resources to create a dynamic, innovative economy and unlock prosperity and opportunity for all. We have a track record in attracting world-leading firms such as McLaren and Boeing and creating economic clusters in advanced manufacturing and engineering. Now we want to go much further and unleash the next generation of success stories, in aerospace, life sciences, digital and energy. Our summit will explore how we can bring our region together to make that happen and send a confident signal to investors and government that South Yorkshire is open for business and ready to level up.”
Dr Dave Smith, Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said:
“Civic leaders, anchor institutions and businesses in South Yorkshire are working together to develop the infrastructure, the talent and the supply chains which our region needs for economic renewal. We have a credible, funded long-term plan and have made a strong case to government to back our ambitions. Now we are exploring how we take this to the next level, by establishing innovative partnerships and finance models which give investors certainty and attract more private investment into South Yorkshire – which is vital if we are to grow our economy and ensure more people, businesses and places share in prosperity.”
In March, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will consider the next phase of the South Yorkshire Renewal Fund, which will inject hundreds of millions of pounds into the region’s economic renewal and agree a framework to leverage more long-term investment.
The summit will explore how the MCA, local authorities, businesses and anchor institutions can build on the support made available by the Renewal Fund to build new clusters across the region and create more success stories. In the last year alone, the MCA and LEP has supported:
- The pioneering Gene Therapy Innovation & Manufacturing Centre at the University of Sheffield. The project will create high value jobs and enable the development of a medical cluster, with an opportunity to recruit and retain graduates within the region.
- MetLase, a joint venture between Unipart and Rolls-Royce, to develop and commercialise digital products, enabling significant scale-up and global export opportunities, as well as creating jobs in the region.
- Curvalux, who are developing next-generation broadband wireless systems and aims to bring low-cost, high-speed internet access to rural communities and underserved urban areas.
- Lontra, an innovative developer, manufacturer, and exporter of high value industrial machinery for critical industries, who have invested in a new £17m Smart Factory in South Yorkshire.
Do you know an Apprenticeship Champion?
Organisations in Lincolnshire have launched a new awards programme to recognise the efforts and commitment of apprentices, and those who support or deliver apprenticeships in the county.
If you know someone who has overcome barriers to undertake an apprenticeship, or an employer who has gone over and above to support someone to fulfill course, why not nominate them for the Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022.
Applications are now open with entries encouraged from employers, tutors and training providers, but also from apprentices themselves.
The three categories for nominations are:
- Lincolnshire Apprentice Champion 2022
- Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Employer Champion 2022
- Lincolnshire Apprenticeship Training Provider Champion 2022
Software provider nets Finance Yorkshire investment
A software provider that digitally transforms the workplace experience is set for growth following a £600,000 seedcorn investment from Finance Yorkshire.
UMA, based in Halifax, provides software that manages meeting rooms, hot desking and climate control in an office environment. The business was created in response to the need for workplaces to innovate, simplify user experiences, improve collaboration, reduce real estate costs and drive operational efficiency.
The investment is one of the first from Finance Yorkshire’s newly launched fund, which is expected to provide £50m to SMEs over the next five years.
The funding will be used to accelerate UMA’s growth plan both in the UK and overseas, and is expected to create job opportunities in Yorkshire.
Stephen Milner, founder and Chief Executive of UMA, said: “We are thrilled to receive funding from Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund. We will be expanding our core team and are very pleased that UMA’s growth will create jobs in the Yorkshire region. We are developing a technology hub in Halifax and surrounding parts of Yorkshire and we are proud to be a part of this.”
UMA’s customers include a diverse mix of businesses of all sizes from charities to large enterprise and public sector businesses including the NHS, Premier League football clubs and financial services and technology multi-nationals.
Alex McWhirter, Chief Executive of Finance Yorkshire, said: “Our new fund is designed to support innovative SMEs like UMA to expand and create jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber. The way we all work is undergoing seismic change and UMA’s software integrates the latest technology to ensure that workplaces are flexible, safe and efficient. We look forward to supporting the UMA team on the next stage of their growth journey.”
Finance Yorkshire’s new fund has been structured to provide SMEs with a range of support through Seedcorn and Growth Fund (primarily equity) investments, along with large and small Business Loans.
Finance Yorkshire’s Seedcorn Fund is managed by Anticus Partners. Legal advice to Anticus was provided by 3Volution, led by Jonathan Priestley. Lead advisors to UMA were BHP Corporate Finance, led by Will Holmes and Hamish Morrison.
Will Holmes said: “We are delighted to have supported UMA in the early stages of its growth phase. Sharing the management team’s enthusiasm for innovative workplace environments, we quickly bought into the commercial prospects of the UMA solution and the impact it will have on the rapidly changing workplace model. We look forward to continuing to support UMA and its management team on its next exciting phase of development.”
Legal advice to UMA was provided by Clarion Solicitors, led by Sarah Harrison and Hannah Nelson.
Lincolnshire housebuilder encourages women to build a career in construction
In celebration of International Women’s Day on Tuesday 8th March, housebuilder Allison Homes is encouraging women to consider careers in the construction industry.
Construction has long been a male-dominated industry, with Statista reporting in 2020 that only 13 per cent of the UK workforce was female1.
Technical Co-ordinators at Allison Homes Dani Oleksow-Bunten, aged 22, and Jasmine Holmes, aged 27, both work at Allison Homes’ head office in Bourne, and would love to see more women working alongside them.
Dani, who is from Peterborough and now lives in Spalding, said: “Throughout my career in construction, I have been very lucky in not experiencing many negative assumptions as a result of being female.
“It’s so important to encourage women into construction, especially by reaching out to schools, as this is how I knew that housebuilding was an industry I could consider. It would be refreshing to see more women in these jobs and out on building sites!
“Society tends to push women towards female-dominated jobs and industries, and a lack of knowledge around the industry can affect girls’ career choices. My advice to women joining the industry is to be confident, and don’t be afraid to do something different!”
Jasmine, from Spalding, now lives in Bourne and said: “I have always seen housebuilding as a male-dominated industry, however this never deterred me from wanting to do something different with my career. Often, it’s assumed that women want to work in the office and won’t want to visit or work on site, and I don’t think this is true.
“It is incredibly important to encourage women into construction and show they have an important role to play in the industry. Women may not be aware of the varying roles available, as construction and technology skills aren’t often taught and promoted to young girls at schools and colleges – I hadn’t considered either of these professions when I was at school.
“Women should always be true to themselves and be confident knowing their skillsets are important. They should empower other women and know they are paving a new era for the construction industry!”
Samantha Hart, Sales and Marketing Director at Allison Homes, said: “At Allison Homes, it’s very important to us to encourage women to join the construction industry, and to create a diverse workplace. Housebuilding has always been seen as a very male-dominated field, and we want to remind women that there is space for them here too.
“We have a range of different roles within the business, which provide excellent opportunities for career progression, and hope to see many more women pursue careers in construction in the future.”
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and is dedicated to promoting equality. This year, the theme is #BreakTheBias.
Say ‘cheers’ to growth of Leeds craft beer brewery
A craft beer producer in Leeds is going for growth after securing a mix of funding to support expansion, including an AD:VENTURE growth grant and the launch of a successful Crowdfunder campaign.
Amity Brew Co, which was set up by a group of friends in the middle of the pandemic, has a brewery and taproom at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley. The team started producing beer in June 2020 and by December 2020 they had launched the brewhouse, which is open from Thursday to Sunday. It currently employs eight people, with plans to employ more, including a brewery assistant.
The company has been supported by AD:VENTURE, a business growth programme for early stage businesses in North and West Yorkshire. Amity initially applied for a £75,000 start-up loan from AD:VENTURE partners, The Business Enterprise Fund. After seeing growth early on despite the pandemic, they applied for a further £40,000 grant for investment into the business.
Working with an AD:VENTURE business advisor, Amity Brew Co used some of the £40,000 to match fund their AD:VENTURE grant application, securing an additional £15,000.
The grant allowed Amity to invest in new canning equipment and helped bring packaging in-house. The aim is to offer a canning service to other small breweries and take on three more staff by the end of the year. As well as the grant from AD:VENTURE, Amity has had advice from a business adviser and other support.
Verity Clarke, communications director at Amity Brew Co, said: “Our start-up journey has not been an easy one, so we have relished in receiving external support from AD:VENTURE. We’re still a very small team and we value the courses, training, networking and general cheerleading from the AD:VENTURE team. It means so much to us that we’re being recognised and supported.”
The Crowdfunder campaign launched on February 14 with an initial target of £15,000, which was soon surpassed, as was the new stretch target of £30,000. Donations are still coming in, and the team are exploring how they can maximise their offer to customers with the extra cash from the campaign, which runs until March 11.
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education at Leeds City Council, said: “Amity’s incredible success shows that it is possible to set up and grow a business even in these difficult times if you have the right support in place.
“What they have created is an amazing business which has proved really popular, and it looks like they have a brilliant future ahead of them.”
AD:VENTURE is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with other funding and delivery partners across the Leeds City Region. As well as The Business Enterprise Fund, they include the nine local authorities, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Beckett University, the Prince’s Trust and West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
Official launch of Hull as co-working capital of the UK
Work Hull Work Happy is a unique initiative founded by Hull business leaders, Hull City Council and Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Hessle, which positions Hull as the ‘co-working capital of the UK’ and as the nation’s centre for innovation, flexible working and start-up culture.
It’s a unique initiative that connects home-based workers with local businesses by providing affordable spaces to work productively.
Promoting a better quality of life for workers, Work Hull Work Happy allows people to get hired for jobs without their location impacting their opportunities.
Supported by Hull’s reputation as the ‘best connected city outside of London’, businesses will provide space for remote workers to use, which in turn will provide the additional benefits of working life that go beyond salaries. The initiative will also boost the local economy, retain and attract talent, improve opportunities for local people and work towards levelling up goals.
The official launch will be hosted at the recently refurbished former HSBC bank on Whitefriargate, which has been rejuvenated by The 55 Group and will host co-working spaces for individuals and businesses to access.
Emma Hardy MP said: “Nobody should feel forced to leave the place they love to get the job they want, and the launch of this project will help to put Hull on the map as the co-working capital of the UK.
“Now that businesses can sign up to offer co-working space, we will have the most accessible and diverse spaces throughout the city. This, paired with the best high-speed broadband in the country, together with all of the benefits of living in Hull, I really believe is an opportunity to kickstart a new era for the city and breathe new life into our local economy.”
Gerard Toplass, group executive chairman of The 55 Group, said: “The pandemic changed everything when it comes to how, why and where we work – and people can enjoy an excellent quality of life by co-working in Hull. Remote working opportunities can bring high-quality jobs to regions of the UK they weren’t previously available, boosting local economies, retaining the best talent and providing excellent quality of life for people.”
Businesses and organisations that have committed their support to date include HullBID, Prince’s Quay, Moodbeam, C4Di, Garness Jones, Quickline, Hammonds of Hull, Public First, Hull What’s On and Northern Powerhouse.
Tax relief if working from home – Streets Chartered Accountants
If you are an employee working from home, you may be able to claim tax relief for some of the bills you pay that are related to your work, as Streets Chartered Accountants details below.
Employers can reimburse employees for the additional household expenses incurred by working at home. The relief covers expenses such as business telephone calls or heating and lighting costs for the room you are working in. Expenses that are for both for private and business use (such as broadband) cannot be claimed. Employees may also be able to claim tax relief on equipment they have bought, such as a laptop, chair or mobile phone.
Employers can pay up to £6 per week (or £26 a month for employees paid monthly) to cover an employee’s additional costs if they have to work from home. Employees do not need to keep any specific records if they receive this fixed amount.
If the expenses or allowances are not paid by the employer, then you can claim tax relief directly from HMRC. You will get tax relief based on your highest tax rate. For example, if you pay the basic (20%) rate of tax and claim tax relief on £6 a week, then you would get £1.20 per week in tax relief (20% of £6). You can claim more than the quoted amount but will need to provide evidence to HMRC. HMRC will accept backdated claims for up to 4 years.
These tax reliefs are available to anyone who has been asked to work from home on a regular basis, either for all or part of the week including working from home because of coronavirus.
Director promotion at Dacres
Matthew Brear has been promoted to director of land and development at Yorkshire property firm, Dacre, Son & Hartley.
Matthew joined Dacres’ Land Agency team almost 12 years ago and now specialises in residential land and development work, acting on behalf of an extensive range of landowners including NHS trusts, property companies and private individuals.
He now promotes and markets all types of land opportunities from single plot sales through to large scale sites that form strategic urban extensions.
In recent years Matthew has overseen the sale of land to facilitate the development of more than 750 new homes, as well as negotiating a number of longer-term strategic agreements on land to come forward for future development, throughout Yorkshire and beyond.
Matthew is also involved in selling, acquiring and letting all types of commercial property, on behalf of both tenants and landlords.
Matthew said: “This promotion is an exciting opportunity to continue building on Dacre, Son & Hartley’s reputation in the land and new homes development sector, at a time when there is lots of growth potential in the market.
“We’re currently seeing plenty of appetite from both national and regional housebuilders for development sites in sought-after locations and our ability to offer accurate appraisals and successful marketing and disposal services is proving key to our success in this area.”
Head of Dacres Commercial, David Ogilvie, said: “Matthew has established a strong track record for successfully marketing development sites of all sizes throughout the region and has worked hard to foster strong relationships with numerous housebuilders. He thoroughly deserves this promotion and we’re looking forward to seeing him continuing to grow this side of our business.”
Green light for 600,000 sq ft sustainable employment development
Opus North and Bridges Fund Management (Bridges) have secured planning permission from Harrogate Borough Council for the Harrogate 47 sustainable employment development, which will deliver over 600,000 square feet of employment space on a 45-acre site near Harrogate. The new development has the potential to support 2,000 jobs.
In October 2020 Opus North and Bridges acquired the strategic site, located at J47 of the A1(M) in North Yorkshire, with existing planning consent for over 600,000 square feet of development for employment uses.
The latest planning approval gives the green light for a revised masterplan incorporating a BREEAM ‘Excellent’, low-carbon development with over 600,000 square feet of employment space for office, hi-tech/hybrid and logistics uses, as well as amenity uses, within a well-landscaped environment.
Harrogate 47 has been designed with ESG at the forefront of the development agenda. Key features of the new masterplan were a high-quality design response to the site’s setting, incorporating sustainable features where possible to create a safe and attractive environment for future employees.
The development team has appointed contractor GMI to commence delivery of enabling and infrastructure works with immediate effect which will see the development take shape this year.
Ryan Unsworth, development director of Opus North, said: “This development is key for the Harrogate and wider North Yorkshire economy due to its capacity to transform vacant land into office and industrial space for local, regional and national occupiers, and the vast job-creating potential it has.
“The delivery of Harrogate 47 will allow local companies to expand and grow within the region in addition to attracting inward investment into the district and we are delighted that its potential has been recognised through the positive planning outcome.”
Guy Bowden, partner at Bridges Fund Management, said: “Harrogate 47 will support the growth of the local economy by addressing the regional shortages of prime accommodation for key growth sectors like logistics, creative and digital.
“It will also incorporate some best-in-class sustainability features, building on our longstanding experience of sustainable development across the UK. We are delighted to have been granted consent and look forward to seeing the units take shape this year.”
Oliver Freer from CBRE’s Northern Planning Team, who prepared the planning application, said: “This is an excellent result for Opus and Bridges. Harrogate 47 is an important strategic employment site that will provide high-quality accommodation for businesses, that will make a significant contribution to both the local and regional economies.”
Appointed industrial agents for Harrogate 47 are CBRE and Gent Visick, with the office enquiries directed to the office agency teams at CBRE and Knight Frank.
