Sheffield business leader recognised in King’s New Year’s Honours List
A prominent member of Sheffield’s business community has been awarded an OBE in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours List.
Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Louisa Harrison-Walker was awarded the honour in recognition of her work supporting South Yorkshire, its businesses and communities.
Louisa has led the transformation of Sheffield’s Chamber of Commerce over the past five years. Her work has included restructuring the organisation, diversifying the board and representative council, increasing the balance sheets significantly and re-imagining its core membership offer – which has seen membership retention rise to 98% and the number of patrons double.
Louisa has also built up the Chamber’s relationship with South Yorkshire’s Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Sheffield City Council (SCC) and rewired relationships with other Regional and National Chambers, and other organisations around the UK including Business in the Community (BITC) with whom Sheffield Chamber deliver a social value programme that harnesses private sector resource for the benefit of charities and social enterprises.
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “Louisa is a leader who brings organisations and businesses together in a way that others cannot because she truly cares about people.
“Her approach to making sure the views and experiences of everyone are respected, listened to and included, is helping to shift the culture in South Yorkshire to one of positive collaboration and partnership.
“As a Mayor I work every day to rebuild the pride, purpose and prosperity of our region, nothing is more important to me. I’m delighted to congratulate Louisa on being included in the King’s honours today.”
Involved in supporting successful bids for collaborative work throughout the region, Louisa has been integral to the delivery of the Community Renewal Fund, the Local Skills Improvement Plan Project (LSIP) across South Yorkshire, the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership, the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and the continued campaign to re-open South Yorkshire’s regional airport.
Louisa is also Co-Chair of South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s Business Advisory Board, has been integral to the development of the Sheffield City Goals – the city’s 10-year city strategy, launched the Health and Wellbeing Consortium and developed a senior women’s leadership network.
Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, said: “Louisa represents the city on numerous local, regional and national platforms and does so with authenticity, gravitas and insight.
“In leading in the way she does, Louisa acts as a role model, in particular for women. She has worked with me to develop the city’s first women’s leadership network, creating a safe space for women to navigate the challenges they may face in their professional lives.
“Every great city needs active, community minded and forward-thinking business leadership and with Louisa at the helm the Chamber has become an invaluable partner in the regeneration and resurgence of Sheffield.
“It is without a doubt that Louisa deserves this special honour. Congratulations to her.”
Louisa is a well-respected business leader in the city having built up and sold ethical recruitment firm Benchmark. She serves as a trustee at several key organisations and charities, a board and committee member across different initiatives in the city, and relentlessly champions Sheffield, promoting the city as the best place in the UK to start and grow a business.
2025 Business Predictions: Richard May, CEO of virtualDCS
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 Richard May, CEO of Leeds-based tech company virtualDCS and an expert in disaster recovery and cybersecurity.
- Cyber resilience will continue to define disaster recovery in 2025
- Survival hinges on the speed of recovery in 2025
- Closing the Microsoft 365 responsibility gap will become a top priority
- Diversified backup strategies will be non-negotiable
- Proactive preparedness will drive strategic resilience
Regal Foods CEO awarded MBE in New Year Honours List
CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, Younis Chaudhry has been recognised in the New Year Honours List with an MBE for his services to business and to the community of Bradford.
For over twenty years Younis Chaudhry has excelled in British business and international trade, all whilst giving back to the Bradford community and beyond.
Starting life from very humble beginnings, Younis has not only built one of the UK’s most successful food groups, Regal Food Products Group plc (home of Regal Bakery, Regal Foods, Yorkshire Baking Company, Just Desserts Yorkshire and Love Handmade Cakes), but has become a well-respected entrepreneur.
Younis continues to contribute positively to the UK economy, is an ambassador for the value of export, and ‘gives back’ at every opportunity, from supporting community sporting clubs, feeding those in need in his local community, to working with charities overseas.
Younis was recently recognised as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2024, in partnership with The Times.
Younis Chaudhry MBE says: “When I started in business over twenty years ago, nothing would have prepared me for the journey I have been on, both in business and in life. The community in where I live and where I have built my business is everything to me and I am humbled to be a part of it.
“Whilst I feel it is my duty to give back, I feel truly honoured to have received such recognition. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my family, I would personally like to thank my parents for their prayers and blessings and for the guidance they have given me in life. A heartfelt thanks also goes to my wife, children, and brothers for the support they continue to give.
“I am honoured to work with around 300 people who make up my brilliant team at Regal Food Products Group, I thank each and every one of them for joining me in my Regal journey and for working with me in building the great food group you see today.
“And finally, my dear friends, friends who have stayed by my side throughout my journey both on a personal and professional level.”
Shahid Afridi, Chairman of Shahid Afridi Foundation comments: “Younis is kind, generous and down-to-earth (despite his success), his generosity to the Shahid Afridi Foundation is so vital in helping disadvantaged communities access amenities that we take for granted in the western world.
“It is because of individuals such as Younis, these people are provided with hope. He has a wonderful humanitarian spirit, and we are extremely grateful to him for his continuing benevolence.”
The Rt. Hon. Baroness Warsi comments: “Younis demonstrated that the process of building and developing a viable commercial enterprise can be done with hard work and determination. He has become a role model to so many other business leaders.
“Younis is a renowned philanthropist and well-known across Bradford and Yorkshire. And when it comes to ‘giving back’, he is everywhere! From supporting cricket clubs and youth teams in the local community, to funding clean water projects in developing countries, Younis can be found, supporting quietly without fanfare.”
Yorkshire business confidence rebounds in December
Business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber rose eight points during December to 28%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.
Companies in the region reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 10 points at 47%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up seven points to 9%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 28% (vs. 20% in November).
A net balance of 25% of businesses in the region also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, down five points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (37%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (35%) and entering new markets (35%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
National picture
Overall UK business confidence fell two points in December to 39%, although remained above the long-term average of 29%.
While firms’ confidence in the wider economy strengthened five points to 31%, their confidence in their own trading prospects fell eight points to 47%.
London was the most confident UK nation or region in November (53%) for a second month in a row, followed by the North West (50%).
Sector insights
Although confidence fell in the service sector, this was partly offset by rises in manufacturing and retail, with these sectors swapping places in December.
Services fell from 46% to 35% in December – a fall of 11 points. In contrast, manufacturing and retail increased 10 points to 42% and 43% respectively, thereby taking manufacturing and retail above services for the first time in 4 months.
Trading prospects for retail rose for the first time in three months, while construction confidence was steady at 41%, equalling last month’s result.
Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “After a drop last month, business confidence in Yorkshire is rising again, driven by greater optimism from businesses around their own trading prospects.
“With many companies planning to make investments in areas like upskilling their workforce and breaking into new markets, there’s a clear focus on further growth. We’ll remain by the side of the region’s businesses to support their plans and ambitions.”
Doncaster housbuilder to invest almost £22m in development near Coventry
Doncaster-based house builder Keepmoat is working with with Walsall Housing Group whg and investing £21.9 million into Bedworth to deliver 95 new homes.
The housebuilder is regenerating 6.92 acres of unused land in the town, between Coventry and Nuneaton, and will transform the site, now named Exhall Meadow, into a new community.
Ben Leather, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, West Midlands & South West, said: “The investment at Exhall Meadow will provide much needed eco-friendly, multi-tenure homes. We’re looking forward to working with whg to deliver what is set to be a fantastic community. Our partnership approach allows us to develop strong relationships and it’s a privilege to work together to supply much needed affordable housing stock.”
With more than 65 percent of Keepmoat’s current developments on brownfield sites, the housebuilder says it is also committed to regenerating abandoned and unused land to transform areas that often suffer from neglect, breathing new life into local neighbourhoods and communities.
Kirsty Powell, Assistant Director of New Business and Partnerships at whg, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Keepmoat on this exciting project. This development is a testament to our commitment to addressing the housing needs of local people. By providing a mix of affordable rental and shared ownership homes, we aim to offer more options for families and individuals seeking quality housing at an affordable price.
“We look forward to seeing these homes come to life and making a positive impact on the lives of many in Nuneaton and Bedworth.”
Work starts on ‘transformative’ development in Lincoln
Work has begun on the first 52 energy-efficient homes at Charterholme, a landmark new neighbourhood predicted to transform the western side of Lincoln.
The start of construction marks a significant milestone in the city’s largest development project in decades. Previously known as the Western Growth Corridor, Charterholme has been more than 100 years in the making and is the result of a partnership between the City of Lincoln Council and city-based construction company Lindum Group.
The project will unfold over the next 25 years, delivering 3,200 homes alongside shops, a business park, a leisure village, community services, and enhanced transport infrastructure.
Lindum Homes is part of the Lindum Group, a Lincoln-based construction business known for delivering high-quality developments and working closely with communities to create places where people thrive.
Rebecca Hurst-Miller, Director of Lindum Homes, said that this first phase of 52 houses would play a key role in establishing the vision and character for the entire development.“One at Charterholme will combine thoughtful planning and sustainable principles to create a neighbourhood that benefits both its residents and the wider community.”
Yorkshire chemical company sold to Los Angeles buyer
Yorkshire-based Vickers Laboratories has sold its entire share capital to Calibre Scientific, based in Los Angeles.
The company, with its based in Stanningley near Pudsey, has been serving the chemical industry for more than 50 years.
Calibre Scientific is a global provider of life science reagents, tools, instruments, and other consumables to lab research, diagnostics, industrial, and biopharmaceutical communities. Extending to over 175 countries, this acquisition strengthens their UK presence.
Vickers Laboratories’ directors Phil Constantine and Paul Bottomley started with Vickers as teenagers, and rose up the ranks to management and ownership.
Vickers was advised on the sale by Schofield Sweeney, whose Jack Venable said: “This was a fantastic outcome for all parties.”
Acquisition sees Rix Petroleum strengthen Lincolnshire presence
Family-owned business Rix Petroleum Ltd has strengthened its base in Lincolnshire with the acquisition of a Grantham-based fuel provider.
The company, which is headquartered in Hull, has acquired EFuels Ltd in Gorse Lane for an undisclosed sum.
The move brings the number of fuel depots Rix Petroleum owns and operates in the county to four, with others in Immingham, Gainsborough, and Spalding.
The Grantham depot will remain branded as EFuels for the time being, and will continue to be headed up by existing depot manager Matthew Keightley, who moves to Rix under the deal.
Duncan Lambert, Managing Director of Rix Petroleum, said the move would enable the business to provide a better service to farms, businesses and rural households across south Lincolnshire.
Rix specialises in the provision of agricultural fuels and lubricants, standard diesel, and home heating oil for rural communities.
Mr Lambert said: “We’re delighted to complete this deal. Lincolnshire is a famously agricultural county and acquiring this depot will enable us to support local farmers, businesses, and rural communities across the south of the county more efficiently and effectively.
“As a sixth-generation family business, we pride ourselves on our values of fairness, great customer relations and service, and supporting communities, and it precisely these values we will bring to our newly acquired Grantham depot.”
The deal completes the company’s coverage in Lincolnshire, with the combination of all four depots providing easy access to communities across the entire county.
Depot manager Matthew Keightley, said he was delighted with the deal.
He said: “Rix Petroleum is well known in the industry as a long-established family business that customers can rely on.
“I know that our customers in and around Grantham will be very well looked after by myself and the wider Rix team, so I feel this is a fantastic opportunity to take the business forward.”
Council seeks business award winner from the East Riding
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is on the lookout for the business that’s contributed to the economic prosperity of the region to receive the 2025 Chairman’s Award.
The business award is one of four categories in a scheme designed to recognise outstanding contributions of individuals, businesses, and projects that have made a significant impact on our community.
Last year’s winner was Hawk Furniture, based in Holme Upon Spalding Moor. The company said that bring nominated had been an honour, and winning was fantastic. A spokesman said: “It shows that our efforts to create a great culture and team have been recognised. Thank you for acknowledging our hard work over the past few years.”
Council Chairman Linda Bayram will present the awards in May 2025. The awards celebrate excellence across four categories:
- Community: Honouring groups and individuals who have improved the lives of East Riding residents through non-commercial projects.
- Built Heritage: Celebrating private homes, new builds, or business premises that have been sympathetically renovated or restored.
- Business: Recognising businesses that have contributed to the economic prosperity of the region.
- Sport: Celebrating local talent and dedication to sports clubs and activities.
Housing Association ready to help deliver 1.5m homes challenge, says Chief Exec
The Chief Exec of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has said 2025 must be the year for the government to inject real momentum into its housebuilding plans if Ministers are to meet their pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament.
In a New Year message, Lee Bloomfield reflected on what he called incredible milestones achieved by the MHA over the last year.
Notable successes included being recognised as the first housing association worldwide to win the ISO 30415 accreditation for HR and diversity and inclusion, the launch of a greatly enhanced user-friendly website as part of its digital transformation agenda, and the upgrade of MHA properties with assistance from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.
Mr Bloomfield stressed that MHA, managing more than 1,400 homes for 6,000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, was keen to deliver more new homes.
He said: “Last month, we were privileged to host strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in Bradford and Keighley as part of the Social Housing Immersion Programme
“We made clear that MHA stands ready to help in any way we can to help the government deliver its promise of 1.5 million new homes within five years.
“Whilst Ministers have faced criticism for the direction taken in some areas of policy, I believe the tone and approach they have adopted in relation to housebuilding has been impressive.
“But with the clock ticking, they must inject real momentum into the process by swiftly enacting the planning legislation they have talked up before getting actual shovels in the ground.
“And signs of delivery must be visible this year, otherwise those who believe that the 1.5 million housing target is fanciful will have added reason to be sceptical.
“A new year brings new hope, new aspiration and new energy – nowhere more so than Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.
“The sincere wish of everyone in the housing sector must be that this new year will herald a new dawn in the delivery of new homes.”
