First residents move into new council bungalows
Residents in east Hull have moved into brand new bungalows built by Hull City Council.
Shirley Bentley and Betty Cross were welcomed to their new homes in Drayton Close by Councillor John Black, portfolio holder for housing at Hull City Council.
The handing over of the keys marked the completion of the first phase of the council’s Small Sites Housing Programme.
Councillor Black said: “Today is a significant milestone as we are completing the first phase of our small sites programme. The council took a bold decision in deciding to build two-bedroom bungalows.
“By listening to residents, we realised that even though they were downsizing, they need a spare bedroom for family, friends, or even a carer to stay over. Working with our developer partners, these new homes have been attractively designed and built to an accessible, energy efficient specification and are popular with residents. Furthermore, residents moving into these bungalows free up much needed family sized homes in the area.”
The first phase of the programme has seen 39 modern dormer bungalows built by local contractors Houlton’s, Hobson & Porter, S Voase and Esh Construction on ten sites in east Hull. The developments were supported by the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP) through its Local Growth Fund
The bungalows are designed to a high-quality specification and exceed the current space standard, which offers better accessibility and with scope for adaptations. Each home has a bedroom, bathroom, open plan kitchen and living room on the ground floor, with a second bedroom and a WC located upstairs. They also have their own rear garden and parking space.
They all have a lockable shed too, which is ideal for storing bikes and gardening tools. Furthermore, the homes are designed with a ‘fabric first’ approach which means that the thermal performance exceeds that of current building regulations. This energy efficient design will help reduce carbon emissions and contribute to lower energy bills.
Mrs Shirley Bentley, who moved to Drayton Close, said: “I am overjoyed with the move. My walking hasn’t been too good lately and moving to a bungalow will be a game changer for me with wider doorways and generally being able to get about the home easily.”
Her neighbour, Mrs Betty Cross added: “I’ve lived around here for 50 years so being able to move locally means I have friends and family living nearby and I know the area well.”
The council has operated a local lettings policy for the new bungalows. This gives priority to current council tenants living in the same ward, aged 60+ or people who have a medical condition which requires ground floor accommodation.
A feasibility study is already underway for the second phase of the Small Sites Programme and construction work is expected to start in 2022.
James Newman Chair of HEY LEP said: “We are very pleased to be involved with this scheme through our Local Growth Fund. Developing these small sites brings tremendous benefits to neighbourhoods. These bungalows suit the needs of older and more vulnerable residents and, because they are built on small sites, they help the local economy by offering opportunities for small, local builders and their supply chain businesses to take on the construction work.”
The Small Sites Programme is part of the council’s ambitious, city-wide house building initiative. New council homes are currently under construction on Preston Road and Grange Road, with more in the pipeline. These modern, new homes, offer a wider choice to residents and help meet the target for new and affordable homes, as identified in the Local Plan and the council’s Housing Growth Plan.
Green light for latest phase of work on development masterplan
Leeds City Council has welcomed recommendations which could take it a significant step closer to finalising a major development plan that will help deliver high-quality homes and opportunities for local people.
A planning inspector has provisionally backed the council’s proposal for 36 pieces of land to be retained within the city’s protected green belt under changes to Leeds’s Site Allocations Plan (SAP). The inspector has also provisionally backed a related proposal that would see an additional site at Barrowby Lane in Manston earmarked for employment use with the aim of further driving economic growth and job creation in east Leeds.
The SAP, a key planning policy document which allocates land for future housing, employment, office, industrial and retail use, was adopted by the council in 2019 after a rigorous process of preparation and public consultation lasting six years.
Under the original terms of the SAP, a total of 36 sites were removed from the green belt for possible housing use while a 37th – at Barrowby Lane – was removed from the green belt for a mix of potential housing and employment uses.
The council then revisited the document following a legal challenge brought by Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum, with the High Court ruling last year that all 37 sites should be temporarily removed from the SAP and returned to the green belt pending further examination by the national Planning Inspectorate. The remainder of the SAP – which covers hundreds of sites across the city – was unaffected by the court ruling.
Work conducted by the council with developers and landowners subsequently found that, due to the changing nature of local land supply, Leeds would in fact be able to more than meet its housing requirements for the period up to 2028 without the need for further green belt site releases.
Using those findings, the council drew up a series of proposed modifications to the SAP that were submitted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate in March this year.
The Planning Inspectorate has now agreed that, subject to public consultation, the council can retain the 36 housing allocation sites in the green belt and switch Barrowby Lane’s status from housing and employment to solely employment.
The council’s executive board yesterday approved a six-week public consultation on the proposed changes. Once the consultation has taken place, the Planning Inspectorate will consider any responses received and prepare a report. This in turn, it is hoped, will allow the council to confirm the modifications, giving it a fully adopted and up-to-date SAP.
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said:
“The Site Allocations Plan has been a massive undertaking for the council and one that will play a central role in shaping the future of our city.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to deliver the kind of homes and jobs that people in Leeds need and deserve, and this document will help us achieve that through the weight it carries in the determination of planning applications.
“It’s really encouraging, therefore, to see us getting closer to a position where it can be fully adopted by the council and bring more certainty to residents and investors alike.”
The council’s original work on its SAP involved carefully assessing sites throughout the city and deciding which were the most appropriate and sustainable to allocate for development, in accordance with local and national policy. The plan was the subject of independent examination by government-appointed planning inspectors, who found it sound and legally compliant.
The council’s proposed modifications are set against a background of considerable housing delivery in Leeds on brownfield sites, with 4,200 new homes currently under construction in and around the city centre. This is the highest number of new homes under development in and around Leeds city centre since the global financial crisis of 2008.
In its legal challenge, Aireborough Neighbourhood Forum claimed the council had acted wrongly in its approach to releasing four green belt sites in Guiseley and Yeadon, and by later adopting the SAP on the basis of that specific approach. Four grounds raised in the claim were rejected or not allowed to proceed by the judge in the case. The claim was allowed on a further three grounds.
Local authorities are required by the National Planning Policy Framework to maintain a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.
Bank of England raises interest rates to 0.25%
The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic despite growing concern over Omicron.
Threadneedle Street’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted to raise rates from the historic low of 0.1% to 0.25%, with pressure from surging inflation outweighing the risks to the economy from the new strain.
Figures show inflation hit 5.1% in November as energy prices skyrocketed and supply chains saw significant disruption. The MPC has an official inflation target of 2%.
The rate rise comes during deterioration in the economic outlook as the new variant hits consumer confidence.
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates was surprising given mounting uncertainty over the economic impact of the Omicron variant. While today’s rate increase may have little effect on most firms, many will view this as the first step in a longer policy movement – not as a partial reversal of last year’s cut.
“While policymakers are facing a tricky trade-off between surging inflation and a stalling recovery, with the current inflationary spike mostly driven by global factors, higher interest rates will do little to curb further increases in inflation. Instead, it is vital more than ever that the Government’s Supply Chain Advisory Group and Industry Taskforce start to provide some practical solutions to the supply and labour shortages that are continuing to stoke inflationary pressures.
“Without real improvement to the situation supply chains are currently facing rising prices are likely to continue to be an issue even with monetary policy responses.”
Investment in skills and innovation key for levelling-up and post-pandemic prosperity, says new CBI Yorkshire & Humber Chair
Business and Government must work together to increase skills investment in Yorkshire and the Humber if the region is to emerge strongly post-pandemic and build future prosperity, according to the CBI’s incoming regional chair.
Jane Madeley – Chief Financial Officer at the University of Leeds – has been named as the next Chair of the CBI Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council.
She will take up the role in January, replacing Jacqui Hall of gas shipper CNG Ltd, who has held the position for the past two years.
Yorkshire-born Jane brings extensive knowledge of the region and business, having worked for a number of firms in the retail and consumer goods sectors prior to moving into the higher education sector. She has been part of the CBI’s regional council since 2011.
Jane will be taking on her new role at a challenging time for businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber, but believes the CBI can play a crucial part in helping the region navigate its way through the continued economic ravages of the pandemic and to build an equitable and prosperous future.
Jane Madeley, incoming Chair of CBI Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council, said: “I am thrilled to be appointed Chair of the CBI’s Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council, and I look forward to working with fellow council members and business leaders across the region to meet the ongoing challenge of building the regional economy in the face of the pandemic.
“This is a region of immense potential, rich in talent and ambition and well positioned to play a significant role in the UK’s push to net zero. However action is needed to address long-term challenges around skills, and invest in the necessary infrastructure to enable innovation to flourish – vital issues at the heart of levelling-up ambitions.
“Overcoming these challenges will take partnership between business, education and Government. Business is ready to step up, and I look forward to working with CBI colleagues to be a voice for the region in the critical conversations to come around levelling-up, economic growth and decarbonisation.”
Beckie Hart, CBI Yorkshire & the Humber Director, said: “I’m delighted to confirm that Jane will be the new Chair of the CBI Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Council. She takes over from Jacqui Hall, who has done a stellar job of steering the council through a tough two years, and stands down with our thanks.
“Jane will bring a wealth of knowledge of the region and insight into the issues that matter to businesses. Her expertise will be a major asset for businesses and for the CBI as we look to build upon Yorkshire and the Humber’s diverse strengths to drive forward the strategies for growth set out in the CBI’s Seize The Moment economic vision. I look forward to working with her to achieve these goals.”
BM Packaging unboxes rapid growth following seven-figure investment
A packaging manufacturer is set to ramp up production and nearly double its turnover with the support of a seven-figure finance facility.
BM Packaging (BM) produces corrugated cardboard boxes and cartons, selling millions each year to businesses across the UK and throughout Europe via its network of trade partners. A key local employer, its 48 staff operate from its site in Netherton, Huddersfield.
Demand for BM’s products has been steadily increasing over the past four years, and has recently been spurred on by the ongoing ecommerce boom, which has seen the business significantly grow its order book and take on new customers. Last year, BM expanded its physical footprint by a third, taking on an extra 27,000 sq ft facility to expand production.
The team needed to free up additional capital to support investment in further expansion. The company is now supported by a seven-figure invoice finance facility from Lloyds Bank allowing BM to almost double its turnover this year with forecast growth from £8million to £15million. It is also enabling them to invest in new machinery and further strengthen its cash position.
Invoice finance helps bolster firms’ liquidity by allowing them to access up to 90 per cent of the value of unpaid invoices, often within 24 hours. It can play a critical role in ensuring businesses have the cashflow available to support continuous investment, without having to put plans on hold while waiting for payment.
Chris Latham, Managing Director at BM Packaging, said: “Demand for packaging and shipping cartons has never been higher, as the pandemic pushed online retail sales to record levels. With this new facility, we now have the capacity to increase our production levels and ensure we are best placed to support our trade customers as the market continues to expand.
“Looking ahead, with Lloyds’ support, we are on track to continue to grow organically and sustainably, helping to create more local jobs and boost the regional economy.”
Chris Parker, broker development manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “BM Packaging is a leading example of a local business that has been able to capitalise on growing global demand for its products, playing a key role in keeping supply chains moving by ensuring its trade customers have ready access to high-quality products.
“The business’s track record speaks for itself, and we’re excited to witness the team’s continued growth in the coming year.”
2022 Business Predictions: Kenton Robbins, Managing Director at PFF Group
It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Kenton Robbins, Managing Director at PFF Group.
We all worked tirelessly through 2021, focussing on the belief that 2022 would hail a return to the good times we remember. COVID-19 would be a thing of the past and the New Year would be an opportunity for us all to get back to normal.
Yet, as I write we are heading into a ‘soft lockdown’ with a return to working from home being advised by the Government and mask wearing once again as fundamental as coffee and tea!
2022 is going to be the hardest year yet of this pandemic for business. We are staring down the barrel of inflation and supply chain shortages, the like of which we haven’t seen for many years.
Energy prices will continue to be the lead item on boardroom agendas through 2022 as we face the greatest increase in wholesale marketing pricing in a generation. Those that have not hedged or have an ability to do so will face profitability challenges based on energy increases alone. Businesses based on a sourcing model of importing cheap goods from across the globe will see their margins eroded like the cliff sides of the East Coast unless they drive significant price increases to their customer base to offset their increased costs.
The availability of everyday items we have all taken for granted throughout our lifetimes will soon be something of a fond memory. You only need to walk the aisles of a B&Q store looking for Far East sourced electrical sockets to see an issue that historically would have had the buying dept in a tailspin (incidentally, if any readers have a three-way switched Georgian brass effect socket going spare, I’ll pay good money, no questions asked)!
We have spent months focussed on the Northern levelling up debate only to miss the much more significant global levelling up issues right under our noses. As much as I am an advocate for balance between the North and South, it should not distract us from the bigger picture which could be the driver for a year of positive change for UK plc.
This coming year will see a huge opportunity for British business to fill the gaps which historically have been filled through so called ‘value’ global sourcing policies, aka ‘cheap’ products. We have to educate the British consumer as to the benefits of buying British and to look beyond buying solely on price – quality and price equals value. British manufacturers are world-leading innovators and produce quality products here in the UK, supporting domestic jobs, as well as the environment.
I predict that 2022 will be the year that sees capitalisation of the UK manufacturing sector which will step up to the mark and establish itself in the mind of the domestic consumer as the value driver of the UK economy.
2022 should be the year we all make a choice to invest in ourselves, our country, our products and our planet’s future sustainability by buying the things we make well on our own doorsteps. After all charity starts at home and if there was ever a year that we should look to support ourselves, it is 2022.
Key regional leadership role for CFO
Jane Madeley, the University’s Chief Financial Officer, has been named as the next Chair of the CBI’s Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council.
Taking up the voluntary role in January, she will bring her extensive knowledge of the region and business to the position, having worked for several businesses in the retail and consumer goods sectors before joining the higher education sector.
The University is a longstanding member of the influential business organisation, and Jane has been part of its regional council on behalf of the University since 2011.
It is a challenging time for businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber, but she nevertheless believes the CBI can play a crucial part in helping the region navigate its way through the continued economic ravages of the pandemic and to build an equitable and prosperous future.
Representing the higher education sector at the heart of the organisation in the region and nationally, she will help ensure its concerns are heard, and will develop even more mutually beneficial relationships.
Jane Madeley, Chief Financial Officer said: “I can’t stress enough the role the University of Leeds – and our fellow higher education institutions across the region – will play in training the next generation of global citizens and leaders and in tackling the huge challenges facing the world.”
Jane, who joined the University as Finance Director in 2009, is particularly keen to combine the priorities of her “day” job with the new CBI role, encouraging collaboration between business and the University, and enjoying the mutual benefits of working together to ensure that the skills and expertise provided by the higher education sector are used to help unlock and maximise the innovation potential of the region.
She is also a founding non-executive director of Northern Gritstone, an investment company launched earlier this year by the Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield to help boost the commercialisation of university spinouts and start-ups in the North of England.
“I can’t stress enough the role the University of Leeds – and our fellow higher education institutions across the region – will play in training the next generation of global citizens and leaders and in tackling the huge challenges facing the world,” she said.
“I am thrilled to be appointed Chair of the CBI’s Yorkshire & Humber Regional Council, and I look forward to working with fellow council members and business leaders across the region to meet the ongoing challenge of building the regional economy in the face of the pandemic.
“This is a region of immense potential, rich in talent and ambition and well positioned to play a significant role in the UK’s push to net zero. However action is needed to address long-term challenges around skills, and invest in the necessary infrastructure to enable innovation to flourish – vital issues at the heart of levelling-up ambitions.
“Overcoming these challenges will take partnership between business, education and Government. Business is ready to step up, and I look forward to working with CBI colleagues to be a voice for the region in the critical conversations to come around levelling-up, economic growth and decarbonisation.”
Beckie Hart, CBI Yorkshire & the Humber Director, thanked outgoing Chair Jacqui Hall, and said: “Jane will bring a wealth of knowledge of the region and insight into the issues that matter to businesses. Her expertise will be a major asset for businesses and for the CBI as we look to build upon Yorkshire and the Humber’s diverse strengths to drive forward the strategies for growth set out in the CBI’s Seize The Moment economic vision. I look forward to working with her to achieve these goals.”
Working with business and other sectors in the region is an important part of the University of Leeds’ ten-year strategy: Universal Values: Global Change, combining its global outlook with a keen awareness of the importance of local, regional and national impact through research and innovation, student education and knowledge exchange.
An embodiment of this approach is Nexus, the innovation hub on the main campus which launched in 2019 to enhance how the University connects its world-leading research and expertise with business.
Proposals brought forward for next phase of redevelopment at Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter
As part of the continued regeneration of The Cornhill Quarter in Lincoln, Lincolnshire Co-op are bringing forward proposals for the next phase of its development.
Having established a vibrant leisure and retail environment in this area of the city, they are now seeking to bring further investment through the addition of both residential and hotel accommodation at the site.
McCarthy Stone, the developer and manager of independent retirement living communities, is bringing forward proposals for a flagship development at the City Square Centre site on Sincil Street and Waterside South, combining specialist retirement accommodation with leisure facilities available to both its residents and the wider community.
Adjacent to the McCarthy Stone development, on Melville Street, Lincolnshire Co-op is proposing to develop the site for a hotel with around 150 bedrooms, supporting and enhancing the city’s role as a key destination for tourism.
As identified by the Consultation Draft Local Plan (2021), Lincoln continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors, and hotels in the city are already frequently full and forced to turn business away.
Both McCarthy Stone and Lincolnshire Co-op have commenced a pre-application consultation programme. Because of the ongoing impacts of Covid-19, the consultation programme is being undertaken in digital and postal format.
ABP signs new 10 year deal with Ahlmark Shipping (UK) LTD
Ahlmark Shipping (UK) LTD has signed a new 10 year deal with Associated British Ports (ABP). The new 10 year deal demonstrates that the timber market remains resilient.
Ahlmark Shipping has a dedicated terminal at the Port of Hull where they offer stevedoring, warehousing, ships agency and Customs Clearance services.
Ahlmark Lines was one of the first shipping lines to move Swedish timber through Hull and has been regularly calling at the port for almost 40 years, helping to make Hull one of the largest UK ports for sawn timber imports. Ahlmark’s fleet sees the company ship 30% of Swedish timber to the UK.
Simon Bird, Director at ABP Humber, said: “This new deal with Ahlmark highlights that ABP remains a valuable and trusted partner for timber imports and exports in the Humber.
The Humber Ports afford many businesses an opportunity for growth, and ABP is committed to investing in its services and infrastructure to aid that.”
Tim Hollands, Managing Director at Ahlmark Shipping (UK) Ltd, said: “This agreement highlights the continued commitment to the timber industry and to the Port of Hull by Ahlmark Lines A.-B., a long-term relationship that now includes regular liner services to the ABP East Coast Ports of Immingham, Grimsby and Kings Lynn. With the support of ABP, Ahlmark Shipping (UK) Ltd is in a strong position to develop business through the Hull terminal, directly handling volumes on weekly sailings from Kristinehamn, fortnightly sailings from East Coast ports of Skelleftehamn and Iggesund; and monthly services from Domsjo, Gruvon and Ala.
Ahlmark have also taken on an additional land to support their services in Hull as the business goes from strength to strength.
New Face for Harrogate’s Criminal Law Team
Harrogate’s leading criminal law firm, McCormicks Solicitors, has appointed a new member to its Crime and Fraud Department.
Kate Develly joins the practice as a Criminal Law Executive and will assist Partner Peter Minnikin and Associate Solicitor Brian Nuttney in all aspects of Criminal work and client care.
Kate graduated from the University of Lincoln with a joint honours degree in Criminology and English before embarking on a nine-year career with the police. She then helped her husband to establish his own business before completing the Graduate Diploma of Law followed by the Legal Practice Course with Masters, in which she gained a distinction, at the University of Law in Leeds.
She said: “I think my previous experience gives me an in-depth insight into the criminal justice system from both sides of the fence and I look forward to using this perspective in my new role.”
Peter Minnikin said: “We are very pleased to welcome Kate to what is a busy department working with clients who are often at a very difficult time in their lives.”
McCormicks is the only firm in Harrogate to be recognised for its Crime work in the latest edition of Chambers UK 2022.
