Dedicated Doncaster advocate marks ten years as Chamber’s Chief Exec

Stuart Pearcey
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Dedicated Doncaster advocate marks ten years as Chamber’s Chief Exec
Dedicated Dan Fell is celebrating ten years as Chief Exec of Doncaster’s Chamber of Commerce, and predicts great things ahead for South Yorkshire. Having been the youngest ever CEO of an accredited UK Chamber, he is now looking forward to what he predicts will be great things in the future. 
Among other things, he played an integral role in winning City Status, was one of the founding members of the local University Technical College, and has been a prominent voice in the successful campaign to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones, said: “It is testament to Dan and his incredible leadership that he is celebrating  a decade at the helm of Doncaster Chamber. I congratulate Dan on this milestone celebration and look forward to continuing working with him, Doncaster Chamber and the wider Team Doncaster partnership to Deliver4Doncaster.”
Beyond South Yorkshire’s borders, Dan has also been a key part of the overarching British Chambers of Commerce network over the past 10 years, sitting on various working groups and commissions that are dedicated to tackling the most pressing economic issues of the day.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Dan has been a great friend to our entire network throughout his decade of service as Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber. He has been a true champion for businesses in his region, which was recognised in his nomination for our national President’s Award this year. He has a huge amount to be proud of during his 10 years at the helm.”
Dan said: “I have had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented and dedicated individuals who have achieved remarkable feats for the good of our city. I have seen intrepid entrepreneurs grow fantastic businesses from the ground up, industry-leaders really putting our city on the map, and strategic partners joining forces to achieve more together than they ever could on their own.
“It is thanks to their extraordinary efforts and sky-high ambitions for Doncaster that we have come so far over the past decade. Here at the Chamber, we are obviously pleased to see Doncaster starting to thrive and are proud of what has been achieved here but, ultimately, we are far more interested in the next ten years than we are in the last. It is with that in mind that we launched our optimistic vision for the decade ahead, Doncaster ’35: A Manifesto for a Winning City, at our 2024 business conference.
“Developed in close collaboration with our members, this document envisages a future in which Doncaster is seen — both within and without — as a place that is vibrant, dynamic and at the bleeding edge of developing trends. To get us to this point, the manifesto is frank about the challenges that we currently face, whilst also outlining the exciting opportunities before us and the practical steps that need to be taken for Doncaster to unlock its full potential.
“From the Chamber’s perspective, we will be rolling up our sleeves in 2025. Among other things, we will be: mobilising businesses behind “Keep Doncaster Tidy” volunteering days; thinking about how we can use our platform to help employers reach those who are further removed from the labour market; launching a transport forum; and exploring new avenues for increased collaboration between the private and public sectors.
“If we can achieve all of this and, alongside our Team Doncaster partners, continue to build upon the successes of recent years, then I am confident that the decade ahead will be just as prosperous, exciting and rewarding as the last one.”

Lincolnshire car wash operator fined £20,000 and banned from directorship

Stuart Pearcey
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Lincolnshire car wash operator fined £20,000 and banned from directorship
The owner of a Lincolnshire hand car wash has been fined £20,000 and banned as a company director for five years after employing illegal workers. Mohamed Hamza, 34, hired the workers from Syria and Egypt at the M&H Car Wash on Enterprise Way in Pinchbeck, who were discovered during an Immigration Enforcement visit in 2022. Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Mohamed Hamza hired two people who did not have the right to work in the UK, contravening the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. This represents a serious breach of legislation and of the standards expected of company directors.

“Hamza’s directorship ban means he cannot now be involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company in the UK until January 2030.”

Hamza, of Granville Road, Peterborough, had been the sole director of M&H Car Wash Ltd since it was established in February 2019. Immigration Enforcement officials visited the car wash in January 2022, discovering a Syrian man in his 20s and Egyptian man in his 30s with no right to work in the UK. M&H Car Wash was fined £20,000 for the immigration breach which remained unpaid when the company entered liquidation in August 2022 with liabilities of more than £44,000. Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, said: “Anyone who thinks they can profit from illegal working in the UK can think again. This case demonstrates there is no hiding place from law enforcement and I am pleased to see justice has been served. “We know that many people who come to the UK and end up working illegally often do so under extremely poor conditions and are frequently sold a false narrative about their ability to live and work here.

“That’s why we’re ramping up our enforcement work to tackle smuggling gangs and make sure those who abuse our immigration system face the full consequences.”

Growing membership of Bed Federation continues its fight against rogue traders

Stuart Pearcey
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Growing membership of Bed Federation continues its fight against rogue traders
The Skipton-based National Bed Federation, the trade association representing UK bed manufacturers and their suppliers, has grown its membership by more than 7% in 2024 and now has a total of 86 members, including 54 of the UK’s leading bed manufacturers. About 30% of its members are also based in Yorkshire, and its members include Harrison Spinks of Leeds, Healthbeds (Smeaton Brothers) of Rotherham and fillings supplier John Cotton Nonwovens of Mirfield, all of which are longstanding members. The growth of the membership against a generally challenging economic backdrop has been welcomed by exec director Tristine Hargreaves. “The addition of these new members, and retention of our existing manufacturer and supplier base, is a very positive foundation for our work in 2025 and underscores the value we have been working to deliver for the membership,” she said. “We continue to maintain a focus on reducing the huge increase in ‘counterfeit’ mattress sellers that prey on cash-strapped consumers. They are trading in dangerous and often illegal products from websites, social media platforms and from the backs of vans across the UK, something we have seen skyrocket in recent years. The 54 NBF manufacturers produce beds under more than 100 brands, and collectively generate around 75% of the UK’s £2.3 billion bed industry revenue. Simon Williams, head of membership for the NBF added: “As an association we may be over 100 years old, but the focus of our work is squarely on the 21st century issues that affect the industry and consumers. Improving the amount of bed waste that is recycled is a cornerstone goal for us again in 2025, and tackling the plague of social media ads pushing products that do not meet UK trading standards is key to protecting consumers and manufacturers alike.”

Fire-damaged former cinema to go under the hammer as redevelopment opportunity

Tess Egginton
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Fire-damaged former cinema to go under the hammer as redevelopment opportunity
The former Savoy Cinema in Spalding, which, with a 1,500-person seating capacity, was Lincolnshire’s largest cinema when it opened in 1937, is to go up for auction this month with a guide price of £250,000-£270,000. Converted to a bingo hall after audiences declined in the 1970s, the imposing building was damaged extensively by a fire in 2021 and has since remained disused. Now the 15,000 sq ft cinema, which stands on a 0.7 acre site, is being offered for sale by joint auctioneers SDL Property Auctions and Eddisons Peterborough. The auctioneers believe the building would be suitable for redevelopment and South Holland District Council has confirmed it would support proposals for a mixed-use commercial and residential scheme on the site. The Westlode Street property is close to the town centre, within Spalding’s conservation area. Andrew Parker, auctioneer and partner at SDL Property Auctions, said: “This was once a splendid building that was a real asset to the town of Spalding and it has been disused and unloved for over three years since the fire. “It would be great to see an imaginative mixed-use scheme bring the site back to life, perhaps retaining the original 1930s art-deco façade. Needless to say, the council’s support for a redevelopment scheme makes this a fantastic investment opportunity.”

Barnsley Council reveals development plans for the Seam Digital Campus

Tess Egginton
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Barnsley Council reveals development plans for the Seam Digital Campus
Barnsley Council has unveiled the first phase of redevelopment for the Seam Digital Campus, including plans for a new landmark: the three Yorkshire Roses.
  The redevelopment of the lower Seam, off County Way, which is being delivered using Future High Streets and council funding, includes plans for a new urban park (4,700 sq m), comprising three separate natural gardens: the biodiversity garden, the digital garden and the town centre link. Plans also include improved parking facilities for the remaining spaces that will serve visitors to the town centre and the Seam Digital Campus based on County Way. The main attraction of the first phase of works will be three sculptures, known as the Yorkshire Roses, with the central sculpture standing at 15m tall and two smaller 12m sculptures standing high above the newly regenerated area. These prominent installations in front of the DMC01 building will serve as both a visual gateway and a symbol of Barnsley’s pride, ambition, and investment in its future. Designed to be seen from afar, the sculptures celebrate Barnsley’s strong identity while reinforcing its place as a hub for innovation and digital development. This development will attract new business and provide world-class opportunities, add to the cultural offer, help to increase visitor footfall and support town centre businesses and the evening and night-time economy. The sculptures will greet visitors arriving by train or car and provide a prominent marker visible from the town centre. They reflect Barnsley’s ambition to become a destination for technological innovation and creative excellence while welcoming future investment. At night, they will be illuminated in a way that highlights their intricate designs, making them a captivating visual feature. The roses are one of many plans Barnsley has as part of ambitions to become the UK’s leading digital town. Ambitious plans are also being considered for the next phase of the Seam. Subject to planning, phase two work will look to further develop the Upper Seam car park, develop a third Digital Media Centre (DMC), include a high-end hotel and create a National Centre for Digital Technologies. The transformation of lower Seam will act as a catalyst for further collaboration between artists, digital designers, tech developers, and local businesses, helping to position Barnsley as a forward-thinking hub for creative innovation. Raising the profile of The Seam will also help to attract investment for future phases of development on the upper Seam. It will also provide an opportunity for Barnsley College and local universities to get involved in the creative process. An application for planning permission has been submitted for the sculptures, alongside an application for the wider redevelopment of the Seam, with work anticipated to begin in Summer 2025. A report will be submitted to Cabinet in March 2025 to approve a combination of grant and council funding for the sculptures. Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “We’re fiercely proud, ambitious, and bold in Barnsley, and the Yorkshire Rose sculptures symbolise our town’s resilience and optimism for a bright future. “They’re not just a landmark; they’re a celebration of our proud heritage and bold ambitions, reflecting Barnsley’s strength and unity while marking its future as a centre of opportunity and creativity. “The next phase of The Seam Digital Campus reaffirms our commitment to making it the heart of our future economy. With new Digital Media Centres and public spaces, we’ll support digital sectors to enhance development opportunities in the town centre and bring in further investment and high-value jobs to Barnsley. “As part of our ‘Great Childhoods Ambition’, we want our young people to be at the heart of everything we do. By prioritising them and creating a centre of digital excellence, along with existing projects like the Seam, Youth Zone, Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence (NAVE), and Youth Activity Park, we’re providing a great foundation where young people can thrive, grow, and prepare for future employment opportunities. “By connecting young people with good education and career pathways, we can nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators, planting the seeds for a brighter future.” Edward Naylor, Chair of Barnsley Town Board and CEO of Naylor Industries, said: “This new phase of The Seam is more than just a step forward – it’s a statement. “The redevelopment of the Seam will provide urban greenspace with high-quality public realm. The stunning sculptures will add a new dimension to our town centre, helping to bring more visitors to the borough- and help cement Barnsley’s position as a home for digital innovation. “By reshaping the arrival experience, The Seam positions Barnsley as an attractive destination for residents, visitors, and investors.” Chris Yates, Yorkshire director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are excited to be working in partnership with Barnsley Council to play our part in delivering a cutting-edge environment to bring the brightest tech businesses into South Yorkshire. “We are focused on ensuring the construction of this transformational space leaves a lasting legacy for the people of Barnsley. We’re committed to delivering four new employment opportunities on the project, 80 apprentice weeks and running a bespoke Building Lives Academy skills programme for local long-term unemployed people.”

2025 Business Predictions: Oliver Bottomley, Associate Director, Land and Development at Vivly Living

Tess Egginton
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2025 Business Predictions: Oliver Bottomley, Associate Director, Land and Development at Vivly Living
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 Oliver Bottomley, Associate Director, Land and Development at Vivly Living, the Yorkshire-based residential property builder and developer. With mortgage rates falling, this will increase the number of buyers in the market. This will help with the ‘next step’ buyers, who have been put off since Liz Truss’s disastrous budget. With the New Labour Government’s decision to scrap stamp duty reduction for first time buyers, we should see a lot of sales in the first three months of the year. The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has told local councils to play their part to meet housing need, with new immediate mandatory housing targets for councils to ramp up housebuilding and deliver growth across the country. Hopefully this will break the over-complicated planning system which is geared in favour of objectors and not development. As we look at 2025, we are planning to do 60 sales, up from the 38 of last year. We have planning permission for over 100 homes and we intend to have spades in the ground at new sites in Yorkshire from Q3 2025. Overall, despite the stagnant economy and the unpopular Budget, the outlook for 2025, for residential property developers at least, isn’t too gloomy. There is a real need for new homes, which the new Government recognises, and the planning reforms are a major step forward.

Sheffield manufacturer fined after employee’s legs crushed

Tess Egginton
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Sheffield manufacturer fined after employee’s legs crushed
A Sheffield manufacturer has been fined after a steel pallet landed on an employee, leaving him permanently disabled. The 800kg load crushed Wayne Hatton’s legs during a night shift at Amber Precast Ltd’s factory on 14 January 2021. Mr Hatton, from Doncaster, had his right lower leg amputated with two toes on his left foot also being removed following the incident at Davy Business Park. The pallet was being removed from a reinforced concrete cast when it fell onto the father-of-two, who had only recently been employed by the firm as a supervisor. The then 46-year-old spent seven weeks in hospital and now has a prosthetic leg after his right lower leg was amputated. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the pallet had not been secured onto the lifting chains of the overhead crane before being removed from the concrete cast. This meant the pallet was not supported whilst being moved. The investigation also found Amber Precast Ltd failed to consistently implement a system of work to ensure the pallet could be removed safely. Mr Hatton, now 50, and other members on his team had not received any information or instructions on how to remove the pallet safely. Amber Precast Ltd, of Davy Business Park, Prince Of Wales Road, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £5,406.31 in costs at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 9 January 2025. HSE inspector Jane Fox said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided with the correct instruction and implementation of an agreed safe working procedure. Amber Precast Ltd left its employees to work out their own methods of completing the pallet removal task, instead of providing them with suitable training and equipment so it could be done safely every time.” This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Andy Siddall and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.

Avant Homes submits plans for £66m housing development near Barnsley

Stuart Pearcey
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Avant Homes submits plans for £66m housing development near Barnsley

Housebuilder Avant Homes has asked Barnsley council planners for permission to build a £66.5m scheme of 300 homes in Thurnscoe.

Located on land off Thurnscoe Bridge Lane, the proposed development will comprise a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.

If given the go ahead by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, work could start in May 2025, with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in January next year.

Subject to planning being granted, the development will be delivered by Avant Homes West Yorkshire. MD Richard Hosie, said: “As a housebuilder, we are committed to build quality new homes for everyone in places where people want to live.

“Our proposed development in Thurnscoe represents an opportunity to deliver on this and provide practically designed, energy efficient homes ideal for a range of buyers.

“We look forward to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council considering our plans to build a new and thriving community in Thurnscoe.”

West Lindsey Chief Exec to retire this summer

Stuart Pearcey
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West Lindsey Chief Exec to retire this summer
West Lindsey District Council Chief Exec Ian Knowles is to retire at the end of June 2025, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career in local government spanning more than 30 years. Ian Knowles was appointed as Chief Executive in 2019, after being Executive Director of Resources. Under his leadership, West Lindsey District Council has achieved considerable progress in transforming services, regenerating communities, and addressing some of the district’s most pressing challenges. Among his key achievements is the council’s progress on the former RAF Scampton site. Despite significant obstacles, Ian and the leadership team are advancing plans to purchase the site from the Home Office, enabling the delivery of an ambitious £300 million investment programme. This development will revitalise RAF Scampton as a hub of heritage, innovation, and economic opportunity for West Lindsey. Ian has also overseen the build of a brand-new central depot, a new crematorium, and a new leisure centre in the district – all delivered on time and in budget. In addition, there has been significant levelling-up initiatives, including the construction of a four-screen Savoy cinema in Gainsborough, alongside additional projects aimed at boosting the local economy, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. In addition to these landmark developments, Ian spearheaded the implementation of critical internal improvements at the council. This included introducing a brand-new finance system to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, as well as a new customer records management system to improve service delivery and strengthen engagement with residents. Ian said: “It has been an honour to lead this outstanding council and work with dedicated colleagues and partners to achieve meaningful change. West Lindsey is a place where people, businesses, and communities can really thrive and reach their full potential. “We have worked to deliver on our shared vision of ‘Moving Forward Together’ to improve services and prosperity for Our People, Our Place, and Our Council. I am proud of what we have accomplished and confident in the district’s bright future and the amazing team we have here at West Lindsey.”

York launches scheme to create more employment opportunities in the city

Stuart Pearcey
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York launches scheme to create more employment opportunities in the city
Members of York’s business community are being encouraged to take part in a new movement to increase opportunities for York residents to get into the world of work. In partnership with City of York Council, 4front Partners will deliver the Ambitious About Employment project, which will help businesses tap into the pool of hidden talent represented by those from diverse communities who may struggle, under existing recruitment practices, to access work. This group includes those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), neurodivergent individuals, young people and more. Businesses will receive expert advice and training on making their recruitment practices as inclusive as possible, as well as support to find and onboard new talent into their organisations. Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s Executive Member for Economy and Culture, said: “Embedding diversity and inclusion into HR practices is not just desirable, but essential for businesses to succeed in a competitive marketplace. “We see again and again the positive impacts that diversity has on all aspects of our community, including in the workplace. “We know that so many businesses in our city are already committed to providing opportunities for a wide range of people to take part in rewarding employment, and we hope that this project will support them and encourage more businesses to make their recruitment practices accessible for all.” Adopting inclusive recruitment practices means designing a system that is accessible, inclusive and supportive for everyone. Attracting a more diverse workforce can support business innovation, enhance an organisation’s reputation, improve employee retention and much more. Businesses who are interested in accessing this support can sign up to one of three online masterclasses, where internationally-renowned Human Resource Management expert Professor Jo Ingold will guide attendees through the fundamentals of inclusive recruitment and cover the practical approaches businesses can adopt to make their recruitment practices more accessible.  
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